The BookFunnel Podcast

Learn more about our guest

Website
https://markleslie.ca/

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07JXYVJ92?ccs_id=d940ac4f-01c6-4885-b4d3-f011eff9a1cd

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkLeslieLefebvre

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/markleslielefebvre/

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklefebvre/

Substack
https://angeliquemfawns.substack.com/p/the-unfiltered-truth-about-indie

Summary
In this episode, industry expert Mark Leslie Lefebvre shares insights on going wide as an author, the importance of multiple income streams, and creative strategies for marketing and leveraging intellectual property. Discover practical tips for indie and traditional authors to build sustainable careers.

Guest Links

Website -https://www.lydiasherrer.com/

Summary

In this episode, Lydia Shearer, a USA Today bestselling author, shares her journey in indie and traditional publishing, her strategies for direct sales, newsletter building, and navigating the evolving landscape of book marketing and AI challenges. In this episode, Lydia Sherrer and the team discuss the future of digital reading, author-reader connections, and the impact of AI on publishing. They explore topics like direct sales, platform independence, and innovative author marketing strategies.

Key Topics

Lydia Shearer's hybrid publishing model
Strategies for direct sales and owning your audience
The importance of newsletters and building a mailing list
Challenges and opportunities with AI and platform changes
The evolution of book distribution and fulfillment The potential and challenges of platform independence for authors
The impact of AI and generative tools on publishing and author branding
Strategies for connecting with readers beyond traditional platforms

Resources

BookFunnel - https://bookfunnel.com
Mark Dawson's Self-Publishing Course - https://selfpublishingformula.com
Ammo Facebook Ads Course by Steve Piper - https://stevepiper.com
Pirate Ship for shipping labels - https://pirateship.com
Author Nation Conference - https://author-nation.com
Adagio Tea - https://adagio.com
Canva - https://canva.com
Photoshop - https://adobe.com/products/photoshop
John Ringo (Author) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ringo

Masters in Publishing Degree
https://wordfire.com/publishing-masters-degree/

Dan Shamble Kickstarter
https://wordfire.ubpages.com/

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the founding of WordFire Press, and the importance of multiple income streams for authors. Kevin shares insights from his experience with Kickstarter campaigns, the creation of a graduate program in publishing, and the hands-on learning approach he employs. The conversation also touches on the economics of publishing, the role of book signings, and the exciting developments surrounding Kevin's Dan Shamble series, including its upcoming adaptation for television. Additionally, they explore the new features of Book Funnel, including personalized ebooks, and the future of author support in the industry.

Takeaways

Indie publishing has revolutionized the way authors can share their work.
Kickstarter provides a new funding model for authors.
Having multiple income streams is crucial for a sustainable writing career.
Hands-on learning is essential in teaching publishing skills.
The bookstore often makes the most profit from book sales.
Planning a Kickstarter campaign requires careful consideration and organization.
Personalized ebooks can enhance reader engagement and author connection.
Understanding the traditional publishing industry is beneficial for indie authors.
The Dan Shambles series is being adapted for television, showcasing the potential of indie works.
Book Funnel continues to innovate with features that support authors.

Learn more about Shanon Huston

YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBY1ZdiOkr2qBrn0y7aOhBw

Website
https://www.sdhuston.com

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.D.-Huston/author/B098MKK9CK?ccs_id=78c4bcbc-3ee6-4d6e-ba29-b353d47ac682

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Shanon Huston, a romantasy author and YouTuber. They discuss the importance of building an author brand on YouTube, the differences between BookTube and AuthorTube, and strategies for engaging with readers through live streams and writing sprints. Shanon shares her experiences with the AuthorTube Writing Conference and emphasizes the need for authenticity and community in the author journey. The conversation provides valuable insights for authors looking to navigate the digital landscape and connect with their audience.

Takeaways

You need to be intentional about your motivations for starting a YouTube channel.
BookTube is more reader-focused, while AuthorTube caters to writers.
Engaging with your audience through live streams can build a strong community.
Authenticity is key; be transparent about your journey as an author.
Writing sprints can attract both writers and readers to your channel.
It's beneficial to immerse yourself in the community before starting your own channel.
YouTube can be a revenue stream, but consistency is crucial.
Understanding YouTube's algorithm can help in gaining visibility.
Connecting with readers through live events fosters a deeper relationship.
The AuthorTube Writing Conference is a valuable resource for authors.

Learn More About this Episode's Guest

https://www.paulaustinardoin.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07CKQ4LX8?ingress=0&visitId=c2b5df87-13b5-4e68-aa5f-07ad57524e41&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab&ccs_id=c9a9314b-d543-4fb7-9ac8-1a165123ee19

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, the team welcomes USA Today bestselling author Paul Austin Ardoin. They discuss Ardoin's journey as an indie author, the importance of meeting reader expectations, and the balance between plotting and pantsing in writing. Ardoin shares insights from his book 'Zero to Four Figures,' emphasizing the significance of branding, cover design, and building a reader base. The conversation also touches on the craft of storytelling and the necessity of outlining, while encouraging authors to trust their unique writing processes.

Takeaways

Indie authors can find real-world advice on writing and publishing.
Finishing a novel is a significant milestone for aspiring authors.
Achieving a profit of $1,000 a month is a realistic goal for indie authors.
Mistakes are valuable learning experiences in the writing journey.
Branding and cover design are crucial for attracting readers.
Meeting reader expectations is essential for book success.
Authors should align their genre with their target audience.
Outlining can help structure complex plots, especially for pantsers.
Building a reader base is vital for long-term success.
Writing should be an enjoyable process, not a chore.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:44 Introduction to Paul Austin Ardoin
01:44 Paul's Journey as an Author
04:15 From Zero to Four Figures: Achieving Profit
07:49 Learning from Mistakes in Book Marketing
09:53 The Importance of Titles and Branding
13:04 Cover Design and Genre Expectations
15:25 Navigating Genre Mashups
17:53 Understanding Reader Expectations
20:32 The Importance of Writing in Series
22:39 Building a Reader Base Before Marketing
25:18 Effective Strategies for New Authors
30:07 The Importance of Consistent Communication
34:05 Marketing Strategies for Introverted Authors
35:13 Crafting a Compelling Story
40:34 Outlining for Pantsers
54:09 Balancing Plotting and Pantsing
01:01:17 Outro

Learn more about Spoken
https://spoken.press/

Disclaimer
The opinions of the hosts and guest are their own and not necessarily those of BookFunnel.

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Phil Marshall, founder of Spoken, to discuss the evolution of audiobook production through digital narration. They explore the challenges authors face in creating audiobooks, the innovations in multi-voice narration, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI technology. Phil shares insights on how Spoken is making audiobooks more accessible and customizable for authors, while also addressing the importance of voice actors in the industry. The conversation also touches on community resources for authors and the future of AI in storytelling.

Takeaways

Spoken aims to make audiobooks accessible and vivid.
Multi-voice narration enhances the storytelling experience.
Authors can create custom voices for their characters.
Ethical considerations are crucial in AI narration.
Audio is becoming a primary way to consume stories.
The cost of audiobook production is decreasing.
Authors can update their audiobooks easily post-publication.
Community support is available through Discord.
Voice actors still play a vital role in narration.
The future of AI in storytelling is promising.

Learn More about AuthorScale
https://www.authorscale.com/

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes guests Genesis Davies and Marvin from AuthorScale. They discuss the journey of self-publishing, the power of TikTok for authors, and how AuthorScale can help streamline the marketing process. Genesis shares her personal experience of going viral on TikTok, leading to significant sales growth and the transition to full-time authorship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consistency, experimentation, and leveraging tools like AuthorScale to enhance visibility and engagement in the competitive world of indie publishing.

Takeaways

Genesis started self-publishing in 2011 but found success a year ago using AuthorScale.
TikTok can significantly boost book sales if used consistently and creatively.
The importance of hooks in marketing content cannot be overstated.
Authors should focus on creating content that resonates with their target audience.
Consistency in posting is key to building an audience on social media.
Using tools like AuthorScale can save time and enhance marketing efforts.
Experimentation is crucial; not every post will go viral, but each is a learning opportunity.
Warming up your TikTok account can improve engagement and reach.
Authors should avoid getting too precious about their content; the focus should be on engagement.
Building a habit of posting regularly can lead to long-term success. 

Dakota Krout
https://www.mountaindalepress.store/pages/dakota-krout

Mountaindale Press
https://www.mountaindalepress.store/

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team interviews Dakota Krout, an international bestselling author and publisher known for his work in the LitRPG genre. They discuss Dakota's journey as an author, the rise of LitRPG and GameLit, and the intricacies of crafting stories within these genres. Dakota shares insights on tracking character progression, world-building, and the importance of branding and marketing for indie authors. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of LitRPG storytelling and offers practical advice for authors looking to grow their readership and connect with their audience. In this conversation, Dakota Krout shares insights on building a personal brand as an author, emphasizing the importance of consistency in marketing and audience engagement. He discusses the challenges of the author lifestyle, the significance of collaboration with partners, and effective strategies for newsletter engagement. The conversation also touches on overcoming the feeling of marketing into a black hole and the importance of genuine relationships in the author community. Dakota concludes with resources for aspiring authors and the value of trying new approaches in their writing journey.

Takeaways

Indie authors can find real-world advice on writing and publishing.
Dakota Krout has published 58 books and runs a publishing company.
LitRPG combines elements of gaming with storytelling.
The genre has grown significantly in popularity over the years.
Dakota was one of the early authors in the LitRPG genre.
Tracking character progression is essential in LitRPG writing.
World-building is crucial for creating immersive stories.
Combining different abilities can lead to unique character development.
Branding is important for authors to create recognition.
Marketing strategies should focus on building a recognizable presence. Create your brand and stick with it for the long term.
Engage with your audience through non-sales interactions.
Publishing a book is just the beginning of your author journey.
Collaboration with supportive partners can enhance your success.
Newsletters should focus on connection, not just sales.
Consistency in marketing is key to building recognition.
Delegating tasks can free up time for writing.
Engaging content in newsletters can drive reader interest.
Building genuine relationships is crucial in marketing.
Never hesitate to try new strategies in your writing career.

Summary

In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, the team and guest Michael Evans discuss essential strategies for indie authors to succeed in storytelling and publishing. Michael shares three key questions that every author should answer to enhance their chances of success, emphasizing the importance of understanding human connection in storytelling. The conversation explores how to capture attention, identify story gaps, and test ideas effectively in the market. Michael encourages authors to find their unique voice and innovate within their genres, while also analyzing market trends to discover unmet reader desires. In this conversation, Michael Evans and his co-hosts explore the evolving landscape of storytelling and publishing. They discuss the importance of creativity, the need for authors to understand their audience, and the value of pre-selling books before they are fully developed. The conversation emphasizes the significance of testing ideas, validating market interest, and the emotional connection readers have with stories. They also touch on innovative marketing strategies, the role of special editions, and the long-term vision for building a sustainable author career.

Takeaways

The three questions for author success focus on awareness, conversion, and retention.
Storytelling is fundamentally about understanding human emotions and connections.
Getting noticed as an author doesn't require being loud; it requires having something valuable to offer.
Identifying story gaps can lead to innovative storytelling opportunities.
Testing story gaps can be done cheaply and quickly to gauge interest.
Your idea's potential is determined by its ceiling; high-potential ideas are worth pursuing.
Authors should focus on their unique storytelling voice and passions.
Market analysis can reveal trends and unmet reader desires.
Engaging with reader communities can provide insights into what stories are needed.
If writing feels like a job, it's essential to find joy in the process.  People pay attention to things worth paying attention to.
Creativity is cheap; it shouldn't cost money.
Special editions need to be truly special to stand out.
You can fill gaps in the market that readers didn't know they wanted.
Embrace creativity and risk in your projects.
Understanding reader emotions is key to selling books.
The early access model allows authors to gauge interest before full development.
Testing and validating story ideas can save time and resources.
Pre-selling books can significantly reduce risk.
Building a long-term career in storytelling requires ongoing experimentation.

"I took a huge risk."

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Sasha Black, a successful author and entrepreneur. Sasha shares her journey from a corporate job to becoming a full-time writer under the pen name Ruby Rowe, focusing on sapphic fantasy. She discusses her unique writing process, the impact of TikTok on her sales, and her strategy for direct sales through her own website and warehouse. The conversation also touches on the challenges of hiring and building a team in the self-publishing industry, emphasizing the importance of joy and creativity in the writing process. In this engaging conversation, Sacha Black shares her journey into TikTok as an author, discussing the strategies she employed to build her following and promote her books. The discussion delves into the importance of authenticity, understanding one's audience, and the challenges of navigating social media platforms for book sales. Sacha emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of criticism and the value of finding joy in the writing process. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of in-person events and the significance of niche marketing for authors.

Learn More About Sacha Black
https://sachablack.co.uk/