# WestSky Studio > Local Digital Marketing Studio --- ## Pages - [Cookie Policy](https://westsky.studio/cookie-policy/): Effective Date: 31-Oct-2024 Last Updated: 31-Oct-2024 What are cookies? This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use... - [Privacy Policy](https://westsky.studio/privacy-policy/): Last Updated On 31-Oct-2024Effective Date 31-Oct-2024 This Privacy Policy describes the policies of WestSky Studio,19603 E 37th St,Oklahoma, 74014,United States... --- ## Posts - [Why You’re Getting Fewer Website Visitors (Even Though You’re Showing Up More on Google)](https://westsky.studio/google-impressions-no-clicks/): You might’ve noticed something odd when looking at your website stats. It looks like your site is showing up in... - [Is WestSky Studio The Right Fit For You?](https://westsky.studio/not-for-everyone/): We meet a lot of remarkable people—but not everyone’s a good fit for our team. If you’ve made it this... - [About Us](https://westsky.studio/about/): Hey There! Welcome to WestSky Studio We’re Darien and Hailey, a husband-and-wife duo from Tulsa who love helping people share... - [Author Taxes & Royalties Explained: A Simple Guide to Book Ownership and Financial Best Practices](https://westsky.studio/taxes-and-royalties/): At WestSky, we help authors navigate more than just publishing—we help with the business side too. Things like taxes, royalties,... - [Mastering SEO-Friendly Content for Your WordPress Blog: A Beginner’s Guide](https://westsky.studio/seo-friendly-wordpress-blog-guide/): When it comes to creating a blog post, it’s all about balance. The best content isn’t just technically sound—it’s also... - [A Complete Guide to Audiobook Author-Narration](https://westsky.studio/complete-audiobook-narration-guide/): Narrating an audiobook might seem like a big task, but with the right preparation and approach, you can deliver high-quality... - [Tulsa Wordpress Meetup Relaunch & Connect](https://westsky.studio/tulsa-wordpress-meetup-relaunch-connect/): Connect with fellow Wordpress enthusiasts, designers, developers, and fellow community members. Enjoy games, drinks (going dutch), and good conversation. Come... - [The Essential Steps of the Writing & Publishing Process](https://westsky.studio/free-download-writing-publishing/): If you are curious what the writing and publishing process looks like from a 10,000 foot view, this overview will... - [The Fiction Apprenticeship](https://westsky.studio/apprenticeship/): The Fiction Apprenticeship is a one-on-one mentorship program where we help you write, edit, and publish your first novel. With... - [Craft Your Fiction Masterpiece - October 26th, 2024](https://westsky.studio/craft-your-fiction-masterpiece/): An Interactive Writing Workshop For Aspiring and Experienced Authors Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this event offers... - [How To Set Up And Share Your Flywheel Hosting Account With WestSky](https://westsky.studio/flywheel-hosting/): Why We Choose Flywheel At WestSky, we set all our clients up with robust and secure website hosting by Flywheel.... - [Wordpress Care Plans by WestSky Studio](https://westsky.studio/website-care-plans/): With our Preserve Plans, you get maintenance, security, and support services to keep your website running smoothly. We’ll take care... - [A Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing, Writing, and Publishing a Post on WordPress](https://westsky.studio/wordpress-post-guide/): Introduction Welcome to this short guide on how to navigate and make the most of your WordPress blog. As one... - [Our Google My Business Services Can Help You Expand Your Local Reach](https://westsky.studio/google-my-business/): What is Google My Business? Google My Business is an online tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2024-10-31 - Modified: 2024-10-31 - URL: https://westsky.studio/cookie-policy/ Effective Date: 31-Oct-2024 Last Updated: 31-Oct-2024 What are cookies? This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use them, the types of cookies we use i. e, the information we collect using cookies and how that information is used, and how to manage the cookie settings. Cookies are small text files that are used to store small pieces of information. They are stored on your device when the website is loaded on your browser. These cookies help us make the website function properly, make it more secure, provide better user experience, and understand how the website performs and to analyze what works and where it needs improvement. How do we use cookies? As most of the online services, our website uses first-party and third-party cookies for several purposes. First-party cookies are mostly necessary for the website to function the right way, and they do not collect any of your personally identifiable data. The third-party cookies used on our website are mainly for understanding how the website performs, how you interact with our website, keeping our services secure, providing advertisements that are relevant to you, and all in all providing you with a better and improved user experience and help speed up your future interactions with our website. Types of Cookies we use Manage cookie preferences Cookie Settings You can change your cookie preferences any time by clicking the above button. This will let you revisit the cookie consent banner and change your preferences or withdraw your consent right away. In addition to this, different browsers provide different methods to block and delete cookies used by websites. You can change the settings of your browser to block/delete the cookies. Listed below are the links to the support documents on how to manage and delete cookies from the major web browsers. Chrome: https://support. google. com/accounts/answer/32050Safari: https://support. apple. com/en-in/guide/safari/sfri11471/macFirefox: https://support. mozilla. org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox? redirectslug=delete-cookies-remove-info-websites-stored&redirectlocale=en-USInternet Explorer: https://support. microsoft. com/en-us/topic/how-to-delete-cookie-files-in-internet-explorer-bca9446f-d873-78de-77ba-d42645fa52fcIf you are using any other web browser, please visit your browser’s official support documents. --- - Published: 2024-10-31 - Modified: 2024-11-09 - URL: https://westsky.studio/privacy-policy/ Last Updated On 31-Oct-2024Effective Date 31-Oct-2024 This Privacy Policy describes the policies of WestSky Studio,19603 E 37th St,Oklahoma, 74014,United States of America,Email: darien@westsky. studio,Phone: 918-200-9824 on the collection, use, and disclosure of your information that we collect when you use our website (https://westsky. studio) (the “Service”). By accessing or using the Service, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not consent to the same, please do not access or use the Service. We may modify this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice to you and will post the revised Privacy Policy on the Service. The revised Policy will be effective 180 days from when the revised Policy is posted, and your continued access or use of the Service after that time will constitute your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We recommend you periodically review this page. Information We Collect:We will collect and process the following personal information about you: Name Email Mobile Social Media Profile Address How We Use Your Information:We will use the information we collect about you for the following purposes: Support Administration info If we want to use your information for any other purpose, we will ask for your consent and use your information only after receiving it, and only for the purpose(s) for which consent was granted, unless required by law. Retention Of Your Information:We will retain your personal information for 90 days to 2 years after user accounts remain idle, or as long as needed to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, as detailed in this Privacy Policy. We may need to retain certain information for longer periods for record-keeping or reporting in accordance with applicable law or for other legitimate reasons such as enforcement of legal rights or fraud prevention. Residual anonymous information and aggregate data, which do not directly or indirectly identify you, may be stored indefinitely. Your Rights:Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data, receive a copy of it, restrict or object to active processing of it, ask us to share (port) it to another entity, withdraw any consent you provided to process it, and lodge a complaint with a statutory authority. To exercise these rights, email us at darien@westsky. studio. We will respond in accordance with applicable law. You may also opt-out of direct marketing communications or profiling for marketing purposes by emailing darien@westsky. studio. Note that if you do not allow us to collect or process the required personal information or withdraw consent, you may not be able to access or use the services for which your information was required. Cookies Etc. :To learn more about our use of cookies and tracking technologies, please refer to our Cookie Policy. Security:The security of your information is important to us, and we use reasonable security measures to prevent loss, misuse, or unauthorized alteration of your information under our control. However, we cannot guarantee absolute security and cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us; you do so at your own risk. Grievance / Data Protection Officer:If you have any queries or concerns about our processing of your information, please email our Grievance Officer at:WestSky Studio,19603 E 37th St,Email: darien@westsky. studio. We will address your concerns in accordance with applicable law. --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-06-18 - Modified: 2025-06-18 - URL: https://westsky.studio/google-impressions-no-clicks/ - Categories: News - Tags: Marketing You might’ve noticed something odd when looking at your website stats. It looks like your site is showing up in more Google searches. But for some reason, fewer people are actually clicking to visit. This isn’t just happening to you. It’s part of a bigger shift that’s been going on this year. Some folks are calling it The Great Decoupling. That’s just a fancy way of saying: more people are seeing your site, but fewer are clicking through. Let’s talk about why. Why is my website getting impressions but no clicks? A few months ago, Google made a big change. Now, when you search for something, Google doesn’t always just show you a list of websites like it used to. Instead, it often gives you a short answer right there on the search page. These summaries are pulled together using AI. They show up at the top, before all the other results. And they usually answer the question well enough that people don’t need to click anything else. In some cases, those summaries even include information from your website. That’s part of why your site is still showing up more—it’s being seen, just not visited. So what used to be a search that led someone to your site... now ends right there on Google. It’s a bit like having your name mentioned in a conversation, but no one actually comes over to talk to you. That’s what’s behind the drop in clicks. People are getting their answers right away, without needing to visit the websites behind them. At the same time, your impressions—the number of times your site shows up—might still be climbing. That’s because Google counts it as an impression any time your site appears in the results, even if no one clicks. If your content is mentioned in one of those AI summaries, that counts too. So the numbers look strange: more visibility, but less traffic. How to respond to lower website traffic from Google Search This has left a lot of website owners wondering what they’re doing wrong. In most cases, the answer is: nothing. This is just how Google works now. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck, though. If someone searches for your name or your business specifically, they’re still very likely to click. That kind of search is more personal, and the new summaries don’t change that much. It also helps to write content that’s clear, helpful, and easy to understand. Google’s summaries often pull from pages that do that well. And while those mentions don’t always lead to clicks, they can still build trust over time. Finally, it’s worth thinking beyond Google. People still find good content through social media, email, word of mouth—even printed materials. There are lots of ways to connect with the people who need what you offer. The main thing to remember is this: if your traffic looks different lately, you’re not alone. This isn’t a glitch. It’s part of a bigger pattern that’s affecting nearly everyone. And while the tools might be changing, the basics still matter—clear content, a strong name, and steady connection with your audience. No need to chase every trend. Just keep showing up well. --- - Published: 2025-06-16 - Modified: 2025-06-16 - URL: https://westsky.studio/not-for-everyone/ - Categories: News - Tags: Studio We meet a lot of remarkable people—but not everyone’s a good fit for our team. If you’ve made it this far, there’s a good chance you care deeply about the message you want to share with the world. Before we get into timelines or pricing, we want to make sure it makes sense for both of us to work together. We’re not trying to work with everyone. We’re trying to do our best work for the right people. So below, you’ll find a few reasons someone might decide not to work with WestSky Studio. If any of them resonate with you, no hard feelings—we wish you well, and there are plenty of other great paths forward. But if you read this list and still feel like we might be your people, you just might be in the right place. 1. You’re Looking for the Cheapest Option We’re not the most affordable publishing or design studio—and that’s intentional. WestSky is built on the belief that meaningful stories deserve thoughtful, handcrafted execution, not cut corners or rushed timelines. We deliver depth, not discounts. 2. You Want to DIY Everything If you love learning new tools and have the time to figure out website hosting, DNS, metadata, ISBNs, typesetting, and publishing platforms—more power to you. We exist for the people who want to focus on their mission while trusting a seasoned team to handle the creative and technical heavy lifting. 3. You Want to Go Viral We pay attention to what’s working in the market, but we’re not here to chase trends for trend’s sake. If you're looking for quick clicks or throwaway content that checks an algorithm box, we’re not the team for that. 4. You Want Generic or Corporate We’re small by design. That means you work directly with real people—not a ticketing system. If you want a slick, corporate machine—we’re not that. But if you want a dedicated team who cares about your message, we might be the perfect fit. Still With Us? If you’ve read through and still feel like we might be the team to bring your story to life, we’d love to hear from you. Head over to our contact page and let’s start the conversation. --- - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-05-01 - URL: https://westsky.studio/about/ - Categories: News - Tags: Studio Hey There! Welcome to WestSky Studio We’re Darien and Hailey, a husband-and-wife duo from Tulsa who love helping people share their stories and ideas. Whether you’re an author dreaming of your first book, a student with a big imagination, a coach or therapist ready to inspire, or a nonprofit making a difference, we’re here to help you turn your vision into something real—think books, websites, or campaigns that connect with people. Our story started small. Years ago, we were just a couple of creative types tinkering with design projects in our spare time. Darien’s a tech-savvy designer with a knack for strategy, and Hailey’s a storytelling savant who loves teaching others. Together, we realized we could do more than just create—we could help others share their voices. That’s how WestSky Studio was born. What We Do (And Why We Love It) We work closely with you to bring your ideas to life, tailoring everything to fit your unique vision. Here’s how we can help: - Writing Your Book: We’ll guide you through writing, editing, and publishing a book you’re proud of. You keep all the rights and royalties too. For example, we helped a local student author, M. K. Nelson, turn her fantasy novel about a magical realm into a reality, now selling on Amazon. - Teaching Young Writers: Through WestSky Academy, we coach students through writing and publishing their first book in just 16 weeks. It’s a blast seeing their confidence soar. One parent told us their daughter’s eyes “lit up” after every class—Hailey is amazing! - Marketing Your Message: If you’re an author, coach, therapist, or someone who helps people, we can produce creative marketing materials that push your brand and message forward. Think branding, website development, and marketing campaigns. We helped a Tulsa therapist launch a site that got her first client booking in days! - Supporting Nonprofits: We love working with organizations that change lives. We’ll craft stories and platforms to help you reach more people and grow your impact. Why Work With Us? You won’t find a faceless company here. Just a small team, led by us, who truly care about your success. Ready to get started? Drop us a line at connect@westsky. studio or check out our publishing, academy, or marketing pages to see what’s possible. We can’t wait to hear your story! Contact Us --- - Published: 2025-04-18 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/taxes-and-royalties/ - Categories: Guides - Tags: Publishing At WestSky, we help authors navigate more than just publishing—we help with the business side too. Things like taxes, royalties, and ownership can get confusing fast. This guide breaks it all down in plain language so you can feel confident about how your book is set up and how to manage the money that comes in. Table of Contents Understanding Royalties and Taxes Setting Aside Taxes for Royalties Who Owns the Book? Print-on-Demand Platforms and Tax Withholding Best Practices for Financial Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Wrap Up Understanding Royalties and Taxes What Are Royalties? Royalties are the payments you receive when your book sells. Whether it's through online retailers, speaking events, or bulk orders, those earnings are considered taxable income by the IRS. Most royalty payments don’t come with any taxes withheld, which means it’s your responsibility to report them properly and pay what you owe. How Royalties Are Reported How you report royalties depends on your role in the publishing process. If you're actively involved—writing, promoting, managing the book—your royalties likely get reported on Schedule C (Form 1040) as business income. If you're a passive owner (for example, you own rights to the book but don’t actively manage it), you might report them on Schedule E. In most cases, authors who are self-publishing or working closely with a publisher will use Schedule C. Setting Aside Taxes for Royalties Why You Should Set Money Aside Because there’s no automatic tax withholding, you need to plan ahead. A lot of authors are surprised come tax season when they realize they owe hundreds or even thousands of dollars—money they’ve already spent. Don’t let that be you. How Much to Set Aside A safe rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of all royalties. This covers federal income tax, self-employment tax, and possibly state taxes, depending on where you live. How to Do It Easily Step 1: Open a checking account for all royalty payments. Step 2: Open a separate savings account just for taxes. Step 3: Every time a royalty deposit comes in, immediately transfer 25–30% into that tax savings account. (these can come in monthly or quarterly depending on the set up) Step 4: Make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year. This rhythm—deposit, set aside, repeat—keeps your taxes clean and stress-free. Who Owns the Book? Ownership Depends on Who Paid for It This part can get confusing, but the principle is simple: The person or organization who funds the book usually owns it. Here's how it breaks down: You Pay for the Book Personally If you, as an individual, pay for editing, design, printing, or any part of the publishing process with your own money, you own the book. That means: You receive the royalties You hold the copyright You decide where and how the book is sold or distributed This is the most common setup for self-published authors. If a Nonprofit Pays for the Book If a nonprofit organization covers the cost of the book—whether through general funds, a grant, or a donor—the nonprofit owns the book. Even if you wrote every word, if their money funded the project, it legally belongs to them. This means: Royalties go to the nonprofit The nonprofit decides how the book is distributed or used You may still be credited as the author, but you don’t own the rights unless stated in a contract Even if you're the founder or director of the nonprofit, you’re not the legal owner—the organization is. If a Business Pays for the Book If your business or publishing company pays for the book’s production, then the business owns it. This is useful if you're building a brand and want to keep all business activities under one legal entity. The business: Holds the copyright Collects the royalties Can license or repurpose the content as part of its services This structure keeps your personal and business finances cleanly separated, which can be helpful for taxes and liability. Can You Transfer Ownership? Yes. If you originally paid for the book personally, you can later transfer ownership to a nonprofit or business. But it needs to be clearly documented with a written agreement. This is something to do carefully—especially if the book is already earning money. Bottom line: Whoever funds the production of the book typically owns it. Always keep that in mind when deciding where the money comes from. Print-on-Demand Platforms and Tax Withholding What These Platforms Ask When you sign up for a print-on-demand service they will ask if you want them to withhold taxes before they pay you royalties. This is especially true if you're outside the U. S. , but it can come up for domestic authors too. If you're a WestSky Publishing author, we handle all of the set up for you—including the optimal royalty and withholding settings. The Best Answer: Don't Withhold For most U. S. -based authors, we recommend you set withholding to $0. Let them pay you the full royalty amount, and handle taxes on your end. Here’s why: It keeps all your income centralized You’ll have more visibility and control You can set aside the right amount for taxes yourself It simplifies your bookkeeping Withholding sounds helpful, but it can actually make tracking more confusing in the long run—especially if you're earning from multiple platforms. What to Do Instead Funnel all royalties into one dedicated account Follow your set-aside plan every time royalties come in Make quarterly estimated tax payments on your terms This gives you a cleaner, more professional approach to handling your book income. Best Practices for Financial Management Keep Clean Records Use a spreadsheet or accounting tool to track every dollar that comes in or goes out for your writing. This includes: Royalties Advertising spend Software subscriptions Editor or illustrator payments ISBN and registration fees Good records make tax time a breeze and help you understand how your book is performing financially. Use Accounting Software... --- - Published: 2025-01-16 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/seo-friendly-wordpress-blog-guide/ - Categories: Guides - Tags: Marketing When it comes to creating a blog post, it’s all about balance. The best content isn’t just technically sound—it’s also focused on serving your readers. My goal with this guide is to help you strike that balance. l’ll cover technical strategies to ensure your posts get picked up by search engines, but just as importantly, we’ll dive into how to create content that truly resonates with people. Let’s make your blog both effective and meaningful. Table of Contents Technical Foundations of SEO-Friendly Content Keyword Research Craft Engaging Titles and Meta Descriptions Proper Use of Header Tags Optimizing Images Link Strategy Ideal Word Count User-Centered Writing Writing Content That Resonates The Human Touch Technical Foundations of SEO-Friendly Content Start with Keyword Research Before you begin writing, identify the keywords your target audience is searching for. Keywords are the phrases people type into search engines to find content like yours. Here are some tools ranked from free to premium to help you get started: Google Keyword Planner (Free) Ubersuggest (Affordable) SEMrush (Premium) Once you have your keywords, use them naturally into your title, headings, body content, meta description, and image alt text. It’s important to weave these keywords seamlessly into your writing to maintain readability, but avoid keyword stuffing, which search engines penalize. These keywords are the best online source of truth when it comes to learning what problems people are facing and what they are curious about—USE THEM! Craft Engaging Titles and Meta Descriptions Your blog title and meta description are the first things users see on search engine results pages (SERPs). A compelling title grabs attention, while a concise and descriptive meta description encourages clicks. Use your primary keyword early in your title, and keep it under 60 characters for optimal visibility. Your meta description should summarize the post in 150-160 characters, giving readers a reason to explore further. For example, if your blog post is about “Baking the Perfect Sourdough Bread,” your title could be: “Master the Art of Sourdough: 7 Easy Steps” And your meta description might read: “Learn how to bake the perfect sourdough bread with our step-by-step guide. Discover tips, tricks, and recipes to elevate your baking skills. ” Use Proper Header Tags Headers (H1, H2, H3, etc. ) structure your content, making it easier for both users and search engines to understand. In Gutenberg, adding headers is as simple as clicking the “Heading” block and selecting the desired level. For example: H1: Reserved for your blog post title (e. g. , "The Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Baking"). H2: Use for main sections like "Essential Tools for Baking Bread. " H3: Subdivide your H2 sections for topics like "Choosing the Right Mixing Bowl. " A clear hierarchy improves readability and ensures that search engines can easily interpret your content’s structure. In this post, you can see that we used an H1 tag for "Mastering SEO-Friendly Content for Your WordPress Blog: A Beginner’s Guide"; then two H2 tags for the main content categories "Technical Foundations of SEO-Friendly Content" and "User-Centered Writing"; then H3's for each section within those major sections. Optimize Your Images Images add visual appeal and help break up long blocks of text, but they must be optimized to avoid slowing down your site. Always compress images to keep them under 500KB for faster loading times. Tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel make this process simple. Additionally, use descriptive file names and alt text for each image to enhance accessibility and signal relevance to search engines. Helpful tips for image optimization: Compress images before uploading. Use descriptive file names (e. g. , “chocolate-cake-recipe. jpg”). Write alt text that describes the image and includes keywords naturally. Link Strategically Links guide readers and build credibility for your content. Internal links keep visitors exploring other areas of your site, reducing bounce rates and increasing time spent on your blog. External links to reputable sources enhance your content’s authority and provide additional value to your audience. Tip: To properly add a link (hyperlink) to your text, follow these steps: Highlight the text you want to turn into a link. Click the chain link icon (looks like a small chain). Paste your website address (URL) into the box and click Apply. If your link goes to a different website: Click the link again, then select the pencil icon. Click Advanced Options. Check the boxes for Open in a new tab and nofollow. This makes sure the link is easy to use and good for SEO. More strategies for effective linking: Use descriptive anchor text that explains what the link is about. Regularly check for broken links using tools like Broken Link Checker. Blog Post Length for SEO For SEO, the best word count for SEO number is between 1,500 and 2,500 words. This length gives you the space to explore your topic thoroughly, include important keywords naturally, and keep your readers engaged from start to finish. Studies back this up, too. For example, Semrush found that this range often perform best in terms of organic traffic for thought-leadership and evergreen content. While not every topic needs to hit those higher word counts, aiming for about 1,500 words is a great starting point for most posts. Of course, length isn’t everything. A shorter post that directly answers your readers’ questions can still outrank a longer one if it’s more relevant, engaging, and to the point. The Art of User-Centered Writing Writing Content That Resonates A successful content writer focuses on a single reader and every post should aim to solve a specific problem or provide value. Think of yourself as a guide, answering questions and making their journey easier. Content that resonates is content that gets shared, bookmarked, and appreciated (by people and algorithms). When brainstorming, consider the challenges or goals your readers might have and address those directly. Neil Patel, co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, emphasizes understanding user intent: "When you understand what users want and give it to them, your traffic will grow. " Neil Patel Tip: Avoid being overly... --- - Published: 2025-01-15 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/complete-audiobook-narration-guide/ - Categories: Guides - Tags: Publishing Narrating an audiobook might seem like a big task, but with the right preparation and approach, you can deliver high-quality recordings that sound professional and engaging. Here is our recommended set up and workflow for author-narration recording sessions. Table of Contents Audio Specs Production Steps Additional Tips for Narrators Deliverables Checklist Audio Specs To ensure high-quality audio from the start, set up your equipment to meet these standards: Format: WAV or MP3 Bit Rate: 192kbps or higher Sample Rate: 44. 1kHz Channels: Mono (recommended) or Stereo Peak Levels: No higher than -3dB RMS Levels: Between -23dB and -18dB Noise Floor: No higher than -60dB RMS Room Tone: Record 1-5 seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each file Production Steps Step 1: Prepare Your Space and Equipment Create a Quiet Recording Environment Choose a location with minimal background noise and echo. Use acoustic treatments like foam panels or heavy curtains to improve sound quality. Equipment Checklist Microphone: High-quality USB or XLR microphone. Pop Filter: To reduce plosive sounds. Headphones: For monitoring your audio in real time. Recording Software: Software like Audacity or an external device. Step 2: Recording the Opening Credits The opening credits introduce the book and you as the narrator. Example Script:“: Written by Narrated by ” What is Metadata? Metadata is the identifying information about your audiobook, like the title, author, and narrator, which must match across all platforms. Step 3: Recording the Book Content Familiarize Yourself with the Manuscript Read through the book in advance. Mark sections for emphasis and note any challenging words or phrases. Record One Chapter at a Time Announce the chapter title as written then hold for one to two seconds. Pause naturally at punctuation and maintain a consistent pace. If you mess up a sentence or word mid-read, simply pause for two seconds, and start the sentence over. Example Chapter Intro:“Chapter : ” Tips: Keep a glass of water nearby to stay hydrated. Take breaks to avoid vocal strain. Step 4: Announce Section Headers If the manuscript includes section headers, clearly announce them to help listeners navigate the content. Example Script:“Section : ” Step 5: Recording the Closing Credits The closing credits wrap up your audiobook. Be professional and concise. Example Script:“This has been : Written by Narrated by Published by ” Additional Tips for Narrators Warm Up Your Voice: Perform vocal exercises before recording. Monitor Your Audio: Use headphones to catch issues as you record. Stay Consistent: Use the same environment and settings for all recording sessions. Include 1-5 seconds of silence at the beginning and end of each recording to ensure smooth editing later. Deliverables Checklist After completing all recording steps, you should have the following files prepared and labeled appropriately: Opening Credits: File named "Opening_Credits. mp3" or similar. Chapter Files: Each chapter saved as its own file, e. g. , "Chapter_01. mp3," "Chapter_02. mp3," etc. Section Headers (if applicable): Clearly labeled files for each section, e. g. , "Section_01. mp3. " Closing Credits: File named "Closing_Credits. mp3. " Multiple Takes: If you have multiple takes, label them clearly as well, e. g. "Chapter_01_Take_1. mp3". No more than 2 takes should be shared with us per chapter, section, or credit. Ensure all files adhere to the audio specifications outlined earlier and include the required room tone at the start and end of each file. These files will serve as the foundation for editing and final production. If you have any questions or run into technical issues, email us at admin@westsky. studio. --- - Published: 2024-11-19 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/tulsa-wordpress-meetup-relaunch-connect/ - Categories: Events - Tags: Marketing Connect with fellow Wordpress enthusiasts, designers, developers, and fellow community members. Enjoy games, drinks (going dutch), and good conversation. Come and go as you please as we celebrate the relaunch of the Tulsa Wordpress Chapter. Fellow designers & developers, join us! Connect with fellow Wordpress enthusiasts, designers, developers, and fellow community members. Enjoy games, drinks (going dutch), and good conversation. Come and go as you please as we celebrate the relaunch of the Tulsa Wordpress Chapter. Date & Time: Monday, January 13th at 6:30pm to 8:30pmLocation: American Solera, TulsaHosted by: Bertrand van der Berg & Darien Gibson RSVP & Join The MeetUp Group --- - Published: 2024-11-01 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/free-download-writing-publishing/ - Categories: Tools - Tags: Publishing If you are curious what the writing and publishing process looks like from a 10,000 foot view, this overview will show you the general pace of fiction and non-fiction book projects. If you ever want future guidance on writing and publishing your book, check out our 16-week fiction training program. Download Your Free Copy --- - Published: 2024-10-30 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/apprenticeship/ - Categories: Offers - Tags: Academy The Fiction Apprenticeship is a one-on-one mentorship program where we help you write, edit, and publish your first novel. With hands-on support at every stage, you’ll complete your manuscript—and when it’s ready, WestSky will publish your book for you. Whether you're a high school student, a retiree, or somewhere in between, this program gives you real experience writing a book. You’ll learn the skills to craft any story and, if you choose, build a career as an author. Your Journey Begins Here The Fiction Apprenticeship is more than a writing course—it’s a one-on-one mentorship that takes you from aspiring writer to published author with expert guidance, structured learning, and real-world results. Start Enrollment Process Questions? Schedule a Call Frequently Asked Questions Program Highlights Never Get Stuck: 16 private coaching sessions (in person or online Write with Clarity: A structured framework to take your novel from start to finish Direct Access to Your Coach: Ongoing support while you write Complete Your First 30,000+ Word Novel: A major milestone in your writing career Professional Editing & Book Design: Polished, industry-standard quality Seamless Publishing: Complimentary formatting, design, and distribution through our Assisted Publishing service You Retain All Rights & Royalties: Your book, your ownership Meet Your Guide: H. R. Gibson H. R. Gibson is a versatile writer with experience in various genres, including historical fiction, fantasy, and contemporary literature. With over 20 books under her belt, many of which have ranked in the top 10 on Amazon in their categories, H. R. Gibson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. Her background in psychology, social work, and high-level teaching has given her astute insight into human nature, enriching her characters and enabling her to create captivating, relatable, and dynamic stories. H. R. Gibson's unique perspective and expertise will guide you through the intricacies of storytelling and character development. Interact with H. R. Gibson on SubStack: Click HereFollow H. R. Gibson on Instagram: Click Here Program Structure Your training is fully customized to your writing pace and learning style. By the end of the program, you’ll have worked one-on-one with industry professionals to take your novel from concept to publication. Over 16 weeks, you'll explore: Manuscript analysis and development Character and world-building Plot structure and pacing Dialogue and theme development Editing and revision techniques Book design and self-publishing Your Journey Begins Here The Fiction Apprenticeship is more than a writing course—it’s a one-on-one mentorship that takes you from aspiring writer to published author with expert guidance, structured learning, and real-world results. Start Enrollment Process Questions? Schedule a Call Frequently Asked Questions If you have any questions you don't see listed here, feel free to email them to connect@westsky. studio. How much does the apprenticeship cost? The full 16-week Apprenticeship currently costs $5,500 total, or $1,375 per month for 4 months. This price will be increasing to $6,500 in the Fall of 2025. We accommodate most payment arrangements and can condense or spread out lessons to suit your schedule and our own. Do you only do in-person lessons? We accommodate in-person and online lessons. For the best mentorship experience, we highly suggest meeting with us in person in Broken Arrow, OK. If you're not able, we have also tailored the experience to work over Google Meet. Do I need to have a completed manuscript to join? No, you don't need a completed manuscript. Our program is designed to guide you through the entire process, from concept to publication. How much time should I dedicate to the program each week? In addition to the weekly one-hour lesson, you should plan to spend at least 6-10 hours per week on writing and assignments to get the most out of the program. Will I be guaranteed publication at the end of the program? Our program includes WestSky Studio’s Author Assisted publishing service. We will professionally publish your book under your name or a pen name! Is this program suitable for all genres of fiction? Yes, our program is designed to accommodate various fiction genres, including but not limited to historical fiction, fantasy, contemporary, mystery, and more. Do you have any restrictions on book content? We draw the line on PG-13 material. This program is a professional education experience and we do not allow explicit content. Connect with us to learn more. I'm ready! How do I get started? Click the "Enroll Now" button and complete the introductory questionnaire. We will then schedule a time to conduct a simple over-the-phone interview. After that, you will sign a Code of Conduct and Contract, complete the first payment, and plan your first lesson! --- - Published: 2024-10-20 - Modified: 2025-04-19 - URL: https://westsky.studio/craft-your-fiction-masterpiece/ - Categories: Events - Tags: Academy An Interactive Writing Workshop For Aspiring and Experienced Authors Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this event offers a fantastic opportunity to elevate your storytelling and character development skills. Engage in interactive exercises, receive personalized feedback, and connect with fellow writers. Don't miss this chance to refine your craft and fully immerse yourself in the world of fiction! Details When: October 26th, 2025 from 3pm-5pm (doors open 2:45pm) Where: Sweeter Studios, Broken Arrow Seats: $175 per seat, discounts available Who Should Attend: High school and college students who are interested in fiction writing Aspiring, beginner, or intermediate fiction writers Writers looking to enhance their character development skills People curious about the novel-writing process and what it entails Agenda: Drinks, Charcuterie, & Dessert Learn about every step of the fiction-writing process Discover alternative pathways to publishing and full-time writing DEEP DIVE: Master techniques for creating plot-driven, compelling characters This workshop is designed for both aspiring authors and those looking to sharpen their writing skills, all within a supportive and dynamic environment. Event Concluded - Follow us on Facebook for updates About the Instructor: H. R. Gibson is an accomplished writer with experience spanning genres such as historical fiction, fantasy, and contemporary literature. With a background in psychology, social work, and high-level teaching, her deep understanding of human nature enriches her character development, resulting in stories that are relatable, captivating, and dynamic. Having written over 20+ books, many of which have ranked in Amazon’s top 10, she provides invaluable insights into the craft of writing and character creation that will help you craft more engaging and dynamic stories. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your writing journey or elevate your skills. Spaces are limited for a personalized experience, so be sure to reserve your spot today! --- - Published: 2024-08-15 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://westsky.studio/flywheel-hosting/ - Categories: Guides - Tags: Marketing Why We Choose Flywheel At WestSky, we set all our clients up with robust and secure website hosting by Flywheel. Not only do they have outstanding customer service and collaboration features, their plans offer affordable hosting that can scale with your websites needs. Think of the Tiny plan like buying the smallest house in a million-dollar neighborhood. In this guide, we'll walk you through setting up your Tiny Plan on Flywheel and sharing collaboration access. Table of Contents Introduction to Flywheel Tiny Plan Creating Your Flywheel Account Setting Up Your Tiny Plan Sharing Collaboration Access Conclusion The Flywheel Tiny Plan Flywheel's Tiny Plan is designed for those who need reliable hosting with essential features at an affordable price. This plan includes 5 GB of disk space, 20 GB of bandwidth, and one WordPress install, making it perfect for author and business websites. Creating Your Flywheel Account Visit the Flywheel Website: Go to getflywheel. com and click on the "Get Started" button. Sign Up: Enter your email address, choose a password, and fill out your personal information to create an account. Verify Your Email: Check your email inbox for a verification email from Flywheel. Click on the link provided to verify your account. Log In: Once verified, log in to your Flywheel account to access the dashboard. Setting Up Your Tiny Plan Choose Your Plan: In the Flywheel dashboard, navigate to the "Plans" section and select the Tiny Plan. Enter Site Details: Fill in your site name, temporary domain, and WordPress username and password. Be sure to record this information in a secure place. Choose Data Center: Select the data center closest to your primary audience to ensure faster load times. Complete Purchase: Enter your payment information and complete the purchase process. (We do not recommend the AI plugin updates option as it can cause update problems we can't address. ) Site Creation: Flywheel will automatically create a base WordPress site. This may take a few minutes. Sharing Collaboration Access Go to Your Flywheel Dashboard: Log in to your Flywheel account and navigate to your site dashboard. Invite Collaborators: Click on the "Collaborators" tab and enter the email address darien@westsky. studio. Set Permissions: Choose the level of access you want to grant. Typically, collaborators are given access to manage the site without billing access. Send Invitation: Click "Send Invitation. " An email will be sent to the collaborator, allowing them to join and access the site. Confirm Access: Once the invitation is accepted, confirm that the collaborator has the appropriate permissions and access to the site. You're All Set! Thank you for taking the time to walk through these steps and make this process simpler! If you haven’t already, or if we have already made other arrangements, be sure you share access or login information for your domain. We will need that in order to connect it to your new website! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to darien@westsky. studio --- - Published: 2024-08-09 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://westsky.studio/website-care-plans/ - Categories: Offers - Tags: Marketing With our Preserve Plans, you get maintenance, security, and support services to keep your website running smoothly. We’ll take care of bug fixes and protect you against hacks and technical issues caused by third parties. Terms and Conditions Please note that changes you or others make to the website content, themes, or plugins are not covered. If such changes cause problems, our regular hourly rate will apply for fixing them. Remember to report any issues to us quickly, but keep in mind that we can’t offer support for third-party services integrated into your site. Our hourly agency rate will also be applied for updates outside of your current plan. ($150/hr as of April 2025) While we work hard to ensure security and functionality, we can’t be held responsible for data breaches or damages. The Preserve Care Plan operates on a subscription basis, and you can cancel anytime, but there won’t be refunds for the remaining period. By subscribing to any care plan, you agree to these terms. To begin, subscribe to the plan of your choice and forward your receipt, plus the domain and WP login credentials to go@westsky. studio Preserve Plan $69 / month The Preserve Plan ensures your website remains fully operational and secure for just $69 per month. We keep your site running smoothly with: WordPress Core & Plugin Updates to ensure optimal performance. Off-Server Website Backups for reliable data protection. 24/7 Uptime Monitoring to keep your site continuously accessible. Security Optimization & 24/7 Monitoring to protect against threats. Unlimited Repairs and Fixes to resolve any issues quickly. Technical Support via Email for prompt assistance whenever needed. With The Preserve Plan, your website stays reliable and secure, letting you focus on your business while we manage the technical details. And if anything does happen, we'll spend as much time as it takes to troubleshoot and fix it at no extra cost to you. Subscribe to Preserve Plan Preserve Plan + Updates $99 / month The Preserve Plan Plus Updates delivers complete support to keep your website current with the latest information about your company. It also includes detailed traffic and analytics reports, ensuring you stay informed about your site’s performance and audience engagement. At $99 per month, this plan includes all the essentials of our standard service, plus: Two 15-Minute Content Update Sessions: Send us your content updates, and our team will make the changes on your site for you. DNS and Webmail Support: Get assistance with domain, email setup, and more. Analytics & Security Reports (when requested): Stay informed with detailed performance and security insights. Additionally, benefit from: WordPress Core & Plugin Updates to ensure optimal performance. Off-Server Website Backups for reliable data protection. 24/7 Uptime Monitoring to keep your site continuously accessible. Security Optimization & 24/7 Monitoring to protect against threats. Unlimited Repairs and Fixes to resolve any issues quickly. Technical Support via Email for prompt assistance whenever needed. This plan provides not only ongoing security and functionality but also the proactive communication and support needed to maintain an effective online presence. Subscribe to Preserve Plan + Updates --- - Published: 2024-05-17 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://westsky.studio/wordpress-post-guide/ - Categories: Guides - Tags: Marketing Introduction Welcome to this short guide on how to navigate and make the most of your WordPress blog. As one of the top content management systems, WordPress provides a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, empowering bloggers of all levels to express their ideas effortlessly. In this step-by-step walkthrough, we’ll take you through the process of logging in, creating a new post, and publishing it, ensuring a seamless and professional blogging experience. Let’s dive in! Table of Contents Blogging and SEO Step-by-Step Guide Login New Post Creating Post Categories & Tags Featured Image Preview or Publish What’s next? Blogging and SEO Blogging can truly work wonders for your website’s SEO. When you consistently publish fresh and valuable content, search engines take notice and reward you with higher rankings in search results. By crafting engaging and shareable blog posts, you attract more visitors and encourage backlinking, which further boosts your visibility. Strategically incorporating relevant keywords in your posts helps search engines understand your content and connect it with relevant searches. Thankfully, WordPress offers a range of SEO plugins and tools to optimize your content and improve your chances of ranking higher. How To Post On Your WordPress Blog: Step-by-Step Step 1: Logging In to Your WordPress Website Begin by accessing your WordPress website through your preferred web browser. Append “/wp-admin” to the URL to reach the WordPress admin login page. If your site is under our maintenance plan, we take an extra step for security and change the login screen to something unique (reference your documentation or email us). Enter your username and password in the provided fields, and click the “Log In” button to gain access to the WordPress dashboard. Step 2: Navigating to the Posts Section After you login, on the left-hand side, find the “Posts” option. Hover over it to reveal a dropdown menu, and select “Add New”. This creates a brand new post draft for you to write on. If you want to edit or browse your other posts, click “All Posts”. Step 3: Creating a New Post Crafting a good blog post involves several key elements. Start with a captivating headline to grab attention. Use a clear structure with engaging paragraphs and headings. Incorporate relevant images that visually enhance your content and make it more appealing. With these elements, you can create a well-rounded blog post that engages readers and delivers your message effectively. When writing a blog, H1, H2, H3, and P tags helps you organize ideas and give visitors a great reading experience. H1 is the ‘main title’ that tells people what your blog is about (this is added in the “Add Title” box). H2’s are smaller headings for the different sections of your post. H3’s helps you dissect your section into sub-sections. P tags are for the main paragraphs and text. For example: This blog’s title “A Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing, Writing, and Publishing a Post on WordPress” is marked with the H1 Tag. The section “How To Post On Your WordPress Blog: Step-by-Step” is marked with a H2 Tag. And “Step 3: Creating a New Post” is marked with the H3 Tag. This text you are reading right now is marked with the P tag. These tags help people and search engines understand your blog better, making it easier to read and find information. Step 4: Adding Categories and Tags Effectively categorizing your blog posts is vital for organizing and improving navigation on your website. On the right-hand side of the editor, you will find the Document panel. Locate the “Categories” and select the appropriate categories to classify your post. Additionally, utilize the “Tags” section to attach relevant keywords that aid in content discovery. *If you would like to add new category options, simply reach out with a list and we can update your system! Step 5: Setting Featured Images Capture your readers’ attention by selecting an enticing featured image for your blog post. Within the Document panel, scroll down to the “Featured Image” section. Click the “Set featured image” link to upload or select an image from your media library. Crop or resize the image if necessary, and confirm your selection to incorporate it into your posts. The ideal image is 1280x720px! Also, be sure to keep your image sizes below 500kb. Here is a quick reference for file sizes. 1GB (gigabyte) = 1000MB (megabyte) 1MB (megabyte) = 1000KB (kilobyte) Keep images 500KB (or less) Here are two free online tools to reduce the size of your images. https://www. freeconvert. com/image-compressor https://imageresizer. com/image-compressor Step 6: Previewing and Publishing Your Post Before making your post visible to the world, take advantage of WordPress’s preview functionality. Click the “Preview” button to examine the final appearance of your post. Review the content, formatting, and overall presentation to ensure its accuracy and appeal. When satisfied, proceed to the crucial step of publishing your post. Click the “Publish” button to share your thoughts and ideas with your audience! What’s Next? Now that you’ve published your first blog post, it’s time to think about what’s next. Creating a content strategy for your blog is crucial for achieving your goals. A well-defined strategy allows you to plan, optimize, and measure the success of your blog, ultimately driving engagement, growth, and success. If you're interested in ongoing WordPress support and content marketing, check out this page for details on how you can set your site up for longevity and peace of mind. --- - Published: 2024-05-09 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://westsky.studio/google-my-business/ - Categories: Offers - Tags: Marketing What is Google My Business? Google My Business is an online tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It allows businesses to create a profile with key information like location, hours, and services, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with them. Having a strong local internet presence is essential for small businesses looking to expand their consumer base in the fast-paced digital world of today. At costs that won't break the bank, our Google My Business (GMB) services can help you stand out in local searches, improve your visibility, and attract more customers to your door. Since every business is different, we provide two customizable service packages that can be tailored to your demands and financial constraints. You should concentrate on operating your business, which is what you do best. Let us take care of the rest. Boost Local Visibility: Improve your presence in local search results. Google Maps Listing: Ensure your business appears on Google Maps. Engage Customers: Interact with customers through reviews and posts. Control Business Info: Manage and update hours, contact details, and services. Showcase Business: Use photos and videos to make a strong impression. Gain Insights: Access data on how customers find and interact with your listing. Collect Reviews: Display customer reviews to enhance your reputation. Free Promotion: Share offers and events through Google Posts. Mobile Access: Ensure information is accessible on all devices. Easy Booking: Allow customers to book appointments directly from your profile. To begin, simply purchase the necessary bundle and forward your receipt to go@westsky. studio GMB Essential Optimization $150 / one time If you already have a GMB listing but want to optimize it for the best results, our Essential Optimization Package is what you need: Profile Tune-Up: We’ll take a close look at your current GMB listing and make key optimizations, like researching and clarifying your keywords, adding missing essential information, and ensuring your categories are spot-on. Image Refresh: First impressions matter. We’ll add or update your images to make sure your profile truly reflects your brand and grabs attention. Engagement Advice: Get personalized tips on how to respond to reviews and engage with your customers, helping you build trust and foster loyalty. Be sure to add darien@westsky. studio as a manager to your account following the steps linked to here. Purchase the GMB Essential Optimization GMB Complete Setup & Optimization $300 / one time For businesses that need a complete GMB setup from scratch, our Complete Setup & Optimization Package covers all the bases: Create and Get Verified: We'll help get your profile verified by Google (this can take some time). Complete Profile Setup: We'll write and populate your basic business information, ensuring every detail—from your phone number to your business hours—is accurately listed and easy to find. Profile Optimization: We’ll make key optimizations, like researching and clarifying your keywords, adding essential information, and ensuring your categories are spot-on. Image Refresh: First impressions matter. We’ll add relevant images to make sure your profile truly reflects your brand and grabs attention. Engagement Advice: Get personalized tips on how to respond to reviews and engage with your customers, helping you build trust and foster loyalty. Purchase the GMB Complete Setup --- ---