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Learn how author branding helps nonfiction writers and experts create a recognizable personal brand before their book launches. Allison Lane talks with Heidi Yarger, founder of SpitfireGirl, about building a cohesive author platform using brand photography, Canva, mood boards, and AI design tools. Heidi shares practical ways to choose brand colors, create reusable marketing assets, and make your LinkedIn profile, website, and social content feel consistent. Useful for authors and thought leaders who want to stand out without spending hours on design or relying on their publisher to market them.
3 Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Why authors need personal branding
02:09 Meet Heidi Yarger of SpitfireGirl
03:16 What publishers won't do for your author platform
05:38 Building visibility without becoming an influencer
07:30 Choosing professional brand photography
09:22 Creating your personal brand strategy
11:04 Developing a recognizable visual identity
14:10 Essential branding assets for authors
15:13 How to create a mood board and Canva brand kit
17:18 Using real photos to choose brand colors
20:31 Why your author brand shouldn't match your book cover
23:32 Overcoming discomfort with self-promotion
26:13 Creating reusable LinkedIn banners and social templates
28:22 Building a photography and video asset library
30:16 Using AI for author photos and book marketing graphics
33:05 Why brand strategy comes before AI design
36:08 Three things your publisher won't do for you
37:20 Taking the first steps before your book launch
Resources
Free guide: Your Publisher Won't Do It for You
Three ways authors can build their brand and buzz before book launch.
https://spitfiregirldesign.com/publisher
SpitfireGirl: https://spitfiregirldesign.com/
Canva: https://www.canva.com/
Coolors color palette generator: https://coolors.co/
Likable Badass by Alison Fragale
Dream Big and Win by Liz Elting
Allison Lane Literary: https://lanelit.com/
Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority - and get recognized for your expertise (not your follower count): https://lanelit.com/authority
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
Allison Lane and JJ Flizanes on career reinvention for high‑achieving women. Learn to recognize signals you’ve outgrown a role, reframe your professional identity, and take practical first steps toward a midcareer pivot. Key takeaways: how to spot readiness for change, mindset shifts to move from status to purpose, and tested first actions to explore new paths. Ideal for professionals planning a next chapter who want clear, actionable guidance.
They unpack why so many brilliant women hesitate at the exact moment they’re meant to grow, why another credential usually isn’t the answer, and how to recognize when you’re no longer meant to stay where you are.
If your career looks good on paper but something feels off, this episode will help you name what’s happening and start thinking differently about your next move.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Resources:
Listen to more episodes of The Author’s Edge for smart visibility, publishing, and platform strategy for women experts ready to go bigger.
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
Your message isn’t too nuanced, it’s just not landing.
This episode of the Author's Edge, host Allison Lane explains how experts and creators use a one-sentence "I help statement" to make people get quickly interested.
Allison shares a quick action you can take to rewrite your intro and turn confusion into tell me more. Learn when to use outcomes instead of credentials.
You can be brilliant and still be unclear. Smart people often describe their roles, titles, and process, but skip the result. That’s why people disengage. In this quickie episode, Allison walks you through a simple one-sentence framework that helps people understand what you do in one breath.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Why smart people sound vague
01:10 The hallway problem
03:05 People hire clarity, not credentials
04:30 The I help framework
06:10 How to test and tighten your one-liner
07:20 Free guide mention
🔗Use this guide to help people understand what you do in one breath.
Quick Action:
Write one sentence using this structure:
I help [audience] [get result] so they can [bigger outcome].
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
Traditional vs. hybrid vs. self-publishing: Which publishing path is right for your nonfiction book, budget, timeline, and professional goals? Trena White, co-founder of Page Two, joins Allison Lane to explain the differences between traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing, including author costs, creative control, book rights, distribution, and marketing responsibilities.
Not all hybrid publishers offer the same services. Some provide professional editing, design, and bookstore distribution. Others offer little more than assisted self-publishing. Trena explains what authors should look for before signing a publishing contract and why choosing a publisher should start with understanding what you want your book to accomplish.
They also discuss why your book's market positioning matters before you write, how nonfiction authors can use books to generate speaking and consulting opportunities, and why building your author platform before publication gives you more options.
If you're deciding how to publish a nonfiction book, this conversation will help you compare your options and avoid choosing a publishing path that doesn't support your goals.
Key takeaways
Episode chapters
00:00 Introduction: Choosing the right publishing path
01:53 Traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing explained
03:27 How hybrid publishing works
04:06 Why hybrid publishers aren't all the same
05:17 Why authors should research the market before writing
06:49 Your book's role in your professional strategy
07:53 Why book marketing starts before the manuscript
09:19 Creating a compelling reader promise
12:35 Why shorter nonfiction books are gaining attention
14:34 The Coaching Habit: A book that sold over one million copies
16:44 Using a nonfiction book to grow a speaking or consulting business
19:30 Why you should build your author platform before leaving your job
22:10 Building a personal website and professional brand
24:10 What publishers look for in an author's online presence
25:21 Publishing timelines and bookstore distribution
27:36 What Page Two looks for in book submissions
28:23 Why a nonfiction book proposal is a business plan
30:42 How selective hybrid publishers evaluate authors
32:08 Book marketing strategies that no longer work
34:25 Why email lists matter for book launches
36:50 Using LinkedIn newsletters to build your audience
37:30 Recommended resources and next steps
Action steps
Resources
Page Two: https://pagetwo.com/
Page Two submissions: https://pagetwo.com/submissions
Write a Must-Read by AJ Harper
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Allison Lane Literary: https://lanelit.com/
Your book is one part of a bigger professional strategy. Choose the publishing path that supports what you want to accomplish next.
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
If you’re speaking but not marketing where you spoke, you’re leaving credibility on the table.
In this quickie episode, Allison Lane explains why credibility is an asset, not a moment, and how to make it visible where it actually builds trust.
You’ll learn the simplest way to reuse one proof point so new people can trust you faster, without posting more or sounding braggy.
Time stamps:
00:00 Quickie intro + the mistake
00:20 Credibility is an asset, not a moment
00:40 Where proof must live: banner, bio, website
01:05 Credibility doesn’t expire
01:30 Proof builds trust and authority
01:55 Don’t dismiss old wins
02:15 Do this today: pick one proof point
02:40 Grab logo + contextual photo
03:05 Place it and leave it
03:30 Why social posts disappear
03:55 CTA: 7 Shifts guide
04:15 Why you’re not getting opportunities
04:40 DM me on LinkedIn + wrap
Action step: pick one speaking proof point from the last five years, grab the logo and an on-stage photo, and place it on your LinkedIn banner, website homepage, or short bio and leave it there.
Don't forget to showcase proof of your own credibility get the free guide: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority at https://lanelit.com/authority
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
Your reputation can be rock solid. And still, your online presence can make you look like a side hobby.
On the Author’s Edge episode, Allison Lane talks with Sandra Scaiano from The Long Game podcast about building a digital presence that actually functions. Not for vanity. For opportunities.
You’ll learn how to build a website that turns curiosity into action. How to create a clean path so people can hire you instead of endlessly picking your brain. And how SEO still matters, even with AI search and answer engines reshaping discovery.
What they cover:
Resources Links:
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
Visibility gets a bad rap. If you’ve ever thought: “I don’t want to sound salesy,” this Quickie is for you.
In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane reframes visibility for people who hate performing online. Visibility is not self-promotion. It’s translation.
You’ll learn how to make your thinking easier to find and easier to understand, so the right people can benefit from what you already know.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Try this today
Write one post based on one thing you already say in private:
Here’s a question I get all the time.
Here’s my answer.
Free resource
Take these 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: get the free guide at https://LaneLit.com/authority
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
Turn LinkedIn comments into real visibility using a simple 3-sentence method you can do in 15 minutes a day.
This episode explains how experts and professionals use a strategic LinkedIn commenting strategy to grow their reach without posting every day.
LinkedIn and personal branding strategist Mandy McEwen shares a real-world example of one comment generating 90,000 impressions.
Listeners will learn when to use commenting instead of posting to build authority faster with less effort.
If you want to grow on LinkedIn but posting feels like a second job, start with comments.
In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane and Mandy McEwen break down a repeatable 3-sentence framework for comments that get seen, spark conversations, and drive profile clicks.
You’ll also learn who to comment on, what to say so you do not sound salesy, and how to turn your best comments into future posts so you never start from a blank page.
Links and Resources
Timestamps
00:00 Why LinkedIn feels intimidating when colleagues are watching
02:05 Why people stay small on LinkedIn
05:10 Why job-title headlines reduce profile clicks
08:15 LinkedIn headline tips that create curiosity
12:10 The 3-sentence method for LinkedIn comments
16:30 Who to comment on: prospects and thought leaders
20:40 One comment, 90,000 impressions: what made it work
24:15 Comment vs repost-with-comment vs original post
28:05 Turn comments into posts with a simple swipe file
31:10 How to DM like a normal human
35:05 How to use AI without losing your voice
39:10 The 15-minute action step for today
Listen now for the LinkedIn commenting strategy that builds visibility, thought leadership, and inbound opportunities without posting every day.
Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority - and get recognized for your expertise (not your follower count): https://lanelit.com/authority
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
If English isn’t your first language, it’s easy to wonder whether people will trust your writing or take your ideas seriously. In this solo episode of The Author’s Edge, Allison Lane tackles that fear head-on and separates what’s real from what’s holding you back.
You’ll hear why perfect English isn’t the standard for credibility, how clarity builds trust faster than polish, and why non-native English speakers often have an advantage when it comes to writing. Allison also shares a simple, repeatable process for getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page without overthinking grammar or sounding like a textbook.
This episode is for experts, founders, and professionals who know they have something valuable to say but have been hesitating because English isn’t their first language.
In this episode, Allison covers:
Action step:
Pick one question people ask you all the time. Record yourself answering it on your phone. Transcribe it, read it once for clarity, and share it. You don’t need perfection. You need a path from your voice to the page.
Get Allison's 7 Shifts to Build Your Authority free guide: https://lanelit.com/authority
Timestamps
If you know someone who’s been sitting on an important idea because English isn’t their first language, share this episode with them.
Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority - and get recognized for your expertise (not your follower count): https://lanelit.com/authority
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
You don't have to start at the bottom when you pivot to your dream career.
In this episode, Allison Lane talks with business coach, author, and Second Act Success podcast host Shannon Russell about designing a “second act” (or third, or encore career) that honors who you’ve been and who you’re becoming ... and designing a next chapter that builds on your success. Learn how to pivot with confidence, use a 90‑day roadmap, and find time to grow your new business without burnout. Shannon shares practical strategies for finding time to build your business - even in 15-minute pockets of time - and emphasizes the importance of a 90-day roadmap.
If you are considering a career pivot, a corporate exit, or an encore career, this conversation breaks down how to gain visibility and authority in a new space without losing the credibility you have already earned.
KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED
CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro: The fear of changing careers 2:15 - Why you don't start at the bottom when you pivot 5:45 - Identifying transferable skills for your new business 9:30 - When to leave a corporate career (The "Why") 14:50 - How to build visibility in 90-day chunks 19:40 - Finding time to work on your business 24:00 - Researching your market before investing 26:30 - How to sign up for Shannon's masterclass
Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Your Authority: https://lanelit.com/authority
Mentioned in This Episode:
Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority - and get recognized for your expertise (not your follower count): https://lanelit.com/authority
Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge
“Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review
If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it.
Free from Allison:
7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority
Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package
Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content
Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco
Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685
From the publisher's feed
The Author's Edge is the podcast for accomplished experts ready to turn what they know into greater visibility, influence, and opportunity.
Hosted by nonfiction book coach and publishing…
Listen and learn:
• How to clarify your message and strengthen your professional brand
• How to build an author platform that reflects your expertise
• How to find the right agent, publisher, or publishing path
• How to create a website that makes your value clear
• How to market and launch your book without wasting time or money
• How to get booked for podcasts, media, and speaking opportunities
• How to turn your expertise into clients, partnerships, and income
• How to get attention and stand out without becoming an influencer
• How to create a meaningful second act or next chapter
This podcast for you if you've asked:
• How do I write and publish a book?
• How do I find a literary agent?
• How do I get a book deal?
• How do I write a book proposal?
• How do I build an author platform before publishing a book?
• How do I successfully launch my book?
• How do I build a personal brand around my expertise?
• How do I become a thought leader in my field?
• How do I get booked as a podcast guest or speaker?
• How do I get media coverage for my book?
• How do I turn my book into speaking, consulting, or coaching opportunities?
• How do I make more money from my expertise?
• How do I use my experience to build a second act or encore career?
If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re in the right place.
Each week, Allison shares clear, honest insight into what actually creates traction. You’ll also hear from literary agents, bestselling authors, speakers, media experts, and leading marketers, including Daniel Murray of The Marketing Millennials, Ashley Stahl, Sam Hiyate, Dr. Partha Nandi, Rich Brooks, Nancy Harhut, and Tracy Otsuka.
Listen to The Author’s Edge to make your expertise easier to find, understand, trust, and share.
Book a free Roadmap Call with Allison Lane: https://calendly.com/d/csqk-g65-ng3

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