Welcome to my Author Resources page, a dedicated space for sharing my recommended tools, software, and educational resources to help you on your author journey. As an author and podcaster, I use or have trialled the majority of resources on this page. The few resources I haven’t yet trialled are created by people I trust and admire. My hope is that you find amongst these resources, tools to make your writing life easier and more enjoyable.
This is not an exhaustive list – I am sure I have unintentionally left off many amazing resources. But as much as possible, I’m trying to keep this list curated around my own experience. As I develop on my author and podcaster journey, I can guarantee new resources will be added, so make sure you check back regularly.
One final note: Some of these links are affiliate links for services and products I highly recommend. By using these links I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This commission however, goes a long way towards supporting my writing and the Alchemy for Authors podcast, so I am always appreciative if you choose to use them.
Organisations:
The Alliance of Independent Authors
ALLi is an amazing global membership association for self-published authors. Not only can it provide advice and advocacy for authors when things go sideways, but it also offers a plethora of educational content and discounts on services and products. I am a proud member of ALLi and I love the value I receive from this membership.
The Female Entrepreneur Association – With Carrie Green
If you’re entrepreneurial minded then this is a fantastic membership to consider joining. Not only is it a wonderful and supportive community to belong to, but it also allows you access to a huge array of courses to upskill in all the ways needed to create a successful business. You can check out FEA here.
Writing Craft:
Write Your Skeleton Draft Course
A course by Steff Green at Rage Against The Manuscript
As a discovery writer, I’m completely in love with this course for speeding up my drafting process. And it’s super affordable too! I recommend you check it out if you struggle with plotting and writing fast. Visit Steff’s website here and check out her other wonderful resources too.
How to Write a Bestseller Course – With Suzy K Quinn
I have enrolled in a few of Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula Courses, and although all of them provide value, this one still stands as my favourite. How to Write a Bestseller gave me the confidence to write my debut novel, and I return to this course often. You can learn more about it here.
If you’re a plotter then I highly recommend you check out Plottr as a visual outlining tool. It has some wonderful templates to help you plan your story or your series too. Make sure to try their FREE trial here.
Scrivener is my absolute favourite writing software. I have used Scrivener for years and for every book I’ve written. You can grab a FREE trial and learn more about it here.
Perfect Your Plot Course – With Stacy Juba
Are you struggling to develop a plot that feels cohesive and compelling? Stacy Juba’s course, “Perfect Your Plot,” is here to help. With 7 video lessons, cheat sheets, and actionable worksheets, you’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls and craft stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Enroll for just $47 and start perfecting your storytelling skills.
Energize Your Writing Toolkit – With Stacy Juba
Or grab a FREE copy of the “Looks & Gazes Quickstart Guide” here. It has been a saviour for me!
Even if you’re a well-seasoned writer and/or editor, the Energize Your Writing Toolkit by Stacy Juba has something for you. Refresh your writing with new emotional phrases or a fresh look at nonverbal communication, then refer back to the cheat sheets whenever you need inspiration! Grab the course here.
Editing:
Prowriting Aid is my go-to editing software. Enough said! Check it out here.
Book Editing Blueprint – With Stacy Juba
Another wonderful course by Stacy Juba. If you have a fiction or creative nonfiction book to edit, then you’ll love Book Editing Blueprint: A Step-By-Step Plan To Making Your Novels Publishable. You can learn more here.
Alternatively, you can grab Stacy’s FREE Masterclass (Webinar) “How to Create Your Editing Game Plan & Fast Track Your Book” here. Or, her FREE class on “Line Editing Made Simple” here.
First Pages Quick Fix Clinic – With Stacy Juba
Uncover the secrets of powerful beginnings with the “First Pages Quick Fix Clinic”! This mini-course will help you think like an editor so you can craft an opening scene that wows readers. Enroll here.
Book Blurbs
Book Blurbs Made Simple – Mini-Course – With Stacy Juba
Writing blurbs for my books are one of the things I struggle with most. If you’re wanting to write a book blurb that hooks readers and stands out from the crowd, check out Stacy Juba’s mini-course. Enroll here for just $9.
Book Blurb Magic – A Course by Jessie Cunniffe
This is my absolute go-to course for writing book blurbs. I purchased it once but refer back to it often. If you use the coupon code ALCHEMY at the check out you can save yourself an extra 10%! Check it out here.
While you’re at it, make sure to check out Jessie’s other wonderful book blurb offerings:
- If you’d prefer to work one-on-one with Jessie, you can book her for a 1:1 Blurb Audit. Again, use the coupon code ALCHEMY to save 10% at the check out. Learn more here.
- Ready for a done for you Custom Book Blurb? Jessie can do that too, but do plan ahead as Jessie books up fast! Use the coupon code ALCHEMY to save 10% at the check out. Book a custom blurb here.
- If writing spicy is your thing, Jessie has you covered with her Spicy Blurb Playbook. Grab yours here. Use the coupon code ALCHEMY to save 10% at the check out.
MARKETING & ADVERTISING:
Publisher Rocket – Created by Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur
Other tools you might love from Dave at Kindlepreneur is his Book Description Generator, his FREE AMS (Amazon Ads) Course, and his article on How to Choose Categories for your books.
Publisher Rocket is a no-brainer author investment in my opinion. I purchased Publisher Rocket when I first started my author journey and have never looked back. The best thing is it’s a once-off investment!
Publisher Rocket helps me in four key areas:
Best Keywords for my book
Who my Competitors are (so I can learn from them)
Best Categories for my book
Best Keywords for my AMS ads
Seriously, you’ll get so much mileage from this software!
Free Author Ad Challenge – With Bryan Cohen
If you’re new to Amazon Ads, Bryan makes it so fun with his Author Ad Challenge. I’ve gone through this challenge a couple of times and each time I learn something new. I highly recommend it. You can learn more about when his next Amazon Ad Challenge is available by following him on Facebook here. Bryan also has a paid Author Ad School offering that you can access here.
This is my go-to software for sending out ARC copies of my books to advance readers, sending out my reader magnets, and for finding newsletter swaps. They’ve never let me down! Find out more here.
If I’m looking for special promotions or promo stacks for my books, this is where I tend to go. Super easy and friendly to use. Learn more here.
Book Brush is the software I primarily use for my book graphics and advertising. There are lots of templates to choose from or you can custom design your own. Learn more here.
I am a super fan of Canva and have Canva Pro. This is my go-to for social media and podcast posts and graphics. Check it out here.
Business:
The Ultimate Authorship Planner by Audrey Ann Hughey
This is a super comprehensive planner made specifically for Indie Authors. You can keep track of your day-to-day, use the content calendar, brainstorm story ideas, create goals, and track expenses, amongst other things. I use the undated version which you can find here.
As someone with ADHD who seems to always have a million tasks on the go at once, this is my absolute favourite day planner. I have used Clever Fox Planners for years, and every time I stray away from them, I always end up coming back. Not only do they help you plan your day, week, and month, they have a super cool section in the front for creating a vision board, writing down goals, and affirmations, and things you’re grateful for. Seriously, I LOVE these planners! Check out the one I use here.
Time Genius Course – With Marie Forleo
Time Management is something I struggle with, particularly as a multi-passionate person with ADHD. This is by far the most fun course for productivity and time management that I have enrolled in (and often revisit). It helps that Marie is not only a multi-passionate person with ADHD herself, but also uber successful. Someone who walks her talk. Time Genius is usually available once or twice a year. If it’s not open for enrollment as you read this, you can always jump on the waitlist. Learn more here.
The Go Creative! Planning Program – With Orna Ross
I adore the Go Creative Planning program. It’s specifically designed to support authors and poets become creatively and commercially independent. Orna was a guest on the Alchemy for Authors show on Episode 74 to talk about Go Creative Planning. You can listen to the episode here. Otherwise, access to Go Creative Planning is through Orna’s Patreon. There a couple of different membership levels. The workshop level is by far my favourite. Her monthly Zoom calls are amazing! Learn more here.
SELLING DIRECT:
Authors Selling Direct – With Morgana Best
I’m presently enrolled in Morgana’s course Authors Selling Direct on Shopify. Morgana knows her stuff. If you’re new to selling direct, I highly recommend you check out her course and book on her website here.
CONFERENCES:
Inkers Con – With Alessandra Torre
Living in New Zealand, this is my go-to virtual conference. The line-up of authors and topics is always phenomenal. For someone who loves learning, I can not rave about this conference enough. Learn more here.
MANIFESTATION & MONEY MINDSET:
Write to Riches – With Renee Rose
Write to Riches is my favourite book on manifestation specifically for authors. Renee also has an 8-week course by the same name. You can find Renee’s book here and sign up for her course or the waitlist here. Listen to Renee as a guest on Alchemy for Authors in Episode 55: Write to Riches with Renee Rose.
Relax to Riches: 9 Energetic Tools for Manifesting 2.0 – By Renee Rose
A wonderful follow up to Renee’s book Write to Riches. Imagine manifesting in your sleep?! Listen to Renee talk about Relax to Riches on Episode 94: Relax to Riches with Renee Rose.
Adventures in the Universe By Lee Savino
Another wonderful book on manifestation, written by Renee Rose’s best friend, and bestselling author Lee Savino. You can find Adventures in the Universe here and listen to Lee guest on Alchemy for Authors in Episode 77: Money, Magic & Mindset with Lee Savino. I also highly recommend Lee’s book Your Journey into Abundance: A 29 Day Program to Attract Wealth, Success and Serious Joy. You can grab a copy here.
You can grab a special discount by using the coupon code JO at the checkout. Grab your Money Magic Membership or other offerings here.
The Money Magic Membership is hosted by Renee Rose and Lee Savino. It’s a fantastic community of authors and creatives embarking on upleveling their money mindsets and manifesting careers they love. Membership includes access to the Money Magic course, meditations, and monthly calls.
Money Mindset – Denise Duffield-Thomas
Denise is one of my favourite money mindset and manifestation authors. She also hosts a very popular membership: Money Bootcamp. You can learn more about her, and her books and courses, here. My book recommendations are Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chill and Prosper.
Abundant Ever After: Tools for Creating a Life of Prosperity and Ease – By Cathy Heller
Another highly recommended book on manifestation and money mindset.
Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power – By Carolyn Elliott, PhD
One of my absolute favourite books to help with mindset and manifestation!
Your Future Self – With Carissa Andrews & Tammy Tyree
This is a wonderful inexpensive meditation and hypnosis membership created by Carissa Andrews and Tammy Tyree, specifically for authors. It helps with fostering a positive author and money mindset, along with helping you to manifest the author career of your dreams. I highly recommend! Grab your 7-day FREE trial here.
Millionaire Author Manifestation 12-Week Course – With Carissa Andrews
You can listen to Carissa on the Alchemy for Authors podcast on Episode 16: Millionaire Author Mindset with Carissa Andrews, and Bonus Episode: Millionaire Author Manifestation with Carissa Andrews.
This is an amazing course hosted by Carissa Andrews from Author Revolution on all things manifestation and mindset for authors. It’s also a fantastic community to belong to. I am a huge supporter of Carissa and her contributions to the author community. You can learn more about the Millionaire Author Manifestation 12-Week Course here.
Use the coupon code JO to receive 30% off if you paid in full, or the first payment if you use the payment plan.
Manifestation for Authors – With Jo Buer
Grab a FREE PDF of Manifestation for Authors: Tips & Tricks to Supercharge Your Author Life Using the Law of Attraction when you sign up to my Alchemy for Authors newsletter here.
Vision Board Toolkit for Writers – With Stacy Juba
Dive into engaging lessons, create a personalised vision board, and access an exclusive toolkit for writers. If you’re ready to transform your writing goals, creating a vision board is a wonderful way to keep the intention alive. Grab your Vision Board Toolkit for Writers here.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR AUTHORS
The Enneagram for Authors
I also highly recommend Claire’s 5-Week Liberated Writer Course. Learn more here. If you enroll, please let Claire know you heard about it through me:-)
I absolutely adore Claire Taylor and her two fabulous books Reclaim Your Author Career and Sustain Your Author Career. They are must-reads if you are serious about knowing yourself and creating an author career that aligns with your strengths.
The Better-Faster Academy – With Becca Syme
If you’re interested in the Clifton Strengths as an author, Becca is the person to seek out. Check out her website for her classes, podcasts, coaching, and books for authors. Visit her website here.
NLP for Fiction Writers – With Beth Barany & Stacy Juba
Unlock the power of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to supercharge your creativity. Join this mini-course for only $49 and discover how NLP techniques can transform your writing process.
Join the course here.
Oracle Cards for Writers – With Stacy Juba
You can also grab Stacy’s FREE guide to Awakening the Creative Muse: A Writer’s Guide to Intuition here.
Or for $9 you can purchase The Writer’s Muse Journal here.
Personally, I love oracle and tarot cards and have used them for more years than I can count. Stacy Juba has created a wonderful course that shows you how to use oracle cards to craft stories that captivate and resonate with readers on a deep level. Explore the enchanting world of symbolism and storytelling in the Oracle Cards for Writers Course here.
COACHING:
Emma Dhesi – Book Coach.
Visit Emma’s website to learn more about her services here. Listen to Emma’s most recent interview on Alchemy for Authors in Episode 90: The 4 Pillars of Author Success with Emma Dhesi.
PODCASTS:
Alchemy for Authors – With Jo Buer
Of course I’m going to recommend you check out my podcast Alchemy for Authors if you haven’t already. I have been incredibly privileged to have chatted with book industry experts from all around the world on this show. I have learnt so much, and I know you will too. Whether it’s craft, publishing, marketing, manifestation, or mindset, Alchemy for Authors covers it all. Visit the Alchemy for Authors homepage here.
The Author Revolution Podcast – With Carissa Andrews
The Creative Penn – With Joanna Penn
Stark Reflections – With Mark Leslie Lefebvre
The Self-Publishing Advice Podcast – With ALLi
The Mind Your Business Podcast – With James Wedmore
What If? For Authors – With Claire Taylor
Abundant Ever After Podcast – With Cathy Heller
PODCASTING COURSE:
Your Turn To Podcast – With Cathy Heller
This was the course I enrolled in back in 2021 and it was life changing! At the time I did it the course was 8-weeks long but it has recently changed to having a year of support. I highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs as well as mindset needed to podcast. Find out more here.
PODCASTING SOFTWARE:
Descript – Descript is the editing software I use for Alchemy for Authors. It can be used to edit video and audio as well as transcription, and new features are being added all the time. Learn more here.