Comparing everyday marketing to household chores might seem like a bad idea, dropping it into the hated I-don’t-have-time-for-this jobs’ jar. But it is realistic in that it is SOMETHING THAT HAS TO BE DONE, regularly if not every day. Even if you are lucky enough to have an assistant to pass it off to, it still has to be done.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned is keep going. Don’t think all advice is the advice for you, but still listen and think about it; and every book is a new beginning – enjoy the ride.”

I really wanted to be a published novelist. I wanted it more than I feared failure and humiliation.

Traditionally, an author needed an agent to get a publisher. This has changed with the rise of digital-only or digital-first publishers and imprints. An imprint is a division of publishing house, for example, Escape is Harlequin Australia’s digital-only imprint whereas titles published under their Mira imprint appear in both paperback and ebook. Many publishers now accept submissions direct from authors.

Five fabulous Australian romance novels with five winning cover designs