By Dirk Ebener - May 15, 2026 Your travel manuscript is now with the copyeditor. It might seem like a good time to take a break before publishers or formatters get involved, but this is actually the perfect moment to start your marketing efforts. If you wait until your book is completely finished, you might miss your best opportunity. Success often depends on the work you do while your manuscript is still being copyedited. Bringing in Advance Review Copy (ARC) readers whi

By Dirk Ebener - May 8, 2026 Quiet Coffee Shop My travel journal and laptop are open, and for the next few hours, this coffee shop becomes my creative space. I’ve found a quiet spot near Nanjing Road in Shanghai, a peaceful break from the busy shopping street just outside. Working remotely here takes real focus, with the city’s energy always close by. Enjoy reading " The Author’s Progress: The “Remote Office” Anywhere." Over the years, my “mobile office” routine has taken o

By Dirk Ebener - May 1, 2026 Indie Bookstore in Ellijay, Georgia The Author’s Progress: The Resurgence of the Indie Bookstore As an author, I’m excited to see independent bookstores coming back, proving the predictions about their end wrong. The street corner feels alive again with these shops—the creak of a wooden sign, the smell of coffee, and a real sense of belonging. Not long ago, this sidewalk seemed quiet because of online shopping, but now it feels like the center of