Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 023 / Contemporary and historical romance novelist and co-host of the SPA girls podcast, Wendy Vella joins Jami and Sara to talk about the mindset shift she had to make as she moved from traditionally published to self publishing as well as how she’s learned to trust her instincts in both writing and promoting her books. They wrap up the podcast with a discussion of how Wendy is maximizing her intellectual property for longevity.    In the intro, Sara shares news about Alli’s (Alliance of Independent Authors) new initiative to help indie authors with rights licensing, including “one-off contract representation” and full rights representation. Sara also shared some fun writerly humor from cartoonist Tom Gauld. Jami has been re-watching the Hunger Games, getting ready for her book release, and planning her next book. Then they discuss how the pandemic is impacting them as well as other creatives, which sounds pretty highbrow for a chat about stress dreams, memes, and country music. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: The benefits of entering writing contests How Wendy transitioned from traditional publishing to indie publishing and the mindset shift change she had to go through What Wendy wishes she’d known about editing and marketing How Wendy pinpointed what she needed to change about her contemporary covers and the details on how she rebranded her series from the covers to the blurbs The struggle to do everything ourselves and how Wendy gave some tasks away to her assistant so she could focus on what she was really good at How Wendy went against allSend 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 022 / In a mini master class, mystery and thriller author Pamela Fagan Hutchins shares the changes she made to turn her writing career around and go from “in the red” to a very profitable year. We dig into the power of planning a series before writing it, using different ad platforms for specific purposes, and podcasting for readers. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In the intro to the show, Jami talks about making the final changes to her next book. She’s also discovered the delightful and sometimes creepy new show, Dead Still. Sara’s enjoying an unusual (for June) “cool” front and shared news about a new tool for authors, Author A.I. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: What Pamela wishes she’d known about the importance of planning her entire series before writing it The advantage of writing multiple books before releasing Why it’s critical to know your read-through How Pamela has learned to enjoy the journey  Translations -- what’s worked and what hasn’t  Why Pamela outsourced tasks and then later pulled everything back so she could manage it herself How Pamela turned her income from in the red to six figures a combination of finding new readers, learning ads, cutting deadweight from her newsletters subscribers, creating an advance reader team  Using different ad platforms for different purposes Pamela’s writing retreats on ads and craft Podcasting for reSend 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 021 / Amy Daws shares her tips for promoting audiobooks, tells how writing in a tire shop waiting room helped her breakthrough writer’s block, and discusses how she shares her personality on social media to attract readers.  You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In the intro, Sara and Jami discuss how this week's current events have made it difficult to focus on writing and publishing. Sara found the Creative Penn’s episode on character flaws interesting and she was glad to hear Joanna ask about the topic in relation to writing a series (a topic near to Sara’s heart--so much so that she wrote a book about it: How to Write a Series.) Jami has been reading Nora Roberts' Dark Witch.   In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: Why Amy is famous for writing in a tire shop Why storytelling often trumps craft How Amy shares her personality on social media instead of repeating “buy my book” The importance of taglines and how Amy creates hers How Amy works with her author assistant Tips for promoting audio through author groups, giveaways, and your newsletter Genres discussed include sports romance, contemporary romance, rom com, emotional romance, and memoir. Links:  https://amydawsauthor.com Aural Fixation Facebook GroupSend 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

How to Find and Work with an Author Assistant with Adriel Wiggins   Episode 020 / Author assistant Adriel Wiggins joins us this week to give us tips on how to find and work with an assistant.  You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In the intro this week, Jami talks about her decision to push back her release date so she’ll have longer to work on her book. Sara shares the results of a promotion on a free book as well as a plotting tip. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: How Adriel became an author assistant Examples of what an assistant can do for authors  The task that Adriel recommends authors do for themselves Signs that it’s time to bring on an assistant What Adriel wished she knew about working with authors What assistants wish authors knew about working them Why email is Adriel’s preferred way to communicate with authors A common feature that Adriel sees in all successful authors Common mistakes authors make when working with assistants Confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses Red flags when looking for an author assistant Links:  Adriel’s Website Bookfunnel Vellum 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 0019 / Prolific science fiction and epic fantasy author Kevin J. Anderson joins us to talk about how he learned to meet reader expectations as well as how he’s changing his writing to shift with reader preferences. We also discuss Kevin’s involvement in the Superstars Writing Seminar and Western Colorado University’s Master of Arts in Publishing. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Both Sara and Jami have had a bit of a downer of a week, but they’re both pressing ahead. Jami got her revisions done and is looking forward to a June release date for her book.  There is still time to sign up for the free Stay Home Story Summit and get access to great tips of craft as well as promotion.   In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: How reading widely can improve your writing  The importance of professionalism for both traditional and indie authors Collaboration and hybrid publishing Why it’s a good idea to stay brand-focused on social media Paying it forward through mentoring writers The Master degree program in Publishing at Western Colorado University and why it would be ideal for someone who wants to run their own publishing house How reader preference for shorter fiction has changed how Kevin plots his books How Kevin studies bestsellers to learn why those books resonate with readers Genres discussed include science fiction and epic fantasy. Links:  Mastering Amazon 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 018 / Romantic comedy author Julia Kent joined us this week to discuss the value of meeting the emotional needs of readers, plus nuts-and-bolts details on writing ahead, audiobooks, and translations. Sara’s doing the essential (yet boring) task of updating back matter and book descriptions to prep for an upcoming sale. She’s also found a new mystery TV show, The Mallorca Files, which has a Castle and Beckett-type male/female detective pairing mixed with the tropical vibe of Death in Paradise or Burn Notice.  Jami sent her book to the editor and has a release date. She also cut four chapters (!) for pacing. She’s in “launch-mode” as she gets ready for the release. You can get Jami’s launch plan here. Jami and Sara recorded a video workshop of what they wish they’d known for the Stay Home Story Summit, which is free and there’s no up-sale. Just great info on craft and promotion. Videos start May 18. Registration closes May 25, 2020. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: The importance of understanding the emotional reasons people read a certain genre (i.e. reader needs) The assumptions Julia made when she started writing and why they were wrong Genre expectations Spinoffs and why a spinoff may not draw in new readers How Julia broke genre rSend 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 017 / Science fiction and fantasy author Lindsay Buroker joins us to talk 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.  You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In the intro, Jami shares what a struggle it was to write her recent book, but she got it done and it went to beta readers today. Yay! Sara is lost in the complexities of her WIP's plot and trying to find her way out of the tangle. Jami recently listened to the SPA Girls podcast on editing and highly recommends it.  In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: 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 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 016 / Romance and suspense author Alessandra Torre joins the WIKT podcast for a wide-ranging discussion that covers the benefits of Goodreads, what it’s like to have a book optioned and made into a movie, the importance of knowing readers expectations, and how meeting those expectations consistently contributes to success. You can get Alessandra’s Goodreads tips when you sign up for Jami’s launch plan. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In the intro, Sara shares some good news about Murder by the Book, a local indie bookstore that’s innovating and surviving during lockdown. Sara also recommends the Novel Marketing Podcast’s episode on Covid-19, which looks at how the virus and the lockdown will impact which genres and types of stories readers will want in the coming months and years. Jami also liked Novel Marketing Podcast’s episode on Scarcity and Ubiquity and Sara liked the one on Psychographics.  On the writing front, Jami’s finished a book. She talks about how it’s been difficult to concentrate lately, so if you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. :) Jami’s novella was featured on Read Me Romance, and she appeared on D2D Spotlight.  In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: Why taking a traditional book deal was a mistake for Alessandra 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 015 / Elana Johnson writes Christian cowboy romance as well as clean and wholesome romance. She joins the WIKT podcast and details how she found success in smaller genres. A pen name, writing fast, and understanding read-through all played key roles in helping her achieve and exceed her goals. In the intro, Jami and Sara discuss how they’re experimenting with serials. Sara sent the first six chapters of her new release to her list "serial reads" style to generate interest in her new book, and Jami is sharing a short story with her list. They’ve both had a great response from readers. Jami talks about her struggle to finish her recent book, and Sara mentions their interview with Kait Nolan about writing during stressful times, which is worth a listen, if you’re struggling with burnout or just having a difficult time getting words on the page. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: How Elana got her start in traditional publishing and her transition to indie publishing How Elana uses her writing as “therapy” to get rid of negative situations in her real life Elana’s disappointment with her first attempt at indie publishing and how she turned things around with a pen name and writing fast The importance of understanding the concept of read-through Productivity tips for being prolific, including writing in short snippets of time Giving yourself permission to do what works for you Elana’s daily work schedule and how she juggles writing on two different books  Elana’s layering technique she uses for outlining, reseaSend 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 014 / Joe Solari joined us this week to help authors create a financial plan for getting through Covid-19’s economic repercussions. We talk about short and long-term strategies and mindset issues for indie authors. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Joe Solari is an author, entrepreneur, and consultant. He graduated with a BFA from the School of the Art Institute and an MBA from Chicago Booth School of Business. Joe helps authors create business systems. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover: How the economy cycles and what to do if this your first economic downturn  Strategies for the short term, including continued production of content (story drafts) as well as stress testing your business  Why cash flow is important in the short term Long-term strategies Fundamental shifts in marketing that may come in the future  Considerations around releasing books right now What Joe wishes he’d known about getting through an economic downturn Benefits of being your own boss during this time Links:  Joe Solari - author business stress test link is on the home page 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