Ever notice those little square codes popping up everywhere—from restaurant menus to posters and product packaging? Those are QR codes, and they’re a simple, powerful way to connect readers straight to your book.
If you’ve ever wished someone could just scan and buy instead of searching your title manually, this one’s for you.

Why Use a QR Code for Your Book?

QR codes (short for Quick Response) are basically smart shortcuts. They let readers open your Amazon book page instantly with one scan of their phone camera—no typing, no searching, no missed sales.
They’re perfect for:

• The back of your book
• Postcards and bookmarks
• Speaking events or workshops
• Business cards
• Flyers, posters, and table displays

 
Step 1: Grab Your Amazon Link
Head to your book’s Amazon page and copy the link from your browser.

Pro Tip: For a clean, direct link, use this simple format: https://www.amazon.com/dp/ASIN
Replace ASIN with your book’s unique 10-digit ID (you’ll find it under Product Details on your Amazon page).

Step 2: Generate the QR Code
You can create a free QR code in seconds using tools like:

• qr-code-generator.com
• qrstuff.com
• Canva’s QR Code Maker (handy if you already design graphics there)

Just paste your Amazon link into the tool, and it’ll instantly create your custom QR code.

Step 3: Download and Use It Everywhere
Once your QR code appears, download it as a PNG (for digital) or SVG (for print).
Now you can:

• Add it to your book marketing materials
• Place it on the back cover or inside flap
• Include it in emails or newsletters
• Use it at signings, fairs, or events so readers can order on the spot
  ​
  

Pro Tip: Want to track how many people scan your code? Run your Amazon link through bitly.com first to create a short, trackable link. Then generate your QR code using that shortened link.

Make It Easy for Readers to Say “Yes”

QR codes eliminate friction. When someone feels inspired after hearing you speak, seeing your post, or browsing your table, they can buy your book instantly.
It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how easily your readers connect with you and your work.

Deciding how to publish your book can feel overwhelming. Should you choose a low-cost Print on Demand option, or invest in Hybrid publishing for more professional support? Here's a break down of the key differences so you can choose the best path for your publishing goals.

​Do you want your book available quickly, with little or no upfront cost?
                                 ↓
┌───────Yes───────────────┐
 ↓                                                                                            ↓
Print on Demand (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark).               No
Low cost, easy setup,                                                           ↓
but you do most of the work                                              ↓
and royalties are lower.                                                      ↓

Do you want professional editing, design, and distribution handled for you?
↓
Yes →→→→→→→→→→→→ No → Sticking with Print on Demand.
↓
Are you open to investing your own money (typically $2K–$15K) to produce a polished, bookstore-ready book?
↓
Yes →→→→→→→→→→→→ No → Stick with Print on Demand for affordability.
↓
Do you want more control over your timeline, pricing, and rights than traditional publishing offers?
↓
Yes →→→→→→→→→ →→ Hybrid Publishing
Professional editing, design, distribution, higher royalties than traditional,
plus you retain creative input.

​When writing limericks, don’t forget that titles deserve just as much attention as the verses themselves. Whether you’re jotting down something silly for fun or publishing your work, knowing how to format your limerick’s title keeps your writing looking polished and professional.

Normal Capitalization Rules Apply to Limerick Titles

• Standard Title Case is the Norm
  Most limerick titles follow the same capitalization rules as titles of any other poem or literary work. Major words get capitalized, while small connecting words (like and, of, the) stay lowercase—unless they’re the first or last word in the title.

Examples:

• The Man from Peru
• A Limerick About My Cat

All Caps or Sentence Case?
You can certainly choose a different style, like ALL CAPS or sentence case, for artistic or comedic effect. That’s purely stylistic—there’s no special rule unique to limericks demanding one capitalization style over another.

Pro Recommendation: If you’re giving your limerick a title, treat it like you would any poem or short work: stick with standard title case unless you’re intentionally going for a different look.

Pro Tip: For a quick way to check how to capitalize your title, visit Capitalizemytitle.com, click on the “Chicago” tab, and type in your title. It takes the guesswork out of knowing what to capitalize for different style guides.

​I use the Chicago Manual of Style for most of my writing.

Writing limericks is all about rhythm, rhyme, and a touch of humor—but don’t forget punctuation plays an important role, too. While limericks don’t follow any special punctuation rules unique to the form, knowing how (and when) to use commas, periods, and other marks can make your verses clearer, funnier, and easier to read. 

Standard Grammar Applies

• Commas, periods, question marks, exclamation points, and other punctuation marks help the reader navigate the meaning and rhythm.
  
• Capitalization usually follows normal sentence rules. However, many poetschoose to capitalize the first letter of each line, whether it begins a new sentence or not — that’s purely stylistic.
  
  

Flexibility for Rhythm and Rhyme

• Poets sometimes bend punctuation to preserve flow, comedic timing, or rhyme. For example, they might skip commas or use enjambment (running one line into the next without punctuation).
  
  

End Punctuation Matters

• Many limericks end with a period, exclamation mark, or question mark, depending on the punchline. Since the final line often delivers the twist or humor, punctuation helps emphasize the effect. 
  
  

Optional Internal Punctuation

• Commas, dashes, parentheses, or ellipses can be added for comedic effect or to create pauses that match the limerick’s bouncy rhythm.

 
Example Showing Typical Limerick Punctuation:
​
There once was a man from Peru,
Who dreamt he was eating his shoe.
He awoke with a fright--
In the midst of the night--
To discover his dream had come true!

By Yvonne DiVita
of Master Book Builders

If you're thinking about publishing your book but overwhelmed by all the options? Print-on-Demand (POD) might be your perfect solution. Here are the top 5 things you absolutely need to know:
1. POD Is Self-Publishing, Not Magic
POD is the 21st-century version of self-publishing. The author—not the publisher—is in control. That means you make the decisions, keep the rights, and steer your publishing journey. But remember—with great power comes great responsibility.

2. “On Demand” Means Exactly That
Books are only printed when someone buys them. If a company tries to make you buy hundreds or thousands of copies upfront, that’s a vanity press—not true POD. Stick with reputable POD providers who print as orders come in.

3. Many POD Publishers Are Just Printer
Here’s the deal: some POD companies simply print your files. Everything else--cover design, page layout, editing, proofreading, paper choices, back cover copy, testimonials, and the index—is your job. 

Pro Tip: Invest in a professional book designer for your cover and layout—it’s worth every penny.

4. Don’t Expect to See Your Book in Barnes & Noble
Most physical bookstores don’t stock POD books because they’re non-returnable. However, if you have a relationship with a local store manager, you might persuade them to carry a few copies. The good news? 

Tip: Your POD book can still be listed online through Barnes & Noble and other retailers.
​
5. POD Is the Way to Go Today
Here’s the truth: Readers don’t buy books because of the publisher’s name. They buy because of a compelling cover, great content, and sometimes the author’s reputation. POD gives you the flexibility and tools to make that happen without waiting for traditional gatekeepers.

Other important tips:

• Remember, with POD you’re buying books—not services. Choose wisely.
  
  
• Before you publish, ask yourself: What do I want this book to accomplish for me? Is it for building a platform? Gaining credibility? Generating income?
  
  
• Bestsellers are made, not born. Be ready to promote your book and get it in front of readers.
  
  
• You might need a fulfillment service for handling orders and shipping. Check out www.efulfillmentservice.com as a solid option.
  
  

Recommended POD Companies (Reputable Options)

• Lulu.com
• Xlibris.com
• Booklocker.com
• AuthorHouse.com
• Travers.com
• LightningSource.com 
• Booksearch.com (linked to Amazon and overseas distribution)

 

If you’re wondering whether Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the right fit for your book, check out this handy flowchart to help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your publishing journey.

Do you want to self-publish your book?
                                                         ↓
              ┌──────────Yes──────────┐
              ↓                                                                                     ↓
    Do you want global distribution                                         No
    and access to Amazon readers?                                         ↓
         ↓                                                                                        ↓
        Yes                                                                                      ↓  
        ↓                                                                                         ↓                                                                          
 Are you okay with →→→→→→→→→→→→No – Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing
 Amazon controlling                                                               
 the sales platform?                              
        ↓           
      Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→→→ No
       ↓                                                          ↓
  Do you want to                                 Consider
  publish eBook +                                using a combo
  paperback easily                               of KDP (eBook) and IngramSpark (print)
  and for free?                                      
      Yes
       ↓
  Are you able to (or willing to hire help to):
  • Edit
  • Design a cover
  • Format your book
  • Market your work?
       ↓
     Yes
       ↓
Do you want access to Kindle Unlimited readers?
       ↓
     Yes
       ↓      
Are you okay with Amazon having exclusive rights if your book?
(KDP Select 90-day exclusivity)
   ↓       
  Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→ No
   ↓                                                       ↓
Use KDP eBook                     Consider traditional, hybrid, or small press publishing
+ KDP Select      
   ↓
Publish with KDP

Deciding how to publish your book can feel overwhelming. Should you go the traditional route, or explore hybrid publishing for more control and speed? Let’s break down the key differences so you can choose the best path for your publishing goals.
      
Do you want to publish a high-quality book but don’t want to do it all yourself?
                                         ↓
                ┌───────Yes───────┐
                ↓                                                              ↓
   Do you have a strong platform,                       No 
   large audience, or media exposure?                ↓
                ↓                                                              ↓
            Yes→→→→→→→→→→→→No - Consider self-publishing or KDP
                ↓ 
Are you willing to wait 12–24 months for a deal and give up most rights?
       ↓                                                               
     Yes →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→No                                                   
      ↓                                                                                            ↓
Submit to agents                                             Are you open to investing your own money 
and traditional                                                 (2K-15K) for expert help?
publishers                                                              ↓                                ↓
     ↓                                                                         ↓                                ↓
Do you want to retain some                                 ↓                                ↓
rights or control over cover,                                 ↓                                ↓
timeline, and pricing?                                            ↓                                ↓                   
    ↓                                                                           ↓                                ↓                        
No →→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→Yes→→→→→→→→No           
   ↓                                                                           ↓                                  ↓
Traditional publishing                                   Use a vetted                Consider self-publishing or KDP
                                                                        Hybrid press   
                                                                        They do professional editing, 
                                                                       design, distribution and 
                                                                       give you higher royalties

Using Lulu to print a single proof copy is a great option for authors who want to review their book, mark edits, and check formatting, cover, and overall print quality before moving to full production or sending it to their publisher.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do it confidently:
1. Create a Lulu Account

• Go to www.lulu.com
• Sign up for a free account.
  
  

2. Choose “Print Book” Project

• After logging in, click “Create” in the top menu.
• Select “Print Book” (not eBook or photo book).
  
  

3. Enter Book Details

• Add your:
  • Title
  • Author name
  • Language
  • Category

Tip: You don’t need an ISBN for a personal review copy.

4. Upload Your Interior File

• Must be a PDF, properly formatted to match your book size (e.g., 6x9").
• Ensure margins, bleed, and pagination are correct.
  
  

5. Upload Your Cover File

• Lulu lets you either:
  • Upload a print-ready PDF (full cover, spine, and back), or
  • Use their Cover Designer tool.

To use the cover designer:

• Pick a layout
• Upload images
• Adjust spine size based on page count
  
  

6. Select Print Options

• Choose:
  • Book size (e.g., 6"x9")
  • Binding (e.g., Perfect bound)
  • Paper type (e.g., white or cream)
  • Color or black-and-white

Tip: For a review copy, most people choose B&W with cream paper to keep costs down.

7. Preview and Approve

• Use Lulu’s built-in previewer to review the layout.
• You can go back and fix anything before proceeding.
  
  

8. Order 1 Copy

• Once approved, Lulu gives you a private listing page.
• Click “Add to Cart” and order 1 copy for yourself.

Tip: Make sure the listing is set to “private” or “direct access” if you don’t want it visible publicly.

9. Wait for Shipping

• Print time: usually 3–5 business days
• Shipping time depends on your choice at checkout
  
  

Super Tip: After reviewing the printed copy, you can go back, upload a revised PDF, and order a second proof. 

Writing a fiction book in the first person can create an intimate, engaging narrative that lets readers deeply connect with the protagonist's inner world. Here are some tips to help you effectively write in this point of view:

1. Establish a Distinct Voice

• Develop a unique voice for the narrator. Consider their age, background, personality, and how they perceive the world. This voice should reflect in their word choice, tone, and even the rhythm of their sentences.
• Example: A teenager's voice will differ from that of an elderly scholar.
  
  

2. Limit Knowledge to the Narrator’s Perspective

• The narrator can only know what they personally see, hear, think, or feel. Use this limitation to create suspense or misunderstandings.
• Avoid “head-hopping” or revealing details the narrator wouldn't realistically know.
  
  

3. Emphasize Subjective Experience

• Use the narrator’s thoughts, emotions, and biases to shape the story. Their perspective might not always be accurate, adding complexity and intrigue.
• Example: An unreliable narrator can keep readers guessing.
  
  

4. Engage with Internal Dialogue

• Share the narrator’s internal thoughts to make them more relatable. Use italics or a conversational tone for their inner monologue `but avoid overloading the narrative with too much introspection.
  
  

5. Balance Showing and Telling

• Use sensory details to immerse readers in the narrator’s world (showing) but balance it with direct reflections and opinions (telling), as first-person narratives naturally lend themselves to both.
  
  

6. Create Relatable Emotions

• Let readers see the narrator’s vulnerabilities, dreams, and fears. This creates a bond between the reader and the character.
  
  

7. Vary Sentence Structure

• Avoid repetitive sentence patterns like starting every sentence with “I.” Mix up sentence structures to keep the prose dynamic.
• Example: Instead of "I walked to the store. I saw a dog. I bought a drink," try, "The walk to the store was uneventful until a scruffy dog caught my eye. A few minutes later, I was sipping a cold drink, still thinking about that dog."
  
  

8. Stay Consistent with Tense

• Decide on past or present tense and stick with it. Shifting tenses can confuse readers unless there’s a clear reason (e.g., flashbacks).
  
  

9. Incorporate Supporting Characters Naturally

• Use dialogue and actions to introduce other characters. The narrator’s opinions of others can reveal both the supporting characters' traits and the narrator’s own biases.
  
  

10. Build a Strong Opening

• Start with an intriguing hook that draws readers into the narrator's mind and situation. This sets the tone for the rest of the book.
  
  

11. Address the Narrator’s Growth

• Ensure the narrator experiences personal growth or change throughout the story. Readers should feel they've been on a journey with the character.
  
  

12. Be Aware of Reader Fatigue

• Spending an entire novel in one character’s head can be intense. Break up introspection with action, dialogue, and vivid descriptions.
  ​
  

By keeping these tips in mind, your first-person narrative can feel immersive and authentic, helping readers form a lasting connection with your protagonist. 

The difference between active and passive voice lies in who performs the action in a sentence.
Active Voice

• The subject performs the action.
• The sentence structure follows: Subject → Verb → Object
• Example:
  • The manager (S) approved (V) the proposal (O). (The manager is doing the approving.)

Passive Voice

• The subject receives the action.
• The sentence structure follows: Object → Verb → Subject (optional)
• Example:
  • The proposal (O) was approved (V) by the manager (S). (The proposal is receiving the action, and the manager is optional.)

When to Use Active vs. Passive:

• Use Active Voice when clarity, impact, and directness matter (business writing, storytelling, instructions).
  
  
• Use Passive Voice when the action matters more than the doer (scientific reports, formal/legal writing, when the doer is unknown).