Alexa Bigwarfe chats with Danica Favorite, Community Manager at PublishDrive and a multi-published hybrid author, about how authors can leverage AI and PublishDrive’s powerful tools to streamline their publishing journey. They discuss how metadata impacts book sales, how AI can help optimize book descriptions, keywords, and pricing, and why PublishDrive’s subscription model helps authors keep more of their royalties. Danica also shares insights on using AI responsibly, overcoming writing challenges, and maximizing book visibility. Plus, learn about PublishDrive’s special offer for Women in Publishing Summit attendees! Don’t miss this insightful and empowering conversation.

In this podcast episode, Alexa and Danica discuss:

• 🎙️ Meet Danica Favorite: Community Manager at PublishDrive, multi-published hybrid author, and passionate advocate for helping authors navigate the publishing world.
• 📚 What is PublishDrive? An all-in-one self-publishing platform designed to support authors at every stage—from formatting to global distribution, royalty splitting, and even Amazon ad management.
• 💰 A Different Pricing Model: Instead of taking a percentage of royalties, PublishDrive operates on a subscription basis, allowing authors to keep 100% of their earnings after store fees.
• 🆓 Try Before You Buy: PublishDrive offers one free eBook upload so authors can test the platform risk-free.
• 🛠️ Sales Calculator: A handy tool on their website that helps authors determine whether a percentage-based model or subscription is more cost-effective for them.
• 🚀 Metadata Matters! Many books struggle with sales because of incorrect metadata, poor book descriptions, or being in the wrong categories.
• 🤖 AI & Publishing: AI is changing the way authors market and optimize their books. Danica shares insights on how authors can leverage AI tools without losing creative control.
• 📝 AI Metadata Generator: PublishDrive’s new tool analyzes your manuscript and generates optimized book descriptions, keywords, categories, BISAC codes, and even price suggestions based on Amazon trends.
• 🎨 AI for Covers: The platform also offers an AI-generated cover option—perfect for concept ideas or quick designs.
• 🎙️ Brave New Bookshelf Podcast: Danica co-hosts this podcast, diving deep into AI in publishing and featuring experts from all corners of the industry.
• 🔧 Other AI Tools Authors Can Use: ChatGPT for market research, developmental editing, and repurposing content like blog posts from transcripts.
• 💡 AI for Writers, Not Instead of Writers: AI can enhance writing, not replace it—whether helping overcome writer’s block, brainstorming next scenes, or summarizing reviews for insights.
• 🎟️ Women in Publishing Summit: PublishDrive is offering a 20% discount for summit attendees! Learn more at womeninpublishingsummit.com/publishdrive.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• PublishDrive: womeninpublishingsummit.com/publishdrive
• Brave New Bookshelf Podcast: bravenewbookshelf.com
• Women in Publishing Summit: womeninpublishingsummit.com

Danica Favorite is the Community Manager at PublishDrive. A multi-published hybrid author, Danica understands the many challenges faced by authors today, and seeks to help them navigate those challenges, both in her role at PublishDrive and as an author. Her mission is to empower people to tell their stories, because every story matters.

PublishDrive is the all-in-one self-publishing platform designed to support authors at every stage of their journey. From formatting your manuscript and crafting perfect metadata and descriptions to help your books sell, to distributing across thousands of stores worldwide, we've got you covered. Once your book is selling, you can track sales, split royalties seamlessly, and even manage your Amazon ads—all in one place.

In this podcast episode, Alexa and Alida discuss:

• The importance of honing your writing craft, regardless of genre or experience.
• Understanding the fundamentals of story structure, including the three-act structure.
• Breaking down the key elements of Act 1: hooks, setup, inciting incidents, and points of no return.
• How story craft applies across genres, from literary fiction to romantic comedies and beyond.
• Tips for transitioning between different writing styles and genres (e.g., nonfiction to fiction).
• The balance between showing and telling in storytelling—and why both are necessary.
• The role of workshops, coaching, and community in developing writing skills.
• Navigating the plotter vs. pantser debate and finding a process that works for you.
• Recognizing the reflection of Act 1 in the entire novel and why it matters.
• Learning to handle feedback constructively and viewing revisions as part of the growth process.

Key Takeaways:

• "You don’t know what you don’t know"—the importance of learning and improving craft as a writer.
• Every story element—plot, character, setting, and theme—must work together to serve the reader.
• Act 1 should introduce the protagonist, their world, and the stakes while keeping tension and momentum.
• Writers should focus on crafting compelling stories first, then determine genre and marketing strategies.
• The stories we are meant to tell often stay with us, waiting to be written at the right time.

About Alida Winternheimer: Alida is an award-winning writer, developmental editor, writing coach, and teacher with an MFA from Hamline University. Her accolades include a Pushcart Prize nomination and her novel, Saving Annabelle, winning the 2023 Page Turner Awards. Alida also hosts the StoryWorks Roundtable podcast with over 280 episodes and has published two craft books: The StoryWorks Guide to Writing Character and The StoryWorks Guide to Writing Point of View. When she’s not writing or teaching, you can find her kayaking or exploring Minneapolis with her golden retriever.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: Visit WordEssential.com for coaching, workshops, and free office hours.
• Podcast: Check out the StoryWorks Roundtable for more insights on writing craft.
• Newsletter: Subscribe to Alida’s Substack for reflections on writing life and workshop updates.

Don’t Miss Alida at the Women in Publishing Summit: Alida will be returning to teach writing craft at the upcoming Women in Publishing Summit. Details and registration at WomeninPublishingSummit.com.

In this podcast episode, Alexa Bigwarfe interviews Mindy Kuhn, CEO of Warren Publishing, a hybrid publishing company with over 36 years of history. They discuss the unique benefits of hybrid publishing, including retained author rights, professional editing and design, and higher royalty rates. Mindy shares tips for authors on choosing the right publishing model, polishing manuscripts, and marketing their books. Ideal for authors seeking collaboration and control, hybrid publishing offers a balanced approach between traditional and self-publishing.

In this podcast episode, Alexa and Mindy discuss:

About Warren Publishing:

• What is Warren Publishing?
  
  
  • A hybrid publishing company with over 36 years of history.
  • Acquired by Mindy Kuhn nearly nine years ago.
    
    
• Types of books they publish:
  
  
  • Children’s books, fiction, nonfiction, and business books.
  • Less focus on religious publications or urban fiction.
    
    
• Key benefits of working with Warren Publishing:
  
  
  • Authors retain their rights (like self-publishing).
  • Professional editing, design, marketing, and distribution included.
  • High selectivity—only 20% of submissions are accepted.
  • Higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishing.
    
    

Tips for Authors Seeking Publication:

1. Make Two Lists:
   • A wish list of what you want in a publisher or publishing route.
   • A "no-go" list of what you don’t want (e.g., no upfront costs or specific deadlines).
     
     
2. Research Your Publishing Options:
   • Understand the spectrum: traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid, and others (e.g., AI-based publishing platforms).
   • Choose a model that aligns with your goals and budget.
     
     
3. Polish Your Manuscript:
   • Ensure it’s as refined as possible before submission.
   • Even if a publisher offers editing, first impressions matter.
     
     
4. Prepare to Market Your Book:
   • Be ready to actively promote your work, regardless of the publishing model.
   • Know your target audience and comparative titles (comp titles).
   • Set up a dedicated author social media presence.
     
     

Why Hybrid Publishing is a Strong Option:

• A balance between traditional and self-publishing models.
• Offers professional support while allowing authors more control.
• Growing acceptance in the publishing industry (e.g., award recognition for hybrid presses).
• Ideal for authors seeking collaboration and engagement in the publishing process.
  
  

Encouragement for Writers:

• Writing and publishing are a marathon, not a sprint.
• Be realistic about expectations—focus on creating quality work and enjoying the process.
• Publishing a book is always exciting, no matter how many you’ve done before.
  
  

Where to Learn More:

• Visit warrenpublishing.net for:
  • Submission guidelines.
  • Company information.
  • Contact details for questions.

Mindy Kuhn
Mindy has over thirty years of marketing, design, and branding experience. She holds Photojournalism and Journalism Graphics degrees from Ball State University and a Leadership in Publishing Certificate from the Yale Publishing Course; Yale School of Management and has worked in many aspects of advertising, marketing, and branding for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 to small boutiques. Mindy has extensive experience in the print platform and excels at developing an author’s vision into a polished, finished product. Publication design is one of her specialties and she has earned many design and publication awards for her work.

Learn more here: https://www.warrenpublishing.net
https://www.facebook.com/warrenpublishinginc/

In this podcast, Alexa and Nikki discuss:

• Nikki Nash’s journey to becoming a Hay House author and marketing expert:
  From wanting to be a journalist to becoming a Fortune 100 marketer and finally starting her own entrepreneurial journey after a wake-up call about family health, Nikki’s inspiring story highlights the power of following your purpose.
  
  
• The power of big-picture thinking:
  Nikki emphasizes creating a bold vision and leveraging your book as a tool to connect with larger audiences, organizations, or opportunities. For example, positioning your book as a vehicle for massive impact rather than focusing solely on individual clients.
  
  
• Monetization strategies for authors:
  
  
  • Beyond book sales: Acknowledge that most authors don’t become wealthy from book sales alone.
  • As a feeder: Use the book to introduce coaching, memberships, or courses.
  • For leverage: Build a brand and vision that attracts collaborations, large-scale deals, or other major opportunities.
    
    
• Practical advice for dream building and impact creation:
  
  
  • Dedicate specific time each week to think big, whether that’s reaching out to influencers, pitching large-scale collaborations, or refining your vision.
  • Limit working hours for "lifestyle money" (e.g., 25 hours per week or less) to focus on generational wealth and impactful projects.
    
    
• Key tips for writing and aligning your book with your vision:
  
  
  • Get on the playing field: Understand your audience’s pain points and write a book that solves their problems.
  • Utilize beta readers: Share your drafts with a group who can comment on clarity, resonance, and areas for expansion.
  • Ensure alignment with your big vision while focusing on practical solutions you’ve already mastered.
    
    
• Nikki’s actionable mindset shift:
  Don’t get stuck in survival mode. Pay your bills, but allocate time and resources to dream-building and thinking beyond the day-to-day grind.
  
  
• Special resource for listeners:
  Nikki offers scholarships to a university program sharing strategies for thinking big, creating opportunities, and leveraging your book.
  
  
  • How to apply: DM Nikki the word “Alexa” on Instagram @NikkiNashOfficial for details.

• Check out her bestselling book, Market Your Genius, for strategies to turn your expertise into a profitable business.

Globe-trotting Jersey girl, Nikki Nash is a Hay House Author and marketing expert. Her bestselling book Market Your Genius has helped thousands of entrepreneurs turn their experiences and expertise into a profitable online business. A lover of superheroes, sci-fi, and British murder mysteries, she's your go-to gal for Marvel marathons, card games, and globetrotting adventures with family and friends. When she's not guiding entrepreneurs how to get more dream clients, she's working on her next books.
 
Important Links:
https://instagram.com/nikkinashofficial
https://nikkinash.co/book

Be sure to grab your ticket to the Women in Publishing Summit to learn more from Leanne as she teaches the workshop Working with a Service Provider to Self-Publish Your Book

In this podcast episode, Alexa and Leanne discuss:

• Introduction to Leanne Janzen and FriesenPress:
  
  
  • Leanne’s journey in publishing, starting as a publishing specialist and now leading the sales team at FriesenPress.
  • FriesensPress, a 15-year-old self-publishing service provider, has celebrated publishing its 10,000th title.
  • The range of services offered, including editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, and personalized support through a publishing specialist.
    
    
• FriesenPress and Women in Publishing Summit Partnership:
  
  
  • FriesenPress is sponsoring the Women in Publishing Summit for the first time.
  • Special offer: $150 off manuscript evaluations for summit attendees.
    
    
• Manuscript Evaluation Benefits:
  
  
  • Detailed editorial feedback tailored to the manuscript.
  • Metadata recommendations, including BO codes and search keywords.
  • Examples of how the manuscript could look after editing.
  • Editing recommendations from proofreads to developmental edits.
    
    
• Self-Publishing Considerations:
  
  
  • The importance of budget and timeline when deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing.
  • How self-publishing allows for greater control, especially for time-sensitive or niche projects.
  • Budget planning: Evaluating money vs. time in the publishing process.
    
    
• Benefits of Working with a Service Provider:
  
  
  • Simplifies project management by coordinating all publishing steps.
  • Offers ongoing support, such as adapting to industry changes (e.g., returnable status for online retailers).
  • Empowers authors through coaching on marketing tools, website management, and social media strategies.
    
    
• Debunking Misconceptions About Self-Publishing:
  
  
  • High-quality self-published books can be indistinguishable from traditionally published ones.
  • Many well-known books, like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, started as self-published works.
    
    
• Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing:
  
  
  • Traditional publishing requires significant marketing efforts from the author, similar to self-publishing.
  • Even if traditional publishing is the goal, self-publishing can be a valuable stepping stone or alternative.
    
    
• Marketing and Promotion:
  
  
  • Essential for both traditionally and self-published authors.
  • FriesenPress educates authors on building their platforms and developing marketing strategies.
    
    
• Key Takeaways for Authors:
  
  
  • Self-publishing is a viable and respected option in today’s industry.
  • Authors should prioritize editing, professional design, and marketing efforts to create a polished product.
  • The publishing journey is unique to each author, and understanding your goals will help determine the best path forward.
    
    

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Women in Publishing Summit and FriesenPress collaboration: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/friesenpress
• Manuscript evaluation offer: $150 off for summit attendees.
• FriesenPress services and author support.

Important Links:
friesenpress.com/
instagram.com/friesenpress/
facebook.com/friesenpress/

About Leanne Janzen

Starting her journey in the publishing world, Leanne began working as a Publishing Specialist - guiding authors through the self publishing process with care and attention. Her ability to form relationships and desire to continually improve and learn led her to the University of Winnipeg. 

There, Leanne completed Leadership training shortly before transitioning to her new role with FriesenPress and now leads the sales team.

Her passion for educating others on the current publishing landscape and the benefits of self publishing led her to launching a successful speaking program at FriesenPress, where she and her team present to organizations and groups around North America.

When she is not keeping busy with her children and dogs (there are three of both!), you can find her on the beach with a good book and a glass of wine in hand.

In this podcast episode, Alexa shares:

• Reflections on a Personal Anniversary: Alexa commemorates the 13th anniversary of her daughter Kathryn’s passing and shares how this event shaped her journey as a writer, publisher, and creator of the Women in Publishing Summit.
  
  
• The Power of Writing to Heal: Writing became a vital tool for Alexa's healing, leading to her first book, which has since helped thousands of grieving mothers. She later created a beautiful Journal for Grieving Mothers as well. You can find both of these books in the resources section below.
  
  
• Importance of Community: She emphasizes the value of community in the publishing world, highlighting how authors, editors, designers, and marketers all play crucial roles in supporting each other.
  
  
• Leveraging AI for Efficiency: Alexa discusses how AI tools can be used to create marketing content quickly, sharing her own experience with using ChatGPT to generate a blog post on short notice.
  
  
• Encouragement for Writers: A powerful message about the impact of words and the importance of believing in the value of your stories, regardless of genre or subject.
  
  
• Resilience and Overcoming Challenges: Alexa candidly shares the personal and professional challenges she faced in 2024, including medical issues, and how she used them as fuel for growth and inspiration.
  
  
• Updates on the Women in Publishing Summit: Insights into the upcoming 2025 virtual conference, its workshops, networking events, and how it supports authors and publishing professionals.
  
  
• The Role of Publishing Professionals: A heartfelt acknowledgment of how editors, graphic designers, and other industry professionals contribute to the success of books and authors.
  
  
• Exciting New Projects: Alexa announces her upcoming talk at the Independent Book Publishers Association’s Publishing University on how authors and publishers can protect their work and businesses.
  
  
• Gratitude - to the community, to the team behind Alexa at WritePublishSell and the Women in Publishing Summit and how much everyone has been so incredible
  
  
• Looking Ahead to 2025: Alexa shares her hope for a renewed spirit and bigger accomplishments in the new year, encouraging listeners to persist with their dreams and goals.
  
  
• Upcoming Podcast Episodes: A sneak peek at interviews with sponsors of the Women in Publishing Summit, focusing on their services and advice for authors.
  
  

This is a heartfelt and motivational episode packed with personal stories, practical advice, and a call to action for writers and publishers to keep striving toward their goals.

Resources:

• The Sisterhood of Healing Hearts: Permission to Thrive Journal A Six Month Guided Journal for Grieving Mothers
• Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother
• The Women in Publishing Summit

Grab your ticket to the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit!

In this podcast episode, Alexa and Danika discuss:

• The importance of building an author network and community for long-term career growth.
• How connecting with other authors helps manage the inner critic and provides motivation.
• The value of having a purposeful network to support marketing efforts and book promotion.
• Collaborations like book swaps, newsletter swaps, and co-authoring as great ways to expand reach and promote books.
• The benefits of attending conferences, meeting like-minded authors, and participating in shared world anthologies to grow your audience.
• Tips for finding the right collaborators, including reaching out to authors in your genre and fostering genuine relationships.
• How maintaining relationships through regular meetings or mastermind groups can nurture collaborations and spark new ideas.
• Encouragement to be brave and reach out to others in the writing community, even if you're just starting out.
• Danica’s recommendation to try her 21-day SMS course for new authors

Resources Mentioned:

• Author Ever After: Danika’s community and support platform for romance authors.
• Romance Author Mastermind – A conference for romance writers.
• Various collaboration formats: Shared worlds, anthologies, newsletter swaps, and BookBub review swaps.

Important Links:
https://www.danikabloom.com/
https://www.authoreverafter.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@authoreverafter

About Danika Bloom:
USA Today bestselling romance author, Danika Bloom has been building and supporting author communities for almost 20 years. Danika's author superpower is connecting people and helping new authors find the allies they need to succeed. She was a two-term VP for her RWA chapter, founder of the membership community Author Ever After,  and creator of the Passion Project to Published framework, a done-with-you program that helps pre-published romance authors earn their first royalties.

Don't forget to grab your ticket to the Women in Publishing Summit!

In this podcast episode we discuss: 

• What Are Writing Rituals?
• The Importance of Writing Rituals
• Examples of Writing Rituals
• Writing Rituals in Community
• Post-Publication Rituals
• Elizabeth’s Coaching and Retreat Offerings

Resources Mentioned: (affiliate links included)

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – inspiration for habit stacking.
• Elizabeth’s books: Smart Self Care for Busy Women and Sacred Celebrations.
• Elizabeth’s website: ElizabethBarbour.com
• WIP School – Alexa’s community for structured writing sessions and accountability.

Important Links:

www.elizabethbarbour.com
www.facebook.com/elizabethtbarbour
www.instagram.com/elizabthbarbour

About Elizabeth Barbour:

Elizabeth Barbour has spent 23+ years helping people integrate mind, body and spirit for wholeness.  
As an intuitive life and business coach, shamanic practitioner, speaker and author, she is a creative force when to comes to releasing pain, healing wounds, transforming old stories into new beginnings, and celebrating the beauty and joy of life’s milestones.  

She is the author of two books: Smart Self-Care for Busy Women: Find the “Me Time” You Crave and the newly released Sacred Celebrations : Designing Rituals to Navigate Life’s Milestone Transitions. 

Elizabeth firmly believes that the world’s health and well-being is dependent upon emotional and spiritual practices that keep each one of us grounded and centered, especially during times of change. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss:

• the importance of knowing how to refer to and write about Native Americans; terminology matters - differences between “American Indian,” “Native American,” and “First American.”
• Is it okay for authors who aren’t Native American to write about them?
• How to start researching a tribe's history and culture and whether or not you should approach a tribal community for researching their story
• How to build relationships so that you avoid common stereotypes in your writing
• Cultural sensitivity - for example, is it okay to say Happy Thanksgiving?
• Sarah's course designed to help writers authentically represent Native American characters.

(Special discount code for podcast listeners.)
Resources Mentioned:

• Five Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing About Native Americans – Free eBook by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer.
• Fiction Writing American Indians course: Available at fictioncourses.com/americanindians with the code “WIPFWA” for a $50 discount.
• Sarah’s book on Choctaw Code Talkers of World War I.

Important Links:
https://www.fictioncourses.com/americanindians
https://www.fictioncourses.com/stereotypes
https://www.choctawspirit.com

About Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
As a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, she has written and published 17 historical fiction books with Native main characters, and over 275 non-fiction articles on Native artists and organizations with representatives from dozens of North American tribes. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian honored her as a literary artist through their Artist Leadership Program for her work in preserving Choctaw Trail of Tears stories, and she is a First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership alumni.
Discover more at www.fictioncourses.com/americanindians. (And don't forget your coupon code WIPFWA to save $50.)

Grab your ticket to the Women in Publishing Summit, where we'll be networking a LOT!

In this episode, the key points discussed are:

• How JF has successfully published short fiction in books that are not advertised, launched a literary podcast and became the President of the Canadian Authors Association’s Toronto Branch
• Why an author network is important
• The 3 biggest mistakes one can make when networking and how to avoid them
• How to use the author network

JF Garrard is an award-winning speculative fiction writer, editor and publisher. She is the President of Dark Helix Press, Host of the literary podcast The Artsy Raven, President for the Canadian Authors Association’s Toronto Branch and Deputy Editor for Ricepaper Magazine. Her portfolio of books and short fiction is listed on jfgarrard.com and you can find her on Twitter/Instagram @jfgarrard or Facebook @JFGarrardauthor.

Learn more here:
https://jfgarrard.com/
https://darkhelixpress.com/
https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard