The Bestseller Experiment

Here are some clips of what is happening over on the Deep Dive at http://bestsellerexperiment.com/support

In the latest of an occasional series of reports from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference, we speak to bestselling children's author and illustrator Alex T Smith… and Mr. D makes a big declaration! In this episode you will discover… How themes help with story ideas for series characters How your personality will make your book unique How the most unexpected influences can enhance your writing Why it might pay dividends to dig out your old sketches and writing To hear more of this episode in our deep dive, check out bestsellerexperiment.com/support Our novel Back To Reality is out now bestsellerexperiment.com/backtoreality

A special episode where Mr. Stay catches up with Sam Eades on the Gingerbread writing competition launched in episode 50, and speaks to the shortlisted authors, and we discover what it was about their writing that got them shortlisted... In this episode you will discover… How targets and deadlines are essential for any writer How writing for competitions with a theme can help you dig deeper How to find the courage to tell your own story And editor Sam Eades introduces us to the mysterious story triangle! To hear more of this episode in our deep dive, check out patreon.com/bestsellerexperiment Our novel Back To Reality is out now bestsellerexperiment.com/backtoreality

Here are some clips of what is happening over on the Deep Dive at http://bestsellerexperiment.com/support

Braving snowmageddon, our monthly live show was recorded in London and Vancouver, with our audience of Patreon supporters. Featured listener questions include the secrets of metadata, author blogging, outlining, and crowdfunding. And there's an update on Mark Stay's book The End of Magic, which you can support here: bestsellerexperiment.com/endofmagic. To join us as an audience member at our next live recording, become a supporter today at: bestsellerexperiment.com/support In this episode you will discover… The dark secrets of metadata and how you can make it work for your books How you can make a blog work harder Tips for when you're stuck on your outline Why you should celebrate weaknesses The pros and cons of present tense versus past tense We discover what "brain tabs" are, and we discuss top tips for avoiding distractions while writing To hear more of this episode in our deep dive, check out patreon.com/bestsellerexperiment Our novel Back To Reality is out now bestsellerexperiment.com/backtoreality

Here are some clips of what is happening over on the Deep Dive at http://bestsellerexperiment.com/support

Mr. Stay has a new book coming! And it's being published by Unbound Books who use a crowdfunding model. We discuss how it all works and how you, dear listener, can get involved at https://unbound.com/books/end-of-magic/ In this episode you will discover… How crowdfunding works in publishing Strategies for effective crowdfunding The discount code exclusive to our listeners And updates from our listeners, including one who has just secured a book deal with a major publisher! To hear more of this episode in our deep dive, check out patreon.com/bestsellerexperiment Our novel Back To Reality is out now bestsellerexperiment.com/backtoreality

Here are some clips of what is happening over on the Deep Dive at http://bestsellerexperiment.com/support

We speak to the completely charming Catriona Innes, Senior Editor of Cosmopolitan, the UK's best selling glossy magazine. Working on the features desk she writes, edits and commissions the long reads, fitness and career sections of Cosmopolitan, as well as heading up the books content. She's currently working on Hearst's inaugural books prize, Big Book, as well as writing her first fiction novel. In this episode you will discover… How books get those big magazine features Top tips for interviews (we took lots of notes) and how you can apply them to your writing The secrets of undercover and investigative journalism The benefits of setting up a writers' group And how you can get involved with the Big Book Festival and Prize To hear more of this episode in our deep dive, check out patreon.com/bestsellerexperiment Our novel Back To Reality is out now bestsellerexperiment.com/backtoreality

Here are some clips of what is happening over on the Deep Dive at http://bestsellerexperiment.com/support