Welcome to our first specialty series, Reason to Write! In this series, Janeen and Amy are tackling different ways to win at the writing and publishing life. In this episode, we dive into writing for profit, including genre choice, production must-haves, and keys for solid marketing. Plus, how to know if this is the right route for you. Upper tier Patreon subscribers get our bonus content on specific write-to-market routes for fiction and nonfiction books!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Ready to make your ensemble cast irresistible? This is your episode! Janeen and Amy are joined by guest author Margaret McGriff to talk all things character-building, including how to make your voices distinct, how to develop unique backstories, and what to do when your cast doesn’t behave. Plus, we discuss the best options for debut authors, and what the MCU gets right.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Amy is back and ready to help you tackle your ads! She and Janeen talk about when to use ads, how to use ads, and why ads can be helpful even when they fail. Includes the essentials you must have in place before you start running ads. Plus, Amy’s surprise AWSA award win and why asking questions is the most valuable thing you can do.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Need help with your author accounting? What about mental health? We get it–sometimes these two just go hand in hand (money can be hard). Join Janeen Ippolito and special guest Chris Morris (accountant and mental health advocate) as we talk friendly tips to help with your accounting, and insightful guidance on best practices for mental health. Plus, the differences between fiction and nonfiction authors.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Could your description be making your story drag? Level up your description writing chops with this tip-tastic episode! Janeen and Amy share how great descriptions can make your plot more impactful, your characters more potent, and your settings more engaging. We also talk about new hardback printing options–and whether they make sense for your market. Plus, why sometimes the answer to writer’s block is more writing.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Janeen and Amy dive into some current topics with timeless guidance in this biztastic episode. We discuss maintaining your biz when the economy tightens budgets, including when to shift gears. Plus, three key questions when checking those writing and publishing goals, and our own epic shifts with Author Elevate.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Your epic hosts Janeen and Amy tackle these oft-heard writing terms in this helpful episode. Learn how tropes can help you connect with your readers, what genre expectations have to do with spaghetti, and why cliches aren’t really something to worry about. Plus, we share one easy tip for book sales, and get our Drift on with Pacific Rim geekishness.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Ready to grow your audience? Already doing it, but want a boost? Amy and Janeen have you covered in this episode. We discuss five ways to grow your audience, from branding insight to data collection tips. Plus, we discuss audience building as a beginner or experienced author, and a possible upswing in the saga of a certain book distributor’s return policy. Tune in for all the awesome details!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Ever wonder if it really is easier now–or harder? We have all the encouragement for you! Janeen and Amy talk about changes in the publishing industry in the last 15-20 years. Includes why publishing is easier (and harder) now, editors vs. editing software, and how to focus on what works for you. Plus, what Spiderman has to do with all of this.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe

Just starting off in your author life–or in that awkward adolescence? We have all the encouragement for you! Janeen and Amy share their personal then/now stories as professional authors and publishers, with loads of tips (and mistakes you can avoid). Plus, we look at the difference between genre mash-ups and trope combos–and how you can use that love for genre smashing to sell more books (potato chips are mentioned, but not directly involved).  Don't forget to subscribe. :-)  Check out the website: http://www.authorelevate.comSupport us on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/authorelevate Mentioned in this episode: -K-Lytics: https://k-lytics.com/-Publisher Rocket: https://publisherrocket.com/-The Marvelous Misfits - Janeen’s Reader Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/168444147251310 Go forth and be awesome!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormargins.substack.com/subscribe