✨ A Year of Self-Publishing 🤎

New to #Lemon8 so I thought I would introduce myself through my released and upcoming novels. Here’s their elevator pitches:

Falling For the Mark — A mother-daughter con artist duo prepares to con their next mark. Their plans go haywire when the daughter falls for their target’s daughter.

Catching the Con — A reformed con artist looking to evade the consequences of her past, falls for the private detective hired to send her to jail.

The Price of Revenge — After being betrayed by her best friend, a college student plans her revenge by cozying up with the woman’s half-sister.

Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare — A teen returns to her drama-filled small town to the friends she ghosted and the father who sent her running.

Falling For the Mark, The Price of Revenge, and Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare are all out now. FFTM and SFTF are both currently free. Catching the Con releases on August 13 and can be pre-ordered for $0.99.

#romancewriter #authors #authorsoflemon8 #bookwormsoflemon8 #blackauthors #lgbtqiabooks #selfpublished #selfpublishedauthor #romanceauthor

2024/8/5 Edited to

... Read moreSelf-publishing has transformed the literary landscape, allowing authors to share their stories with readers directly. My experience this past year has been exhilarating and filled with valuable lessons. My first novel, "Falling For the Mark," introduces a compelling narrative about a mother-daughter con artist duo. This story captures the complexities of family bonds amidst their schemes and the unexpected romance that unfolds. In contrast, "Catching the Con" follows a reformed con artist entangled with a private detective, creating a thrilling chase filled with tension and romance. This story explores redemption and the struggle to escape one’s past. Additionally, "The Price of Revenge" dives into themes of betrayal and revenge as a college student cleverly orchestrates her strategy to win back her life while navigating relationships. Lastly, "Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare" rounds out my offerings with a relatable exploration of returning home and facing unresolved issues with friends and family. As I prepare for the upcoming release of "Catching the Con" on August 13, I reflect on the support from the community and my growth as a self-published author. For aspiring writers, leveraging platforms like Lemon8 can amplify visibility and create connections with readers. Sharing authentic experiences and stories is crucial for building a supportive readership in the indie publishing scene. I invite you to join this journey, explore my books, and connect with fellow authors and book lovers!

12 comments

Yurianna✝️🤍's images
Yurianna✝️🤍

Thank you for sharing!! Adding all of these to my tbr🩷🩷

Captain Lemon8's images
Captain Lemon8

Welcome! So excited to see more from you in the future💛

Related posts

The image features a stack of books with a blue outline, set against a blurred background of a library. The text overlay reads "Self-publishing Tips: USING LULU," indicating a guide on self-publishing with Lulu.
This image lists resources offered by Lulu for self-publishing, including a help center, step-by-step creation guides, cover support with templates and a creation tool, file requirements, PDF settings, and templates for interior and cover files.
The image details products offered by Lulu, such as print books with various bindings, ebooks, and wall calendars. It highlights that Lulu operates on a print-on-demand model, producing items after purchase.
Self-Publishing Tip: Lulu Publishing 📖
Self-publishing with Lulu? Here’s what they offer, what you can make, and the easiest ways to sell without drowning in logistics. Save this for your next “publishing day” checklist 📌 #selfpublishing #writersoflemon8 #bookwriting #bookbinding #authorjourney
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

72 likes

The title slide for 'Self-Publishing Tips: BARNES & NOBLE PRESS' is displayed over a background of open books, papers with handwritten notes, a pen, and dried flowers, suggesting a creative writing environment.
A text slide defines 'What Is B&N Press?' as Barnes & Noble's self-publishing platform for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks/hardcovers, available on BN.com and orderable through B&N stores.
A text slide titled 'Vendor Account = Getting Paid' explains the importance of setting up bank details early for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to receive royalties from B&N Press.
Self-Publishing Tips: Barnes & Noble Press ✨
B&N Press setup is basically: Vendor Account (get paid) → choose eBook/print → upload clean files → set pricing → publish → track sales in reporting. Save this for your next upload day. 📌 #BarnesAndNoblePress #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #PublishingTips #writingcommunity
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

236 likes

The image displays the title slide for "Self-Publishing Tips: BOOK BLURBS" in white text, overlaid on a blurred background of an open book with pages forming a heart shape.
The image presents text defining "The Blurb's Job" as a sales argument that answers: Who is this about? What do they want? What's stopping them? What happens if they fail?
The image lists "Quick Rules That Make Blurbs Convert," including writing in 3rd person, using 1-2 named characters, ending on a question or cliffhanger, avoiding vague filler, and keeping it skimmable.
Self-Publishing Tips: Book Blurbs 🌸
Blurbs aren’t summaries—they’re hooks. Use one of these templates, plug in your character + stakes, and stop losing readers at the “About this book” section. 📌 #selfpublished #writersoflemon8 #indieauthor #bookwriting #selfpublishing
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

66 likes

Self-Publishing: Self-Editing Passes ✨
Editing isn’t one step—it’s a system. Break it into passes and you’ll stop feeling overwhelmed (and your book will get way better). Save this for your next draft 📌 #SelfEditing #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #bookwriting #editingtips
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

35 likes

How much it costs to self-publish a novel
-Cover design- $230 with The Author Buddy (this was a premade; custom covers typically cost more) -Editing- $400 (I lucked out finding someone who was skilled and didn’t charge a lot for all rounds of editing. Plan to spend around $800-$1000 or higher) -ISBNs from Bowker- $299 for a bundle of 10
Amanda Courtney

Amanda Courtney

107 likes

The image displays the title "Self-Publishing Tips: INGRAMSPARK VS KDP PRINT" over a background of a coffee cup resting on a stack of books, introducing a comparison between the two publishing platforms.
This image outlines the quick differences between KDP Print and IngramSpark, stating KDP is for Amazon sales and IngramSpark is for wide distribution to bookstores and libraries with a global network.
The image lists reasons to choose KDP Print, including Amazon as the main store, higher royalties on Amazon-standard channels, and an easy workflow with quick updates focused on in-platform publishing.
Self-Publishing Tips: IngramSpark vs KDP Print ✨
KDP Print and IngramSpark aren’t “which is better?”—they’re better at different jobs. KDP is the Amazon machine. IngramSpark is the bookstore/library pipeline. Pick based on where your readers will actually buy. How do you feel about either option from your experience? #SelfPublishing #Ing
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

17 likes

A person holds an open book on a wooden table next to a cup of coffee and a bookmark. The image has a text overlay: "Self-Publishing Tips: Using Draft2Digital."
Text explains Draft2Digital as a "go wide" publishing dashboard that distributes ebooks and print options to multiple retailers and libraries from a single upload.
Text lists major stores and library platforms where Draft2Digital can distribute books, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, OverDrive, and more, emphasizing choice.
Self-Publishing Tips: Using Draft2Digital 🫶
Draft2Digital is basically the “wide distribution control panel” for indie authors: upload once, choose your stores/libraries, get a universal link, and keep back matter + collab royalties from turning into chaos. #draft2digital #selfpublishing #writingtips #bookwriting #indieauthor
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

43 likes

Publishing and writing tips for authors
#lemon8diarychallenge #authors #writingabook #writingexperience #authortips
Aysia Allen

Aysia Allen

34 likes

A person's hands are typing on a laptop keyboard next to a cup of coffee. The image displays the title "SELF-PUBLISHING TIPS: Using ProWritingAid" and the Lemon8 handle "@thelexsdiary".
A black background with white text detailing ProWritingAid's "Grammar + Style Suggestions," including corrections for grammar, spelling, awkward phrasing, and clarity issues, especially via its extension.
A black background with white text explaining ProWritingAid's "25+ Writing Reports," which identify patterns like overused words, readability issues, sticky sentences, and clichés in writing.
Self-Publishing Tips: Using ProWritingAid ✨️
If you’re self-publishing, ProWritingAid can act like your draft-cleanup crew: grammar, style, pacing, clarity, and consistency checks, all in one place. It’s not here to “write your book for you”, it’s here to make your writing stronger and your edits faster. 📝 #selfpublishing #writingtools
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

27 likes

You Don’t Need Money to Start Publishing 📚
I didn’t have a big budget. I didn’t have a publisher. I just started. Now I’ve published 5 books in the Lily the Ladybug Adventures series 🐞📚 If you’re thinking about writing a children’s book, don’t wait for perfect. Start with what you have ✨ Follow for more self-publishing tips
Casandra

Casandra

485 likes

A pink background with a black paperclip, checklist, open book, and trophy, titled 'Beginner-Friendly KDP Journal Publishing Checklist' by Pages & Power.
Step 1: Plan Before You Publish. Text outlines deciding trim size, page count, page type (lined, prompted, blank), and picking a searchable title and subtitle for a journal.
Step 2: Prepare Your Interior. Text details creating the interior using design software, setting dimensions, adding page numbers, and saving as a print-ready PDF.
Thinking of publishing a journal on KDP?
Thinking of publishing a journal on KDP?@ Don’t even think about hitting publish without this beginner checklist It covers trim size, cover design, upload steps, and pricing — all in plain English. Save it. Use it. Thank me later ✨ #AmazonKDP #SelfPublishingTips #AuthorJourney #Pages
Nosha/ Pages & Power

Nosha/ Pages & Power

56 likes

A pink note on a wooden desk with the title "Things nobody tells you about publishing your first book," surrounded by a pen, coffee cup, flowers, and a notebook.
A pink note on a wooden desk stating "It's not passive at first. You are: The writer, The marketer, The designer, The customer service."
A pink note on a wooden desk with the text "You will refresh your dashboard. A lot. And sometimes... nothing happens."
Things Nobody Tells You About Self Publishing
Children’s Book Author 📚 Building my publishing business in real time Sharing what Amazon KDP really pays Under $100 → Watch me grow 🐞✨ #selfpublishing #amazonkdp #kdpjourney #indieauthor #childrensbookauthor
Casandra

Casandra

12 likes

4 things you need to know about self-publishing
Thinking about self-publishing your book? Here are four key things every aspiring author needs to know before diving in: 1. Anyone can self-publish – You don’t need a fancy degree or a publishing contract. If you have a book idea and the determination to see it through, you can become a p
courtney

courtney

12 likes

Indie books picked up for traditional publishing
Indie books picked up for traditional publishing (Plus a surprise at the end...) #books #book #bookrecommendations #worthyoffate #booktok
A.N. Caudle | Romantasy Author

A.N. Caudle | Romantasy Author

130 likes

Publishing the Weather Court Gem series
📚Of Snow and Sapphire by KC Silver available in paperback and KU! It has… ❄️Childhood Friends to Lovers ❄️Queen x Captain of the Guard ❄️Court intrigue ❄️Snow & Ice powers ❄️Mutual Pining ❄️Spice ❄️Impossible Romance ❄️Angst #fantasyromance #romantasy #indieauthor #ind
KC Silver

KC Silver

11 likes

The image introduces the topic of why books aren't selling, featuring a person walking through an ancient-style hallway towards a bright opening. The text overlay reads "Why your book isn't selling" with an arrow.
The image discusses how "good" is subjective for books, especially niche genres, and advises using hashtags and keywords to reach the right audience, set against a forest background.
This image emphasizes that building an author brand takes time, encouraging new authors to share their passion and connect with a community, with an angel statue in the background.
Life after publishing ✨
So you’ve written a book, congratulations! But making sales is a whole different game. Telling people why they should buy your book can be harder than it sounds! #sellingbooks #publishingabook #booksforentrepreneurs #lemon8bookclub #writingtips
daniel_j_gordon_books

daniel_j_gordon_books

41 likes

Indie Self-publishing
step into the garden. Book 1 of my series. #publishinglife #selfpublishing #indieauthor
Nagie Monei

Nagie Monei

6 likes

self-care book
📕Title: One Question a Day for Self-Care 👩🏻‍🏫Author: Aimee Chase, Castle Point Publishing, LLC 🎨 Illustrator: Young Jin Lim 🌟Genre: self-care 📝Short Summary: healthy habit tracking of emotions, wellbeing, thoughts, feelings. also has cute little fun tasks. ✨Key Point 1: enables journaling. ✨K
nadine 🦢💕✨

nadine 🦢💕✨

27 likes

A 71-year-old Indigenous actor from British Columb
In 1970, a 71-year-old Indigenous actor from British Columbia delivered a performance so powerful it made Hollywood history. Chief Dan George, playing Old Lodge Skins in Arthur Penn's revisionist Western "Little Big Man," brought dignity, wisdom, and heartbreaking humanity to a role th
mkcpublishings

mkcpublishings

1 like

An illustration of a woman with curly hair and a laptop, with the title 'THE LAZY GIRL'S GUIDE TO JOURNAL FONTS'. It promotes good fonts for journals and directs to a website.
An illustration of a woman with a laptop, showcasing 'PAIRING 1 SOFT & MINIMAL' with 'RALEWAY BOLD' and 'Nunito'. This pairing is for gratitude journals and goal planners.
An illustration of a woman with a laptop, showcasing 'PAIRING 2 ELEGANT & COZY' with 'Sloop Script Pro' and 'Lustria'. This pairing is for reflection and self-care planners.
Secret Font Pairings for Self Publishing
Your fonts can either make your journal look high-end… or like it came from Microsoft Word circa 2005. 😩 Here’s your journal font cheat sheet: 📌Raleway + Nunito → Soft & Minimal (Perfect for daily planners) 📌 Sloop Script Pro + Lustria → Elegant & Cozy (Great for wellness and reflectio
Tee Gee | ProfitPixelPro

Tee Gee | ProfitPixelPro

180 likes

The title slide for 'Self-Publishing Tips: Kobo Writing Life + Promos' is displayed over a background of stacked books, with the Lemon8 logo and user handle at the bottom.
This slide defines Kobo Writing Life as Kobo's self-publishing dashboard for ebooks and audiobooks, detailing its international reach, 70% or 45% royalty structure, and advance price scheduling for promo planning.
This slide explains Kobo's built-in Promotions Tab, where authors can submit books for merchandiser-run promos, noting that many opportunities involve a participation cost, often around 10% of earnings.
Self-Publishing Tips: Kobo Writing Life + Promos ✨
Kobo promos are worth it when you treat them like a system: set clean localized prices → schedule promo windows → submit in the Promotions tab → stack with series read-through. Start with Free Book 1 or a 50%+ Daily Deal attempt and build from there. #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #writingtip
Lex ♡

Lex ♡

15 likes

I’m publishing!
My friends I am pleased to announce that ai am publishing. Throughout the years of my life I have written poetry to just escape my thoughts. The feeling of it being on paper was relieving. My illustrator for TABTC (the art beneath the cage) has sent me the last of the illustrations and i’m waiting
rae ✨ writes

rae ✨ writes

8 likes

An illustration of a woman with sunglasses next to a book titled "MY BABY DADDY GOT JOKES... and no job," introducing "TOP 3 SECRETS TO CREATING A HILARIOUS (BUT PROFITABLE) SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK!"
A hand holding the "MY BABY DADDY GOT JOKES... and no job" book, illustrating the first secret: "FIND A NICHE THAT STANDS OUT" and suggesting using ChatGPT for ideas.
Displays the book cover, a Canva design interface, and example journal pages ("THAT'S NOT MY PROBLEM," "BABY DADDY TEARS"), detailing the second secret: "MAKE THE DESIGN POP."
Top 3 Secrets to Publishing Your Own Journal!
😂📖 How I Turned “Baby Daddy Got Jokes… and No Job” into a REAL Journal! Ever had a wild book idea but didn’t know where to start? SAME. But guess what? I self-published that bad boy and you can too! Here’s how: 1️⃣ Find a niche that stands out – If people can relate, they WILL buy. (Trust me,
Meshia Nicole

Meshia Nicole

24 likes

SELF PUBLISHING AUTHOR
The countdown to publishing begins NOW! My 1st Short Novel has been written, professionally edited & awaiting publishing on Amazon, and Barnes & Nobles. Phases Series 5 Short Novel Books 📚 #amazonkdp #barnesandnoble #selfpublishedauthor #shortnovel #bitter
Ravynn Barnes

Ravynn Barnes

7 likes

book formatting as a self-publishing author
#publishingabook #publishingjourney #selfpublishing #romantasy #fantasyromancebooks
E.K. Adams | Author

E.K. Adams | Author

15 likes

The reality of self publishing…
I log in, glance at the dashboard, and see I’ve sold 12 books in the past 30 days. Twelve people took a chance on my book I was brave enough to put into the world on my own. I hope it serves them. I hope it means something. When I held my first copies in my hands, I felt invincible, hopeful, pro
Ally

Ally

6 likes

WIP nearing publishing day!
#publishingindustry #selfpublished #author #romantasy #fantasybooks
Pinkerton

Pinkerton

6 likes

5 Things I Wish I Knew About Publishing📚✍🏻✨
Follow for more author advice #authoradvice #authortips #writingmyfirstbook #readingaesthetic
actuallyorin

actuallyorin

0 likes

Self Publishing Series on My YouTube Channel
Part 3: Developing a Beautiful Book Cover Your cover is your book’s first impression—make it count! In this step, I’m sharing quick tips to design a cover that’s genre-appropriate, eye-catching, and totally scroll-stopping. What’s your go-to design tool? Let’s chat in the comments! #SelfPub
jessicascullino

jessicascullino

1 like

POV: I’m publishing a book after 6 years ❤️
Sweater Weather is currently in Kindle publishing, with paperback on the way. Six years ago, I stepped away from writing. Today, I’m stepping back in stronger, clearer, and more confident than ever. This is just the beginning. I’m ready to speak my truth. 📖🤎 #SweaterWeather #NewBookCom
AuthorSanLashun

AuthorSanLashun

40 likes

Publishing is full of invisible decisions
You didn’t do it wrong. You just didn’t know what to look for. Publishing is full of invisible decisions. AuthorElevation makes them visible—before they cost you. #AuthorElevation #WritersCommunity #IndieAuthorLife #BookWriting #AmWriting
Chelsea

Chelsea

7 likes

IM PUBLISHING 🫶✨🌸
Hi !! I’m New to Lemon8! Follow me for more tips ✨🎉 Writing a book, especially as a beginner, is an exciting journey that involves several key steps and decisions. Follow me as i help guide you into bringing your stories to life! And become that storyteller you've dreamed of being. Devel
Empress

Empress

29 likes

Self Publishing/First Book
✨ Bound to the Game is officially in paperback! ✨ If you love sensual, raw, and emotionally intense storytelling, this book is for you. Dive into a world of passion, self-discovery, and the lessons that come when desire leads the way. 📖 Available NOW on Amazon! Grab your copy and experience t
MEEK 💋

MEEK 💋

11 likes

I’m publishing a journal!
I’ll announce it once it goes live ☺️☺️ but I’m so proud and excited to start this journaling venture! It’s something that’s near and dear to me and has been so helpful in my healing journey. I’m starting with scripture based journals and also going to be adding more in the future! #amazonkdp
Charain Brown

Charain Brown

6 likes

If publishing were easy, everyone would do it
#lemon8bookclub #publishingabook #publishing #writeabook #writer
M.Angely Books

M.Angely Books

7 likes

A white book titled 'THE 7 STEP CHEAT SHEET TO PUBLISHING YOUR EBOOK' in dark blue text, standing against a light blue sky with white clouds. Below the book, it reads 'GRAB YOUR COPY' and includes 'lemon8 @lifeisgreat2025_'.
Step Cheat Sheet to Publishing Your eBook
“Ready to become a published author? Grab your FREE 7-Step Cheat Sheet to Publishing Your eBook and unlock the clearer, faster path from idea to published reality. Once you’re inspired by the cheat sheet, I’ll handle the rest—from writing and editing to designing your custom AI-generated cover and
lifeisgreat2025_

lifeisgreat2025_

2 likes

Haunted Hearts Publishing
Dark Romance Subscription Box Author and SE Reveal!! We are so excited to finally show you the November DR box books!! We partnered with the amazing @ellemitchellbooks to create these beauties she even picked the scenes we featured on the covers how special is that!!! Both Books Feature 🔥 Cu
Foreversargent

Foreversargent

7 likes

Traditional vs. indie publishing????
Indie creatives are entrepreneurs for self funding their business. So when you see their product know their time, money, and resources went into that project. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of stigma around Indie creative thinking that they have chosen this path because they can’t cut it in
Liz Bullard Writes

Liz Bullard Writes

14 likes

A snowy forest with sunlight, featuring a white heart overlay with the text "Things I Wish I Knew Before Publishing". The image includes "lemon8" and "@authormkmorris" in the corner.
A snowy forest with sunlight, featuring a white heart overlay with the text "It's SCARY". The image includes "lemon8" and "@authormkmorris" in the corner.
A snowy forest with sunlight, featuring a white heart overlay with the text "It's rewarding". The image includes "lemon8" and "@authormkmorris" in the corner.
Things I wish I knew before self-publishing📝
Just to clarify, I LOVE self-publishing. There are so many great things about being an indie author, especially having full control over my work. But it’s definitely hard at times and there are harsh truths I’ve had to face. People I’ve had to look at differently. Deadlines I’ve stressed over (beca
MK🤍 | Romance Author

MK🤍 | Romance Author

5 likes

Joseph Hydrant Publishing
💰Some great deals I get online that definitely worth the splurge. #Tiktokshop #fyp #journaling #coloring
voxedgeoffical

voxedgeoffical

3 likes

NEWEST PUBLISHING!
Journal to Healing out now on amazon! Please go check it out!! 🥰🥰🥰🫶🏼🦋✨ #journey #journaltohealing #sneakpeekinside #amazon #fyp
Lαinα ᥫ᭡

Lαinα ᥫ᭡

7 likes

GRWM for my Publishing Party🥰
This is an old video from my publishing party in August! Check out my debut poetry book🥰 #indieauthor #booktok #poetry #poetrybook #publishing
authormattiepaige☀️

authormattiepaige☀️

8 likes

See more