July 2026

Hey Reader,

Welcome to the new version of The Monthly Brew!

When I first started my newsletter, I thought I had to pack it full of useful information: writing tips, editing advice, publishing insights, and marketing trends. Nobody would sign up if I didn't provide all the helpful info, right?

Wrong.

I wound up hating my newsletter, forcing myself to write it, never sticking to a set schedule.

So I took the past month and a half to dig deep into my brain to figure out what would make me less stressed. I looked at all aspects of my marketing: socials, blog, website, this newsletter.

And I came up with something pretty simple: less is more when it comes to certain things.

• I might hate social media for my own personal use, but I do enjoy the book community on Instagram and Threads. So I did some deep planning to find a consistent schedule that'll work for this season in my life.
• I like sharing educational content, but when it comes down to it, I'm a business, and I should be sharing that content in strategic ways. Since I'm also still exploring my personal writing and creativity, I'm going to channel my love of learning into helpful blog posts.
• I want to actually enjoy writing emails. For me, that's going to look like a fun, short, and simple weekly email (Sunday Sidequests) and one main email each month where I can share more about the book community and my editing life.

Now that I've rambled on about my "renovations" here . . . Grab your coffee (or drink of choice) and settle in.

Brew of the Month

LOTUS CREME LATTE

I used to need a sugary coffee, but since my early 20s, my main go-to is a regular coffee with milk (close to a 4D on this coffee-to-cream ratio image).

An iced lotus creme latte at the coffee shop near my son's school definitely hits the spot when I'm craving something different without a sugar overload. Compared to other lattes, it is more on the bland side, but I kinda love that about it. It's no-nonsense with a cookie on top!

My rating: ☕☕☕☕

Overheard at the Coffee Shop

The bookish conversations that caught my attention this month.

☕ Reviews Are For Readers​
Honestly, I can't believe we keep having this conversation. Reviews are for other readers to help them determine whether a certain book meets their tastes / interests. They are NOT for authors to insert themselves into. Full stop.
Can authors use lines from reviews in their marketing? Hell yes! I love posts that use reviews in fun and creative ways—especially when the review itself is absolutely ridiculous.
But please, for the love of coffee, don't argue with, disparage, mock, or fucking dox reviewers.

☕ Free Books​
Looks like OceansOfPDF is finally down! 🎉🎉🎉
But of course Threads is now full of posts asking where else people can find books for free online.
This is absolutely a frustrating time to be an author, but I think it's also a good time to seize the moment.
Are your books available in libraries? Spread the word! Any SYK days coming up that you'll be taking part in? Let people know! Have any sales coming up or bundles you're currently offering? Post the relevant info!
Keep calling out piracy, but make the most of the moment too.
(I'm also going to be putting together a blog post about "free" reading opportunities. If your books are available in library catalogs, you're taking part in a SYK day, or anything else, let me know! I'll feature you / your books in the post.)

What I've Been Brewing

Coming Soon to Coffee-Stained Pages:

📖 How Long Does Editing a Novel Take?

📖 How Much Does Professional Book Editing Cost?

Behind the editor's desk:

• This past month involved a shit-ton of brainstorming and researching fit in around a chaotic personal life. It was a lot of work, but I'm super happy with what I've come up with! And I'm actually excited to get back to posting on Instagram and Threads.
• My first issue of Sunday Sidequests went out this week! I'm happy to report my brainstorming paid off; I love being able to share random things my brain has latched onto. I already made a note on my phone for next week's issue. 😅
• I'm 98% certain I have a predominantly inattentive form of ADHD. I'm waiting for a new life insurance policy to kick in before I start exploring an actual diagnosis. In the meantime, do any of you lovely people with (diagnosed or undiagnosed) ADHD have any tricks that work for them productivity-wise?

Wishing you plenty of good books and good coffee,

P.S. I'm always looking for new books to add to my never-ending TBR. If you've read something recently you couldn't put down, send it my way!