Author Archives: Ann O'Brien

How to evaluate a hybrid publishing contract in 2026: check reversion clauses, royalty math, and distribution claims before signing, plus the red flags to skip. Continue reading »

How to calculate self-publishing royalties in 2026: KDP, IngramSpark, and direct-print formulas compared, with real numbers and a step-by-step method. Continue reading »

Produce an audiobook from your self-published book in 2026: narration, ACX audio specs, editing, and distribution steps with clear verdicts at each stage. Continue reading »

Best book formatting services for Amazon KDP in 2026: Vellum and Atticus win paid DIY; Reedsy and Kindle Create lead free. Ranked verdicts inside. Continue reading »

Best manuscript editing services for self-published authors in 2026, ranked: Reedsy, Scribendi, and more compared by model, cost, and turnaround speed. Continue reading »

The best rush printing services for book orders in 2026, ranked: digital short-run printing and coil/Wire-O binding win; offset and national POD lose. Continue reading »

How to write a query letter to a literary agent in 2026: hook, synopsis, bio, and housekeeping details agents expect, plus what to do if querying stalls. Continue reading »

Format an ebook for Kindle and print in 2026 without redoing your manuscript twice\u2014separate EPUB and PDF files, correct margins, and the binding that fits. Continue reading »

The best translation services for self-published authors in 2026, ranked by cost model and genre fit, plus how to print the finished translated edition. Continue reading »

See which hybrid publishing companies for nonfiction authors are worth the cost in 2026, plus the lower-cost self-publish and print alternative for short runs. Continue reading »

Best audiobook production companies for indie authors in 2026, ranked: ACX, Findaway Voices, Author’s Republic, Podium Audio, Gravy for the Brain, Voices.com. Continue reading »

Bowker, Amazon KDP, and IngramSpark compared for ISBN and barcode services for self-published books in 2026 — costs, ownership rules, and which one to buy. Continue reading »