Wish I'd Known Then: a Podcast for Self Published Indie Writers
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341 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Robin Cutler on the Advantages of IngramSpark for Print and the Future of Publishing
27 oktober 2020 · 47 min
Episode 041 / Robin Cutler, director of IngramSpark, joined Sara and Jami to talk about how indie authors can expand their readership through print books. They also discussed common mistakes Robin sees authors make, how to set up print preorders through IngramSpark, what genres are selling right now, and future trends in publishing. Lees meer
Intro recap:
Sara was on the Six Figure Authors podcast (#60-How to Write Series that Sell with Sara Rosett) and her How to Write a Series audiobook just released. Jami’s exciting news: she has a new grandbaby! Jami is grateful for indie publishing, which gives her the ability to spend time with her family and help them out during this time.
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
An explanation of the wholesale model and discounting
Why discounting makes your books attractive to booksellers
Publisher direct orders - using IngramSpark as your printer and having them dropship your books to readers
The next iteration of publishing industry: direct sales
Common mistakes Robin sees authors make
Top genres right now and future publishing trends to watch for
IngramSpark’s free formatting tool
The advantage of print preorders, which are currently only available to indie authors through IngramSpark - Sara’s step by step guide to setting up print preorders through IngramSpark
Using Bookshop.org for online affiliate sales of print books - Wish I’d Known Then Bookshop.org page of recommended craft and marketing books mentioned on the podcast
How to use IngramSpark and KDP Print side by side
Links:
SPF 101 - Ingram Spark course
Six Figure Authors Podcast -
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Se…
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Q & A: Developmental Editing, Going Wide, and Marketing Tips
20 oktober 2020 · 46 min
Episode 040 / It’s Q & A time. We talk about how finding a critique group is similar to dating, how to prepare to go wide, and much more. Lees meer
Intro:
Sara is planning a limited edition hardcover for the holidays and Jami is signing books for a subscription box. Plus Sara shares about an audiobook giveaway site.
Reveal Book Box
Library Thing Audiobook Giveaway
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Developmental editing and critique groups
Pros and cons of each
Why finding a critique group is like dating
Tips for publishing wide
Mindset - long-term thinking
Why you may need to save up “quit your job money”
Go wide in format first -- audio, print, large print
Try a perma-free, either a first book in series or prequeal
Use smaller paid newsletter sites
Check price points
Advice for new writers
Write your best book
Don’t be in a rush
Build a newsletter and draw readers to you that are interested in your specific genre
Branding
Marketing for writers
Use ads and content marketing
Newsletter
Starting over in your author career
Create new IP if you need to
How to re-engage readers after you’ve been quiet for a while
Risks of rapid releas
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Mark Leslie Lefebvre on Thinking Beyond the Ebook
6 oktober 2020 · 1 uur
Episode 038 / Horror and nonfiction author Mark Leslie Lefebvre gives tips on using your intellectual property to think beyond the ebook version of your book. Plus Mark shares ideas on how to get your print books into libraries and bookstores. Lees meer
Intro links:
Sara’s interview on Authors Love Readers podcast
Jami’s interview on Authors Love Readers podcast
Sara’s reader-focused podcast: Mystery Books Podcast
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Finding your tribe through writing critique groups and conferences and learning from other writers
Why Mark wishes he’d written a series earlier
Mark and Sara’s advice on creating hardcover large print books for libraries through Ingram Spark
Draft 2 Digital tools to help authors: epub and mobi creator, Books2Read geo-targeted links, library distribution, print books
How Mark uses Draft 2 Digital’s paperback wrap creator to bring all his books, even short books, into print and then uses them for promotion
Why you’re “lying” to your readers when you market to the wrong audience
First steps to getting your books into bookstores and libraries: signed copies, encourage readers to get your book at libraries, meet your local booksellers, create a one-sheet for libraries with ISBNs--link to Sara’s one-sheet here for an example
Thinking beyond the book -- ways to license your intellectual property besides ebooks
Genres discussed include horror, ghost stories, urban fantasy, and nonfiction for writers.
Links:
Mark’s website
Stark Reflections Podcast
Ingram Spark
Draft 2 Digital
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-writ…
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Zara Keane on Nurturing Your Newsletter
29 september 2020 · 1 uur 2 min
Episode 037 / Cozy mystery author Zara Keane shares how changing genres allowed her to write to her strengths. We also delve into nurturing our newsletters, chatbots, and selling direct. Lees meer
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Intro links:
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Why finishing that first book is so important
How our writing processes change and evolve and how we can’t pin down a single system and replicate it again and again
Why trying to do it all is a mistake and the importance of filtering advice
How Zara moved from romance to cozy mystery
Zara’s “experiment budget” and her attitude to testing
Writing to your strengths--writing in a genre that lets you use your natural talents to their fullest
Nurturing your newsletter
Filtering readers who find you through a promotion
Using a serial novella in your newsletter
Using content themes to guide content creation for newsletter
Zara’s recommendations for getting started with chatbots
Benefits of selling direct with Payhip and Bookfunnel: flash sales, coupons, and built-in discounting
How Zara created a Christmas in July, promoted it to her newsletter, which gave her a financial return on par with a Bookbub featured deal
Genres discussed include cozy mystery, romance, and romantic suspense.
Links:
Zara Keane
RWA
NaNoWriMo
Bookbub
WIKT Interview with C.C. Hunter
How to Outline a Cozy Mystery
Newsletter Ninja
Mailer Lite
Flo Desk
New Author Discovery
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-reso…
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Trends in Selling Direct and Audiobooks with Damon Courtney of Bookfunnel
22 september 2020 · 1 uur 13 min
Episode 036 / Damon Courtney of BookFunnel joins Sara and Jami to talk about getting books to readers, best practices of successful authors, and trends in audio--and Damon has some exciting news about audiobooks and Bookfunnel! Lees meer
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Intro:
Condolences to the T.S. Paul family.
Jami’s broadcasting from a closet and is still on grandbaby watch. She’s focusing on writing the next scene. Sara’s working on a solo podcast that will have short seasons and doing exciting admin things like bookkeeping. She’s got plenty of writing quotes. It’s a quote-tastic intro.
Hindenburg - for editing podcast audio
Thomas Umstattd Jr. - Novel Marketing Podcast
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Bookfunnel helps authors get books and bonuses (reader magnets, bonus epilogues, short stories) to readers
Bookfunnel’s author-driven features like a group promo, integrations for selling direct, and audiobooks
Damon’s advice to authors who are just starting out
Mistakes Damon sees authors making and why writing books is the most important thing
Current trends: increase in readers new to ebooks
Benefits of selling direct: customer data and reader happiness :)
The best time to put your books into audio
What’s coming in the future: Bookfunnel will soon add full-length audio
Promotion ideas for ebooks and audiobooks
Genres discussed include science fiction and fantasy.
Links:
Bookfunnel
Damon’s author website
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-reso…
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Laura Durham on the Benefits of Writing in Multiple Genres
14 september 2020 · 52 min
Episode 035 / Cozy mystery and sci-fi romance author Laura Durham joins Sara and Jami to discuss how writing in different genres can improve your books plus a lot more including: tips for transitioning from traditional publishing to indie publishing and getting the most out of your intellectual property. Lees meer
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Links from intro:
Kobo Writing Life podcast about audiobook production
Ingram Spark podcast about the state of bookselling during Covid and how to get into print and get books into bookstores and libraries
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Enola Holmes and the Missing Marquess
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Laura transitioned from traditional publishing to indie publishing
How Laura got her rights back to her traditional books and how she updated those books before releasing them
The perils of writing a love triangle
Learning what your readers want
How Laura juggles the writing and marketing in two extremely different genres, including her thoughts on pen names
Laura’s tips for translations, selling direct, and creating multiple streams of income
Genres discussed include cozy mystery and sci-fi romance.
Links:
Laura Durham
Dean Wesley Smith courses
Alliance of Independent Authors
Becca Syme Write Better Faster
Romancing the Beat
David Gaughran
Bookfunnel
Payhip
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Writing Better Books with Authors A.I.
8 september 2020 · 41 min
Episode 034 / Authors A.I founders J.D. Lasica and Alessandra Torre join Sara this week. Jami wasn’t able to join them for the recording. Sara, J.D., and Alessandra delved into the topic of artificial intelligence and how it can help authors. Lees meer
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Sara’s news of the week is that her audiobook went live on Audible, which is about four weeks after upload through Findaway Voices (in case listeners are attempting to time an audio release). She’s also working on rebooting a podcast that’s been fallow for years. More on that later.
Jami’s news is that she’s looking into using an audiobook production company. Sara says she stumbled into the benefits of working with an audiobook narrator who has their own following. Jami shares about the challenge of doing audiobooks when your have characters with Texas accents.
Helpful news:
-Findaway Voices launches retail links beta version
-David Gaughran’s post about launching books - that post isn’t live at time of podcast upload, but check out David’s blog with tons of useful information on writing and publishing
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
J.D.’s background in journalism and how he transitioned to writing tech thrillers, inspired by living in the “start-up world” of Silicon Valley
Alessandrea’s “boring” background in business and banking and how she shifted to writing romance and suspense
Authors A.I.’s backstory with Matt Jockers, Ph.D., co-author of The Bestseller Code
How the A.I., called Marlowe, reads and understands novels, and gives feedback to authors
Fears around A.I. and whether or not authors should be afraid of the technology
The difference between a human editor and Marlowe
What level of author can use Authors A.I.
What’s coming in the future with A.I., including how artificial intelligence can contribute book discovery and the upcoming book site for readers, BingeBoo…
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Jamie Davis on Facing Hurdles in Your Writing Career
1 september 2020 · 51 min
Episode 033 / Fantasy and science fiction author Jamie Davis joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett this week to talk about those critical times in your author career when you face hurdles and how to get over them. The conversation also touches on tips for new podcasters, the importance of connecting with authors outside your genre, and surveying your readers to understand them better. Lees meer
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Intro recap
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Jamie wrote his first book during NaNoWriMo and why he participates every year
How Jamie’s background as a journalist was a benefit when it came to writing quickly, but he had to discover his own narrative voice
What Jamie would do differently if he were publishing his first book now
Jamie’s advice for new podcasters and why recording your first podcast is like writing your first draft
Facing hurdles in your writing career
The importance of connecting with authors outside of your genre
How to survey your readers to help you understand your readers and what novels they like
Genres discussed include fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance.
Links:
Jamie Davis
Jamie Davis Twitter
Books and Authors Fantasy Podcast
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)
Booksweeps
Bookfunnel
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Andrea Pearson On Growing Your Writing Career Incrementally
25 augustus 2020 · 46 min
Episode 032 / Fantasy author Andrea Pearson joins Sara and Jami to chat about the incremental growth of her writing career and how she learned to trust herself when it came to craft. They also delve into the worst marketing advice Andrea’s heard, how she finds time to write with small kids, and how she collaborates with her spouse. Come over and say hey to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Lees meer
In the intro this week, Jami shared she’s been busy with family-stuff, and Sara shared that her launch of her book went well. Sara’s currently recording her audiobook for How to Write a Series from a blanket fort. Sara also mentioned a book she’s reading, Fanocracy, which is a deep dive into fandom--what it is and how different companies and creatives develop and nurture their fans.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Why Andrea turned down a traditional deal
How many small successes have built over the years to give Andrea the career she has now
How Andrea learned to trust herself when it came to craft
Why reading “bad” stuff can help you become a better writer
“Pick one thing you enjoy and focus on it until you master it and you’ll be a lot more successful at it.”
How Andrea uses download bonuses to drive sales
How Andrea finds time to write with young kids
Tips for working with your spouse
Genres discussed include fantasy for kids and adults, including urban fantasy, epic fantasy, western romance, and children’s books
Links:
Andrea’s website
Marketing Courses for Authors
6 Figure Authors podcast
Zapier
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT pod…
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How to Get and Use Book Reviews
18 augustus 2020 · 1 uur 9 min
Episode 031 / If you want to increase the number of reviews on your books, check out the tips and ideas from Jami and Sara in this episode. They discuss reviews in depth: the difference between reader and professional reviews, how to get reviews, and how to use the reviews for promotion after you have them. Lees meer
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In their personal updates, Jami shared that she’s writing on her new book and working on backlist sales. Sara has a book launch coming up. It’s the fifth book in the series, so it’s a lower-key launch than Jami’s recent Book One in a new series. To promote the launch, Sara’s emailing her list and running paperback giveaways.
Jami’s branding her office with wood-cut letters of her author name. Head over to show notes on the WIKT website to see a photo.
Reader questions:
Allison: Indie market for middle grade and children’s books
Children’s author Karen Inglis on The Creative Penn Podcast
Children’s author Karen Inglis on the Self Publishing Formula
Several people asked what classes/courses/books recommendations:
Nicholas Erik
Write Naked by Jennifer Probst
Build-a-Book Erika Kelly
David Gaughran’s blog post - How to Sell Books in 2020
Amazon Ads for Authors: Tips and Strategies to Sell Your Books by Deb Potter
Bookbub Ads Experts by David Gaughran
Self Publishing Formula
Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
You Can Write a Mystery by Gillian Roberts
Screenwriting Tricks for Authors by Alexandra Sokoloff
Something Startling Happens by Todd Klick
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies byLeslie Wainger
Anita: What would you do d
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and a…
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C.C. Hunter on Blending Genres
11 augustus 2020 · 1 uur
Episode 030 / C.C. Hunter joins Jami and Sara this week to talk about how she blends genres. Plus she gives tips on writing humor and how she writes through the tough times. Lees meer
Jami is working with H. Claire Taylor. Claire does Story Alignments using the Enneagram personality test to help authors with characterization and storytelling. Claire has a free course, Indie Author Alignment. Jami is 30 days out from her book launch and is shifting to advertising all her books instead of focusing on the launch. Now that she’s finished her draft, Sara’s doing admin tasks. She shares she’s seeing a good number of sales through Ingram Spark. Her tip is don’t overlook Ingram Spark. If you’re selling lots of print books through KDP Print, then check out Ingram.
Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How C.C. had initial success and sold a novel, then didn’t sell another for 13 years
How C.C. learned to find her own voice and trust it
Tips on writing humor
C.C.’s writing process of writing one draft, then polishing it
What C.C. wishes she’d known about marketing: blending genres and knowing where your book fits
The difference between marketing a book to a publisher and marketing to a reader
What C.C. thought was a mistake, but turned a good thing
C.C.’s advice when new writers ask if they should indie publish or go for traditional publishing
How C.C. writes through difficult times
Genres discussed include young adult contemporary, young adult paranormal, and romantic comedy suspense
Links:
C.C. Hunter
Christie Craig Facebook
C.C. Hunter Twitter
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararose…
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Craig Martelle on Pricing Strategies, Making More Money with Less Books, and Writing with Health Issues
4 augustus 2020 · 1 uur 3 min
Episode 29 / Science fiction author Craig Martelle joins Sara and Jami to discuss pricing, book production strategies, and writing through health issues. Lees meer
This week Sara is uploading her Christmas mystery as a preorder. She reports on the new Apple interface for uploading books, authors.apple.books. After listening to The Creative Penn Podcast with Natalie Sisson, Sara looked for the bottlenecks in her processes and decided she was a bottleneck! She created a screenflow of some of her tasks then had her assistant create a workflow and take over those tasks. Jami’s working on her next book, and she shared that she’s creating two different giveaways, one for her newsletter list and another to attract new readers. Jami and Sara discussed the importance of remembering you have two different groups to market to--warm readers and cold (potential) readers--and different ways to reach both groups. Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Craig began writing after he retired
What Craig wishes he’d known about story: John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story
Why after writing hundreds of books, Craig hired a development editor for the first time
How Craig used review feedback to learn which category was the best fit for his series and rebranded the books
Why writing his first four different books in three different genres was a mistake and how he’s recovering
Craig’s books for writers on release strategies, collaborations, writing compelling fiction, and pricing strategies
Pricing at different levels to reach different readers and how to research and find the best price for your genre
Pros and cons of cowriting
Why Craig made more money during the second half of the year publishing four books than he did publishing 30 during the first half of the year
Writing while dealing with health issues
Genres discussed include science fiction, post …
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Make Your Emails to Readers More Effective with Ryan Zee of Booksweeps and Plottr
28 juli 2020 · 40 min
Episode 028 / Ryan Zee of Booksweeps and Plottr joins Jami and Sara this week and shares tips on how to make your emails to readers more effective. They talk about how marketing, trends, and branding. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Lees meer
Sara has shifted to revision for her WIP and she’s uploading audio to Kobo. Sara recommended The Creative Penn Podcast with Lindsay Buroker about writing a series. Sara has a book on the subject: How to Write A Series. Sara’s also using a pomodoro timer app, Flat Tomato.
Jami’s been helping her daughter move. She started writing her new book and shared that that Homecoming King is still doing great. Jami’s also been enjoying the Wish I’d Known For Writers Facebook group. Drop by and join them!
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Booksweeps helps authors promote their books and grow their email newsletter lists
How Plottr, a digital plotting and outlining software, can help authors write books
Common mistakes authors make with email
Why tenacity and focus are characteristics of successful authors
Book trends in genres related to the pandemic
Changes Ryan has seen in the publishing industry
Trends in voice search
How focusing on one genre can help you create an author brand and how authors can use diction and word choice in marketing and in newsletters to emphasize their brand
Links:
RyanZee.com
Booksweeps.com
Plottr.com
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Patricia McLinn on Traditional Publishing, “Pantsing,” and Sustainable Income with Bookbub Ads
21 juli 2020 · 1 uur 3 min
Episode 027 / Mystery and romance author Patricia McLinn joins Jami and Sara to discuss the pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing, how Patricia writes her books without outlining, and her tips for Bookbub ads. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro, Sara shares that she’s finished the first draft of her Christmas book, and Jami is seeing read-through from her book launch. There is a Wish I’d Known Then . . . For Writers Facebook group now. Come say hello!
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Patricia learned to trust herself and her process instead of trying to write like you’re “supposed to” (i.e. with an outline, or in order, etc)
Why learning that we are not our audience is essential to marketing
Why Patricia is glad the publishing industry changes
Patricia’s advice on how to get rights back from traditional publishers
Pros and cons of indie and traditional publishing
Myths around traditional publishing
Why it’s key to find readers who are looking for new authors
Patricia’s podcast for readers, Authors Love Readers
Genres discussed include traditional mystery, cozy mystery, women’s fiction, contemporary romance, historical romance, small town romance, and western romance.
Links:
Patricia McLinn
Survival Kit for Writers Who Don’t Write Right
Bookbub Partners Blog on Running Low-Budget Ads for Steady Sales
Authors Love Readers Podcast
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Book Launch Plans: The Mega Episode
14 juli 2020 · 1 uur 19 min
Episode 026 / Jami and Sara share how they launch a book, covering tactics for low-, medium-, and high-budget launches as well as sharing beau·coup tips about what’s working for book launches right now. Lees meer
In the intro, Sara talks about she’s started a German translation through Reedsy. Jami’s new book Homecoming King launched with a big splash--breaking into the top 100 of the Amazon store, then going all the way to number 81!
You can find show notes and links at https://www.wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Things to Consider Before You Launch:
KU or wide - weigh pros and cons of each
Price point - consider typical price of genre and goals to pick the best price point (99 cents can generate preorders and sales while a higher price point give you a higher royalty and the option of dropping it for sales later)
Preorders - a preorder lets you capture sales and get your sales pages live on the vendors, but some authors won’t do preorders because they feel Amazon doesn’t weight the preorder sales as heavily as purchases/borrows made after the books releases, which may impact rank.
Don’t forget the impact of your newsletter to launch
Low-cost Launch Tactics for a New Author
Blog tours
Newsletter swaps
Goodreads giveaways
Library Thing giveaways
Newsletter
Connect with authors in genre groups
Lower price
Paid newsletter promos
Small-to-medium Budget Launch Tactics:
Newsletter giveaway like Booksweeps
Paid newsletter promos
Ads, like a small Amazon ads
Big budget Launch Tactics:
Facebook ads
Newsletter swaps
Discount previous books in the series
Bonus Launch Tips:
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and mark…
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Using Ads to Sell Books, Working with Co-Authors, and Creating a Literary Universe with Mal Cooper
7 juli 2020 · 49 min
Episode 025 / Science fiction author Malorie Cooper joins Jami and Sara this week to talk about advertising as well as the pros and cons of co-authoring books. They also dive into how Mal created a massive literary universe and Mal’s non-fiction books for authors. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Lees meer
In the intro, Jami talks about her launch, which is happening today! (Congrats!) Jami also shared the title of a book Sara saw mentioned on The Creative Penn’s Twitter feed: 1000 character Reactions from Head to Toe by Valerie Howard.
Sara can see the end in sight for the first draft of what she thought would be a “short 40,000” Christmas mystery. (Current word count is 45,000 and climbing!)
Both Jami and Sara recommend the Six Figure Author podcast with David Gaughran, who has a new update out for Let’s Get Digital.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Why using tropes in ads can be game-changing
How reading helped Mal learn how to write and meet reader expectations
Challenges around using action tags
Inexpensive ways to gain readers
How Mal went against type with a cover style and how it paid off
Testing Mal’s done around pricing
Calculating read-through and using it to assess the best price points for books
What Mal wishes she’d known about also-boughts as well as the importance of the quality of the traffic you send to your sales page
Mal’s experiment of going wide
Tips for working with co-authors
How Mal created a sprawling literary universe
Genres discussed include science fiction, space opera, military science fiction, and hard science fiction.
Links:
Malorie’s website
Help I’m An Author series
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series…
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Why Isn't This Book (or Series) Selling? Shea MacLeod on Analyzing Backlist Titles
30 juni 2020 · 1 uur 3 min
Episode 24 / Learn how cozy and historical mystery author Shea MacLeod analyzes her books and makes strategic changes to create solid-selling books that satisfy readers. You can find show notes and links at https://www.wishidknownforwriters.com. Lees meer
In the intro, Sara shares that she’s using Reedsy to find translators for foregin editions of her books. Jami had a cover reveal and is trying the new technique of including characters from the next book in her second epilogue. Sara also shared a podcast she found helpful, Kobo Writing Life’s podcast, Selling Audiobooks to the Kobo Customer with Elyse Daniels
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How switching to a new genre helped Shea level up
Why Shea wishes she’d started her newsletter list earlier
Why signing with a traditional publisher was a mistake for Shea and the lessons she learned
How Shea analyzes her books and tries different tactics to increase sales including:
Recovering a cozy series to fix discoverability problems and attract cozy readers
Rewriting a paranormal romance series to make it a paranormal cozy mystery
Why reading in your genre can be the key to understanding what changes you need to make to satisfy readers
Shea’s strategy of having books in Kindle Unlimited as well as wide books
Why cozies appeal to readers
Genres discussed include cozy mystery, paranormal cozy mystery, historical mystery, and urban fantasy paranormal romance.
Links:
Shea MacLeod
Shea MacLeod Cozy Mysteries - Facebook
Shea MacLeod_Author Instagram
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-t…
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Wendy Vella on Mindset, Trusting Your Instincts, and Maximizing Intellectual Property for Longevity
23 juni 2020 · 1 uur 1 min
Episode 023 / Contemporary and historical romance novelist and co-host of the SPA girls podcast, Wendy Vella joins Jami and Sara to talk about the mindset shift she had to make as she moved from traditionally published to self publishing as well as how she’s learned to trust her instincts in both writing and promoting her books. They wrap up the podcast with a discussion of how Wendy is maximizing her intellectual property for longevity. Lees meer
In the intro, Sara shares news about Alli’s (Alliance of Independent Authors) new initiative to help indie authors with rights licensing, including “one-off contract representation” and full rights representation. Sara also shared some fun writerly humor from cartoonist Tom Gauld.
Jami has been re-watching the Hunger Games, getting ready for her book release, and planning her next book. Then they discuss how the pandemic is impacting them as well as other creatives, which sounds pretty highbrow for a chat about stress dreams, memes, and country music. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
The benefits of entering writing contests
How Wendy transitioned from traditional publishing to indie publishing and the mindset shift change she had to go through
What Wendy wishes she’d known about editing and marketing
How Wendy pinpointed what she needed to change about her contemporary covers and the details on how she rebranded her series from the covers to the blurbs
The struggle to do everything ourselves and how Wendy gave some tasks away to her assistant so she could focus on what she was really good at
How Wendy went against all the advice about mixing genres and it turned out to be her biggest success
Learning to trust your instincts and finding the right people to listen to for advice
How Wendy toggles back and forth between writing historical to contemporary romance
The challenges of writing from a more remote location
Why the SPA Girls began podcasting …
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How Pamela Fagan Hutchins Turned Her Writing Career Around
16 juni 2020 · 1 uur 1 min
Episode 022 / In a mini master class, mystery and thriller author Pamela Fagan Hutchins shares the changes she made to turn her writing career around and go from “in the red” to a very profitable year. We dig into the power of planning a series before writing it, using different ad platforms for specific purposes, and podcasting for readers. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro to the show, Jami talks about making the final changes to her next book. She’s also discovered the delightful and sometimes creepy new show, Dead Still. Sara’s enjoying an unusual (for June) “cool” front and shared news about a new tool for authors, Author A.I.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
What Pamela wishes she’d known about the importance of planning her entire series before writing it
The advantage of writing multiple books before releasing
Why it’s critical to know your read-through
How Pamela has learned to enjoy the journey
Translations -- what’s worked and what hasn’t
Why Pamela outsourced tasks and then later pulled everything back so she could manage it herself
How Pamela turned her income from in the red to six figures a combination of finding new readers, learning ads, cutting deadweight from her newsletters subscribers, creating an advance reader team
Using different ad platforms for different purposes
Pamela’s writing retreats on ads and craft
Podcasting for readers
Genres discussed include mystery, thriller, suspense, and supernatural.
Links:
Pamela:
https://pamelafaganhutchins.com
https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/wine-women-writing-radio-show/
https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/writing-retreats/
Sara’s How to Write a Series
Libby Hawker’s Take Off Your Pants
Pamela’s ad tracker https://bit.ly/PFHTracker
Chirp
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararo…
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Promotion Tips for Audiobooks with Amy Daws
9 juni 2020 · 54 min
Episode 021 / Amy Daws shares her tips for promoting audiobooks, tells how writing in a tire shop waiting room helped her breakthrough writer’s block, and discusses how she shares her personality on social media to attract readers. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro, Sara and Jami discuss how this week's current events have made it difficult to focus on writing and publishing. Sara found the Creative Penn’s episode on character flaws interesting and she was glad to hear Joanna ask about the topic in relation to writing a series (a topic near to Sara’s heart--so much so that she wrote a book about it: How to Write a Series.) Jami has been reading Nora Roberts' Dark Witch.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Why Amy is famous for writing in a tire shop
Why storytelling often trumps craft
How Amy shares her personality on social media instead of repeating “buy my book”
The importance of taglines and how Amy creates hers
How Amy works with her author assistant
Tips for promoting audio through author groups, giveaways, and your newsletter
Genres discussed include sports romance, contemporary romance, rom com, emotional romance, and memoir.
Links:
https://amydawsauthor.com
Aural Fixation Facebook Group
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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How to Find and Work with an Author Assistant with Adriel Wiggins
2 juni 2020 · 46 min
How to Find and Work with an Author Assistant with Adriel Wiggins Lees meer
Episode 020 / Author assistant Adriel Wiggins joins us this week to give us tips on how to find and work with an assistant.
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro this week, Jami talks about her decision to push back her release date so she’ll have longer to work on her book. Sara shares the results of a promotion on a free book as well as a plotting tip.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Adriel became an author assistant
Examples of what an assistant can do for authors
The task that Adriel recommends authors do for themselves
Signs that it’s time to bring on an assistant
What Adriel wished she knew about working with authors
What assistants wish authors knew about working them
Why email is Adriel’s preferred way to communicate with authors
A common feature that Adriel sees in all successful authors
Common mistakes authors make when working with assistants
Confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses
Red flags when looking for an author assistant
Links:
Adriel’s Website
Bookfunnel
Vellum
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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How Kevin J. Anderson Learned to Meet Reader Expectations
26 mei 2020 · 1 uur 4 min
Episode 0019 / Prolific science fiction and epic fantasy author Kevin J. Anderson joins us to talk about how he learned to meet reader expectations as well as how he’s changing his writing to shift with reader preferences. We also discuss Kevin’s involvement in the Superstars Writing Seminar and Western Colorado University’s Master of Arts in Publishing. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Both Sara and Jami have had a bit of a downer of a week, but they’re both pressing ahead. Jami got her revisions done and is looking forward to a June release date for her book.
There is still time to sign up for the free Stay Home Story Summit and get access to great tips of craft as well as promotion.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How reading widely can improve your writing
The importance of professionalism for both traditional and indie authors
Collaboration and hybrid publishing
Why it’s a good idea to stay brand-focused on social media
Paying it forward through mentoring writers
The Master degree program in Publishing at Western Colorado University and why it would be ideal for someone who wants to run their own publishing house
How reader preference for shorter fiction has changed how Kevin plots his books
How Kevin studies bestsellers to learn why those books resonate with readers
Genres discussed include science fiction and epic fantasy.
Links:
Mastering Amazon Descriptions by Brian Meeks
Twitter @TheKJA
Wordfire.com
Publishing MA (Master of Arts in Publishing at Western Colorado University)
Superstars Writing Seminar
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes …
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Julia Kent on the Emotional Needs of Readers, Writing Ahead, and Opportunities in Audio
19 mei 2020 · 1 uur 12 min
Episode 018 / Romantic comedy author Julia Kent joined us this week to discuss the value of meeting the emotional needs of readers, plus nuts-and-bolts details on writing ahead, audiobooks, and translations. Lees meer
Sara’s doing the essential (yet boring) task of updating back matter and book descriptions to prep for an upcoming sale. She’s also found a new mystery TV show, The Mallorca Files, which has a Castle and Beckett-type male/female detective pairing mixed with the tropical vibe of Death in Paradise or Burn Notice.
Jami sent her book to the editor and has a release date. She also cut four chapters (!) for pacing. She’s in “launch-mode” as she gets ready for the release. You can get Jami’s launch plan here.
Jami and Sara recorded a video workshop of what they wish they’d known for the Stay Home Story Summit, which is free and there’s no up-sale. Just great info on craft and promotion. Videos start May 18. Registration closes May 25, 2020.
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
The importance of understanding the emotional reasons people read a certain genre (i.e. reader needs)
The assumptions Julia made when she started writing and why they were wrong
Genre expectations
Spinoffs and why a spinoff may not draw in new readers
How Julia broke genre rules and why it worked in her Random series
What items/tasks Julia has delegated and what tasks she’s cut back on
Writing in multiple genres, co-writing, and writing ahead
Audiobooks and how Julia works with a production company to reduce the workload plus details on how she distributes her audio in stages
How readers’ tastes change as their lives change and how those changes aren’t a reflection on our writing
The challenges Julia has encountered with translations
Genres discussed include romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and shifter romance.
Links:
Julia Kent
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops:…
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Lindsay Buroker on Pen Names, Podcasting, and Rapid Release
12 mei 2020 · 1 uur
Episode 017 / Science fiction and fantasy author Lindsay Buroker joins us to talk about the benefits and drawbacks of pen names, the advantages of podcasting for writers, and how she writes and releases books into Kindle Unlimited using the rapid release model, then goes wide later. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro, Jami shares what a struggle it was to write her recent book, but she got it done and it went to beta readers today. Yay! Sara is lost in the complexities of her WIP's plot and trying to find her way out of the tangle. Jami recently listened to the SPA Girls podcast on editing and highly recommends it.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
The importance of embracing the entrepreneurial mindset when you’re an indie author
Advantages of using Patreon before a launch to let wide readers get a book before it goes into KU
Why Lindsay is glad she did a writing workshop before she published
The benefit of giving your cover artist freedom to be creative
Why first-in-series-free book still works
Lindsay’s lessons-learned about writing in multiple genres and pen names
Advice for writers who want to start a podcast
Rapid release and how Lindsay writes the books back-to-back before launching Book One
The power of using “open loops” in a series and how it boosts readthrough of a series
Focusing on what you’re good at and leaning into that whether it’s writing fast or marketing
Genres discussed include science fiction, fantasy, steampunk/epic fantasy, space opera, sci fi romance, and urban fantasy.
Links:
Lindsay Buroker
Six Figure Authors Podcast
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing …
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Alessandra Torre on Goodreads, Movie Options, and Creating a Recognizable Brand
5 mei 2020 · 59 min
Episode 016 / Romance and suspense author Alessandra Torre joins the WIKT podcast for a wide-ranging discussion that covers the benefits of Goodreads, what it’s like to have a book optioned and made into a movie, the importance of knowing readers expectations, and how meeting those expectations consistently contributes to success. You can get Alessandra’s Goodreads tips when you sign up for Jami’s launch plan. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro, Sara shares some good news about Murder by the Book, a local indie bookstore that’s innovating and surviving during lockdown. Sara also recommends the Novel Marketing Podcast’s episode on Covid-19, which looks at how the virus and the lockdown will impact which genres and types of stories readers will want in the coming months and years.
Jami also liked Novel Marketing Podcast’s episode on Scarcity and Ubiquity and Sara liked the one on Psychographics.
On the writing front, Jami’s finished a book. She talks about how it’s been difficult to concentrate lately, so if you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. :) Jami’s novella was featured on Read Me Romance, and she appeared on D2D Spotlight.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Why taking a traditional book deal was a mistake for Alessandra
The importance staying with a niche when you have success and how that helps create a recognizable brand
Why Goodreads is a great place to promote your books and how to use the site
Why having author friends is helpful with emotional support as well as gaining knowledge about the industry
How teaching helps you learn
The ups and downs of movie options and what it’s like to have your book made into a movie
What Alessandra’s learned about genre and how important it is for all parts of the book to match the genre
How Alessandra gets it all done -- “It’s better to do something than nothing.”
Why having great books is the cornerstone of success and why patience is so important
…
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Finding Success in Small Genres with Elana Johnson
28 april 2020 · 1 uur 16 min
Episode 015 / Elana Johnson writes Christian cowboy romance as well as clean and wholesome romance. She joins the WIKT podcast and details how she found success in smaller genres. A pen name, writing fast, and understanding read-through all played key roles in helping her achieve and exceed her goals. Lees meer
In the intro, Jami and Sara discuss how they’re experimenting with serials. Sara sent the first six chapters of her new release to her list "serial reads" style to generate interest in her new book, and Jami is sharing a short story with her list. They’ve both had a great response from readers. Jami talks about her struggle to finish her recent book, and Sara mentions their interview with Kait Nolan about writing during stressful times, which is worth a listen, if you’re struggling with burnout or just having a difficult time getting words on the page.
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Elana got her start in traditional publishing and her transition to indie publishing
How Elana uses her writing as “therapy” to get rid of negative situations in her real life
Elana’s disappointment with her first attempt at indie publishing and how she turned things around with a pen name and writing fast
The importance of understanding the concept of read-through
Productivity tips for being prolific, including writing in short snippets of time
Giving yourself permission to do what works for you
Elana’s daily work schedule and how she juggles writing on two different books
Elana’s layering technique she uses for outlining, researching, and writing
Why sometimes getting started is the biggest hurdle to getting words on the page
Elana’s Venn diagram for defining categories (math is involved, but don’t be scared!) and how to use it to find readers
How to be successful in smaller genre categories
Giving readers what they want and listening to readers to discover what that is
Changes she’s seen in he…
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Strategies and Mindset for Getting Through Economic Downturns with Joe Solari
21 april 2020 · 51 min
Episode 014 / Joe Solari joined us this week to help authors create a financial plan for getting through Covid-19’s economic repercussions. We talk about short and long-term strategies and mindset issues for indie authors. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Joe Solari is an author, entrepreneur, and consultant. He graduated with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute and an MBA from Chicago Booth School of Business. Joe helps authors create business systems.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How the economy cycles and what to do if this your first economic downturn
Strategies for the short term, including continued production of content (story drafts) as well as stress testing your business
Why cash flow is important in the short term
Long-term strategies
Fundamental shifts in marketing that may come in the future
Considerations around releasing books right now
What Joe wishes he’d known about getting through an economic downturn
Benefits of being your own boss during this time
Links:
Joe Solari - author business stress test link is on the home page
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Kait Nolan on Dealing with Burnout and Writing During Stressful Times
14 april 2020 · 50 min
Episode 013 / This week Kait Nolan joins Sara and Jami to talk about getting through burnout and writing during stressful times--whether that stress is coming from your own personal situation or world events. Lees meer
In the intro Jami talks about a writing project she’s working on to send to her list called Love, Quarantine and other Inconveniences. (#greattitle). Sara has a new release coming up, Duplicity, and she’s using the same tactic of serializing a sneak preview for her newsletter readers.
In real-life lockdown news, Jami is watching Tiger King and Family Feud, while Sara talks about her wildflower isolation walks and the exciting thrill-a-minute sport of marble racing.
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Tips for marketing a series--grouping books and banking books for a rapid release
How expectations about productivity and major upsets in her personal life lead to burnout
Why burnout is becoming more common in the writing community
How Kait sets goals to write a certain number of days per month instead of a certain number of words per day
Building in some grace into our schedules and adjusting our expectation
The tyranny of the “shoulds”
Recommendations for writing during trying times
How a “just for fun” project can help you when the world is crazy
What Kait has discovered isn’t worth her time and effort
How Kait went against the prevailing wisdom and didn’t use paid ads. Instead she built a career with paid newsletters and free forms of promos
Changes Kait has seen in her genres and her level headed advice on dealing with changes
How Kait’s focus on one thing at a time helped her succeed
Genres discussed include contemporary romance, small town, and romantic suspense.
Links:
Kait Nolan’s website
Kait’s Free Books Page
Larry Brook’s Story Engineering
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops…
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Martha Carr on Defining Success and Enjoying Where You Are Right Now
7 april 2020 · 50 min
Episode 012 / Martha Carr joines Jami and Sara to chat about defining success and how she’s learned to enjoy where she is right now. She also gives some practical tips on craft, including how to make your story compelling and worldbuilding mistakes to avoid. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Jami and Sara are under a local Stay-at-Home order and have no idea what day it is. Sara’s routine hasn’t changed that much and she’s happy she was able to get the draft of her new book completed during this crazy time. She also created a series of videos on how to use Ingram Spark for the Self Publishing 101 course. If you already have the course, you can log in and find the sessions in the Tech Vault. If you’re interested in buying or signing up for the waitlist for the course, there’s a link below. Jami news was a bright spot in a week of bleak news--she has a new grandson! The baby arrived a few weeks early and during the middle of a pandemic. Everyone is healthy and back home now!
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Martha transitioned from being a stockbroker to writing, first in newspapers then in fiction
Martha’s experience being traditionally published
Why character development is key
How setting can become a character as well
How Martha plays to her strengths when it comes to marketing
How humor can be used in any genre and how it’s can be used for pacing
Work/life balance: how Martha came to a place where she learned she didn’t want to work harder to make more income
How comparison can steal our joy
Setting reasonable goals
Tips on running literary universes
The lesson Martha learned in worldbuilding
What Martha wishes she’d done differently
Defining success in a way that’s broader than just financial
How finding out what you don’t enjoy doing can help you define what makes you happy
Why it’s okay to redefine success
Changes Martha has seen in urban fantasy
Creating trends instead of chasing trends
The powe…
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Tips on How to Filter Advice
31 maart 2020 · 30 min
Episode 11 / With so many tips, ideas, and tactics in the author-sphere, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this episode that was recorded several weeks ago, Jami Albright and Sara Rosett tackle the subject of how to filter advice and give tips on ways to figure out which shiny new ideas will work for you and which ones you should consider skipping. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro, they discuss how Jami’s plotted the rest of her book with sticky notes. Then they chat about Sara’s nonfiction book How to Write a Series, which has tips on how to structure a series, what to do when you’re bored with a series, and when to end a series.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
Why Jami and Sara consider who is giving the advice as well as what point that person is in their author career
Why genre and personality are important aspects to consider when making decisions
How changes in the publishing industry can be a good thing
Mindset issues with recovering books and how those mindset issues can hold us back
The bias we have for new things: the new book, the new series, etc
Why trying to replicate the success of an outliner might not be possible
How being afraid of making mistakes can hold us back
Genres discussed include romance and mystery.
Links:
Supercharge Your Story
How to Write a Series
Genres discussed include romance and mystery.
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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J. Thorn on Creative Income Diversification, Podcasting, and Co-writing
24 maart 2020 · 51 min
Episode 010 / Sci-fi author, podcaster, teacher, and event organizer J. Thorn joins Jami and Sara this week to discuss creative ways to diversity your author income, podcasting, and what he wishes he’d known about co-writing. Lees meer
How things have changed in the space of one week! In the intro Jami and Sara talk about the changes social distancing has brought in their lives and how they’re coping with the stress and anxiety of these trying times. They hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.
You can find show notes and links at https://www.wishidknownforwriters.com.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How J. came to creative writing after teaching
J.’s transition to full-time writing
What he wishes he’d known about creative writing
The difference between developmental editing and proofreading
J.’s dislike of running paid ads and how he runs his business so that he doesn't have to use them
Why podcasting is better for lead-generation than revenue generation
Why it’s not too late to get into podcasting
The downside of completely original ideas
How being a musician influences J.’s co-writing projects
J.’s long-running collaboration with Zach Bohannon and what J. wishes he’d known about co-writing
How J., a self-identifying introvert, runs writing events
The most difficult aspects of planning author events
J.’s mistake of quitting his full time job without a financial safety net, and how that turned out to be a good thing
Changes J. has seen and how he’s adapted to them
Thinking outside the box to create multiple streams of income
Genres discussed include science fiction, horror, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic.
Links:
AuthorLife.com
On Writing by Stephen King
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Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sarar…
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Clean Romance, Sustainability, and “Pantsing” books with Kirsten Oliphant
17 maart 2020 · 42 min
Episode 009 / Kirsten Oliphant writes clean romance--and lots of other sub-genres. She joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to talk about the genre of clean romance as well as sustainability and “pantsing” books. They also tackle the pros and cons of author success stories. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
In the intro, Jami shared that she’s closing in on her deadline and her book is going to the developmental editor in a few days. Sara’s back from London, where things didn’t go as planned. London Book Fair was cancelled, and she had to return to the US early, which meant she missed the SPF-Live event. The upside was that Sara had plenty of time to see London, had several afternoon teas, and met up with other mystery writers.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Kirsten fell in love with the subgenre of billionaire romance while writing a parody of it
What audience expectations are in sweet/clean romance
The mistake of reading only traditionally published books in for genre research
How Kirsten is able to “pants” a book and write instinctively without an outline
What Kirsten wishes she’d known about how successful marketing tactics vary between genres
Finding balance--or tension--in your writing life
The two questions Kirsten uses to decide if something is a good use of her time
How to listen to success stories--the benefits and drawbacks of sharing
Collaboration
Rebranding a book
What changes Kirsten has seen in the clean romance genre
Things that have helped Kirsten be successful, including her focus on email and continuing to read in her genre
Genres discussed include sweet/clean romance, cozy mystery, steamy romance, reverse harem, and bully romance.
Links:
Kirsten’s website: https://createifwriting.com
Kirsten’s podcast for writers: https://createifwriting.com/podcast-and-show-notes/
Podcast on sustainability: https://createifwriting.com/sustaining-your-book-sales-and-yourself/
Podcast on how to list…
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How David Gaughran is Using his Lessons Learned to Reboot his Fiction and Nonfiction Books
10 maart 2020 · 51 min
Episode 008 / Renaissance man of the author world David Gaughran decodes Amazon and breaks down Bookbub ads for authors in addition to writing historical fiction and science fiction. He joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to discuss how his mistakes have shaped his decision to reboot his fiction and nonfiction books. Lees meer
You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.
Jami and Sara are in the podcast timewarp because they recorded the episode intro early since Sara will be in London (hopefully) when it airs.
Jami’s making progress on her work-in-progress, and Sara was interviewed on Nathan van Coops’ podcast, Book Faces Live. They also talk about how the coronavirus is impacting travel and how it has brought fist bumps and elbow bumps into vogue. Jami mentions The Daily podcast’s recent episode on the topic.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
David’s Irish storytelling heritage and how conversation in the pub is a combat sport in Ireland
His first mistake of writing “all over the map” in different genres while using the same author name
The one thing that he wishes he could change
David’s first big success and how he became an accidental nonfiction author
Unlearning assumptions related to writing pretty sentences and the value of a good story that resonates with readers
How Kindle Highlights can give you an insight to what readers value most
What you can learn from books that are selling well--even if you don’t think they’re well-written
Assumptions David made about ads and how important it is to question our assumptions
Number chasing vs. knowing your readers
David’s biggest gamble when he rebooted both his fiction and nonfiction career
The value of long-term thinking and creating evergreen systems for your writing and marketing
How the pressure of going full-time can impact you psychologically
Why emailing too infrequently is a mistake and how David’s mindset about email has changed
How David is using what he’s learned from hi…
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How Pippa Grant Revolutionized her Writing Career with a New Pen Name
3 maart 2020 · 52 min
Episode 007 / Romantic comedy author Pippa Grant joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to chat about starting over with a new pen name as well as collaboration with other authors on a series. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Lees meer
The alternate title for this episode is “Fun Places and Unusual Places to Record Your Podcast” because Jami had to record the episode from her car in the Starbuck's parking lot. (We're creating a new hashtag for just these sorts of things: #JamiStory.)
Sara’s prepping for a trip to London for SPF-Live, a writer’s conference, and the London Book Fair. She plans to visit as many stately homes/country estates/tea rooms as possible. #research #authorlife
Jami’s feeling rejuvenated. She’s back from a writing retreat where she accomplished a lot and got to hang out with 20 writers.
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
When it’s smart to use a pen names and how starting over with a new pen name gives you freedom
Pippa’s favorite mistake and what she learned about worldbuilding, including why--even in romance--the villain has to have a comeuppance
The importance of emphasizing the parts of a book that will appeal to readers when running ads
How Pippa pivoted and created a new pen name after studying the bestseller charts and analyzing what tropes readers wanted
Writing fearlessly and how Pippa shuts off the critical voice
The mistake of chasing the wrong goal
Psychology of fandom
Pippa’s collaboration with three authors to create the Bluewater Billionaire series, including the nitty gritty details of plotting and planning the series
How the group marketed through hashtags to encourage readers to share their stories before the series released
Pippa’s big gamble of starting a new pen name and the risk of investing money in an unknown quantity
Pippa’s potential side hustle as a “pun” title whisperer
How Pippa’s husband helps her in her writing business
Genres discussed include contemporary romance, romant…
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Common Marketing Mistakes Authors Make with Dani Sanchez (plus publishing trends!)
22 februari 2020 · 43 min
Episode 006 / Dani Sanchez, owner of Wildfire Marketing Solutions, joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett this week to talk about common mistakes authors make in publicity and marketing as well as publishing trends. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Lees meer
Jami and Sara chat about Sara’s WIP. She’s fixing tiny details that make up the clues and red herrings. It’s slow-going, but has to be done in mystery fiction. Jami talks about giving herself some grace and working on ads. A big thank you for all the positive feedback, nice comments, and reviews on the podcast. It’s much appreciated!
In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:
How Dani focuses on individual goals for each author and helps authors create strategies that will grow their businesses
What she wishes authors knew about marketing and public relations
The difference between a promotion company and a PR/marketing company
What Dani wishes she’d known about working in the publishing industry
What she sees authors doing that isn’t getting them results
Common mistakes she sees authors make in their marketing
Dani’s advice to help authors protect their brand
Commonalities she’s seen in successful authors over the long-haul
Best practices for working with book bloggers and bookstgramers
Possible upcoming romance trends, including mafia, small town, and sports romance
How pop culture trends influence book trends
How combinations of different genres (such as romance and psychological thriller in the case of The Wives) and “shock factor” can generate excitement and buzz
Genres discussed include romantic comedy, contemporary romance, cozy mystery, psychological thriller.
Links:
Wildfire Marketing Solutions http://www.wildfiremarketingsolutions.com
365 Days https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10886166/
Tarryn Fisher’s The Wives https://books2read.com/u/b55Zn6
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Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ …
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Learning to Reverse Engineer a Novel with Cecelia Mecca
18 februari 2020 · 54 min
Historical romance author Cecelia Mecca joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett. Cecelia shares what she learned when she changed genres and how she now reverse engineers her books before she writes them. Lees meer
Jami, Sara, and Cecelia discuss:
How Cecelia transitioned from being an English teacher and a teacher of teachers to writing fiction full-time
Her mistake involving releasing her prequel novella on Super Bowl Sunday
The challenge of replicating success
Ceclia’s love of plotting books and how she wishes she’d read more craft books before writing her first novel
How important packaging is for your book (cover, title, blurb, trope) and reverse engineering your novel, including considering how to marry what her muse wants her to write with considerations about cover and marketing
Tips for using free marketing strategies including Facebook Live and Facebook groups (types and timing of posts)
How to get to know your readers
An incredibly simple, yet effective tip on how to to be successful on social media
Assumptions involving transferring from one genre to another
How Cecelia wishes she’d taken a closer look at the market for vampire books, but then discusses how much she learned from not doing that and how she now reverse engineers her books
The benefits of focusing narrowly on social media
How not using a pen name can be a mistake and lead to confused also-boughts on the ebook stores
Learning not to be so hard on yourself when things don’t as you expect
Strategies to reach new readers including being a hybrid author and using print, including hardbacks and large print
Importance of friendships in a writing career and how attending conferences can help you connect with other authors in your genreLinks/Mentioned:
Cecelia’s website http://ceceliamecca.comLaunching Indie Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/263060221047105/
Romancing the Beat https://books2read.com/u/mBgGGD
Rock Your Plot https://books2read.com/u/mYp77P
Book Faces Live podcast…
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Advantages of Being a Part-Time Writer with Nathan Van Coops
11 februari 2020 · 55 min
Alternate history and time travel author Nathan Van Coops was a trooper and joined Jami Albight and Sara Rosett despite having a cold. They delve into the joys of being a part-time writer and creating the lifestyle you want as well as tips on mistakes involving doing a royalty share for a Book One and trying to juggle too many things. And, last, they laugh about Jami's lunch choices and geek out about plotting books. Lees meer
There's a bit of lag in the opening when Sara's talking about the sequel to Knives Out and how Benoit Blanc is a perfect flat-arc character and provides an ideal set-up for a long-running episodic series.
The flu hit Jami's family and interrupted her writing week, but everyone is better and she'd back at the keyboard now.
Nathan, Jami, and Sara discuss:
-Tackling the thorny details of time travel and how dealing with the specifics appealed to fans of the genre
-How Nathan carved a new entrepreneurial path and created a lifestyle that blends art and aviation
-Living the life you want, which for Nathan means being able to wear flip flops to work
-Influence of children’s adventure book, The Neverending Story
-Advantages of being a part-time author: a financial safety net, reduced mental strain, and creative freedom
-Risk evaluation for indie authors
-How not all jobs are “soul-sucking” and you can love traditional employment and be a writer at the same time
-Writing a book in snatches of 15 to 20 minutes
-Why doing a royalty share on a Book One was a mistake
-Why trying to juggle too many things is a mistake
-Mindset and how to keep a healthy attitude
-The benefits of preorders
-Changes in the publishing industry, including pricing higher and how that can help you find new readers
-How understanding his love of adventures stories helps Nathan write satisfying books for his readers
-How finding your overarching brand draws readers to you as an author
-Sara and Nathan geek out about plotting and plotting resources
Genres discussed includ…
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Writing around the edges and writing humor with paranormal cozy author Amy Boyles
3 februari 2020 · 32 min
Amy Boyles, author of paranormal cozy mysteries with a southern flare, joins Jami Albright and Sara Rosett to talk about her successes and missteps. Lees meer
Jami and Sara chat about how they’ve been blown away about the response to the podcast and say thanks for all the positive comments, shares, and reviews.
Jami has a boxed set out and Sara just released a new nonfiction book, How to Write a Series.
In the interview with Amy they discuss:
-The definition of paranormal cozy
-Humor in writing
-The line between tropes and stereotypes
-How Amy transitioning from being a full-time pharmacist to a full-time writer
-The inspiration and influence of books, including Little Women and Twilight
-Writing fast
-Writing with kids: consistency and writing around the edges of your life
-Figuring out what you’re good at writing
-Knowing when to stop writing a series--when to cut your losses and move on
-Branding--making your name and covers distinctive and interacting with your readers
-The importance of connecting with other authors
Comment on this episode at WishIdKnownForWriter.com to be eligible to win an hour of free coaching with Jami and Sara’s new nonfiction book, How to Write a Series. Tell us who you’d like us to invite on the podcast and what topics you’d like to learn more about.
Links:
https://amyboylesauthor.com
Genres discussed include paranormal cozy mystery and romance.
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Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Leaning into Your Strengths in your Writing with Becca Syme
29 januari 2020 · 31 min
Becca Syme, a Gallup-Certified Strengths coach and founder of the Write Better-Faster Academy, joins Jami and Sara to discuss how to discover your strengths as a writer and how to lean into those qualities. Lees meer
In this episode, Becca Syme, Jami Albright, and Sara Rosett discuss:
-Self-awareness in writing
-Pivoting to write in new genre(s) and finding your perfect genre
-Learning to trust yourself
-Dealing with fear when you’re starting a new project
-Benefits of hearing opposing perspectives
-Using your strengths in your writing life
-Taking the long view when it comes to our books and writing
-How to treat your mistakes as a learning opportunity
-The misstep of writing in a super-niche genre (there might be eunuch werewolves involved in this answer)
-The platform of Radish and what’s currently selling there
-The importance of connecting with other writers
Genres discussed include paranormal romance, romantic comedy, mystery, cozy mystery, and non-fiction.
Links:
Youtube Quitcast Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcMMgtLuogKNSbxlwyJ5ug
https://www.rlsyme.com/about/
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Mistakes and Lessons Learned in Indie Publishing
28 januari 2020 · 29 min
Sara and Jami interview one another and reveal their deepest, darkest secrets--writing secrets, that is. Lees meer
They talk about:
-Their first big successes--getting a Bookbub and finishing the first book
-How they overcame tech challenges (hint: Youtube is your friend)
-How not keeping up with changes in the market was a mistake for Sara and how she pivoted and started over in indie publishing
-What Jami learned as a new indie author
-How a mistake can be a good thing
-How Sara learned it’s a mistake to try to cast too wide a net for readers
-The benefits Jami experienced when she held off publishing her first book and took a year to learn and research before release
-The changes Sara’s seen in publishing, including how writers have become more publisher-like in their decisions and the rise of advertising
-How Jami launched her first book with a newsletter audience
Links:
www.JamiAlbright.com
www.SaraRosett.com
Bookbub Partners: https://www.bookbub.com/partners/overview
Genres discussed include: romance, romantic comedy, mystery, cozy mystery, thriller, and classic romantic suspense.
Don’t forget to subscribe!
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
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Intro to the Wish I'd Known Then Podcast For Writers
15 januari 2020 · 8 min
Welcome to the Wish I’d Known Then podcast for writers. In this episode, indie authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett introduce themselves and chat about: Lees meer
- the concept of the show, which is interviewing awesome indie authors to get their take on what’s worked for them as well as what mistakes they’ve made
- their love of podcasts
- who their first guests will be
Subscribe to get the first episodes!
📥 Send us a Text Message
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5
🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/
📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/
The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast