The Publishing Performance Show

Mike Hourigan is a book marketing expert and representative from Written Word Media, one of the most trusted names in book promotion services. Written Word Media operates several highly effective promotional platforms including Free Booksy, Bargain Booksy, and Red Feather Romance, helping thousands of authors reach new readers and boost sales. With extensive experience in digital book marketing across multiple genres and price points, Mike brings practical, data-driven insights into what actually works in today's competitive book marketplace. His expertise spans both fiction and nonfiction promotion strategies, making him a valuable resource for authors at every stage of their publishing journey.

In this episode:

• Launch promotions vs. price promotions: strategic timing and execution for maximum impact
• Promo stacking fundamentals: how to layer multiple promotional tactics for explosive results
• The psychology and mechanics of free book promotions that convert browsers into loyal readers
• Genre-specific strategies that work differently for fiction versus nonfiction marketing campaigns
• Why book covers and blurbs make or break your promotional success before readers even click
• How to leverage email promotion services effectively without wasting your marketing budget
• Social media advertising integration with traditional book promotion methods
• Reader acquisition strategies that build long-term fanbase rather than just short-term sales spikes
• The data behind successful book promotions and what metrics actually matter

Resources mentioned:

• Email promotion services: Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, Red Feather Romance
• Social media advertising: Reader Reach Ads
• Book promotion service: NewInBooks
• Cover design resource: Reedsy

Book recommendation:

• "Company of One" by Paul Jarvis - Business growth philosophy for sustainable success

Connect with Mike Hourigan and Written Word Media:

• Website: https://writtenwordmedia.com/
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

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James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter and BBFC Film Examiner who has successfully transitioned from journalism to becoming a bestselling author of military aviation thrillers. His extensive reporting career included high-profile assignments aboard HMS Invincible during Operation Desert Fox, coverage from Kuwait's Ali Al Salem allied air base, Arctic Circle reporting, and frontline coverage of the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999. This unique background provides authentic military expertise that infuses his fiction with genuine realism. As co-founder of the Self Publishing Formula and organizer of the prestigious Self Publishing Show Live conference, James has become a leading voice in the independent publishing community, helping thousands of authors navigate their publishing journeys.

In this episode:

• The dramatic career pivot from BBC war correspondent to military thriller novelist
• How real-world defense reporting experience creates authentically gripping fiction
• The creative genesis behind his debut novel "Final Flight" and military aviation themes
• Using NaNoWriMo as a powerful catalyst to overcome writing procrastination and finish manuscripts
• The transformative value of working with professional book coaches for craft development
• Discovering and articulating the deeper "why" that drives your writing passion
• Proven plotting techniques and structural frameworks for compelling storytelling
• Marketing strategies that actually work for self-published authors in competitive markets
• International success stories: breaking into German translation markets and foreign sales
• Behind-the-scenes insights from organizing the Self Publishing Show Live conference
• Strategic networking approaches that build lasting author careers and opportunities
• The realistic pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing paths
• Practical, actionable advice for aspiring authors taking their first steps into publishing

Resources mentioned:

• NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
• BookBub
• Self Publishing Show Live conference

Book recommendations:

• "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody
• "On Writing" by Stephen King

Connect with James Blatch:

• Personal website: https://jamesblatch.com/
• Self Publishing Formula: https://selfpublishingformula.com/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Victoria Gerkin is the Publisher at Podium Entertainment, a leading audiobook publishing company that specializes in transforming independent authors' works into professional audio productions. With over 22 years of experience in traditional publishing, including roles at Penguin Random House, Little Random, and A.A. Knopf, Victoria brings deep industry expertise to the rapidly evolving world of independent audiobook publishing. Her background spans subsidiary rights, publicity, and author services, including co-founding the Knopf Speakers Bureau. At Podium, she oversees the acquisition of audio rights and works closely with authors to bring their stories to life through high-quality audio productions, publishing over 2,600 audiobooks annually.

In this episode:

• How Podium Entertainment revolutionizes audiobook publishing for indie authors
• The business model: licensing vs. traditional audiobook production methods
• What Podium looks for when evaluating manuscripts and author track records
• Professional casting secrets and matching narrators to stories perfectly
• The importance of cultural authenticity and accent considerations in audiobook production
• Why quality matters more than speed when entering the audiobook market
• Audiobook market dynamics: sales ratios compared to print and ebook formats
• Essential preparation tips for authors considering audiobook adaptations
• Success stories from long-term author partnerships and series development
• The evolution from traditional publishing to independent audiobook success

Resources mentioned:

• Podium Entertainment website - https://podiumentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podiumentertainment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podiumentertainment/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gerken-ba9b16150

Book recommendations:

• "The Pucking Wrong Number" by C.R. Jane
• Slough House series by Mick Herron

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Dakota Krout is a pioneering LitRPG author and visionary founder of Mountaindale Press, one of the leading publishing houses specializing in LitRPG, GameLit, and cultivation fiction. With a unique background combining computer science expertise and military communications experience, Dakota brings systematic, logical thinking to both his world-building and his publishing empire. His methodical approach to creating intricate magic systems and character progression has made him a standout voice in the rapidly growing gaming-inspired fiction genre, while his publishing house has become a launching pad for numerous successful authors in these specialized niches.

In this episode:

• Demystifying LitRPG and GameLit: What these explosive genres are and why they're dominating
• The systematic approach to building believable magic systems and character progression mechanics
• From author to publisher: The complete journey of founding and scaling Mountaindale Press
• Inside publishing metrics: What success looks like and the standards authors must meet
• Niche genre marketing strategies that build devoted readerbases in specialized communities
• The power of community engagement in genre fiction and reader retention
• Computer science principles applied to creative writing and world-building
• Military precision meets creative storytelling: How systematic thinking enhances fiction
• Building a publishing empire while maintaining quality and author relationships

Resources mentioned:

• Dragon Con -  https://www.dragoncon.org/
• LitRPG and GameLit online communities 
• Mountaindale Press publishing criteria and submission guidelines: https://www.mountaindalepress.store/
• Genre-specific marketing platforms and communities
• Convention networking and industry connection strategies

Book recommendations:

• "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034
• "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia: https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599
• "Something, Anything, and Everything" series by Dakota Krout: https://www.amazon.com/Anything-Full-Murderhobo-Dakota-Krout/dp/163766074X

Connect with Dakota Krout:

• Mountaindale Press website: https://www.mountaindalepress.store/
• Dakota's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaKrout/
• Mountaindale Press Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MountaindalePress/
• Discord community: Mountaindale Press server

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Shelby Leigh is a breakthrough mental health poetry author who has masterfully leveraged social media to transform her writing career from self-published obscurity to traditional publishing success. With over 103,000 Instagram followers and viral TikTok content that reaches millions, Shelby has become a case study in how modern authors can use digital platforms to build authentic connections with readers and drive real book sales. Her poetry focuses on mental health, healing, and personal growth, resonating with a generation seeking authentic voices in literature. Through her brand "Marketing by Shelby," she now helps other authors replicate her social media success.

In this episode:

• From zero followers to 103K: Shelby's complete social media growth strategy
• How mental health poetry found its massive audience through authentic storytelling
• TikTok marketing secrets that create viral BookTok content and drive sales
• Content creation systems that maintain consistency across multiple platforms
• The psychology behind converting social media views into actual book purchases
• Analytics and metrics that matter: tracking what really drives book sales
• Transitioning from self-publishing to traditional deals using social proof
• Building a personal brand that attracts both readers and publishers
• The intersection of vulnerability, poetry, and profitable content creation

Resources mentioned:

• Marketing by Shelby - Shelby's author marketing consultancy: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/
• TikTok Solutions Program - Social media marketing course: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/marketing-offers
• BookTok community - Poetry and book discovery platform: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/booktok
• Instagram Marketing by Shelby - Visual content strategies: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbyshelby/
• YouTube Channel - Extended marketing tutorials: http://youtube.com/@marketingbyshelby

Book Recommendations for Poetry:

• "I Look to the Mourning Sky" by Liz Newman
• Works by Tristan Mateo - Contemporary poetry
• Nikita Gill - Instagram poetry sensation: https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill/?hl=en

Traditional Poetry Influences:

• Emily Dickinson
• Rupi Kaur - Modern poetry pioneer: https://rupikaur.com/
• Atticus Poetry - https://www.atticuspoetry.com/

Modern Poetry Recommendations:

• "Luster" by Raven Leilani
• "From Sand to Stars" by Shelby Leigh
• Amanda Lovelace - Instagram poetry

Connect with Shelby Leigh:

• Website: https://shelbyleigh.co/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Stuart Grant is the founder of Digital Authors Toolkit, a specialized digital agency that has revolutionized how authors establish their online presence. With over a decade of deep experience in the publishing industry and more than 300 author websites in his portfolio, Stuart has become the go-to expert for writers who want to transform their digital footprint into a powerful marketing tool. His unique approach seamlessly blends technical web development expertise with an intimate understanding of author needs and reader behavior, creating websites that don't just look professional—they convert visitors into loyal fans and customers.

In this episode:

• Why every author needs a professional website and the essential elements that drive results
• Smart website design strategies using your book covers as visual inspiration
• SEO optimization secrets that get your author site discovered by readers
• Proven email list building techniques that turn website visitors into devoted fans
• Traffic generation strategies that bring the right readers to your digital doorstep
• The most common (and costly) website mistakes authors make and how to avoid them
• Technical tools and platforms that simplify author website management
• How to create a website that works as hard as you do to sell your books
• Reader psychology: designing websites that convert browsers into buyers
• 
  

Resources mentioned:

• Wix - https://www.wix.com/
• Book Vault - https://bookvault.app/
• Lulu - https://www.lulu.com/
• Book Funnel - https://bookfunnel.com/
• Digital Authors Toolkit - https://www.digitalauthorstoolkit.com/

Book recommendations:

• "Ted Talks" by Chris Anderson
• "Ultra Processed People" by Chris Van Tulliken
• JD Kirk's Hoon series

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Kevin J. Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author and literary powerhouse with over 24 million books in print worldwide. Best known for his groundbreaking work expanding the Dune universe alongside Brian Herbert and his extensive contributions to the Star Wars expanded universe with 54 novels, comics, and young adult series, Kevin has helped shape two of science fiction's most beloved franchises. His unique career spans both traditional publishing giants and innovative indie approaches, making him one of the most versatile and successful authors in the industry today.

In this episode:

• Behind-the-scenes secrets of writing in legendary universes like Dune and Star Wars
• The strategic transition from traditional publishing to indie freedom and control
• Leveraging Kickstarter and Patreon to build direct fan relationships and fund passion projects
• Insider insights into Hollywood: the film and TV adaptation process revealed
• How dictation technology can dramatically boost your writing productivity
• The networking strategies that build lasting industry connections and opportunities
• Platform-building advice for new authors entering today's competitive landscape
• Balancing franchise work with original creative projects
• The evolution of publishing and what authors need to succeed now

Resources mentioned:

• Wordfire Press (Kevin's publishing company)
• Kickstarter for Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series
• Patreon for exclusive content and fan interaction
• Western Colorado University's graduate program in publishing
• Superstars Writing Seminars
• Mac Whisper for AI transcription

Book recommendations:

• "Death Warmed Over" (first book in the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series)
• "On Being a Dictator" (Kevin's book on dictation for authors)

Connect with Kevin J. Anderson:

• Website: https://wordfire.com/
• Patreon: KevinJAnderson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/75203293463/?fref=nf
• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheKJA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkja/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Craig Martelle is a powerhouse in the indie publishing world with nearly 200 published works, including over 110 full-length novels. A retired Marine and former lawyer turned bestselling author, Craig is the visionary founder of the 20 Books to 50K community—one of the largest and most supportive author networks in the world. His journey from military service to literary success has made him a sought-after mentor and speaker in the indie author community.

In this episode:

• From Marine Corps to literary empire: Craig's incredible transformation story
• The productivity secrets behind writing and publishing multiple books annually
• Strategic book pricing that maximizes sales and reader acquisition
• Breaking into international markets with German translations and global reach
• How author conferences evolved and why they're crucial for indie success
• Building and nurturing thriving online author communities (20 Books to 50K insights)
• Mastering the balance between fiction series and non-fiction projects
• The mindset shifts that separate successful authors from struggling writers
• Real-world strategies for sustained long-term author careers

Resources mentioned:

• 20 Books to 50K Facebook group
• Author Nation conference (formerly 20 Books Vegas)
• Self-Publishing Show Live conference
• Amazon ads for authors
• Findaway Voices for audiobooks
• TranslateBooks.com for translations

Books Mentioned:

• Ian Bragg thriller series
• Cygnus Space Opera series
• End Times Alaska series
• Free Trader series
• Battleship Leviathan series
• "Witten Wisdom"
• "An Author's Legacy"

Connect with Craig Martelle:

• Website: craigmartelle.com
• Facebook group: 20 Books to 50K

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Isabelle Knight is a celebrity publicist turned author branding expert who has worked with literary icons including JK Rowling and major organizations like the BBC. As founder of Build Your Author Brand, she brings insider knowledge from the world of high-profile publicity to help everyday authors develop powerful personal brands, connect with their ideal readers, and dramatically increase book sales. Her unique background bridges traditional PR with modern digital marketing strategies.

In this episode:

• The celebrity publicist's approach to author branding that actually works
• How to identify and magnetize your ideal readers (not just any readers)
• Traditional PR vs. digital marketing: when to use each strategy
• The newsletter and social media tactics that build genuine fan bases
• How to pitch yourself like the pros (without feeling salesy)
• Strategic partnerships that amplify your book launches
• Real case studies from successful author branding campaigns
• The consistency secrets that separate amateur from professional authors
•  Why most author marketing fails and how to avoid common pitfalls

Resources mentioned:

• Build Your Author Brand course
• Facebook groups for author networking
• Newsletter platforms for reader engagement
• Bookshop partnerships for book launches

Book recommendations:

• "Enough" by Dr. Catherine McAleese
• Books by Pauline Tate
• "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendrix

Connect with Isabelle Knight:

• Website: https://buildyourauthorbrand.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelle.knight.pr/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-knight-pr/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isabelle_knight_pr

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Dave Chesson is the founder of Kindlepreneur and creator of Publisher Rocket, one of the most trusted keyword research tools in the publishing industry. With years of experience helping authors crack Amazon's discovery algorithm, Dave has become the go-to expert for book marketing and keyword optimization. His platform Kindlepreneur has helped thousands of authors increase their book visibility and sales on Amazon.

In this episode:
* How Dave built Publisher Rocket into the industry's leading keyword tool
* Decoding Amazon's algorithm: What really drives book discovery
* Maximizing your 7 KDP keyword boxes for better rankings
* Fiction vs. nonfiction keyword strategies that actually work
* Using reverse ASIN research to spy on competitors
* Finding profitable niches with low competition
* Common keyword mistakes that hurt your book's visibility

Resources mentioned:

• Publisher Rocket 
• Kindlepreneur.com Guides
• 7 Kindle Keywords: Use All 50 Characters or Not?
• Kindle Keyword Strategy For Fiction Authors
• Amazon KDP
• Kindlepreneur Tools and Services

Book recommendations:

• Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman

Connect with Dave Chesson:

• Website: https://kindlepreneur.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindlepreneur
• Contact: https://kindlepreneur.com/contact-me/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/