The Ballast Blog: Your Guide to the Publishing Journey

“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.

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.

Beau Johnson is our acquisitions team assistant. Having joined us as an intern while finishing up her studies at San Francisco State University...

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.

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!

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.

Ready to captivate audiences across various platforms and build a thriving online presence for...

Congratulations! You've poured your heart and soul into crafting a masterpiece, and now your book is on the cus...

“Most c-suite executives do not trade a corner office for a room at the psych ward” reads the headline on Michael Stutts’s new memoir, There’s No Room Service at the...

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

Becoming an author is an incredible accomplishment, but your work isn’t done once you’ve approved...

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?...

Releasing a book is a huge achievement, marking the pinnacle of months (or sometimes years) of hard work. As an author gets...

The day has come–your book is complete. After months or even years of hard work writing and editing...

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.

Our production editor, Kayleigh Rucinski, came to us just one year ago with a robust educational background from Belmont University...

As business leaders across markets better understand the value professional coaching provides, a wash of new coaches, all hoping to cash in, has flooded the pool. Whether you’re an established business coach with decades of experience or a newcomer desperate to make your mark, taking strategic steps now will ensure you’re ready to float above the rest.

Creating a personal brand to promote your book

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.

Navigating Trends and Staying Ahead