Where can I buy your books?

All of my novels are sold exclusively on this site. Literary journals or anthologies I’m featured in will be advertised here as well, and by clicking on them you’ll be redirected to the publication soliciting them.

WHEN can I buy your books?!

All updates on giveaways, galley release scavenger hunts, pre-orders, and more will be in my newsletter before day-of announcements on Instagram. You can sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Why don’t you sell on Amazon?

Amazon, while a helpful and economic site for writers and consumers alike, is one of the primary reasons indie books stores and other mom and pop shops are at risk in our communities (if they still exist at all). They also have notorious exploitative business practices that affect both their employees and their merchants alike. In short: Amazon’s business practices don’t align with my personal values of respect, honesty, and transparency. And I’m not down for that.

How can I find your books on Instagram if you don’t use hashtags?

Think of me like a 1920s speakeasy…or a hitman! If you’ve heard of me, it’s because someone else passed along this site, my IG handle (@teaandpuppets), or one of my books. I’m “kickin’ it old school” by doing away with the headache of praying to the false algorithm god and trying to appease the robotic powers that be. I’m giving the power back to you, young mister Obi-wan Spiderman. Your voice is yours. This is the ultimate IYKYK.

Can your books be purchased wholesale?

For wholesale, interview, appearance, and other business-related inquiries, please send me an email using the form on the Contact page.

Refunds, returns, and exchanges

All items are eligible for return and refund or exchange under these conditions: The item is in brand new and unused condition or the wrong item has been shipped or arrived damaged. Used items or items damaged due to use are not eligible for return or exchange. You have seven days upon delivery to return the item(s). Customer pays for return shipping. A 20% restocking fee will be collected from the original order total regardless of item type (hardcover, softcover, digital). An email stating you would like to make a return/exchange is required before making the return.

On a personal note: I ask that you consider gifting or donating the novel(s) to your local library or Little Free Library in your neighborhood, as this is the more environmentally-friendly option.

I’m new to writing, do you have any tips for me?

Heck yeah I do! And I’m so glad you asked. This site, myself, and the people subscribing to it want to help you as much as we can. It takes guts to embark on this journey, and bravery to be bold and ask questions. Thank you for showing up, we’re happy to have you.

Check out the Resources For Writers page to get started. More specific questions can be found here. P.s. both that section and this one are organic—check back for any updates!

How do I find beta readers?

Once you've edited your book and gotten it as far as you can, it's time to enlist the help of beta readers! Beta readers can be found anywhere, however, it's important to choose them wisely. Many people will say they want to read your book, but not all of them will be able to provide the structural feedback you're looking for. If choosing among friends or family, consider: do they read often, in your genre, and across genres? What kind of feedback are you looking for, and does it suit this person's temperament?

It's recommended by many to enlist the help of other writers. Consider joining your school's club, taking a class, or looking into events at local bookstores or libraries to see if they have any writers groups for you to participate in. If you have a shrewd, grammar-fanatic in your life (or know someone who does) consider enlisting their help. Line edits are as important as structural edits.

Finally, sensitivity readers are pertinent to the beta reading process. If you have a book featuring someone of a different background than you, it's important to invite readers who live those experiences to read your book. This will not only enhance your writing, it will also likely get you to view your characters and the world differently.

How do I research?

I looove this question. I’m a research rapture* NERD. First thing’s first:

Google. (I use Ecosia, a search engine that plants trees, but you get my point.)
It doesn’t matter that this is where you start—you’re collecting information. By starting somewhere and gathering, you’ll then be able to filter out more specific search questions, buzz words to use, and sources to find. Utilize the internet as your starting point to find books, academicians, journals, and more. It’s ok to use Wikipedia, even Reddit. They may not be your primary source, but they can point you to it.

Check your sources.
Go to the “About” page of that website, read author bios, dig into the researchers’ credentials to understand what kind of biases they have, what their sources are, and how they utilize this information. We all have our biases, it’s important to pay attention to the ones of your sources to understand why they might be writing in a certain tone or from a certain angle. Make sure you have a variety of voices on the subject to filter out your own stance from there.

Attend in-person events (if available).
This can be how you make connections, find beta readers, and ask questions in real-time. This may also be how you share some of what you’re working on. Embrace opportunities, but listen to your instincts as well. There is no harm in keeping information to yourself until you get to know someone better. If you do decide to open up and share more, ask all that you can. Ideally, they’re supportive and eager to help. If they aren’t, no matter what anyone says: Be audacious enough to believe in yourself. Find someone else.

*Research rapture: a term used for when you’ve gone down all the rabbit holes and have started exploring the ocean just in case it might have something to do with a character who doesn’t even exist. I.e.: you’ve started researching things that don’t directly (or even indirectly) correlate to your novel in any way.

Can you tell me about agents?

Absolutely, I can! An agent is a necessary part of the traditional publishing process. Once you’ve gotten your book as far as you absolutely can (written, researched, beta read, edited by you until you can’t see straight, and perhaps by a professional), it may be time for you to look for an agent! 🥳 Agents can be found by looking up agent houses, profiles on X (previously Twitter), and my personal favorite: by looking at the Acknowledgements section in the back of books similar to your own. These are all good places to start, and there are no doubt many other ways out there, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your writing community to see what they think!

It’s important to utilize your research skills here as well, because not every agent will be a perfect match. Look into the books they’ve represented and the kinds of projects they’re interested in championing. Don’t be afraid to give their name a quick search! You may find they were involved in unethical practices, weren’t supportive of the writers they signed, or may be fake all together! Writing is an old industry, unfortunately taking advantage of writers is as old and prevalent as writing itself is. Just know: agents don’t get paid until your book is sold to a publisher. No one should be asking you for money up front.

What’s the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing?

I’d love to tell you! But I’ve been talking this whole time, so why don’t I answer your question and introduce you to a writing resource as well. Reedsy is a writing app, writing resource blog, and marketplace for editors! Give their “About” page a read after checking out this article.

Can I send you my manuscript (query, poem, essay, carrier pigeon letter)?

If you’d like to work with me as an editor, check out this page! At this time, I’m not accepting beta reading queries or ghostwriting queries.

Note: All businesses mentioned in this article are mentioned as resources only. I’m not sponsored or paid to talk about any of them.