From Traditional to Self-Publishing

The things I've learnt from being a traditionally published author to dipping my toe (probably more like both feet) into the self-publishing realm.

There is so much work involved rather than if it gets (obviously) accepted by a publisher; it's the rounds of edits, and an approval of a book cover.

With self-publishing, there's so much more work involved. It's amazing how you edit something on KDP, hit the publish button, then remember you've forgotten to do something else. But you have to wait for KDP to approve the one you've just sent before you can edit again.

And the amount of times you tweak the book cover...

Then need to tweak the document to upload to KDP...

I also need to ensure I keep the reviews from the original version.

The plus side to self-publishing is that my poor old heart doesn't take a beating by the rejections.

I did lay awake the other night thinking about writing to a few publishers. And I will do that - one day! But for now, I'm going to get them out there.

Cocktails at Kittiwake Cove will go live on the 7th November, and if I pull my finger out, Mistletoe at the Manor will be available from the 4th December - my son's birthday! - and in plenty of time for Christmas!

I've learnt with the book covers it's important to scream the genre the books are in - so hopefully these say warm, uplifting contemporary romances.

If you've not read my Kittiwake Cove series, here's the link to the first book in the series.

Hardback Out Today Plus Kindle Deal - 99p/99c

It's my birthday today, and to celebrate The Neighbour on Post Office Lane comes out in Hardback AND the eBook, for a limited time only, is 99p/99c. (UK/US) 

All majorly exciting stuff, especially as this will be my first book to be in large print!

Head over to Amazon here and choose your preference!

Remember it's only 99p for a limited time only! 

Happy birthday to me! 

I want to say thank you so much for those that have been reading through Kindle Unlimited and have purchased eBooks or paperbacks and left lovely reviews. 

Book Blurb:

He’s oil. She’s water. Can two very different people get along - let alone fall in love?

Rosie needs the headspace to write her next book. With her city life in turmoil, Rosie moves back in with her parents until her grandmother, Margot offers her a solution.

Reluctantly, Rosie promises to cover Margot’s shifts at the local post office, house-sit her thatched cottage – and the cats. Oh, and to keep an eye on her elderly neighbour.

Margot’s neighbour is Daryl; a mechanic, specialising in vintage cars – and not so elderly!

As Rosie learns to slow down her city pace, to her astonishment, she finds Daryl scrubs up rather hot! And could be her perfect muse…

From the darkness of his abusive childhood, Daryl wars with his insecurities. Is he worthy of love?

In the sleepy seaside village of Lower Amble, could Rosie fall for the neighbour on Post Office Lane?

And It's Publication Day

Today my 7th novel, The Neighbour on Post Office Lane was published! 

This book has been over three years in the making. It's done rounds with publishers, even making some edits from their suggestions, and still no joy. (More of the post office was included.) 

Coming from a traditionally published background, I had hoped to find the right publisher for this book. However, what a journey to self-publish. It has been rather satisfying, and a little addictive. And I'm still nervous there's a typo I've not spotted.

Yesterday marked 13 years as a published author with my debut novel Plus One is a Lucky Number. So a double celebration today really. 

If you've read any of my books, I'm sure you'll love my warm, fun and flirty The Neighbour on Post Office Lane. 

There's one hot mechanic and a thriller writer... Rosie needs to learn to slow down to the sleepy Somerset pace and Daryl needs to leave his past behind. 

It's available in ebook and paperback, and is also free in Kindle Unlimited. Hardback coming soon... 

Buy link for Amazon UK here! But it is available worldwide. 

Visit Morton's Blog Post...

I was invited over to Morton S Gray's blog today to talk about The Neighbour on Post Office Lane... 

Here's a link to the post HERE

Out 30 August 2026! Not long now! 

Have You Pre-ordered Your Copy?

I am majorly excited. The Neighbour on Post Office Lane is out 30 August 2026.

Pre-orders are coming in, which is making me feel loved, if truth be told.

I'm so nervous about putting this book out there, but it needs to leave my desk so I can work on my next project.

 
Have you pre-ordered? Or followed me on Amazon for the latest news?

I am even working on a Hardback for this book as, well, I thought, why the hell not. This will be my first book available in LARGE PRINT. (This might come out a bit later... unless I pull my socks up and get it sorted in time for 30 August 2026)

Pre-order HERE! 

Follow me on Amazon: here: https://amzn.to/4zc9AEG