SPA Girls Podcast

This week we're talking about Author Branding, using the example of four different indie authors who we think are doing a fabulous job of branding themselves and their series.

From Penny Reid's romantic comedy tag line (Smart Romance) and aptly named Facebook group (Sharks of Awesome) to Michael Anderle's extensive author's notes and Melissa Storm's personal connections in her newsletters, we give a range of ideas and tips that are being used by these authors that you can use to improve your branding and find the right readers for your books.

We even managed to give you a list of five simple action points that you can do right now to amp up your Author Branding and sell more books. (Phew. We worked hard on that. So you should totally listen and use those tips, because they're gold.)

This week Trudi Jaye talks to Indie publishing personalities Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt from the Story Studio Podcast (previously the Self Publishing Podcast) about their experiences in self publishing in the last few years, from the early days when they didn't know as much about writing or marketing their books to their experiences with non fiction and creating the Smarter Artist community of authors.  

They also talk about why we should call ourselves simply publishers instead of self publishers (ie our aim should be to be indistinguishable from traditionally published books), how to find people to help you achieve your publishing dreams (instead of trying to do it all yourself), and why readers are the most important part of an author's career (of course!). It's a fun episode with loads of takeaways that you'll be able to use in your own writing journey.

This week Trudi Jaye talks to Indie publishing personalities Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt from the Story Studio Podcast (previously the Self Publishing Podcast) about their experiences in self publishing in the last few years, from the early days when they didn't know as much about writing or marketing their books to their experiences with non fiction and creating the Smarter Artist community of authors.  

They also talk about why we should call ourselves simply publishers instead of self publishers (ie our aim should be to be indistinguishable from traditionally published books), how to find people to help you achieve your publishing dreams (instead of trying to do it all yourself), and why readers are the most important part of an author's career (of course!). It's a fun episode with loads of takeaways that you'll be able to use in your own writing journey.

This week Damon Courtney, founder of BookFunnel, and Chrissy Munroe, Senior Manager Author Performance at Kobo, sit down with Trudi Jaye to discuss the Indie publishing market: what's hot, what's coming soon, and what they both see in their crystal balls for the future. It's a great opportunity to hear some really useful tips and insider knowledge from two people who know the market and what's working for other indies. It was a huge privilege to have them both on the show!

NOTE: We've discovered that the recording cuts off just before the end. It's still a great interview, and there's not much missing. So please still listen. :)

This week Damon Courtney, founder of BookFunnel, and Chrissy Munroe, Senior Manager Author Performance at Kobo, sit down with Trudi Jaye to discuss the Indie publishing market: what's hot, what's coming soon, and what they both see in their crystal balls for the future. It's a great opportunity to hear some really useful tips and insider knowledge from two people who know the market and what's working for other indies. It was a huge privilege to have them both on the show!

NOTE: We've discovered that the recording cuts off just before the end. It's still a great interview, and there's not much missing. So please still listen. :)

This week we have extra-special guest Jami Albright on to talk about the 2018 Smarter Artist Summit, which she attended along with SPA Girl host Trudi Jaye. 

Trudi and Jami talk about their highlights of the summit including listening to presentations from Michael Anderle, Michelle Spiva, Honoree Corder, as well as getting to meet the huge array of smart and savvy self publishing people who all gather every year to network, connect and learn. 

They also talk about the presentation by BookBub representatives Carlyn and Julianne, getting to interview Michael Anderle, chatting to other self publishers, and basically just getting to immerse themselves in self publishing for a couple of days. 

Join us as Jami Albright and Trudi Jaye break down their experiences at the 2018 Smarter Artist Summit and find out the big epiphany moments they had from the many presentations over the two days of the summit.

This week we have extra-special guest Jami Albright on to talk about the 2018 Smarter Artist Summit, which she attended along with SPA Girl host Trudi Jaye. 

Trudi and Jami talk about their highlights of the summit including listening to presentations from Michael Anderle, Michelle Spiva, Honoree Corder, as well as getting to meet the huge array of smart and savvy self publishing people who all gather every year to network, connect and learn. 

They also talk about the presentation by BookBub representatives Carlyn and Julianne, getting to interview Michael Anderle, chatting to other self publishers, and basically just getting to immerse themselves in self publishing for a couple of days. 

Join us as Jami Albright and Trudi Jaye break down their experiences at the 2018 Smarter Artist Summit and find out the big epiphany moments they had from the many presentations over the two days of the summit.

This week we have another special episode from the 2018 Smarter Artist Summit, where Trudi Jaye sat down with the first male Deputy SPA Girl, Michael Anderle, and marketing guru and storyteller Michelle Spiva. 

Michelle tells us how to amp up your connection with your readers via your characters, so that you're writing stories they can't put down - not even to go to the  bathroom... She covers everything from using narrative arc, pacing, and other storytelling techniques, to understanding how to choose the right emotional tone for your characters and the story, in order to capture and keep your readers. 

Michelle is a very smart author who manages to balance both the analytical and creative sides to her personality, and she's able to use it in her writing career to great effect. She looks at storytelling in a different way to many people, and it's fascinating to hear her talk about the techniques she uses, and understand how we could be using them for ourselves. 

Another don't-miss episode of the SPA Girls Podcast!

This week we have another special episode from the 2018 Smarter Artist Summit, where Trudi Jaye sat down with the first male Deputy SPA Girl, Michael Anderle, and marketing guru and storyteller Michelle Spiva. 

Michelle tells us how to amp up your connection with your readers via your characters, so that you're writing stories they can't put down - not even to go to the  bathroom... She covers everything from using narrative arc, pacing, and other storytelling techniques, to understanding how to choose the right emotional tone for your characters and the story, in order to capture and keep your readers. 

Michelle is a very smart author who manages to balance both the analytical and creative sides to her personality, and she's able to use it in her writing career to great effect. She looks at storytelling in a different way to many people, and it's fascinating to hear her talk about the techniques she uses, and understand how we could be using them for ourselves. 

Another don't-miss episode of the SPA Girls Podcast!

This week we have an amazing interview with self publishing guru Michael Anderle, direct from the Smarter Artist Summit in Austin, Texas. Trudi Jaye was lucky enough to attend the summit and meet Michael in person, where he took the time to chat to her about his journey in self publishing, from writing his very first Kurtherian Gambit book, to creating an exciting new self-publishing model where he collaborates with multiple authors writing in his well-loved universe.

Author and former SPA Girls Podcast guest Jami Albright helps Trudi out with the interview - in which Michael also talks about about writing books that people will love, how he connects with his readers, and breaking the rules to get emotional impact.

He's accessible, sincere and passionate about his topic, and you'll love listening to him explaining what he thinks are the most important ingredients for self publishing success. This is an interview you won't want to miss!!