Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 131 / Historical cozy author Benedict Brown joins us to talk about writing mysteries, transitioning from one genre to another, and how he learned to lean into the tropes and expectations of the genre.  Show notes: How Benedict started writing children’s books and why he shifted to contemporary cozies and then later transitioned to historical cozies set in the 1920s How he researches his historial series How Benedict and his cover artist developed the cover concept for the historical series How he uses first readers and an ARC team for his editing process Why he thinks it healthy to have two contrasting series to work on How “failure” helped set him up for success    Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  Benedict’s website The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist Jami’s books Sara’s books 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 130 / It’s back to the archives this week for one of our most popular episodes. Jami and Sara share how they launch a book, covering tactics for low-, medium-, and high-budget launches as well as sharing beau·coup tips about what’s working for book launches right now. Intro links:  Kickstart Your Book podcast Sign up to be notified when Jami’s book about launching comes out Show notes: KU or wide - weigh pros and cons of each Price point - consider typical price of genre and goals to pick the best price point (99 cents can generate preorders and sales while a higher price point give you a higher royalty and the option of dropping it for sales later) Preorders - a preorder lets you capture sales and get your sales pages live on the vendors, but some authors won’t do preorders because they feel Amazon doesn’t weight the preorder sales as heavily as purchases/borrows made after the books releases, which may impact rank. Don’t forget the impact of your newsletter to launch  Low-cost Launch Tactics for a New Author Blog tours Newsletter swaps Goodreads giveaways  Library Thing giveaways  Newsletter Connect with authors iSend 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 129 / Dark fantasy author Kerstin Espinosa Rosero joins us to talk about bootstrapping her first book, lessons she’s learned about marketing, and tips on writing fantasy. Intro links:  Sara’s interview on Behind the Book podcast Show notes:  How Kerstin’s art led her to write her first book Her advice for new authors when it comes to marketing How Kerstin found her cover designer How she decides how much backstory and worldbuilding to include in her fantasy books Tips for authors who want to create maps for their books Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  Kerstin’s website The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist Jami’s books Sara’s books 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 128 / We’re headed back to the archives for a fun interview with Lindsay Buroker. Lindsay talks about the benefits and drawbacks of pen names, the advantages of podcasting for writers, and how she writes and releases books into Kindle Unlimited using the rapid release model, then goes wide later.  Intro links:  Timeshifter app Claire’s Kickstaster Inkers Con digital ticket (affiliate code for discount: ALBRIGHT22) Show notes: The importance of embracing the entrepreneurial mindset when you’re an indie author Advantages of using Patreon before a launch to let wide readers get a book before it goes into KU Why Lindsay is glad she did a writing workshop before she published The benefit of giving your cover artist freedom to be creative Why first-in-series-free book still works Lindsay’s lessons-learned about writing in multiple genres and pen names Advice for writers who want to start a podcast Rapid release and how Lindsay writes the books back-to-back before launching Book One The power of using “open loops” in a series and how it boosts readthrough of a series Focusing on what you’re good at and leaning into that whether it’s writing fast or marketing Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the 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 127 / If you’re looking for a way to attract readers that doesn’t involve paid advertising, podcasting might be for you. Podcaster Diane Nue shares how she’s connected with readers through podcasting and the bookstagram community. We also discuss some of the reasons for the enduring appeal of Jane Austen, branding, and super practical things like software recommendations. Show notes: How Diane and her co-host, Zan, came up with the concept for The Thing About Austen Why niching down helps you find your audience Diane’s advice for specific gear and podcast editing software Diane shares how she and Zan work together to handle podcast tasks Solo podcasting versus co-hosting How podcast branding can convey the content of the podcast Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  The Thing About Austen podcast The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist Jami’s books 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 126 / In this re-air episode we discuss expectations, common mistakes, and understanding our motivation to write. Claire is also an expert on applying the Enneagram to story structure. She has a kickstarter preview up for her book Reclaim Your Author Career, which uses the Enneagram to help authors align their careers. Intro link:  Inkers Con digital ticket (affiliate code for discount: ALBRIGHT22) Show notes: Why it’s crucial to know what your story is about so you can “steer the ship” in the direction you need to go and save time on revisions How knowing what you want out of your writing career impacts your expectations and your marketing plans Common mistakes Claire sees as she works with authors How understanding your motivations and needs as a writer helps you set your goals Using tension and power in your writing How Claire uses the Enneagram to help writers discover their character’s motivations and needs Creating flaws that make characters likable Claire’s websiteSend 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 125 / Jami and Sara share the tips and ideas they got at Inkers Con then discuss how to connect with writers at in person events as well as how to connect online.  Inkers Con digital ticket (affiliate code for discount: JAMI22) Show notes: Merchandising - Kimbra Swain Patreon - Emilia Rose Translations - Tanya Anne Crosby Get backlist selling and email autoresponders - Elana Johnson Audiobooks - Penny Reid Finding blue water so we can stand out - Becca Syme Are you the decider for your marketing - Becca Syme Keywords and A+ Content - Self Publishing with Dale TikTok tips  - Ana Huang Advertising - Malorie Cooper and Becca Syme Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  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 124 /  We’re taking this week off for a summer break, but we’re giving you a quick recap on Inkers Con (it was great!) and then replaying one of our early episodes. Historical romance author Cecelia Mecca what she learned when she changed genres and how she now reverse engineers her books before she writes them. Intro links:  Sara’s interview with Findaway Voices about writing mysteries, publishing, and audiobooks:  https://youtu.be/RL3lTq0Rix8 Show notes: Cecelia’s mistake involving releasing her prequel novella on Super Bowl Sunday The challenge of replicating success Ceclia’s love of plotting books and how she wishes she’d read more craft books before writing her first novel How important packaging is for your book (cover, title, blurb, trope) and reverse engineering your novel, including considering how to marry what her muse wants her to write with considerations about cover and marketing Tips for using free marketing strategies including Facebook Live and Facebook groups (types and timing of posts) How to get to know your readers An incredibly simple, yet effective tip on how to to be successful on social media How not using a pen name can be a mistake and lead to confused also-boughts on the ebook stores Learning not to be so hard on yourself when things don’t as you expect Strategies to reach new readers including being a hybrid author and using print, including hardbacks and large print   Links/Mention:  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 123 / Mike Stop Continues, founder of SiteArcade, joins us to talk all the things related to author websites: why you need a website, what should be one it, branding, and the benefits of a press kit for authors. Links of interest:  Sara will be chatting with Findaway Voices next week Wednesday (June 8th) about mysteries and audiobooks at  11:00 AM (EDT). You can register here: https://app.livestorm.co/findawayvoices/cozy-mystery-with-author-sara-rosett?type=detailed…  Show notes: How Mike got started working with writers What Mike wishes authors knew about websites What he sees authors doing that they do because they think they have to, but aren’t producing results The most common mistakes he sees related to author websites Trends in author websites and what he sees for the future of author websites How to use your website to build your list, sell your books, send people to your social platforms What should be in your press kit What’s coming on the horizon in writing and publishing  Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  SiteArcade: Websites for Authors Mike's 20Books Vegas Talk, 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 122 / Romance author and email expert Holly Darling joins us to share how we can connect with readers from the moment they opt-in to our emails. There’s so much good info in this episode! We guarantee you’ll come away with so many ways to improve your welcome sequence. Show notes: Creative ways to use double opt-in as part of the welcome sequence  What happens in each email inside a welcome sequence How to use the welcome sequence to create engagement What to do if someone doesn't engage How to create a custom experience for your readers inside the welcome sequence Common mistakes authors make with their emails Ideas for lead magnets for new authors without a lot of intellectual property Trends in newsletter marketing including customization, paid newsletters, and video Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  Holly’s website: HollyDarlingHQ.com The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan 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