New website

Happy Autumn!

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been busy working on my new website for the last couple of months. I'm launching a business, offering editorial, self-publishing, and writing services, so I needed a website for potential customers to find out about me and the services I'm offering. The website is now live and I'm quite proud of it. I'm no web designer, but I think (hope) I've done a decent job and that the website looks respectable. Want to take a look? You can find it here: www.helen-edwards.co.uk

There's a page about my books on the website, and although there's no blog at present, I plan to have blog posts on there in the future, so I've decided not to continue with this blog. I will keep it live until the end of the year, although there won't be any further posts.

If you've been following this blog and you'd like to know what I'm up to writing-wise, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram (@helibedw), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/helibedw). 

Speaking of writing, I haven't spent all of my time on the website, oh no, there has still been some writing going on. I finished the new Archie book, which as I type is being proofread. I hope to publish it later this month. 

I've been working on my novella too. It's growing. Over 40,000 words now. My longest project to-date.

I've also been looking into promoting And Then She Shines: A Collection of Novelettes. It's going on a blog tour in November to coincide with the book's first birthday. I'm really excited about it. To-date, 17 book bloggers have agreed to take part. How amazing is that? I thought I'd be lucky to get 5.

A massive thank you for following this blog.

Wishing you all the very best for the future - stay safe!

Helen x

PS. If you need any help with your own book, do take a look at my services page on the website. Perhaps I can help. 

New website in the pipeline

You'll see I haven't posted for awhile, the reason being I am in the process of creating a website. I'm so excited - I can't wait to reveal it. I'll let you know as soon as it's ready. Bear with me - it will go live in September. In the meantime, I hope you have a lovely rest of the summer (as I type it's raining 😕). 

Helen xx

Publication day

It's publication day, and to celebrate I will be having a glass of wine later. I always toast my books! If you'd like to take a look at my new e-book, you will find it here. 

#myselfpublishingjourney

New book!

I'm delighted to announce that the e-book version of my latest non-fiction book is now available to pre-order from Amazon. It will be released on Thursday, 30th April 2020. 

The book's aimed at people who want to self-publish, but who have never done it before. I'm hoping that by sharing my story and some tips, that I can help others to get their books out into the world. 

#myselfpublishingjourney 

I've been pondering what to write in this post for a few days. I want to help people, but I don't know what to say. It's such a strange period of time. I sometimes feel like I'm in an Sci Fi film! I have panicky moments, but then I remember I'm well, my family and friends are well, I have enough supplies in for the time being, I have a gorgeous dog who is up for cuddles most of the time (apart from when he's snoozing or eating), and today, as I type, the sun is shining. There's a lot to be grateful for.

I'm managing to write, though not as much as in the past. I find it difficult to get started, but once I get going I'm able to keep focused. Writing helps me forget for a time what is going on out there in the world.

I find limiting the amount of news I read/watch, and the amount of time I spend on social media helps too.

Life will return to some sort of normality. We will get through this. And hopefully some things will have changed for the better. Off the top of my head I like to think that more of us will shop local, there'll be less waste, less pollution even. We can but hope.

Sending much love to all my readers. Stay safe.

Helen xxx

Books, glorious books

I read ALOT. 100+ books last year according to Goodreads. Reading so many books could cost me a lot of money and whilst I do buy books, I'm also lucky enough to get advanced reader copies of books for free via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Recently I've been thinking of more ways I can give back (aside from leaving a review), so I've decided to compile a list of eBooks I've read and loved in order to buy the paperback/hardback version. 

Will my library eventually be this big?

I used to have lots of paperback books, but since buying a Kindle I mainly read eBooks. I gave away many of the paperback books I used to own when I moved house, so at the moment my library is small, but it will grow, and if there's a book on the shelf it means I LOVE it.

Another way I can give back is by buying and reviewing books written by indie authors. I'm an indie author myself and so I know how difficult it can be getting your book noticed. The indie books I've read so far have been really good, and I'm surprised these authors aren't more well-known, but I'm sure they will be in the future.

If you've never read a book by an indie author, why not give one a go? You'll be pleasantly surprised I'm sure. And don't forget to leave a quick review afterwards. It will mean the world to the author.

Until next time,

Helen xxx

#indieauthors #selfpublished

About my new business

I've always loved to read and write. I’ve self-published eight books via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and now I want to help others to do the same. I’m setting up in business and the first service I will be offering is beta reading, but this is enhanced beta reading in that I will provide clients with a report and I will add comments where applicable on the manuscript itself.

I'll be accepting the following genres: Romance (but not erotica) and Women’s Fiction. I will also consider non-fiction.

Ahead of launching my business officially I’m offering FIVE people a free beta read/manuscript report. All I ask for in return is some feedback at the end of the process. To enter this competition head on over to my Facebook page and see the pinned post. 

I'll be offering more services, which will be rolled out later in the year, so watch this space!

Until next time,

Helen 😊