In this insightful episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna welcome Mary Vensel White, author, editor, publisher, and Orange County president of the California Writers Club. Mary shares her multidimensional expertise in publishing and digs into one of the most elusive topics for authors: book marketing. She brings a refreshingly honest and practical perspective on the importance of market research, knowing your genre, identifying comparable titles, and how all of that plays into placing your book in the right hands.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how cover design influences buying decisions, the power of ebook promotions (even free ones!), and why setting a budget and timeline early in the writing process is crucial. Mary and the hosts also explore effective low-budget marketing, the evolving role of social media, and how to reach readers in both digital and physical spaces. Whether you're a debut indie author or a seasoned writer looking to update your strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice that cuts through the noise.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with one of the industry’s most respected voices in author publicity and media coaching: Kim Dower. As the founder of Kim-from-L.A. Literary & Media Services, Kim has spent over 40 years helping writers become not just authors, but compelling public speakers. She’s also an award-winning poet and co-author of Life is a Series of Presentations, the book that introduced the 8 Presentation Practices—essential tools for anyone looking to connect with an audience.

Kim dives deep into the heart of media training, sharing why authors must separate the book from how they speak about it. She discusses the power of storytelling, how to overcome the fear of public speaking, and why humor and vulnerability are crucial in every author’s toolkit. Whether you're preparing for a book tour, podcast appearance, or public reading, this episode offers invaluable insight for turning your message into a magnetic presentation.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this jam-packed episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty sit down with book marketing powerhouse Penny Sansevieri for a revealing discussion on how Amazon's evolving landscape affects authors today. Penny, a longtime expert in Amazon optimization, returns to the podcast with timely insights on her latest release, The Amazon Author Formula Workbook, and the strategic changes every author needs to understand—especially in light of Amazon's algorithm shift from A9 to A10.

From navigating AI-generated book scams to optimizing your author presence for visibility, Penny outlines both the opportunities and landmines in today's digital publishing world. Listeners will get actionable advice on platform building, the ethical use of AI for marketing, and how to prepare for Amazon's tightening restrictions on book uploads. Whether you're self-publishing your first book or looking to refresh your Amazon strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty chat with William Ramsey — true crime author, documentary filmmaker, and host of the top-ranked podcast William Ramsey Investigates. With over 1,300 episodes and five books to his name, William knows a thing or two about building a platform. He shares how he turned podcast guest spots into a thriving network, built his own show, and used it all to boost book sales and connect with new readers. 

He opens up about what worked (and what didn't), why authors need to be more than just writers, and how embracing new formats like podcasting and video can fuel creativity — not just promotion. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about launching a podcast of your own, this episode is packed with real-world advice, a little tough love, and plenty of inspiration for the hybrid author life.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this eye-opening episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Ross Rojek, editor and publisher of City Book Review, to explore the inner workings of the book review industry. Ross shares the journey of launching City Book Review in Sacramento in 2008 and evolving it into a network of review sites across eight U.S. cities, plus a special platform for young reviewers, Kids Book Buzz. With candor and humor, he explains the real work behind publishing honest book reviews, from managing hundreds of reviewers to handling over 1,500 book submissions a month.

Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the review selection process, the distinction between editorial and reader reviews, and why professional presentation is essential. Ross also offers invaluable advice to authors—especially indie and self-published ones—about treating their writing as a business. From marketing tips to understanding what makes a book stand out to reviewers and libraries, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone in the literary world.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with memoir expert Wendy Dale to explore the art and architecture of writing memoirs. Wendy introduces her transformative approach to storytelling through her "Memoir Engineering System," which emphasizes writing with structure and clarity from the very first draft. Listeners will discover the essential difference between scenes and transitions and how mastering these two components can dramatically improve their storytelling.

Wendy shares how emotional truth, rather than a chronological list of life events, makes a memoir compelling. She provides practical insights into the importance of outlining, crafting meaningful scenes, and integrating transitions that emotionally connect moments. With her signature humor and candor, Wendy makes a case for turning your life experiences into a page-turning narrative while staying true to your voice—whether deeply emotional, humorous, or somewhere in between.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with renowned entertainment attorney Clair Burrill, whose new book Attorney to the Stars offers an inside look into his decades-long career representing some of the biggest names in music, film, and television. From his early days as a musician to becoming a top entertainment lawyer, Clair shares captivating stories about his clients, including John Candy, Robin Williams, Waylon Jennings, and The Rolling Stones.

Beyond the celebrity encounters, Clair opens up about turning his career and personal experiences into a book. He talks about how storytelling became a passion, the challenges of writing, and why he structured the book the way he did. For aspiring authors, his journey from legal briefs to memoir writing offers valuable lessons.

Plus, for a limited time, Attorney to the Stars will be available as a free eBook on Amazon from March 14 for five days—so don't miss your chance to grab a copy! Whether you're a fan of Hollywood history, music industry secrets, or legal drama, this is a packed episode with fascinating anecdotes and invaluable insights.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this gripping episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Jane Howatt, author of Jigsaw and Jane: 13 Years of Murder and Mayhem with Badge Number One. 

Jane shares the incredible story of how a single newspaper article led her into the world of homicide detective John St. John, the LAPD’s legendary investigator known as "Jigsaw John." What started as an ambitious attempt to write a book turned into a transformative journey that brought Jane face-to-face with crime scenes, victims' families, and even serial killers.

Jane discusses her evolution from a tennis-playing wife of a doctor to an embedded true crime writer, the deep bond she formed with St. John, and the chilling realities she encountered while riding along in his squad car. She also reflects on the importance of persistence in writing and the powerful role that compassion plays in understanding both the victims and the perpetrators of violent crimes. 

Whether you’re a true crime fan or an aspiring author, this conversation is a must-listen!

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty sit down with branding and marketing expert Jeniffer Thompson to discuss how authors can build a strong brand, navigate social media, and boost visibility in a crowded marketplace.

Jeniffer, the founder of Monkey C Media, shares how to identify your audience, leverage influencers, and create a sustainable social media plan using tools like Canva, Buffer, and Hootsuite. She also discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing, finding comparable titles, and ensuring your book cover and online presence match your genre and brand.

The conversation also highlights the power of consistency, why book series perform better over time, and how authors can avoid common marketing pitfalls. Plus, Jeniffer previews her upcoming February 17th webinar on "The Power of Social Media," hosted by the Writers & Publishers Network.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies every author can use to build their brand and sell more books—don’t miss it!

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Join Kathleen and Adanna as they chat with the incredible Theasa Tuohy. From her groundbreaking work as one of the early women in journalism to her remarkable journey into fiction writing, Theasa’s story is full of inspiration and adventure.

Her novels, including Flying Jenny and Five O’Clock Follies, reflect her rich life experiences, which she masterfully weaves into her fiction. In this episode, Theasa shares fascinating insights into her Paris Backstage Mysteries series and discusses her newest book, Mademoiselle Le Sleuth. This lighthearted Parisian mystery features vivid settings, intriguing characters, and even a precocious child detective, showcasing her deep love for Paris and storytelling.

Come along for an engaging discussion on the art of writing, transitioning from journalism to fiction, and the joy of crafting compelling narratives.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at [email protected] and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.