Cozy Mystery Books with Sapphic Protagonists

Hey there, mystery lovers and LGBTQ+ bookworms! Are you ready to cozy up with a good book and dive into the world of sleuthing and romance? Look no further, because I've curated a list of cozy mystery novels featuring sapphic LGBTQ+ protagonists. From thrilling whodunits to heartwarming tales of love and intrigue, these books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Say I Boo by Morgan Spellman: Join Abby Spector as she navigates the twists and turns of a haunted estate in this charming ghost mystery. With a blend of heart, humor, and a touch of sapphic romance, Say I Boo is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist (and yes, I’m biased—I wrote it).

2. Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder by Wren Jones: Follow witchy sleuth Stella as she investigates the death of a ghost that shows up in her small town. With plenty of magic, cozy settings, and a talking cat, this enchanting mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.

3. Murder Most Actual by Alexis Hall: When up-and-coming true crime podcaster Liza and her corporate financier wife Hanna head to a luxurious hotel in the Scottish Highlands expecting a romantic getaway, they end up with a series of corpses instead. With its witty dialogue and clever ‘Clue-like’ plot, Murder Most Actual is a delightfully humorous mystery.

4. The Verifiers by Jane Pek: Join Claudia as she dives into the world of verifying online identities—and crime. With its clever plot twists and incisive examination of technology and romance, The Verifiers is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a modern twist.

   So there you have it—4 cozy mystery novels featuring LGBTQ+ sapphic protagonists that are sure to delight and entertain. Whether you're in the mood for a paranormal adventure, a cozy fantasy, or a classic whodunit, there's something for everyone on this list. Happy reading!

Get to Know Your Readers

As an author, understanding your audience is crucial for crafting and sharing stories that resonate deeply with your audience. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out on your literary journey, connecting with your readers can make the difference between a book that fades into obscurity and one that captivates hearts and minds. Here are some tips I found helpful in helping me understand my audience and sell over 150 preorders on my first book as an indie author with a small platform:

1. Define Your Ideal Reader: Begin by envisioning your ideal reader—the person who would be most drawn to your book. Consider their demographics, interests, and preferences. Are they queer young adults seeking a fun uplifting mystery, or single moms in their mid-40s readers craving a cozy fantasy with emotional depth? By defining your ideal reader, you can tailor your writing and marketing efforts to better meet their needs and desires.

2. Conduct Market Research: Take the time to research your genre and target audience. Analyze bestselling books in your genre to identify common themes, tropes, and reader preferences. Look for patterns in reader reviews to gain insights into what resonates with your audience. Understanding the market landscape will help you position your book effectively and identify untapped opportunities.

3. Engage with Your Readers: Building genuine connections with your readers is essential for understanding their needs and preferences. Engage with your audience on social media, through author newsletters, or by participating in book clubs and reader communities. Ask for feedback, answer questions, and genuinely listen to their thoughts and opinions. By fostering open communication, you'll gain invaluable insights into what resonates with your audience.

4. Create Reader Personas: Develop detailed reader personas representing different segments of your audience. Consider factors such as age, gender, interests, lifestyle, and reading habits. By creating fictional personas that embody your target readers, you can better understand their motivations, challenges, and preferences. Use these personas to guide your writing and marketing strategies.

5. Analyze Reader Feedback: Pay close attention to reader feedback, both positive and negative. Reviews, comments, and messages from readers can provide valuable insights into what resonates with your audience and areas for improvement. While it’s a good idea for authors to stay out of review spaces, it can be helpful to have a friend read over some of your reviews and share some common things readers loved (and hated). Look for recurring themes and patterns in feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses in your writing. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and refinement.

6. Utilize Analytics Tools: Take advantage of analytics tools to gain deeper insights into your audience's behavior and preferences. Platforms like Google Analytics, social media insights, and email marketing software can provide valuable data on demographics, engagement metrics, and reader interactions. There are tons of free tools out there that can be helpful when you’re first starting out. You can use this data to refine your targeting, tailor your content, and optimize your marketing efforts.

7. Stay Curious and Adaptive: The publishing landscape is constantly evolving, and so are reader preferences. Stay curious and adaptive, keeping an eye on emerging trends, new platforms, and shifts in audience behavior. Be open to experimenting with different approaches and strategies to better connect with your audience—including fellow authors. By staying flexible and responsive, you can ensure that your writing will get into your reader’s hands.

Understanding your audience is an ongoing process that requires curiosity, empathy, and genuine engagement. But who says it can’t be fun too? One of my favorite things is hearing from readers—especially those who loved my writing. If you enjoyed reading one of my books or took inspiration from one of my blog posts, I’d love to hear from you! You’re always welcome to send me a message or tag me in social media with your thoughts.

Marketing Tips for Indie Authors

So, you've poured your heart and soul into your book, and now it's time (or almost time) to share it with the world. Trust me, you're in for a journey filled with warmth, camaraderie, and endless possibilities—and unfortunately some possible struggles. Here are some marketing tips to help you reach and engage with readers, drawing from my own experiences marketing my Abby Spector Ghost Mystery series.

1. Understand Your Audience: Understanding your readers is key to successful marketing. Take the time to personify your ideal reader: who are they? Where do they spend their time? Besides your book, what are they reading or watching? Where do they get book recommendations (TikTok? Facebook? Their local book club?). You may have more than one ideal reader persona, and that’s okay—choose one or two to start and get as specific as possible. You can always add more later. For instance, when I first launched Say I Boo, I was focused on the LGBTQ+ community because I thought many fellow members of the queer community would enjoy reading about a lesbian sleuth and her sapphic love interest. I still think that’s where my core readers are, but I’ve expanded my marketing efforts to include cozy mystery readers who like ghost stories. I’ve found the crossover—queer readers who like paranormal cozy mysteries—to be the biggest fans! 

2. Share the Love on Social Media: Social media isn't just about promotion—it's about connection. Many people will scroll past a post that looks like an advertisement. Engage with your readers, share snippets of your writing journey, and let them peek behind the scenes. And don't forget to spread the love! Shout out fellow authors in similar genres, recommend your favorite books, and celebrate your love of reading together.

3. Spread Joy with Advanced Reader Copies: There's something magical about sharing your book before it officially hits the shelves. Send out Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) to eager readers who can't wait to dive into your story. Their feedback and enthusiasm will not only warm your heart but also help generate buzz for your book.

4. Connect with Podcasters: Podcasts are a fantastic way to reach a dedicated audience. Reach out to podcasters who share your passion for key elements of your book and ask if they’ll be willing to mention your book on their next episode. You could also offer to appear on their podcast. Whether it's a cozy chat about other books in your genre or a deep dive into your book, podcast appearances are a fantastic opportunity to connect with potential readers in a meaningful way.

5. Engage with Online Communities: Book clubs, discord servers, and other online communities are vibrant hubs of discussion and discovery. Join these spaces, share your love for literature, and let readers know about your book. Engage authentically, listen to their stories, and build genuine connections that go beyond book promotion.

6. Offer Inclusive Merchandise and Giveaways: Who doesn't love a good giveaway? Spread joy and excitement by offering merchandise featuring character art, symbols, or quotes from your book. It's not just about promoting your work—it's about celebrating your readers and the things they love.

7. Seek Reviews: Reviews are like virtual hugs from readers who've fallen in love with your book. Reach out to book reviewers who review books in your genre and offer them a glimpse into your story. Their thoughtful reviews and recommendations will not only boost your book's visibility but also help it find its rightful place in the hearts of more readers.

Remember, marketing isn't just about selling books—it's about forging connections, spreading joy, and getting the word about your book out there so potential readers know it exists. Embrace your unique voice, share your story with love, and watch as it finds its way into the hearts of readers around the world. You've got this!

10 Tips for Writing a book

You've decided to embark on the thrilling journey of writing your first fiction book. Congratulations! Deciding to transform your ideas into a book is the first step! Creating a work of fiction is a rewarding (though often exausting) endeavor, but diving into the world of writing can be daunting, especially if you're unsure where to start. In this blog post, we'll explore ten tips to guide you through the process of writing your debut novel.

1. Start with a Compelling Idea: Every great book begins with a captivating idea. Take the time to brainstorm and explore various concepts until you find one that truly resonates with you. Whether it's a unique premise, an intriguing character, or an exciting setting, make sure your idea has the potential to sustain an entire novel.

2. Develop Your Characters: Memorable characters are the heart and soul of any fiction book. Spend time crafting well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. What does your character want more than anything? What’s standing in their way? While appearances and casual likes and dislikes can be fun, make sure you have the deep stuff covered—how do they see the world? What are their greatest strengths and flaws? What will they need to learn to achieve their goal? Getting to know your characters intimately will help them drive the plot forward through their actions and decisions—feel free to check out this list of prompts to help with characterization.

3. Outline Your Plot: While some writers prefer to dive into their stories headfirst (often called ‘Pantsing’) having a solid outline can provide valuable guidance and structure. Outlining the key plot points and character arcs before you start writing can help you stay focused and avoid getting lost along the way. If thorough outlining isn’t your thing, make sure you have an idea of major events and emotional character arcs. Check out Rebecca Thorne’s 5-sentence method for a very simple outline.

4. Create a Writing Routine: You’ve heard it before, but consistency really is key when it comes to writing a book. Establish a regular writing routine that works for you, whether it's writing for a set amount of time each day or setting weekly goals. It’s fine if this changes from day to day (or even if it’s only 2-3 days a week), but knowing when you’re going to write will help you get started.

5. Write Freely, Edit Later: We all write messy first drafts. Don't let the fear of imperfection hold you back. During the initial drafting phase, give yourself permission to write freely without worrying about grammar, spelling, or structure. The most important thing is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always revise and polish your work during the editing process.

6. Show, Don't Tell: One of the golden rules of writing fiction is to "show, don't tell." Instead of explicitly stating how characters feel or what is happening, use descriptive language and vivid imagery to paint a picture for your readers. Allow them to experience the story firsthand through sensory details and immersive prose.

7. Stay True to Your Voice: Every writer has a unique voice and style that sets them apart. Embrace your individuality and write in a way that feels authentic to you.

8. Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to share your work with others and seek constructive feedback. I personally like to have my first draft complete before anyone else sees it, but some people thrive off chapter-by-chapter feedback from critique partners or even posting live on a blog. Joining writing groups, participating in workshops, and enlisting the help of beta readers can help you gain valuable insights into your manuscript including your strengths and areas for improvement as a writer.

9. Revise, Revise, Revise: Writing is rewriting. Once you've completed your first draft, set it aside for a while before revisiting it with fresh eyes. I usually wait at least a month. Be prepared to revise and rewrite sections of your manuscript multiple times to strengthen your story, improve pacing, and enhance characterization. Say I Boo went through 3 full rewrites before it went to an editor, and several more rounds of editing and proofreading occurred before it was finally published.

10. Believe in Yourself: Writing a book is a challenging and sometimes daunting task, but remember that every successful author started as a beginner. Believe in your talent, stay committed to your vision, and never give up on your dreams. With dedication, perseverance, and a passion for storytelling, you have the power to bring your fiction book to life.

And that’s it! Writing your first book is often an exhilarating process filled with creativity, self-discovery, and growth. I hope these tips help you to navigate the challenges and triumphs of the writing process.

So, grab your pen, unleash your imagination, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Your masterpiece awaits!

Tips for ARC Readers: Writing A Strong Book Review

As an ARC reader, your honest feedback is incredibly valuable to authors, especially to debut authors and indie authors. Often, the number one way people hear about our books is by reviews—not only do they attract potential readers, but large booksellers (especially Amazon) rely on reviews to determine how likely they think the book will sell, which will impact how often they appear in searches.

Here are a few tips to consider when writing your review:

Be Genuine: Share your thoughts openly, whether you loved certain aspects or found parts that weren’t to your taste.

Initial reactions: Discussing your initial thoughts on the plot, pacing, characters, and overall vibes of the book adds depth to your review. What captivated you about the storyline? How did the pacing affect your reading experience? Which characters left a lasting impression? Sharing these insights gives potential readers a glimpse of what they can expect if they were to pick up the book in the future.

Avoid (or tag) Spoilers: Keep it suspenseful for future readers by avoiding major plot reveals (anything in the second half of the book). If you want to talk about the end of the book, make sure you preface it with something like ‘SPOILERS AHEAD’ so anyone who doesn’t want to be spoiled can skip that section.

Would you recommend this book? Would you recommend this book? If the answer is yes, specify the audience that would benefit most from reading it. Instead of naming individuals, opt for a more general approach. For example, consider recommending it to friends and family, suggesting it for your local book club, or mentioning it as a great pick for mystery enthusiasts. The broader your recommendations, the more helpful they become for potential readers seeking their next captivating read.

If you didn’t enjoy the book, can you think of an audience who would like it? If so, focusing on why you didn’t enjoy it and who you think would enjoy it could still be meaningful—keeping the book out of the wrong hands is just as important as getting the book into the right hands. However you choose to review, if you convey your thoughts constructively by focusing on providing specific feedback about the aspects that didn't resonate with you, the review should still be helpful to potential readers. As an ARC Reader, if you finish reading your ARC before the publication date, you can also consider writing to the author directly instead of leaving a review to point out areas where you felt the plot could be strengthened, character development improved, or pacing adjusted.

In general, leaving a negative (and constructive) review is fine, but it is best if hold off reviewing until shortly after the book is launched so it doesn’t significantly impact the book’s ratings before launch.

WHERE TO REVIEW (AND WHEN)

🌟 Social Media / Your Blog: Share your thoughts on TikTok, Instagram, or any other platforms where you connect with fellow book lovers. You could even tag a friend you think would enjoy it! If you have a blog, it's a fantastic place to post your review as well. The power of social media and blogging allows you to reach a wider audience, sparking conversations and connecting with individuals who share your passion for literature. So don't hesitate to spread the word and create a buzz around the book, potentially introducing it to new readers who would love to delve into its captivating pages.
🌟 Goodreads / StoryGraph: As soon as you finish reading, you can leave your review on Goodreads and The StoryGraph, two popular platforms specifically designed for book enthusiasts to share their thoughts and recommendations. By leaving a review on these platforms, you contribute to the book's visibility and assist other readers in determining whether it aligns with their preferences. Your reviews serve as a valuable resource for the reading community.
🌟 Amazon: If you have an Amazon account, it’s very helpful to review on Amazon, but they will not allow reviews until release day, ensuring that reviews come from genuine readers who have experienced the book firsthand. Although Amazon may require you to purchase the book to leave a review, it's a small investment that not only supports the author but also enables you to express your thoughts and contribute to the book's success on the world's largest online marketplace for literature.
🌟 Barnes and Noble: If you have a Barnes and Noble account, reviewing on their site could make a big impact! You can usually share your opinion and recommendations as soon as you finish reading the book. By providing feedback on Barnes and Noble, you add to the book's overall rating and assist potential readers in making informed decisions about adding it to their own reading lists. Your review might just be the nudge someone needs to discover a literary gem they've been searching for.

Remember most ARC readers are under no obligation to review, but authors greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing your thoughts.