It’s a new year, and it’s the perfect time to jump start your writing career! What are you going to do this year to reach your publishing goals?

No matter where you are in the publishing process or what those goals are, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way.

I feel like the first post of the year has to be something special — so how about we unveil some of the new features, tools and resources planned this year?

The Reader Mailbag

At some point in the publishing process, we find ourselves stuck — it’s inevitable. Have a question in your head about writing, editing, design, publishing, marketing or any other indie author-y topic? We can guarantee you that, at some point, another author has had exactly the same question.

To help everyone out, we’re debuting a monthly feature called the Reader Mailbag. It’s simple: send in your self-publishing question and we’ll answer it on the blog on the first Monday of every month.

If you want us to use your name and link to your website, we certainly will, or if you’d rather remain anonymous we can accommodate that as well.

What are you waiting for? It only takes 30 seconds — send in your question now!

The Self-Publishing Writing Contest

You read that right: a contest! That means prizes galore, and we couldn’t be more excited.

One of the great things about the self-publishing and indie author community as a whole is the range of backgrounds and experiences of the authors who make it up. The self-publishing writing contest is your chance to showcase your knowledge, experience or perspective on any topic of interest to indie authors — and win some cool prizes at the same time.

We’ll share the full details and how to participate on Wednesday! Think you’ll forget? Subscribe via RSS or e-mail to never miss a post!

Self-Publishing Linkups

You guys are writing some great stuff, and it’s often difficult for us to find and aggregate all of the quality posts on a given topic.

This is where self-publishing linkups come in! During our linkups, we’ll give you a topic and you’ll leave links to posts centered around that topic. They can be posts on your blog or someone else’s — just tell us why it’s awesome and you’re in!

Our first linkup will be this Friday, centered on the topic “New Year’s Resolutions and Goal-Setting.” Get those links ready! Think you’ll forget? Subscribe via RSS or e-mail to never miss a post!

Other odds and ends:

• Need help with writing or marketing? What about both?! As a 2012 special, we’re offering both the How NOT To Write A Book and 10 Commandments of Social Media eCourses for just $19 — that’s better than 2 for 1!
• We’re looking for blog sponsors! Perfect for anyone offering a self-publishing tool, resource, product or blog. You’ll receive an ad in the sidebar and some super shoutouts — check out the full details here.
• All Indie Ninjas are now automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card. They also receive EVERY eCourse for free, in addition to the other great benefits — all for just $3 a month.
• Sign up for the totally free monthly newsletter and you’ll receive access to our Self-Publishing Basic Training eBook (a $10 value) plus all of its extras (up to a $100 value) as our gift to you!
• We’re in the process of developing our next eCourses for release in March and are looking for guest instructors to teach future courses. Have a great idea or area of expertise? Give us a shout!