What is an ARC Reader, and Why Are They so Important?

Just like the name suggests, ARCs are copies of a book, printed or digital, sent to readers so they can read and review the novel before it’s published. Why is this so important? Because the reviews ARC readers write provide social proof and advice to the reading public so that when the book officially launches, there are already helpful reviews to let them know whether a book is right for them before they purchase.

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NICOLE YORKComment
Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Authors?

AI has made great strides in generating natural-sounding language and even creating poetry and short stories. In fact, some AI systems have already been used to co-author books and articles. However, these AI-generated works are often formulaic and lack the depth and complexity of truly creative writing.

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NICOLE YORKComment
Experiments in Book Marketing with AI

I would venture to say that almost all new authors publish their first book with the same delusion of grandeur: if I write a good enough book, people will buy it, love it, and tell their friends.

We believe, in our heart of hearts, that selling books is a meritocracy and that the best books will rise to the top, like cream. No one tells us the truth—and if they do, we don’t really believe them—that book marketing hard. Like, really hard. And that the books that sell best are the ones with the most convincing marketing, not the ones written the best.

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NICOLE YORKComment
Spring Updates

I don’t know how your Spring has been, but I’ve been working on so many projects I can’t see straight, and the temptation to run off into the woods is real. Anyone got a cabin to spare?

I’m kidding…mostly. But there are a few projects I seriously can’t wait to share with you because I am SO excited for these stories.

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NICOLE YORKComment
The Self Portrait That Changed Everything

In a very real way, what I create now is an expression of the little girl who searched the woods for fairies, barefoot and pretending to be a magical princess. Which is a fine thing for a little girl to do, but I also spent my teenage years with my nose in books, daydreaming about magic and being profoundly uncool.

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NICOLE YORKComment
Fantasy Isn't Make Believe

It wasn’t till this year I realized that fantasy was a safe place for me, not because it isn’t real, not because it’s make-believe, but because fantasy is more real than regular life.

I realize that sounds crazy, but stay with me for a minute.

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NICOLE YORK Comment
The Tyrannosaur in Your Bedroom

Your eyes snap open but you’re still a bit woozy from sleep, so at first you don’t realize it was a Tyrannosaur that woke you up. You stumble into the bathroom to throw up because all the shaking has upset your stomach, but by the time your throat and sinuses are burning, you’re conscious enough to realize that there is, in fact, a Tyrannosaur stomping around your bedroom.

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NICOLE YORK Comment