By Janine Rosch, @janinerosche

Being married to a finance guy (who also work alongside with the experts offering Accounting services Toronto) has its perks. He occasionally reminds me that there is a business side to writing romance novels. There is always another app, program, or service that claims we NEED it. It’s an entire industry. Personally, I find it maddening how many folks seek to take the money of striving authors who would give anything to make their dream come true but that’s a whole ’nother post. The fact is most authors don’t make a ton of money especially in the beginning of their careers, so it’s important to save money where it counts.

I’ve asked some authors to share what goods and services they have found worthwhile. Keep in mind that what helps one author won’t necessarily help you. For instance, I need editing software because I still don’t know where commas go. A writer with skills in grammar and self-editing may not.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some of these programs and applications have either free/lite versions or a free trial period for you to try before paying the full price. I asked some author friends for help, and here are some resources we believe are worth the price.

Conferences: Conferences offer a great deal for their participants: education, networking, and the chance to get your work in front of agents and editors. Some offer higher end accommodations while others are more economical. The best thing to do is research the organization heading the conference and the faculty you’ll have a chance to meet. If you can afford it, I highly suggest the American Christian Fiction Writers conference or the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers conference. If funds are tight, look for free learning opportunities online. Many writing coaches and editors offer free advice in their posts!

Editing: Proper grammar usage, pacing, and story beats are essential. Agents and editors are inundated with manuscripts and proposals. To stand out from the rest, your submission should be as perfect as possible. The most expensive option is to hire a professional editor. Doing so provides education personalized to your strengths and weaknesses. If you can’t afford a full edit, ask for a three chapter edit. The next affordable option is editing software like Grammarly and ProWriting Aid. Just be aware these are not foolproof. The cheapest option is to join a critique group where you trade scenes and chapters for review. 

Plotting & Pantsing: While many others still rely on Microsoft Word when writing their stories, others prefer to use novel-specific programs that allow you to plot, outline, develop characters, etc. Scrivener has a steep learning curve but is well-loved by those who use it.

Formatting: Whether you’re still writing your story or you’re prepping your manuscript for independent publishing, formatting software can be helpful. Vellum is highly suggested.

Webhosting and Newsletter Services: The sky is the limit for how much these can cost you. More money allows you to have a custom designed website with bells and whistles. For less money, you can create a free website on WordPress.com. I do suggest paying for a domain with your name that can be linked to your WordPress site. Once you’ve been around the writing industry for a day or two, you’ll know how essential it is to build an email newsletter list. MailChimp and Mailerlite have free and cheap options for new writers, but monthly charges increase with the number of subscribers.

Social Media: Online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Clubhouse offer free places to build a readership. They’re imperfect and you’ll feel like you’re jumping through hoops to be seen, but they are still valuable for readers to discover and engage with you. Scheduling apps that many authors find worth the cost are: Smarterqueue and Hootsuite. I’ve gained tremendous value by taking courses about different platforms. Again, you can pick up new social marketing skills by following social media influencers for free. Personally, I LOVE Elise Darma for this.

Graphic Creators: Canva is an excellent resource for creating social media graphics, book covers, memes, and infographics. The paid version gets you more options but the free version is excellent, too. 

Mentors: This is a touchy one. I’m sure there are good mentors and terrible mentors (or at least mentors that aren’t worth the outrageous price they charge). Advice from those who have gone before you is invaluable. There are many legit authors willing to help you for a moderate fee. For a reasonable cost, join My Book Therapy that walks you through the writing process. You can also pay for a critique at a writers’ conference, follow literary agency blogs, listen to free podcasts like Novel Marketing Podcast, or join your favorite author’s launch team—you’ll get insider knowledge about their processes.

Here are a few more suggestions for good free or cheap resources:

• Evernote: Free or paid
• Wordswag: Free
• Bookfunnel: Paid
• Book Report: Paid
• Publisher Rocket: Paid
• Mad Mimi: Paid
• BookBrush: Free or Paid
• Lightroom Picture Editor: Free or Paid
• Haute Stock: Free or Paid
• Story Origin: Free or Paid
• Bluehost: Paid
• DropBox: Free 30-Day Trial
• Scapple: Free 30-Day Trial
• One Stop for Writers: Paid
• Etymology Online: Free
• One Look Reverse Dictionary: Free
• Plottr: Paid
• Pacemaker: Free or Paid

What resources did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

 

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Aspen Crossroads

To protect those most vulnerable, Haven Haviland must trust her heart–and her regrets–to a mysterious newcomer in this moving contemporary romance.

Few in the community of Whisper Canyon have actually met Jace Daring, a handsome recluse who lives at Aspen Crossroads, the farm at the edge of town. But that doesn’t stop the rumors about the multiple women who live with him. He must protect the truth–that his farm-to-table restaurant will provide new livelihoods for women rescued from human trafficking–or he risks the safety and futures of those relying on him. But he can’t do it alone.

Haven Haviland has always been everyone’s safe place to fall until one mistake closes her counseling practice and leaves her open to the town’s gossip. Trusting men has gotten her in trouble before. However, accepting Jace’s job offer to mentor the rescued women seems like the perfect way to right her wrongs.

When the mayor’s campaign to clean up Whisper Canyon targets Aspen Crossroads, the restaurant comes under fire, dangers from the women’s pasts are awakened, and Haven’s sins are exposed for all to see. Jace would sacrifice himself to save Haven and the women under his care, but his efforts might not be enough. And in the end, it might not be the women most in need of saving after all.

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series and her upcoming release ASPEN CROSSROADS. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades. Chat with her on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.JanineRosche.com for a free Whisper Canyon Romance prequel novella.