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

Episode 121 / Daniela Romero, new-adult and paranormal romance author, joins us to talk about why it’s important for readers to have books and characters that reflect their experiences and how authors can write diverse characters. We also delve into Daniela’s principle of having many streams of income, so that if one stream wanes her overall revenue isn’t impacted. She tell us how she’s creating multiple streams of income through merchandise, book boxes, and Pateron. Intro links:  Inkers Con Show notes: How Daniela went from book blogger to author Why she wishes she knew more about story structure and how she learned about it How Daniela uses preorders to increase her production Why she writes diverse characters and her tips on how authors can write diverse characters in their novels in a way that’s satisfying to readers How she uses book boxes, merchandising, and Patreon to create multiple streams of income  What Daniela wishes she’d known about creating a subscription book box Her tips for pricing tiers on Patreon Why she focuses on one big takeaway from the conferences she attends and how that has shaped her business   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:  Daniela’s website: 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 120 / Lisa Suzanne, sports romance author, joins us to talk about how a pivot to writing shorter sports romance books, banking them, and releasing rapidly took her career to a new level. We also talk about how she brands her series as well as using cliffhangers to keep readers coming back to a series.   Show notes: How Lisa shifted from pantsing to plotting her books The importance of trope in branding Banking books and Lisa’s release schedule  How Lisa brands the covers of her books to create a recognizable look Writing interconnected series Tips on writing cliffhangers The value of persistence  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:  Lisa’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 booksSend 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 119 / Southern urban fantasy author Kimbra Swain joins us this week to share tips on connecting with your readers and expanding your income streams. Kimbra creates jewelry, book boxes, tumblers, and many other items for her readers. Learn how she uses physical items to deepen her connection with readers and create life-long fans through her books, merchandising, and Pateron. Intro links: Kickstarter webinar (affiliate link) Inkers Con - June 3-5, Dallas TX Show notes: Why you can’t sit still when it comes to marketing your books How Kimbra used reader feedback to learn how to write marketable books How the switch to full-time author impacted Kimbra’s outlook and writing Kimbra’s tips on merchandising to create an extra layer of connection between you and your reader How Kimbra uses Pateron: exclusive serial story, early access to her books and merchandise, and a more personal connection with her 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:  Kimbra’s website: https://www.kimbraswain.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