Frustrated with sparking quick, lively chats in your self publishing community? Our Quick Discussion templates are here to help. Engage members instantly with short, trending prompts designed just for authors and indie publishers.
Plan your content calendar and auto-post to Skool, Circle, or Mighty Networks
Quick Discussion templates work because they lower the barrier to participation. Members are more likely to respond to bite-sized questions and statements that require little time or thought but still let them share their perspective. This format is especially effective in self publishing groups, where members often juggle busy writing schedules and may not have time for lengthy replies.
By focusing on trending topics, hot takes, or simple prompts, these templates keep the community buzzing with activity. The casual tone encourages even shy or newer members to chime in, creating a sense of momentum and inclusivity. Frequent, low-pressure engagement builds trust and keeps your community top of mind, leading to higher retention and deeper connections over time.
What is your biggest self publishing win this week?
💡 Example: "I finally finished my book cover design!"
Do you prefer writing in silence or with background noise?
💡 Example: "I need total silence to focus."
Share a recent self publishing tool you discovered.
💡 Example: "I started using Atticus for formatting this month."
Which platform do you publish on most often?
💡 Example: "I mostly use Amazon KDP for my books."
Hot take - print books or ebooks for self publishing?
💡 Example: "Ebooks all the way, easier to manage."
What genre do you wish more indie authors explored?
💡 Example: "I wish there were more indie sci-fi romance books."
How do you celebrate a book launch?
💡 Example: "I treat myself to my favorite coffee after every launch."
Do you outline or write by the seat of your pants?
💡 Example: "I'm a total pantser, outlines stress me out."
What was your biggest challenge in editing?
💡 Example: "Cutting entire chapters was tough for me."
Drop your favorite book marketing tip below.
💡 Example: "Build an email list before your launch!"
Which self publishing myth do you wish would disappear?
💡 Example: "That self published books are low quality."
Are you team morning writing or night owl author?
💡 Example: "I always write late at night."
What's one thing you wish you knew before self publishing?
💡 Example: "How much time marketing would actually take."
Favorite software for formatting your manuscript?
💡 Example: "I use Vellum for all my books."
How do you pick your book's keywords?
💡 Example: "I use Publisher Rocket to research keywords."
Do you use beta readers? Why or why not?
💡 Example: "Yes, they help me catch plot holes."
One publishing trend you are excited about?
💡 Example: "I love the rise of serialized fiction platforms."
What's your go-to snack during writing sessions?
💡 Example: "Coffee and chocolate every time."
Share one thing that motivates you to keep publishing.
💡 Example: "Positive reader reviews keep me going."
Do you use pen names? Why or why not?
💡 Example: "Yes, I use a pen name for my romance novels."
What is your biggest publishing goal for this month?
💡 Example: "I want to finish my book's first draft."
Audiobooks or print - which sells better for you?
💡 Example: "Print books still outsell audiobooks for me."
How do you get through writer's block?
💡 Example: "I switch to outlining when I'm stuck."
What is the most helpful feedback you ever received?
💡 Example: "Someone told me to show not tell in my scenes."
What's your favorite indie book released this year?
💡 Example: "I loved 'The Indie Author's Journey' by Jane Writer."
How many drafts do you usually write before publishing?
💡 Example: "I go through at least three full drafts."
Are you currently working with an editor?
💡 Example: "Yes, I just hired a developmental editor."
Self publishing pet peeve - go!
💡 Example: "When platforms change their royalty rules without warning."
Have you tried AI tools for writing or marketing?
💡 Example: "I've used ChatGPT for brainstorming blurbs."
Quick poll - do you sell direct or just through retailers?
💡 Example: "I only sell direct from my website."
What do you listen to while formatting or uploading your book?
💡 Example: "I listen to calming instrumental playlists."
What do you wish readers understood about indie publishing?
💡 Example: "We work just as hard as traditionally published authors."
How do you find your cover designer?
💡 Example: "I found mine through a Facebook group."
What are your thoughts on Kindle Unlimited?
💡 Example: "I like the exposure but wish the payout was higher."
Biggest distraction while working on your book?
💡 Example: "My cats always want attention when I'm writing."
What's your top tip for new indie authors?
💡 Example: "Don't try to do everything at once. Focus on one step at a time."
Do you use social media to connect with readers?
💡 Example: "Yes, Instagram has been great for me."
Has self publishing changed your writing style?
💡 Example: "Yes, I write shorter chapters now."
Have you ever collaborated with another author?
💡 Example: "Last year I co-wrote a novella with a friend."
What's your current work in progress about?
💡 Example: "I'm writing a cozy mystery set in a small town bakery."
Name one self publishing podcast you recommend.
💡 Example: "I always listen to the Self Publishing Show."
What is the last self publishing event or webinar you attended?
💡 Example: "I went to the 20Books conference last year."
Post these templates as stand-alone threads or as quick replies to ongoing discussions. Rotate topics to stay fresh and relevant, especially around publishing news or writing trends. Encourage moderators and active members to use them as conversation starters. Consider pinning a Quick Discussion post during busy publishing seasons or after major industry updates to drive participation.
These Quick Discussion templates are designed for all platforms. On forums, use them as sticky threads or daily posts. For Facebook or LinkedIn groups, post during peak hours for best visibility. On Discord or Slack, use dedicated quick-chat channels or pin highlights. Always encourage quick responses and build on momentum by replying promptly.
Quick Discussion posts are ideal for prompting members to share their experiences and opinions about different self-publishing platforms. Pose direct questions such as 'Which platform did you find more user-friendly for formatting your manuscript: KDP or IngramSpark?' or 'What were your biggest challenges in getting your ISBN through each platform?' This encourages nuanced discussions based on real-world author experience.
Great prompts focus on specific marketing tactics or recent trends. Examples include: 'Has anyone tried BookBub deals, and what was your ROI?' or 'What marketing channels brought you the most pre-orders for your latest release?' These types of prompts encourage sharing actionable insights while helping members feel supported in overcoming the unique marketing hurdles of self-publishing.
You can create engaging discussions by asking targeted questions such as 'How often do you experiment with your ebook pricing on KDP Select?' or 'Do you find a sweet spot for print-on-demand pricing that maximizes royalties without deterring readers?' These prompts help authors exchange data-driven strategies and learn from each other's experiments in the self-publishing market.
Absolutely! Try posts like 'Have you had more success with freelance cover designers or pre-made covers from marketplaces?' or 'What are your thoughts on using AI tools for cover creation—are they worth the risk for indie authors?' These questions address real industry dilemmas and invite members to share resources, recommendations, and cautionary tales.
Frame your prompts around sharing experiences and solutions, e.g., 'Has anyone had a manuscript rejected by KDP for content issues? How did you resolve it?' or 'What tips do you have for ensuring your book passes Amazon’s content review the first time?' This approach sparks practical, empathetic conversations specific to self-publishing roadblocks.
Leverage timely prompts such as 'How are you adjusting your pricing or page count in response to Amazon’s new royalty changes?' or 'Has anyone noticed the impact of the latest KDP policy update on your sales?' This keeps the community informed, encourages rapid knowledge sharing, and positions your group as a go-to resource for indie authors navigating the evolving self-publishing landscape.
Skool · Circle · Mighty Networks