If you’ve ever wondered why some of your carefully crafted Facebook ads seem to rarely get shown, while others are capturing all the spotlight, you’re not alone. The ad giant’s algorithms are perplexing, and often leave authors both puzzled and frustrated as they struggle to promote their books. That’s why today, Ginger is diving into some of the reasons why not all of our ads are treated equally and what might be happening behind the scenes to cause this apparent imbalance. Fortunately, he’s also giving us some ideas on how to level the playing field. One of the most powerful tools to make s ..read more

If you have a young reader in your family, or even if it is just a guilty pleasure of yours, we’ve rounded up a collection that includes a variety of young adult stories that have been popular and well-liked by Hidden Gems ARC readers. Dead Girl by Kerrie Faye Death has its advantages, or so Ember O’Neill discovers when a deadly prank transforms her from a bullied outcast to a school tyrant. Resurrected and secretly supernatural, she topples the reigning drama queen and wins the affections of the new heartthrob. But her newfound power attracts dangerous attention when an assassin from the he ..read more

Maintaining a robust marketing and advertising strategy has become as crucial as writing a great book, and for many authors, Facebook remains the go-to platform for advertising. However, the complexity of Facebook’s ad interface can baffle even those who understand the basics of setting up an ad, especially when they find their ad in the “Learning” or “Learning Limited” state. Knowing how to optimize ads and take action when campaigns underperform is essential for campaign success. The “Learning” and “Learning Limited” phases indicate your ad’s performance and optimization stages, sometimes r ..read more

Venture into worlds unlike our own in these 5 fantasy titles recently read and reviewed by Hidden Gems ARC readers – and remember, if you want to receive free fantasy books like these – or others from 15 different genres – just sign up today and select your favorites. Bonding Fire by Ava Richardson When Prince Tagaris arrives at Gwen’s door seeking aid, she’s tempted to turn him away. Despite being banished from court with her mentor for failing to save the king years ago, Gwen can’t refuse his plea. Tagaris’s niece, Comnena, suffers from the same fatal illness that claimed the king’s life ..read more

Last week, Ginger discussed Amazon’s A+ Content and how it can amplify the conversion rate of visitors to your product page into buyers of your book. This time he’s going deeper, with a more tactical discussion of using A+ Content to elevate the visual and textual presentation of your book. Through practical examples, Ginger demonstrates the variety of available modules and how they can be used to go beyond the standard book description and provide a richer, more engaging experience for potential readers. From compelling text modules that highlight key selling points and author insights to vi ..read more

Self-publishing is no longer the disruptive newcomer fighting for recognition, but has matured into a viable alternative to traditional publishing. One sign of this is the fact that powerful marketing tools once reserved for the big names in the industry are now available to self-publishers as well, such as Amazon’s A+ Content section. This powerful tool allows authors to enhance their book’s product page with rich media elements, improving the professional appearance and, hopefully, the conversion rate of visitors into paying customers. Today, Ginger explores the nuances of A+ Content, provi ..read more

We’ve compiled 5 out-of-this-world titles that took Hidden Gems ARC readers on a captivating journey to extraordinary dimensions. Explore this list and get ready to embark on your next exhilarating journey with these top-rated reads. The World Isn’t Ready by Kevin Mitchel It’s the year 1959, and Arnie Gibson, an amateur archaeologist, stumbles upon a mysterious artifact while walking his dog. Intrigued, he brings it home and, during examination, unwittingly activates it. Little does he know that the peculiar dust within the artifact, upon touching his fingers, triggers a profound transformat ..read more

Some authors like to plot out their novels before they start writing, and others like to fly by the seat of their pants, letting the characters direct the story as they go. However, it’s not always so black and white, with some author’s taking a more hybrid approach, and others switching from plotter to pantser depending on the project. Yet for authors who aren’t opposed to using AI for a bit of assistance in their planning process, it’s never been easier to be a plotter. As Ginger lays out in today’s blog (with some great examples), AI can not only help guide you through the plotting process ..read more

Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for a great bedtime story to enjoy with your youngest book lovers. Are you heading out for a Spring road trip? If so, we have a handful of kids’ books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well. When You Have a Brother by Debra Hewitt With 15+ ratings and a 4.4 average star rating, When You Have a Brother is a charming picture book recommended for children 2-8 years old, and describes the amazing adventures you can have with a brother. “This ..read more

For science fiction and fantasy authors, winning a Hugo Award signifies the pinnacle of achievement in the genre, a distinction historically bestowed upon literary giants such as Isaac Asimov, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Ray Bradbury. However, recent controversies involving allegations of bias, censorship, and manipulation in the voting process have tarnished the Hugo Awards’ credibility. Today, Ginger discusses the storied history of the Hugo Awards, tracing their evolution from their inception in 1953 through the genre’s golden ages, and confronting the present-day challenges that threaten their ..read more