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In this episode, I'm joined by Alysson Bourque from Expound Publicity—and she's making history as the first guest ever to return to the Children's Book Author Podcast!

We dive deep into holiday marketing strategies and modern publicity tactics that actually work:

• Why October is the best time to get prepared for Christmas book sales
• The genius of unexpected collaborations (think dirty soda carts and boutique book nooks!)
• How to use AI without losing your authentic voice
• The difference between earned and paid media—and why paid is now useful for authors
• Getting featured in satellite media tours and holiday gift guides
• When to invest in a PR firm vs. DIY marketing
• Thinking of your book as a product (the mindset shift that changes everything)
• Scaling beyond books: developing your IP into plush toys, musicals, and more

Whether you're gearing up for your first holiday selling season or looking to take your author business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start implementing today.

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Use code PODCAST100 for $100 off (brings it down from $297 to just $197). Valid through Christmas Day!
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🧡 Learn more about Alysson and Expound at: expoundpublicity.com

MORE ABOUT ALYSSON & EXPOUND PUBLICITY:

Alysson Bourque is a bestselling, award-winning children's book author who began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. Alysson is the author of seven books in The Alley Cat Series, including her upcoming Christmas release. Her work has been featured in major media outlets, and she's currently developing her IP for potential adaptation, including discussions with Apple about turning her series into a cartoon.

Using the latest industry trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns tailored to each author's unique needs and goals.

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In this episode, I’m joined by two powerhouse women—Alysson Bourque and Lori Orlinsky—award-winning children's book authors and the co-founders of Expound Publicity, a boutique book marketing agency built by authors, for authors.

We talk about:

• The biggest marketing mistakes new authors make
• How to get media attention (without being famous!)
• Why writing a great book isn’t enough—and what to do about it
• The story behind Expound and how it’s helping authors not just launch… but grow

Whether you're launching your first picture book or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, this episode is full of practical takeaways and author-to-author wisdom.

🎁 Free Resource Mentioned in the Episode
Writing a children’s book? Don’t miss my Scene-Building Blueprint—a free, powerful tool to help you write scenes kids can’t stop reading. It includes a plug-and-play worksheet I use myself.
👉 GET IT HERE or visit elenapaige.com

🧡 Learn more about Alysson, Lori, and Expound at:
expoundpublicity.com

MORE ABOUT ALY, LORI, & EXPOUND PUBLICITY:

Alysson Bourque is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book author who began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. Alysson is the author of seven books in The Alycat Series. 

Lori Orlinsky is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book author and seasoned marketer, most recently serving as the marketing director at PBS Chicago. She is the mother of three little ladies who are small but mighty. At 5’1, she wishes her children’s picture book Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up.

Using the latest industry trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors, and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns.

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From Actor to Graphic Novel writer, Elisa Eliot brings her years of study and knowledge in the performing arts, and from screenwriting and producing to children's books. You'll learn about creating the most unique yet truthful characters and bringing them to life. Plus so much more!

MORE ABOUT ELISA:

Elisa Eliot began performing with the Houston Grand Opera at 12, starred in plays throughout school and won her state’s science fair before studying Drama, Literature and Playwriting at Yale, where she starred in 40 more productions. She won the lead in the Off-Broadway production of Bells of the Mill on a summer break before moving to Los Angeles, where she quickly racked up roles in TV and film. She wrote and produced the feature, A Genie’s Tail, which debuted on Showtime and is available on most streaming platforms.

On May 14 2024, Eliot released her debut graphic novel, ZAK VS. ZOMBIES through Orange Hat Publishing about a group of misfit kids who band together to save the world from the technology-obsessed talkers. As an original cast member of We’re Alive, in addition to writing and producing their upcoming spin-off, Scout’s Honor, Eliot is already an experienced zombie survivor. Eliot remains an in-demand actress, voiceover artist and creator/writer/producer while simultaneously raising twins and Jack Russell terriers and developing new animated and written content in her spare time.

WEBSITES

BOOK: https://www.zakvs.com 

FILM & TV CONTENT: https://www.triplejackproductions.com, https://www.triplejackkids.com

SOCIALS

INSTA: @elisaeliot @zakvszombies

FB: https://www.facebook.com/elisa.eliot.yudofsky.nord, https://www.facebook.com/ZAKVSBooks/

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Are you stuck writing a particular book? 

Feeling frustrated with your productivity?

Sick of trying strategies that never work?

Here's how to overcome all these obstacles and more: discover and work with your unique strengths! Jump into today's interview with Becca Syme, success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) where we talk all about transformation and the power of an individualised approach. 

This is such a golden episode you will listen to over and over again! Also go do the Gallup Strengths Test https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/ and discover your top five strengths, so you can start being the best creative YOU!

MORE ABOUT BECCA

Becca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for over fifteen years. She’s coached over 5,000 individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike.

She is the author of the Dear Writer books and host of the Quitcast for Writers Podcast/You Tube channel, created around the content of Becca Syme’s “What to Quit, What to Keep, and What to Question” model of coaching writers.

Find out more at https://betterfasteracademy.com/

SEE THE VIDEOS ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS http://betterfasteracademy.com/next-steps-videos

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Yes it's been a while since a new episode has dropped, but after much anticipation, here is the latest episode launching off the podcast in 2025! If you have ever wanted to find out how to hit your local community and sell your own books, this is the episode for you! We talk all about sourcing your own distribution, approaching local indie bookstores and of course, school visits! Enjoy today's episode with the incredibly dynamic Kristy Nita Brown!

MORE ABOUT KRISTY:

Kristy Nita Brown is a dynamic junior fiction author, educator, and creative entrepreneur who independently publishes books. Her debut book, Looking for Lily, was shortlisted for the 2023 West Australian Young Readers’ Book Award and placed second in the 2022 Children and Young Adult Aspiring Author Competition. Her follow-up book, Mavey and Beth’s Double Act: Where’s My Whistle?, secured fourth place in the 2023 edition of the same competition. 

Kristy is a seasoned TAFE lecturer and teaching artist who runs creative writing and filmmaking workshops across community libraries and schools. In 2024, Kristy is funded by the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries to lead the Book Builder's Challenge, an innovative, creative writing program that empowers students to write, illustrate, edit, market and publish books. Kristy is also a participant in the Path to Published mentorship program with best-selling author Sasha Wasley, the SEW Arts teaching artists training program, and the Creative Schools program developed by Form.

FIND HER AT:

Website: https://www.kristynitabrown.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/kristynitabrownbooks

https://www.facebook.com/kristynitabrownbooks

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I'm so excited to be sharing my interview with Lisa Glanz. If you're someone who loves drawing and uses procreate, you're sure to know who she is!

But even if you're an author today we dive deep into reverse engineering your creative career to build a thriving business, how to draw cute characters for your kids books, and so many other things about the creative journey!

Enjoy today's interview.

AND. If you heard my introduction and want to sign up for the massive bonus and be one of my first ever students of The Children's Book Author Blueprint, check out ElenaPaige.com/learn

MORE ABOUT LISA

Lisa Glanz is a full time illustrator with a devoted eagerness in helping others achieve their creative goals. In addition to creating professional digital tools for artists, she loves teaching and sharing knowledge she's gained both as a business owner and artist.

Lisa knows how difficult the creative journey can be - she'd love to make yours easier by teaching you what she's learned along the way. Her courses and products are designed to help you gain more knowledge, build confidence and produce work you're proud of.


https://www.lisaglanz.com/
You tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Lisaglanz/featured
IG: https://www.instagram.com/glanzgraphics/

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People will ALWAYS judge your book by its cover: it's the harsh reality! So make sure you get your cover design right. Today we discuss what makes a great cover and how you can make sure your cover helps to sell your book, with Cover Designer, Holly Dunn. Enjoy the episode!
Elena

MORE ABOUT HOLLY DUNN:

Holly is a book cover designer based in New Zealand. She specialises in working with indie authors to make their stories shine through custom illustration and hand lettering. Before switching to full-time design, she worked at a company helping indie authors market their books. Now, along with her design services, she creates resources to help indie authors on their self-publishing journey.

LINKS:

hollydunndesign.com

Instagram

YouTube

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Have you ever wanted to write middle-grade fiction? Or perhaps you already do, but want to make it so good that it wins every award it's ever entered into? Then this is the interview for you! Marc has won over 22 awards and has written and self-published eight books and many have been translated into 10 languages. You'll discover how to work with the best editors, writing in series, and which book awards are the best for exposure and feedback. So settle in and find out all about how to write an award winning middle grade book.  

Enjoy today's episode. 

Elena

MORE ABOUT MARC REMUS:

Marc Remus is a Neo Pop-Art painter, author, and illustrator. Born in Germany, educated in the United States, he graduated in art and illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA in the 90s.

​Having a passion for languages, he travelled to seventy countries, lived a few years in Honduras and Japan, and visited over a thousand cities, of which he has painted over two hundred. His art work has been featured in over one hundred magazine/newspaper articles in Germany, USA, and Mexico (TV documentaries available above.)

​During his studies in California, he took his first children’s book illustration class. His teacher inspired him to start writing and not just illustrating. The result was a picture book called Painting Brian, which led to the Magora series. He began taking classes in children's literature in 2003 and worked with some incredible editors. Over a period of twenty years, he developed the magical world Magora based on places he had visited, people he had met, and things he had learned through his studies in acting, cultural Anthropology, and linguistics.

In 2016 the first book of the Magora series was published on Amazon. It became a big success and ranked for five days as No.1 of all children's book on Amazon, with over 35.000 downloads. Since then, the series has won 20 awards.

In 2019, Remus started a new project. He wrote the children's book "The Chocolate Clouds." Since it is an illustrated book with 150 drawings, three years passed before it was finally published in 2021. In just seven months, it won six literary awards among  them the first literary award in the UK (The Wishing Shelf Book Award.)

Following this success, many translators applied to create a version in their language. As a result, many foreign language editions evolved: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, and Swedish. Some of these editions are already available on Amazon.


Find him at https://www.marcremus.com/author
https://www.instagram.com/marcremus/
https://www.facebook.com/MarcRemusBooks/

And find the best Awards to enter at https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/ask-alli-self-publishing-advice/

​

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How much did I learn about writing funny from Rob Kutner in today's episode of The Chidren's Book Author Podcast? A huge amount and you can too, by tuning in to the wonderful conversation. Rob shares his journey writing his first spooky-comedy graphic novel for kids, and gives timeless advice on how you can be funnier in your writing too.

MORE ABOUT ROB:

Rob Kutner has won 5 Emmys, a Peabody, a TCA, and a Grammy writing for such shows as TBS’ “CONAN” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and co-created the fact-based comedy TV show “Gander.”

Rob’s other TV writing includes “Teen Titans Go!” “Ben10” “Angry Birds: Summer Madness” and HBO’s “Dennis Miller Live.” He has also written material for the Oscars, Emmys, Writers’ Guild Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Guys’ Choice Awards, and two White House Correspondents’ Dinners. He has developed kids’ and adult animated series for Warner Brothers and SyFy. 

Rob is the author of the satirical end-of-times bestseller Apocalypse How: Turn the End Times into the Best of Times! and the Amazon Kindle e-bestseller/Audible audiobook The Future According to Me. He is also the creator of the graphic novel “Shrinkage” for Farrago Comics. He has published humor and feature pieces for the New Yorker, New York Times, Esquire, Huffington Post, McSweeney’s, and the Weekly Forward. 

Rob’s new horror-comedy kids’ anthology “Snot Goblins and Other Tasteless Tales” (First Second) is now on sale, as is “Look Out For The Little Guy,” the “in-universe” memoir of Scott “Ant-Man” Lang he ghostwrote. This makes Rob technically part of the MCU.

Here's the official link for Snot Goblins:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250780805/snot-goblins-and-other-tasteletale

And here's a fun video trailer of the book:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhSAjep4UPg

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Essie Bell is a multi-talented picture book author and publisher having written, published and marketed six picure books. In today's interview we talk about how to write a great rhyming book and why they're still relevant to the market, school visits, markets and more! It's a wonderful time to be a Children's Book Author!

MORE ABOUT ESSIE:

Essie Bell is a wife and mother of three cute kids. She loves staying at home and playing with her kids every day and enjoys writing in the evenings. Her favorite animals are elephants, flamingos and penguins. She currently lives in Utah, but has lived in Georgia, Iowa, and Idaho as well. Essie is also a Certified Recreational Therapist which means she loves helping people while still having fun.


Website: www.essiebellbooks.com

Instagram: instagram.com/essiebell.author

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie-Bell/author/B097XP57YQ?