The Ballast Blog: Your Guide to the Publishing Journey

A New Chapter for BallastBooks.com

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t fly here. We believe in getting better—always. That’s why we’ve completely redesigned our website to be more informative, direct, and valuable for authors. It’s not just a facelift—it’s a reflection of who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Explore the new site and see how we’re raising the standard.
Read More

7 Keys to Making the Most of Your Writing Time

Have you ever spent an hour working on your manuscript only to realize you haven’t really accomplished anything? You only wrote one line when you meant to finish one page. You were struck with writer’s block and spent the whole time playing on your phone. Or you got distracted and never wrote anything at all.
Read More

Meet Beau Johnson, Publishing Services Coordinator and Your First Point of Contact

If you’re an author who has reached out to us over the past several months, chances are you have had the pleasure of conversing with Beau about your book and publishing needs.
Read More

So You Want to Read More This Year? Here Are Five Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolution

New year, new you, same TBR (to be read). Every January, millions of aspiring and fallen bookworms challenge themselves to read more in the new year.
Read More

Distributing Your Book to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and More: How Publishers Sell Books

Part of the dream of becoming an author is imagining yourself walking into your local bookstore and seeing your work on their shelves. It might feel completely out of reach if you’re not working with a traditional publisher, but the good news is, it’s not!
Read More

Meet Acquisitions Editor, Camma Duhamell

Camma Duhamell has brought a fresh perspective and unmatched energy to the Ballast and Blue Balloon Books acquisitions team, elevating our search for the next great titles to add to our growing catalogue.
Read More

Mastering the Social Mediaverse: Building an Online Following for Your Book Launch

Navigating the ever-evolving social media landscape can feel daunting, but fear not! This guide equips you to conquer the social mediaverse and connect with readers.
Read More

Author Toolbox: Mastering Email Newsletters for a Powerful Book Launch

One of the most effective tools at your disposal for generating pre-launch buzz and fostering a dedicated reader base is the email newsletter.
Read More

Meet Michael Stutts, Author of There's No Room Service at the Psych Ward

This Ballast Books author is making a splash, so we caught up with him to hear more about the message behind his book and what he hopes it will do for readers.
Read More

Meet Lauren Green, Ballast Books Vice President of Publishing

If you’re a Ballast or Blue Balloon Books author, chances are that you have crossed paths with Lauren Green.
Read More

How to Pitch Yourself: A DIY Guide for Authors

Crafting a standout media pitch is the cornerstone of earning media coverage for your book, but what exactly does that entail? Here’s a guide to help you through this process.
Read More

How to Utilize Newswires When Marketing Your Book

If a tree falls in a forest and its wood is used to make paper for a book that no one knows is available, do the pages make a sound?
Read More

Planning a Launch Event

Releasing a book is a huge achievement, marking the pinnacle of months (or sometimes years) of hard work. As an author gets close to their publication date, they often ask, “Should I throw a book launch event?”
Read More

Promoting Your Book Before Launch: A Guide for Eager Authors

The day has come–your book is complete. After months or even years of hard work writing and editing, your publishing and marketing team is working on getting your book ready for print.
Read More

Gift Guide for Every Type of Book Lover In Your Life

As the beginning of December rolls around, this time of year is often accompanied by a distinct realization that you’ve yet to come up with gifts for each of your loved ones, let alone have started buying them.
Read More

Meet Kayleigh Rucinski, Ballast Books Director of Production

Our Director of Production, Kayleigh Rucinski, came to us in 2022 with a robust educational background from Belmont University and valuable professional experience in the field of publishing.
Read More
A first person perspective of someone reading a book.

How a Hybrid Publishing Deal Can Launch—or Enrich—Your Business Coaching Career

Even in this digital age, nothing establishes credibility more quickly than a book. Having a book attached to your business creates implicit trust in those hoping to hire you, and that starts as soon as your search results do.
Read More

Author Branding 101

Writing a compelling book is just the beginning of an author’s journey. As an author, your unique voice and perspective are not only the foundation of your literary work but also the key elements of a powerful personal brand.
Read More

The Comprehensive Guide to Successful Book Marketing Strategies

At Ballast Books, we believe that every author’s journey is unique, and an effective marketing strategy is one that aligns with your book, your goals, and your authentic voice.
Read More

The Future of Publishing

The world of publishing is ever-evolving, shaped by technological advancements, changing reader preferences, and dynamic market trends.
Read More