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At PosiDove Pen Press, we believe that every story deserves a chance to shine. As an independent press, we’re dedicated to supporting indie authors on their journey to self-publishing, offering a thoughtful and compassionate approach to bringing books to life.Founded by J.P. Dove, a poet and self-published author, PosiDove Pen Press was created to empower writers who dream of sharing their voices with the world. Having walked this path, we understand the joys and challenges of self-publishing, and we’re here to make the process feel approachable, nurturing, and fulfilling.We celebrate the beauty of independent storytelling and are passionate about creating a space where writers can feel seen, supported, and free to express themselves. From crafting your manuscript to designing your book and sharing it with readers, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.At PosiDove Pen Press, we believe in:Creativity: Honoring your unique voice and vision.Community: Building connections with like-minded writers and readers.Gentle Guidance: Offering support and resources that encourage without overwhelming.We’re here to help you tell your story your way, with care and intention.PosiDove Pen Press – A home for indie stories that inspire and connect.

climb and chasm

by j.p. dove

In climb and chasm, debut poet J.P. Dove invites readers into a landscape of raw emotion, where love, loss, and self-discovery intertwine. With unapologetic honesty, this collection explores life’s darkest moments: abuse, addiction, and heartache, while shedding light on strengths and resilience that emerges in their wake.At its core, this collection is a philosophical journey through the intricacies of pain, transformation, and the quest for meaning. Across four evocative chapters, J.P. weaves the delicate tension between sorrow and renewal, offering reflections on both the personal and universal experiences of healing. It celebrates the quiet courage found in vulnerability, reminding us that, no matter the depth of darkness, there’s always a path forward.By climbing out of the chasm, we become the light we seek.

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Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Posidove Pen Press, we’ve compiled practical tools, insightful guides, and actionable advice to simplify the process.From choosing the right platforms to mastering book marketing, these resources are designed to empower you at every stage of your publishing journey. Don't forget to click on "manuscript help" for a helpful detailed breakdown!

• Manuscript Help

Publishing Platforms OverviewUnderstand the key self-publishing platforms to choose the best fit for your book:Lulu: Focuses on print-on-demand services for unique or niche projects. Offers professional-grade printing for hardcover, paperback, and spiral-bound books. Great for authors who want flexibility and a non-exclusive approach to distribution.IngramSpark: Provides access to bookstores, libraries, and wide distribution for print books.Draft2Digital: Simplifies eBook publishing across multiple platforms.

Purchasing ISBNs and LCCNsUnique identifiers are crucial for making your book professional and trackable:ISBNs:Purchase directly from Bowker.Assign unique ISBNs for each format (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook).Use Bowker’s barcode generator to create barcodes for print books, or utilize Lulu and IngramSpark's native free barcode tools.LCCNs:Register with the Library of Congress PCN Program.Add the LCCN to your copyright page for print editions.

Creating Your Imprint (Optional)Establishing a publishing imprint adds professionalism to your books:Choose an imprint name that reflects your brand.Register a DBA (Doing Business As) with your local government. Search 'Secretary of State', followed by the state you're doing business in (~$50)Use your imprint name on copyright pages, ISBN registrations, and promotional materials.

Designing Cover ArtYour cover is your book’s first impression—make it count!Use Lulu’s Cover Guidelines for specific dimensions and requirements.Options:DIY Tools: Use Canva to create professional-looking covers.Freelancers: Hire experienced designers on Fiverr.Barcode Placement: Add your ISBN barcode to back cover, or leave it blank for most POD.

Metadata OptimizationMetadata ensures your book is discoverable by the right readers:Write a compelling book description that hooks potential readers.Choose relevant categories and keywords to improve visibility on selling platforms.Craft an engaging author bio for your Goodreads Author Page or website.

Pricing StrategiesSetting the right price can influence your book’s success:Research pricing norms for your genre and format (e.g., eBooks, paperbacks).Use lower pricing or free promotions to attract new readers.Adjust pricing based on sales data and reader feedback.

Registering Copyright In The United StatesMake sure your work (e.g., book, poem, artwork) is complete and ready for registration.Sign up for an account in the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system.Log in, select “Register a Copyright,” and follow the prompts.Enter information about your work, such as the title, author, and creation date.Fees range from $45 to $65 for most registrations.Upload a digital copy or mail a physical copy, depending on what’s required.You’ll receive a confirmation, and registration typically takes a few months.

Formatting and Uploading Your BookPrepare your book for publishing platforms:Print Books:Export your manuscript as a PDF with embedded fonts.Upload it to platforms like Lulu or IngramSpark.eBooks:Convert your manuscript to EPUB format using tools like Calibre.

Selecting the Right Book CategoryChoosing the right book category on platforms like Lulu and IngramSpark is essential for boosting visibility, discoverability, and sales. Here’s how to do it effectively:Key Steps to Choose CategoriesResearch Categories:Analyze books similar to yours and use tools like Publisher Rocket to explore relevant options.Assess Competitiveness:Review bestseller ranks in potential categories to estimate the sales needed to compete.Target Niche Categories:Focus on specific subcategories to reduce competition and reach a precise audience.Why This MattersEnhanced Visibility:Ensures your book reaches its target audience.Sales Boost:Positioning in less competitive, relevant categories can increase sales.Bestseller Potential:Well-chosen categories improve your chances of ranking on bestseller lists.Strategic category selection is a simple yet impactful way to set your book up for success.

Setting Up a Goodreads Author PageCreate a Goodreads Profile to enhance discoverability:Claim your Author Profile.Add a professional bio, photo, and links to your website or social media.Engage with readers and host giveaways!

Setting Up Domain-Based EmailGet a DomainIf you don’t already have one, buy a domain from a registrar like Namecheap.Sign Up for Zoho MailVisit Zoho Mail and sign up for a plan that supports custom domains.Add Your DomainEnter your domain name during setup and follow Zoho’s steps.Verify Domain OwnershipAdd a TXT or CNAME record to your domain registrar’s DNS settings to verify ownership.Configure DNS RecordsUpdate your domain’s DNS settings with Zoho’s provided:MX records (for receiving emails).SPF and DKIM records (to authenticate outgoing emails).Create Your Email AccountsUse Zoho’s Admin Console to create accounts like [email protected].Start Using Your EmailAccess Zoho Mail via the web, mobile app, or email clients like Outlook.

Building an Email NewsletterEmail newsletters help you engage directly with readers:Steps with MailerLite:Create an account at MailerLite or log in if you already have one.Import your email list as a CSV file or manually add subscribers.Organize subscribers into groups or segments for targeted emails.Go to the Campaigns tab and click Create Campaign.Choose Regular Campaign for a standard newsletter.Select a pre-made template, start from scratch, or use the drag-and-drop editor.Add content such as:A compelling subject line.Text, images, and links.A call-to-action (e.g., "Read More" or "Shop Now").Preview the email for desktop and mobile.Test Your NewsletterSend a test email to yourself to check formatting, links, and content.Choose whether to send immediately or schedule for later.Select your subscriber group and confirm the campaign

Creating eBook Versions for FreeDownload Calibre: A free tool for turning your manuscript into an eBook.Or use Draft2Digital for eBook formatting and distribution.Prepare Your File:Save your manuscript as a clean DOCX file.Use consistent styles for headings, paragraphs, and chapter breaks.Format Your eBook:Upload your file to the tool you chose.Adjust formatting (e.g., table of contents, font size).Preview to ensure it looks good on eReaders.Export:Save as EPUB (universal format)Test and Share:Test on an eReaderDistribute via free platforms like Draft2Digital or directly to stores like Lulu.

Book Marketing and PromotionPromote your book effectively to connect with readers:Run targeted ads on social media platforms.Build buzz with a pre-launch campaign or giveaways.Collaborate with book bloggers and influencers for reviews.

AudiobooksTurn your book into an audiobook to expand your reach:Use platforms like ACX or Findaway Voices.Decide whether to narrate the book yourself or hire a professional voice actor.Set pricing and distribution for your audiobook.

Proofing and Reviewing Your BookOrder a print proof to ensure quality:Check for errors in text alignment, margins, and cover placement.Correct spelling, grammar, and formatting inconsistencies.

Building an Author WebsiteA professional website establishes your online presence:Tools:Carrd: Build minimalist one-page websites.Namecheap: Register a custom domain for your author brand.MailerLite: Add a newsletter sign-up form to grow your email list.Zoho: Integrate your domain into a new email ([email protected]).

Tracking Sales and AnalyticsUnderstand how your book is performing to optimize your strategy:Use tools like Book Report or Publisher Rocket to analyze sales and discoverability.Adjust pricing, categories, or keywords based on analytics.

Scaling Your Publishing CareerBuild long-term success as a self-publisher:Write a series or multiple books to grow your brand.Explore new formats, like audiobooks or special editions.Offer workshops, courses, or collaborations with other authors.

Questions?Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help!
Whether you’re curious about our services, the publishing process, or just want to connect, please use the contact form to get in touch. We’ll respond as soon as possible.We are also working on updating our YouTube Channel with how-to videos displaying each process in depth and detail, so please send us a message if you need specific guidance!

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Resources For

a polished Manuscript

A well-prepared manuscript is the foundation of a professional book. This guide provides detailed steps to ensure your manuscript is polished, correctly formatted, and read to publish.

Content PreparationBefore diving into technical formatting, make sure the content is finalized:Editing and Proofreading:Have your manuscript professionally edited or enlist trusted beta readers to review it.Focus on grammar, punctuation, consistency, and overall readability.Chapter Structure:Ensure each chapter starts on a new page.Use consistent formatting for chapter titles (e.g., bold, centered).Review chapter length and flow to maintain reader engagement.

Organizing Your BookYour book is divided into three main sections: front matter, main text, and back matter.Front Matter:The pages that come before the main content of your book. These often include:Title Page: Includes the book’s title, subtitle, and author name.Copyright Page: Includes: A copyright statement (e.g., "Copyright © 2025 by Your Name").ISBN and LCCN details.Any disclaimers (e.g., "This is a work of fiction…").Dedication Page: (Optional) A personal note to someone special.Acknowledgments Page: (Optional) Thank contributors or supporters.Table of Contents: Required for non-fiction and optional for fiction.Main Text:This is the core of your book:Use justified text for a clean, professional look.Indent paragraphs using the First Line Indent feature, not spaces or tabs.Maintain consistent font size and style throughout (e.g., Times New Roman, 12 pt).Back Matter:The pages that follow the main content of your book, such as:About the Author Page: Share your background, achievements, and interests.Appendices or References: Include supplementary materials for non-fiction.

Formatting Your Manuscript Trim Size and Margins:Your trim size is the final physical dimensions of your book. Common sizes include:5.5” x 8.5” or 6” x 9” for paperbacks.Set margins to ensure proper spacing:Top/Bottom Margins: 0.75”Outside Margins: 0.5”Inside Margin (Gutter): 0.75” – 1.25”+ (varies by page count).Select "mirror margins" on the "multiple pages" dropdown.Select "whole document" on the "apply to:" dropdown.Click to use Lightning Source's Cover Calculator.How to Set These in Word:Go to Layout > Size to adjust the page size.Set margins under Layout > Margins > Custom Margins.Page and Section Breaks:Using breaks ensures clean formatting for different sections:Page Breaks: Move content to the next page (e.g., starting a new chapter).Shortcut: Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Command + Enter (Mac).Section Breaks: Allow for different headers, footers, or numbering styles across sections
(e.g., Roman numerals for front matter, Arabic for main text).Set these via Layout > Breaks > Section Break (Next Page).Headers and Footers:Use headers for the author name or book title (optional).Add page numbers in the footer:Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) for front matter.Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for main text.To customize, uncheck "Link to Previous" for unique headers/footers in each section.

Using the Paragraph Button ToolEnable the ¶ (Paragraph) button in Word to view formatting marks:Identify and remove extra spaces, tabs, or blank paragraphs.Check for proper line spacing and paragraph indents.Ensure section and page breaks are applied correctly.

What is Bleed, and Do I Need It?Bleed is the extra space around the edges of a printed page that ensures your design or artwork extends fully to the edge after trimming. Without bleed, there might be a white border around your printed piece.Do you need it?Yes, if your design has images, backgrounds, or colors that go to the edge of the page.No, if your design has margins and no elements touching the page edges.Typically, bleed is set to 0.125 inches (3mm) on all sides.Check with your printer for their specific requirements.

Exporting Your ManuscriptOnce the manuscript is formatted, export it for publishing platforms:Print Books: Save as a PDF with embedded fonts:Go to File > Save As > PDF.In options, ensure fonts are embedded, and bleed is set if needed.

Checklist for a Polished ManuscriptUse this checklist to confirm your manuscript is ready for upload:Edited and proofread for grammar, flow, and consistency.Front matter, main text, and back matter are properly organized.Trim size, margins, and gutters match publishing platform requirements.Headers, footers, and page numbers are formatted correctly.Exported as PDF for print and EPUB for eBooks.

Questions?Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help! Whether you’re curious about our services, the publishing process, or just want to connect, please use the contact form to get in touch. We’ll respond as soon as possible.We are also working on updating our YouTube Channel with how-to videos displaying each process in depth and detail, so please send us a message if you need specific guidance!

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Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you!Whether you have a question, suggestion, or simply want to connect, we’re here to help. Reach out to us using any of the methods below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.Common InquiriesQuestions about resources or services? Let us know how we can assist.Suggestions for events or classes? We’d love to hear your ideas.Feedback on our offerings? Your input helps us grow and improve.