In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Damon Courtney interviews Johnny B. Truant, a veteran in the self-publishing industry. They discuss Johnny's journey from writing his first book to becoming a successful author and podcaster. The conversation explores the evolution of self-publishing, the importance of building true fans, and the impact of AI on the industry. Johnny emphasizes the need for authors to connect with their readers on a personal level and shares insights from his new book, 'The Artisan Author.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:22 The Journey of Johnny B. Truant
04:11 The Evolution of Self-Publishing
07:04 The Artisan Author Philosophy
09:48 The Impact of Rapid Release
12:24 Building True Fans
14:47 The Reader Journey
17:40 The Future of Self-Publishing
30:33 Connecting with Readers in Unexpected Places
32:01 The Importance of Building Relationships
34:03 Navigating the Impact of AI on Authorship
36:10 The Value of Being Human in a Digital World
38:42 Creating True Fans Through Personal Connections
41:20 Innovative Strategies for Selling Books
46:08 The Future of Author Engagement
49:27 Kickstarter Success and Community Building
54:28 Long-Term Strategies for Author Success
01:02:02 Outro

The Artisan Author Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnnybtruant/the-artisan-author-your-way-out-of-the-self-pub-rat-race

Johnny's Website
https://johnnybtruant.com/

Johnny's Substack
https://johnnybtruant.substack.com/

In this episode of the BookFunnel podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis and Emma Alisyn welcome audiobook narrator Ruthie Bowles. They discuss the importance of engaging thumbnails, the journey of indie authors, and the nuances of audiobook narration. Ruthie shares her experiences and insights on working with authors, the significance of marketing audiobooks, and the potential of platforms like YouTube for reaching new audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to leverage their readers for marketing and to maintain clarity in character accents for narrators. In this engaging conversation, Ruthie Bowles discusses the evolving landscape of audiobooks, the importance of discoverability on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and her experiences using BookFunnel for audiobook distribution. She shares insights on navigating reader events, the emotional depth of narration, and the significance of building authentic connections with readers. Ruthie emphasizes the collaborative nature of audiobook production and the importance of trust between authors and narrators.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:43 Meet Ruthie Bowles: Audiobook Narrator
02:01 Checking In: Author Updates
07:02 Tips from the Trenches: Marketing Strategies
10:20 Character Accents in Writing
16:42 Delivering Subscription Models with BookFunnel
20:25 Ruthie's Journey to Audiobook Narration
23:27 The Art of Narration: Skills and Techniques
25:35 Collaboration Between Authors and Narrators
28:02 Writing for Audiobooks: Tips for Authors
32:14 When to Create Your First Audiobook
37:03 Marketing Your Audiobook Effectively
42:06 Leveraging YouTube for Audiobook Promotion
43:44 The Evolving Landscape of Audiobook Distribution
47:46 Leveraging BookFunnel for Audiobook Success
51:45 Navigating Reader Expectations and File Sharing
57:09 Engaging Readers at Events: The Power of Personal Connection
01:05:42 Building Connections in the Industry
01:05:58 The Evolution of Publishing and Reader Engagement
01:07:49 The Emotional Experience of Audiobook Narration
01:08:17 The Impact of Performance on Narration
01:09:56 Navigating Spicy Scenes in Narration
01:13:23 Setting Boundaries in Narration
01:14:56 Diversity and Sensitivity in Narration
01:17:14 The Importance of Trust in Collaboration
01:20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors
01:22:33 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, we welcome Joanna Penn, a prolific author and prominent podcaster in self-publishing. We discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the importance of author branding, and how to connect with readers in a changing landscape. Joanna shares insights on her current projects, the significance of authenticity in writing, and navigating the challenges posed by AI in the literary world. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to focus on their unique voices and the love of writing, while also adapting to industry changes.

Takeaways

• Joanna Penn has been writing for 20 years and has seen the evolution of indie publishing.
• The indie publishing landscape is constantly changing, and authors must adapt to new tools and technologies.
• Author branding is crucial for standing out in a crowded market.
• It's important to connect with readers and understand their preferences.
• Authors can change their branding and rebrand over time as their writing evolves.
• Authenticity in writing is more important than ever, especially in the age of AI.
• Focusing on serving existing readers can be more beneficial than constantly seeking new ones.
• Writing should come from a place of passion and love, not just for profit.
• Authors can create unique projects that resonate with their audience, even if they don't follow market trends.
• Building a community of true fans can lead to sustainable success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:48 Meet Joanna Penn: Author and Podcaster
11:41 The Evolution of Author Branding
23:58 Navigating Reader Expectations and Promises
40:49 The Role of Authenticity in Writing
42:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
43:09 Outro

Publishing expert Jane Friedman joins hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelly Tansey, and Emma Allison to talk about the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing.
We discuss how AI is changing the industry, why traditional publishers are adapting indie strategies, and why author-reader engagement matters more than ever.Jane also shares valuable insights for indie authors—including the power of email lists, the growing demand for special editions, and the importance of taking control of your own marketing. 
Whether you're self-published or traditionally published, this episode is full of practical advice to help you thrive in today's publishing landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Funnel Podcast
02:18 Creative Updates from the Hosts
05:50 Tips from the Trenches: Insights for Authors
14:19 Exploring AI in the Publishing Industry
25:04 The Impact of AI on Authorship
26:51 The Rise of Misinformation in AI-Generated Content
30:28 Concerns About AI in Publishing
34:39 Speculations on AI-Generated Books
38:28 Shifts in Traditional Publishing Practices
45:25 Emerging Models for New Authors
49:59 The Future of Special Editions in Publishing
55:15 The Rise of Special Editions in Self-Publishing
57:37 Indie Innovations Influencing Traditional Publishing
58:30 Direct to Consumer Marketing: A Shift in Focus
01:03:51 The Author's Role in Marketing and Promotion
01:08:39 The Gamble of Traditional Publishing
01:12:01 The Value of Steady Sales vs. Big Hits
01:18:14 Closing Thoughts and Future Insights
01:19:46 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Kelly Tanzi and Emma Alisyn welcome author success coach Becca Syme. They discuss various topics related to self-publishing, including effective strategies for book signings, the importance of understanding one's writing process, and the nuances of social media engagement. Becca emphasizes the significance of knowing the rules of the publishing game and maintaining a strong will to publish, regardless of external fluctuations in sales or market trends. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and adaptability in an ever-changing industry, encouraging authors to focus on their motivations and joy in writing.

Better Faster Academy
https://betterfasteracademy.com/time-...

Becca's YouTube Channel  / beccasyme

Becca's Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
05:09 Tips from the Trenches: Author Insights
10:18 Understanding the Game of Publishing
18:46 Core Motivations and Author Success
30:00 Understanding Higher Order Motivations
32:02 The Struggle with Social Media Engagement
34:18 Navigating Discoverability in a Saturated Market
36:18 The Importance of Personal Choice in Writing
38:49 The Emotional Toll of Writing and Creativity
41:39 Understanding the Rules of Publishing
44:16 The Unpredictability of Success in Publishing
55:49 Covenants for Resilience in Writing
01:02:08 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Emma Alisyn and Kelli Tanzi welcome Michael Evans, a sci-fi author and marketing expert. They discuss various aspects of author marketing, including the importance of understanding one's strengths, the significance of platform choice, and innovative strategies for engaging readers. Michael shares insights from his journey in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for authors to find their unique marketing voice and to leverage underutilized platforms for greater visibility.

Author Sidekick
https://authorsidekick.com/

Michael's Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:59 Meet Michael Evans: Author and Creator
04:30 Writing Progress and Accountability
06:48 Michael's Journey Back to Authorship
08:39 Tips from the Trenches: Self-Publishing Advice
15:46 Marketing Strategies for Authors
20:56 Exploring Genre Dynamics
24:42 The Importance of Content Batching
31:40 Understanding Author Superpowers
42:18 Social Hacking for Authors
50:38 Harnessing TikTok for Author Success
55:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
01:06:40 Rethinking Reader Avatars and Audience Engagement
01:13:56 Testing Your Story's Market Viability
01:20:36 Navigating Creative Challenges
01:21:59 Understanding Market Pull vs. Marketing
01:26:55 The Dilemma of Finishing Series
01:34:33 Putting Readers First in Writing
01:37:17 The Importance of Creative Freedom
01:46:15 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and guests discuss various aspects of writing, publishing, and marketing for indie authors. They explore the challenges of balancing writing with personal life, the benefits of dictation, and the importance of community support. The conversation also introduces AutoCrit's new feature, Market Fuel, which aims to assist authors in understanding their market and improving their marketing strategies. In this conversation, Bekah Brinkmeier and Jack Shilkaitis discuss various aspects of writing and marketing for authors. They delve into the importance of crafting compelling blurbs, the role of AI in writing, and the significance of understanding one's target audience. The discussion also covers innovative marketing strategies, the creation of engaging reader magnets, and the necessity of market research. Additionally, they highlight the value of community support in the writing process and introduce the Novel 90 challenge as a new opportunity for writers to complete their works.

Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel

Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
  / 14n8xw8jpc 

Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!

Takeaways

Writing and marketing are both challenging for indie authors.
Dictation can significantly enhance the writing process.
Finding a balance between writing and personal life is crucial.
Community support can provide motivation and accountability.
Market Fuel helps authors identify their target audience and market trends.
Creative work includes brainstorming and thinking time, not just writing.
Overcoming writer's block can involve fun and quirky writing exercises.
Setting realistic goals can prevent discouragement in the writing process.
Using visual aids can enhance the writing experience.
Every book has a potential market, and tools can help identify it. Crafting a compelling blurb is essential for book promotion.
AI tools can assist in writing but should not replace the author's voice.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for successful marketing.
Using tools like AutoCrit can provide insights into audience preferences.
Engaging reader magnets can enhance reader connection and retention.
Innovative marketing strategies can set authors apart in a crowded market.
Navigating genre expectations is important for reaching the right audience.
Market research can save authors time and improve book performance.
Effective ad targeting is key to successful book promotion.
Community support can motivate and enhance the writing process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:05 Exploring AutoCrit and Its Features
05:56 Writing Progress and Personal Updates
10:03 Creative Techniques and Writing Tips
13:36 The Power of Dictation in Writing
22:39 Self-Publishing Tips from the Trenches
27:10 Conquering Writer's Block with Creativity
33:26 The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Writing
42:33 Visualization Techniques for Enhanced Writing
47:37 Introducing Market Fuel: A New Tool for Authors
52:37 Exploring Genre and Market Fit
55:40 Understanding Target Audience and Marketing Strategies
01:00:20 The Role of AI in Writing and Editing
01:02:26 Writing to Market: Finding Your Niche
01:11:23 Creative Reader Engagement Strategies
01:27:00 World Building and Market Research
01:29:08 Ad Strategies for Indie Authors
01:31:31 Target Audience Identification
01:32:48 Understanding Reader Demographics
01:34:51 Using Feedback for Targeting
01:35:45 The Importance of Genre in Marketing
01:43:22 Introducing Novel 90 Writing Challenge
01:48:49 Community Support for Writers
01:55:14 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis is joined by the Book Funnel Reader Support Team, including [Redacted], [Redacted], and [Redacted]. They discuss the origins of the Book Funnel support system, the importance of reader support, and share valuable tips for authors on how to effectively utilize the service. The team also reveals the story behind the name 'Jamie' used in support communications, emphasizing the human element behind the service. The conversation highlights the dedication of the team to assist authors and readers alike, ensuring a smooth experience in the self-publishing journey.
 
Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel
 
Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/
 
Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, Coach Chris shares insights on the importance of coaching in writing, the practice of narration without expectation, and overcoming the initial hurdles of dictation. The conversation delves into effective writing tips, the role of technology, and the significance of outlining. Chris emphasizes the need to find one's unique writing process and how to deal with the critical voice that often hinders creativity. The episode also explores the journey of a writing coach and the evolution of a writer, concluding with valuable advice for aspiring authors.

More About Christopher Downing
Coaching: https://www.coach.me/ChristopherDowning
Substack: https://the9practices.substack.com/

Books by Christopher Available Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christopher-Scott-Downing/author/B00YN1PT26
 
Takeaways: 
 Coaching provides accountability and support for writers.
 Practicing narration without expectation helps improve storytelling skills.
 Overcoming initial hurdles in dictation is crucial for success.
 Utilizing technology can enhance the writing process.
 Finding your unique writing style is essential for creativity.
 Dealing with critical voice is a common challenge for writers.
 Writing is a journey that requires practice and patience.
 Embracing rough drafts can lead to better writing outcomes.
 Outlining can help organize thoughts and improve writing flow.
 Every writer has a unique process that should be respected and nurtured.
 
 
 
 
 Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
 https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel
 
 Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/
 
 Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!

Join us for an insightful episode of The Book Funnel Podcast as we sit down with author and illustrator Donovan Scherer, owner of Studio Moonfall. Discover the unique journey of how Donovan transformed his passion for graphic design into a thriving independent bookstore in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From local events and merchandising tips to leveraging Ingram Spark for better margins, Donovan shares invaluable advice for indie authors looking to expand their reach. Plus, get a virtual tour of Studio Moonfall and learn how to get your books featured in this author-centric store. Whether you're an indie author or just passionate about books, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration!

00:00 Introduction
00:45 Welcome to the Book Funnel Podcast
01:14 Meet Donovan Scherer: Author and Illustrator
02:06 Studio Moon Fall: From Graphic Design to Bookstore
03:12 New Book Release: Chubba Mold
04:27 Illustration vs. Writing: Creative Processes
06:05 Author Updates: Current Projects and Challenges
15:53 Tips from the Trenches: Self-Publishing and Marketing Advice
31:18 Speeding Up the Writing Process
31:31 Exploring Voice Recorders for Writing
32:40 Studio Moonfall: An Author's Haven
34:38 Supporting Independent Authors
36:32 Tour of Studio Moonfall
40:15 Merchandising Opportunities for Authors
48:53 Navigating Bookstore Sales and Returns
01:01:42 Organizing Local Author Events
01:06:16 Challenges of Hosting Events in a Small Bookstore
01:07:02 Building a Local Fan Base for Authors
01:08:22 Importance of Merchandise and Frequent Events
01:08:59 Hosting Author Signings and Events
01:11:53 Consulting and Hiring Illustrators
01:16:55 Genres Suitable for Coloring Books
01:20:12 Author Submissions to Studio Moonfall
01:26:38 Origin Story of Studio Moonfall
01:30:48 Creating and Marketing Diverse Products
01:35:40 Incorporating Games into Book Marketing
01:40:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

[More About Donovan Scherer & Studio Moonfall]
Studio Moonfall Website: https://studiomoonfall.com/
Author Submissions: https://studiomoonfall.com/resources/...
Donovan's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel

Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
  / 14n8xw8jpc 

Questions? We can help! Send us a message at [email protected] and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!