EDITING HARD RETURNS

 FORMATTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT IN MS WORD

Over the next few posts, I’ll be focusing on how to fix formatting errors that can accidentally enter your Microsoft Word document and get your manuscript ready for publishing on Amazon KDP.

One of the easiest ways to avoid a lot of these issues is to download KDP’s MS Word templates and write your story directly in it. Before you start typing, though, make sure to use “Save As” and rename the file with your work-in-progress title. This will save you some time-consuming formatting later on.

TEMPLATE LINK

HARD RETURNS

Hard returns (pressing Enter) are often the culprit when chapters set at the wrong page or won't stay aligned. In Microsoft Word, these are invisible by default, but you can easily reveal them to clean up your formatting.

1. Show Hidden Formatting Marks

The easiest way to find where your hard returns are located:

·       On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click the icon that looks like this: ¶.

·       Once enabled, every hard return will appear as a ¶ symbol. Highlight them where they’re not needed and hit delete.  Or, Use "Find and Replace"

If you have dozens of extra returns, deleting them manually is tedious. You can use the Find and Replace tool to remove them all at once.

·       Press Ctrl + H or Click on to Home tab, Editing and Replace.

·       In the Find what box, type: ^p^p (this represents two consecutive hard returns).

·       In the Replace box, type: ^p (this replacing the two hard returns with a single return).

·       Click Replace All until Word says it has made zero replacements.

    NOTE: When you are in process of editing your manuscript, keep the ¶ symbol ON to be able to quickly notice if any extra Hard Returns re-entered your document.

Interesting Event Tables

Creating an Interesting Event Table

Most authors head to a local book event with one goal: sell as many books as possible. If the sales are slow, it’s easy to feel like the whole day was a waste of time. But we’re sitting on a goldmine of content to use for our social media, blogs, and newsletters.

1. Give Them Something to Look At

Instead of just a flat table of books, bring a few prop pieces from your stories. If you’re writing about ghosts or time travel, put a dusty old locket or a vintage clock on the table. It stops people in their tracks, but more importantly, it makes for a great photo op. Snap some close-ups of your table setup; these look much more "author-like" on Pinterest or Substack than a book cover ever will.

2. Listen to the "Walk-Ups"

Every person who stops to chat is giving you a free lesson in what readers actually care about. When someone asks, "Is the ghost actually scary?" or "How does the time travel work?" they are literally handing you your next blog post. Write those questions down! If one person at a fair is curious about it, your online followers probably are, too.

3. Make the Day Last All Month

Packing the car and setting up is a lot of work, so you might as well get some mileage out of it. Take a quick "behind-the-scenes" selfie or a photo of your messy trunk. It shows your readers that you’re a real person putting in the work. By the time you pack up for the day, you should have enough photos and ideas to keep your social media busy for weeks, making the event a win even if you only sold a few copies.

4. Ebooks

Don't forget to handout business cards, bookmarks, or synopsis sheets with a QR code to make it easier to find your Author Page or Website. Customers might prefer reading on their Kindle or tablet and purchase your books after the event.

Why You’re Not Seeing FB Posts

 

Why You’re Not Seeing Posts From Your Facebook Groups

If you’ve ever wondered why certain Facebook groups seem to “go quiet,” it’s usually not the group—it’s the algorithm. Facebook constantly adjusts what you see based on how you interact, and a few specific behaviors can cause group posts to disappear from your feed or notifications.

1. Facebook Thinks You’re No Longer Interested

Facebook tracks your engagement. If you stop liking, commenting, or even clicking on posts from a group, the system assumes the content isn’t relevant to you anymore. As a result, it starts showing you less of it.

The “Highlights” Trap

Most groups default to Highlights notifications. That means Facebook only alerts you about posts it considers important—big engagement, posts from friends, or trending topics.
If you haven’t interacted in a while, the bar for what counts as a “highlight” gets higher, and eventually you stop getting notifications altogether.

2. Posts Get Buried in Your Feed

Even without notifications, you might expect to see group posts in your News Feed. But if you’re not engaging, Facebook quietly pushes those posts lower and lower until they’re effectively invisible under content from people and groups you interact with more often.

3. The “Invited” Limbo

If someone invites you to a group and you never visit or interact, Facebook may classify you as Invited rather than a full member. In that state, you won’t receive any notifications until you officially “accept” by visiting the group page.

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How to Fix It

If you want to make sure you never miss a post, you can override the algorithm:

• Go to the group page
• Click Joined or Notifications
• Change from Highlights to All Posts
• (Optional) Pin Group to keep it visible in your sidebar

This guarantees you’ll see everything, even if you haven’t been active lately.

Admin Note:
Those “Say hi if you see this!” posts? They’re not random. Group admins use them to boost engagement so Facebook keeps showing the group’s content to its members.

Anytime NaNo

Anytime NaNo

You don't have to wait until November to commit to 30 days of writing. Freewriting is a great way to get the story flowing, especially if you're experiencing writers block. Here's a guide to writing for 30 days without worrying about editing.

Week 1

Goal: Build a lead early while your excitement is high.

 * Days 1–5: Aim for 2,000 words/day. Building a "buffer” for when you can't write 1667 words or have a day you can't get to your writing.

 * Day 6: A small break. Aim for only 1,500 words.

 * Day 7: Catch-up to the 11,669 goal or give yourself a rest if you’re ahead.

Week 2

Goal: Establishing the "Writing Habit."

 * Days 8–12: Consistent 1,667+ words/day.

 * Day 13: The "Mid-Month Slump" begins. Aim for 1,200 words.

 * Day 14: Don't write; spend time on a brief outline to be ready for the second half.

Week 3

This is where most people quit. Lower your expectations. Don't "beat yourself up" if you're behind. Look at all you have accomplished.

 * Days 15–19: Aim for 1,667 words/day. Use sprints throughout the day. (20 minutes of typing, 5 minutes of rest).

 * Day 20: Try for 2,500 words to get ahead.

 * Day 21: Reward Day. Write 1,000 words

 * Week 3

Keep the 1667 momentum going

Week 4

The Finish Line

 Keep going. You're almost there.

* Subtract your total count from 50,000 and divide by nine.

* Plan your writing based on how much you need to write each day. If you're ahead, take a day off.

* Day 30: The Grand Finale.

 * Final Total: 50,000+ words.

Tips

 * Never have a 0-word day. If you are exhausted, write 50 words.

 * Don't Edit: Make notes if needed.

 * Stop writing in the middle of a sentence or a paragraph. It makes it easier to start writing the next day.

You got this!

Critique vs. Beta

Critique Readers vs. Beta Readers

After a few self-edits, it’s time to get outside feedback. It is a very necessary step and helpful to clean up your manuscript. No matter how many readings, we can still miss issues.

What Critique Readers Do

Critique readers look at your book as a fellow writer. They focus mostly on grammar and structure. They pinpoint issues with character development and pacing. Their feedback is more technical.

Beta Readers

Beta readers are your audience. They read your story as if they had pulled it off a shelf. Their attention focuses on how your story feels to them. They help spot confusing scenes, slow pacing, timelines, thought-catching moments, and chapter flow. Their key role: Did I enjoy reading this?

***

Finding Readers

Ideally, find beta readers who enjoy reading your genre; no experience is necessary. While Critique readers should be knowledgeable and understand the structure of a manuscript.

·         Writer Groups

·         Writer Associations

·         Libraries

·         Colleges

·         Recommendations from other authors

·         Paid Readers

Together, critique and beta readers can catch issues you might overlook, helping ensure readers have a great experience—one that inspires them to leave a positive review and eagerly await your next release.

Here's a great read about Beta Readers on Substack.

FINDING TIME

 Finding Time to Write

Whether you’re swamped by life’s responsibilities or if you have all day to write, the secret isn't time, it’s commitment to your WIP. Try these tips to help with your writing process:

1. The "50-Word" Write

If your life is too busy to write, try to write 50 words a day.

 * Why: It’s too small a commitment to fail. It helps you get into the habit of writing. Then, on your quiet days, it will spark the drive that will lead to those 500 to 1,000 words in a day.

2. Stop Mid-Thought

I haven’t tried this, but it sounds like a great idea! Never finish writing at the end of a chapter.

 * Why: You won’t face writer’s block as often. Make a quick note (one sentence) about what happens next. When you return the following day, you’ll be ready to write by finishing your thought from yesterday.

3. Switch Your Environment

* On the run: Use voice-to-text.

* Location: Write in a library or cafe.

* Writing Groups: Join a silent writing group; there are many online and in-person groups. (If you can’t find any in person, start one.)

Day by Day

You don’t need a bestseller during your writing process; you just need to add a few sentences every day. Use the free-writing method (don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, flow—that comes later during your edits.)

Try it! You will finish your first draft before you realize.

What will be your 50 words for today? Share them in the comments!

Event Selling

 

Go Local: Selling at Author Events, Farmers’ Markets, and Craft Fairs

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Feeling digital burnout? Meet readers in person—2026 is all about thriving in community spaces.

Why Local Events Work?

• No Algorithms: Direct interaction—just you and the reader.

• Instant Profit: Immediate payment, no royalty delays.

• Local Appeal: A “Local Author” sign is powerful marketing.

Advertise where you will be on Social Media Events and Posts

• Take advantage of FREE social media “press.”

Booth Tips

• Engage Actively: Stand up, start conversations.

• Give Value: Bookmarks or free short stories with QR codes.

• Visual Storytelling: Props that match your genre/story.

• Bundle Deals: “Event Day Only” specials like series discounts or tote bags.

Obtain Emails

Collect emails. Use sign-up sheets or QR codes with incentives.

The Power of In-Person Author Events

Beyond markets, author events attract “power readers.”

1. Indie Signing Events

• Collaboration: Share fans with other authors.

• Super-Fans: Signed books boost loyalty.

2. Micro-Launches

• Partner with local bookstores or libraries for readings/Q&A.

• Hand out coupons for your direct shop.

3. Stress-Free Setup

• Pre-packed “Go-Bag”: POS system, sign-up sheet, quality swag.

Here’s a practical Author Event Checklist based on your blog:

✅ Pre-Event Prep

• [ ] Pack your Go-Bag:

• Mobile POS (Square reader or QR code for Venmo/PayPal)
• Physical email sign-up sheet + pens
• Swag: high-quality bookmarks, stickers, or small giveaways

• [ ] Prepare genre-themed props (e.g., lantern for fantasy, “Top Secret” folder for thrillers)

• [ ] Print a “Local Author” sign

• [ ] Create event-specific discount codes (e.g., MARKET20)

✅ Booth Setup

• [ ] Stand up – either behind or if possible, in front of your table—don’t hide by sitting

• [ ] Display books attractively (stacked or fanned out)

• [ ] Add visual storytelling elements to make your booth a destination

• [ ] Offer bundle deals (e.g., “Buy 2, get a Free gift or a percentage off the purchase of a 3rd book.”)

✅ Engagement Strategy

• [ ] Greet visitors with a friendly question:

“What’s the last great book you read?”

• [ ] Hand out value-add giveaways (bookmark with QR code or a free short story)

• [ ] Promote your mailing list with an incentive (e.g., “Sign up for a chance to win an ebook”)

✅ Post-Event Follow-Up

• [ ] Add collected emails to your newsletter list

• [ ] Track sales using your payment software (such as Square)

• [ ] Share event photos on social media to keep momentum

To turn a casual passerby into a customer, your booth needs to act as a visual hook, and your greeting needs to be a low-pressure bridge.

Start a Conversation

Genre-Specific Table Props

Your table shouldn't just look like a "bookstore shelf"—it should look like a portal into your world

The Approach (The "No-Pressure" Hook)

The biggest mistake authors make is sitting behind the table or asking, "Would you like to buy a book?" This triggers a "sales defense" in people.

Try these 3 low-pressure opening lines instead:

 * The "Genre" Question: "Are you a fan of [Genre] stories, or are you just browsing for gifts today?" * Why it works: It helps you categorize them immediately without being pushy.

 * The "Vibe" Hook: "If you like [Famous Movie/Book], you might enjoy the world I've built here." * Why it works: It gives them a familiar mental anchor.

 * The "Prop" Icebreaker: If they look at your props (like a dragon egg), say: "That egg actually plays a pretty big part in Chapter 3."

   * Why it works: It’s a natural conversation starter about the story, not the sale.

The Elevator Pitch (The 10-Second Hook)

Once they stop, you need a one-sentence "hook" that explains the stakes of your book.

•  Formula: "My book is about [Protagonist] who has to [Action] before [Stakes/Bad Thing] happens."
• Example: "It’s a cozy mystery about a baker who has to solve a murder before her grand opening, or she’ll be the one ending up behind bars."

Closing the Direct Sale

If they seem interested but hesitant, offer them a "market-exclusive" reason to buy now:

 * "If you pick up a copy today, I can sign it for you and include this limited-edition bookmark."

 * "I'm actually doing a 'Market Bundle' today—if you grab the first two, I'll take $5 off."

Pro-Tip: If they still aren't ready to buy, don't let them walk away empty-handed. Give them a business card with a QR code for a free sample chapter. This gets them into your "Direct-to-Consumer" funnel later!

Happy Selling