Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThen299 / Do you ever wish you had a clear, actionable way to understand book trends and make smarter publishing decisions? Nat Connors of Kindle Trends shares insights on the power of market awareness, how to focus on your “author neighborhood,” and why success is more about craft than chasing trends.Why market awareness empowers authors, not confines themFinding and using your author “neighborhood”The importance of craft and authentic voice for long-term successAvoiding overwhelm by choosing marketing and sales channels that work for you📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThen💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://kindletrends.comhttps://kindletrends.com/infographics/Send us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

Douglas Pratt and Nicholas Harvey, both accomplished authors, dive into practical indie-author strategies. They discuss the pros and cons of various newsletter platforms, revealing strategies to maximize engagement and boost open rates. The conversation includes insights on using AI for translations and the evolving landscape of audiobook sales, emphasizing direct sales versus wider strategies. Lastly, they share their plans for 2026, encouraging authors to balance productivity and sustainability in a changing market.

Douglas Pratt, an innovative author and podcaster, teams up with Nicholas Harvey, a marketing-savvy writer, to dive into the evolving landscape of publishing in 2025. They discuss diverse marketing strategies, from Patreon experiments to engaging reader bonuses like music and vinyl. The duo shares insights on navigating Amazon advertising changes, the challenges of book sales, and the impact of AI on the industry. Plus, they explore how to use social media effectively and the importance of building a loyal reader base!

Thomas Umstattd Jr., an author and speaker known for his work in AI tools for writers, shares invaluable insights for authors navigating the crowded publishing landscape. He emphasizes the importance of optimizing book pages for AI discovery and discusses innovative marketing strategies using AI. Thomas introduces handy tools for productivity, recommends prioritizing health for creativity, and suggests ways to enhance author websites with unique extras. His balanced perspective on AI's risks and opportunities encourages authors to embrace technology thoughtfully.

295 / Curious how authors can build thriving, sustainable careers—even without rapid releases or a huge backlist? Matthew J. Holmes shares how he transformed his wife’s books into a six-figure business, the realities of book advertising, and the mindful strategies indie authors need now.Turning a single slow-release series into a profitable businessSimplicity vs. complexity in book marketing and adsImportance of advertising platform focusCommon mistakes in author advertising strategies💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.matthewjholmes.com/https://www.matthewjholmes.com/coursesSara’s Mysteries in the Mail letters: https://sararosettbooks.com/products/mysteries-in-the-mailJami’s workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsJoanna Penn’s podcast about Author Nation Lessons Learned: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/11/17/lessons-learned-from-author-nation-2025-with-joanna-penn/Send us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

294 / Do you want to pitch your book to Hollywood? Screenwriter, playwright, and novelist Bart Baker shares how authors can position their books for adaptations. He also gives us the story behind Honeymoon With Harry, a movie deal twenty-plus years in the making, which will go into production in 2026, starring Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal for Amazon/MGM. Lessons from writing plays, scripts, and novelsWhat authors should know about adaptation and selling movie rightsWhen to get legal advice The business side: money management finding trusted advisorsWhy following trends is unhelpful—and what to do instead💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:www.bartvbaker.comSend us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

293 / Curious about how conferences can spark inspiration, build connections, and transform your author business? We  recap our experiences at Author Nation, share some lessons learned, and highlight community connection possibilities.Panel insights: romance, rom-com, cozy, and moreDirect sales, Kickstarter, and translations for authorsNew tech for signed ebooks and social media marketing💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Bookfunnel https://bookfunnel.com/Melissa Storm https://www.melstorm.com/Rebecca Brokaw Sands https://rebeccabrokawsands.net/Story Origin https://storyoriginapp.com/Christine Wellert https://www.christinewellert.com/booksDianna Xirassa https://www.dianaxarissa.com/Kevin McLaughlin https://kevinomclaughlin.com/Lulu https://www.lulu.comAuthor Scale https://www.authorscale.com/Draft 2 Digital https://draft2digital.com/Vanessa Kier https://www.vanessakier.com/Self Publishing with Dale https://selfpublishingwithdale.com/Send us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

292 / Are you curious about when to work with a developmental editor, how to get unstuck in your manuscript, and what actually helps authors succeed for the long haul? Editor and book coach Sarah Elle shares insights on the editing process, author mindset, and the strategies—plus pitfalls—every writer should know.When to bring in a developmental editor vs. a book coachThe most common manuscript mistakes—and how to fix themTips for breaking out of endless revision loopsMindset, habits, and routines of successful writersTrends in fiction and how author “voice” matters more than ever💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://plumeeditorial.com/Sign up for the FREE mini email course, Outline the Five Key Beats of Your Novel:https://plumeeditorial.myflodesk.com/fivebeatsminiSend us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

291 / Are you struggling to navigate burnout, industry shifts, or simply want to future-proof your writing career? Becca Syme returns to share lessons from her own journey with burnout, sustainable author success, plus actionable advice for writers at every stage.Understanding and recovering from burnoutMaking mindset changes for autonomy and sustainabilityStreamlining your author business for joy (not just income)The real value of Strengths and Enneagram for writers and relationshipsWhat Becca is hopeful about with the future of publishing 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:http://betterfasteracademy.com/linksEp 85: Becca Syme on Empathy, Energy Pennies, and Expectations: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/85-2/Send us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

290 / If you missed the first part of our interview with Lee and Russell, scroll back to the previous episode in your podcast feed and catch up. Part II of our conversation with Russell and Lee continues in this episode as we talk about money mindset, sustainability, collaboration, and more. Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling fantasy author and co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, discuss the realities of building and maintaining an author business.Redefining "hard" and "ease" in writing and businessChoosing the right kind of hard—and what to walk away fromLetting go of past successes and recalibrating your goalsCollaboration, co-creation, and building creative partnershipsStructuring your business for happiness and sustainability💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Sixfigureauthorexperiment.comTheAuthorStack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/millionaireauthormastermindJami’s next workshop: Oct 23rd, 6pm Central, discount code: JAMI20: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsFloDesk 50% Off: https://flodesk.com/c/T5WJY3 (Affiliate code)You can still get the unlimited plan, if you subscribe by November 28 – get unlimited emails and subscribers. After that, the new pricing model kicks in and future plans will scale with subscriber count.Send us a text📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThenSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast