Diana Urban: Author Tips & Tea

The 5 biggest book marketing lessons I learned the HARD way

From going viral on social media to NetGalley widgets, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons that will shape my approach to promoting my books.

Feb 6 • Diana Urban

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January 2026

ALERT: Readers, join my new mailing list + get a free story!

You’ll be the first to know about my new releases, discounts, giveaways, and ARC opportunities. This Substack is for author tips going forward!

Jan 12 • Diana Urban

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December 2025

Publishing lessons on book production I learned the HARD way

From cover consultations to packaging and sprayed edges, I’m sharing eight book production challenges I faced so YOU’RE prepared to handle them.

Dec 19, 2025 • Diana Urban

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October 2025

Publishing lessons on writing & editing I learned the HARD way

8 lessons I learned from writing and editing four books under contract—protecting yourself from burnout, when to stet, getting extensions, and more!

Oct 6, 2025 • Diana Urban

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September 2025

80+ ways publishing can reject you AFTER a book deal

As an aspiring author, I thought once I got a book deal, things would be smooth sailing. Here's what I wish I knew...

Sep 17, 2025 • Diana Urban

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August 2025

Explaining publishing to non-author friends is like a sitcom

Publishing often makes me feel like I'm losing my mind. My friends—and the looks on their faces when I tell them about it—remind me I'm not.

Aug 7, 2025 • Diana Urban

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July 2025

How I've been recovering from writing burnout

After writing a novel in 6-7 months, here's how I'm taking time to refill the well and recover from burnout.

Jul 16, 2025 • Diana Urban

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June 2025

7 creepiest facts I wrote into my Paris catacombs thriller

Under the Surface was inspired by true events. Here's how the creepiest real-life facts made their way into the plot!

Jun 26, 2025 • Diana Urban

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AMA with Author Diana Urban: Spring 2025

Diving into printing swag, advice for folks trying to break into publishing, why kidlit sales are down, what changed in Under the Surface edits, and…

Jun 10, 2025 • Diana Urban

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May 2025

Under the Surface Is Out in Paperback (With a Purple Edge!)

It's a psychological survival thriller about four teens who go missing in the Paris catacombs for days—and the race to find them.

May 27, 2025 • Diana Urban

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How I promoted my book Under the Surface

Sharing how I hustled my booty off to make this book a bestseller... at the cost of my well-being. Read at your own peril, honestly.

May 19, 2025 • Diana Urban

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Hurry! Under the Surface is just TWO SMACKAROOS!

Get the romantic survival adventure in the Paris Catacombs for just two bucks on ebook!

May 8, 2025 • Diana Urban

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