Billy Design Studio.
Insights & Strategy

The Studio Journal

Expert advice on self-publishing, book cover design, and building a premium author brand.

Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark: The Ultimate Guide for Self-Publishers in 2026
Self-Publishing
April 2, 2026 12 min read

Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark: The Ultimate Guide for Self-Publishers in 2026

Discover the pros, cons, and best strategies for distributing your self-published book across Amazon KDP and IngramSpark to maximize your royalties and reach.

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The Anatomy of a Bestselling Fiction Book Cover
Cover Design
March 28, 2026 10 min read

The Anatomy of a Bestselling Fiction Book Cover

Learn the psychological and visual elements that make a fiction book cover irresistible to readers, from typography hierarchy to color theory.

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A+ Content Strategies for Self-Published Authors on Amazon
Book Marketing
March 15, 2026 9 min read

A+ Content Strategies for Self-Published Authors on Amazon

Maximize your book's conversion rate on Amazon with professional A+ Content. Learn what to include, how to design it, and why it matters.

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Building an Author Brand: Beyond the Book Cover
Author Branding
March 5, 2026 11 min read

Building an Author Brand: Beyond the Book Cover

Your book cover is just the beginning. Learn how to build a cohesive author brand using logos, typography, and social media kits.

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5 Common Visual Mistakes Self-Publishers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Self-Publishing
February 20, 2026 8 min read

5 Common Visual Mistakes Self-Publishers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Avoid these critical design and branding mistakes that instantly mark a book as 'amateur' and hurt your sales potential.

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How Book Cover Design Impacts Sales on Barnes & Noble, Lulu, and Beyond
Cover Design
February 10, 2026 9 min read

How Book Cover Design Impacts Sales on Barnes & Noble, Lulu, and Beyond

While Amazon dominates, platforms like Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu, and Apple Books have different audiences. Learn how your cover design impacts wide distribution.

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