In this episode of the Demystifying Self-Publishing Podcast, host Alyssa speaks with author and book marketing consultant Ben St. James about his journey in self-publishing, the evolution of the industry, and effective marketing strategies for indie authors. They discuss the importance of timing in marketing, the balance between personal branding and book promotion, and the challenges of navigating multiple genres. Ben shares insights on building community connections, the significance of awards in establishing credibility, and the necessity of consistency in marketing efforts. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to engage actively with their audience and the importance of strategic planning in their promotional activities. In this conversation, Ben St. James shares his insights on the evolving expectations of authors and celebrities, the importance of real-world experience in marketing, and the value of community and professional support in the publishing journey. He discusses the significance of reviews and media exposure, the balance between specialization and generalization in marketing, and the lessons learned from navigating publishing mistakes. Ben emphasizes the need for authors to focus on their strengths while supplementing their weaknesses with professional help.

In this episode of the Demystifying Self-Publishing podcast, Alyssa interviews Richard K Lowy, who shares his journey of uncovering his father's Holocaust history and the process of documenting it through film and writing. Richard discusses the impact of personal stories, the importance of education in understanding history, and the parallels between past and present societal issues. In this conversation, Richard reflects on the emotional weight and responsibility he felt through the writing process and and the challenge of interweaving personal stories with historical context. Lowy emphasizes the need to honor the voices of those who lived through these experiences while also capturing the complexities of human nature, even in the face of atrocity. Lowy reflects on his motivations for writing, the legacy he hopes to leave, and the innovative approaches he is taking to reach a wider audience through various mediums.

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In this episode of the Demystifying Self-Publishing Podcast, Alyssa speaks with brand visibility expert Kim Speed about the importance of building a personal brand as an author. They discuss strategies for identifying and attracting ideal readers, the distinction between brand and branding, and the significance of authenticity in marketing. Kim shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming an author and emphasizes the need for authors to start building their community early. In this conversation, Kim Speed discusses the multifaceted journey of authorship, emphasizing the importance of building a personal brand, leveraging books for business opportunities, and the innovative strategies authors can use to fund their projects. The discussion also highlights the significance of networking, engaging with audiences, and transitioning from being an author to an entrepreneur. Kim shares personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges and finding fulfillment in helping others succeed.

In this episode of the Demystifying Self-Publishing Podcast, Alyssa and Simon discuss the intricacies of self-publishing, focusing on distribution, marketing, and the evolving landscape of the publishing industry. They explore the importance of discoverability, the life cycle of a book, and the various formats available for authors. The conversation also delves into the significance of global distribution models and the impact of subscription services on author goals, concluding with a detailed breakdown of royalties and profit maximization strategies. In this conversation, Alyssa and Simon explore the myths surrounding self-publishing, emphasizing its profitability compared to traditional publishing. The conversation also highlights the challenges and rewards of working in publishing operations, underscoring the need for authors to actively market their work to achieve success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Publishing and Distribution

02:53 The Evolution of Self-Publishing

06:13 The Importance of Marketing in Distribution

09:12 Behind the Scenes of Book Distribution

11:56 Discoverability and Metadata

15:03 The Life Cycle of a Book

17:56 Different Formats: Print, eBook, and Audiobook

20:51 Global Distribution Models

24:11 Subscription Services and Author Goals

27:06 Royalties and Profit Maximization

34:44 Debunking Self-Publishing Myths

40:04 The Future of Book Distribution

46:54 The Role of Libraries in Publishing

52:43 Challenges and Rewards in Publishing Operations

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, host Alyssa interviews author Peter Gribble about his extensive journey in writing the fantasy series 'The City of Magicians.' Peter shares insights into his writing process, the importance of daily writing habits, and the inspiration behind his work, which stems from profound experiences during his childhood. He discusses the challenges of self-publishing and the intricate world-building that defines his series. The conversation highlights the evolution of characters and the immersive storytelling that draws readers into his unique fantasy world. In this conversation, Peter shares his journey through the self-publishing process, detailing the challenges he faced with literary agents and the eventual decision to self-publish. The conversation concludes with insights on reader engagement and the importance of feedback in the writing process.

In this enlightening conversation, Alyssa and Simon Ogden delve into the intricacies of self-publishing and the vital role of editing. Simon shares his extensive experience at Tellwell, discussing the editing process, common misconceptions authors have about editing, and the emotional journey that comes with it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding what editing truly entails and how it can significantly enhance a manuscript, ultimately serving the reader's experience. In this conversation, Simon Ogden discusses the intricacies of the editing process, the importance of maintaining an author's voice, and the evolving landscape of publishing, particularly the rise of self-publishing.

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa speaks with Jennie Nash, founder of Author Accelerator, about her journey from author to book coach. They discuss the importance of book coaching in helping writers navigate their creative processes, the mindset needed for successful writing, and the often solitary nature of writing. Jennie emphasizes the need for accountability and support in the writing journey, breaking down the stigma around seeking help, and recognizing that writing is rarely a solo endeavor. In this conversation, Jennie Nash discusses the evolving landscape of writing and self-publishing, emphasizing the importance of seeking support, investing in quality writing, and engaging with readers early in the process. She highlights the necessity of being open to feedback and the common mistakes writers make, particularly regarding structure. The discussion also touches on future trends in publishing and the role of technology.

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, host Alyssa speaks with author Lisa Bournelis about her journey in writing 'Louie and the Dictator,' a children's book addressing mental health issues like anxiety and OCD. Lisa shares her personal experiences, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the importance of storytelling in helping children navigate their feelings. They discuss the cultural perspectives on mental health, the self-publishing process, and the significance of giving back to the community through donations to pediatric OCD research. Lisa also offers valuable advice for aspiring authors and reflects on her future writing projects.

In this conversation, Alyssa and Katie Hennessey explore the intricacies of self-publishing and marketing children's books. They discuss the unique challenges of targeting adult buyers while appealing to children, the importance of author branding, and the role of digital platforms in modern marketing strategies. Katie shares insights on engaging with schools and libraries, the significance of creative marketing components, and the necessity of garnering reviews to enhance visibility and credibility in the competitive children's book market. In this conversation, Katie shares valuable insights on book marketing, emphasizing the importance of generating reviews, building an engaged audience, and measuring success through various metrics. She provides practical advice for new authors, highlighting the significance of enjoying the marketing process and utilizing social media effectively to foster community and engagement.

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, host Alyssa speaks with Jennifer Chapin, a publishing consultant and author, about her journey in writing and the transition from non-fiction to fiction. Jennifer shares her experiences volunteering in the prison system, where she conducts writing workshops to help individuals express their emotions and find their authentic voices. The conversation delves into the importance of authenticity in writing, the impact of personal experiences on creative processes, and the transformative power of writing.