Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview indie authors about how they found success as well as what they've learned from their mistakes.
Donate to Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
Listeners of Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers that love the show mention: indie publishing, weekly must, highly recommend listening, authors, really enjoying, writers, never miss, writing, encouraging, ladies, love this show, hosts, learning, wonderful, loving, questions, helpful, guests, information, advice.
The Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning about craft, branding, and marketing in publishing, especially indie publishing. This podcast is fun, quick, informative, and smart. It feels like sitting around with friends and having a coffee while gaining valuable insights into the world of indie writing.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the hosts' ability to ask insightful questions that many other podcast hosts often overlook. The show gets right to the point without wasting the listener's time with fluff or unrelated tangents. The hosts bring a wonderful mixture of humor and expertise to each episode, making it engaging and enjoyable to listen to.
Another great aspect of this podcast is the quality of its guests. The show features amazing guests who share authentic stories and provide actionable advice for writers at any stage of their journey. Each episode is filled with golden nuggets of information that are valuable for both beginners and experienced authors.
The podcast also offers a Facebook group where listeners can ask their burning newbie questions and connect with other writers. This adds an interactive element to the show and provides even more opportunities for learning and growth.
In terms of drawbacks, it is difficult to identify any significant negative aspects of this podcast. The only minor criticism could be that it may not cater to all types of writers since it focuses primarily on indie publishing. However, considering its target audience, this specialization is understandable and actually adds value by diving deep into topics specifically relevant to indie writers.
In conclusion, The Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in indie publishing or looking to gain insights into writing craft, branding, and marketing. With its genuine hosts, amazing guests, practical advice, and engaging conversations, this podcast has quickly become a favorite among listeners. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned writer, this show offers valuable information that will inspire and encourage you on your writing journey.
Ep 273 / Trixie Silvertale joins us to discuss resilience and adaptability in business. Trixie shared how a personal tragedy shifted her writing and publishing and resulted in her leveraging her backlist. Plus keeping a long series fresh, and writing interesting small town settings.Topics:Trixie's dictation process, which involves roller skates
Episode 272 / Andi Arndt joins us to discuss audiobook narration, including tips for finding and working with a narrator, how to write with narration in mind, and audiobook trends. Topics:How Andi preps to narrate a bookMistakes authors make when it comes to picking narratorsTips for writing with narration in mindBenefits of having a long-term relationship with a narrator or production companyTrends in audiobook production, including duets and multicast productionsThe impact of AI on audiobooks
Episode 271 / Jennifer Marchman, who combines historical fiction and time travel in her books, joins us to discuss embracing your own writing process, dealing with the constant changes in publishing, and the importance of community in the indie author space. Topics:Writing time travel historical fictionInfluence of Texas history and OutlanderPersonal writing process and habitsSetting realistic writing and publishing goalsFounding Austin Indie Authors group
Episode 270 / Katy Cocking is multi-passionate creative who found the advice to “stay in her lane” constricting and to a writing-adjacent career, selling cozy subscription boxes, which combines the knowledge from her publishing background with her activator and ideation strengths. Topics:Transition from author to book box businessDefining personal and financial successHow Katy built and audience through giveaways and adsChallenges with physical product shippingAdvice for authors creating one-time boxes
Episode 269 / Christina Hovland shares how she moved out of KU and built a thriving direct sales store for her books. Topics:Transitioning from KU to direct salesSetting up a Shopify store for booksBundling books and pricing strategiesDefining personal success as an authorWhy Christina likes working with coaches and mentors
Episode 268 / Legal thriller author Aime Austin joins us to discuss writing legal thrillers, discovery writing, and blending psychological suspense. Topics:Choosing writing over practicing lawRealities of learning writing craft and why writing is sometimes a “plumber job”Aime's writing process and discussion of pantsing/discovery writingCrafting legal thrillers and legal detailsInsights from podcast conversationsCommitting to one creative path
Episode 267 / T. Thorn Coyle writes several magic-filled series with diverse casts and is the author of The Midlist Indie Author Mindset. Thorn shares their journey of learning how to embrace curiosity to the importance of simply finishing what you start. We also dive into modular work strategies, leveraging Kickstarter, and the power of building genuine connections.Learned which marketing tactics work for youBuilding connections with readersFree first in series and small paid newsletters for sales and discoverabilityGauging your energy and matching tasks to your energy levelMultiple income streams, including newsletter and PatreonStrategies for successful Kickstarter campaigns
Subscriber-only episodeIn this post show episode, we get some more insights from Elizabeth on dictation.Using dictation to on the move to capture ideasSoftware Elizabeth and Sara use for dictationHow dictation changes from book to book Advantage of using dictation for authors with high IntellectionSend us a text
Episode 266 / Cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa joins us this week. With over 150 books in her backlist, Diana shared how she found success through rapid release (but she works a year ahead) and why embracing her passion was the key that helped her find and connect with readers.Topics:Diana's unique process for building a year-long advance writing schedule to maintain a steady release paceTips for creating likeable characters and a “Scooby gang” that keep readers coming back and also keep Diana excited to write their storiesDiana's advice around ambition, goal setting, dreaming big, and celebrating successDealing with imposter syndrome
Episode 265 / Jen discusses how she found her passion for working with authors, her experiences in developmental editing and coaching, and the importance of aligning your business with personal visions of success. Tips on how to find an editor Frequent mistakes she sees authors makingTrends Jen sees in publishingAlternate pathways to successEffective social media use Different types of support teams and why you need them
Episode 263 / Do you want to make your newsletters more personal and connect with readers? Bev Feldman, an email marketing strategist at Your Personal Tech Fairy, joins us today to share how to do just that through the type of content you share as well as sequences and segmenting.Setting expectations in a welcome sequenceThe value of letting subscribers goBasic ways to segment your newsletter listTips to make resending to unopened more effectiveCommon mistakes Bev sees people make with their newslettersSubject lines and ALT text tips
Episode 262 / Jennifer Hilt shares how her writing career has evolved since she was with us in 2023, including expanding her trope thesaurus books to specific genres and her thoughts on launching an online event, TropeCon. She also shares her lessons learned for planning online events. If you want to connect with your readers through an online event, Jennifer has plenty of tips and ideas. Topics: The messy path to achievement and why you shouldn't overthink or underestimate yourselfHow tropes relate to different genres like horror, romance, and fantasy sci-fiThe art of making mistakes and bouncing backUnderstanding tropes across genres and insights into tropes in different genresTips for setting up and running an online event, including platform and logistic choices, pricing strategy, and promotion possibilities
Episode 261 / Elizabeth O'Roark shares about tapping into her creativity during the pandemic, tackling the ups and downs of switching genres, the power of tropes, and breakout success.Topics:Chasing successWhat Elizabeth wishes she'd started earlier Assessment of opportunity costBenefits of shifting to a new genreHow Elizabeth incorporates tropes and microtropes into her plan for a new bookMoving into special editions and direct sales
Episode 259 / Cat Johnson shares about writing resilience and creative innovation. We discuss Cat's diversified distribution strategy that includes wide retailers as well as KU and her innovative promotion idea that lean into the personal and real life connections.Topics discussed: The power of pivoting in an unpredictable industryThe value of building a strong backlistOut-of-the-box marketing ideasWhat Cat wishes she'd known about being a hybrid authorWriting and promotion tips for multi-author projects, like her interconnected series with several other authors Incorporating real places into your fiction and promotion: what it's like to live in a Hallmark-type town in real life–and write about it!
Episode 258 / We delve into your responses from our previous episode, "What Do You Want?" We're all ears and sincerely grateful for the feedback! You shared your love for the podcast and some brilliant suggestions. We unpack your ideas, which range from having more diverse author guests to potential coaching sessions with listeners. You also chimed in with some fantastic new questions to ask guests.
Episode 257 / Catharine Bramkamp is a writing coach, workshop facilitator, poet, traveler, and has authored 27 fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. She joins us to share about creativity, finding joy in the process of writing, and common mistakes she sees as a writing coach.
Episode 256 / Cozy fantasy author and illustrator Hanna Sandvig joins us to talk about working with illustrators to create gorgeous special editions. We also chat about how Hanna's business has evolved over time as she's incorporated illustration into her own books and begun using Kickstarter and Patreon.
Episode 255 / It's time for a heart to heart. Jami and Sara want to hear what you want from the podcast. Are you still finding value in the podcast? Do you want to see a change in format or focus? Let us know!Sara also answers questions about her mystery letters.
Episode 254 / Samatha Cummings writes YA fantasy chock full of magic, myths, and monsters and also hosts a podcast for writers, Pen to Paycheck. Topics:Samantha's approach to treating NaNoWrMo as a gameWhy Samatha wishes she'd leaned into newsletter marketing earlier in her careerHow even one other person can be a community for youMindset changes Samantha made around imposter syndrome and knowing her true valueStarting a discord community for Young Adult Fantasy authors
Episode 253 / It's a Jami and Sara episode this week as we break down the recent chaos with TikTok (It's gone! It's back!) and what actions authors can take to make sure they're able to connect with readers despite the unpredictable nature of social media platforms.
Episode 252 / Has your well run dry when it comes to newsletter and social media content? Sara Shea has fresh ideas for you. Sara works full-time as the assistant (and sister) of author K.M. Shea. She's been lurking in the indie author shadows for over a decade and is here to share her love of content creation with everyone.Topics:Tips for working with assistants and contractorsCreating an asset list to help you with your content creationIdeas for incorporating tropes and micro tropesHow authors can use Pinterest to drive interest to content like reader magnets and audiobooks
Episode 251 / Do you want to cut back on the time you spend on social media? Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller have left social media altogether and have tips and how to cut back or depart social media. Topics:Benefits and drawbacks of leaving social mediaAdvice for someone wanting to reduce time on social media or leave altogetherWays to promote without social media How to stay in touch with friends/author communities if you're not on social media
Episode 250 / Guest: Sharmyn McGraw, mystery author and creator of planner/organizers for discovery writers. Sharmyn shares the challenges of dyslexia and how she became a successful writer. We also get into marketing hurdles, strategies for staying organized, the benefits of not being a full-time writer; and we also geek out over our love of office supplies.Topics:Tips for writing with dyslexia and the tools Sharmyn uses mostHow to find an editor if you have dyslexiaDiscovery writingHow a print organizer helps Sharmyn keep track of details in her story and the genre-specific organizers she created to help authors who are “pantsers” or discovery writers Diversifying through multiple businesses, and why Sharmyn doesn't want to become a full-time writer
Episode 249 / Guest: Matilda Swift, cozy mystery author and co-host of the Pen to Paycheck podcastTopics:Finding your genre: identifying and embracing what truly fascinates youOvercoming self-doubtWhy releasing more books isn't always the path to successTime and schedule management challengesThe creative process behind Matilda's engaging book titles and unique warm reader magnetWorking in your “zone of genius,” (i.e. What is easy for you?)The story behind the Pen to Paycheck podcast and how it helps with accountability and community
Episode 248 / Fantasy author and Kickstarter expert Anthea Sharp joins us to share tips on running crowdfunding campaigns as well as how Kickstarter has helped her move toward a mindset of relaxed prosperity.Topics:Relaxed prosperityFinding your voiceHaving the confidence to pick yourself Why Anthea has a “pruning list” and how she motivates herself to cut back instead of adding tasks to her writer lifeAdvice for new authorsKickstarter tipsWriting fantasy and romantasy
Episode 247 / We've both been traveling, so this week is a catch up episode about Jami's experience at Author Nation, the biggest author conference in the world, and Sara's cruise in the Mediterranean. Plus, details on Jami's surprise European vacation.Join us for a chat about connecting with other writers, author business phases, and special editions as well as the dangerous combo of wide-leg pants and escalators in Roman train stations.
Episode 246 / It's a Jami and Sara episode this week as they discuss the importance of endings, their favorite (and not-so-favorite endings) as well as the six different types of endings. Spoiler warning for these books/shows we discuss: Extraordinary Attorney WooPride and Prejudice Sugar DaddySixth SenseTed LassoThe PartnerNobody Wants ThisFourth WingThe Serpent and the Wings of NightTruly DeviousCheat on Me, If You CanAnd Then There Were None
Episode 245 / Ines Johnson joins us and shares strategies for book marketing in the age of direct sales. We discuss:Testing and tweaking to increase backlist salesImportance of thinking of your customer in marketing to create a personal connection Effective ad strategies using purchase ads Special editions and direct sales, including incorporating elements like foiling and character art in special edition books to attract high-value readersLeveraging direct sales platforms and tools like Payhip and Shopify to boost book sales
Episode 244 / Is it too late to plan holiday promotions? Nope. You still have plenty of time–and holiday promotions don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. We delve into what tactics we've used and found effective for marketing to cold, warm, and hot audiences. -What we wish we'd known about marketing during the holidays -Group promos ideas -> warm/cold audience-Solo promo ideas -> hot audienceBookish Wish List – your favorite books/bookish thingshttps://www.sararosett.com/bookish-wish-list/Mystery Lover's Gift Guide: https://www.sararosett.com/gift-guide/-Last Minute ideas -> cold and warm audiences-Newsletter content ideas -> hot audience
Episode 243 / We are thrilled (pun intended!) to chat with contemporary crime and conspiracy thriller author Nick Stevens. We talk about anti-heroes, setups and payoffs, Tremors, and why sometimes you just have to publish the book. 10:58 Why emotional connection is better than perfect structure in storytelling14:00 Using multiple formats to diversify17:18 Marketing mistake: starting too early23:00 Getting ratings and reviews29:26 Finding community for writers of mystery/thrillers34:09 Setups and payoffs in thrillers37:20 Incorporating real-life details into fiction and authenticity that grounds stories46:12 Nick Stevens books and social media
Episode 242 / We're diving deep into listener questions about everything from drafting and editing techniques, tackling imposter syndrome, and decoding our strengths.
Episode 241 / Whether you're an introvert or extrovert you can develop a platform to grow your author brand. Learn how with authors of From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker, suspense and thriller author Matty Dalrymple and science fiction & fantasy author M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn). Topics:How to match your platform to your personality Tips for effective public speakingCommon mistakes authors make when it comes to platform as well as public speakingWhy the time you spend behind the microphone or on stage is often the least important part of the eventSimple steps you can use to get started building your author brand
Episode 240 / In 2024, Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe paired their love of regency romances like Bridgerton with their bad habit of killing people in their books to create a new series that they rapid-released, the Crown Jewels Regency Mystery Series. Topics:Why brutal honesty is critical for collaborationHow to spot trendsTips on how to incorporate trends into a genre and still meet reader expectations around tropesHow Lynn and Anne leveraged interest around Bridgerton to market the new seriesUsing beta readers to verify the book was on target
Episode 239 / Want to make a big impact with your book? Publicist, award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book, Melanie Herschorn, has tips to help you stand out. Topics:Beyond the Launch: keep promoting—your book is new to someone who hasn't read it yetMisconceptions around marketing: engage beyond bookstoresBuilding a community and relationships Don't fear oversharingAlternative and creative marketing strategies: speaking and podcastsBuild reader communities: engage people around your book's themes—create a sense of belonging that AI can't mimic
Episode 238 / Want some ideas on how to get readers on your newsletter list? On this Ask Us Anything episode, we have SO MANY ideas for you! Topics:Expectations for earningsBuilding a ListPreview Promos Reader magnetsDifference between pre- and post-novel reader magnetsCreative reader magnets
Episode 237/Guest: Luke Mitchel, science fiction and fantasy author Topics: Luke's transition from KU to wide and direct salesSelf-editing and revisions and accepting your writing styleWriting short stories to refresh the creative processMoving away from social media and focusing on email marketing and direct sales
Episode 236 / Ever wondered why certain characters steal your heart? This week we chat with Jessica Firpi, a TV and movie reviewer as well as a K-drama enthusiast and podcast host. We explore everything from effective "save the cat" moments to why a sunshine character can make a dark character shine. If you've ever wondered how to make your characters compelling, relatable, and unforgettable, we've got some ideas for you. Plus, we've got examples from your favorite Kdramas and blockbuster movies. Topics:How a Save the Cat moment gets the audience to root for a characterOur favorite Save the Cat moments why they worked for usGenuine vs. manufactured conflictCreating complex backstoriesPitfalls writers should avoid with Save the Cat momentsJess's tips for bloggers and podcasters
Episode 235 / Fantasy romance author Penn Cole shares tips on writing to market in a way that goes beyond the usual analysis of trends and tropes, patience in the writing and publishing process, and translations using an agent.Topics:Penn's tips on prepping for publication and ARC teamsHow to research and write to market in a deep way, focusing on why certain books resonate with readersPutting your blinders on and having the self confidence to go with your intuitionSpecial editions from trad publishersTranslations–why using an agent who specializes in sub-rights can be helpfulThe power of kindness, especially toward readers
Episode 234 / Liz Shipton is a freelance writer, hybrid author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She shares how changing her lifestyle to become a digital nomad created more time for writing and how she uses Tik Tok to market her books.
Episode 233 / Ever wished you had some writing hacks to make your drafting and editing go more smoothly? (And who hasn't?) Then this episode with cozy author Barbara Emodi is for you! Barbara is a developmental editor for emerging writers and has great insights.
Episode 232 / Jessie Kwak writes supernatural thrillers and sci-fi crime as well as nonfiction productivity books including, From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book. Topics:Trusting your own process, reassessing expectations, and enjoying the writing processHow Jessie blends sci-fi and crime genres and found her second series easier to market with a clearer target audienceHow Jessie integrates her fiction and nonfiction in her promotion and marketingThe power of showing up consistently and focusing on daily work to achieve long-term successAuthor Alchemy Summit - February 14th-16th in Portland, a small, intimate conference focused on marketing and business, with plenty of opportunities for networking
Episode 231 / Dr. Nick Courtright of Atmosphere Press, a literary hybrid publisher dedicated to author rights, joins us to discuss different publishing options, letting go of the mindset that you must have an agent, and the importance of a personal brand.
Subscriber-only episodeIn this supporter-exclusive chat, we broke down the Enemies to Lovers trope–and it's not just for romance novels! From Pride and Prejudice to You've Got Mail, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how friction and chemistry can turn rivalry into romance.Why readers love this tropeThe need to maintain the core characteristics of your protagonistsThe difference between Opposites Attract and Enemies to LoversVariations/subtypes of the tropeStory beats of the Enemies to Lovers tropeUsing the Enemies to Lovers story beats for bromance or reconciliation plotlineCommon mistakes to avoidWhat are your favorite examples of the Enemies to Lovers trope? Let us know with a text message. Links mentioned:https://denton.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1251047067/1899729279Jami and Sara on Creating Sympathetic and Intriguing Characters with Examples from Ted Lasso: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/168-2/
Send us a Text Message.Episode 230 / A.B. Herron blends elements of fantasy and romance in her fiction. She shares about balancing a full-time job while diving headfirst into the world of writing, the joy of connecting with readers at book fairs, and the critical role a supportive community plays in overcoming challenges, especially for authors with dyslexia.
Send us a Text Message.Episode 229 / Learn about the four basic types of relationship arcs from freelance developmental editor and writing writing instructor, September Fawkes. Discover how mapping arcs can define the direction and evolution of your characters' relationships and create a dynamic, zigzag narrative.
Send us a Text Message.Episode 228 / Kemper Donovan is the host of the All About Agatha podcast and author of The Busy Body, a USA Today bestseller on launch earlier this year. Kemper shares tips for querying and how podcasting about Agatha Christie helped him connect with mystery authors and also provided a built-in audience for his book.
Send us a Text Message.Episode 227 / Liz Long shares her journey of embracing her own uniqueness, particularly in relation to ADHD and finding peace and growth after personal loss. Quick note: the language in this episode isn't as family-friendly as our usual G/PG episodes, so just be aware of that.
Send us a Text Message.Episode 226 / Author, musician, and marketer, Paul Indigo shares insights on seeking validation, embracing our voice, and the unconventional use of an Excel spreadsheet for writing and marketing. If you've tried all the writing software and haven't found one that works for you, perhaps your answer is a spreadsheet!
Send us a Text Message.Episode 225 / Megan Vernon, author of over 40 romance novels, joins us to talk about starting over after a difficult experience of being publicly criticized. We talk about the need to give ourselves grace and the importance of a supportive community for navigating the ups and downs of a writing career. Megan shares about her creation of the Mojo Dojo Casa House, a supportive space for published authors and shares her insights into ghostwriting.
Send us a Text Message.Episode 224 / Kate Johnson is the co-founder of Zory, an interactive reading app that merges the depth found in fiction with the choose-your-path-style plotlines of narrative video games. Kate shares details about Zory and craft tips about GMC as well as the All Is Lost moment. Plus we talk about trends in genre blending, and what Kate sees coming in the publishing industry.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
