Wish I'd Known Then: a Podcast for Self Published Indie Writers

342 / Marisa, co-owner and creative director of Scribe Shadow, discusses making translations work for your books, from tech and marketing to overcoming skepticism.How Scribe Shadow preserves author voice and manages colloquialisms, Distribution strategies beyond AmazonTips for preparing your manuscript for successful translationTrends in global book markets✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel.com.💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.comScribe Shadow: https://www.scribeshadow.com - Discount code: WISH30 Jami Albright on The Alignment Show: https://pod.link/1673832659/episode/c3Vic3RhY2s6cG9zdDoyMjI4NjczNTc📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

341 / Patrick O'Donnell, former police officer and host of the Cops and Writers podcast, shares stories and strategies from his time on the force and his success writing memoir. He discusses in-person events and getting traditional media coverage, and innovative marketing.In-person events and leveraging memorable storiesNavigating television and newspaper coverage and the surprising behind-the-scenes set-up of the interviewsSmart strategies for innovative in-person selling ✨ This week’s sponsor is BookFunnel.com.💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:BookFunnel: https://www.BookFunnel.comPatrick O’Donnell: https://copsandwriters.comFast Company article about digital photo frames: https://www.fastcompany.com/91623692/big-tech-used-ai-to-take-what-it-wanted-now-consumers-can-tooNovel November: Novel November📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

Daniel Willcocks, an international bestselling dark-fiction author with more than 70 books, shares his path toward a sustainable creative career. He discusses recovering from burnout, balancing writing with a day job, and choosing meaningful projects over sheer volume. Topics include building a recognizable brand across genres, setting reader expectations, connecting through live events, and publishing with resilience.

Shannon Sims, author of the Faded Realms romantasy trilogy, discusses launching Threadbound as a debut indie novelist. She shares how dictation helped overcome perfectionism, why marketing means constant experimentation, and how she built a reader community through text messages instead of email. They also explore ARC teams, creative publishing partners, indie publishing, and the realities of a non-viral launch.

Greg Keogh, co-founder of Curios, a creator-owned marketplace for authors and artists, discusses making direct sales as simple as KDP. He explores Curios’s evolution from music distribution to books, ebooks, audiobooks, and print; the power of special editions; focusing marketing on one buy button; flexible delivery; and affiliate payouts without escrow headaches.

337 /  Are you feeling uncertain about the state of the publishing industry and what it takes to thrive as an author right now? We share our thoughts about industry shifts, adapting to change, and the power of gratitude in difficult times.Why gratitude is so helpful when the industry changesAdapting when sales and strategies stop workingFocusing on and serving your existing readersGiving yourself permission to get outside incomeReframing success and letting go of self-imposed pressure✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Vellum: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishWhat are you grateful for? Send us a text and we’ll share during our gratitude episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

336 /  How can selecting the right verbs and a creative approach to language set your writing apart? Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author Sarah L. Kaufman shares her passion for verbs, practical tips for vivid writing, and the grammar lessons she wishes every author embraced.The power and artistry of verbs in storytellingHow verb choices have evolved from Shakespeare to Hemingway to todayThe pitfalls of adverbs and “fancy” verbsTips for using active vs. passive voiceMetaphors, deep POV, and making your language memorable✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Sarah L. Koffman  sarahlkoffman.comVellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

335 / Are you curious how to unlock your creativity and make your stories truly matter to both yourself and your readers? Abbie Emmons dives into the psychology of compelling storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a thriving community.The science behind what makes stories and characters compellingHow to avoid overwhelm and burnout as a writerWhy emotional truth matters more than “write what you know”Building a vibrant online author communityBreaking free from rigid writing rules and trusting your inner instincts✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish makeyourstorymatter.com https://www.youtube.com/abbieemmons📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

334 / Susan Neal is a certified writer coach, health and wellness expert, and the author of ten books including How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. Susan shared actionable advice for writers who want to grow their careers and stay healthy along the way.Transforming your writing with critique groups and editorsThe science behind book marketing and keyword strategiesWhy entering contests can change your sales trajectoryBuilding a website that actually attracts readersEasy ways for writers to stay healthy and energized✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishSusanUNeal.comChristianPublishers.nethttp://Word-Weavers.comMoz.comHistorical Mystery Day promo: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/h9pngjfgl8📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

333 / What mindsets and practical strategies can transform setbacks into growth for writers—and what really defines success in a creative career? A.B. Jackson shares how he successfully pivoted from music marketing to writing and publishing fiction and non-fiction. He unpacks the lessons learned from both industries and how he leverages community and personal growth.Changing limiting beliefs and redefining successLessons learned from the music industryBuilding authentic connections with readersManaging criticism and unhelpful adviceCrafting your own marketing approach✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: https://www.tryvellum.com/wish💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Vellum: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishA.B. Williamson: https://www.abjackson.com/Written Word Podcast about A+ content: https://pod.link/1828995043/episode/Y2QxNDBjZDAtNTI2YS00NGYzLWI5ZjgtY2JmYzU5ZjY0NDM0📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast