Tuesday, September 30, 2025

How to Increase Organic Sales Through Reviews and Reader Trust

One of the biggest factors in selling books on Amazon isn’t just ads, categories, or keywords — it’s reviews. Organic sales — the sales you earn without spending money on ads — often come down to one thing: whether other readers are recommending your book.


Why Reviews Matter

Think of reviews as social proof. When a potential reader sees dozens of honest reviews, they feel more confident clicking “Buy.” Reviews also influence Amazon’s algorithm. Books with consistent, fresh reviews are more likely to appear in “Customers Also Bought” sections and recommendation carousels. In short: the more genuine reviews you have, the more visible your book becomes.


How to Get More Reviews (the Right Way)

  • Ask your readers. Add a polite note at the end of your book inviting readers to leave a review if they found value in it.

  • Build an email list. When readers sign up, send them updates and gently remind them how much reviews help.

  • Use ARC (Advance Review Copy) teams. Before your book launches, share early copies with trusted readers who can leave reviews on release day.

  • Engage your audience. Social media, newsletters, and blogs are all great ways to connect with readers who may want to leave feedback.

⚠️ Avoid shortcuts. Buying reviews or offering incentives can get you banned. Stick with honest, reader-driven reviews.


Beyond Reviews: Building Organic Momentum

While reviews are central, they’re part of a bigger picture. You can also:

  • Optimize your book page. A strong subtitle, polished description, and professional cover improve conversion rates.

  • Encourage word-of-mouth. Readers who love your book are often happy to recommend it. Make it easy for them by sharing graphics, quotes, or shareable links.

  • Use cross-promotion. Mention your other books inside your current book so each sale multiplies your exposure.

  • Leverage content marketing. Write blog posts, create videos, or share insights that connect back to your book.


Final Thoughts

Organic sales don’t happen overnight — they’re the result of trust. Reviews build that trust, and consistent reader engagement keeps the momentum going. Every genuine review, every recommendation, every share compounds over time.

The bottom line? Focus on earning reader trust first, and the sales will follow. 

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Tool Review: Why Every Author Should Know About Reedsy.com

When it comes to self-publishing, one of the biggest hurdles isn’t just writing the book — it’s everything that comes after. Editing, formatting, cover design, marketing… the list can feel endless. That’s where Reedsy.com steps in, and in my experience, it’s one of the most valuable resources available for both new and seasoned authors.


A Powerful All-in-One Writing & Formatting Tool

Reedsy’s Book Editor is simple, intuitive, and designed with authors in mind. Unlike clunky word processors, the platform makes it easy to write, organize, and edit your manuscript in a clean environment. Even better, once your manuscript is complete, Reedsy allows you to export professional-quality files (EPUB, MOBI, PDF, etc.) that are perfectly formatted for Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and other major platforms.

That means no more wrestling with endless formatting glitches or wasting hours trying to make your manuscript look professional. Reedsy does the heavy lifting for you.


Beyond Tools: A Thriving Community and Marketplace

What truly sets Reedsy apart is that it’s more than just software — it’s an ecosystem built for authors. On Reedsy, you’ll find:

  • A vibrant writing community full of resources, articles, and tutorials to help you grow.

  • Access to a marketplace of professionals — ghostwriters, editors, proofreaders, cover designers, and marketers — all vetted and available for hire.

  • Opportunities to learn and engage with other writers, whether you’re working on your first project or scaling up your publishing business.

For anyone who has ever felt lost in the self-publishing world, Reedsy provides not only the tools but also the people to support your journey.


A Few Small Drawbacks

No tool is perfect, and Reedsy is no exception. The biggest limitation I’ve noticed is that the editor sometimes struggles with tables and complex lists. If you import from Word or Google Docs, you may also find yourself doing some manual formatting adjustments. While not deal-breaking, it’s worth keeping in mind if your book relies heavily on charts or technical formatting.


Final Recommendation

Despite a few small quirks, Reedsy.com is a game-changing resource for authors. Its combination of user-friendly editing tools, seamless export options, and access to a marketplace of skilled professionals makes it a must-know platform in today’s publishing world. Whether you’re a brand-new writer taking your first steps or an experienced author looking to streamline your process, Reedsy deserves a place in your publishing toolkit.

FFTB Publishing, LLC highly recommends Reedsy.com as a platform that can help you not only produce professional books but also connect with the resources and people who can make your publishing journey smoother — and far more successful. 

From Idea to Income: The Journey of Publishing a Book with KDP

Every published book begins the same way: with a single idea. It might be a story that’s been rattling around in your head, a lesson you want to share, or a problem you’ve solved that could help others. The beauty of self-publishing with Amazon KDP is that you don’t need permission from a gatekeeper to turn that idea into income. You just need a clear process — and the persistence to see it through.


Step 1: The Spark of an Idea

Your book’s journey starts with identifying the value you want to deliver. For nonfiction authors, this might be solving a problem or sharing expertise. For fiction authors, it might be a compelling character or a fresh take on a genre. Whatever the source, the idea becomes the seed that drives everything else.


Step 2: Writing the Draft

Writing is where the dream begins to take shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect — in fact, it shouldn’t be. The goal at this stage is momentum. Outlines, word count goals, and small daily habits help you move steadily from blank page to finished manuscript.


Step 3: Editing and Refining

Once the draft is complete, the real work begins. Editing is where your rough ideas become clear, polished, and reader-ready. Whether you hire a professional editor or use tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid, this step ensures your book delivers value and keeps readers turning pages.


Step 4: Formatting and Design

Readers do judge books by their covers — and by how professional they look inside. Formatting your manuscript for Kindle and print, and designing a strong cover, are crucial steps that can make the difference between looking amateur and standing tall next to bestsellers.


Step 5: Publishing with KDP

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) makes publishing simple. With just a few clicks, your ebook and paperback can be available to readers around the world. What once took years and thousands of dollars through traditional publishing now takes days — and costs nothing upfront.


Step 6: Marketing and Momentum

Publishing your book is only the beginning. Marketing — through Amazon ads, email lists, social media, and word of mouth — is what turns a book into an income-generating asset. Each sale not only earns royalties but also builds momentum in Amazon’s system, helping your book appear in more searches and recommendations.


A Personal Note

I’ll never forget the morning I woke up and checked my KDP dashboard, only to see sales climbing faster than I expected. The book wasn’t perfect, and I still had a lot to learn, but the experience proved something important: once you publish, your book becomes an asset that keeps working for you — even while you sleep.


Final Thoughts

The journey from idea to income isn’t always smooth, but every step adds value and builds momentum. One day you’re staring at a blank page; the next, you’re holding your own book in your hands or seeing it on Amazon’s shelves.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing, now is the time. Take that idea, start the draft, and commit to the process. The world is waiting to read what only you can write. 

Why Your Book Description Might Be Costing You Sales

There’s an old saying in publishing: “Covers get clicks, but descriptions close sales.” Readers might stop scrolling because of your book cover, but whether they actually click “Buy” often depends on your description. A strong blurb can turn casual browsers into paying customers. A weak one? It can send them right back to scrolling — even if your book is fantastic.


The Power of a Strong Description

Think about it this way: your cover is the invitation, but your description is the conversation. This is where you explain what your book is about, why it matters, and how it benefits the reader. Too many authors treat descriptions as an afterthought, throwing in a vague paragraph and hoping for the best. But in a competitive marketplace like Amazon, every word counts.


Weak vs. Strong: An Example

Weak Description
This book is about personal development and teaches you how to live better. It covers habits, success, and motivation. If you want to improve your life, you should read it.

➡ Sounds flat, right? It’s vague, generic, and gives the reader no reason to care.

Strong Description
Are you tired of setting goals but never seeing real progress? In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to break free from procrastination, build habits that stick, and unlock the discipline needed to achieve lasting success. Packed with practical strategies and real-world examples, this book will help you finally take control of your future — starting today.

➡ Notice the difference? The second description identifies a problem, offers a solution, and ends with a clear promise. It speaks directly to the reader and stirs curiosity.


Quick Formatting Tips for Descriptions

  1. Start with a hook — a question, a bold statement, or a problem your book solves.

  2. Use short paragraphs or bullets — readers skim, so make it easy to digest.

  3. Highlight benefits, not just features — tell readers how the book will help them.

  4. Bold key phrases (sparingly) — to draw the eye to the most important points.

  5. End with a call to action — such as “Buy now and start your journey today.”

These small tweaks can turn a bland description into a persuasive sales tool.


Final Thoughts

Your book description isn’t just filler text — it’s one of your most important marketing tools. Treat it like a mini sales page: attract attention, build interest, and persuade readers to take the next step.

So here’s a challenge: go back and read your current book blurbs. Do they hook the reader? Do they highlight benefits? Do they make you want to click “Buy”? If not, it may be time for a rewrite. Your sales will thank you.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Book of the Month: The War for Your Attention

We live in an age where attention has become the most valuable currency. Every ding of a notification, every endless news feed, and every algorithm-driven ad isn’t just harmless noise — it’s part of a larger battle being fought over the most precious resource you have: your focus.

This month, our Featured Book of the Month is The War for Your Attention by A.M. Khan, a powerful exploration of how distraction is reshaping our lives and what we can do to reclaim control.


Why This Book Matters Right Now

It’s no secret that we’re drowning in information. Studies show that the average person checks their phone over 90 times a day. Social media platforms are engineered to keep you scrolling endlessly. News outlets thrive on shock headlines designed to hook you emotionally. And every click, swipe, or pause is carefully tracked because your attention fuels billion-dollar industries.

The War for Your Attention pulls back the curtain on these systems and reveals how distraction is more than just an annoyance — it’s a deliberate strategy. The book explores the ways distraction fractures our focus, weakens our productivity, and even erodes our relationships. More importantly, it shows how societies built on constant noise risk losing trust, unity, and even the ability to think clearly about the future.


What You’ll Discover Inside

This isn’t just a book about problems — it’s a book about solutions. Readers will discover:

  • The mechanics of distraction — how modern technology and media are designed to keep you hooked.

  • The hidden costs of noise — from lost productivity to fractured relationships to societal drift.

  • Practical strategies for focus — real-world steps to quiet the noise, reclaim time, and strengthen concentration.

  • A blueprint for resilience — how individuals, families, and communities can anchor themselves in a distracted age.

The pages combine research, cultural commentary, and practical wisdom, making it both a wake-up call and a survival guide.


Early Reader Response

Since its release, The War for Your Attention has resonated with readers who are tired of feeling overwhelmed. Many describe it as a “mirror” that forces them to confront just how much of their lives have been stolen by distraction — and a “map” that gives them hope for reclaiming control.

One reader shared: “I didn’t realize how much of my day was being consumed until this book made me stop and take inventory. The strategies are simple but powerful. It’s already making a difference.”


Why We Chose This Book as Our Featured Pick

At FFTB Publishing, our mission is to produce books that inform, inspire, and empower. The War for Your Attention does all three. It doesn’t just identify a modern problem — it equips readers with tools to fight back. In a world where so many of us feel pulled in a dozen directions at once, this book is a timely reminder that attention is not something to surrender lightly.


Final Thoughts

Your attention determines the quality of your life. Where your focus goes, your time, energy, and relationships follow. If you’re ready to stop being pulled by endless noise and start living with clarity and intention, The War for Your Attention is a must-read.

Take the first step toward reclaiming your focus.

🔗 Buy The War for Your Attention on Amazon 

How Self-Publishing Creates Multiple Streams of Income

 

One of the most exciting things about self-publishing is realizing that one book equals one asset. Unlike a one-time paycheck, a book doesn’t stop working once you’ve written it. Once published, it has the potential to generate income month after month, year after year — and not just in one way. A single manuscript can be turned into multiple products, each with its own revenue stream.

Ebooks, Paperbacks, Audiobooks, and Translations

The beauty of Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) program is its flexibility. With one manuscript, you can publish:

  • Ebooks that are instantly available to readers worldwide.

  • Print-on-demand paperbacks that never go out of stock and cost nothing upfront.

  • Audiobooks through platforms like ACX, tapping into a rapidly growing market of audio-first readers.

  • Translations that open the door to international audiences and new markets.

Each version of your book appeals to a different type of reader — and each creates another stream of royalties.

Beyond the Book: Backend Income

But the opportunities don’t stop at royalties. A book can also become a gateway to backend income. Inside your book, you can invite readers to join your email list, where you build a direct relationship with your audience. That connection can lead to:

  • Online courses expanding on the book’s content.

  • Speaking gigs where your book establishes your authority.

  • Consulting or coaching opportunities in your area of expertise.

  • Additional books that cross-promote each other, multiplying visibility and sales.

What starts as one title can become the foundation for an entire business model.

One Book Can Open Doors

If you’ve ever doubted the value of writing your first book, remember this: you’re not just publishing pages; you’re building assets. Each format, each translation, and each opportunity it sparks adds up to multiple streams of income flowing from a single source.

Even one book can change the trajectory of your life. It can create visibility, credibility, and opportunities you never imagined when you were staring at that blank page. That’s the power of self-publishing — and why your first book is more than just a creative project. It’s an investment in your future.

What I Learned From My First Amazon Ad Campaign

When I first heard about Amazon Ads, I thought it would be simple: set a budget, pick a few keywords, and watch sales roll in. The reality was very different. My first ad campaign didn’t make me rich — in fact, it barely moved the needle at all. But the lessons I learned from that early experience have shaped the way I approach advertising today, and they’ve turned Amazon Ads from an intimidating mystery into a reliable tool for selling books.


Lesson 1: The Numbers Aren’t Just Jargon

At first, acronyms like CPC (Cost Per Click), CTR (Click-Through Rate), and ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales) felt like a foreign language. I tried to ignore them and just “see what happens.” Big mistake. Once I started paying attention to the numbers, I realized they weren’t complicated — they were signals. CTR told me if my cover and title were attracting attention. CPC showed me how competitive my keywords were. ACoS revealed whether my ads were making or losing money. Learning to read the data turned confusion into control.


Lesson 2: Automatic Campaigns Are Your Training Wheels

My first campaign was an automatic ad — Amazon chose the keywords and placements for me. At first, I was disappointed. I didn’t get many clicks, and the ones I did felt random. But when I looked closer, I realized Amazon was giving me valuable information. Those auto campaigns revealed keywords I never would have thought of on my own. Later, I used that data to build manual campaigns that were far more targeted — and far more profitable.


Lesson 3: Small Budgets Can Still Teach You Big Lessons

I didn’t have hundreds of dollars to burn on ads. My first campaign ran at just $5 per day. And you know what? That was enough to learn. Even with a tiny budget, I could see which keywords were winners and which were duds. I discovered that certain terms drained my money without a single sale, while others quietly delivered results. Scaling up later became easy because I already knew where to put my dollars.


Lesson 4: Ads Aren’t Magic — They’re Momentum

The biggest realization I had was this: ads don’t sell bad books. They amplify what’s already working. If your cover, description, or keywords aren’t strong, ads will only make that clear faster. Once I improved my book pages, ads started working the way I had hoped. They weren’t magic, but they gave me momentum. Each click brought a new reader, each sale boosted my rankings, and over time, those small gains snowballed into steady visibility.


Final Thoughts

My first Amazon ad campaign didn’t make me a bestseller overnight, but it gave me something far more valuable: a system. I learned to test, track, and tweak instead of guessing. I learned that failure isn’t wasted money — it’s paid education. And I learned that with patience, ads can transform from a money pit into one of the most reliable tools an author can use.

If you’re nervous about starting your first campaign, don’t be. Start small. Pay attention to the numbers. And remember: every ad is an experiment, every click is feedback, and every lesson brings you closer to the results you want.

👉 Want to go deeper? Check out our guides on publishing and marketing here at FFTB Publishing, LLC, including our full breakdown in Amazon Ads Mastery

The Hidden Blueprint of Self-Publishing Success: How Indie Authors Build Passive Income, Visibility, and Freedom

 If you’ve spent any time studying self-publishing, you already know the promise: Write a book, publish it on Amazon KDP, and earn passive i...