SPA Girls Podcast

Alana Terry is a 6-figure, USA Today bestseller with more than forty published Christian suspense novels. She hosts the Successful Writer Podcast which is a  fabulous marketing-focused podcast for indie authors of any genre. Alana has also created several highly regarded courses to help authors reach their dreams of achieving creative and commercial success. Today we’re going to talk with Alana about how she uses advertising to grow her readership and how authors can navigate the sometimes confusing waters of Amazon ads and Facebook ads! Alana tells us how she got into writing and then we dive into demystifying Facebook Ads in particular. We discuss how you begin including which graphics and text work best. Also how much you’ll need to budget for. Then we move on to what to look for when checking your ads and how to know when and ad is working. Sometimes what you see is not what you get and that’s the case when you factor in advertising one book from a series. Readthrough is so important when calculating return on investment. (ROI)! Naturally we’re interested in any tricks we might use plus we weed out a few myths. You can find Alana’s website at www.AlanaTerry.com Her courses for authors are here: https://successfulwriter.podia.com/ Her course Smart Business for Authors, can be found here: https://your-author-engine.teachable.com/ Watch the recording of this episode on our You Tube Channel

No, we can’t quite believe we’ve been around this long either! Five years of publishing a new SPA Girls Podcast episode every week, countless amazing guests, industry experts and inspiring authors, lots of banter and (hopefully!) actionable self-publishing advice for our listeners. We go right back to our first episode (don’t worry, we won’t replay it), discuss the ONE piece of advice we’d give to new self-publishers, and talk about what we’ve learned / what’s changed, over the years. Thank you to everyone who’s been on this journey with us, and to those who are new, WELCOME …. we’re looking forward to the next five years! Watch this week’s recording here Join our page on facebook

Having trouble getting to ‘the end’ of your work in progress? then this podcast is for you. It’s packed with so much information you’ll have to replay it several times! Lisa Cron is a story coach and the author of Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers From the Very First Sentence and Story Genius: How To Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel (Before You Waste Three Years Writing 327 Pages that Go Nowhere) both published by Ten Speed Press. Lisa works with writers, nonprofits, educators and organizations, helping them master the unparalleled power of story, so they can move people to action – whether that action is turning the pages of a compelling novel, or taking to the streets to change the world for the better. Or both! Her 7 hour video class Wired for Story can be found at CreativeLive.com. Her video tutorial Writing Fundamentals: The Craft of Story can be found at Lynda.com. Lisa’s Website: http://wiredforstory.com/ Lisa’s Creative Live online course: https://www.creativelive.com/class/wired-for-story-lisa-cron

We’re on the couch again this week! We’re talking about our limiting beliefs and how we’re tackling them.  If you’re not sure if you’ve got a limiting belief… we’re pretty sure you do. Probably more than one. It’s a belief that’s holding you back, and it’s the kind of thought pattern that you definitely want to bring out into the open, so you know it’s there, and can work on ways to change or amend it. Limiting beliefs are something you probably think is just a fact, or just true, about yourself or the way things work. Sometimes it’s about the way you react to things, or how you feel about yourself when something happens a certain way. They’re not always obvious, and they’re not always easy to recognise and understand, let alone get rid of!  That’s why we decided to talk about how we’ve recognised our own limiting beliefs and what we’re doing to change them, so that you can look at your own beliefs and decide if any of them are holding you back from your dream publishing career!  SHOW NOTES: If we don’t think we can be successful for some reason, we won’t be. It’s as simple as that. We can sabotage ourselves without even realising we’re doing it. That’s why it’s so important to know and understand any limiting beliefs we may have so we can work on them! Some examples of limiting beliefs: “I’m just a disorganised person.”“I’m just messy, always have been.”“I’m just not that technical.”“I don’t know how to do it.”“I’ve never done it before.” Gay Hendricks – The Big Leap: “Each of us has an inner thermostat setting that determines how much love, success, and creativity that we allow ourselves to enjoy. When we exceed our inner thermostat setting, we will often do something to sabotage ourselves, causing us to drop back into the old, familiar zone where we feel secure.”

This week we discuss what advertising is actually working for our romance, urban fantasy and cozy mystery books. From facebook to series promotions, we’ve picked up some helpfully tips and strategies for getting the most bang of your advertising buck! Trudi’s notes on Facebook Ads: – need more than one book to make it work. (at least to make a profit, if your goals are to get eyes on your book, or get a rank, that might be different.) My new series ads aren’t making me money, because there’s only one book. That’s why I’m frantically writing the next books in the series.– baby steps and you need to have patience. Small iterations win the day. Don’t freak out and give up (like I have in the past) and say they don’t work. Because they work for some people, so why not you too?– Set a budget, make a plan, check every day, but not for long. (data rules the world)– don’t spend all your time on your image, it’s a waste of time. (not a complete waste of time, it’s just that the ad image that wins in a test isn’t always the one you think is the best image.)– Don’t forget to iterate your Amazon page. (this is super important. It doesn’t matter if you have a kick ass ad, if they’re not buying because you’ve got a lame Amazon page, then it’s a waste of time)– Read through is really important for ads– Test everything, including the buttons. (with or without, different ones etc). This can add 5-10% to your conversion, and every little bit helps.– Different things work for different genres. What works for one author might not work exactly the same way for you, but that’s okay. Test until you find what works for you Cheryl’s Notes on Series Promotion through Written Word Media:Book One FreeBook Two 99centsBook Three 2.99Book Four full price Cheryl also discusses how she’s approach promo stacking and using Bookbub ads and new release promo. Wendy’s notes on facebook and fear: FB – doing a budget beginning of each month. Allocate how much to spent on -backlist, -new release etc, -email newsletter signups. Break down each book etcFB- get in and just do it! Wendy also discusses rebranding an entire series, and getting traction without a bookbub; using other platforms and 5 free days promo. As promised, here are Wendy’s before her rebranding makeover: And July 2020 rebranding for the Lake Howling series: Wendy’s updated blurb example for A PROMISE OF HOME , book one in the Lake Howling series….Original Version: When Branna O’Donnell heads back to Lake Howling, Oregon, she’s not sure what to expect. It’s a place that holds plenty of memories, both good and bad, but Branna is determined to find some peace there from the demons of her past. However, she soon realizes that living in a small town again comes with complications, and one of them is named Jake McBride.  Once the town golden boy, Dr. McBride has returned from Iraq angry and, like her, shouldering a few emotional scars. They strike sparks off each other from the outset, and Branna knows that if she gives in to the attraction between them it’s going to result in a world of pain. The problem is she’s not sure how to walk away. Updated blurb: Reclusive. Grumpy. Irresistible. Dr Jake McBride loves two things in life. His people, and chicken cheesy-crust pies. Returning from Iraq, he’s done with medicine and strangers… in fact life. He knows all about trauma, and plans on dealing with his, his own way. His needs are simple, solitude and working on his new career as the town recluse. The only problem with that… well two actually, are the interfering towns folk of Lake Howling, and Branna O’Donnell. He’s damn sure that her return means nothing to him… until it does! His first mistake was kissing her. His second was doing it again. Branna O’Donnell is burnt out and needs a place to stop running. Strange how that place is back where she’d once been happy. Settling in to small town life again comes with complications and the biggest has a serious attitude. Once the town golden boy, Jake McBride now wears a permanent snarl, not that anyone but her seems to notice the sexy doctor has changed. Sharing a bed complicates things but no way is Jake leaving Branna alone until they find who is threatening her, and even then he’s not sure he’ll be able to walk away. He can feel himself changing, and it’s all on her, but when her past comes calling with it comes the realization that more than lust is involved. He’s not sure he can be her hero but he knows he wants to try. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: KDRoi SPA Girls Podcast Episode #225 – David Gaughran’s Amazon Decoded SPA Girls Podcast Episodes #182 and #183 Facebook Ads with Maria Luis SPA Girls Podcast Episodes #191 and 192 with SKYE WARRENSPA Girls Podcast Episode #92 with Mark Dawson SPA Girls Podcast Episode 202 : Bookbub Ads with Melissa Storm Books: BookBub Ads Expert: A Marketing Guide to Author Discovery David GaughranHelp My Facebook Ads Suck by Mal Cooper Amazon Ads for Authors by Deb Potter

The delightful Carlyn Robertson from Bookbub returns to the SPA today to talk all things Chirp and audiobook promotion! What is Chirp? Chirp is an audiobook retailer powered by BookBub that highlights unbeatable discounts on audiobooks. Chirp offers listeners access to a full catalog of audiobooks that they can purchase á la carte with no subscription fees, but focuses especially on surfacing amazing, limited-time audiobook deals in members’ favorite genres. Their team works with publishers and authors to curate new deals every day, helping you drive significant increases in sales, reach new readers, and boost visibility for your audio titles. Cheryl and Shar quiz Carlyn on:* the key things an audiobook needs for success * pricing best practices * promotion strategies * other tips for audiobook promotion success * how to use bookbub ads to target audiobook listeners * when Chirp will open up to other regions (currently it’s just for US and Canadian residents) Guest Bio: Carlyn Robertson works in product marketing on BookBub’s Partners Team, where she ensures all authors & publishers know how to use BookBub’s tools to achieve their marketing goals. She writes content for the partners blog & website, speaks at conferences, & conducts market research. Find Carlyn at twitter: @CarlynAtBookBub and at Bookbub Partners blog for authors: https://insights.bookbub.com/ Resources: Chirpbooks.com Submit an audiobook for a Chirp deal Findaway Voices Promoting audiobooks with BookBub Ads Previous SPA Girls episodes with Findaway: http://selfpublishingauthorspodcast.com/spa-girls-podcast-ep139-kelly-lytle-from-findaway-voices/

In this podcast, we speak to the wonderfully talented and successful Urban Fantasy author Keri Arthur. She talks to us about transitioning from traditional publishing to self-publishing and shares tips and processes from her writing journey. Keri Arthur is the New York Times bestselling author of fantasy, horror, and romance novels. She began writing at the age of twelve and has more than 70 novels to date. Her books have received many nominations and prizes, including nods from the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards and PNR’s PEARL Awards, and has won RT’s Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her daughter. Keri is perhaps best known for a series of books revolving around the character Riley Jenson, who is a rare hybrid of vampire and werewolf and has a twin brother named Rhoan. Jensen works for an organization in Melbourne called the Directorate of Other Races, which was created to police supernatural races. www.keriarthur.com You’ll find all the show notes and SPA Girls podcast episodes at: www.spagirlspodcast.com Make sure you’re signed up to our weekly self-publishing tips newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bGkz8L Come say hi on Facebook and Twitter @spagirlspodcast  

Ines is back to give us great advice for incorporating screenwriting techniques to make our writing stronger and improve read through! Aside from being a writer and professional reader, Ines Johnson is a seasoned educator. She’s taught screenwriting, story development, and media history for an art college in Washington, DC. A lifelong learner (read: academic addict), she holds a Master’s in Instructional Design, and a Doctorate in Educational Technology. Here are those 7 Tips: 1. Seasons: try thinking in 3s (3 book series, 6 book series, 9 book series) – long series FTW! 2. Series / SerialA Series – can be read out of order – in romance, different couples but common element across series such as setting, community, event etcA Serial – needs to be read in order 3. Scene / Beat : a category of action that needs to happen and can be encapsulated by time and space – eg. in romance the “meet cute”, “black moment” etc For beat advice see Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes, Save the Cat, Heros Journey Ines writes in Scrivener and her chapters are usually a beat. There needs to be a purpose for each chapter / beat – needs to move the story forward, not just pretty words. 4. Teaser – in fiction, another name for prologue. Ines recommends downloading TV Scripts to see how they use a teaser at the beginning of an episode to give a jumping point into the story. At the END of Ines’ books, she uses a teaser of the next book to enhance reader clickthrough/buy through 5. Leads / Launches Same meaning for what starts the beginning of each chapter – can be action, character pov, narrative, setting description. Mix them up. So don’t have everyone chapter starting with the same lead (eg someone waking up). 6. Hooks & TwistsEvery scene needs five things: Scene purpose, goal, motivation, conflict, twist / hook The twist or hook at the end of the chapter or scene is what gets the reader turning the page. It’s asking an “end question” and leaves the reader on a … rather than a period. 7. Open Doors – this is the story question / conflict teaser for the next book. It leaves the door open for the reader to go into the next story. Not a cliffhanger – those don’t resolve the main story. Know your tropes! Ines’ open doors are short – no more than 500 words from the pov of the upcoming MC in next book. Links: Ines Johnson You Tube Channel where she details advice for authors: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClivO7XAP2GCRRz-7Bm3Nhw Ines’ website: https://ineswrites.com/ Script sites: https://www.dailyscript.com/ TV scripts at Scriptorama: http://www.script-o-rama.com/tvscript.shtml You’ll find all the show notes at: www.spagirlspodcast.com Keen to join the SPA Girls in a live workshop? Join our mailing list here and we’ll let you know the minute we have workshop bookings open. https://selfpublishingworkshop.co.nz/index.html Come say hi on Facebook and twitter @spagirlspodcast

This is a special two-part series with the awesome Ines Johnson, a highly successful indie author who has an extensive background in television writing, media production and college education. In this episode, we cover Pen Names and Productivity. Ines has three pen names (that cover different genres) and she is the epitome of an organised, savvy and productive author that has so much to share with us! Topics we discuss include: Her fast-draft process and why Ines doesn’t write by wordcount How she thinks in scenes and seasons per her television writing roots Her advice for managing social media with more than one pen name Why focussing on backlist is a smart strategy Plotting and world building  This is a must-listen episode that you will find incredibly motivating. Ines is a powerful educator and this is such a treat to have her in the Spa! (which is also why we’re convincing her to come back next week too 😉 ) Ines Johnson Bio: Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She writes books where damsels cause the distress, princesses wield swords, and moms save the world. Aside from being a writer and professional reader, Ines Johnson is a seasoned educator. She’s taught screenwriting, story development, and media history for an art college in Washington, DC. A lifelong learner (read: academic addict), she holds a Master’s in Instructional Design, and a Doctorate in Educational Technology. Ines’ website: https://ineswrites.com/ Links mentioned:Klytics: https://k-lytics.com/Ines’ you tube channel for her plotting method and how she sets up her world building doc in scrivener: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClivO7XAP2GCRRz-7Bm3Nhw For all shownotes and previous episodes, visit www.SpaGirlsPodcast.com  To watch the video recording of this episode go to the SPA Girls You Tube channel (and please subscribe!): http://www.youtube.com/c/SPAGirlsPodcast