Write Novels That Sell

Welcome to the definitive collection of Write Novels that Sell books, written by Kristina Stanley, CEO of Fictionary,  and co-authors L. O’Donnell, L. Taylor, and L. Cooke. Whether you are drafting your very first scene or preparing a series for global release, our mission is to turn the “hot mess” of a first draft into a structurally sound, page-turning masterpiece.

Each guide in this series is designed to peel back the curtain on the industry’s most essential secrets. By combining deep structural theory with practical, scene-by-scene blueprints, we empower you to write with purpose and edit with precision. From the foundational mechanics of a single novel to the complex world-building of Fantasy and the high-stakes tension of Mystery and Romance, these books provide the “Story Vault” of knowledge every author needs.

Explore the collection below and start writing your best-selling journey—one sensational scene at a time.

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The “Write Novels that Sell” Library

• Secrets to Outlining a Novel (2023): Turn the daunting task of planning into a joyful, “inch by inch” process.
• Secrets to Writing a Novel: The foundational blueprint for writing a structurally sound story from the ground up. Coming Soon in 2026.
• Secrets to Writing a Series (2024): Learn how to scale your story and keep readers hooked across multiple volumes.
• Secrets to Writing a Romance (2025): Excel at the emotional beats and genre expectations that define a “happily ever after.”
• Secrets to Writing a Fantasy (2025): Build immersive worlds and magic systems without losing sight of the core narrative structure.
• Secrets to Writing a Mystery (2025): Discover how to plant clues, manage red herrings, and deliver a climax that satisfies every reader.
• Secrets to Editing Success (2023): Move beyond proofreading and perform a structural edit that transforms a good draft into a great book.

You can find all the Write Novels That Sell books in one place.

THE AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO SELLING BOOKS TO NON-BOOKSTORES

First Edition: May 28, 2016

Second Edition: May 5, 2019

Published by Fictionary Press

Imagine walking into a grocery store, gift shop or other non-bookstore and seeing YOUR book for sale.  This wonderful experience is within your grasp—if you’re bold enough to pursue it.

Selling to traditional bookstores and making a profit can be extremely difficult, but there is an alternative. In this step-by-step guide, best-selling author Kristina Stanley will show YOU how to move beyond the bookstores and sell to other retail outlets. Every step is detailed, from formulating a plan to collecting money.

Stanley speaks from experience. She’s sold more books through non-bookstore retail outlets than through traditional bookstores, and YOU can too. Read on, and turn your dream into reality. Success is within your reach.

Early Praise:

Want to sell your own books around town and in your region? Author Kristina Stanley tells us clearly and concisely how to convince non-bookstores to sell our books. In a chatty style with a warm, can-do approach, Kristina has done all the work for us, laying out clear dos and don’ts and providing handy checklists and useful templates, so all we have to do is follow her guidelines, tailoring them to our own situation.

From types of retail outlets to consider, how to appeal to store owners, what to take with you, how to display your books, negotiating price and terms of sale, payment options to consider, checklists for various steps, templates for letters, invoices, and flyers, and so much more, this clear, comprehensive guide to selling your own books is a blueprint for success! ~ Jodie Renner, editor & award-winning author

“Thinking outside the box (i.e. bookstores) is a great way for authors to increase their sales. Like Kristina Stanley, I’ve had success selling my Second World War novel Bird’s Eye View in non-bookstores, but I still learned a lot from reading her step-by-step comprehensive guidebook. I especially appreciated her advice regarding checklists and spreadsheets – something every author should embrace!” ~ Elinor Florence author of Bird’s Eye View, Dundurn Press

Every author needs this book. Filled with tactics foreign to most writers, Kristina Stanley demonstrates everything you need to connect with decision makers who want to sell your book. Find sales outlets you never knew existed. Avoid competing against big budget giants and be the only book a retailer sells. And get ready to take your book’s success to new levels. ~Dan Alatorre International Bestselling Author and President’s Circle Fortune 500 Company Sales Manager

Well, I’ve been a published author for almost five years and it never occurred to me that I can sell my books in places that — wait for it — don’t usually sell books! It’s true. The Author’s Guide To Selling Books To Non-Bookstores, by Kristina Stanley, is an in-depth instructional guide on how to do this. Every step is covered, from formulating a plan to collecting money — and, everything in between.

Kristina kindly provides a sample spreadsheet and invoices to keep the author organized. I also picked up some new book-signing and marketing tips from this book, and my mind is whirling with the possibilities! The book is well-written and worth the read for authors who are interested in stepping up their marketing efforts. ~ Gloria Ferris, award-winning author of the Cornwall & Redfern Mysteries”