Struggling to write your book blurb? This Author Circle masterclass breaks down everything indie and self-published authors need to know—from blurb structure and word count to optimizing for retailers, social media, and beyond. Learn Ivy's step-by-step blurb writing process, how to use the "trope sandwich" method for maximum discoverability, and when it's worth hiring a professional. Whether you're writing your first blurb or your fifteenth, Hawthorn & Aster is here to make the most unglamorous part of publishing a whole lot less painful.

Hawthorn & Aster unpacks the most human of author compulsions—responding to bad reviews. We’re here to explain how your reaction can negatively impact your author brand and how to protect yourself.

Indie publishing is the wild west—and everyone's handing out conflicting maps. Great-Auntie-Greta is here to cut through the noise and walk you through the five most common mistakes debut authors make, from cover design and editing to ISBNs and the perfection trap. Pull up a chair. We need to talk.

Self-publishing isn’t free—and it’s not cheap—but it doesn’t have to be mysterious. This guide breaks down real-world costs for editing, covers, formatting, ISBNs, marketing, and ads, with honest ranges, budgeting advice, and a free spreadsheet to help you plan without panic.

SEO sounds intimidating — but strip away the technical jargon and it's really just understanding how your readers think. In this masterclass, we're walking you through everything from keyword research and target audiences to writing your pitch and optimizing your social media, step by step and without the headache.

Publishing a book is a marathon—and what happens after release day is something no one talks about enough. In this post, we're pulling back the curtain on the emotional experience of indie authors post-launch: the highs, the silence that follows, and how to rebuild without burning out. If you've ever felt lost after releasing a book, you're not alone.

If you've ever sent out 100 ARC copies and only received 30 reviews, you're not alone—and no, it's not your book. In this guide, we're breaking down the real math behind ARC review conversion rates, why readers ghost, and whether working with an ARC dispersal platform or a romance book marketing company is the right move for your indie author journey.

If you're an indie or self-published romance author wondering whether hiring a book marketing company is worth it—you've come to the right place. In this guide, we're breaking down exactly what to expect from a romance book marketing company, what red flags to watch for, and how to find the right fit for your book. Whether you're planning your debut launch or your fifth release, understanding how ethical book marketing actually works could be the difference between a campaign that flops and one that gets your story into the hands of readers who will love it.

So you want to publish a book—but no one told you about editing stages, cover timelines, or why marketing matters before launch. Let Hawthorn & Aster’s resident gay bookish auntie walk you through the process with clarity, humor, and real-world advice.