Blogs and News
Welcome to the Foglio blog! Here, I share insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories about the world of self-publishing, book design, and typography. Whether you’re an author looking for guidance on your publishing journey or a typography nerd like me, you’ll find something of interest here.
ISBNs in Canada: How to Get One for Your Self-Published Book (Free and Official)
In Canada, ISBNs are free and easy to register through Library and Archives Canada. This guide shows you how to apply, avoid common mistakes, and decide whether to register yourself or have a publisher or self-publishing services provider do it for you.
Self-Publishing in Canada: A Complete Guide to Professional Book Formatting and Typesetting
Struggling with book formatting? This step-by-step guide for Canadian self-publishers shows how to prepare professional, print-ready layouts that meet industry standards — without the stress.
Mastering Book Metadata for Canadian Self-Publishers
Book metadata is the behind-the-scenes detail that helps readers find your work online. This in-depth guide for Canadian self-publishing authors explains how to optimize metadata on Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark, choose the right keywords and categories, and improve your book’s visibility in stores and libraries.
Publishing Wide: Draft2Digital vs Amazon KDP (What’s Best for Canadian Authors?)
Confused about where to publish your book in Canada? This guide compares Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark—highlighting key differences in pricing, distribution, and design control. Includes tips for choosing the right platform mix, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring your book looks as good as it reads.
Poor Collaboration Derails Publishing Projects—Here’s How to Fix That
Publishing a book should be exciting, not chaotic. But when your editor, designer, and typesetter aren’t on the same page, things fall apart quickly. Here’s why a unified self-publishing team is the simplest way to publish with confidence and actually enjoy the process.
The Best Self-Publishing Platforms for Canadian Authors (2025 Edition)
Trying to decide where to publish your book in Canada? In this updated 2025 guide, we break down the top self-publishing platforms for Canadian authors, from Amazon KDP and IngramSpark to Kobo, Apple Books, and Google Play. Whether you’re releasing an ebook, paperback, or hardcover, this post helps you compare royalties, costs, and distribution options so you can self-publish smarter.
Hybrid Books: Merging Audio and eBooks for a Richer Reading Experience
Hybrid books blend the best of both worlds: the clarity of text with the intimacy of audio. Whether it’s an author-read memoir or a children’s book with character voices, these audio-enhanced eBooks can transform the way readers engage with your work. Here’s how to use them effectively, and why more authors should.
Enhancing eBooks with Audio: Cost-Effective Strategies for Thoughtful Authors
Audio can transform your eBook into something richer and more memorable—but you don’t need a full studio or a massive budget to do it well. This post explores cost-effective ways to incorporate sound into your eBook, from representing interior monologue and adding leitmotifs to using multiple voices and understanding platform limitations. If you’ve ever wanted your eBook to do more than just display text, this is for you.
Professional Typesetting and Page Layout: Why it Matters for Your Book
We often talk about writing and editing when it comes to publishing, but what about the way your book looks on the inside? Thoughtful typesetting and interior layout don’t just make your book more attractive—they directly impact how readers engage with your work. In this post, we explore how layout, typography, and visual structure can enhance your storytelling and make every page feel deliberate.
Multimedia in eBooks: 5 Smart Ways to Enhance Your Reader's Experience
In today’s digital world, your eBook can be more than just text. From audio readings and interactive maps to fillable workbooks and pop-up glossaries, multimedia features can transform your book into an immersive experience. This post explores five effective (and doable) ways to add rich, interactive elements to your eBook—without sacrificing readability or design. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or a guided journal, these strategies will help you make your digital book more engaging and memorable.
Unlocking the Secrets of Advance Reader Copies: How to Get Noticed Before Your Book Launch
Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) aren’t just for traditional publishers—they’re one of the most powerful tools indie authors can use to build buzz before launch. In this post, I break down exactly how to create professional ARCs, where to send them, and how to use reader feedback to strengthen your release. Whether you’re printing through Amazon KDP or distributing digitally via NetGalley or CanReads, this is the blueprint for making your book stand out before it even hits the shelves.
How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Libraries (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Getting your book into libraries isn’t a matter of luck or vague hope—it’s the product of clear intention, professional standards, and an understanding of what libraries actually value. From trade distribution to cover design to patron demand, this guide shows you the practical steps to place your work where it can endure.
How to Actually Find Readers for a Niche Book (Without a Huge Budget or Mailing List)
Most books don’t fail because they lack merit; they fail because no one knows they exist. If you’ve written a niche book, finding the right readers is both more challenging—and more rewarding—than you might imagine. In this guide, you’ll learn why design is your silent ambassador, how to build credibility before your launch, and what modest marketing experiments can actually pay off over time.
Fringework: Marshall McLuhan and the Canadian Artist
Marshall McLuhan understood that Canada’s position on the margins is not a disadvantage but a vantage point. These five quotes show how Canadian authors can embrace the freedom of working outside the centre.
Footnotes vs. Endnotes: How (and Where) to Use Them in Your Book
Footnotes and endnotes can add valuable context to your book, but they also introduce design and formatting challenges that many authors overlook. In this guide, I walk through the practical differences between them, explore their impact on layout and readability, and explain how I help authors use them effectively in both print and ebook formats.
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: A Complete Guide for Canadian Authors
Wondering whether to self-publish your book or pursue a traditional deal? This in-depth guide breaks down the real differences—from royalties and timelines to creative freedom and long-term rights. Learn how Canadian authors can make the best decision for their goals.
OCR Scanning: Everything You Need to Know to Revive Out-of-Print Titles
OCR scanning breathes new life into forgotten titles by turning paper pages into accurate, editable text. From pristine hardcovers to multimedia ebooks, learn how Foglio’s technical and design expertise can help you republish or archive your book with confidence.
Self-Published Authors Who Made Literary History: From James Joyce to Today
From James Joyce to Beatrix Potter, many iconic writers began as self-publishers. In this blog post—published on Bloomsday—we explore five literary figures who bypassed the gatekeepers and changed publishing history forever. Discover what modern authors can learn from them, and how you can follow in their footsteps with support from Foglio.
8 Powerful AI Tools to Streamline Your Self-Publishing Process
Explore these 8 powerful AI tools designed specifically for self-publishing authors. From smart editing assistance to targeted audience insights, these resources can help you efficiently manage your publishing journey without compromising your creative integrity.
Build Your Author Brand with Book Design That Sells
Your author brand starts long before someone reads your book. From the moment a potential reader sees your cover, they’re making decisions. Learn how great book design—from your cover to your ebook layout—can establish a lasting impression, convert casual browsers into loyal fans, and help you stand out in today’s crowded self-publishing marketplace.