Podcasts about publisher rocket

How do you capture something as enormous and personal as the feeling of “home” in a book? How can you navigate the chaotic discovery period in writing something new? With Roz Morris. In the intro, KU vs Wide [Written Word Media]; Podcasts Overtake Radio, book marketing implications [The New Publishing Standard]; Tips for podcast guests; The Vatican embraces AI for translation, but not for sermons [National Catholic Reporter]; NotebookLM; Self-Publishing in German; Bones of the Deep. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Roz Morris is an award-nominated literary fiction author, memoirist, and previously a bestselling ghostwriter. She writes writing craft books for authors under the Nail Your Novel brand, and is also an editor, speaker, and writing coach. Her latest travel memoir is Turn Right at the Rainbow: A Diary of House-Hunting, Happenstance & Home. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How being an indie author has evolved over 15 years, from ebooks-only to special editions, multi-voice audiobooks and tools to help with everything Why “home” is such a powerful emotional theme and how to turn personal experiences into universal memoir Practical craft tips on show-don't-tell, writing about real people, and finding the right book title The chaotic discovery writing phase — why some books take seven years and why that's okay Building a newsletter sustainably by finding your authentic voice (and the power of a good pet story) Low-key book marketing strategies for memoir, including Roz's community-driven “home” collage campaign You can find Roz at RozMorris.org. Transcript of the interview with Roz Morris JOANNA: Roz Morris is an award-nominated literary fiction author, memoirist, and previously a bestselling ghostwriter. She writes writing craft books for authors under the Nail Your Novel brand, and is also an editor, speaker, and writing coach. Her latest travel memoir is Turn Right at the Rainbow: A Diary of House-Hunting, Happenstance & Home. Welcome back to the show, Roz. ROZ: Hi, Jo. It's so lovely to be back. I love that we managed to catch up every now and again on what we're doing. We've been doing this for so long. JOANNA: In fact, if people don't know, the first time you came on this show was 2011, which is 15 years. ROZ: I know! JOANNA: It is so crazy. I guess we should say, we do know each other in person, in real life, but realistically we mainly catch up when you come on the podcast. ROZ: Yes, we do, and by following what we're doing around the web. So I read your newsletters, you read mine. JOANNA: Exactly. So good to return. You write all kinds of different things, but let's first take a look back. The first time you were on was 2011, 15 years ago. You've spanned traditional and indie, you've seen a lot. You know a lot of people in publishing as well. What are the key things you think have shifted over the years, and why do you still choose indie for your work? ROZ: Well, lots of things have shifted. Some things are more difficult now, some things are a lot easier. We were lucky to be in right at the start and we learned the ropes and managed to make a lot of contacts with people. Now it's much more difficult to get your work out there and noticed by readers. You have to be more knowledgeable about things like marketing and promotions. But that said, there are now much better tools for doing all this. Some really smart people have put their brains to work about how authors can get their work to the right readers, and there's also a lot more understanding of how that can be done in the modern world. Everything is now much more niche-driven, isn't it? People know exactly what kind of thriller they like or what kind of memoir they like. In the old days it was probably just, “Well, you like thrillers,” and that could be absolutely loads of things. Now we can find far better who might like our work. The tools we have are astonishing. To start with, in about 2011, we could only really produce ebooks and paperbacks. That was it. Anything else, you'd have to get a print run that would be quite expensive. Now we can get amazing, beautiful special editions made. We can do audiobooks, multi-voice audiobooks. We can do ebooks with all sorts of enhancements. We can even make apps if we want to. There's absolutely loads that creators can do now that they couldn't before, so it's still a very exciting world. JOANNA: When we first met, there was still a lot of negativity here in the UK around indie authors or self-publishing. That does feel like it's shifted. Do you think that stigma around self-publishing has changed? ROZ: I think it has really changed, yes. To start with, we were regarded as a bit of the Wild West. We were just tramping in and making our mark in places that we hadn't been invited into. Now it's changed entirely. I think we've managed to convince people that we have the same quality standards. Readers don't mind—I don't think the readers ever minded, actually, so long as the book looked right, felt right, read right. It's much easier now. It's much more of a level playing field. We can prove ourselves. In fact, we don't necessarily have to prove ourselves anymore. We just go and find readers. JOANNA: Yes, I feel like that. I have nothing to prove. I just get on with my work and writing our books and putting them out there. We've got our own audiences now. I guess I always think of it as perhaps not a shadow industry, but almost a parallel industry. You have spanned a lot of traditional publishing and you still do editing work. You know a lot of trad pub authors too. Do you still actively choose indie for a particular reason? ROZ: I do. I really like building my own body of work, and I'm now experienced enough to know what I do well, what I need advice with, and help with. I mean, we don't do all this completely by ourselves, do we? We bring in experts who will give us the right feedback if we're doing a new genre or a genre that's new to us. I choose indie because I like the control. Because I began in traditional publishing—I was making books for other people—I just learned all the trades and how to do everything to a professional standard. I love being able to apply that to my own work. I also love the way I can decide what I'm going to write next. If I was traditionally published, I would have to do something that fitted with whatever the publisher would want of me, and that isn't necessarily where my muse is taking me or what I've become interested in. I think creative humans evolve throughout their lives. They become interested in different things, different themes, different ways of expressing themselves. I began by thinking I would just write novels, and now I've found myself writing memoirs as well. That shift would have been difficult if someone else was having to make me fit into their marketing plans or what their imprint was known for. But because I've built my own audience, I can just bring them with me and say, “You might like this. It's still me. I'm just doing something different.” JOANNA: I like that phrase: “creative humans.” That's what we are. As you say, I never thought I would write a memoir, and then I wrote Pilgrimage, and I think there's probably another one on its way. We do these different things over time. Let's get into this new book, Turn Right at the Rainbow. It's about the idea of home. I've talked a lot about home on my Books And Travel Podcast, but not so much here. Why is home such an emotional topic, for both positive and negative reasons? Why did you want to explore it? ROZ: I think home is so emotional because it grows around you and it grows on you very slowly without you really realising it. As you are not looking, you suddenly realise, “Oh, it means such a lot.” I love to play this mind game with myself—if you compare what your street looks like to you now and how it looked the first time you set eyes on it, it's a world of difference. There are so many emotional layers that build up just because of the amount of time we spend in a place. It's like a relationship, a very slow-growing friendship. And as you say, sometimes it can be negative as well. I became really fascinated with this because we decided to move house and we'd lived in the same house for about 30 years, which is a lot of time. It had seen a lot of us—a lot of our lives, a lot of big decisions, a lot of good times, a lot of difficult times. I felt that was all somehow encapsulated in the place. I know that readers of certain horror or even spiritual fiction will have this feeling that a place contains emotions and pasts and all sorts of vibes that just stay in there. When we were going around looking at a house to buy, I was thinking, “How do we even know how we will feel about it?” We're moving out of somewhere that has immense amounts of feelings and associations, and we're trying to judge whether somewhere else will feel right. It just seemed like we were making a decision of cosmic proportions. It comes down so much to chance as well. You're not only just deciding, “Okay, I'd like to buy that one,” and pressing a button like on eBay and you've won it. It doesn't happen like that. There are lots of middle steps. The other person's got to agree to sell to you, not do the dirty on you and sell to someone else. You've got all sorts of machinations going on that you have no idea about. And you only have what's on offer—you only get an opportunity to buy a place because someone else has decided to let it go. All this seemed like immense amounts of chance, of dice rolling. I thought, yet we end up in these places and they mean so much to us. It just blew my mind. I thought, “I've got to write about this.” JOANNA: It's really interesting, isn't it? I really only started using the word “home” after the pandemic and living here in Bath. We had luckily just bought a house before then, and I'd never really considered anywhere to be a home. I've talked about this idea of third culture kids—people who grow up between cultures and don't feel like there's a home anywhere. I was really interested in your book because there's so much about the functional things that have to happen when you move house or look for a house, and often people aren't thinking about it as deeply as you are. So did you start working on the memoir as you went to see places, or was it something you thought about when you were leaving? Was it a “moving towards” kind of memoir or a “sad nostalgia” memoir? ROZ: Well, it could have been very sad and nostalgic because I do like to write really emotional things, and they're not necessarily for sharing with everybody, but I was very interested in the emotions of it. I started keeping diaries. Some of them were just diaries I'd write down, some of them were emails I'd send to friends who were saying, “How's it going?” And then I'd find I was just writing pieces rather than emails, and it built up really. JOANNA: It's interesting, you said you write emotional things. We mentioned nostalgia, and obviously there are memories in the home, but it's very easy to say a word like “nostalgia” and everyone thinks that means different things. One of the important things about writing is to be very specific rather than general. Can you give us some tips about how we can turn big emotions into specific written things that bring it alive for our readers? ROZ: It's really interesting that you mention nostalgia, because what we have to be careful of is not writing just for ourselves. It starts with us—our feelings about something, our responses, our curiosities—but we then have to let other people in. There's nothing more boring than reading something that's just a memoir manuscript that doesn't reach out to anyone in any way. It's like looking through their holiday snaps. What you have to do is somehow find something bigger in there that will allow everyone to connect and think, “Oh, this is about me too,” or “I've thought this too.” As I said, we start with things that feel powerful and important for us, and I think we don't necessarily need to go looking for them. They emerge the more deeply we think about what we're writing. We find they're building. Certainly for me, it's what pulls me back to an idea, thinking, “There's something in this idea that's really talking to me now. What is it?” Often I'll need to go for walks and things to let the logical mind turn off and ideas start coming in. But I'll find that something is building and it seems to become more and more something that will speak to others rather than just to me. That's one way of doing it—by listening to your intuition and delving more and more until you find something that seems worth saying to other people. But you could do it another way. If you decided you wanted to write a book about home, and you'd already got your big theme, you could then think, “Well, how will I make this into something manageable?” So you start with something big and build it into smaller-scale things that can be related to. You might look at ideas of homes—situations of people who have lost their home, like the kind of displacement we see at the moment. Or we might look at another aspect, such as people who sell homes and what they must feel like being these go-betweens between worlds, between people who are doing these immense changes in their lives. Or we might think of an ecological angle—the planet Earth and what we're doing to it, or our place in the cosmos. We might start with a thing we want to write about and then find, “How are we going to treat it?” That usually comes down to what appeals to us. It might be the ecological side. It might be the story of a few estate agents who are trying to sell homes for people. Or it might be like mine—just a personal story of trying to move house. From that, we can create something that will have a wider resonance as well as starting with something that's personally interesting to you. The big emotions will come out of that wider resonance. JOANNA: Trying to go deeper on that— It's the “show, don't tell” idea, isn't it? If you'd said, “I felt very sad about leaving my house” or “I felt very sad about the prospect of leaving my house,” that is not a whole book. ROZ: Yes. It's why you felt sad, how you felt sad, what it made you think of. That's a very good point about “show, don't tell,” which is a fundamental writing technique. It basically tells people exactly how you feel about a particular thing, which is not the same as the way anyone else would feel about it—but still, curiously, it can be universal and something that we can all tap into. Funnily enough, by being very specific, by saying, “I realised when we'd signed the contract to sell the house that it wasn't ours anymore, and it had been, and I felt like I was betraying it,” that starts to get really personal. People might think, “Yes, I felt like that too,” or “I hadn't thought you'd feel like that, but I can understand it.” Those specifics are what really let people into the journey that you're taking them on. JOANNA: And isn't this one of the challenges, that we're not even going to use a word like “sad,” basically. ROZ: Yes. It's like, who was it who said, “Don't tell me if they got wet—tell me how it felt to get wet in that particular situation.” Then the reader will think, “Oh yes, they got wet,” but they'll also have had an experience that took them somewhere interesting. JOANNA: Yes. Show me the raindrops on the umbrella and the splashing through the puddles. I think this is so important with big emotions. Also, when we say nostalgia—we've talked before about Stranger Things and Kate Bush and the way Stranger Things used songs and nostalgia. Oh, I was watching Derry Girls—have you seen Derry Girls? ROZ: No, I haven't yet. JOANNA: Oh, it's brilliant. It's so good. It's pretty old now, but it's a nineties soundtrack and I'm watching going, “Oh, they got this so right.” They just got it right with the songs. You feel nostalgic because you feel an emotion that is linked to that music. It makes you feel a certain way, but everyone feels these things in different ways. I think that is a challenge of fiction, and also memoir. Certainly with memoir and fiction, this is so important. ROZ: Yes, and I was just thinking with self-help books, it's even important there because self-help books have to show they understand how the reader is feeling. JOANNA: Yes, and sometimes you use anecdotes to do that. Another challenge with memoir—in this book, you're going round having a look at places, and they're real places and there are real people. This can be difficult. What are things that people need to be wary of if using real people in real places? Do you need permissions for things? ROZ: That book was particularly tricky because, as you said, I was going around real places and talking about real people. With most of them, they're not identifiable. Even though I was specific about particular aspects of particular houses, it would be very hard for anyone to know where those houses were. I think possibly the only way you would recognise it is if that happened to be your own house. The people, similarly—there's a lot about estate agents and other professionals. They were all real incidents and real things that happened, but no one is identifiable. A very important thing about writing a book like this is you're always going to have antagonists, because you have to have people who you're finding difficult, people who are making life a bit difficult for you. You have to present them in a way that understands what it's like to be them as well. If you're writing a book where your purpose is to expose wrongdoing or injustices, then you might be more forthright about just saying, “This is wrong, the way this person behaved was wrong.” You might identify villains if that's appropriate, although you'd have to be very careful legally. This kind of book is more nuanced. The antagonists were simply people who were trying to do the right thing for them. You have to understand what it's like to be them. Quite a lot of the time, I found that the real story was how ill-equipped I sometimes felt to deal with people who were maybe covering something up, or maybe not, but just not expressing themselves very clearly. Estate agents who had an agenda, and I was thinking, “Who are they acting for? Are they acting for me, or are they acting for someone else that we don't even know about?” There's a fair bit of conflict in the book, but it comes from people being people and doing what they have to do. I just wanted to find a good house in an area that was nice, a house I could trust and rely on, for a price that was right. The people who were selling to me just wanted to sell the house no matter what because that was what they needed to do. You always have to understand what the other person's point of view is. Often in this kind of memoir, even though you might be getting very frustrated, it's best to also see a bit of a ridiculous side to yourself—when you're getting grumpy, for instance. It's all just humans being humans in a situation where ultimately you're going to end up doing a life-changing and important thing. I found there's quite a lot of humour in that. We were shuffling things around and, as I said, we were eventually going to be making a cosmic change that would affect the place we called home. I found that quite amusing in a lot of ways. I think you've got to be very levelheaded about this, particularly about writing about other people. Sometimes you do have to ask for permission. I didn't have to do that very much in this book. There were people I wrote about who are actually friends, who would recognise themselves and their stories. I checked that they didn't mind me quoting particular things, and they were all fine with that. In my previous memoir, Not Quite Lost, I actually wrote about a group of people who were completely identifiable. They would definitely have known who they were, and other people would have known who they were. There was no hiding them. They were the people near Brighton who were cryonicists—preserving dead bodies, freezing them, in the hope that they could be revived at a much later date when science had solved the problem that killed them. I went to visit this group of cryonicists, and I'd written a diary about it at the time. Then I followed up when I was writing the book to find out what happened to them. I thought, I've simply got to contact them and tell them I'm going to write this. “I'll send it to you, you give me your comments,” and I did. They gave me some good comments and said, “Oh, please don't put that,” or “Let me clarify this.” Everything was fine. So there I did actually seek them out and check that what I was going to write was okay. JOANNA: Yes, in that situation, there can't be many cryonicists in that area. ROZ: They really were identifiable. JOANNA: There's probably only one group! But this is really interesting, because obviously memoir is a personal thing. You're curating who you are as well in the book, and your husband. I think it's interesting, because I had the problem of “Am I giving away too much about myself?” Do you feel like with everything you've written, you've already given away everything about yourself by now? Are you just completely relaxed about being personal, for yourself and for your husband? ROZ: I think I have become more relaxed about it. My first memoir wasn't nearly as personal as yours was. You were going to some quite difficult places. With Turn Right at the Rainbow, I was approaching some darker places, actually, and I had to consider how much to reveal and how much not to. But I found once I started writing, the honesty just took over. I thought, “This is fine. I have read plenty of books that have done this, and I've loved them. I've loved getting to know someone on that deeper level.” It was just something I took my example from—other writers I'd enjoyed. JOANNA: Yes. I think that's definitely the way memoir has to happen, because it can be very hard to know how to structure it. Let's come to the title. Turn Right at the Rainbow. Really great title, and obviously a subtitle which is important as well for theme. Talk about where the title came from and also the challenges of titling books of any genre. You've had some other great titles for your novels—at least titles I've thought, “Oh yes, that's perfect.” Titling can be really hard. ROZ: Oh, thank you for that. Yes, it is hard. Ever Rest, which was the title of my last novel, just came to me early on. I was very lucky with that. It fitted the themes and it fitted what was going on, but it was just a bolt from the blue. I found that also with Turn Right at the Rainbow, it was an accident. It slipped out. I was going to call it something else, and then this incident happened. “Turn Right at the Rainbow” is actually one of the stories in the book. I call it the title track, as if it's an album. We were going somewhere in the car and the sat nav said, “Turn right at the rainbow.” And Dave and I just fell about, “What did it just say?!” It also seemed to really sum up the journey we were on. We were looking for rainbows and pots of gold and completely at the mercy of chance. It just stayed with me. It seemed the right thing. I wrote the piece first and then I kept thinking, “Well, this sounds like a good title.” Dave said it sounded like a good title. And then a friend of mine who does a lot of beta reading for me said, “Oh, that is the title, isn't it?” When several people tell you that's the title, you've got to take notice. But how we find these things is more difficult, as you said. You just work and work at it, beating your head against the wall. I find they always come to me when I'm not looking. It really helps to do something like exercise, which will put you in a bit of a different mind state. Do you find this as well? JOANNA: Yes, I often like a title earlier on that then changes as the book goes. I mean, we're both discovery writers really, although you do reverse outlines and other things. You have a chaotic discovery phase. I feel like when I'm in that phase, it might be called something, and then I often find that's not what it ends up being, because the book has actually changed in the process. ROZ: Yes, very much. That's part of how we realise what we should be writing. I do have working titles and then something might come along and say, “This seems actually like what you should call it and what you've been working towards, what you've been discovering about it.” I think a good title has a real sense of emotional frisson as well. With memoir, it's easier because we can add a subtitle to explain what we mean. With fiction, it's more difficult. We've got to really hope that it all comes through those few words, and that's a bit harder. JOANNA: Let's talk about your next book. On your website it says it might be a novel, it might be narrative nonfiction, and you have a working title of Four. I wondered if you'd talk a bit more about this chaotic discovery writing phase when we just don't know what's coming. I feel like you and I have been doing this long enough—you longer than me—so maybe we're okay with it. But newer writers might find this stage really difficult. Where's the fun in it? Why is it so difficult? And how can people deal with it? ROZ: You've summed that up really well. It's fun and it's difficult, and I still find it difficult even after all these years. I have to remind myself, looking back at where Ever Rest started, because that was a particularly difficult one. It took me seven years to work out what to do with it, and I wrote three other books in the meantime. It just comes together in the end. What I find is that something takes root in my mind and it collects things. The title you just picked out there—the book with working title of Four—it's now two books. One possibly another memoir and one possibly fiction. It's evolving all the time. I'm just collecting what seems to go with it for now and thinking, “That belongs with it somehow. I don't yet know how, but my intuition is that the two work well together.” There's a harmony there that I see. In the very early stages, that's what I find something is. Then I might get a more concrete idea, say a piece of story or a character, and I'll have the feeling that they really fit together. Once I've got something concrete like that, I can start doing more active research to pursue the idea. But in the beginning, they're all just little twinkles in the eye and you just have to let them develop. If you want to get started on something because you feel you want to get started and you don't feel happy if you're not working on something, you could do a far more active kind of discovery. Writing lists. Lists are great for this. I find lists of what you don't want it to be are just as helpful as what you do want it to be because that certainly narrows down a lot and helps you make good choices. You've got a lot of choices to make at the beginning of a book. You've got to decide: What's it going to be about? What isn't it going to be about? What kind of characters am I interested in? What kind of situations am I interested in? What doesn't interest me about this situation? Very important—saves you a lot of time. What does interest me? If you can start by doing that kind of thing, you will find that you start gathering stuff that gets attracted to it. It's almost like the world starts giving it to you. This is discovery writing, but it's also chivvying it along a bit and getting going. It does work. Joanna: I like the idea of listing what you don't want it to be. I think that's very useful because often writers, especially in the early stages—or even not, I still struggle with this—it's knowing what genre it might actually be. With Bones of the Deep, which is my next thriller, it was originally going to be horror and I was writing it, and then I realised one of the big differences between horror and thriller is the ending and how character arcs are resolved and the way things are written. I was just like, “Do you know what? I actually feel like this is more thriller than horror,” and that really shaped the direction. Even though so much of it was the same, it shaped a lot about the book. It's always hard talking about this stuff without giving spoilers, but I think deciding, “Okay, this is not a horror,” actually helped me find my way back to thriller. ROZ: Yes, I do know what you mean. That makes perfect sense to me, with no spoilers either. It's so interesting how a very broad-strokes picture like that can still be very helpful. Just trying to make something a bit different from the way you've been envisaging it can lead to massive breakthroughs. “Oh no, it's not a thriller—I don't have to be aiming for that kind of effect.” Or try changing the tone a little bit and see if that just makes you happier with what you're making, more comfortable with it. JOANNA: You mentioned the seven years that Ever Rest took. We should say the title is in two words—”Ever” and “Rest”—but it is also about Everest the mountain in many ways. That's why it's such a perfect title. If that took seven years and you were doing all this other stuff and writing other books along the way, how do you keep your research under control? How do you do that? I still use Scrivener projects as my main research place. How do you do your research and organisation? ROZ: A lot of scraps of paper. My desk is massive. It used to be a dining table with leaves in it. It's spread out to its fullest length, and it's got heaps of little pieces of paper. I know what's on them all, and there are different areas, different zones. I'm very much a paper writer because I like the tangibility of it. I also like the creativity of taking a piece of paper and tearing it into an odd shape and writing a note on that. It seems as sort of profound and lucky as the idea. I really like that. I do make text files and keep notes that way. Once something is starting to get to a phase where it's becoming serious, it will then be a folder with various files that discuss different aspects of it. I do a lot of discussing with myself while writing, and I don't necessarily look at it all again. The writing of it clarifies something or allows me to put something aside and say, “No, that doesn't quite belong.” Gradually I start to look at things, look at what I've gathered, and think, “How does this fit with this?” And it helps to look away as well. As I said with finding titles, sometimes the right thing is in your subconscious and it's waiting to just sail in if you look at it in a different way. There's a lot to be said for working on several ideas, not looking at some of them for a while, then going back and thinking, “Oh, I know what to do with this now.” JOANNA: Yes. My Writing the Shadow, I was talking about that when we met, and that definitely took about a decade. ROZ: Yes. JOANNA: I kept having to come back to that, and sometimes we're just not ready. Even as experienced writers, we're not ready for a particular book. With Bones of the Deep, I did the trip that it's based on in 1999. Since I became a writer, I've thought I have to use that trip in some way, and I never found the right way to use it. I came at it a couple of times and it just never sat right with me. Then something on this master's course I'm doing around human remains and indigenous cultures just suddenly all clicked. You can't really rush that, can you? ROZ: You absolutely can't. It's something you develop a sense for, the more you do—whether something's ready or whether you should just let it think about itself for a while whilst you work on something else. It really helps to have something else to work on because I panic a bit if I don't have something creative to do. I just have to create, I have to make things, particularly in writing. But I also like doing various little arty things as well. I need to always have something to be writing about or exploring in words. Sometimes a book isn't ready for that intense pressure of being properly written. So it helps to have several things that I can play with and then pick one and go, “Okay, now I'm going to really perform this on the page.” JOANNA: Do you find that nonfiction—because you have some craft books as well—do you find the nonfiction side is quite different? Can you almost just go and write a nonfiction book or work on someone else's project? Does that use a different kind of creativity? ROZ: Yes, it does. Creativity where you're trying to explain something to creative people is totally different from creativity where you're trying to involve them in emotions and a journey and nuances of meaning. They're very different, but they're still fun. So, yes, I am an editor as well, and that feeds my creativity in various unexpected ways. I'll see what someone has done and think, “Oh, that's very interesting that they did that.” It can make me think in different ways—different shapes for stories, different kinds of characters to have. It really opens your eyes, working with other creative people. JOANNA: I wanted to return to what you said at the beginning, that it is more difficult these days to get our work noticed. There's certainly a challenge in writing a travel memoir about home. What are you doing to market this book? What have you learned about book marketing for memoir in particular that might help other people? ROZ: Partly I realised it was quite a natural progression for me because in my newsletter I always write a couple of little pieces. I think they're called “life writing.” Just little things that have happened to me. That's sort of like memoir, creative nonfiction, personal essays. I was quite naturally writing that sort of thing to my newsletter readers, and I realised that was already good preparation for the kind of way that I would write in a memoir. As for the actual campaign, I actually came up with an idea which quite surprised me because I didn't think I was good at that. I'm making a collage of the word “home” written in lots of different handwriting, on lots of different things, in lots of different languages. I'm getting people to contribute these and send them to me, and I'm building them into a series of collages that's just got the word “home” everywhere. People have been contributing them by sending them by email or on Facebook Messenger, and I've been putting them up on my social platforms. They look stunning. It's amazing. People are writing the word “home” on a post-it or sticking it to a picture of their radiator. Someone wrote it in snow on her car when we had snow. Someone wrote it on a pottery shard she found in her drive when she bought the house. She thought it was mysterious. There are all these lovely stories that people are telling me as well. I'm making them into little artworks and putting them up every day as the book comes to launch. It's so much fun, and it also has a deeper purpose because it shows how home is different for all of us and how it builds as uniquely as our handwriting. Our handwriting has a story. I should do a book about that! JOANNA: That's a weird one. Handwriting always gets me, although it'd be interesting these days because so many people don't handwrite things anymore. You can probably tell the age of someone by how well-developed their handwriting is. ROZ: Except mine has just withered. I can barely write for more than a few minutes. JOANNA: Oh, I know what you mean. Your hand gets really tired. ROZ: We used to write three-hour exams. How did we do that? JOANNA: I really don't know. JOANNA: Just coming back on that. You mentioned mainly you're doing your newsletter and connecting with your own community. You've done podcasts with me and with other people. But I feel like in the indie community, the whole “you must build your newsletter” thing is described as something quite frantic. How have you built a newsletter in a sustainable manner? ROZ: I've built it by finding what suited me. To start with I thought, “What will I put in it? News, obviously.” But I wasn't doing that much that was newsworthy. Then I began to examine what news could actually be. The turning point really happened when I wrote the first memoir, Not Quite Lost: Travels Without a Sense of Direction. I thought, “I have to explain to people why I'm writing a memoir,” because it seemed like a very audacious thing to do—”Read about me!” I thought I had to explain myself. So I told the story of how I came to think about writing such an audacious book. I just found a natural way to tell stories about what I was doing creatively. I thought, “I like this. I like writing a newsletter like this.” And it's not all me, me, me. It's “I'm discovering this and it makes me think this,” and it just seems to be generally about life, about little questions that we might all face. From then, I found I really enjoyed writing a newsletter because I felt I had something to say. I couldn't put lists of where I was speaking, what I was teaching, what special offers I had, because that wasn't really how my creative life worked. Once I found something I could sustainably write about every month, it really helped. Oh, it also helps to have a pet, by the way. JOANNA: Yes, you have a horse! ROZ: I've got a horse. People absolutely love hearing the stories about my ongoing relationship with this horse. Even if they're not horsey, they write to me and say, “We just love your horse.” It helps to have a human interest thing going on like that. So that works for me. Everyone's got different things that will work for them. But for me, it builds just a sense of connection, human connection. I'm human, making things. JOANNA: In terms of actually getting people signed up—has it literally just been over time? People have read your book, signed up from the link at the back? Have you ever done any specific growth marketing around your newsletter? ROZ: I tried a little bit of growth marketing. I have a freebie version of one of my Nail Your Novel books and I put that on a promotion site. I got lots of newsletter signups, but they sort of dwindled away. When I get unsubscribes, it's usually from that list, because it wasn't really what they came for. They just came for a free book of writing tips. While I do writing tips on my blog—I'm still doing those—it wasn't really what my newsletter was about. What I found was that that wasn't going to get people who were going to be interested long-term in what I was writing about in my newsletter. Whatever you do, I found, has got to be true to what you are actually giving them. JOANNA: Yes, I think that's really key. I make sure I email once every couple of weeks. And you welcome the unsubscribes. You have to welcome them because those people are not right for you and they're not interested in what you're doing. At the end of the day, we're still trying to sell books. As much as you're enjoying the connection with your audience, you are still trying to sell Turn Right at the Rainbow and your other books, right? ROZ: Absolutely, yes. And as you say, someone who decides, “No, not for me anymore,” and that's good. There are still people who you are right for. JOANNA: Mm-hmm. ROZ: I do market my newsletter in a very low-key way. I make a graphic every month for the newsletter, it's like a magazine cover. “What's in it?” And I put that around all my social media. I change my Facebook page header so it's got that on it, my Bluesky header. People can see what it's like, what the vibe is, and they know where to find it if they're interested. I find that kind of low-key approach works quite well for what I'm offering. It's got to be true to what you offer. JOANNA: Yes, and true for a long-term career, I think. When I first met you and your husband Dave, it was like, “Oh, here are some people who are in this writing business, have already been in it for a while.” And both of you are still here. I just feel like— You have to do it in a sustainable way, whether it's writing or marketing or any of this. The only way to do it is to, as you said, live as a creative human and not make it all frantic and “must be now.” ROZ: Yes. I mean, I do have to-do lists that are quite long for every week, but I've learned to pace myself. I've learned how often I can write a good blog post. I could churn out blog posts that were far more frequent, but they wouldn't be as good. They wouldn't be as properly thought through. In the old days with blogs, you had an advantage if you were blogging very frequently, I think you got more noticed by Google because you were constantly putting up fresh content. But if that's not sustainable for you, it's not going to do you any good. Now there's so much content around that it's probably fine to post once a month if that is what you're going to do and how you're going to present the best of yourself. I see a lot on Substack—I've recently started Substack as well—I see people writing every other day. I think they're good, that's interesting, but I don't have time to read it. I would love to have the time, but I don't. So there's actually no sin in only posting once a month—one newsletter a month, one blog post a month, one Substack a month. That's plenty. People will still find that enough if they get you. JOANNA: Fantastic. So where can people find you and your books and everything you do online? ROZ: My website is probably the easiest place, RozMorris.org. JOANNA: Brilliant. Well, thank you so much for your time, Roz. As ever, that was great. ROZ: Thank you, Jo.The post Writing Emotion, Discovery Writing, And Slow Sustainable Book Marketing With Roz Morris first appeared on The Creative Penn.

If your book isn't selling, it may not be your writing.It may be your metadata.In this week's episode of the Novel Marketing Podcast, you'll hear from Dave Chesson, creator of Publisher Rocket, and learn about the hidden engine behind book sales on Amazon.Even if your book is well-written and professionally edited, Amazon doesn't read your book. It reads your metadata. And if your metadata is unclear, inconsistent, or confusing, Amazon won't show your book to readers, even if it's amazing.In this episode you'll learn:What your book's metadata isWhere you can manage it (and make it most effective!)How to include the most effective elements and language in your metadataAnd common metadata mistakes to avoidIf you want your book to show up in search results, convert better when readers click, and avoid the dark recesses of the “miscellaneous shelf,” listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

How do you stay audacious in a world that's noisier and more saturated than ever? How might the idea of creative rhythm change the way you write? Lara Bianca Pilcher gives her tips from a multi-passionate creative career. In the intro, becoming a better writer by being a better reader [The Indy Author]; How indie authors can market literary fiction [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities; Seneca's On the Shortness of Life; All Men are Mortal – Simone de Beauvoir; Surface Detail — Iain M. Banks; Bones of the Deep – J.F. Penn. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Lara Bianca Pilcher is the author of Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World. She's also a performing artist and actor, life and creativity coach, and the host of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist podcast. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why self-doubt is a normal biological response — and how audacity means showing up anyway The difference between creative rhythm and rigid discipline, and why it matters for writers How to navigate a saturated world with intentional presence on social media Practical strategies for building a platform as a nonfiction author, including batch content creation The concept of a “parallel career” and why designing your life around your art beats waiting for a big break Getting your creative rhythm back after crisis or burnout through small, gentle steps You can find Lara at LaraBiancaPilcher.com. Transcript of the interview with Lara Bianca Pilcher Lara Bianca Pilcher is the author of Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World. She's also a performing artist and actor, life and creativity coach, and the host of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist podcast. Welcome, Lara. Lara: Thank you for having me, Jo. Jo: It's exciting to talk to you today. First up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing. Lara: I'm going to call myself a greedy creative, because I started as a dancer, singer, and actress in musical theatre, which ultimately led me to London, the West End, and I was pursuing that in highly competitive performance circles. A lot of my future works come from that kind of place. But when I moved to America—which I did after my season in London and a little stint back in Australia, then to Atlanta, Georgia—I had a visa problem where I couldn't work legally, and it went on for about six months. Because I feel this urge to create, as so many of your listeners probably relate to, I was not okay with that. So that's actually where I started writing, in the quietness, with the limits and the restrictions. I've got two children and a husband, and they would go off to school and work and I'd be home thinking, ha. In that quietness, I just began to write. I love thinking of creativity as a mansion with many rooms, and you get to pick your rooms. I decided, okay, well the dance, acting, singing door is shut right now—I'm going to go into the writing room. So I did. Jo: I have had a few physical creatives on the show. Obviously one of your big rooms in your mansion is a physical room where you are actually performing and moving your body. I feel like this is something that those of us whose biggest area of creativity is writing really struggle with—the physical side. How do you think that physical practice of creativity has helped you in writing, which can be quite constrictive in that way? Lara: It's so good that you asked this because I feel what it trained me to do is ignore noise and show up. I don't like the word discipline—most of us get a bit uncomfortable with it, it's not a nice word. What being a dancer did was teach me the practice of what I like to call a rhythm, a creative rhythm, rather than a discipline, because rhythm ebbs and flows and works more with who we are as creatives, with the way creativity works in our body. That taught me: go to the barre over and over again—at the ballet barre, I'm talking about, not the pub. Go there over and over again. Warm up, do the work, show up when you don't feel like it. thaT naturally pivoted over to writing, so they're incredibly linked in the way that creativity works in our body. Jo: Do you find that you need to do physical practice still in order to get your creativity moving? I'm not a dancer. I do like to shake it around a bit, I guess. But I mainly walk. If I need to get my creativity going, I will walk. If people are stuck, do you think doing something physical is a good idea? Lara: It is, because the way that our body and our nervous system works—without going into too much boring science, although some people probably find it fascinating—is that when we shake off that lethargic feeling and we get blood flowing in our body, we naturally feel more awake. Often when you're walking or you're doing something like dance, your brain is not thinking about all of the big problems. You might be listening to music, taking in inspiration, taking in sunshine, taking in nature, getting those endorphins going, and that naturally leads to the brain being able to psychologically show up more as a creative. However, there are days, if I'm honest, where I wake up and the last thing I want to do is move. I want to be in a little blanket in the corner of the room with a hot cocoa or a coffee and just keep to myself. Those aren't always the most creative days, but sometimes I need that in my creative rhythm, and that's okay too. Jo: I agree. I don't like the word discipline, but as a dancer you certainly would've had to do that. I can't imagine how competitive it must be. I guess this is another thing about a career in dance or the physical arts. Does it age out? Is it really an ageist industry? Whereas I feel like with writing, it isn't so much about what your body can do anymore. Lara: That is true. There is a very real marketplace, a very real industry, and I'm careful because there's two sides to this coin. There is the fact that as we get older, our body has trouble keeping up at that level. There's more injuries, that sort of thing. There are some fit women performing in their sixties and seventies on Broadway that have been doing it for years, and they are fine. They'll probably say it's harder for some of them. Also, absolutely, I think there does feel in the professional sense like there can be a cap. A lot of casting in acting and in that world feels like there's fewer and fewer roles, particularly for women as we get older, but people are in that space all the time. There's a Broadway dancer I know who is 57, who's still trying to make it on Broadway and really open about that, and I think that's beautiful. So I'm careful with putting limits, because I think there are always outliers that step outside and go, “Hey, I'm not listening to that.” I think there's an audience for every age if you want there to be and you make the effort. But at the same time, yes, there is a reality in the industry. Totally. Jo: Obviously this show is not for dancers. I think it was more framing it as we are lucky in the writing industry, especially in the independent author community, because you can be any age. You can be writing on your deathbed. Most people don't have a clue what authors look like. Lara: I love that, actually. It's probably one of the reasons I maybe subconsciously went into writing, because I'm like, I want to still create and I'm getting older. It's fun. Jo: That's freeing. Lara: So freeing. It's a wonderful room in the mansion to stay in until the day I die, if I must put it that way. Jo: I also loved you mentioning that Broadway dancer. A lot of listeners write fiction—I write fiction as well as nonfiction—and it immediately makes me want to write her story. The story of a 57-year-old still trying to make it on Broadway. There's just so much in that story, and I feel like that's the other thing we can do: writing about the communities we come from, especially at different ages. Let's get into your book, Audacious Artistry. I want to start on this word audacity. You say audacity is the courage to take bold, intentional risks, even in the face of uncertainty. I read it and I was like, I love the sentiment, but I also know most authors are just full of self-doubt. Bold and audacious. These are difficult words. So what can you say to authors around those big words? Lara: Well, first of all, that self-doubt—a lot of us don't even know what it is in our body. We just feel it and go, ugh, and we read it as a lack of confidence. It's not that. It's actually natural. We all get it. What it is, is our body's natural ability to perceive threat and keep us safe. So we're like, oh, I don't know the outcome. Oh, I don't know if I'm going to get signed. Oh, I don't know if my work's going to matter. And we read that as self-doubt—”I don't have what it takes” and those sorts of things. That's where I say no. The reframe, as a coach, I would say, is that it's normal. Self-doubt is normal. Everyone has it. But audacity is saying, I have it, but I'm going to show up in the world anyway. There is this thing of believing, even in the doubt, that I have something to say. I like to think of it as a metaphor of a massive feasting table at Christmas, and there's heaps of different dishes. We get to bring a dish to the table rather than think we're going to bring the whole table. The audacity to say, “Hey, I have something to say and I'm going to put my dish on the table.” Jo: I feel like the “I have something to say” can also be really difficult for people, because, for example, you mentioned you have kids. Many people are like, I want to share this thing that happened to me with my kids, or a secret I learned, or a tip I think will help people. But there's so many people who've already done that before. When we feel like we have something to say but other people have said it before, how do you address that? Lara: I think everything I say, someone has already said, and I'm okay with that. But they haven't said it like me. They haven't said it in my exact way. They haven't written the sentence exactly the way—that's probably too narrow a point of view in terms of the sentence—maybe the story or the chapter. They haven't written it exactly like me, with my perspective, my point of view, my life experience, my lived experience. It matters. People have very short memories. You think of the last thing you watched on Netflix and most of us can't remember what happened. We'll watch the season again. So I think it's okay to be saying the same things as others, but recognise that the way you say it, your point of view, your stories, your metaphors, your incredible way of putting a sentence togethes, it still matters in that noise. Jo: I think you also talk in the book about rediscovering the joy of creation, as in you are doing it for you. One of the themes that I emphasise is the transformation that happens within you when you write a book. Forget all the people who might read it or not read it. Even just what transforms in you when you write is important enough to make it worthwhile. Lara: It really, really is. For me, talking about rediscovering the joy of creation is important because I've lost it at times in my career, both as a performing artist and as an author, in a different kind of way. When we get so caught up in the industry and the noise and the trends, it's easy to just feel overwhelmed. Overwhelm is made up of a lot of emotions like fear and sadness and grief and all sorts of things. A lot of us don't realise that that's what overwhelm is. When we start to go, “Hey, I'm losing my voice in all this noise because comparison is taking over and I'm feeling all that self-doubt,” it can feel just crazy. So for me, rediscovering the joy of creation is vital to survival as an author, as an artist. A classic example, if you don't mind me sharing my author story really quickly, is that when I first wrote the first version of my book, I was writing very much for me, not realising it. This is hindsight. My first version was a little more self-indulgent. I like to think of it like an arrowhead. I was trying to say too much. The concept was good enough that I got picked up by a literary agent and worked with an editor through that for an entire year. At the end of that time, they dropped me. I felt like, through that time, I learned a lot. It was wonderful. Their reason for dropping me was saying, “I don't think we have enough of a unique point of view to really sell this.” That was hard. I lay on my bed, stared at the ceiling, felt grief. The reality is it's so competitive. What happened for me in that year is that I was trying to please. If you're a new author, this is really important. You are so desperately trying to please the editor, trying to do all the right things, that you can easily lose your joy and your unique point of view because you are trying to show up for what you think they all need and want. What cut through the noise for me is I got off that bed after my three hours of grief—it was probably longer, to be fair—but I booked myself a writing coach. I went back to the drawing board. I threw a lot of the book away. I took some good concepts out that I already knew were good from the editor, then I rewrote the entire thing. It's completely different to the first version. That's the book that got a traditional publishing deal. That book was my unique point of view. That book was my belief, from that grief, that I still have something to say. Instead of trusting what the literary agent and the editor were giving me in those red marks all over that first version, I was like, this is what I want to say. That became the arrowhead that's cut into the industry, rather than the semi-trailer truck that I was trying to bulldoze in with no clear point of view. So rediscovering the joy of creation is very much about coming back to you. Why do I write? What do I want to say? That unique point of view will cut through the noise a lot of the time. I don't want to speak in absolutes, but a lot of the time it will cut through the noise better than you trying to please the industry. Jo: I can't remember who said it, but somebody talked about how you've got your stone, and your stone is rough and it has random colours and all this. Then you start polishing the stone, which you have to do to a point. But if you keep polishing the stone, it looks like every other stone. What's the point? That fits with what you were saying about trying to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one. I also think the reality of what you just said about the book is a lot of people's experience with writing in general. Certainly for me, I don't write in order. I chuck out a lot. I'm a discovery writer. People think you sit down and start A and finish Z, and that's it. It's kind of messy, isn't it? Was that the same in your physical creative life? Lara: Yes. Everything's a mess. In the book I actually talk about learning to embrace the cringe, because we all want to show up perfect. Just as you shared, we think, because we read perfect and look at perfect or near-perfect work—that's debatable all the time—we want to arrive there, and I guess that's natural. But what we don't often see on social media or other places is the mess. I love the behind the scenes of films. I want to see the messy creative process. The reality is we have to learn to embrace the messy cringe because that's completely normal. My first version was so messy, and it's about being able to refine it and recognise that that is normal. So yes, embrace it. That's my quote for the day. Embrace the cringe, show up messy. It's all right. Jo: You mentioned the social media, and the subtitle of the book mentions a “saturated world.” The other problem is there are millions of books out there now. AI is generating more content than humans do, and it is extremely hard to break through. How are we to deal with this saturated world? When do we join in and when do we step away? Lara: I think it's really important not to have black and white thinking about it, because trust me, every day I meet an artist that will say, “I hate that I have to show up online.” To be honest with you, there's a big part of me that does also. But the saturation of the world is something that I recognise, and for me, it's like I'm in the world but not of it. That saturation can cause so much overwhelm and nervous system threat and comparison. What I've personally decided to do is have intentional showing up. That looks like checking in intentionally with a design, not a randomness, and then checking out. When push comes to shove, at the end of the day, I really believe that what sells books is people's trust in us as a person. They might go through an airport and not know us at all and pick up the book because it's a bestseller and they just trust the reputation, but so much of what I'm finding as an artist is that personal relationship, that personal trust. Whether that's through people knowing you via your podcast or people meeting you in a room. Especially in nonfiction, I think that's really big. Intentional presence from a place where we've regulated ourselves, being aware that it's saturated, but my job's not to be focused on the saturation. My job is to find my unique voice and say I have something to bring. Be intentional with that. Shoot your arrow, and then step out of the noise, because it's just overwhelming if you choose to live there and scroll without any intentionality at all. Jo: So how do people do that intentionality in a practical way around, first of all, choosing a platform, and then secondly, how they create content and share content and engage? What are some actual practical tips for intentionality? Lara: I can only speak from my experience, but I'm going to be honest, every single application I sent asked for my platform stats. Every single one. Platform stats as in how many followers, how many people listening to your podcast, how many people are reading your blog. That came up in every single literary agent application. So I would be a fool today to say you've got to ignore that, because that's just the brass tacks, unless you're already like a famous footballer or something. Raising and building a platform of my own audience has been a part of why I was able to get a publishing deal. In doing that, I've learned a lot of hard lessons. Embrace the cringe with marketing and social media as well, because it's its own beast. Algorithms are not what I worry about. They're not going to do the creativity for you. What social media's great at is saying, “Hey, I'm here”—it's awareness. It's not where I sell stuff. It's where I say, I'm here, this is what I'm doing, and people become aware of me and I can build that relationship. People do sell through social media, but it's more about awareness statistically. I am on a lot of platforms, but not all of them work for every author or every style of book. I've done a lot of training. I've really had to upskill in this space and get good at it. I've put myself through courses because I feel like, yes, we can ignore it if we want to, but for me it's an intentional opting in because the data shows that it's been a big part of being able to get published. That's overwhelming to hear for some people. They don't want to hear that. But that's kind of the world that we are in, isn't it? Jo: I think the main point is that you can't do everything and you shouldn't even try to do everything. The best thing to do is pick a couple of things, or pick one thing, and focus on that. For example, I barely ever do video, so I definitely don't do TikTok. I don't do any kind of video stuff. But I have this podcast. Audio is my happy place, and as you said, long-form audio builds trust. That is one way you can sell, but it's also very slow—very, very slow to build an audio platform. Then I guess my main social media would be Instagram, but I don't engage a lot there. So do you have one or two main things that you do, and any thoughts on using those for book marketing? Lara: I do a lot of cross-posting. I am on Instagram and I do a lot of creation there, and I'm super intentional about this. I actually do 30 days at a time, and then it's like my intentional opt-in. I'll create over about two days, edit and plan. It's really, really planned—shoot everything, edit everything, put it all together, and then upload everything. That will be 30 days' worth. Then I back myself right out of there, because I don't want to stay in that space. I want to be in the creative space, but I do put those two days a month aside to do that on Instagram. Then I tweak things for YouTube and what works on LinkedIn, which is completely different to Instagram. As I'm designing my content, I have in mind that this one will go over here and this one can go on here, because different platforms push different things. I am on Threads, but Threads is not statistically where you sell books, it's just awareness. Pinterest I don't think has been very good for my type of work, to be honest. For others it might. It's a search engine, it's where people go to get a recipe. I don't necessarily feel like that's the best place, this is just my point of view. For someone else it might be brilliant if you're doing a cookbook or something like that. I am on a lot of platforms. My podcast, however, I feel is where I'm having the most success, and also my blog. Those things as a writer are very fulfilling. I've pushed growing a platform really hard, and I am on probably almost every platform except for TikTok, but I'm very intentional with each one. Jo: I guess the other thing is the business model. The fiction business model is very, very different to nonfiction. You've got a book, but your higher-cost and higher-value offerings are things that a certain number of people come through to you and pay you more money than the price of a book. Could talk about how the book leads into different parts of your business? Because some people are like, “Am I going to make a living wage from book sales of a nonfiction book?” And usually people have multiple streams of income. Lara: I think it's smart to have multiple streams of income. A lot of people, as you would know, would say that a book is a funnel. For those who haven't heard of it, a way that people come into your bigger offerings. They don't have to be, but very much I do see it that way. It's also credibility. When you have a published book, there's a sense of credibility. I do have other things. I have courses, I have coaching, I have a lot of things that I call my parallel career that chug alongside my artist work and actually help stabilise that freelance income. Having a book is brilliant for that. I think it's a wonderful way to get out there in the world. No matter what's happening in all the online stuff, when you're on an aeroplane, so often someone still wants to read a book. When you're on the beach, they don't want to be there with a laptop. If you're on the sand, you want to be reading a beautiful paper book. The smell of it, the visceral experience of it. Books aren't going anywhere, to me. I still feel like there are always going to be people that want to pick it up and dig in and learn so much of your entire life experience quickly. Jo: We all love books here. I think it's important, as you do talk about career design and you mentioned there the parallel career—I get a lot of questions from people. They may just be writing their first book and they want to get to the point of making money so they could leave their day job or whatever. But it takes time, doesn't it? So how can we be more strategic about this sort of career design? Lara: For me, this has been a big one because lived experience here is that I know artists in many different areas, whether they're Broadway performers or music artists. Some of them are on almost everything I watch on TV. I'm like, oh, they're that guy again. I know that actor is on almost everything. I'll apply this over to writers. The reality is that these high-end performers that I see all the time showing up, even on Broadway in lead roles, all have another thing that they do, because they can still have, even at the highest level, six months between a contract. Applying that over to writing is the same thing, in that books and the money from them will ebb and flow. What so often artists are taught—and authors fit into this—is that we ultimately want art to make us money. So often that becomes “may my art rescue me from this horrible life that I'm living,” and we don't design the life around the art. We hope, hope, hope that our art will provide. I think it's a beautiful hope and a valid one. Some people do get that. I'm all for hoping our art will be our main source of income. But the reality is for the majority of people, they have something else. What I see over and over again is these audacious dreams, which are wonderful, and everything pointing towards them in terms of work. But then I'll see the actor in Hollywood that has a café job and I'm like, how long are you going to just work at that café job? They're like, “Well, I'm goint to get a big break and then everything's going to change.” I think we can think the same way. My big break will come, I'll get the publishing deal, and then everything will change. The reframe in our thinking is: what if we looked at this differently? Instead of side hustle, fallback career, instead of “my day job,” we say parallel career. How do I design a life that supports my art? And if I get to live off my art, wonderful. For me, that's looked like teaching and directing musical theatre. It's looked like being able to coach other artists. It's looked like writing and being able to pivot my creativity in the seasons where I've needed to. All of that is still creativity and energising, and all of it feeds the great big passion I have to show up in the world as an artist. None of it is actually pulling me away or draining me. I mean, you have bad days, of course, but it's not draining my art. When we are in this way of thinking—one day, one day, one day—we are not designing intentionally. What does it look like to maybe upskill and train in something that would be more energising for my parallel career that will chug alongside us as an artist? We all hope our art can totally 100% provide for us, which is the dream and a wonderful dream, and one that I still have. Jo: It's hard, isn't it? Because I also think that, personally, I need a lot of input in order to create. I call myself more of a binge writer. I just finished the edits on my next novel and I worked really hard on that. Now I won't be writing fiction for, I don't know, maybe six months or something, because now I need to input for the next one. I have friends who will write 10,000 words a day because they don't need that. They have something internal, or they're just writing a different kind of book that doesn't need that. Your book is a result of years of experience, and you can't write another book like that every year. You just can't, because you don't have enough new stuff to put in a book like that every single year. I feel like that's the other thing. People don't anticipate the input time and the time it takes for the ideas to come together. It is not just the production of the book. Lara: That's completely true. It goes back to this metaphor that creativity in the body is not a machine, it's a rhythm. I like to say rhythm over consistency, which allows us to say, “Hey, I'm going to be all in.” I was all in on writing. I went into a vortex for days on end, weeks on end, months and probably years on end. But even within that, there were ebbs and flows of input versus “I can't go near it today.” Recognising that that's actually normal is fine. There are those people that are outliers, and they will be out of that box. A lot of people will push that as the only way. “I am going to write every morning at 10am regardless.” That can work for some people, and that's wonderful. For those of us who don't like that—and I'm one of those people, that's not me as an artist—I accept the rhythm of creativity and that sometimes I need to do something completely different to feed my soul. I'm a big believer that a lot of creative block is because we need an adventure. We need to go out and see some art. To do good art, you've got to see good art, read good art, get outside, do something else for the input so that we have the inspiration to get out of the block. I know a screenwriter who was writing a really hard scene of a daughter's death—her mum's death. It's not easy to just write that in your living room when you've never gone through it. So she took herself out—I mean, it sounds morbid, but as a writer you'll understand the visceral nature of this—and sat at somebody's tombstone that day and just let that inform her mind and her heart. She was able to write a really powerful scene because she got out of the house and allowed herself to do something different. All that to say that creativity, the natural process, is an in-and-out thing. It ebbs and flows as a rhythm. People are different, and that's fine. But it is a rhythm in the way it works scientifically in the body. Jo: On graveyards—we love graveyards around here. Lara: I was like, sorry everyone, this isn't very nice. Jo: Oh, no. People are well used to it on this show. Let's come back to rhythm. When you are in a good rhythm, or when your body's warmed up and you are in the flow and everything's great, that feels good. But what if some people listening have found their rhythm is broken in some way, or it's come to a stop? That can be a real problem, getting moving again if you stop for too long. What are some ways we can get that rhythm back into something that feels right again? Lara: First of all, for people going through that, it's because our body actually will prioritise survival when we're going through crisis or too much stress. Creativity in the brain will go, well, that's not in that survival nature. When we are going through change—like me moving countries—it would disconnect us a lot from not only ourselves and our sense of identity, but creativity ultimately reconnects you back into life. I feel like to be at our optimum creative self, once we get through the crisis and the stress, is to gently nudge ourselves back in by little micro things. Whether it's “I'm just going to have the rhythm of writing one sentence a day.” As we do that, those little baby steps build momentum and allow us to come back in. Creativity is a life force. It's not about production, it's actually how we get to any unique contribution we're going to bring to the world. As we start to nudge ourselves back in, there's healing in that and there's joy in that. Then momentum comes. I know momentum comes from those little steps, rather than the overwhelming “I've got to write a novel this week” mindset. It's not going to happen, most of the time, when we are nudging our way back in. Little baby steps, kindness with ourselves. Staying connected to yourself through change or through crisis is one of the kindest things we can offer ourselves, and allowing ourselves to come into that rhythm—like that musical song of coming back in with maybe one line of the song instead of the entire masterpiece, which hopefully it will be one day. Jo: I was also thinking of the dancing world again, and one thing that is very different with writers is that so much of what we do is alone. In a lot of the performance art space, there's a lot more collaboration and groups of people creating things together. Is that something you've kept hold of, this kind of collaborative energy? How do you think we can bring that collaborative energy more into writing? Lara: Writing is very much alone. Obviously some people, depending on the project, will write in groups, but generally speaking, it's alone. For me, what that looks like is going out. I do this, and I know for some writers this is like, I don't want to go and talk to people. There are a lot of introverts in writing, as you are aware. I do go to creative mixers. I do get out there. I'm planning right now my book launch with a local bookstore, one in Australia and one here in America. Those things are scary, but I know that it matters to say I'm not in this alone. I want to bring my friends in. I want to have others part of this journey. I want to say, hey, I did this. And of course, I want to sell books. That's important too. It's so easy to hide, because it's scary to get out there and be with others. Yet I know that after a creative mixer or a meetup with all different artists, no matter their discipline, I feel very energised by that. Writers will come, dancers will come, filmmakers will come. It's that creative force that really energises my work. Of course, you can always meet with other writers. There's one person I know that runs this thing where all they do is they all get on Zoom together and they all write. Their audio's off, but they're just writing. It's just the feeling of, we're all writing but we're doing it together. It's a discipline for them, but because there's a room of creatives all on Zoom, they're like, I'm here, I've showed up, there's others. There's a sense of accountability. I think that's beautiful. I personally don't want to work that way, but some people do, and I think that's gorgeous too. Jo: Whatever sustains you. I think one of the important things is to realise you are not alone. I get really confused when people say this now. They're like, “Writing's such a lonely life, how do you manage?” I'm like, it is so not lonely. Lara: Yes. Jo: I'm sure you do too. Especially as a podcaster, a lot of people want to have conversations. We are having a conversation today, so that fulfils my conversation quota for the day. Lara: Exactly. Real human connection. It matters. Jo: Exactly. So maybe there's a tip for people. I'm an introvert, so this actually does fulfil it. It's still one-on-one, it's still you and me one-on-one, which is good for introverts. But it's going out to a lot more people at some point who will listen in to our conversation. There are some ways to do this. It's really interesting hearing your thoughts. Tell people where they can find you and your books and your podcast online. Lara: The book is called Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World, and it's everywhere. The easiest thing to do would be to visit my website, LaraBiancaPilcher.com/book, and you'll find all the links there. My podcast is called Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist, and it's on all the podcast platforms. I do short coaching for artists on a lot of the things we've been talking about today. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Lara. That was great. Lara: Thank you.The post Audacious Artistry: Reclaiming Your Creative Identity And Thriving In A Saturated World With Lara Bianca Pilcher first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Another year ends, and once more, it's time to reflect on our creative goals. I hope you can take the time to review your goals and you're welcome to leave a comment below about how the year went. Did you achieve everything you wanted to? Let me know in the comments. It's always interesting looking back at my goals from a year ago, because I don't even look at them in the months between, so sometimes it's a real surprise how much they've changed! You can read my 2025 goals here and I go through how things went below. In the intro, Written Word Media 2025 Indie Author Survey Results, TikTok deal goes through [BBC]; 2025 review [Wish I'd Known Then; Two Authors], Kickstarter year in review; Plus, Anthropic settlement, the continued rise of AI-narrated audiobooks, and thinking/reasoning models (plus my 2019 AI disruption episode). My Bones of the Deep thriller, pics here, and Business for Authors webinars, coming soon. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. J.F. Penn books — Death Valley, The Buried and the Drowned, Blood Vintage Joanna Penn books — Successful Self-Publishing, 4th Edition The Creative Penn Podcast and my community on Patreon/thecreativepenn Unexpected addition: Masters in Death, Religion and Culture at the University of Winchester Book marketing. Not quite a fail but definitely lacklustre. Reflections on my 50th year Double down on being human. Travel and health. You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. J.F. Penn — Death Valley. A Thriller. This was my ‘desert' book, partially inspired by visiting Death Valley, California in 2024. It's a stand-alone, high stakes survival thriller, with no supernatural elements, although there are ancient bones and a hidden crypt, as it wouldn't be me otherwise! The Kickstarter campaign in April had 231 Backers pledging £10,794 (~US$14,400) and the hardback is a gorgeous foiled edition with custom end papers and research photos as well as a ribbon. As an AI-Assisted Artisan Author, I used AI tools to help with the creative and business processes, including the background image of the cover design, the custom end papers, and the Death Valley book trailer, which I made with Midjourney and Runway ML. The audiobook is also narrated by my J.F. Penn voice clone, which took a while to get used to, but now I love it! You can listen to a sample here. I published Death Valley wide a few months later over the summer, so it is now out on all platforms. J.F. Penn — Blood Vintage. A Folk Horror Novel, and Catacomb audiobook I did a Kickstarter for the hardback edition of Blood Vintage in late 2024, and then in 2025, worked with a US agent to see if we could get a deal for it. That didn't happen, and although there were some nice rejections, mostly it was silence, and the waiting around really was a pain in the proverbial. So, after a year on submission, I published Blood Vintage wide, so it's available everywhere now. My voice clone narrated the audiobook, listen to a sample here. I also finally produced the audiobook for Catacomb, which is a stand-alone thriller inspired by the movie Taken and the legend of Beowulf set in the catacombs under Edinburgh. I used a male voice from ElevenLabs, and you can listen to a sample here. The book is also available everywhere in all formats. J.F. Penn — The Buried and the Drowned Short Story Collection One of my goals for 2025 was to get my existing short stories into print, mainly because they exist only as digital ebook and audiobook files, which in a way, feels like they almost don't exist! Plus, I wanted to write an extra two exclusive stories and launch the special edition collection on Kickstarter Collection and then publish wide. I wrote the two stories, The Black Church, inspired by my Iceland trip in March, and also Between Two Breaths, inspired by an experience scuba diving at the Poor Knights Islands in New Zealand almost two decades ago. There are personal author's notes accompanying every story, so it's part-short story fiction, part-memoir, and I human-narrated the audiobook. I achieved this goal with a Kickstarter in September, 2025, with 206 Backers pledging almost £8000 (~US$10,600) for the various editions. I also did my first patterned sprayed edges and I love the hardback. It has head and tail bands which make the hardback really strong, gorgeous paper, foiling, a ribbon, colour photos, and custom end papers. The Buried and the Drowned is now out everywhere in all editions. As ever, if you enjoy the stories, a review would be much appreciated! Joanna Penn Books for Authors Early in the year, How to Write Non-Fiction Second Edition launched wide as I only sold it through my store in 2024, so it's available everywhere in all formats including a special hardback and workbook at CreativePennBooks.com. While I didn't write it in 2025, I made the money on it this year, which is important! I also unexpectedly wrote the Fourth Edition of Successful Self-Publishing, mainly because I saw so much misinformation and hype around selling direct, and I also wanted to write about how many options there are for indie authors now. The ebook and audiobook (narrated by human me) are free on my store, CreativePennBooks.com and also available in print, in all the usual places. If you haven't revisited options for indie authors for a while, please have a read/listen, as the industry moves fast! All my fiction and non-fiction audiobooks are now on YouTube After an inspiring episode with Derek Slaton, I put all my audiobooks and short stories on YouTube. Firstly, my non-fiction channel is monetised so I get some income from that. It's not much, but it's something. More importantly, it's marketing for my books, and many audiobook listeners go on to buy other editions especially non-fiction listeners who will often buy print as well. I'm one of those listeners! It's also doubling down on being human, since I human narrate most of my audiobooks, including almost all of my non-fiction, as well as the memoir, and short stories. This helps bring people into my ecosystem and they may listen to the podcast as well and end up buying other books or joining the Patreon. Finally, in an age of generative AI assisted search recommendations, I want my books and content inside Gemini, which is Google's AI. I want my books surfaced in recommendations and YouTube is owned by Google, and their AI overviews often point to videos. Only you can decide what you want to do with your audiobooks, but if you want to listen to mine, they are on YouTube @thecreativepenn for non-fiction or YouTube @jfpennauthor for fiction and memoir. The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community It's been another full year of The Creative Penn Podcast and this is episode 842, which is kind of crazy. If you don't know the back story, I started podcasting in March 2009 on a sporadic schedule and then went to weekly about a decade ago in 2015 when I committed to making it a core part of my author business. Thanks to our wonderful corporate sponsors for the year, all services I personally use and recommend — ProWritingAid, Draft2Digital, Kobo Writing Life, Bookfunnel, Written Word Media, Publisher Rocket and Atticus. It's also been a fantastic year inside my Patreon Community at patreon.com/thecreativepenn so thanks to all Patrons! I love the community we have as I am able to share my unfiltered thoughts in a way that I have stopped doing in the wider community. Even a tiny paywall makes a big difference in keeping out the haters. I've done monthly audio Q&As which are extra solo shows answering patron questions. I've also done several live office hours on video, and shared content every week on AI tools, writing and author business tips. Patrons also get discounts on my webinars. I did two webinars on The AI-Assisted Artisan Author, which I am planning to run again sometime in 2026 as they were a lot of fun and so much continues to change. If you get value from the show and you want more, come on over and join us at patreon.com/thecreativepenn We have almost 1400 paying members now which is wonderful. Thanks for being part of the Community! Unexpected goal of the year: Masters in Death, Religion and Culture at the University of Winchester During the summer as I did my gothic research, I realised that I was feeling quite jaded about the publishing world and sick of the drama in the author community over AI. My top 5 Clifton Strengths are Learner, Intellection, Strategic, Input, and Futuristic — and I needed more Input and Learning. I usually get that from travel and book research, but I wasn't getting enough of that since Jonathan is busy finishing his MBA. So I decided to lean into the learning and asked ChatGPT to research some courses I could do that would suit me. It found the Masters in Death, Religion and Culture at the University of Winchester, which I could do full-time and online. It would be a year of reading quite different things, writing academic essays which is something I haven't done for decades, and hanging out with a new group of people who were just as fascinated with macabre topics as I am. I started in September and have now finished the first term, tackling topics around thanatology and death studies, hell and the afterlife in the Christian tradition, and the ethics of using human remains to inspire fiction, amongst other interesting things. It was a challenge to get back into the style of academic essay writing, but I'm enjoying the rigour of the research and the citations, which is something that the indie author community needs more of, a topic I will revisit in 2026. I have found the topics fascinating, and the degree is a great way to expand my mind in a new direction, and distract me from the dramas of the author community. I'll be back into it in mid-January and will finish in September 2026. Book marketing. Not quite a fail but definitely lacklustre. I said I would “Do a monthly book marketing plan and organise paid ad campaigns per month for revolving first books in series and my main earners.” I didn't do this! I also said I would organise my Shopify stores, CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com into more collections to make it easier for readers to find things they might want to buy. While I did change the theme of CreativePennBooks.com over to Impulse to make it easier to find collections, I haven't done much to reorganise or add new pathways through the books. I'm rolling this part of the goal into 2026. I said I would reinvigorate my content marketing for JFPenn, and make more of BooksAndTravel.page with links back to my stores, and do fiction specific content marketing with the aim of surfacing more in the LLMs as generative search expands. I did a number of episodes on Books and Travel in 2025, but once I started the Masters, I had to leave that aside, and although I have started some extra content on JFPennBooks.com, I am not overly enthusiastic about it! I also said I would “Leverage AI tools to achieve more as a one-person business.” I use AI tools (mainly ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini) every day for different things but as ever, I am pretty scatter gun about what I do. I lean into intuition and I love research so I am more likely to ask the AI tools to do a deep research report on south Pacific merfolk mythology, or how gothic architecture impacted sacred music, or geology and deep time, rather than asking for marketing hooks. I intended to use more AI for book marketing, but as ever, I was too optimistic about the timeline of what might be possible. There's lots you can do with prompting, finessing things and then posting on various platforms, but I'm not interested in spending time doing that. My gold standard for an AI assistant is to feed it the finished book and then say, “Here's a budget. Go market this,” and not have to connect lots of things together into some Frankenstein-workflow. That's not available yet. Maybe in 2026 … Of course, I still do book marketing. I have to in order to sell any books and make money from book sales. We all have to do some kind of book marketing! I have my Kickstarter launches which I put effort into, as well as consistent backlist sales fed by the podcast, and my email newsletter (my combined list is around 60K). I have auto campaigns running on Amazon Ads, and I have used Written Word Media campaigns as well as BookBub throughout the year. This is basically the minimum, so as usual, must do better! I'm pretty sure I'm not the only author saying this! However, my business has multiple streams of income, and I have the podcast sponsorship revenue as well as the Patreon, plus sporadic webinars, which add to my bottom line and don't require paid advertising at all. Reflections on my 50th year I woke up on my 50th birthday in March in Iceland, by the Black Church of Budir out on the Skaefellsnes peninsula. As seals played in the sea and we walked in the snow over the ancient lava field under the gaze of the volcano that inspired Jules Verne Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and my short story, The Black Church, which you can find in my collection, The Buried and the Drowned. On that trip, we also saw the northern lights and had a memorable trip that marked a real shift for me. I've been told by lots of people that 50 is a ‘proper' birthday, as in one of those that makes you stop and reconsider things, and it has indeed been that, although I have also found the last few years of perimenopause to be a large part of the change as well. A big shift is around priorities and not caring so much what other people think, which is a relief in many ways. Also, I don't have the patience to do things that I don't think are worth doing for the longer term, and I am appreciating a quieter life. I'd rather lie in a sunbeam and read with Cashew and Noisette next to me then create marketing assets or spend time on social media. I'd rather go for a walk with Jonathan than go to a conference or networking event. In my Pilgrimage memoir, I quote an anonymous source, “Pilgrim, pass by that which you do not love.” It's a powerful message, and I take it to mean, stop listening to people who tell you what is important. Listen to yourself more and only pay attention to that which you feel drawn to explore. On pilgrimage, it might be turning away from the supposedly important shrine of a saint to go and sit in nature and feel closer to God that way. In our author lives, it might be turning away from the things that just feel wrong for us, and leaning into what is enjoyable, that which feels worthwhile, that which we want to keep doing for the long term. Let's face it, as always, that is the writing, the thinking, the imagination. As ever, I have this mantra on my wall: “Measure your life by what you create.” It's the creation side of things that we love and that's what we need to remember when everything else gets a little much. Many authors left social media in 2025, and while I haven't left it altogether, I don't use it much. I post pictures proving I am human on Instagram @jfpennauthor which automatically post to Facebook. I barely check my pages on Facebook though. I'm also still on X with a carefully curated feed that I mainly use to learn new cool AI things which I share with my Patreon Community. Double down on being human. Travel and health. Yes, I am a human author, and yes, I continue to age! When you've been publishing a while, you need to update your author photos periodically and I finally had a photoshoot I loved with Betty Bhandari Photography, which means I can add the new pics to my websites and the back of my books. Are you up to date with your author photos? (or at least within a decade of the last photoshoot?!) Here are a few of the pictures on Instagram @jfpennauthor. Healthwise, I gave up calisthenics as it was too much on top of the powerlifting and the amount of walking I do. I did another British Powerlifting competition in September in the M2 category (based on age) and 63kgs category (based on weight). Deadlift: 95kgs. Squat: 60kgs. BenchPress: 37.5kgs. While this is less overall than last year, I also weigh less, so I'm actually stronger based on lift to body weight percentage. I have also done a few pull-ups in the last week with no band, which I am thrilled with! On the travel side, Iceland was the big trip, and I also had a weekend in Berlin for the film festival, where I met up with a producer and a director around an adaptation of my Day of the Vikings thriller. That didn't pan out, as most of these things don't, but I certainly learned a lot about the industry — and why it doesn't suit me! Once again, I dipped my toe into screenwriting and then ran away, as has happened multiple times over the years. When will I learn? … Over the summer of 2025, I visited lots of gothic cathedrals including Lichfield, Rochester, Durham, York, and revisiting Canterbury, as part of my book research for the Gothic Cathedral book. I have tens of thousands of words on this project, but it isn't ready yet, so this is carried over into 2026 as it might happen then, depending on the Masters. I spoke at Author Nation in Las Vegas in November 2025, and before it started, I visited (Lower) Antelope Canyon, one of the places on my bucket list, and it did not disappoint. What a special place and no doubt it will appear in a story at some point! How did your 2025 go? I hope your 2025 had some wonderful times as well as no doubt some challenges — and that you have time for reflection as the year turns once more. Let me know in the comments whether you achieved your creative goals and any other reflections you'd like to share.The post Review Of My 2025 Creative And Business Goals With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Black Friday brings the biggest savings of the year for authors, and I rounded up the deals you will not want to miss. From writing tools to book promotion to web hosting, these offers help you grow your author business without breaking the bank. Check the show notes for all the links and deadlines. Grab what fits your goals before the sales end. Full disclosure: Most of these links are part of affiliate programs where I get compensated for any sales made through them. This is at no extra cost to you and greatly helps support this podcast. Thanks for your understanding and support. Links:  YouTube for Authors (paperback) - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeForAuthors - 25% off through Dec. 1, 2025 YouTube for Authors (hardcover) - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeHardcover - 34% off through Dec. 1, 2025 Lulu: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide - https://dalelinks.com/giftguide2025 Lulu - https://Lulu.com - Use WRITE30 for 30% off all print products Miblart - https://DaleLinks.com/MiblartDesign - Coupon Code: BLACK20 for 20% off Book Covers - valid till December 3 Getcovers - https://DaleLinks.com/GetCovers - Coupon Code: BLACK25 for 25% off all services - valid till December 3 ProWritingAid - https://DaleLinks.com/ProWritingAid - 50% off yearly and lifetime plans - ends December 3 Dibbly Create - https://DaleLinks.com/DibblyCreate - Get 30% off three months of the Pro Plan with BLACKFRIDAY30, and get 40% off Add-on Tokens for Create with BLACKFRIDAY40 - Offer expires Dec. 2, 2025 Dibbly - https://DaleLinks.com/Dibbly - Get 12% off all services with BLACKFRIDAYTUW12 - Offer expires Dec. 2 Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket - $30 off, plus access to Mastering Keywords & Categories Course (normally $49.99) - Offer ends on Dec. 3, 2025 Cravebooks - https://DaleLinks.com/Cravebooks - 5-Day Black Friday Countdown Sale - 50% off on November 28, 2025, then the discount goes down by 10% everyday AppSumo - https://DaleLinks.com/AppSumo - Black Friday Sale over on Dec. 2, 2025 AppSumo Deal: DepositPhotos - https://DaleLinks.com/DepositPhotos - Black Friday Sale over on Dec. 2, 2025 MailerLite - https://DaleLinks.com/MailerLite - 25% off annual plans - Good till December 16, 2025 Kit - https://DaleLinks.com/Kit - Get 60% off 3 months of the Creator Plan - Good till December 2, 2025 Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com - Promotion available for a limited time Gemsy- https://DaleLinks.com/Gemsy - Get 50% off the yearly plan with promo code DALEBF50 - good through Dec. 5, 2025 SiteGround - https://DaleLinks.com/SiteGround - 85% off Premium Web Hosting, plus 3 months FREE Site Scanner & Premium Backup - Sale ends Dec. 2, 2025 ContentStudio - https://dalelinks.com/contentstudiodeal - 40% off annual plan - Offer ends on Nov. 30, 2025 Riverside - https://DaleLinks.com/Riverside - 35% off annual plans for new users with code BF2025 -Offer ends Dec. 1, 2025 AuthorAI - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorsAI - 25% off with code BFDEAL - Good through Dec. 1, 2025 Other relevant links: Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKv8xcrFntOERL7NUXgkypg/join  Join my Discord community - http://dalelinks.com/discord  Check out my podcast channel - https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale  My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks  Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

On Rodric's launch day for his latest #1 best-selling book, The Magnet, The Method & The Machine, he and Aurora Winter jam on books as lead magnets, why early reviews matter, and how to pick (and win) Amazon categories. Aurora shares her “push/pull” framework for finally finishing your book, the niche-first logic behind standout messaging, and why AI makes your human story more valuable, not less. They swap tactics (Publisher Rocket, K-lytics, BookFunnel), talk legacy vs. perfectionism, and dig into the kind of uncomfortable conversations that deepen relationships—and your writing. If you've got a book in you (or a business that needs one), this one's a blueprint for momentum you can use today.Highlights & takeawaysEarly reviews are oxygen for launches—line them up ~30 days ahead and publish Day 1.Use tools to choose categories, don't guess: Publisher Rocket (easy) and K-lytics (depth).Books are scalable service: help millions while serving a small, high-touch client roster.“Double down on being human in the age of AI”—your story is the differentiator.Niche > general: the “million-dollar message” needs one person's ears to perk up.Relationship depth = # of uncomfortable conversations you're willing to have.Notable quotes“LLMs make creation easier—but they're average. Your personal story is where the gold is.”“The depth of a relationship is measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations we're willing to have.”“Double down on being human in the age of AI—that's where the joy is.”Timestamps0:00 Cold open: Rodric's world tour + launch day vibes.1:10 Why reviews in the first 24 hours really matter—and how to get them.3:40 Categories that you can realistically win (and why that #1 tag matters).7:00 The viral video that sparked the book (3 Laws & 9 Levers).8:10 AI vs. authenticity: information vs. inspiration.15:55 Aurora's “push/pull” method to finish your book.17:45 Niche, message, and the 80/20 of communication.27:15 Strategic Basics: Aurora's weekly YouTube insights.28:20 Wisdom, setbacks, and silver linings.34:30 Why Rodric wrote The Magnet, The Method & The Machine.Guest linksAurora Winter's Media Page: This has recent interviews and general media information: https://www.aurorawinter.com/media/Aurora Winter's PR Photos & Book Covers: https://www.aurorawinter.com/prphotos/One Sheet with Sample Questions: https://aurorawinter.com/onesheet/Aurora-Winter-Impact-One-Sheet.pdfTurn Words Into Wealth Gift eBook for you: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/7o54im0y52Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse Gift eBook for you: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/bd91o9fg2zGift for Your Audience - Includes your Turn Words-to-Wealth starter library and a video masterclass on how to attract capital, clients, and media coverage.: https://turnwordsintowealth.comAurora Winter Website: https://www.aurorawinter.comSame Page...

What did you think of this episode?You've invested in a website and published a book. Now, how do you get people to visit your website? Today's blogging tips are the answer. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, you'll learn Blogging Tips to Increase Website Traffic.My industry expert, Susan U. Neal, is the author of nine books on healthy living, and her most recent release is "How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month."  She is the CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association, the Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Indie Awards, and she serves as the director of the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference.Talk to us about blogging and search engine optimization (SEO)Google Keyword Planner at https://ads.google.com/home/#!/ (free), UberSuggest at https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/ (3 free uses/day or paid), and Publisher Rocket (paid). Christian Indie Publishing Association blog (https://christianpublishers.net/blog/), Healthy Living Series blog (https://susanuneal.com/healthy-living-blog). Create blog guidelines and post weekly.Rewrite the blog's meta description. Create an engaging blog title. Use https://convertcase.net/ Use the Advanced Marketing Institute's headline analyzerPixabay.com Unsplash.com Canva.com Pixlr.com Check out the blogging course at CIPA.Podia.com.Interested in writing for Susan's blogs? Email Susan at Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

KDP has quietly confirmed a huge change to the Select program, and we've got the update. Plus, big audiobook news from ElevenLabs, a lifetime discount on Authorbase, and a special report from Jane Friedman on the past decade of publishing. All that and more in the Self-Publishing News for September 9, 2025. The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter Email Marketing for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/EmailBook  Sources: KDP: How to enroll in KDP Select - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GD9PMU58BV24QFZ7#enroll Kindlepreneur: ghost categories. - https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category/ Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link)  Amazon Ads - https://advertising.amazon.com Writer Beware: If Your Publisher Promised to Register Your Copyright, Check Your Registration Now - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/29/if-your-publisher-promised-to-register-your-copyright-check-your-registration-now Jane Friedman: How Publishing Has Changed Since 2015 - https://janefriedman.com/how-publishing-has-changed-since-2015/  GeniusLink - https://DaleLinks.com/Genius (affiliate link) ALLi's 2025 Author Income Survey - https://allianceindependentauthors.org/survey (deadline September 17, 2025) MailerLite: Free plan update: What you need to know - https://www.mailerlite.com/help/free-plan-update-faq MailerLite - https://dalelinks.com/mailerlite (affiliate link) Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)  ElevenReader - https://elevenreader.io/ AuthorBase - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorBase (affiliate link) Lock in 20% off for life till September 30th.  September 2025: Creating Multiple Income Streams from Your Book - https://twinflamesstudios.com/monetize?partnerid=r1397 (affiliate link) Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insider: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/WRG4SfnhDKg?si=JY2_3R4oSxEeCSlv Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Send us a textIn this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, we dive into the world of self-publishing adult fiction. Authors Barb Hopkins and Kelly Garcia share how they turned frustration with traditional publishing into indie success, building their paranormal mystery series Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife from the ground up while navigating the challenges of co-authoring and marketing.Guest Bios:Barb Hopkins – A former marketing director and freelance writer turned hybrid author, Barb writes middle grade fiction and co-authors the adult Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife series. Her dual path of querying middle grade while self-publishing adult fiction demonstrates persistence and versatility.Kelly Garcia – Known for her humorous, feel-good paranormal fiction, Kelly co-authors the Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife series. A veteran of the querying trenches, she now thrives in indie publishing, celebrating magical chaos, found family, and creative freedom.Key Discussion Points:Why Barb and Kelly chose self-publishing for their adult series.The inspiration behind Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife and its themes of midlife empowerment, friendship, and second chances.The biggest challenges in indie publishing: editing, design, distribution, and discoverability.Essential tools and resources: Amazon KDP, Vellum, Canva, Publisher Rocket, Bowker, and 20BooksTo50K.How co-authoring adds both complexity and creative energy.Marketing lessons from Facebook takeovers, in-person events, and building an online community.Barb's dual journey: querying middle grade while finding success in adult self-publishing.Conclusion: Barb and Kelly's story shows that self-publishing isn't just a backup plan—it's a thriving path to creative control and connection with readers. Their success with adult fiction proves that persistence, community, and smart strategy can empower authors to take charge of their careers, even while pursuing traditional goals in other genres.Links/Info Mentioned:From the Mixed-Up Files…of Middle-Grade Authors: https://fromthemixedupfiles.comArcane Covers by Karen Dimmick – Cover designPublisher Rocket – Keyword research toolBowker – ISBN providerKindlepreneur – Self-publishing resource20BooksTo50K Facebook Group – Indie author community Support the show Visit the WebsiteWriters with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

Your KDP dashboard just got a quiet update—and if you breeze past it, your ebook might lose out on visibility. In this week's Self-Publishing News, we break down what Amazon added, why it matters, and how it ties into a much bigger conversation around accessibility. Plus, we cover new promo tools, AI changes, and a warning about scammers targeting indie authors. It's a busy week, and you don't want to miss what's shifting under your feet. Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Sources: How to See Another Book's Keywords in Amazon - https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-see-another-books-keywords/?affiliate=selfpubwithdale Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) Reach 45,000+ New Readers with BookDoggy - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/press-release-written-word-media-partners-with-bookdoggy-to-expand-author-reach/ ALLi News Podcast: Anthropic Lawsuit Advances, Senate Grills Tech on AI Use, Kindle Colorsoft Gets Update - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-anthropic-lawsuit/ KDP: Accessibility for eBooks - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GBPE3QVZ2J3HLQ4B?mc_cid=0c2de47626&mc_eid=433332c881 Digital Accessibility: The Right Thing, The Smart Thing, The Required Thing - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zNsXzo2TTjmK5xD0a6zP1w?_ics=1753722149922&irclickid=~4-dhmkhb736-ahgnlmuAqhia51UV0RHNLEADEuvnld861XUMFAxn&_gl=1*1f0r9qg*_gcl_au*NzMwMjczNTY0LjE3NTIwODY2NjY.*_ga*NjY4OTcyMDQuMTc0NDIzMDkzOA..*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*czE3NTM3MjIwNDAkbzI0JGcxJHQxNzUzNzIyMTQ5JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..&mc_cid=0c2de47626&mc_eid=433332c881#/registration Create personal illustrated storybooks in the Gemini app. - Storiad - https://DaleLinks.com/Storiad (affiliate link) - use code DALE50 to get 50% off Storiad Pro.  Author Nation seeking volunteers - https://form.smartsuite.com/so8pqexh/D9a8mbe9ZM?kuid=64cf94e2-3c33-4be6-81ed-cf16b78d7ff4-1754943998&lid=31108&kref=nrBqRWv4lEXc Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) - I'll be speaking, emceeing, and hosting video interviews. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Big changes are coming fast for indie authors. KDP is slashing royalties for print books under $9.99 starting next week. Meanwhile, Publisher Rocket is ending its lifetime license—soon, it'll be monthly only. Plus, Spotify for Authors is moving features over from Findaway Voices and confirming promo code honors. Here's what you need to know. Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Sources: How to Get Amazon Book Reviews Without Breaking the Rules - https://bookawardpro.com/blog/how-to-get-amazon-book-reviews-without-breaking-the-rules/ Publisher Rocket SALE - https://rocket.thrivecart.com/special-publisher-rocket/?affiliate=selfpubwithdale (affiliate link) KDP: Print Royalty Rate and Paperback Printing Cost Changes FAQ - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GXFPA52P6ZJD2U3N?ref_=pe_93986420_1235824880 Spotify for Authors - https://authors.spotify.com/ Apple Books accepts accessibility metadata tags - https://itunespartner.apple.com/books/support/12-metadata Written Word Media presents: The YouTube Author Blueprint: From Zero to Growing Reader Community - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/speaker-series/ ARC: YouTube for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/ARCTeam  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

In this week's episode, we take a look at four different ebook formatting tools for indie authors. We also discuss the phenomenon of Star Wars day. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebook of Malison: The Complete Series at my Payhip store: MALISON25 The coupon code is valid through June 3, 2025. So if you need a new book for spring, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates   Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 251 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is May 9, 2025, and today we are looking at ebook formatting tools. Before we get into our main topic, we'll have Coupon of the Week, a progress update at my current writing and audiobook projects, and then Question of the Week. We'll also close out the show with a preview of my new audiobook Ghost in the Assembly (as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy).   This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebook of Malison: The Complete Series at my Payhip store, and that is MALISON25. As always, we'll have the coupon code and the links in the show notes for this episode. This coupon code is valid through June the 3, 2025. So if you need a new ebook for spring, we have got you covered. Now here's where I'm at with my current writing projects. I am 87,000 words into Ghost in the Corruption and I'm hoping to hit 90,000 words by the end of today. So if all goes well, I will finish it up later this week and then begin editing. I am also 9,000 words into what my next project will be, which is Shield of Power, the final book in The Shield War series. I'm also 91,000 words into Stealth and Spells Online: Final Quest, and that will be my main project after Shield of Power is finished. So my writing goals for the next couple months will be Ghost in the Corruption, Shield of Power, Stealth and Spells Online: Final Quest, and then the final book in The Ghost Armor series (the title of which I should really decide since I'm getting close to being finished with the fifth book).   In audiobook news, recording of Ghost in the Assembly (as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy) is finished. That should be turning up on all the various audiobook stores before too much longer. Shield of Deception (as excellently narrated by Brad Wills) is finished and available at all the audio stores: Audible, Apple, Google Play, Spotify, Chirp, and all the others. You can get that right now. Brad should be starting a recording of Shield of Battle sometime in the second half of May, if all goes well. So that is where I'm at with my current writing projects.   00:02:09 Question of the Week   And now let's move on to Question of the Week. Question of the Week is intended to inspire enjoyable discussions of interesting topics. This week's question: what is your favorite Star Wars? The inspiration for this question is the fact that May the Fourth has become Star Wars Day (in a very tongue in cheek manner). And as you might expect, we had a variety of responses to this question. Justin says: I have not seen any Star Wars TV series, but your other choices are mine as well. I have the Trawn Trilogy in the box set and got a PC joystick just for playing TIE Fighter again. Jonathan D. says: Empire Strikes Back is still the best film. I cannot get into the Disney canon after they destroyed the Expanded Universe. I watched The Force Awakens and that killed any interest in watching Disney Star Wars for me. Books is either Heir to the Empire Trilogy or the Darth Bain trilogy. A well done film adaptation of the Darth Bain books would be the only thing that would make me want to watch any new films. Video games would have to be Knight of the Old Republic 1 or 2, with Jedi Academy coming in third. The original Battlefront games were also great.   John Paul says: Loved the Mandalorian and the Book of Boba Fett, especially when they had the characters from each other's show guest starring in them. I saw somewhere they aren't making another series, but [there] was talk about a TV movie to finish it off, but [they are] now showing Series 4 on IBMD with no date. I grew up with the original trilogy though some of the later films are good, especially the special effects, though Jar Jar Binks spoiled the first three movies. Maybe they should reedit the character out since Lucas has spent some money on adding new effects to the trilogy to bring in line with the new movies. Skeleton Crew made me think of the movie Flight of the Navigator with Star Wars added, so I enjoyed that even though it's mainly for kids. I have fond memories of Space Invaders with the sidekick from the original Fall Guy TV show. Again, made for kids though adults can enjoy if they watch tongue in cheek.   Andrew says: There are only three Star Wars movies, of which Empire Strikes Back is my favorite. I really enjoyed Mandalorian Season One. Now Star Wars is dead to me, except for lightsaber battle videos. I really like the Princess Bride Battles. I played TIE Fighter, Dark Forces, and Knights of the Old Republic.   Tom says: Favorite film, Rogue One. With you on Mandalorian Season Two as favorite TV show. Favorite game, Rogue Squadron.   Tracy says: My favorite was Return of the Jedi.   Jenny says: Thrawn Trilogy for sure! Dark Forces was my very first computer game, so it's always going to hold a special place in my heart.   William says: The unofficial remasters of the original trilogy from preserved reels are a godsend.   MG says: Knights of the Old Republic was quite good and Knights of the Old Republic 2.   John K. says: I'm a grim dark sort of guy. Really liked Rogue One but it's slightly edged out by the original Episode IV. I absolutely love Andor but honestly, have not hated anything. Enjoyed them all. I was a nut for the original X-Wing game. Got good enough to one shot TIE Fighters with one quad shot and rarely missed and learned how to solo Star Destroyers pretty easily, though it would take forever. Having played the game that John K. is talking about, I can agree with him that you could take down Star Destroyers in your X-Wing if you knew what you were doing, but it really would take forever.   Dave says: Book wise, I really enjoyed the Thrawn books by Timothy Zahn, also the X-Wing series by Michael A. Stackpole was a personal favorite.   And finally Michael says: I agree on Empire Strikes Back though as a kid, I disliked the lack of upbeat movie. Also really liked the Solo movie. I confess I found the Thrawn books underwhelming, though the original Star Wars novelization is pretty good. And finally, I got to agree on TIE Fighter, such great game. Also, I have a soft spot for Jedi Knight: Dark Forces 2.   For myself, I would have to break it down into four categories because Star Wars media covers so many different formats now. For favorite movie, I would say Empire Strikes Back, with Return of the Jedi as the runner up. For the favorite TV series, Season 2 of The Mandalorian. For my favorite book, The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn, with Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover, Darth Plagueis by James Luceno, and The Darth Bane Trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn coming in as strong runners up. Seriously, if you're listening to this podcast, you probably enjoy reading books, so these five are definitely worth your time.   For my favorite video games, I would say TIE Fighter, with Knights of the Old Republic as a very close runner-up. But TIE Fighter was definitely my favorite. In the game, you play as an Imperial pilot, and the designers had the clever idea of making the Empire sympathetic by having the player spend most of the missions hunting ruthless pirates, suppressing alien civil wars, and fighting renegade Imperial warlords who are trying to overthrow the Emperor. In the last two expansion packs for the game, the player is flying as Grand Admiral Thrawn's elite pilot against the renegade Grand Admiral Zaarin, and finally defeating Zaarin after like forty missions was VERY satisfying.   So those are my favorite Star Wars media items. As we can see.  there is quite a range of opinion in the answer to that question.   00:06:54 Main Topic: Ebook Formatting Tools   Now let's move on to our main topic, which is ebook formatting tools. And this is an important thing for indie authors to discuss because if you do want to self-publish your books, it is one of those foundational skills you have to master. You need to know what kind of file format the platforms you're publishing to you take and how to produce it. Now this is something you can hire out but you really, really shouldn't in my opinion, especially because some ebook formatting services charge as much as $2,000 to turn a Word document into files ready to upload for ebook stores. Considering that it is something you can easily do yourself with free tools and a little bit of practice, spending any amount of money on it is probably a waste. I mean, there's a difference between the kind of intricate formatting you would need for say, a full color medical textbook with illustrations and a 60,000 word romance novel. Fortunately, all the major software programs are nowhere near as expensive as $2,000 a book and don't have as much of a learning curve as you might expect. Both video and written tutorials are plentiful for all of these options, making it easy to learn at your own pace. Today we're going to go over four software options for formatting ebooks and discuss their pros, cons, and the best uses for them. Although some of these products have word processing functionality and other features built in, today we'll focus on just the ebook formatting part of the software. #1: The first option we will look at is Atticus. Atticus is from the same company that makes Publisher Rocket, which is a software program I've spoken of very favorably of on the show over the years. The company has made an effort to understand the needs of authors over the years and added new features to Publisher Rocket consistently as time went on. The company Kindlepreneur has also made significant enhancements to Atticus since it launched. As of the time of this recording, it is a one-time purchase option that has free ongoing updates and the current cost is $147 (in United States dollars). Expensive, but the founder of the company Dave Chesson has said frequently he doesn't like software subscriptions. So hopefully this will continue to be a one-time fee and not become a subscription thing.   So here are the pros to using Atticus. It is less expensive than Vellum and has the same features. It works on operating systems other than Mac. In theory, since it has a web client, it can work on any platform. Reviewers say it is very pleasant to use and those who want a lot of customization options are generally happy with it and it has a nice tool for creating and reusing the template for things like author bios or link pages.   The con is that it does require an Internet connection to use and you have to have a computer connected to the Internet. Some people also prefer not to have their work stored in the cloud like Atticus does. Some users report slowness while opening or closing or when saving a file, especially if it's a book with a high word account. Because of the online requirement, there can be issues related to syncing. It does not support .mobi as a file export option. However, that's not a big deal anymore because Amazon is officially phasing out the .mobi file extension and is requiring people to use .epub. So this is not a major point and it's only for people who have a customer base with very old e-readers that can't handle .epub.   And finally, Atticus does not offer a free trial period if you just want to try it out, but does offer a refund within the first 30 days if you try it and decide that you don't like it. So what users would find Atticus the best? It's probably best for PC or Linux users who don't want a Mac and also want to have lots of fine control of your formatting or customizing your layout. Atticus is also heavily built around collaboration, where different people can work on the same file. So if you do work with a team (and many indie authors do) or are co-writing a book, then Atticus might be a good tool for you to use.   #2: The second program we're going to look at is called Vellum.  Vellum has been seen as the default option for ebook formatting for a lot of writers for a while now. As of the time of recording, there is a one-time purchase option that has free ongoing updates. The current cost is $199 for the ebook only version or $249 for the version that includes paperbacks. Vellum has gone on sale occasionally in the past, usually for Cyber Monday in November. The pros for Vellum are that many reviewers consider it the best option for ebook formatting and say it delivers professional results without too much work and a minimal learning curve. Vellum lets you try out the software for free, but you won't be able to export the files you're publishing until the software is purchased. Like Atticus, it offers a 30 day window for a refund.   Vellum is not cloud-based software and it can be used offline. So if you are, for instance, working on a laptop on the road with spotty internet connectivity, this can be a lifesaver. Now for the cons and the biggest con is a big one- that Vellum is Macintosh only. You need to have a Mac to use it and it is not currently available for Windows and Linux. The developers have said that presently they have no plans to port it to either Windows or Linux. It will also not work on iOS, so that means you can't run it on your iPad or your iPhone. You can in theory use it on a PC with a Mac OS virtual machine, but people have reported very mixed success with that. The other con is that it is the most expensive option. So the users this is best for I think would be if you already have a Mac or you are willing to buy a Mac for just one piece of software. #3: The third software program we're going to look at is called Jutoh. Jutoh is a labor of love, mainly created by two people in the UK and has been around for a long, long time. As of the time of this recording, there is a one-time purchase option that costs $45 (US dollars) and a Plus version for $90 that supports some additional features. It currently offers a free trial that you can download and install, but functionality is limited in the trial version. The pros of Jutoh is that it works on Windows, Mac, and most versions of Linux. It is not cloud-based software/is local to your computer. It does not need a constant Internet connection to function. Reviewers frequently praised how responsive their customer support is and of the paid options we are discussing, it will be the least expensive of all of them. The cons are the interface is a bit dated. It does kind of look like something from the early 2000s in terms of the buttons and where they are. Because of that, it can be more difficult for some users to use than Atticus or Vellum. It does not create PDFs or print ready files, so you would not be able to use it to format your files for print books, which is something both Atticus and Vellum offer. I think this is best used for users who want a less expensive option than Atticus or Vellum or a PC user who wants a non-cloud based option.   #4: The fourth and final program we're going to look at is called Kindle Create. And as of this recording, it is the only one of these four options that is free. It is a free download. This software is created and maintained by Amazon. The pro? It's free and you can use the .epubs it creates to upload your books onto other platforms. Just because you've made your ebook in Amazon Create, that doesn't mean you can't use the file for Barnes & Noble and Kobo and Apple and so forth. You can go ahead and do that. However, because it is free software, there are quite a few cons to it. The functionality is pretty limited and only a few fonts are available. It is not good with complex layouts and Amazon's own documentation recommends not using it for books with tables, footnotes, or complex text formatting.   The program doesn't handle edits well. There are people who write books in Vellum even though the developers don't exactly recommend that. And Atticus is designed to have books written in it. However, Kindle Create definitely cannot handle that very well. Windows and Mac are supported, but you can't install it on Linux. Kindle Create no longer supports .mobi as a file export option since Amazon is moving away from that option and most other vendors haven't used it ever. That is a minor point.   I think Kindle Create is best used by users who are just starting out and don't have much in the way of budget and have books that don't require a lot of complex formatting. Kindle Create is actually quite good for novels because novels in general don't have a lot of complex formatting and because it's free, it has a little bit of a steeper learning curve, but that can be advantageous as well.   So looking at those four options, what do I use and why? Well, for the first seven or so years I was self-publishing, I didn't use any of these. I used a program called Sigil, which is an .epub editor. And if Kindle Create has a high learning curve, Sigil's is much higher because you're essentially editing the raw guts of the .epub file.   I was content using that for a number of years, but what I needed was a program that would make uploading print books and formatting print books much easier because at the time I was using Create Space and Create Space required a specialized Word template that was just an enormous headache to use. And the reason that many of the Frostborn books have exactly 24 chapters is because I had a template that worked really well with 24 chapters for print books and I wasn't going to mess that up by trying to add a chapter or have one fewer chapter. So for some of the Frostborn books, I made sure there were 24 chapters.   Obviously this was not a tenable situation for the print books, even though I was happy using Sigil for the eBooks. So I eventually heard good things about Vellum. In 2018 (I believe) I got a used Mac and installed Vellum and started using that for print books. I was much happier with that.   Because the books looked so good in print, I eventually switched over to using Vellum for formatting my ebooks as well and I've been using that ever since. So my main ebook format writing program (as of May 9, 2025) is Vellum and I have a Mac specifically for that purpose. However, I also has high praise to say about Jutoh. I got started using Jutoh because for a while, Smashwords required you to upload a book using a specialized Word format. They didn't accept .epubs for the longest time and formatting a book in that proper Word format for Smashwords was a large headache, I have to admit. I never managed to get it automated quite right. And I had frequent problems with Smashwords rejecting the Word document I uploaded and so forth. Eventually, I discovered that Jutoh also had an export option for creating Smashwords-friendly Word documents. So I tried it out and that was just a godsend, I have to admit. It saved me so much time. So for about seven years as well, I used Jutoh for Smashwords formatting. However, in 2024 after Smashwords was acquired by Draft 2 Digital and the two companies became more and more merged, Smashwords changed and now accepts properly formatted .epubs. They don't do that specialized Word document thing anymore, which has made it much easier to upload files to Smashwords, I must say. But that also means that I've used Jutoh less and less in favor of Vellum because I no longer need those specially formatted Word documents. However, I do have nothing but positive things to say about Jutoh; it is a very good program. If you don't want to shell out the $249 for Vellum or if you don't have a Mac, I think Jutoh is an excellent option for you to use. I have never actually used Atticus, but it's popular enough that I wanted to talk about it on this show. I do know a lot of people who have used it to good effect. Just bear in mind the pros and cons we mentioned. And as for Kindle Create, there's nothing wrong with it. I think it's good starting point, especially if you're just starting out and want to format your book without paying a lot of money or having to pay $2,000 to someone on the Internet to do it. I do think it's a good starting point, even though it's very basic and for your first couple of books, it would be good. But as you get more experienced and want to branch into things like print books, you'll probably want a program with greater functionality like Jutoh, Vellum, or Atticus. So myself, I use mostly Vellum (with Jutoh occasionally), and that is what I use for ebook formatting.   So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave your review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.   00:19:53 Audiobook Excerpt   And now we'll close out the show with a short excerpt from Ghost In the Assembly, as narrated by Hollis McCarthy. [Remainder of podcast is audiobook except]

S4E18From Print to Digital: How to Turn Your Low-Content Books into Interactive PDFs for Tablets!SUMMARY:Today's readers aren't just using paper, they're taking their journals, planners, and activity books on the go with devices like the Kindle Scribe, reMarkable tablet, and iPad. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie walk you through how to turn your low-content books into interactive digital PDFs that customers can write in on their favorite devices. You'll learn how to design these products using A Book Creator, how to format them correctly, and where to sell them, like Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, and your own website. If you're ready to tap into the growing market of digital planners and fillable activity books, this episode is for you.Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:A Book Creator – Create interactive planners, journals, and puzzle books with built-in links for tablets

Major updates are shaking up the self-publishing world this week! A popular author tool just expanded its reach, a new feature could help you earn more from your book sales, and indie authors now have a surprising new way to boost their global discoverability. Plus, one important deadline is coming fast—you don't want to miss it. Let's dive in! Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord heck out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Sources: IngramSpark: Share & Sell Your Book - https://www.ingramspark.com/sell-my-book Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link)  PublishDrive Celebrates 10 Years with 50% off all plans - https://DaleLinks.com/PublishDrive (affiliate link)  PublishDrive: Exclusive copyrights - requirements and protection of intellectual works from future theft - https://streamyard.com/watch/PdF22kV9MRPn 30 Books in 30 Days - https://DaleLinks.com/30Books Author Nation (early bird ends on May 1) - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) Author Nation 2025: Last Chance for Early Bird! - https://www.youtube.com/live/gRjaAi4WDuU?si=encEBnGbKpMo6xfp Book Launch Panel with Teddy Smith - https://subscribepage.io/booklaunchpanelshow  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

S4E17Quarter 2 Trends: What's Selling Now and How to Capitalize on It!SUMMARY:Self-publishers will find many new opportunities in Quarter 2; understanding current trends is crucial for increasing sales this spring and early summer. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie dive into what's selling right now across Amazon, Etsy, and Teachers Pay Teachers, and how you can use AI and Publisher Rocket to uncover profitable niches. You'll also learn how to use A Book Creator to build products like planners, activity books, and printables quickly to meet seasonal demand. This episode offers actionable insights to help you profit this quarter, whether you're refreshing your catalog or launching a new product.Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.comEtsy: https://www.etsy.comTeachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.comPublisher Rocket + Free eBook: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Other resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E16How to Repurpose Your Book Content into Courses, Workbooks, and Printables!SUMMARY:Your published book is just the beginning! In this episode, Cindy and Tammie show you how to maximize your content by transforming your existing books into courses, workbooks, and printables—creating multiple income streams from one product. Whether you're publishing nonfiction, children's books, or even activity books, we'll walk you through how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to generate new assets quickly and how to design materials with A Book Creator. You'll also learn where to sell these new products—from your own website to platforms like Etsy and Teachers Pay Teachers. If you want to expand your reach and increase your earnings, this episode is packed with actionable strategies!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.comDALL·E (AI Art Generator): https://openai.com/dall-eCanva: https://www.canva.comTeachable: https://teachable.comEtsy: https://www.etsy.comTeachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.comOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E15Creating Profitable Mother's Day and Father's Day Books: Ideas & Marketing Strategies!SUMMARY:Mother's Day and Father's Day are huge opportunities for self-publishers to create books that make meaningful gifts! In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share high-demand book ideas for these holidays, from guided journals and keepsake books to activity books and memory scrapbooks. Learn how to create and format your books with A Book Creator, research profitable niches with Publisher Rocket, and market your books effectively to maximize sales. Whether you're publishing on KDP, Etsy, or Teachers Pay Teachers, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you capitalize on these seasonal trends!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:Publisher Rocket (+ Cindy's Bonus eBook!): https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Canva: https://www.canva.comChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.comOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E15Creating Profitable Mother's Day and Father's Day Books: Ideas & Marketing Strategies!SUMMARY:Mother's Day and Father's Day are huge opportunities for self-publishers to create books that make meaningful gifts! In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share high-demand book ideas for these holidays, from guided journals and keepsake books to activity books and memory scrapbooks. Learn how to create and format your books with A Book Creator, research profitable niches with Publisher Rocket, and market your books effectively to maximize sales. Whether you're publishing on KDP, Etsy, or Teachers Pay Teachers, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you capitalize on these seasonal trends!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:Publisher Rocket (+ Cindy's Bonus eBook!): https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Canva: https://www.canva.comChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.comOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

This week, we're welcoming back a familiar face in both the self-publishing world and on this podcast. Dave Chesson, the creative force behind industry-leading tools like Publisher Rocket, returns to discuss one of his other major successes—Atticus. After more than two years on the market and continuous user-driven improvements, Atticus has steadily evolved and built a large, dedicated following. By blending the best features of writing, editing, collaboration, and formatting tools, it delivers unparalleled functionality for a one-time price that includes all future upgrades. Dave leads us deep into the core of Atticus's capabilities, from real-time collaboration and customizable permissions for editors and beta readers, to cloud-based security and intuitive drag-and-drop formatting. With each update, Atticus moves closer to his broader vision of a comprehensive book management system—designed not only for authors, but also for the publishing team they work with. If you're ready to simplify your workflow and move away from juggling a costly suite of tools, this episode offers valuable insight into how Atticus can save you time and money by replacing them all with a single, streamlined solution.   Dave Chesson and Atticus https://www.atticus.io/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast  

S4E13Unlock the Power of AI: Create and Market Unique Coloring Books!SUMMARY:Coloring books are a highly profitable niche in self-publishing, and with AI, creating them has never been easier! In this episode, Cindy and Tammie break down how to use AI tools like DALL·E, MidJourney, and Canva to design stunning, unique coloring books—even if you're not an artist. Learn how to find the right niche, optimize your book for Amazon, and market it effectively. Plus, we'll share insights on the Coloring Book Course, where you can get a step-by-step guide to launching your first AI-powered coloring book. If you're ready to turn your creativity into a thriving book business, this episode is for you!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiPublisher Rocket (+ Cindy's Bonus eBook!): https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/DALL·E (OpenAI): https://openai.com/dall-eMidJourney: https://www.midjourney.comCanva: https://www.canva.comOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E12Maximize Q2: Seasonal Trends and Niche Ideas for Spring and Summer!SUMMARY:Q2 is packed with opportunities for self-publishers, from spring cleaning and Mother's Day to summer vacations and graduation gifts. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie break down seasonal trends and profitable niche ideas to help you maximize sales in April, May, and June. Learn how to research high-demand book topics using Publisher Rocket (and get Cindy's 12 Months of Book Ideas eBook when purchasing through her affiliate link!), and discover how A Book Creator can help you quickly design printables, planners, and activity books for this season. Tune in and get ahead of Q2 trends today!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.comPublisher Rocket (+ Cindy's Bonus eBook!): https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/A Book Creator 3-Day Trial: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E11AI-Driven Success: Create Stunning Children's Picture Books with Ease!SUMMARY:Creating children's picture books has never been easier, thanks to AI! In this episode, Cindy and Tammie walk you through the step-by-step process of using AI tools to plan, write, and illustrate a professional-quality picture book—even if you're not an artist. Learn how to use ChatGPT for storytelling, DALL·E for illustrations, and Canva for seamless formatting. Plus, we'll discuss the Creating Children's Picture Books with AI Course, which gives you everything you need to publish a stunning children's book. If you've ever dreamed of publishing a picture book, this is the episode for you!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:Creating Children's Picture Books with AI Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseMidjourney: https://midjourney.comChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.comDALL·E (OpenAI): https://openai.com/dall-eCanva: https://www.canva.comPublisher Rocket (+ Cindy's Bonus eBook!): https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Other resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

In this week's episode, we take a look at five lessons for writers from Barnes & Nobles' turnaround. I also discuss indie author advertising results from February 2025. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Dragonskull: Blade of the Elves, Book #3 in the Dragonskull series (as excellently narrated by Brad Wills), at my Payhip store: BLADE50 The coupon code is valid through March 28, 2025. So if you need a new audiobook for spring, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates   Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 242 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is March 7, 2025, and today we are looking at writing lessons from the dramatic turnaround of Barnes and Noble. We'll also look at my ad results for February 2025 and we'll also have Coupon of the Week and an update on my current writing projects and Question of the Week.   First off, let's start with Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Dragonskull: Blade of the Elves, Book Number Three in the Dragon Skull Series (as excellent narrated by Brad Wills), at my Payhip store. That coupon code is BLADE50. We'll have the coupon code and the link in the show notes. This coupon code is valid through March 28th, 2025, so if you need a new audiobook for spring, we have got you covered. Now an update on my current writing and audiobook projects. The rough draft of Ghosts in the Assembly is done and I am 16% into the second phase of editing. If all goes well, I am planning to publish the book on March 14th, assuming there are no unanticipated interruptions, which is always risky to rely upon, but things are going well with it and I'm optimistic we can do that. I'm also 13,000 words into Shield of Battle and after Ghost in the Assembly is published, that will be my main project.   In audiobook news, Orc-Hoard, the fourth book in the Half-Elven Thief series (as narrated by Leanne Woodward), is now available and you can get it at all the usual audiobook stores. Half-Elven Thief: Omnibus One (which is a combination of Half-Elven Thief, Wizard-Thief, and Half-Orc Paladin, the first three books in the series) is also now available in audio (as excellently narrated by Leanne Woodward), and you can give that omnibus edition at Audible, Amazon, and Apple. So that is where I'm at with my current writing projects.   00:01:49 Question of the Week   Question the Week is designed to inspire enjoyable discussions of interesting topics. This week's question, when you have an unpleasant chore that must be done, do you prefer to split it up into smaller parts over a number of days or just to get it all over with at once? No wrong answers, obviously. The inspiration for this question is the fact that it's tax prep time here in the United States, and I have spent a lot of time this week working on that.   Justin says: I prefer to get it over with all at once if possible. Extending your example, I have somehow become the tax preparer for other family members, so there are a few days where that is what I do. I also set aside a few hours every month for vehicle maintenance: check fluids, tire pressure, top off everything, look at belts (replace if worn). It's amazing how more reliable cars are when you look after them a bit.   That is very true. Good car maintenance advice from Justin.   Catriona says: Procrastinate. I love to procrastinate, then the mad dash to the very last second of the deadline. Retired now, so no longer need to be efficiently organized.   Jenny says: Oh, split if I can, procrastinate if I can't. Dishes? Do some or put some away, do more later or let my laundry pile up until I have no pants.   And Juana says: Let's get this over with. (Transcriptionist's note: this was posted in the form of a GIF of Liz Lemon from 30 Rock)   For myself, I suppose the answer is that I essentially get to do both since I'm technically a small business owner as a publisher, I do some tax stuff every month and then usually have a couple of days in March that are all tax prep. Other than that, it really depends on the size of the task in question. My preferred way would be to split a task up into smaller pieces and do 'em until they're done. But if you have something like snow shoveling, for example, you really do have to kind of bite the bullet and get it over with all at once.   00:03:21 February 2025 Ad Results   Now let's see how my ads did in February 2025. February is generally a better month for advertising than November, December, and January. The reason for that is that Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl drives some consumer spending, though not nearly as much as the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, and so therefore the cost per click is often lower and you can usually have good results with ads.   First up, Facebook ads. In February, I advertised both Cloak Games/Cloak Mage and all the Ghosts on Facebook. For Cloak Games/Cloak Mage, I got back $2.98 (USD) for every dollar spent, with 6.8% of the profit coming from the audiobooks. For the Ghosts, I got back $3.24 cents for every dollar spent, with 15.4% of the profit coming from the audiobooks. I also ran a few different Amazon ad campaigns. Remember that for an Amazon ad campaign to work, it needs to generate a sale or a complete Kindle Unlimited page readthrough for every six to eight clicks. For Half-Elven Thief, I got back $2.30 for every dollar spent, with a sale for every 0.68 clicks. In other words, we had more total sales than we had clicks. For Stealth and Spells Online: Creation, I lost $2.52 for every dollar spent, with a sale for every 8.1 clicks. For The Linux Command Line Beginner's Guide, I got back $1.86 for every dollar spent, with a sale for every one click and 32% of the month's profit coming from the audiobook. I think this shows how badly I misjudged the LitRPG market with Stealth and Spells Online. The ads for Half-Elven Thief actually get more search terms for LitRPG related searches than Stealth and Spells actually does. I ran BookBub ads for Sevenfold Sword and The Ghosts on Apple, and here's how they did. For The Ghosts, I got back $5.26 for every dollar spent. For Sevenfold Sword, I got back $4.35 for every $1 spent. Finally, for the Demonsouled series, which is currently in KU, I did a combined Facebook and Amazon campaign, and when you run multi-platform ad campaigns like that, the most valuable metric tends to be honestly money back for dollar spent. So for Demonsouled, I got back $2.58 for every dollar spent. So good results, all in all, and I didn't actually lose that much money on Stealth and Spells. So thanks for reading everyone and hopefully I'll have more good books for you to read soon.   00:05:47 Main Topic: Lessons for Writers from Barnes and Noble's Turnaround   So now onto our main topic this week, lessons for Writers from Barnes and Noble's Turnaround because it is fair to say Barnes and Noble has had a turnaround recently. For a while at the end of the 2010s and the early 2020s, people would have their self-publishing predictions for the year, and one of them was almost always that Barnes and Noble is going to finally close, which was a reversal of fortune for it because if you remember in the ‘90s and the 2000s and even the early part of the 2010s, Barnes and Noble was the juggernaut in the publishing industry. They had forced out of business a lot of smaller indie bookstores and what Barnes and Noble wanted in the publishing industry, Barnes and Noble got. Then just as Barnes and Noble disrupted all the smaller book chains and independent bookstores, Amazon came along and disrupted Barnes and Noble. And so for a while it looked like Barnes and Noble was going to go out of business, but Barnes and Noble's revenue actually grew 1.6% in fiscal year 2024, and their foot traffic is up significantly. They're planning 60 new stores after a wave of closures in previous years.   A few years ago, as I said, they seemed headed for extinction, yet a combination of unpredictable factors and good decisions helped turned around Barnes and Noble. What are some of those factors leading into it? I suspect one of them is that many people are forced to be on screens all day and can find this frustrating or stressful, especially when schooling and work were virtual. I've talked to some teachers over the past couple of years and they would tell me stories of, for example, younger children who will burst into tears at the site of a Chromebook just because the experience of remote learning via Chromebooks was so stressful and miserable in 2020 and 2021 (and places that held onto that policy for probably longer than they should have). So much socialization nowadays is conducted online too through TikToks and chats and text messages and so forth. Because of this, many now feel like print books are a break from being constantly online. Various social media people such as TikTokers and Instagrammers make Barnes and Noble trips and hauls, showing off giant stacks of the latest books, filling up feeds. Home book displays are also a trend online, as collectors show off carefully style collections of books. Owning physical books and browsing the shelves at Barnes and Noble has become cool again. Truly history is a wheel that keeps on turning.   So what lessons can you take from this turnaround as a writer (even if your physical books aren't stocked by Barnes and Noble and you don't sell that many eBooks through them)? How they approach their relationship with their readers and their customers still has a few lessons to provide writers.   #1: Focus on your primary mission and also double down on what actually works. Barnes and Noble started to devote much of their store space to a confusing, aimless mixture of toys and gifts mixed in with the books. The stores began to look cluttered and much of this merchandise did not actually sell to their customers. They also wasted a large sum of money trying to compete with Amazon, Apple, and tech companies with their Nook tablets and kept Nook ereaders as a strong store presence long after it was clear they had lost the battle for the ebook market. There was even an extremely ill-advised foray into Barnes and Noble restaurants. Customers were quick to reject $13 avocado toast and $7 oatmeal from a mall chain bookstore.   One, when the company focused on returning to selling print books and making the store a better place to browse, sales improved. Many stores moved the gifts and games away from the book areas and back into the dedicated sections, which cleaned up the layout and made it easier for customers wanting non-book items to find what they were looking for. Since most of the customers were actually there to buy books, that made it easier to buy books.   How to apply this as a writer? Your job as a writer is to create and sell books. Getting lost in side quests, like overly frequent social media posting, creating courses or webinars, and selling merchandises are only taking time away from what your readers actually want the most from you: more books. So double down on writing more books, just as Barnes Noble doubled down on selling more books.   #2: Target the right people. Barnes Noble's display spaces and tables were taken up by books that publishers paid to place there. This led to their prime store space being taken up by books that were often poor sellers or not a good fit for their local customers. It was better to turn down the short-term money but have more targeted displays, including putting similar books in “thematic nooks.”   By focusing much of their marketing on the BookTok/Bookstagram groups of heavy readers, they were able to find ways to appeal to a younger and growing customer base. Since this group loves books both as content and décor, showcasing exclusive or “aesthetic” special editions was a way to bring these customers back into the store and keep them from buying cheaper copies online. These readers were also willing to spend a few dollars extra for the experience and to ensure that the books they were buying weren't damaged, which is often a complaint when you buy books online, that they sometimes aren't packaged properly and arrive damaged in transit. Store space was also devoted to manga readers, another group that reads voraciously and enjoys the experience of reading the print version and later collecting the print version as opposed to the electronic one.   Now, how do you apply this as a writer? Appeal to your core audience. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, find your core “thematic nook” (as Barnes Noble puts it), meaning similar authors and titles. There are resources like Publisher Rocket that can help you do this. Focus your advertising on finding these readers instead of the general population.   For myself, I've experienced this lesson personally in the last four years because in the last four years I've tried three different new things: The Cormac Rogan Mysteries, the Stealth and Spells LitRPG book, and the Rivah Half-Elven series. And of the three, Rivah was by far the most successful because it was another form of epic fantasy, which I think is what my core audience really wants from me and not contemporary mysteries or LitRPG. So this is the lesson I can attest to through personal experience.   #3: Give customers a good experience. Barnes and Noble spent money on repainting, installing brighter lighting, and changing store layouts. The CEO James Daunt stated it was their aim to make the store feels like “places of discovery.” Chairs were even added back to some stores to allow readers to browse in comfort.   Now, how can you apply this to being a writer? First, you want to make sure that your readers have the easiest possible experience, the most pleasant possible experience in buying books from you. One way to do this is keep your website updated and check for broken links, which is easier said than done. I know, especially for me since Ghost in the Assembly will be my 160th novel, and that is a lot of links to check and my website had gotten complex enough that I finally hired someone to overhaul it and make sure all the links were working. But I think we've had good results since traffic is up and I get much fewer complaints now about dead links. It's often a good idea to refresh ad images to keep potential readers' attention. For Facebook ads, I think based on my experience, the best you can hope for is two to three weeks of good results with a single image. For BookBub, maybe three or four days. So it's good to have a supply of ad images you can rotate out often. Finally, incentivize readers to read your newsletter by keeping it brief and providing some kind of special reward, like a discount or bonus content, which is why I give away a lot of short stories in my email newsletter.   #4: Be willing to change it up or try new things. Barnes and Noble's leadership also ceded more control of the selection and displays to the individual stores, allowing them to better customize the stores towards the taste of the community. For most of Barnes and Noble's history, if you walked into the store and you saw the displays in the front and on the end caps where books were highlighted. Publishers paid through the nose for the privilege of having their books stocked that way. And while there is still some of that, obviously the new regime at Barnes and Noble has changed things around so that more local stores have greater control of what to put where, which means they can put out more books that their local community is more likely to buy. If you walk into a Barnes and Noble in Illinois, for example, you're much more likely to see a large display of Illinois local history than you would have otherwise.   For another example, I once visited a Barnes and Noble in a large suburb that had a very large teenage population that had the Young Adult section wedged in a single cramped back corner by the bathrooms. It was extremely unpleasant to browse, especially if one person was already in the aisle. And of course, if there was a line for the bathroom, which is often the case, teenagers typically want more physical space from strangers. This decision to put the Young Adult section in a cramped corner in the back of the store was clearly made by someone who did not a lot of experience talking to or working with teenagers. After Daunt's changes, Young Adult was moved to the center of the store. The aisles in the new section were extra wide to accommodate groups of teens browsing together, and it was now full of colorful displays, many of which were handmade by staff members. In the times I visited this Barnes and Noble since, it is always the busiest part of the store.   Another surprise area of growth was the refreshing of the stationery and planner section. The previous selection was stale and heavily reliant on older licensed properties like Disney. It wasn't reflective of the trends in the category being popularized (once again by Instagram and TikTok), such as dot grid notebooks with high quality paper and guided journals (like the influencer favorite, the Five Minute Journal, which offers a few brief prompts to reflect on the day). Barnes and Noble bought the stationery brand Paper Source, which brought in fresh designs to its cards and stationery. They also changed their selection to adapt to two of the biggest trends in stationery, bullet journaling and customizable Japanese planners. Stationery enthusiasts were willing to pay a premium to be able to see stationery items in person before buying, since that allows you to avoid counterfeit versions that are sold online and ensure that the product was in pristine condition and would not arrive through the mail damaged. Since the margins on stationery are way higher than they are in books, this was a wise decision.   Now how can we apply this lesson as a writer? One of the advantages of being self-published is the ability to change quickly based on data and reader feedback. For example, the Stealth and Spells Online series was originally called the Sevenfold Sword Online. Once I realized that readers were confusing this series with the main Sevenfold Sword series, I changed the title to help prevent confusion and emphasized that the series was in fact a separate one. I also changed the cover to reflect trends in the LitRPG series, such as characters' faces usually not being shown and a more diffused, animation-influenced color palette.   If one of your books isn't connecting with readers, it may be worth your time to update your blurb and cover trends based on your categories. Another similar experience I had was with the Silent Order covers where I went through five different iterations with that cover before I settled on the version I have now, which definitely sells the best.     #5: Do what Amazon can't. The new CEO of Barnes and Noble focused on what Amazon couldn't do: provide a physical environment for browsing.  Browsing aisles of books with a cup of coffee (from the Barnes and Noble Café) in hand is a relaxing experience for many people. Amazon famously tried to set up its own chain of physical bookstores, and it didn't work out because the experience for customers tended to be industrial and unpleasant in a way that made an airport newsstand seem downright cozy in comparison. The bookstores were stocked with just a very limited selection of popular books on plain shelves with electronic price tags. Nothing about it inspired browsing or finding new books, the most important way physical bookstores inspire readers to buy additional books.   This was an example of Amazon doing the opposite of our first lesson. Rather than doubling down on what was working, they tried something that was away from their core competency of low prices and fast delivery, which was a physical bookstore. In fact, one of these Amazon bookstores opened across the street from author Ann Patchett's Parnassus books, which is an indie bookstore in Nashville that provides lots of help from friendly, knowledgeable staff, autographed books from authors like Patchett, and a full calendar of events with local authors. Reviewers who have visited this indie bookstore rave about the friendly and helpful staff and the cozy atmosphere. Even though Parnassus offered higher prices than the Amazon bookstore across the street, the experience was so much better that it's not surprising that the Amazon bookstore did not work and that Parnassus outlasted this physical Amazon bookstore that opened across the street. As many people have found out the hard way, it is very difficult to compete with Amazon on price. Instead of constantly discounting books with buy two get one free promotions or providing steep discounts through its membership program, Barnes and Noble stopped trying to compete with Amazon on price and turned their attention to something that Amazon couldn't do, which is the physical experience of the store. Events like children's story times and special events (complete with gift bags) for popular releases like Onyx Storm brought in people who hadn't been to a physical store in a while.   Now, the point of this isn't to indulge in Amazon bashing because Amazon does get criticized a lot, sometimes fairly, sometimes not fairly. The point is that trying to compete with Amazon on its core competencies of low price and fast delivery is not a good idea. And so instead, you need to try and find a way to do something well that Amazon can't do or Amazon isn't interested in doing. Even if Amazon remains a big part of your business as an indie writer, you can diversify your profits and readership by looking beyond Amazon.   What can't Amazon do for your readers? You can engage with your readers directly through your newsletter and social media. That's why I try to post at least once a day and respond to comments when possible. You can find ways to provide special content for loyal readers, which I do personally in the form of free short stories, discounts, Coupon of the Week (which we always talk about every week). Giveaways, et cetera provide something that Amazon can't or won't. For example, direct sales platforms like my Payhip store can provide DRM free ebook files, multiple file formats with each purchase, and special bonus content for readers buying direct and so forth. If you buy a book off My Payhip store, you can download the epub file and a PDF file, which you can't do from Amazon anymore.   On a related note, give people who don't want to buy from Amazon a place to buy your books, whether that be other ebook vendors or your own direct sales page (or ideally both). I should mention that personally of my (soon to be) 160 books, only 14% of them are currently on Kindle Unlimited (which means Amazon exclusivity), which is a fortunate position I'm able to be in because Kindle Unlimited is also a big part of the market. I'm able to essentially play in both worlds where I have the majority of my series available wide (and available on my Payhip store with files and the other things we were talking about), while also providing some books for Kindle Unlimited readers, which also is a big part of the pool. I'm fortunate enough to be able to play in both worlds there and continue to do that.   To sum up, Barnes and Noble recovered by focusing on what it does best and finding the people who respond best to that. As a writer, I think your main focus should be on putting out new books and targeting your advertising is the best way to make that approach work for you. If you have a long series, it might be a good idea to make the first book free and advertise that if you want to connect more with your readers, giving away short stories is a good way to do that, especially in your newsletter. So to sum up, perhaps the best way forward for all writers is to remain flexible and to double down on your core competencies and core strengths.   So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com, often with transcripts. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.  

Want to publish low-content books like journals, planners, or activity books? Researching trends is key! Start with Amazon Best Sellers to find high-ranking books. Use keyword searches to see what's trending. Tools like Publisher Rocket and BookBolt provide insights on demand. Read reviews to spot customer preferences. Check Google Trends for seasonal spikes. Analyze top KDP competitors and track Amazon's Movers & Shakers for hot niches. Research smart, publish smarter!#SelfPublishing #KDP #LowContentBooks #PassiveIncome #AmazonSelling #BookMarketing #PublishingTips

S4E10Spring into Creativity: How to Create Seasonal Puzzle Books That Sell!Spring is a season of renewal, and it's the perfect time to create seasonal puzzle books that attract buyers looking for fresh, engaging content. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie dive into how to create, design, and market puzzle books with a spring theme using A Book Creator and other AI tools. Plus, learn how Publisher Rocket can help you find profitable niches and how you can get Cindy's exclusive 12 Months of Book Ideas eBook when purchasing through her affiliate link. If you're ready to boost your sales with puzzle books this season, this episode is for you!Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Publisher Rocket (+ Cindy's Bonus eBook): https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonuS-course-p1Canva: https://www.canva.comMetricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E9Spring into Sales: Seasonal Marketing Strategies for Self-Publishers!As the flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, spring offers a wealth of opportunities to refresh your marketing strategies and connect with readers. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share actionable tips for leveraging spring themes to boost book sales. Learn how to create timely promotions, design fresh visuals, and use AI tools to automate your campaigns. Whether you're selling fiction, non-fiction, or printables, this episode will help you turn the season into sales.Show Notes/Links:Links to Mentioned Tools:Canva:https://www.canva.comA Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFConvertKit:https://convertkit.comChatGPT (OpenAI):https://chat.openai.comOther resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xdPuzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourseColoring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksaiFree AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75Get "12 Months of Book Ideas - 365 Ideas for Low Content Books" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUFCindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E8 Beyond the Basics: Advanced Amazon Ads Strategies for Self-Publishers! SUMMARY: If you've already dipped your toes into Amazon Ads but aren't seeing the results you'd hoped for, this episode is for you. Cindy and Tammie break down advanced strategies to help you take your ad campaigns to the next level. Learn how to master keyword optimization, leverage audience targeting, and use AI tools like Publisher Rocket and ChatGPT to create compelling ad copy. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to make your ad campaigns more effective and profitable. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.com PPC Entourage: https://ppcentourage.com Amazon Ads Dashboard: https://advertising.amazon.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379 Cindy's Publisher Rocket Link:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/

S4E7 From Idea to Reality: How to Launch a Book in 90 Days Using AI Tools! Summary: Think launching a book in 90 days is impossible? Think again! In this episode, Cindy and Tammie break down a step-by-step roadmap to take your book from concept to launch in just three months. With the help of AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, A Book Creator, and Metricool, you'll learn how to brainstorm, draft, design, and market your book efficiently without sacrificing quality. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/  ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Canva: https://www.canva.com ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S4E6 Valentine's Day Special: How to Market Romance and Relationship-Themed Books Effectively! Summary: Valentine's Day is a prime opportunity to market romance and relationship-themed books to readers hungry for love stories and self-improvement guides. In this special episode, Cindy and Tammie share actionable strategies for creating eye-catching promotions, leveraging holiday-themed campaigns, and crafting emotional connections with readers. Learn how AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva can help you quickly create content and run ads that resonate with your audience. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: A Book Creator Free 3-Day Trial: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Canva: https://www.canva.com Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!One can easily overlook that little piece of the Amazon upload process where you specify 7 keywords related to your title. After all, who wants to filter through the millions of options to find 7 that are most likely to ensure your book is seen by the readers actively looking for it? It might not sound fun, but it's a step you don't want to ignore or breeze through. In short, strategically choosing keywords helps to ensure visibility and connection with the right audience. In this episode, we explore practical keyword strategies and how tools like Publisher Rocket that can help authors succeed in an incredibly saturated marketplace. TOPICS COVERED:• The importance of keywords in book discoverability • Common misconceptions about keyword relevance • Strategies for selecting effective keywords • How to analyze competitor keywords  • The unique benefits of long-tail keywords• How intentionally crafted book descriptions can enhance keyword effectivenessRESOURCES MENTIONED*Publisher Rocket: How to Choose the Most Effective KeywordsGoogle Suggestion Expander extension *Affiliate link Awesome Email Templates for AuthorsFrom communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers.

S4E5 The AI Advantage: Automate and Streamline Your Self-Publishing Workflow! Summary: Time is every self-publisher's most valuable resource, and AI tools are here to help you save it. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie explore how AI can simplify your self-publishing workflow—from brainstorming book ideas and drafting content to designing covers, managing marketing campaigns, and analyzing sales data. Learn how to integrate tools like ChatGPT, Canva, A Book Creator, and Metricool into your daily routine and reclaim hours of your time while boosting productivity and creativity. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com ConvertKit: https://convertkit.com Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Canva: https://www.canva.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S4E4 Mastering Reader Engagement: How to Build an Email List That Converts in 2025! An engaged email list is one of the most valuable assets for any self-publisher. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share actionable strategies for building, growing, and nurturing an email list that turns subscribers into loyal readers. From creating irresistible lead magnets to crafting engaging sequences and leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT and ConvertKit, you'll learn how to build a thriving email community in 2025. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.com ConvertKit: https://convertkit.com Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF MailerLite: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379 Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S4E3 Repurposing Your Content: Turn One Book Into Multiple Income Streams! SUMMARY: Why stop at just one product when your book can become many? In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share strategies for repurposing your book's content into additional income streams. From workbooks and planners to audiobooks, printables, and online courses, discover how to make the most of your hard work. Plus, learn how AI tools like ChatGPT and A Book Creator can help streamline the process and maximize your revenue. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ ChatGPT (OpenAI):https://chat.openai.com Etsy: https://www.etsy.com Teachable: https://www.teachable.com Canva: https://www.canva.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S4E2 AI-Powered Content Creation: How to Plan a Year of Social Media Posts in One Week! SUMMARY: Social media is one of the most effective tools for promoting your books, but keeping up with consistent posts can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie reveal how to plan an entire year of engaging social media content in just one week using AI tools. From brainstorming post ideas with ChatGPT to designing eye-catching visuals with Canva and scheduling everything with Metricool, you'll get actionable tips to streamline your content strategy and save hours every month. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.com Metricool: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Canva: https://www.canva.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S4E1 New Year, New Niche: How to Find Profitable Markets for Your Next Book! SUMMARY: Start 2025 with a fresh focus by discovering a profitable niche for your next book. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie walk listeners through the steps to identify underserved book categories, validate demand, and avoid over-saturated markets. Learn how to use tools like Publisher Rocket, ChatGPT, and Amazon search trends to uncover hidden opportunities and set your next project up for success. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chat.openai.com Google Trends: https://trends.google.com A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Publisher Rocket:  https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S3E64 Hitting the Ground Running: Marketing Strategies for January 2025! Summary: The start of a new year is the perfect time to engage readers and boost your book sales. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share practical marketing strategies for making the most of January, from leveraging New Year's resolutions to targeting gift card redeemers. Learn how to plan effective promotions, create fresh content, and use AI tools to automate your efforts. Start 2025 strong with these actionable tips! Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: ChatGPT (OpenAI):https://chat.openai.com Canva:https://www.canva.com Metricool:https://metricool.com ConvertKit:https://convertkit.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S3E63 2024 Reflection: What Worked, What Didn't, and What's Next! Summary: As 2024 winds down, it's time to reflect on your self-publishing journey. In this episode, Cindy and Tammie guide you through the process of evaluating what worked, what didn't, and how to use those insights to improve in 2025. From reviewing sales and marketing strategies to analyzing reader feedback, you'll learn how to turn this year's challenges and successes into actionable goals for the future. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: Google Analytics:https://analytics.google.com Metricool:https://metricool.com Google Forms:https://forms.google.com Typeform:https://www.typeform.com Notion:https://www.notion.so Trello:https://trello.com ChatGPT (OpenAI):https://chat.openai.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S3E62 Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tactics to Boost Book Sales! Summary: In this episode, Cindy and Tammie share actionable strategies for self-publishers to capitalize on the final weeks of the holiday shopping season. From flash sales and social media campaigns to creative bundling and giftable promotions, you'll learn quick and effective ways to attract holiday shoppers. Plus, discover how AI tools can help you design eye-catching graphics and craft engaging messages with ease. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: A Book Creator: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Canva:https://www.canva.com ChatGPT (OpenAI):https://chat.openai.com Rafflecopter:https://www.rafflecopter.com KingSumo:https://kingsumo.com VistaCreate: https://create.vista.com Other resources: Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

S3E61​​ Planning Your 2025 Publishing Schedule: A Goal-Setting Guide for Self-Publishers! Summary: In this episode, Cindy and Tammie dive into practical strategies for setting and achieving your publishing goals in 2025. From creating a realistic publishing calendar and setting sales targets to planning writing and marketing milestones, you'll learn how to stay organized and make steady progress toward your goals. Plus, discover how AI tools can help with time management and accountability, so you can stay on track and make 2025 your most productive year yet. Show Notes/Links: Links to Mentioned Tools: Trello: https://trello.com  ClickUp:https://clickup.com Notion AI: https://notion.so Focusmate: https://focusmate.com Jasper AI: https://www.jasper.ai Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com Buffer: https://buffer.com Metricool:  https://i.mtr.cool/CARGU MailerLite: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c537 ConvertKit: https://convertkit.com Other resources:Tammie's A Book Creator 3-Day Trial Affiliate Link: https://kdp4b2b--aududu.thrivecart.com/3-day-free-trial-membership/ Get 40 free listings when you open a shop on Etsy: https://etsy.me/3XhW8xd Puzzle Book Courses Bundle:https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/ai-sp-seven-puzzle-book-coures-bundle-plus-activity-puzzle-bonus-course-p1 Creating Children's Picture Books with AI course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spchildrenspicturebooksaicourse Coloring Book Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/spcoloringbooksai Free AI for Self-Publishers Webinar Course: https://www.aiselfpublishingbooks.com/6de7cd75 Get "A Year of Book and Marketing Ideas" eBook as a bonus when you use Cindy's Affiliate Link to purchase Publisher Rocket: https://aududu--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/ Cindy's Metricool Link: https://i.mtr.cool/CARGUF Cindy's MailerLite Link: https://www.mailerlite.com/a/82bb987c5379

Jamie Northrup is no stranger to the “make money online” scene. He's been doing it for almost 20 years with varying success, depending on the strategy.  For years he has been developing different income streams, focusing particularly on side hustles with no customers, with considerable success. When he was laid off, he was lucky he didn't have to worry, because he had a solid hustle or two to keep him afloat. Fast forward to today, and Jamie runs the Minimalist Hustler brand, where he teaches people to develop their own side hustles. He has several different income streams, from products to newsletters, and is on track to hit six figures in 2025. Links & Resources Minimalist Hustler - https://minimalisthustler.com/ Medium - https://medium.com/ Amazon KDP - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/ Skool - https://www.skool.com/ Gumroad - https://gumroad.com/ Self Publishing Titans - https://www.selfpublishingtitans.com/ Publisher Rocket - https://publisherrocket.com/ Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/partners/bookbub_ads Josh Spector - https://joshspector.com/ Ready to join a niche publishing mastermind, and hear from industry experts each week? Join the Niche Pursuits Community here: https://community.nichepursuits.com Be sure to get more content like this in the Niche Pursuits Newsletter Right Here: https://www.nichepursuits.com/newsletter Want a Faster and Easier Way to Build Internal Links?  Get $15 off Link Whisper with Discount Code "Podcast" on the Checkout Screen: https://www.nichepursuits.com/linkwhisper Get SEO Consulting from the Niche Pursuits Podcast Host, Jared Bauman: https://www.nichepursuits.com/201creative

When Dave Chesson was in the US Navy, he would spend lots of time away from his family. And he hated it.  He decided to create a portfolio of niche sites in an attempt to earn enough to quit his job, but his path took a different turn. He got the idea to turn one of his websites into a book and self-publish it. As it turned out, it was the start of something big, and it allowed him to eventually quit his job to be with his wife and kids. Today, he's the author of 10 books which have earned him +$750k to date, and he also created a tool and a website to help others publish their books using the Kindle Publishing Platform. In this interview, he shares the details of his journey as well as lots of tips for getting started with—and succeeding—with self-publishing.   Links & Resources Dave's site, Kindlepreneur - https://kindlepreneur.com/ Dave's tool, Publisher Rocket - https://publisherrocket.com/ Dave's Amazon Ads course - https://davechesson.podia.com/amazon-advertisements-for-books-course Atticus.io - https://www.atticus.io/ Ready to join a niche publishing mastermind, and hear from industry experts each week? Join the Niche Pursuits Community here: https://community.nichepursuits.com Be sure to get more content like this in the Niche Pursuits Newsletter Right Here: https://www.nichepursuits.com/newsletter Want a Faster and Easier Way to Build Internal Links?  Get $15 off Link Whisper with Discount Code "Podcast" on the Checkout Screen: https://www.nichepursuits.com/linkwhisper Get SEO Consulting from the Niche Pursuits Podcast Host, Jared Bauman: https://www.nichepursuits.com/201creative

The Kindlepreneur Dave Chesson announced the new Reverse ASIN research tool for Publisher Rocket, a game-changer for keyword research. Draft2Digital shared the results from a recent survey about AI licensing, plus they announced major plans to remove and block any summary books published through their platform. And, Miblart gives you all the details you need to know for increasing book sales. All that and more in the self-publishing news this week!  Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro  (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com  Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks  Sources: Draft2Digital: Content Policy Changes - https://authoremail.com/email/campaigns/xj7298jkokd65/web-version/lg0604x35fb97   Draft2Digital: 2024 AI Training Survey Results - https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/2024-ai-training-survey-results/ Google Play Books: Introducing contentless pre-orders - https://play.google.com/books/publish/u/0/ Miblart - https://DaleLinks.com/Miblart (affiliate link) Wolves in Authors' Clothing: Beware Social Media Marketing Scams - https://writerbeware.blog/2024/09/20/wolves-in-authors-clothing-beware-social-media-marketing-scams/ IngramSpark: Nominate Your Book Today! - https://www.ingramspark.com/editorial-calendar Reverse ASIN for Books - See your Competitors Keywords - https://youtu.be/0wLeamxNr6U?si=GHfFJjYwjJV_kmS8 Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) Barnes & Noble Press - https://press.barnesandnoble.com/ Advertising for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/AdsBook 20+ Nonfiction Authors Share Insights at the Inaugural Nonfiction Showcase - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20-nonfiction-authors-share-insights-inaugural-showcase-ross-brand-kspcc Engage Readers Without Selling Out — Diane Vallere's Approach to Promotion: The Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-engage-readers/  How to Market and Promote Your Book When Publishing Wide: The Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-publishing-wide/ Fully Booked EP141: A Publishing Powerhouse Roundtable about AI Writing & More... - https://youtu.be/-N7pDjlCWew?si=O8MVBD287ZLXQ1BX The Indy Author Podcast: Book Sponsorships with Dale L. Roberts - https://youtu.be/Ky4Z8aCbVyI?si=3LX6bhD3Q5xJyRlh  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

How can you harness the joy and fun of writing in a younger voice? Join us today to find out! Jennifer Lane was born in NSW, Australia, which is where her novels are set, but she's lived in Wellington, New Zealand, for more than half her life, and that's where she's joining us from today. Her first novel, All our Secrets won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel in 2018, and her second, Miracle, published in 2022, was a New Zealand YA Award finalist. She recently finished her third novel - tentatively called She Loves You. Publisher Rocket new Amazon Ads Course - FREE! HERE.

We often want there to be an easier way to write, but hey, how about the best, fastest way? Let's talk about going through it. Tasha Coryell lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, toddler, and greyhound. She holds an MFA in creative writing and a PhD in composition and rhetoric from the University of Alabama. Her book of short stories, HUNGRY PEOPLE, was published by Split Lip Press in 2018. Her debut novel, LOVE LETTERS TO A SERIAL KILLER is out now. Publisher Rocket new Amazon Ads Course - FREE! HERE.

Are you looking for a more efficient way to research keywords? Would you like to know the best way to find a category for your book on Amazon? What if you could search for the right targets for your Amazon Ads (AMS)? Then, let's explore the self-publishing tool, Publisher Rocket. Discover if the tool is good for KDP specific research and if the positive reviews are truly merited! Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) Get access to my NEW book: - Self-Publishing for New Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/NewAuthors  Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Amazon KDP rolled out a new contest for Kindle Vella where the prize pool is over $62,000. Is it a ploy to bring more authors back? Or, a legitimate way to elevate authors? The Kindlepreneur Dave Chesson announced a HUGE update to the market research tool, Publisher Rocket, that includes a whole new Amazon Ads option and a free course for Amazon Advertising. And, Miblgroup is celebrating their 8th birthday and want you to save a bunch on your next order. All that and more in the self-publishing news. Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts  Sources: Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) NEW FEATURE: Amazon Ads Made Easy! - https://youtu.be/i-hkz4A2gss?si=x_lhqOlDFM3rprfP Sell More Books with Amazon Ads 2.0 - https://davechesson.podia.com/amazon-advertisements-for-books-course Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link) The Vellys - https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/Vellys Miblart's 8th Birthday Celebration (Use code MIBLCAKE15) - https://DaleLinks.com/Miblart (affiliate link) Getpremades (Use code PREMADE20) - https://getpremades.com/ Book Cover Critique 2024 - https://mailparrot.reedsy.com/subscriptions/new?list_id=7a44d6eecd&utm_source=mailparrot_newsletter&utm_campaign=marketplace_live_cover_critique_july_2024&utm_medium=email Author Education Revamp: See What's New! - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvf-qtrz4vGtZY0esftYt08pOXt6GNILRI#/registration Self-Publishing for New Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/NewAuthors  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Why shouldn't spite be harnessed for its sheer power? Get on board this new methodology - you'll love it! Ashley Poston (she/they) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip. They write stories about love and friendship and ever afters. A native to South Carolina, they now live in a small grey house with their sassy cat and too many books. You can find them on the internet, somewhere, watching cat videos and reading fan-fiction. A Novel Love Story is their most recent release. Susan Dennard 1 page synopsis: HERE. Rachael Aarons 2k-10k: HERE.Publisher Rocket new Amazon Ads Course - FREE! HERE.

Being an author requires you to have hundreds of online accounts for different software and services. Websites such as Amazon, ConvertKit, Publisher Rocket, Patreon, K-lytics, Bookvault, AuthorMedia.social, AuthorsXP, BookBub, Kickstarter, Teachable, Bluehost, WordPress, Grammarly, and Plottr (to name a few) all require a username and password.Some authors avoid using helpful tools simply because they don't want to create and remember yet another username and password. It seems like too much hassle, and their writing and publishing efficiency and quality suffer as a result.But what if there was a simple way to eliminate your password problems? There is!In this week's episode you'll learnFour password mistakes to avoidWhich tools provide password securityMy recommendation (which has changed in recent years)If you're ready to eliminate your password problems, listen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to find password peace of mind.You can become a patron at NovelMarketing.com/patron. Support the Show.

Ever feel like the process of getting your book from concept to print is mired in a swamp of software and formatting woes? Enter Dave Chesson, the genius behind Kindlepreneur and Publisher Rocket, who joins us to share the inner workings of Atticus, his latest innovation aimed at streamlining the author's journey. Imagine a world where writing, editing, and formatting are housed under one roof, collaboration is a breeze, and your manuscript is the only version you need to worry about. That's the reality Dave is creating, and we're here to give you the grand tour.As an author, the tug-of-war between creativity and the technical side of book production can be a major distraction. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how Atticus not only competes with but also plans to surpass established giants like Microsoft Word and Scrivener. Dave gives us the lowdown on making real-time edits without the headache, the upcoming features that will elevate your writing game, and the importance of a seamless formatting experience for both ebooks and print.Finally, we cast our gaze into the future, discussing how the landscape of ebook formatting is changing and how Atticus fits into this evolving ecosystem. With insights on the delicate dance with AI in publishing, and practical tips straight from our staff member Monique's YouTube tutorials, we're closing the gap between authors and the polished, professional books they dream of creating. If you're ready to discover the marriage of tech and touch in book publishing, Atticus might just be your perfect match.Watch the free training: https://selfpublishing.com/freetrainingSchedule a no-cost call with our team: https://selfpublishing.com/schedule Here are some links that might come in handy: Apply for a free book consultation Register for our free on-demand training Must-watch episodes: SPS 044: Using A Free + Shipping Book Funnel with Anik Singal SPS 115: Using Atomic Habits To Write & Publish A Book with James Clear SPS 127: Traditional vs. Self Publishing: Which You Should Choose with Ruth Soukup SPS 095: The Five Love Languages: Selling 15 Million Copies with Gary Chapman SPS 056: How I Sold 46M Copies of My Self Published Book with Robert Kiyosaki