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In this Momentum Monday episode, recorded around Alexa’s 49th birthday, she reflects on how close she came to not seeing this year—and why she’s treating it like an epic, rock-star season of life. She unpacks what “slow down to speed up” really means for authors and publishing professionals, from realistic timelines and launch planning to the emotional fallout of rushing. You’ll hear why friends and family won’t save your book sales, how small, consistent actions build empires, and how to map out a flexible, quarter-by-quarter plan for a successful 2026—plus how you can support Alexa’s big birthday goals through reviews, shares, and joining her in Columbia, SC or WIP Society.

Key takeaways:

• Why this episode is airing on her birthday and why birthdays feel extra precious after a 2024 medical crisis
• How she’s treating her 49th year as an “epic rock-star year” with travel, new books, and stepping back from day-to-day WIP Summit operations
• What “slow down to speed up” really means in the context of writing, publishing, and marketing
• The danger of comparison and wanting instant results without seeing the years of work behind other people’s success
• Why rushing to the finish line with your book or launch almost always backfires
• The importance of looking at what you actually accomplished in 2025 when forecasting goals for 2026
• How her own book timelines have sped up over time—and why switching genres resets the clock
• The principle of focusing on one genre/audience first before branching out
• Realistic expectations for growing your email list (e.g., 5 to 5,000 vs 5 to 45,000)
• Planning backwards: what you need to do each quarter, month, week, and day to hit your 2026 goals
• Why friends and family are not your target sales strategy (with real examples of who did—and didn’t—buy her last book)
• The emotional crash that happens when you rush a launch and then feel like a failure
• Inspiring examples of authors who started with zero audience, did the work, and had incredible launches
• The reminder from self-development reading that small, consistent actions create big progress
• Practical advice: doubling or tripling your estimated timeline for your first book
• Using quarterly planning and flexible timelines so you can adjust goals as the year unfolds
• How to get support: joining WIP Society, attending her events, and coming to the in-person marketing conference in Columbia, SC
  
  

Get your ticket to the Content Strategy Bootcamp!

Summary
In this episode, Alexa Bigwarfe talks with Kourtney Jason, president and co-founder of Pacific & Court, an award-winning Brooklyn-based publicity and digital marketing agency. With more than 15 years of experience in the PR industry, Kourtney shares invaluable insight into what it takes to get media coverage for your book—whether you’re an indie author or working with a small press. They dive into timelines, realistic expectations, the value of collaboration, and what successful campaigns actually look like.

In this podcast, Alexa and Kourtney discuss:

• How Kourtney went from journalist to celebrity publicist to indie author advocate
• Why traditional and digital PR matter for authors outside the “Big Five”
• The best time to start your marketing and PR efforts
• The difference between book marketing and public relations
• How to set realistic PR goals and timelines
• What success actually looks like in a media campaign
• Why collaboration between author and publicist is key
• How to use local bookstores and media to build buzz
• The importance of earned media and how to make it work for you
• Budgeting expectations for PR and how to gauge ROI
• What to do after you get media coverage to make it count
• Why nonfiction authors have a PR advantage—and how fiction authors can find their story angles

Guest Bio
Kourtney Jason is the president and co-founder of Pacific & Court, an award-winning publicity and digital marketing agency based in Brooklyn, New York. A former journalist turned publicist, Kourtney has led PR campaigns for celebrity authors, chefs, and independent publishers. Her clients have been featured in The Today Show, The New York Times, People, USA Today, and more. She is also the author of five nonfiction books, including Lights, Camera, Booze, which appeared in the Academy Awards swag bags.

Resources & Links

• Pacific & Court
• Follow Pacific & Court on Instagram
• Connect with Kourtney Jason on LinkedIn
• Women in Publishing Summit Podcast

Join us at the Content Strategy Bootcamp (or get the replays) at https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/content

In this Momentum Monday episode, Alexa gets honest about what happens when you don’t have a content strategy—using this very off-the-cuff recording as a live case study. She walks through why “winging it” leads to burnout, how to think about calls to action and systems, and why your 2026 content plan truly matters.  

In this podcast, Alexa discusses: 

• Why her podcast needed a solo “Momentum Monday” segment to showcase her own expertise
• How relying only on guest interviews can limit your ability to build and sell your own offers
• The downside of “I’ll do it over the holiday” thinking—and how burnout kills creativity
• What happens when you sit down to create content with no plan or outline
• The difference between random posts and a strategic content pipeline
• Why every post needs a clear call to action (CTA) and what CTAs can look like
• A real-life example of inviting ARC readers without the systems to support them
• How to think through the entire path: from Instagram post to email list, ARC team, or book sale
• The importance of having forms, automations (Zapier), and sequences ready before you post
• Making sure your bio link, feed content, and recent posts support your current goals
• Planning content quarterly and annually to support your big 2026 business goals
• Using AI (like ChatGPT) to write content in your voice and save time on marketing assets
• Why scheduling tools and systems create space for you to think and be creative
• How Alexa is using Airtable and automations to build out launch and content systems
• Why people think they hate marketing—and how having a plan changes that feeling
• A strong invitation to the Content Strategy Bootcamp and why it’s “the best $97 you’ll spend”
  
  

Get your ticket to the Content Strategy Bootcamp! https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/content

Summary
In this episode, Alexa Bigwarfe chats with Olivia Zugay, founder of Story Flow Solutions and sponsor of the Women in Publishing Summit. Olivia helps authors navigate their publishing journeys with clarity and confidence—teaching them how to balance creativity with the business of authorship. Together, Alexa and Olivia discuss burnout, realistic publishing timelines, long-term business strategy, and how new authors can avoid costly mistakes by getting educated early.
In this podcast, Alexa and Olivia discuss:

• How Olivia transitioned from animal science and 4-H into book marketing and publishing
• Why her passion for education inspired Story Flow Solutions
• The difference between launching a single book and building an author business
• Practical ways to prevent burnout and plan your publishing calendar realistically
• How authors can retain creative control while learning to run their career like a business
• The importance of community, mentorship, and asking questions early
• Olivia’s upcoming membership for new authors featuring education, guest experts, and a vetted vendor directory
• A 10 % discount for Women in Publishing Summit listeners on Story Flow Solutions services

About the Guest
Olivia Zugay is the founder of Story Flow Solutions, where she empowers authors to navigate their publishing journeys with confidence. Offering strategic guidance in publishing, launching, and marketing, she helps writers retain creative control while crafting marketable, successful books.
Learn more at www.storyflowsolutions.com.

Resources & Links

• Story Flow Solutions
• Women in Publishing Summit
• 10% off Story Flow Solutions services

When Going Viral Doesn’t Sell Books: Content Strategy That Actually Works for Authors
Join us at the Content Strategy Bootcamp to learn how to create the types of posts and engaging content that DOES build your audience and sell more of your books! https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/content

In this Momentum Monday episode, Alexa shares the story of a “viral” Instagram post that brought in 100,000+ views and 400+ followers—but zero book sales. She breaks down why the right audience matters more than views, how to align your content with your goals, and a simple exercise to recalibrate your content strategy.

In this episode, Alexa discusses:

• Why going viral with the wrong content doesn’t grow your author business
• How a nostalgic New Kids on the Block post exploded—but didn’t lead to book sales
• The difference between engagement for fun vs. engagement that supports your goals
• What “content strategy” really means for authors and publishing professionals
• Why you need to attract the right readers, not just more followers
• How to think about your ideal audience and their emotional drivers
• Examples of content that builds trust with readers and clients
• Why you shouldn’t chase random followers or follow-for-follow tactics
• How consistency impacts algorithms, visibility, and audience trust
• A simple exercise to write one powerful, aligned piece of content
• Why your content should invite people into a clear customer journey
• The importance of optimized bios, links, calls to action, and welcome sequences
• How the right content leads to real audience growth and book or service sales
• What you’ll learn in the Content Strategy Bootcamp on December 4
• How a $97 investment in strategy and systems can change how you market forever

Recorded live at Author Nation in Las Vegas, this episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat brings together YA dystopian author C.C. Robinson, editor Dakota Nyght, and travel writer Annie Slade. They dig into why community matters so much for writers and publishing professionals, what they’re learning at the conference, and how to turn overwhelm into meaningful connections.

In this podcast, Alexa, C.C. , Dakota, and Annie discuss: 

• Why community is essential for authors, editors, and publishing professionals
• The reality of walking into a big conference as a new or emerging author
• Highlights from sessions with Becca Syme, Joanna Penn, Drew Davis, Katie Cross, and T.D. Donnelly
• How AI and SOPs are reshaping the way authors and editors work
• Rethinking marketing funnels as experiences and connections
• The power of hearing familiar concepts from different teachers and angles
• Navigating vendor hall overwhelm and making sense of tools and services
• How platforms like BookFunnel, ProWritingAid, Curios, 11 Labs, and Spotify fit into an author business
• Surprising takeaways from talking to vendors you almost skipped
• The importance of cross-industry learning (like hospitality) for reader experience
• Personal stories of connection: late-night shop talk, lunch-table brainstorms, and “emotional support extroverts”
• Why online communities make in-person events less intimidating and more impactful
• Practical encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, isolated, or unsure of their next step
  
  

Get your ticket to the VIRTUAL Content Strategy Bootcamp HERE.

In this Momentum Monday episode, Alexa digs into what really creates momentum on social media. Spoiler alert: it isn’t just posting consistently. She shares her real-time TikTok experiment, how she gained nearly 100 highly targeted followers in 10 days, and the actual key to growth—knowing what happens after someone discovers you. From cleaning up your profile to mapping your reader journey to fixing the hidden gaps most authors ignore, Alexa walks through why content matters, but strategy matters more.

In this podcast, Alexa discusses:

• Why social media consistency alone won’t grow your author business
• The REAL difference between visibility and momentum
• Her 10-day TikTok case study and what worked
• How she gained 100 targeted followers (holiday romance readers!) in less than 2 weeks
• The importance of cleaning up your profile and curating your audience
• How to retrain the algorithm for book discovery
• Why engagement matters more than posting
• What happens after a reader discovers you—and how most authors lose them
• The critical role of reader pathways, welcome sequences, and updated websites
• How content strategy maps the journey from follower → email subscriber → book buyer
• Why TikTok growth meant nothing without a plan
• How this experience shaped the December 4th Content Strategy Bootcamp
• Why authors need a system, not random content
• The danger of reactive marketing vs. proactive planning
• The surprising KU and sales results she saw from just two weeks of effort

Love Holiday Romances? Check out The Christmas Market Mashup by Lexi Haddock today! (aff link)

Grab your ticket to the Content Strategy Bootcamp! https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/content

Dallas Woodburn—award-winning author, editor, and book coach—joins Alexa to talk about gentle, sustainable writing routines. They cover 100-words-a-day momentum, habit stacking, seasons of life, “special” writing rituals, grace over guilt, and why any publishing path can be the “right” one if it fits your goals.

In this podcast, Alexa and Dallas discuss:

• Why there isn’t one “right” publishing path—and how to choose what fits your book and goals
• Building a sustainable writing routine using tiny, repeatable wins (e.g., 100 words a day)
• Habit cues and “warm-ups” that flip your brain into creative mode
• The power of quarterly resets and season-specific routines
• Tools for accountability (visual calendars, stickers, public challenges)
• Separating creative writing from work (second laptop, new location, or longhand)
• Giving yourself grace during busy seasons (kids, business, deadlines)
• Using environment and rituals (music, clothing, a special sweater) to build consistency
• Community, collaboration, and shared challenges to stay motivated
• Dallas’s coaching approach and where to find her resources

Significant Takeaways 

• Sustainable writing comes from tiny, repeatable wins (100 words/day).
• Habit cues and short warm-ups make starting easier.
• Reassess routines quarterly; match your season of life.
• Use visual accountability (calendars, stickers) and community challenges.
• Publishing has many valid paths; choose the one aligned with your goals.
  
  

Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning author of nine books across genres, an editor, and a book coach. She hosts the Thriving Authors Podcast and founded the Write Your Book Summit. Dallas helps writers build sustainable habits, finish strong, and choose the publishing path that fits their goals. dallaswoodburn.com

Resources & URLs

• Dallas Woodburn website — https://dallaswoodburn.com
• Thriving Authors Podcast — https://dallaswoodburn.com/podcast
• Instagram (@dallaswoodburnauthor) — https://www.instagram.com/dallaswoodburnauthor/
• Write Your Book Summit — https://dallaswoodburn.com/summit
• Women in Publishing Summit — https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/
  
  

In this Momentum Monday, Alexa Bigwarfe shares how to turn your next conference or event into a content goldmine. Learn how to show up strategically on social media—before, during, and after the event—so your time, travel, and networking keep working for you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

In this episode, Alexa discusses:

• How to plan your content strategy before a conference
• What to capture (and what not to) while you’re there
• Ways to record quick videos, reflections, and takeaways your audience will love
• The power of hashtags for discoverability and collaboration
• How to repurpose event content for ongoing momentum
• Why conferences are visibility accelerators—not just learning opportunities

Get tickets to the Content Strategy Bootcamp!

Summary
In this empowering episode, Alexa Bigwarfe talks with certified book coach and editor Kate Allyson about how neurodivergent writers—especially those with ADHD or autism—can thrive in their creative process. They discuss the challenges of focus, motivation, and structure, and the tools, systems, and mindset shifts that make writing not just possible, but joyful.

In this podcast, Alexa and Kate discuss

• How neurodivergent traits like ADHD and autism impact the writing process
• The importance of individualized systems that match each writer’s brain
• How to turn ADHD “shiny object syndrome” into a creative superpower
• Practical tools for accountability and finishing your book
• Voice memos, transcription tools, and ChatGPT as supports for neurodivergent writers
• How AI can ethically assist with drafting and editing
• Working with editors who understand neurodivergent workflows
• Finding the right writing and editing support without breaking the bank
• Building confidence and letting go of perfectionism as a writer

About Kate Allyson
Kate Allyson is a certified book coach and editor who helps neurodivergent authors turn their ideas into finished books. She’s edited over 50 published titles across memoir, nonfiction, and speculative fiction, and she’s passionate about making the writing process accessible for all. Her upcoming book, Happy Dog, Happy Human, explores the deep connections between humans and their canine companions.

Resources & Links

• Kate Allyson’s website: kateallysoncreative.com
• Renee Rebar’s book: Selling Your Expertise
• Women in Publishing Summit: womeninpublishingsummit.com
• Alexa Bigwarfe: writepublishsell.com