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The Community Episode
What if the reason your author platform isn't growing has nothing to do with the quality of your content—and everything to do with your willingness to show up imperfectly?
Book marketing strategist Stephanie Moon (15 years at Chronicle Books, Harper Collins, Scholastic) joins Amanda to unpack the uncomfortable truths about building author communities. From spending hours on Canva graphics that got zero engagement to understanding why "B-level work" is actually the secret to consistency, this conversation flips traditional platform advice on its head.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ Why perfectionism is killing your author platform (and the "straight-A student" reframe that changes everything)
→ The cold email strategy that got one creator invited to Fashion Week—and how authors can adapt it without feeling spammy
→ What "everyone wants a village but no one wants to be a villager" really means for your book marketing
→ Why agents and editors ARE watching your content (even when they never engage)
→ How to build your consistency muscle without burning out or spending hours on every post
→ The surprising truth about community: it's never convenient, but always worth it
Perfect for: Authors struggling with platform building, writers who feel stuck in perfectionism, anyone wondering if their content marketing is working, cookbook authors and memoirists looking to build authentic reader connections
About Stephanie Moon: Experienced Book Marketing Strategist with 15 years in publishing, including roles at Chronicle Books, Harper Collins, Scholastic, and Hardie Grant. Two-time IACP judge who has led bestselling campaigns across children's books, cookbooks, and lifestyle titles. She helps authors translate their creative vision into thriving platforms and communities.
Special Offer: Stephanie's "First Five" program (workbook + 30-min strategy call) available for $75 with code BABECAVE through end of 2025!
Resources:
- Show notes: https://www.amandapolick.com/blog/community-episode
- Newsletter signup: https://amandapolick.myflodesk.com/writinggold
- Connect: @amandapolick on Instagram
- Find Stephanie: @stephmoonco on Instagram | The FAQs on Substack
View all episodes
By Amanda Polick
5
44 ratings
What if the reason your author platform isn't growing has nothing to do with the quality of your content—and everything to do with your willingness to show up imperfectly?
Book marketing strategist Stephanie Moon (15 years at Chronicle Books, Harper Collins, Scholastic) joins Amanda to unpack the uncomfortable truths about building author communities. From spending hours on Canva graphics that got zero engagement to understanding why "B-level work" is actually the secret to consistency, this conversation flips traditional platform advice on its head.
In this episode, you'll discover:
→ Why perfectionism is killing your author platform (and the "straight-A student" reframe that changes everything)
→ The cold email strategy that got one creator invited to Fashion Week—and how authors can adapt it without feeling spammy
→ What "everyone wants a village but no one wants to be a villager" really means for your book marketing
→ Why agents and editors ARE watching your content (even when they never engage)
→ How to build your consistency muscle without burning out or spending hours on every post
→ The surprising truth about community: it's never convenient, but always worth it
Perfect for: Authors struggling with platform building, writers who feel stuck in perfectionism, anyone wondering if their content marketing is working, cookbook authors and memoirists looking to build authentic reader connections
About Stephanie Moon: Experienced Book Marketing Strategist with 15 years in publishing, including roles at Chronicle Books, Harper Collins, Scholastic, and Hardie Grant. Two-time IACP judge who has led bestselling campaigns across children's books, cookbooks, and lifestyle titles. She helps authors translate their creative vision into thriving platforms and communities.
Special Offer: Stephanie's "First Five" program (workbook + 30-min strategy call) available for $75 with code BABECAVE through end of 2025!
Resources:
- Show notes: https://www.amandapolick.com/blog/community-episode
- Newsletter signup: https://amandapolick.myflodesk.com/writinggold
- Connect: @amandapolick on Instagram
- Find Stephanie: @stephmoonco on Instagram | The FAQs on Substack