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Former bookstore co-owners launch hybrid publisher

The former owners of Tattered Cover have launched Left Field Publishing, where authors pay half of the upfront costs and share royalties with the company.

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Links of Interest: September 17, 2025

The latest in children's publishing, the Anthropic settlement, media, culture & politics, and AI.

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If Book Marketing Feels Miserable, Read This Now

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Today’s post is by Colleen M. Story, author of the new book Escape the Writer’s Web.

“I’m just bad at marketing.” Writers tell me that all the time. I’ve thought that myself more times than I can count, and honestly, I probably am. I’m not wired to be naturally good at selling. But after digging into the research and looking closely at my own patterns, I’ve realized there’s something else going on.

Book marketing feels much harder than writing.

For most of us, book marketing feels harder than writing.

When I sit down to write, even if it’s challenging, I still feel a sense of control. I know the process. I’ve built habits around it. I trust myself to get to the end, even when it’s messy, because … well, when I’m writing, it feels right.

But when I’m trying to market my work? It feels uncomfortable and difficult, and I often come away from it frustrated and discouraged.

There are a lot of reasons we struggle with this part of the process. We know how to create worlds, shape characters, and evoke feeling. But writing an Instagram caption, setting up a newsletter funnel, or figuring out how to “promote ourselves?” That’s not what we trained for.

When marketing, we’re not just creating anymore. We’re putting ourselves in front of people and asking them to care, respond, and then buy. That stirs up a lot of fears, like:

What if what I put out there looks silly or stupid?What if people see it and still don’t care—or worse, don’t like it?What if I try something and it doesn’t work—again?

We feel these emotions, but we don’t always realize how much they’re driving our choices. This is the crux of the problem: resistance to marketing isn’t only about talent or skill. It’s often about emotional risk. And the more we care about our books, the heavier that risk can feel.

So yes—some of the struggle comes from a lack of talent and/or skill. But from what I’ve seen in my own process and in working with other writers, that’s not the whole story, or even the most important part.

Because even when we learn the basics of promotion and begin to figure out our next steps, we still put it off. We tell ourselves we’ll “get to it later.”

In other words, we procrastinate.

Yep. Even those of us who pride ourselves on being productive. We do the thing we don’t usually do—we delay.

Why? That’s the hundred-million-dollar question I’ve spent the last year researching.

Why we procrastinate, and why it looks different for all of us

For the past year, I’ve been working on a new book about procrastination. A big part of that work was delving into the science, psychology, and emotional roots of why we delay the work we say matters to us. Somewhere along the way, I realized something uncomfortable: I was procrastinating, too. Not on writing—I’ve always been able to sit down and get the words in. But with marketing? That’s where I regularly stall out.

I don’t think of myself as someone who procrastinates, but once I started watching for it, I could see the more hidden and devious forms of it—studying and learning (over and over), planning, thinking, and waiting for the “perfect” timing. The research gave me the missing piece: procrastination is an emotional coping technique. However it shows up, it’s trying to keep us safe.

I don’t delay marketing because I’m not productive or disciplined. I delay because I’m looking for emotional protection.

Protection from what? That’s where writers differ.

Some of us brace against judgment or silence. Others tense up around uncertainty, the mess of choosing a plan, or the energy cost of being visible. Some carry burnout and dread, while others feel cornered by expectations and rules: same protective instinct, different pressure points.

For this and other reasons connected to the scope of my book, I mapped out 13 procrastination types that affect writers. Broadly, they cluster around four kinds of inner friction I see over and over again:

Inner Critic Conflict: fear-driven loopsIdea–Action Gap: structure and decision frictionEnergy–Momentum Disconnect: depletion and burnoutAutonomy Tension: control and rebellion dynamics

Most of us have a primary pattern or type, with one or more additional ones that may flare up under stress.

Once I mapped this out, it became clear how I can help writers outsmart procrastination wherever it shows up, on the page or in their book marketing. So let’s talk about what that might look like for you.

Spotting your procrastination pattern

If you’ve been avoiding book promotion but you’re not sure why, watch for the emotional reflex behind the delay. Procrastination wears different masks, but it always has a message.

Do you constantly tweak your sales page or social post, but never hit publish? You may be protecting yourself from judgment, rejection, or being misunderstood.Do you wait to market “when I’m more confident,” but that day never comes? You may be protecting your self-image, avoiding being seen before you feel “ready” (even if “ready” never comes).Do you put off marketing because you resent having to do it? That may be a form of rebellion—pushing back on rules you never agreed to.

These are just a few ways the 13 different types can show up. That’s why there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all fix. If you don’t know what kind of resistance you’re facing, you’ll either push in the wrong way or pull back and assume something’s wrong with you.

Name the pattern, and you can build a system that meets your emotional needs while still moving your book forward.

Final thoughts

If you’ve been telling yourself you’re bad at marketing, join the club. Most of us are far from experts at it!

But focusing only on skill can keep us stuck. The deeper issue is emotional: a protective pattern that steps in when visibility feels risky. The good news is, once you know your pattern, you can build a rhythm that’s sustainable on the page and in your outreach.

So today, try this: notice the next moment you feel the urge to delay a marketing task, then instead of pushing it away, ask yourself: “What emotion is my brain trying to protect me from?” That small moment of awareness is where real change begins.

Note from Jane: Want a quick way to find your procrastination pattern? Take Colleen’s abbreviated quiz—it only takes a minute, and it’ll point you in the right direction.

3 Publicity Mistakes Debut Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Today’s post is by Shanetta McDonald, founder of The Giselle Agency.

“After this press event, I’m pretty much done.”

The words reverberated throughout my body, causing my eyes to bulge and my breath to slow. Why? Because the statement came from a debut author at their launch event, in response to me asking about her remaining plans and activities to promote her book.

I didn’t know the author well, but I knew enough to understand that her minimal publicity plans as a new author were a big mistake. But I don’t blame her. Publicity is a mystery to most people, but especially debut authors whose main job has been writing a 60,000+ word manuscript.

Publicity matters because it supports sales, builds credibility and creates visibility. While publicity is not sales, it does get your book visible where your ideal customer is reading, watching and listening.

As a publicist for more than 16 years, first for Fortune 500 companies and now for women, BIPOC and queer authors, I know that some authors totally get the value, some need guidance, and some misunderstand publicity entirely.

Most debut authors fall somewhere in the middle. They think they need it, but have no clue how it works.

It’s like the old saying, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” As an author, you can have the most beautifully crafted, strong story, but if no one knows your book exists, then how can your gifts be seen?

Both traditional media (magazines, blogs and podcasts) as well as non-traditional media (Booktok and Substack spaces) are incredibly useful avenues to plug your new book. And unfortunately, I see too many authors failing to tap into some key areas of publicity that they should be ramping up on.

Here are three mistakes I see debut authors making, and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Relying too much on your publisher

Publishers have some great in-house teams, but I tell every author I work with: you are not the only author your publisher is doing publicity for. In fact, depending on the size of your imprint, you could be one of dozens of authors launching a project in the same window. Because they can be stretched thin, they’re often only focused on the book versus you as the author, the brand and the thought leader.

So, what can you do? If you have the budget, hire an outside public relations agency (or freelance publicist, which is likely to be more cost effective). They’ll build custom strategies designed around your unique story, focus on you as an author and thought leader in your niche, and they’ll pitch you beyond launch week to keep your name in conversations long after release day. And if you don’t have the budget (an extra $2,000 to $3,000/per month on the low end), don’t panic. There are lots of publicity levers you tap into on your own, which brings me to my next point.

Mistake #2: Overlooking local media opportunities

Most authors get hung up on landing big national media placements. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be featured on the TODAY Show’s #ReadWithJenna list? While that may be a high-profile media hit, it’s also really competitive. According to PR Daily, journalists only open 45% of pitch emails they receive, and that number drops drastically when you’re pitching national websites, book clubs, blogs and morning news shows.

You know who is waiting to hear from you? Your local TV station and community newspaper. Get familiar with the ABC, NBC, and other affiliates in your town or region, or your XYZ-Times newspaper. Draft a simple introductory pitch and email them. They prioritize local news from local residents. It’s literally their job. Unlike national news outlets, local media are waiting for your pitch, your news and insight on how it’s in service to the community. A quick Google search or look at their website will give you the best person to contact. You have a better chance at getting their attention than an outlet where thousands of people are vying for the same mention.

Local media helps you get bigger media. In fact, one client I had was turned down by national broadcast because she didn’t have any local media market live recordings.

Mistake #3: Stopping publicity too soon

The marketing rule of 7 is a principle that states a potential customer must see a message at least 7 times before they’ll be provoked to take an action or, in this case, make a purchase. Book sales are no different. Promoting beyond launch week is vital and many debut authors who are new to the industry may not know this.

Instead of stopping at launch week, make a list of all the outlets you’d still like to be featured in and go after them, at least for the first 90 days, then periodically. I wish the author I mentioned earlier would’ve known that her audience, or new audiences, needed to be repeatedly exposed to her book before considering a purchase. I just signed a debut author to support them six months pre-launch and six months post-launch because of this. In my mind, ending press outreach and events the week a book launches leaves book sales on the table. Sustain your momentum for as long as you can.

It’s impossible to execute book publicity perfectly the first time around. But there’s a lot you can do to give your project the best shot at visibility. Focus on what you can control, stay consistent, and your book will continue reaching new readers long after launch.

Bottom Line August 2025 Bestseller Lists

The bestseller lists I compile each month using Bookstat data offer a view of self-publishing bestsellers as well as what’s performing well outside of the biggest publishers through online retail.

The Hidden Gems list—which looks for titles performing well outside of the Big Five—includes the following new releases:

At number three: the self-help book I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy by Kate Strickler, published by Bethany House. The author has a significant online platform, and the book made the NY Times bestseller list.At number four: The Protein Advantage Cookbook by Carolyn Ketchum, from Fair Winds Press, an imprint of Quarto, a UK publisher. The author has run a popular recipe website and blog since 2010 that focuses on keto and low-carb recipes.At number five: Standing on the Edge of Eternity: The End Times according to Revelation by Gary Hamrick, published by Harvest House. The author is a well-known pastor in Leesburg, Virginia.

Notably, on the self-published bestsellers in print format, you’ll find Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York by Andrew Lownie, which he self-published in the US market. The UK publisher is HarperCollins, which does not hold rights to publish and distribute in the US.

Top 50 Hidden Gems (print)

The Hidden Gems list excludes Big Five publishers (including acquired properties like Rodale and Hay House), as well as other publishers of significant size, like Norton and Scholastic. We let you know every month what we’ve excluded, or how we’ve changed list compilation. For August 2025, we’ve excluded maps and atlases, Bibles and Bible studies, compilations and box sets, kids’ school workbooks, and test prep guides.

In cases where the publisher name matches the author name, the book is listed as self-published. Keep in mind that even if a publisher name is listed, the publisher might be owned and run by the author(s).

RankTitleAuthorPublisherRelease Date1Forgotten Home Apothecary: 250 Powerful Remedies at Your FingertipsNicole Apelian, PhDGlobal BrotherOct. 8, 20242The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a CivilizationHUNGRY MINDSSelf-publishedJan. 1, 20223I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me HappyKate StricklerBethany HouseAug. 26, 20254The Protein Advantage Cookbook: High-Protein, Low-Carb Recipes That Burn Fat, Build Muscle, and Restore MetabolismCarolyn KetchumFair Winds PressAug. 12, 20255Standing on the Edge of Eternity: The End Times according to RevelationGary HamrickHarvest House PublishersAug. 5, 20256A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on EarthJoel LambertGlobal BrotherJan. 1, 20247World of Eric Carle: Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound BookPI KidsPI KidsJan. 31, 20138Our Class Is a FamilyShannon OlsenShannon OlsenMay 5, 20209The Surrogate MotherFreida McFaddenSourcebooks/Poisoned Penn PressAug. 19, 202510A Beautiful Year in the Bible: The 52-Week Bible Study for WomenAlabaster Co.Alabaster CoSept. 24, 202411Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of SufferingJoseph NguyenAuthors EquityOct. 29, 202412Theo of GoldenAllen LeviAllen LeviOct. 11, 202313Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires 3)Lauren AsherSourcebooks/Bloom BooksAug. 19, 202514Absolute Batman, Vol. 1: The ZooScott SnyderDC ComicsAug. 5, 202515The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and HappinessMorgan HouselHarriman HouseSept. 8, 202016How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing ThingsEmma GreeneSelf-publishedNov. 18, 202317Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for RelaxationCoco WyoSelf-publishedJuly 9, 202418Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 MonthsLaura Hunter, LPNSelf-publishedJan. 1, 200619First Day JittersJulie DannebergCharlesbridgeFeb. 1, 200020The Only Living Trusts Book You’ll Ever Need: How to Make Your Own Living Trust, Avoid Probate & Protect Your HeirsGarrett MonroeSelf-publishedJune 25, 202421Zodiac Academy 7: Heartless SkyCaroline Peckham, Susanne ValentiKing’s HollowAug. 5, 202522A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of SchoolShannon OlsenSelf-publishedMay 19, 202123Handsome Devil (Deluxe Edition) (Forbidden Love 3)L.J. ShenSourcebooks/Bloom BooksAug. 12, 202524The Amish WaysEddie SwartzentruberGlobal BrotherOct. 8, 202425The Simple Path to Wealth (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition): Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free LifeJL CollinsAuthors EquityMay 20, 202526Absolute Superman, Vol. 1: Last Dust of KryptonJason AaronDC ComicsAug. 19, 202527Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation Featuring Animals, Landscape, Flowers, Patterns, Cute Things and Many MoreCoco WyoSelf-publishedMay 4, 202428Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters with Easy and Simple Designs for RelaxationCoco WyoSelf-publishedMay 22, 202429AI Engineering: Building Applications with Foundation ModelsChip HuyenO’Reilly MediaJan. 7, 202530Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 27Gege AkutamiVIZ MediaAug. 19, 202531The Cruel Dawn (Vallendor 2)Rachel Howzell HallEntangled: Red Tower BooksAug. 19, 202532Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for RelaxationCoco WyoSelf-publishedMay 29, 202433Fantasy Football Index Book 2025: Full Player and Team Reviews, Cheat Sheets, Experts’ Guide, Best of the Rookies, Advice & Analysis MagazineIan AllanFantasy Index MagazinesJune 10, 202534See You Later, AlligatorSally HopgoodSky Pony PressSept. 20, 201635Nobody Wants Your Sh*t: The Art of Decluttering Before You DieMessie CondoSkyhorse PublishingMarch 7, 202336The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Vol. I: The Ancient World and ChristendomJames HankinsEncounter BooksAug. 26, 202537Man’s Search for MeaningViktor E. FranklBeacon PressJune 1, 200638The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-MasteryBrianna WiestThought Catalog BooksMay 29, 202039Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real HealthDr. LivingoodSelf-publishedDec. 24, 201740Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You LaughStephen J. EllisSelf-publishedSept. 22, 202141Absolute Wonder Woman, Vol. 1: The Last AmazonKelly ThompsonDC ComicsAug. 12, 202542Invincible Compendium, Vol. 1Robert KirkmanImage ComicsAug. 30, 201143The Natural Healing Handbook: Spiral-Bound Guide for Herbal Remedies and Natural RecipesAncient RemediesAncient RemediesJan. 1, 202344Murphy’s Law Life Principles for Children：A Comprehensive Guide to Benefit a LifetimeDoris WaltonTIKBOOKSFeb. 3, 202445The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire BibleTara-Leigh CobbleBethany HouseNov. 3, 202046Stop Letting Everything Affect You: How to Break Free from Overthinking, Emotional Chaos, and Self-SabotageDaniel ChidiacUndercover Publishing House Pty LtdJuly 4, 202547I Love You to the Moon and BackAmelia HepworthTiger TalesMarch 3, 201548Berserk Deluxe, Vol. 1Kentaro MiuraDark Horse MangaMarch 26, 201949Shield of SparrowsDevney PerryEntangled: Red Tower BooksMay 6, 202550Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming GreatJoshua MedcalfSelf-publishedDec. 2, 2015Top 50 Self-Published EbooksRankTitleAuthorRelease Date1The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk (Crowns of Nyaxia 4)Carissa BroadbentAug. 5, 20252Till Summer Do Us PartMeghan QuinnJune 3, 20253Handsome Devil: A Dark Mafia Romance (Forbidden Love 3)L.J. ShenAug. 12, 20254The TenantFreida McFaddenMay 6, 20255Vows We Never Made: A Grumpy Sunshine RomanceNicole SnowJuly 29, 20256Forever Country (Forever Bluegrass 24)Kathleen BrooksAug. 22, 20257Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet 1)H.D. CarltonAug. 12, 20218Mountain Daddy (Mountain Men 2)S.J. TillyJuly 31, 20259Down Island: A Jesse McDermitt Novel (Caribbean Adventure 30)Wayne StinnettAug. 1, 202510Ward DFreida McFaddenMay 8, 202311Dust Devil (Dalton Savage Mystery 6)L.T. RyanAug. 5, 202512Precious Hazard: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Perfectly Imperfect 11)Neva AltajJuly 31, 202513Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires 3)Lauren AsherAug. 19, 202514Flirting with Trouble: Wells Silver (Silvers at Silver Island 1)Melissa FosterAug. 6, 202515Zodiac Academy: The AwakeningCaroline Peckham, Susanne ValentiAug. 2, 201916The Empress (Mafia Empire 4)Michelle HeardAug. 4, 202517The Wrong Husband: Brother’s Best Friend Marriage of Convenience Romance (Davenports 6)L. SteeleAug. 19, 202518Gild (Plated Prisoner 1)Raven KennedyOct. 16, 202019Over the Moon: A Small Town, Hockey Romance (Rosewood River 3)Laura PavlovJuly 29, 202520Theo of GoldenAllen LeviOct. 11, 202321The Deal (Off-Campus 1)Elle KennedyFeb. 24, 201522The Boyfriend: A Psychological ThrillerFreida McFaddenOct. 1, 202423Unbound: A Fantasy Romance (Confluence Academy 1)Penelope BloomMay 27, 202524Goal Line (Boston Rebels 4)Julia ConnorsAug. 15, 202525Pucking Strong: An MM Workplace Hockey Romance (Jacksonville Rays 4)Emily RathAug. 26, 202526The Summer We Kept Secrets (Destin Diaries 4)Hope HollowayAug. 15, 202527Chasing Shelter (Sparrow Falls 5)Catherine CowlesJuly 22, 202528Make Me Yours: A Friends-to-Lovers Close Proximity Sports Romance (Chicago Railers Hockey 1)Jennifer SucevicAug. 1, 202529Gleam (Plated Prisoner 3)Raven KennedyMay 31, 202130Never Dance with the Devils (Never Say Never 6)Lauren LandishAug. 8, 202531Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl 1)Matt DinnimanOct. 2, 202032Other Woman Drama (Content Advisory 4)Lani Lynn ValeAug. 12, 202533The Surrogate Mother: An Addictive Psychological ThrillerFreida McFaddenOct. 10, 201834The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia 1)Carissa BroadbentAug. 30, 202235Isles of the Emberdark: A Cosmere Novel (Secret Projects 5)Brandon SandersonJuly 10, 202536God of Malice: A Dark College Romance (Legacy of Gods 1)Rina KentDec. 1, 202237Freaky Festivals (Mystic Caravan Mysteries 20)Amanda M. LeeAug. 5, 202538Rewind It Back (Windy City Series 5)Liz TomfordeMay 20, 202539Flawless: A Small Town Enemies to Lovers RomanceElsie SilverJune 24, 202240Dance of Devils: A Dark Age Gap Bratva RomanceJagger ColeJuly 31, 202541Flirting with TroubleMelissa FosterAug. 6, 202542Dirty Boss (Manhattan Billionaires 7)Lilian MonroeAug. 4, 202543Luck of the Devil (Harper Adams Mystery 3)Denise Grover SwankAug. 11, 202544My Haven (Bewitched and Bewildered 16)Alanea AlderAug. 26, 202545Mile High (Windy City 1)Liz TomfordeJune 7, 202246Glow (Plated Prisoner 4)Raven KennedyJune 18, 202247Zodiac Academy 5: Cursed FatesCaroline Peckham, Susanne ValentiMay 20, 202048A Little Crush (Little Things 6)Kelsie RaeAug. 7, 202549The Female: A Dark Demon RomanceInvi WrightJan. 27, 202350Zodiac Academy 4: Shadow PrincessCaroline Peckham, Susanne ValentiJan. 13, 2020Top 50 Self-Published Print Books

Box sets are excluded from this list.

RankTitleAuthorRelease Date1Forgotten Home Apothecary: 250 Powerful Remedies at Your FingertipsNicole Apelian, PhDOct. 8, 20242The Book: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding a CivilizationHUNGRY MINDSJan. 1, 20223A Navy SEAL’s Bug-In Guide: How to Turn Your House into the Safest Place on EarthJoel LambertJan. 1, 20244Our Class Is a FamilyShannon OlsenMay 5, 20205Theo of GoldenAllen LeviOct. 11, 20236How to Draw Everything: 300 Drawings of Cute Stuff, Animals, Food, Gifts, and Other Amazing ThingsEmma GreeneNov. 18, 20237Spooky Cutie: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Adorable Creepy Creatures in Cozy Hygge Moments for RelaxationCoco WyoJuly 9, 20248Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care 0–6 MonthsLaura Hunter, LPNJan. 1, 20069The Only Living Trusts Book You’ll Ever Need: How to Make Your Own Living Trust, Avoid Probate & Protect Your HeirsGarrett MonroeJune 25, 202410Spanish in 60 Days: The Language Learning Workbook to Help You Speak Just Like the Locals with Common Slang Words and Phrases, Conversation Starters, and Grammar Rules to Live By!La Cucaracha SaraFeb. 6, 202311Zodiac Academy 7: Heartless SkyCaroline Peckham, Susanne ValentiAug. 5, 202512A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of SchoolShannon OlsenMay 19, 202113The Amish WaysEddie SwartzentruberOct. 8, 202414Stress Relief: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids, Bold and Easy, Simple and Big Designs for Relaxation Featuring Animals, Landscape, Flowers, Patterns, Cute Things and Many MoreCoco WyoMay 4, 202415Cozy Friends: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Super Cute Animal Characters with Easy and Simple Designs for RelaxationCoco WyoMay 22, 202416Little Corner: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens, Super Cute Designs of Cozy, Hygge Spaces for RelaxationCoco WyoMay 29, 202417Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real HealthDr. LivingoodDec. 24, 201718Would You Rather Book For Kids: 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging Questions to Make You LaughStephen J. EllisSept. 22, 202119Chop Wood Carry Water: How to Fall in Love with the Process of Becoming GreatJoshua MedcalfDec. 2, 201520Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of SufferingJoseph NguyenMarch 28, 202221The Lost Book of Herbal RemediesClaude DavisJan. 1, 201922NO GRID Survival ProjectsClaude DavisDec. 1, 202123My Magical Choices: Teach Kids to Choose a Great Day with their Choices!Becky CummingsOct. 30, 201924Our Little Library: A Foundational Language Vocabulary Board Book Set for Babies, Including Farm Animals, Forest Animals, Fruits and Veggies, ToysTabitha PaigeNov. 7, 202325The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common AilmentsNicole Apelian, PhDMarch 20, 202326Girl Moments: Coloring Book for Adults and Teens Featuring Cute Cozy Daily Activities for RelaxationCoco WyoOct. 26, 202427Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Father’s Guided Journal to Share His Life & His LoveJeffrey MasonMay 27, 201928Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of YorkAndrew LownieAug. 14, 202529$100M Offers: How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying NoAlex HormoziJuly 13, 202130How to Draw Anything for Kids: 300 Cute Step-by-Step Drawing Stuff: Amazing Food, Animals, Kawaii, Gifts and OtherPatricia RogersApril 12, 202431What I Love about You: 30 Things I Love about You and the Reasons Why I Love You Fill-in-the-Blank Gift BookQuestions about MeJuly 7, 202232The Mindf*ck SeriesS.T. AbbyApril 3, 201933Emotional Intelligence 2.0Dr. Travis BradberryJune 16, 200934Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her LoveJeffrey MasonJuly 19, 201935The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem, and ResilienceBrenda LiOct. 17, 202336Setting the Captives Free: Deliverance ManualBev TuckerFeb. 11, 201937Self-Love: Girl Therapy Coloring Book to Inspire Yourself and Love Who You AreHikaru KotzNov. 23, 202438Fuzzy Hygge: Cute and Cozy Coloring Book for Adults & Teens Featuring Adorable Animals Characters for Stress ReliefVivi TintaMay 24, 202439Memento Mori: Recuerda Tu Muerte (Spanish Edition)Humberto MontesinosMarch 26, 202540Our Little Adventures: Stories Featuring Foundational Language Concepts for Growing MindsTabitha PaigeOct. 20, 202041SOG Codename Dynamite: A MACV-SOG 1-0’s Personal JournalHenry L. 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How to Reconnect with a Draft You No Longer Want to Write

Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery

Today’s post is by author and book coach Anne F Hag.

There comes a moment in many writers’ lives, sometimes early, sometimes much later, when the manuscript they once felt passionate about suddenly falls silent. You open the file and feel … nothing. Not dread, not excitement. Just a dull, gray emptiness.

It’s not “writer’s block”—it’s not that you can’t write. It’s that you don’t want to. And in many ways, that feels worse.

You might wonder: Is the project dead? Am I done with this book? Should I move on? Am I done writing altogether?

This moment can play out no matter the genre, experience level, or personality. The truth is that losing the spark doesn’t necessarily mean the book is over or lost. But it does mean something in the creative relationship has shifted.

Below are seven reasons why this may be happening, and ideas for how you can gently find your way back to your draft.

1. Battery 0%: burnout (and not just from writing)

It’s easy to assume you’ve lost your creative spark when you stop feeling passionate about a project. But the real culprit could easily be creative burnout, a depletion that reaches beyond the page. You feel empty, not just uninspired. And it’s likely tied in with emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, or being overstretched due to life’s demands.

As K.M. Weiland wrote in a blog post on her website: “Creative burnout isn’t just a temporary slump; it’s often a deep-seated physiological and emotional response to overwork and stress. It’s not about the absence of ideas but about a system that’s too full to allow creativity to flow.”

To recover from creative burnout, the first step may be not to write (if you have that luxury). Instead you should recalibrate.

How to reconnectFirst, give yourself full permission to pause without guilt. Rest is not a luxury, it’s a (creative) necessity. And by rest, I don’t just mean sleep, but also giving your head a rest: meditate, limit social media, watch a raindrop race down the windowpane. In other words, slow down and just be.When you begin to feel a small inkling of interest in writing again, revisit your why: why did you start writing in the first place? What about this story excited you when you got the idea? Reconnect with these feelings.Reaffirming your why may get you back to your draft, but I advise doing it slowly. Reread a scene or chapter you loved. Revision is not the goal here. The goal is to remember your own voice. And remember why you have to raise it.And when you do start writing again, do it gently: set realistic expectations and honor them. Establish a structure that you follow, such as time blocking and using Pomodoro timers, to ensure you don’t overdo it. And keep the habit of rest! It makes life a more enjoyable experience all around.2. Critique coup: fear and doubt

You’re deep into your draft and suddenly your inner critic comes through loud and clear: This isn’t good enough. Who do I think I am? The more you press on, the louder the inner critic gets.

As Steven Pressfield writes in his book The War of Art: “Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate; it will seduce you… Resistance is always lying and always full of shit.”

And perhaps more pointedly: “Resistance is experienced as fear; the degree of fear equates to the strength of Resistance. Therefore, the more fear we feel about a specific enterprise, the more certain we can be that that enterprise is important to us and to the growth of our soul.”

In other words, fear and doubt (also known as resistance) are signposts. When your inner critic goes crazy, it doesn’t mean something is wrong; it means something is real.

Fear and doubt are not meant to run the show. Your inner critic is not a reliable judge of good or bad. Your inner critic will do its best to convince you it’s not worth continuing, it’s too late, someone else can do it better.

In my opinion, these are “full speed” signs telling you not to quit. You can’t silence your inner critic as it’s part of being human, but you can do things to lessen the effect, things that will let you write anyway.

How to reconnectName the fear, write down your doubts. “I’m afraid people will hate this/laugh at me.” “Am I good writer?” Write anyway, badly if needed: Instead of wanting to write the next bestseller, lower the bar. Let yourself write one messy, authentic paragraph. Writing badly could include employing the 5-second rule. Only allow yourself 5 seconds to solve anything that gets you stuck: a word, a sentence, a scene. If it’s still unclear, insert a placeholder like [FIX]—and keep going. “Collaborate” with your inner critic (my personal favorite): Instead of fearing the inner critic, make friends with it. You’re stuck with it, after all. Treat it like an annoying younger sibling: it talks too much, gets dramatic, and interrupts at all the wrong times. But you know it only wants to be part of the process. Instead of banishing it, let it help within boundaries you set. I constantly have dialogues with my inner critic. It goes something like this: “I see your point, but I think I’m on to something. If you just let me try this, you can rewrite it later.” It sounds a bit woo-woo, but it works like a charm.3. Let it simmer: incubation

Sometimes, you’re not writing because of timing. The book simply isn’t ready to move forward. You’ve reached a natural pause point because the next layer hasn’t revealed itself yet. You might be forcing scenes that haven’t emotionally matured, or plot points that need space to develop subconsciously.

This kind of resistance is sneaky because it doesn’t always come with obvious emotions. You might feel detached, mildly bored, or oddly indifferent. Your writing starts to feel flat, no matter what you do. You’re stuck.

Some parts of writing can’t be forced. Like seeds underground, story elements sometimes need time to settle, tangle, and root. They need space to become what they’re trying to become. No amount of pushing will speed that up. In fact, pushing can damage something that is quietly forming. “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you,” says Anne Lamott in Bird by Bird.

How to reconnectIf you can’t write forward, write around it. Write about your character’s motivations, fears, or their backstories. Explore themes without expecting usable prose. Writing around your story can accelerate your rediscovery of what it is.Incubation thrives in unstructured thought. Take a walk, do dishes, stare out the window. Trust that your brain is still working on the story while you’re living your life. The critical word here is trust; don’t force it. Track your sparks: Keep a notebook handy for sudden lines, images, or plot fixes that drift in. Incubation often delivers gifts in flashes, and your job is to catch them. I usually get sparks when showering, so I have a notebook in my bathroom.4. Vision upgrade: outgrowing the draft

Some manuscripts stall because you’ve changed. The worldview, tone, or structure that once excited you no longer fits with who you are, or what the story wants to say now. You reread early chapters and cringe: Did I really think this was the book? This is a particular challenge for new writers. They learn so much while writing, making it likely that their original vision will not hold up as they write forward.

Growth isn’t betrayal of the project; it’s evidence that you and the story are alive.

William Zinsser reminds us in his book On Writing Well that discovery happens in revision: “Rewriting is the essence of writing well: it’s where the game is won or lost.” If the draft you have no longer matches the writer you’ve become, (major) revision isn’t a setback.

How to reconnectReread with fresh eyes: Highlight the scenes, ideas, or sentences that still feel electric. Those sparks point toward the book’s next, truer shape. Also, list what no longer fits, whether it’s characters, plotlines, or even a POV. Naming what feels stale frees you to release or reinvent it.Free-write a “version 2.0” premise. Ask yourself, “What is this story about now?” Don’t police genre or length. 5. The “should” trap: writing for others

Sometimes a manuscript ices over because it has started to serve everyone’s agenda except yours. Maybe you pivoted to chase a hot trend, tightened your voice to match feedback from your critique partners, or sanitized a scene after imagining your mother’s reaction. Little by little, the draft stops feeling like your playground and starts feeling like a performance review. The book becomes a product instead of a process.

Stephen King advises in his memoir On Writing: “Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge.” This advice is freeing: the best story is usually the story that means the most to its author.

How to reconnectAsk yourself: What part of this story still feels alive to me? What would I write if no one were watching? You can do this scene-by-scene. For each major beat, note if it’s a “I want this” or “I think I should want it” scene. Keep the “wants” and renegotiate the “shoulds.”Free-write a secret version: Rewrite one chapter the way you prefer. If your energy spikes, you have proof the story wants its original spark back.Create a permission slip: Literally write: “I give myself permission to…” (break the genre mold, include the weird subplot, use the snarky voice). Sign and date it; stick it above your desk.

Remember: a book’s success comes from emotional truth. A draft powered by genuine curiosity is easier to finish, and more compelling to read.

6. Boredom alarm: flat scenes

Boredom might be your creative self calling for a change in stakes, structure, voice, or scene dynamics. It doesn’t mean the book is a failure—it may just need fresh energy. As Donald Maass noted in Writing the Breakout Novel: “If a scene bores you to write, imagine what it will do to your readers.”

Boredom is a creative smoke alarm.

How to reconnectSet a timer for 10 minutes and ask “What if?” questions. Wild or silly is fine; look for the one that makes you sit up and take notice.Skip ahead to the scenes you’re dying to write: Draft those first, then bridge the gap later. Excitement is contagious; let it pull the dull sections forward.Rewrite from a fresh lens: Take a scene that feels flat and recast it in a radically different voice or POV. Let the antagonist narrate, write the scene as a diary entry, or give the snarky dimension of the protagonist a couple of dials up or down.

Boredom isn’t a verdict on your talent. It’s feedback from your creative self.

7. Safety glass case: hiding from critique

The closer you get to finishing, the more vulnerable the project becomes. This can make a new form of resistance grow: the urge to keep tinkering forever. If you never finish, no one can judge the work (or you). It’s easier to keep it safe inside than risk bringing it into the world.

But we should bring it out into the world. As Margaret Atwood once said: “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”

How to reconnectChoose a gentle first reader: Pick one trusted person who will respond with curiosity, not demolition. A soft landing builds confidence.Write a post-mortem page: Before feedback arrives, jot down what you already know needs work. This primes you to receive notes as collaboration, not condemnation.

Finishing isn’t the moment your book is perfect; it’s the moment you invite it to grow beyond you.

Deepen the reconnection: your action plan

Every creative lull is information. The trick is not to muscle through, but to listen and respond with intention. So how do you approach this?

Step 1: Run a “story health check”Choose one quiet hour this week.Reread the “why” behind your project (your original note, outline, or pitch).Ask: which of the seven resistance points am I feeling most right now? Name it; that gives you something to solve.Step 2: Select one reconnection ritual and schedule itExamples: a 48-hour unplug to let the story incubate, a scene rewrite from a radical POVBlock it on your calendar; treat it like any other commitment.Step 3: Finish something smallPick a bite-size task (draft a single paragraph, outline one stubborn chapter, or jot down ten “What if?” questions). Completing a mini-goal rebuilds trust between you and the book.Step 4: Plan the next check-inMomentum returns when reflection is routine. Set a reminder two weeks in advance to review what has changed and choose the next experiment.Parting thoughts

Your manuscript may not need a miracle, just a series of deliberate, forgiving adjustments. Consider this phase a dialogue rather than a verdict. The book hasn’t stopped talking to you; its voice is simply different now. Quiet the noise, lean in, and you’ll hear it again—maybe more clearly than ever.