Publishing your book is a huge milestone—but it’s not the end of your author journey. In this final reference episode, we help you plan what comes next. Learn how to keep your book relevant post-launch, build long-term momentum, and avoid the post-pub slump. From ongoing marketing to repurposing content and planning your next project, we’ll show you how to turn your finished book into a lasting asset for your platform, career, and readership.

To successfully publish and maintain your book’s visibility, you’ll need to create and manage several essential service accounts. In this episode, we walk you through the most important ones—Amazon KDP, Goodreads, OverDrive, and more—and explain what each one does, why it matters, and how to optimize your presence. You’ll learn how these platforms help you control your book’s metadata, connect with readers, track sales, and keep your title relevant long after launch.

Your book is done—now how do you get readers to actually find it? In this episode, we guide you through building a strategic marketing and PR plan tailored to your goals. We’ll revisit your BAGG (Book and Author Gameplan and Goals), help you define success post-launch, and explain how to time your release date, use pre-orders, and leverage ARCs effectively. We also unpack your promotional toolkit: media kits, press releases, podcast tours, blog outreach, social media, newsletter swaps, paid ads, publicists (do you need one?), and more.

Confused by all the printing and distribution options for your book? In this episode, Jenna and Sara break down the pros and cons of print-on-demand vs. offset printing, how services like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark compare, and when traditional distribution might still make sense. You’ll also learn about working with wholesalers, setting discounts and royalties, and pricing your book so it’s competitive and profitable.

Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing formats in publishing—and a powerful way to reach new readers. In this episode, we provide an overview of audiobook production: how to decide if you need one, whether to narrate it yourself or hire a pro, what equipment or services to use, and how to distribute it effectively. If you’ve ever considered bringing your book to life through audio, this episode is your starting point.

A well-designed interior can elevate your book from amateur to professional. In this episode, we explain what goes into interior book design—print and digital. You’ll learn how to prep your manuscript for a designer, what formatting choices matter (margins, fonts, images, tables), and how interior layout differs between print and e-books.

Your book cover is a powerful sales tool, often the first thing a potential reader sees. In this episode, Jenna and Sara break down how to design a cover that reflects your genre, appeals to your audience, and meets industry specs. We’ll cover the full anatomy of a book cover, including the front, spine, back, flaps, barcodes, BISAC codes, and how to incorporate blurbs and branding for maximum impact.

Learn how to structure your book like a pro. This episode walks you through the essential building blocks of a complete book—front matter, main content, and back matter. You’ll discover which elements are optional vs. required, how to sequence them, and tips to give your finished book a polished, professional look that meets industry standards.

Blurbs and testimonials can boost your book’s credibility, marketing reach, and discoverability—if you know how to get the right ones. In this episode, we walk you through who to ask, how to ask, when to ask, and what makes a testimonial truly effective. We also cover how to use endorsements beyond the book jacket to enhance your author brand and marketing strategy.

Not sure which publishing path is right for you? This episode breaks down traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid models—explaining how each works, what authors can expect in terms of control, cost, royalties, and distribution, and how to align your publishing choice with your goals, timeline, and budget.