Cal Newport

@Brad Silva That’s exciting your first manuscript and already thinking about how to promote it. Romance really lives in emotion, so your YouTube channel and trailer could work really well if they reflect the same feeling as your story. What’s the main emotion you want readers to walk away with? I’ve been focusing a lot on voice and how stories connect with readers beyond the page, so I always find it interesting how that translates into things like trailers and content. Would be great to hear more about your story

Cal Newport

1 like • 14d

@Dan O'Riordan That actually says a lot about your instinct as a writer. When readers point out realism, emotion, and voice without you consciously engineering it, it usually means you’ve tapped into something natural and that’s hard to teach. The way you describe picturing your characters and letting them lead is a strong creative process. With a bit of structure around it, you can make that strength more intentional and repeatable across your books. Since you’re open to it, one thing I often suggest is leaning into what your readers already recognize positioning your stories around that realism and emotional depth so it becomes your signature. How are you currently presenting your books to readers are you highlighting that “inspired by real experiences” angle anywhere, or mostly letting the story speak for itself? And if you were to lean into one strength more on purpose, would you want to amplify the emotional impact, the realism, or the character voice?

Cal Newport

Apr 1 •

General discussion

My Journey from Discouragement to Consistent Book Sales

Hello everyone, I'm is Cal Newport, a fiction and nonfiction author passionate about creating stories and ideas that connect with readers and add real value to their lives. There was a time not too long ago when I struggled to generate consistent sales for my books. Despite putting in significant effort running multiple promotions, testing different strategies, and staying persistent the results were discouraging, and honestly, it took a toll on my motivation. Things began to shift when I connected with someone who helped me take a more structured and informed approach to what I was doing. With the right guidance and a clearer strategy, I was able to identify what wasn’t working, make the necessary adjustments, and start seeing real progress. Today, I’m in a much better place. My book sales have improved significantly, and more importantly, I feel confident and excited about the direction I’m heading in as an author. I’m sharing this because I know many authors go through similar challenges. Sometimes, all it takes is the right perspective and support to turn things around. If you’re currently in that phase, keep going progress is possible with the right approach and consistency.

New comment 15d ago

Cal Newport

2 likes • 17d

@Suzanne Smith That actually says a lot having multiple pieces requested for reprints over that many years isn’t something most writers can say, even after a long time. It sounds like you’ve built a body of work that’s not only consistent, but genuinely memorable to readers that’s a rare combination. And I have to say, the way you described that moment with the fire it pulls you right into it. I can see why that piece stuck with people. What’s interesting is, without really trying to, you’ve already created something that feels like a collection years of stories and insights that people have come back to more than once. Do you ever look at them together like that, or do they still feel like separate moments to you?

Cal Newport

1 like • 16d

@Suzanne Smith That’s really interesting what you just described doesn’t even feel like separate columns anymore, it actually reads like a connected body of work. You’ve got the core experience with the fire, then the practical side of evacuating with pets, and even the real-life outcomes people faced it all builds on itself in a way that feels complete. Honestly, that alone could stand as something meaningful for readers who’ve never seen any of it in one place. And the fact that it’s rooted in real events makes it even more powerful it’s not just storytelling, it’s something people can actually learn from and carry with them. When you think about those pieces together like that, does it feel different from how you’ve been seeing them individually?

Danielle Marietta

25d •

General discussion

What Tools/Platforms Are You Using?

I have been stuck in Reedsy and I love it! But, I know I need to try new things. Recently I started using Novelium. While it looks dated, it has some pretty cool features. It has a lot that can help with the editing phase of publishing. Theres a violations section where you can upload your manuscript and see if there are any discrepancies. This has been super helpful. (If you are interested in trying them, use my 20% off cupon code Danielle26! *Quick plug lol) What are platform do you use when writing and why?

New comment 3d ago

Cal Newport

3 likes • 24d

@Rachel Ivory That’s awesome that kind of consistency is where a lot of authors struggle, so you’re definitely doing something right. At that point, it usually comes down to how well everything is converting especially when you’re working with schools and parents. Small adjustments in positioning or how the books are presented can make a big difference in long-term traction. Out of curiosity, are you seeing the kind of response or engagement you expected from your current efforts?

Cal Newport

2 likes • 23d

@Rachel Ivory That’s great to hear sounds like you’ve found a pace that really works for you, which isn’t always easy. I like that you’re being intentional about not stretching yourself too thin while still making progress that balance is powerful. Out of curiosity, what’s been working best for you lately that’s helping things go well?

Danielle Marietta

Mar 30 •

General discussion

Tips for Writing Your Book Blurb!

A discussion on creating a strong blurb is now posted! You can find it, and more tips, under the CLASSROOM tab at the top of our Skool's community. **Drop your book blurb below! Link to the video: https://www.skool.com/lessons-in-self-publishing-8733/classroom/3c049402?md=ea95f9220eb844a09ca0a375e778e43e

New comment 6d ago

Cal Newport

5 likes • Mar 30

Thanks for the tips

Danielle Marietta

Mar 25 •

General discussion

Why are you self publishing? 🤔

Is there a specific reason? Are you on a time crunch? Are you a bit of a control freak and need to do it yourself? Is it about the money potential?

New comment 3d ago

Cal Newport

3 likes • Mar 25

@Michael Teferi That’s really inspiring seriously. I like how intentional you are about not just publishing, but using your poetry to create impact and a sense of belonging. Going the self-publishing route through Amazon KDP is a strong move, especially since it gives you full control over your work, royalties, and global reach. The fact that you’re already thinking about distribution across multiple countries shows you’re approaching this with a long-term vision. One thing I’d add is to keep a close eye on how royalties vary by region and pricing KDP typically offers between 35% and 70% depending on factors like pricing and location , so structuring that properly will help you maximize your returns as you scale globally. Overall, you’re definitely on the right path. I’d be interested to hear what stage are you at right now with your first poetry book?

Cal Newport

1 like • Mar 26

@Rachel Ivory That makes a lot of sense, and it’s great to hear how much you enjoy the process that passion really shows. You’re absolutely right about the challenges with multi-year contracts in children’s publishing; I’ve been in a similar position before, so I understand how difficult it can be to break in without an established name. Out of curiosity, how many books have you published so far? I’d love to learn more. Also, if there’s any way I can support you whether it’s brainstorming ideas, reviewing work, or helping think through marketing strategies I’d be more than happy to help.

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Cal Newport

@cal-newport-2247

Author specializing in both fiction and nonfiction.

Active 2d ago

Joined Mar 22, 2026

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