✍️ Author Guide

Setting Up Your Profile

Profile Essentials

• Profile Photo: Professional headshot, 400×400px minimum — upload a file or paste a URL
• Display Name: Your author name (pen name or real name)
• Username: Unique handle for your public URL (/authors/yourname)
• Bio: Write a compelling bio — make it count, as readers see it on your profile card
• Topics: Up to 3 topics (Leadership, AI, Finance, etc.) — choose the most specific tags for best discoverability
• Social Links: LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Website

Plan Comparison

Managing Your Books

Adding a Book

1. Go to your Dashboard → Books → "Add New Book"
2. Upload a cover image (600×900px recommended, JPG/PNG)
3. Enter title, description, category, and buy link
4. Optional: Upload a PDF to enable reader borrowing
5. Toggle "Grant Lending" to allow ShelfMember+ readers to borrow

Lead Generation & Offers

Available for ShelfBoss only

"My Offer" Section

Add a custom call-to-action on your profile with a lead capture form. Perfect for free chapter downloads, email course signups, webinar registrations, or consultation bookings.

"Offers & Programs" Inquiries

Enable the inquiry form on your profile. Readers fill out their name, email, and message — you receive all inquiries directly in your Dashboard inbox.

Authority Talks & Podcast

Apply for an Authority Talk (ShelfBoss only)

ShelfBoss authors can apply for a guaranteed speaker slot directly from their Dashboard:

1. Sign in and go to your Dashboard
2. Click "My Applications" in the left sidebar
3. Click "Apply for a Talk Slot →" on the Authority Talk card
4. Fill in your topic, talking points, and preferred dates, then submit
5. Our team reviews applications and responds within 5–7 business days

Submit Your Podcast (ShelfBoss only)

Have your own podcast? Submit it to be featured on the Authority Shelf platform:

1. Go to Dashboard → My Applications
2. Click "Submit Your Podcast →" and provide your podcast name, topic, and watch/embed URL
3. Approved podcasts appear in the Podcast section of the platform

Be a Guest on Our Podcast (ShelfBoss only)

Want to appear as a guest on the Authority Shelf podcast?

1. Go to Dashboard → My Applications
2. Click "Be a Guest on Our Podcast →"
3. Provide your topic expertise, talking points, bio, and availability
4. Our team will reach out to schedule your episode

Analytics & Insights

Available for ShelfPro and ShelfBoss

• Profile Views: How many people visited your author page
• Followers: Readers following you for updates
• Book Views: Individual book detail page visits
• Likes & Comments: Engagement on your books and profile
• Bookmarks: Readers saving your books for later

Best Practices