Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 162 / Alex Smith shares how BookVault prioritizes the quality of the book and the reader's experience. He details a new American print partner that will enable faster and cheaper shipping as well innovations with color printing, distribution, and bundling. We also discuss direct sales, mistakes authors make with their printed books, and–wait for it–ribbons! Yes, bespoke options are coming to BookVault. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:[00:02:04] Book Vault history and how they came to work with indie authors.[00:03:57] Print on demand quality has improved, offering comparable results to offset printing.[00:06:09] Indies focus on quality, adding value, and providing a premium product.[00:07:31] Invested in inkjet technology; billed on ink usage, which allows BookVault to print single color pages.[00:09:01] How attending author conferences allows BookVault to quickly adapt to new ideas that indie authors are interested in.[00:13:25] How BookVault can help authors bundle products for direct sales with fake ISBNs. They also can shrink wrap or send bundles in one big box, and they offer discounts for large quantities.[00:17:06] Common mistakes authors make with printed editions.[00:18:46] How to maximize profits through staggered distribution with exclusive release in our own direct stores first and then wider release.[00:23:53] Trends: People less reliant on Amazon, bypassing retailers; print on demand for children's books.[00:24:52] US print partner coming soon to fulfill US orders for quicker and cheaper shipping.BookVault: https://bookvault.app/BookVault Promo Code: BV-WIKT for 100% off a title on Bookvault (It can be used by existing customers too!)Keywords: Print on demand, indie publishers, spiral bound, wire bound, hard back, stamping, jackets, shipping, inkjet technology, bundles, shrink-wrap, fake ISBN, children's books, Alex Smith, Book Vault platform, offset printers, direct sales, maximizing profits.More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jaSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 161 / Nell Goddin experienced long Covid and wasn’t able to write or release books for several years. Now she’s using direct sales to revive her author business. We also talk about the importance of persistence, not limiting ourselves when it comes to mindset, and asking for help.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Jami’s author consulting https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices📣 New Date!! First private Zoom chat for supporters – April 11th at 7pm CST Show notes:How Nell moved from literary writing to genre fiction later in lifeWhy Nell layers elements like a French setting and French food into her mysteries, which appeal to readers and keep her series interesting to writeHow Nell learned to allow herself to make mistakesHow Nell uses a simple set up for her direct sales: landing page and  a checkout pageHow she sources text for her landing pages from comments on her Facebook adsThe link between doing direct sales and an increase in sales on the major retailersYou can find Nell at https://goddinbooks.com/More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help UkrainiansSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 160 / How do you succeed in a market flooded with books? The Gold Rush in publishing is over and authors have to adjust. Sara and Jami discuss Becca Syme’s “New Rules of Publishing,” which gives three business verticals authors can lean into to be successful when the water is more red than blue.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportFirst Private Zoom Chat for supporters - April 6th at 7pm CST https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Author Wheel - 7 Days to Your Author Brand: https://www.subscribepage.com/authorbrandchallengeShow notes:New Rules of Publishing Video from Becca Syme:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-I_LwrV2rAMarket has changed - flooded, not the “gold rush” anymore/Red water not blue waterHorizontal vs. vertical platformsFirst Private Zoom Chat - April 6th at 7pm CST. We’ll send out that morning, so check your inboxes.https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Primary types of vertical platforms for authors and examplesBooks SaraLindsay Buroker https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121723/12119656-lindsay-buroker-on-pen-names-podcasting-and-rapid-release-reairMarie ForcePersonJamiLucy Score https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121723/12119725-lucy-score-on-building-a-backlist-with-series-as-well-as-standalonesTonya Kappes https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121723/12119723-tonya-kappes-on-reader-focused-promotionPippa Grant https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121723/12119778-how-pippa-grant-revolutionized-her-writing-career-with-a-new-pen-nameWorldThe WitcherMarvelTwilight50 Shades of GraySherlock HolmesSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 159 / Do you want to connect with readers and create a new income stream that’s consistent and independent of the giant corporate tech companies? Join us as we talk with Emilia Rose and Michael Evans of Ream.ink about how to create a subscription for your readers.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How Emilia and Michael came to work with ReamWhat they wish authors knew about subscriptionsWhy focusing too much on pricing is a mistakeUnderstanding where subscriptions fit in the reader journeyWhy consistency is key How authors use their subscriptions to test ideasHow to promote subscriptions to your readersTrends in subscriptions and what’s on the horizon for creators  Subscriptions for Authors subscriptionsforauthors.comReam ream.inkEmilia’s website Emiliarosewriting.comEpisode 134: Emilia Rose on Subscriptions: How to Connect with Readers and Diversify Your Income https://wishidknownforwriters.com/134-2/Top 500 Fiction Authors in Subscriptions 2022 https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/top-fiction-authors-in-subscriptions-2022/Jami will be at Charm City Romanticon in Baltimore, March 24-26, 2023 https://www.facebook.com/CharmCityRomanticon/Links: More linksThe 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 158 / Do you want to change genres, but aren’t sure if your readers will follow you? Dark romance author Maria Luis shares how she brought her contemporary steamy romance to her new dark romance books. We also delve into reader expectations and moving away from a rapid release schedule. Maria’s website: www.marialuis.org💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How focusing on living in the present and spending less time on social media helps produce better mental healthHow Maria became more intentional about incorporating tropes into her books and how it pays off in marketingMaria is a mood writer and describes how she leans into that when planning and drafting a book and how it helped her when she transitioned to a new genreMaria’s advice for new authors and what she’d do differently if she were starting over todayHow Maria mines the “popular highlights” of her current books to create blurbs and ad copy and research what her readers wantHow Maria used free short stories in her newsletter for a year prior to changing genres to bring her readers along to the new genrePrivate Zoom Chat for supporters on March 15 at 5pm CST. Check your email for a link!✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 157 / Romance author, screenwriter, and educator Ines Johnson joins us to talk about why pacing is so important when crafting your novel as well as self care, direct sales, and her new podcast, Ines Johnson is Having a Breakdown.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How Ines rescheduled her time to include self careHer best business lesson: selling direct How Ines uses Facebook ads to reach new readers with her direct salesUsing a print omnibus for direct salesWhy mistakes are “little gifts” because we can learn from themHow Ines took her knowledge as a screenwriter and  created the Page Turner Pacing courseThe most important thing authors need to know about pacingHow genre a pacing gives you guide rails and teaches rulesYou're doing a podcast too. Tell us about how that's going and why you're doing a podcast in addition to the course. Author website and other links mentioned:Ineswrites.comineswrites.com/ptpInes Johnson is Having a Breakdown Podcast: https://ineswrites.com/breakdown/Episode 99: Ines Johnson on Happiness, the Surprising Benefits of Failing, and Tips to Organize Your Writing Life: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/99-2/Episode 145: Becca Mysoor, the Fairy Plot-Mother, on Collaboration https://wishidknownforwriters.com/145-2/Buzzcast Podcast: https://buzzcast.buzzsprout.comPirate Ship: PirateShip.com✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwritersSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 156 / Do you want to get your book into other languages? This week Sara and Jami dive into the various options available to indie authors for translations, including licensing your rights to a publisher and doing it yourself (project-managing the translation of your books).💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How to vet translation inquiriesDon’t be afraid to negotiateHow to find a translator if you want to do it yourselfGerman site to promote books: buchdeals.deResearch covers in other languages Sara’s tips: -Commit to at least three books-Use batching in the translation process-Create a metadata sheet in each language for your books that includes blurb, tagline, series name, subtitles, author bio, etc. Episode 58: 100+ Translations: Tanya Anne Crosby on Lessons Learnedhttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/100-translations-tanya-anne-crosby-on-lessons-learned/Episode 99: Ines Johnson on Happiness, the Surprising Benefits of Failing, and Tips to Organize Your Writing Life https://wishidknownforwriters.com/99-2/Reedsy✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 155 / You can hook readers with a few words or a concept when you use tropes. Romance and non-fiction author, Jennifer Hilt, shares tips on how to recognize tropes, how to bake them into your writing to make marketing easier, and how to twist tropes so they’re fresh for both readers and authors.Author website: www.jenniferhilt.com💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supporthttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/survey (Closes 2/24/23)Show notes:Why it’s a good idea to consider marketing before you write the bookThinking beyond the basic genre expectations (i.e. “happily ever after in romance)The importance of guarding your timeWhat Jennifer would do if she were starting over todayWhy you don’t have to rush Tropes as building blocks for relationshipsIncorporating tropes with goals, motivations, and conflictTwisting tropesJennifer’s Kickstarter for The Trope Thesaurus Romance and her tips for authors thinking of doing a Kickstarter✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 154 / Swag can be a great way to engage with readers. Hybrid young adult author and BookBrush COO, Dana Claire, shares how to create swag that will help you contect with readers and stand out in a crowded marketplace.Author website: https://www.danaclairebooks.com/💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How Dana’s writing is a legacy from her motherWhat Dana learned working with branding for corporations and how she used those tactics in marketing for her self-published booksDeveloping relationships with readers by following and interacting with them on GoodReads and BookbubHow to pick swag items that are reusable and keep you top of mind with readersWhat assets to ask your cover artist for to make creating swag easierHow Dana automates merchandising through PrintfulWhy you should pick items that have a higher perceived value for merchandiseHow Dana uses exclusive items for live events ✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help UkrSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 153 / Cozy mystery author Traci Andrighetti joins us to talk about how changing her covers, going wide, and collaborating with other authors on a series have been game-changers for her writing career.Links: 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTraci’s website: https://traciandrigehetti.comWIKT Podcast survey: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/surveyShow notes:How Traci moved from academia to writing mysteriesWhy Traci enjoys having a day job and writing on the sideHow she infuses a sense of fun into her comedic mysteriesHow a change to her covers and going wide helped her gain readers find readersHow she collaborates with three other mystery authors to write a co-write a series that features each one of their sleuths as POV characters in each bookBenefits of collaborative project when it comes to marketing  ✨ Support Wish I’d Known Then! If the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support More linksThe 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanSara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist https://www.sararosett.com/timelineJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing