I’m Ron Keres, the proud self-published author behind the beloved picture book series Finn the Frog Collection.* This series is known for its interactive charm and laugh-out-loud humor. It delights readers with bright and playful illustrations by the talented Arthur Lin.
I’m also the creator of Scariest Silliest Stories,* a series packed with spooky fun and surprising twists—one of which was recently featured on social media by none other than Jack Black himself!
My books have reached a global audience and have been translated into Turkish, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, and Finnish! I’m thrilled to have Scholastic Australia & New Zealand representing This Book Is Perfect! to their frog-loving readers.
All in all, I have sold over 90,000 books in three short years.
As I enter my fourth year as a children’s book author and publisher, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error regarding the tools that make the publishing process easier. Some have saved me time, others money, and a few have saved me from a whole lot of frustration!
My Top 3 Resources for Writers
Today, I want to share three of my favorite resources for writers that I use almost daily—tools I couldn’t imagine running my author business without.
If you’re an indie author, self-publisher, or just starting your journey, these might be game-changers for you too!
1. Publisher Rocket
When I first started publishing, one of the best investments I made was purchasing Publisher Rocket. It came highly recommended, and I quickly understood why. This tool has been instrumental in helping me choose the right categories and keywords every time I launch a new book. Without it, I’d be left guessing—or worse—manually researching, which would take hours of my time.
One feature I love is its ability to generate lists of keywords and ASINs for Amazon ads. This alone has saved me from the tedious process of compiling ad data manually.
When I first bought Publisher Rocket, it was $99 for lifetime access. Now, the price has increased to $199. However, considering the continual improvements and new features, it’s still worth every penny. I love it so much that I even joined their affiliate program. If you’re interested in using Publisher Rocket, here’s my link!
2. Canva
While I use Adobe InDesign for my book files, Canva is my go-to for almost everything else. Its user-friendliness and versatility make it essential for any author.
I use Canva Pro (which I highly recommend) to create:
✅ Social media graphics
✅ Amazon AMS brand ad images
✅ A+ Content for my book listings
✅ Marketing materials (magnets, table runners, business cards, etc.)
The background remover and magic eraser are among the best features. I use both constantly to refine images and create polished visuals. Some authors create entire books using Canva. However, be careful: if something happens to your account, you might lose access to your editable files, so always keep backups!
If you’re not using Canva yet, I highly recommend giving it a try—it’s a huge time-saver.
3. People (Yes, Really!)
The most valuable “tool” I’ve ever had in this business isn’t software; it’s a strong network of author friends and beta readers.
Writing and publishing can be lonely, but having a couple of trusted friends to provide honest feedback and encouragement is invaluable. I’ve built a beta reader team and have group chats with fellow authors where we share insights and feedback.
When I was just starting out, I was fortunate to build a strong relationship with the host of a popular YouTube read-aloud channel. She has years of experience as a teacher and receives many book submissions, so she knows what makes a book stand out. She offered to be a sounding board for my new ideas and has consistently guided me.
One example? This Book Is Perfect! was supposed to be titled The Cleanest Book You’ve Ever Seen. I doubt it would’ve sold much with that title!
Thanks to her expert advice, I ended up with a title that sparks curiosity and excitement—and it’s been a game-changer. Relationships like this have saved me from potential missteps and helped shape my success.
Building Your Support System
The key here is honesty. Your beta readers and author friends shouldn’t hesitate to tell you if something in your book doesn’t work. In return, you need to accept the feedback with an open mind. This collaboration leads to higher-quality books and a more fulfilling publishing experience.
If you don’t have a support system yet, start building one. Engage in author communities, participate in discussions, and be willing to help others. It takes effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
⭐Here's a tip!⭐ Find a person or two in those communities that are a few steps ahead of you and have already found success. Buy their books, study their work, and reach out to tell them what you admire. You may soon find yourself in a friendship that becomes both personally and professionally valuable.
Conclusion
These three resources—Publisher Rocket, Canva, and a strong author community—have immensely helped me in my publishing journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your process, I hope this list gives you ideas to work with.
What are your must-have tools as an author? Let me know in the comments!
Meet Ron:
Ron is a husband to Jen and a father to three silly boys and one sweet girl. He is the award-winning author of "The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard" and the popular Finn the Frog series, which includes "This Book Is Perfect!," "This Book Is On Fire!," "This Book Is A Mistake!," and "This Book Stinks!" All his books are illustrated by the talented and whimsical Arthur Lin from San Francisco.
“Life with kids is an amazing adventure—one I would not trade for the world. One of my favorite times of the day is when my kids snuggle up on my lap to read a few books before bed. I love how picture books capture their imagination, make them laugh out loud, and bond us closer together. To provide those moments for other families with my own books has become one of my greatest joys.”
Ron was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago.
Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links to products we enjoy using ourselves. Should you choose to use these links, At Home Author or guest author Ron Keres may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you.
Critique Group, SCBWI and 12x12 memberships, Google Drive, Post it notes, journals, and QUERY TRACKER!