Launch Of New Book Series

Launch Of New Book Series

 

Chinese Australians

Discover the untold story of the Chinese in Australia in this launch of a new book series.

Australia’s history is full of surprising and inspiring stories — and one of the most fascinating is the story of the Chinese in Australia. The Chinese Australians series by Marji Hill invites young readers to uncover this rich and often overlooked part of our past. Aimed at upper primary and lower secondary students, the series explores how Chinese people have helped shape Australia long before the gold rush — and continue to influence our nation today.

Across five beautifully written and researched books, students will travel through time — from ancient trade links to modern multicultural life. Each book in the series tells its own story, yet together they create a bigger picture of connection, courage, and contribution.

Book 1: Australia and China Before Captain Cook


Long before European explorers arrived, there were sea journeys, trade, and cultural exchanges between northern Australia and Asia. This book reveals the surprising connections between Australian shores and Chinese traders centuries ago.

Book 2: Early Chinese Migrants – The First Chinese Australians

Chinese Australians


Meet the early Chinese settlers who came to Australia in the 1800s as farmers, merchants, and labourers — and discover how they built new lives far from their country.

Book 3: Chinese and Gold – The Chinese on the Australian Goldfields


The gold rush drew thousands of Chinese miners to Australia. Their determination, teamwork, and resilience helped shape the goldfields — and the nation’s growing economy.

Book 4: The Chinese Experience – The Untold Story of Prejudice and Violence on the Australian Goldfields

Chinese Australians


This gripping book explores the darker side of Australia’s hidden history — the prejudice and violence faced by Chinese miners — and how they stood strong in the face of adversity.

Book 5: The Chinese Legacy – How Migration, Culture and Community Have Influenced Australia


From food and festivals to education and enterprise, this final volume celebrates the lasting legacy of Chinese Australians in shaping modern Australia.

Together, these books open a window into our shared history — a story of exploration, migration, and cultural transformation that continues to define who we are today.

For more on the series click the green button below.

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Marji Hill

Author and Coach

The Power Of A Book Series

The Power of a Book Series

 

book series

The power of a book series can transform your author journey. Many new authors dream of writing that one great book — the story that captures hearts or the guide that changes lives.

But what if your first book was just the beginning? Writing a series — a collection of related books that share a common theme, topic, or storyline — can be one of the most rewarding and strategic moves an author can make. Each book can stand proudly on its own, yet together, they form a larger, more powerful whole.

1. Build Reader Loyalty

Readers love familiarity. When they fall in love with your characters, your world, or your teaching style, they naturally want more. A series keeps that connection alive. Rather than saying goodbye after one book, readers follow you from one title to the next — and that’s how loyal fans are created.

2. Make Marketing Easier

Book series

Marketing one book is hard work. But when your books are linked, every title helps promote the others. A reader who enjoys Book 1 is likely to buy Book 2 and Book 3. Algorithms on sites like Amazon even recommend your next title automatically. One ad or social media post can work for your entire series, multiplying your visibility.

3. Increase Your Income and Impact

A single book builds awareness; a series builds a career. Each new title boosts the sales of earlier books. You can also offer box sets, bundles, or themed collections. The more books you publish in a series, the more you expand your reach — and your income potential.

4. Strengthen Your Author Brand

A well-crafted series shows commitment, consistency, and expertise. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, a series positions you as an authority in your field or a master storyteller in your genre. It signals to readers, teachers, and reviewers that you have something meaningful to say — not just once, but over time.

5. Keep the Writing Momentum Going

 

Building an author platform

Once you’ve established your world, message, or framework, writing the next book becomes easier. You already know your style, your audience, and your purpose. The creative flow builds naturally from book to book.

So, if you’ve written one book, don’t stop there. You may already have the beginnings of a powerful series — a legacy of stories or ideas that grow stronger with every volume.

Ready to Turn Your Book Idea into Reality?

If you’ve been dreaming of writing and publishing your book but aren’t sure where to start — let’s make it happen!

Book your FREE Strategy Session with me and get personalised guidance on how to plan, write, and publish your book successfully.

Simply send me a message via the CONTACT page by clicking the green button below and reserve your spot today.

Let’s bring your book to life!

Start Today

 

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

How To Stand Out On Amazon

How To Stand Out On Amazon

 

How To Stand Out On Amazon

How to stand out on Amazon is a major challenge for self-published authors. With millions of books available on Amazon, it’s easy for new authors to feel invisible.

The good news is that authors don’t need a big publisher’s budget to grab attention. With the right strategies, you can make your book shine in a crowded marketplace.

Here are six key ways to stand out.

1. Covers That Convert

Your cover is your first impression, and on Amazon it has to work hard—even at thumbnail size. A strong cover instantly signals your genre and looks professional. Readers scrolling through hundreds of titles will pause if your cover feels familiar to what they already love, while still being eye-catching.

2. Compelling Book Descriptions

Think of your Amazon description as your sales pitch. Use the hook–conflict–stakes–cliffhanger formula, and format it with bold, italics, and line breaks to make it easy to skim. Remember: the first two or three lines are crucial, because that’s what readers see before going on to Read More.

3. Smart Keywords and Categories

Keywords

Amazon is essentially a search engine for books. By choosing the right keywords—phrases readers actually type into the search bar—you can position your book where it’s most discoverable. Similarly, selecting categories strategically allows your book to rank higher and even hit bestseller lists.

4. Reviews and Social Proof

A book with reviews, even just a handful, has far more credibility than one without. Encourage early readers, beta readers, or a launch team to leave honest reviews. Social proof not only builds trust but also boosts your book’s visibility in Amazon’s algorithms.

5. Consistent Author Branding

Think beyond one book. A professional author bio, a recognizable photo, and covers that share a cohesive look will help readers remember you. When they finish one book, they should instantly recognise your next.

6. Promotions and Advertising

Build an email list

 

While organic discoverability is the foundation, ads and promotions can provide a boost. Amazon ads, BookBub, Goodreads, and email newsletters are all powerful ways to put your book in front of new readers.

Final Thought

Standing out on Amazon doesn’t happen by luck—it happens by design. By focusing on professional presentation, discoverability, and credibility, self-published authors can compete—and even thrive—on the world’s largest book marketplace.

Free Online Class

Do you want to learn more about writing and publishing your book?

Register for my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

Your Writing Excuses

Your Writing Excuses

 

Writing your book

You know your writing excuses are lying to you. Let’s be brutally honest: the biggest obstacle to writing your book in 30 days isn’t your job, your kids, or your bank account—it’s the comfortable little bundle of excuses you keep wrapped around yourself like a blanket.

You’ve told yourself:

1. “I don’t have time”


Of course you don’t. Nobody does. But you do have minutes—and that’s all you need. Fifteen minutes before work. Twenty in your lunch break. A half-hour before bed instead of scrolling. Do that every day and you’ve got 500–1,000 words. In 30 days, that’s a full draft.

Real people—parents, shift workers, full-timers—have done it. You’re not waiting for time to appear; you’re making it by deciding your book matters more than Netflix tonight.

2. “I’m not a writer”

Writer


Neither was J.K. Rowling before she started. “Writer” isn’t a title you’re born with—it’s an identity you earn by sitting down and writing.

Your first draft doesn’t need to be good; it just needs to exist. A bad first draft can be edited. A blank page? Not so much. In 30 days, you won’t just have words—you’ll have the proof that you are a writer, because you wrote a book.

3. “It’s too expensive”


If you think writing a book costs thousands, you’ve been sold a myth. Writing is free.

Editing can be affordable if you shop smart or swap services with another writer. Publishing can cost less than a decent dinner out—especially with self-publishing tools. The “too expensive” excuse often hides fear: fear of failure, fear of judgment. But fear doesn’t pay the bills, and it certainly won’t print your book.

Here’s the truth: writing a book in 30 days isn’t about finding perfect circumstances—it’s about starting anyway. The people who succeed aren’t those with more time, talent, or money. They’re the ones who decided that “someday” wasn’t good enough.

Books

Your book isn’t going to write itself while you wait for the stars to align. In fact, the longer you delay, the more those excuses become your reality.

So here’s your challenge: for the next 30 days, trade your excuses for action. Write daily. Show up messy. Stay uncomfortable. Because at the end of the month, you can have a finished manuscript—or you can still have your excuses. But you can’t have both.

Free Online Class

Do you want to learn more about writing and publishing your book?

Register for my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

Writing My First Book

Writing My First Book

Let’s cut the fluff: writing my first book was exhilarating, but it can also be a long, lonely mess of unmet expectations, false starts, and “what-the-hell-am-I-doing” moments.

Looking back, I wish someone had sat me down and said, “Here’s the honest truth before you dive in.” So here it is—for you.

 

1. Writing the book is the easy part

Yes, it takes discipline. Yes, it’s hard to finish. But compared to editing, formatting, publishing, marketing, and actually selling the book? Writing is the honeymoon phase. I thought once I typed “The End,” I’d crossed the finish line. No! That was just mile marker one.

2. Perfectionism is a trap 

Perfectionism

Perfectionism will kill your momentum.I rewrote the first chapter more times than I care to admit. I wanted it to be perfect.

Spoiler: it never was. That obsession delayed the entire book. I learned (too late) that messy drafts can be cleaned up later. But you can’t edit a blank page.

3. Not everyone will care

Not everyone will care but that is okay. I thought friends and family would be first in line to buy, read, and rave about my book.

The silence was humbling. Here’s the truth: you are not writing for your inner circle. You’re writing for strangers who need your story or your knowledge. Find them.

4. Publishing is not “set and forget”

I believed I’d hit publish and magically become discoverable. Ha. I didn’t market, didn’t build an audience, didn’t know what metadata was. Result? Crickets. Writing the book is only half the job—selling it is a whole new beast.

5. I waited too long to call myself a writer

Writer

I didn’t feel “legit” until the book was done. I wish I’d claimed the title earlier. You don’t need permission, a publisher, or a polished manuscript. If you’re writing, you’re a writer.

Writing your first book will stretch you. It will expose your fears and test your patience. But it will also change you in ways you can’t imagine.

If you’ve made mistakes along the way, you’re not alone.

Free Online Class

Do you want to learn more about writing your book and publishing it?

Register for my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

5 Fatal Mistakes

5 Fatal Mistakes

There are 5 fatal mistakes that wipe out Indie authors even before they put pen to paper.

Many aspiring indie authors dream of publishing a book, hitting bestseller lists, and making an impact with their words. But too often, these dreams are cut short—long before the first chapter is even written. Why? Because they fall into traps that could have been avoided with a little knowledge and planning.

Here are the 5 fatal mistakes that wipe out indie authors—often before they even start writing:

fatal mistakes

1. Not Exploring a Profitable Niche

Passion is important—but if you don’t know who your book is for or whether there’s demand, you’re setting yourself up to struggle. Writing into a black hole is a common mistake.

Successful indie authors research first. They find a profitable niche with a hungry audience, explore trending topics, and validate ideas before committing to a draft.

Your book needs to be something people actually want to read.

2. Not Targeting Your Market

Even if your topic is solid, vague writing won’t cut it. Many authors write a book for “everyone,” which really means no one. You must identify your ideal reader and write for them. Everything—your title, tone, structure, and story—should connect with that specific audience.

Targeting makes marketing easier, your message stronger, and your chances of success far greater.

3. Skipping a Launch Plan

fatal mistakes

It’s tempting to hit “publish” the moment your manuscript is done, but fast doesn’t mean smart. Without a book launch strategy, your book will land with a thud—buried in the avalanche of titles released daily.

Plan your launch like a mini event: build buzz, grow a mailing list, secure early reviews, and prepare promotions.

Publishing is just the beginning—not the end.

4.  Amateur Cover Design

Your book will be judged by its cover. DIY design may feel thrifty, but unless you’re a skilled cover designer, it will likely turn readers away.

A poor cover signals that the book inside may be just as rough. Professional, genre-appropriate design is a non-negotiable investment.

The cover is your book’s first impression—make it count.

5. Skipping Professional Editing

Nothing kills credibility faster than typos, grammar mistakes, or clunky writing. Self-editing isn’t enough.

Every book needs fresh eyes—preferably from a professional editor who knows the industry. Good editing can take your manuscript from average to polished, and it shows your readers you respect their time.

Avoid these five mistakes, and you’ll be far ahead of the crowd—before you even type “Chapter One.”

Free Online Class

To learn more about publishing your book, register for my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

 

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Fast Self-Publishing Online

How To Publish Your Book

How To Publish Your Book 

 

Publishing your book doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the Self-Publishing Genius model, you publish your book professionally, affordably, and efficiently in five clear stages. Read on to learn how to take your manuscript from idea to global availability.

1. Write Your Manuscript

Everything begins with the manuscript. Don’t worry about perfection in your first draft—just get the words down. This is your creative stage, where the goal is to write your story or content from beginning to end. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, memoir, or guidebooks, commit to daily writing and finish your draft.  

2. Prepare Your Manuscript for Publication

Once the manuscript is complete, it’s time to refine it. This stage includes editing, proofreading, formatting, and designing your cover. Editing ensures your message is clear; proofreading catches any lingering typos. Formatting prepares your manuscript for print and digital platforms, ensuring it meets professional publishing standards. A great cover design is essential—it’s your book’s first impression and can make or break your sales.

3. Outsource to a Virtual Team of Professionals

Become A Self-Published Author

You don’t have to do it all yourself. The Self-Publishing Genius model encourages authors to outsource key tasks to qualified freelancers. Hire an editor, proofreader, formatter, and cover designer through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. This gives your book the polish it needs without you having to become an expert in every field.

4. List Your Book and Publish

Now you’re ready to publish. Upload your files to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark.

  • Amazon KDP gives you high royalties (up to 70% on eBooks, 60% on print), global reach, and complete control over your content and pricing. Your book becomes available on the world’s largest book marketplace—Amazon.com and its international sites.
  • IngramSpark offers access to over 40,000 retailers and libraries, including bookstores, schools, and institutions that may not order from Amazon. It increases your distribution network beyond what Amazon alone can provide.

By publishing on both platforms, you gain maximum reach and visibility.

5. Marketing

Marketing

Marketing is where many self-publishers struggle, but it’s vital. Start with a strong launch plan: build an email list, create a launch team, and plan social media content. Use Amazon categories and keywords to boost discoverability. Promote through author websites, newsletters, podcasts, and local events. Remember, visibility drives sales.

Bonus: Print-on-Demand

Both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark offer print-on-demand (POD), meaning your book is printed only when someone orders it. You don’t need to pay for or store inventory, and there’s no risk of overprinting. This lowers the barrier to entry and makes publishing accessible to everyone.

Benefits of POD include:

  • Zero upfront print costs
  • No storage or shipping logistics
  • Environmentally friendly (no excess stock)
  • Fast delivery to readers worldwide

With the Self-Publishing Genius model, you can publish professionally and confidently. Follow these steps, trust the process, and share your book with the world.

Free Online Class

To learn more about publishing your book, register for my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

 

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Fast Self-Publishing Online

Writing On Steroids

Writing On Steroids

Your writing no longer has to feel overwhelming or isolating. Supercharge your writing career with tools like ChatGPT at your fingertips. It’s like writing on steroids!

The entire process—from the seed of an idea to launching your book—is now more streamlined, affordable, and creative than ever before. Read on to learn how this powerful AI assistant can become your secret weapon at every stage of your writing and self-publishing journey.

1. Brainstorming & Idea Generation

 

Writing on steroids

Staring at a blank page? ChatGPT can help spark ideas for fiction plots, nonfiction topics, character development, or even chapter titles. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining a vague concept, you can bounce ideas around until something clicks.

2. Outlining & Structure


Once you’ve got your idea, ChatGPT can help you map out a clear, chapter-by-chapter outline. For fiction, it can guide you through classic story arcs or genre expectations. For nonfiction, it helps organise your knowledge into a logical, reader-friendly flow. It’s like having a developmental editor on standby.

3. Writing Support


Need help getting the words flowing? You can use ChatGPT to draft sections, suggest opening lines, or overcome writer’s block. Many authors use it to create rough first drafts and then revise in their own voice. It’s not about replacing your creativity—it’s about keeping the momentum going.

4. Editing & Refining


ChatGPT can assist with grammar checks, sentence clarity, tone adjustments, and rephrasing clunky paragraphs. You can also ask it to mimic a certain style, making your work more consistent. While it’s not a replacement for a human editor, it’s a smart first pass that saves time and money.

5. Blurbs, Bios & Descriptions


Stuck writing your back cover blurb? ChatGPT can generate several versions in different tones—from suspenseful to inspiring. It also helps polish your author bio, Amazon product descriptions, and metadata—all key elements in grabbing readers’ attention.

6. Marketing & Launch Planning

 

Writing on steroids

From writing social media posts and email campaigns to suggesting launch timelines and press release ideas, ChatGPT helps indie authors act like professional marketers—without the stress. It can even brainstorm lead magnets, bonus content, or book club questions.

In short, ChatGPT is like having a 24/7 writing assistant, editor, and marketing coach rolled into one. Used wisely, it empowers writers and self-publishers to move faster, stay motivated, and bring their best work to the world.

Free Online Class

If you need help writing and self-publishing your book, then learn more in my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

 

Join Facebook Group:

Fast Self-Publishing Online

How To Finish Your First Draft

How To Finish Your First Draft

How to finish your first draft involves conquering distraction, perfectionism, and procrastination.

Writing a book is thrilling—until it isn’t. You start full of inspiration, but somewhere between chapter three and “The End,” distraction creeps in, perfectionism takes over, and procrastination steals your time.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The first draft is the most critical step, and also the hardest to finish.

But here’s how you can push past the mental clutter and get it done.

1. Distraction

Distractions are the enemy of momentum. One moment you’re writing, the next you’re deep in a rabbit hole, scrolling your phone, checking out social media or side-tracked by some other research.

Create a dedicated writing space, turn off notifications, and try writing sprints. Set an alarm clock for 25 minutes and write without stopping. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make when you permit yourself to focus.

2. Perfectionism 

Perfectionism is not your editor—it’s your enemy

Your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t even need to be good. It just needs to exist.

Think of your first draft as a piece of clay: you can’t sculpt a masterpiece without something to shape. Do not revise the same paragraph ten times. Write it once, move on, and return to polish it later.

Give yourself grace—your future self will thank you for just getting the words down.

3. Procrastination

Beat Procrastination with structure and micro-goals.

Procrastination thrives in vague goals. Saying “I’ll write this week” is too open-ended. Instead, set specific, small goals: “I’ll write 500 words in two hours  and I’ll complete this before lunch”, or “I’ll finish a 2000-word Chapter 7 by Friday.”

Reward yourself when you hit those goals—whether it’s a favourite snack, a walk, or a guilt-free Netflix episode.

Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep your pace steady.self-publishing

4. Your Why

Reconnect with your why.

When the grind wears you down, remind yourself why you started this journey. Is it to share your story, help your business, inspire others, or finally say “I wrote a book”?

Print your “why” and stick it near your writing space. Every time you feel like quitting, look at it. Let it be your anchor.

Finishing your first draft isn’t about having more time or better talent—it’s about building a habit, being kind to yourself, and showing up consistently.

So take a deep breath, open your document, and write the next sentence. You’ve got this.

Free Online Class

If you decide that writing and self-publishing your book is for you, learn more about it in my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

 

Join Facebook Group:

Fast Self-Publishing Online

First-Time Author Mistakes

First-Time Author Mistakes

Self-publishing your first book is an exciting journey, but it comes with a learning curve. Many first-time authors fall into common traps that can hurt their book’s quality, sales, and long-term success. Here are 10 first-time author mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Skipping Professional Editing

Even the best writers need editors. Typos, plot holes, and awkward phrasing can make your book unreadable. Hire a professional editor, or at least a proofreader, to polish your manuscript.

2. Using a DIY Book Cover

Book Cover Design

 

A poor-quality cover screams “amateur.” Readers judge books by their covers—invest in a professional design that fits your genre and grabs attention.

3. Rushing the Publishing Process

Excitement can lead to releasing a book before it’s ready. Take your time with revisions, formatting, and quality checks. A rushed release often leads to poor reviews.

4. Neglecting Formatting

A poorly formatted ebook or paperback creates a frustrating reading experience. Use tools like Vellum, Atticus, or hire a formatter to ensure your layout looks professional on all devices.

5. Not Researching the Genre Market

Publishing without understanding reader expectations in your genre can be a big misstake. Study top-selling books to learn about pacing, tone, and cover design.

6. Failing to Build an Audience Before Launch

Don’t wait until your book is live to start promoting. Build an email list, post content on social media, and engage with readers in relevant communities well before launch day.

7. Ignoring Keywords and Categories on Amazon

Amazon is a search engine. Use relevant keywords and select the right categories to make your book more discoverable.

8. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Overnight success is rare. Understand that building a writing career takes time, persistence, and multiple books.

9. Avoiding Marketing

Marketing

“I just want to write” isn’t a strategy. Marketing is essential. Learn the basics of email marketing, ads, and social media—or find someone who can help.

10. Not Asking for Reviews

Reviews drive sales and credibility. Ask readers (politely) to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads after they finish your book.

Avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration. With patience and preparation, you can set yourself up for self-publishing success.

Free Online Class

If you decide that self-publishing your book is for you, learn more about it in my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Register Now

 

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

 

Join Facebook Group:

Fast Self-Publishing Online

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