The Rebel Maker | Writing Books, Publishing Books & Turning Books into Profitable Businesses

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Welcome back to The Rebel Maker Podcast. I have Shaté Hayes with me today and we are talking about Shaté’s journey of storytelling, the tools to keep yourself grounded, what you need to craft impactful stories, and the lessons she learned from publishing her first two books.

Shaté Hayes is a certified business coach and creative career strategist who helps professionals and organizations tell their stories. She is also the Founder & CEO of Career Steward, Inc. So, whether you're starting a business or side hustle, changing careers, seeking a promotion, or re-entering the workforce, she can help you develop a message that wins jobs and clients.

In this episode:

• [02:21] Meet Shaté Hayes
• [05:44] From storytelling through movement to storytelling in writing
• [07:52] How “The Freelance Dancer’s Roadmap” came into place
• [10:44] How to find the through line of your nonlinear journey
• [15:16] Tools for self-reflection and keeping yourself grounded
• [21:02] Crafting stories that inspire change 
• [23:43] Identifying the real problems and needs of your audience
• [27:57] The importance of showing up
• [28:51] Speaking to your audience by speaking to younger self
• [32:14] The books Shaté has written and published
• [33:42] How Shaté marketed her books: what worked and what didn’t
• [36:48] You’re NEVER “just” self-published
• [40:10] What Shaté will do differently when publishing her next book

Resources & Links:

Check out all of Shaté’s books, including The Freelance Dancer’s Roadmap at shatehayes.com/books.

Go to lightmycareermatch.com for a career match guide and other resources to help creative-types find a career/business path that offers more joy, purpose, and income.

Catch up with the episode where I talk about the need for a clear head to be able to write E41. What’s Holding You Back From Writing Your Book?

Learn more about the book Shaté loves Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall.

Noteworthy quote from this episode:

“No matter what I've done or whatever you do, I think one of the secrets to success is positioning yourself in service to the thing that you're doing, whether it be a performance, an article, a community, a project, whatever the gig is. To position yourself in se

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Not sure what your next step should be when it comes to that book you've been working so hard on?
Book a call with Marti and get the clarity you need to get to that next stage.
Go to the website rebelqueen.co and book your call today.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker Podcast. Happy 2025! In this very special episode, I’m celebrating 50 episodes by reflecting on my podcast journey and looking forward to all the great things that are coming to The Rebel Maker™ and Rebel Queen.
Podcasting is one of my favorite parts of my job. So, thank you for being a part of this and allowing me to continue making rebels out of you.
Tune in to hear all about the hurdles I had to overcome to get this podcast live, the lessons I learned along the way to 50 episodes, and the exciting path we’ll be taking toward the next 50.

In this episode:

• [01:54] Celebrating The Rebel Maker™ Podcast and 50 episodes
• [04:18] Marti’s desire to have a podcast
• [05:12] Born to publish books
• [07:36] Honing in on the idea for The Rebel Maker™ Podcast
• [11:42] Recording before I really knew what I was doing
• [13:41] Finding the right podcasting support
• [16:55] Overcoming the hurdle of recording the intro, outro, and trailer
• [19:55] Lessons Marti learned over the course of 50 episodes
• [22:04] Putting yourself on the front street
• [23:57] Celebrating some incredible podcast stats
• [26:26] Shut up your inner critic
• [29:24] Upcoming changes to The Rebel Maker™ Podcast
• [37:12] Upcoming changes to Rebel Queen

Resources & Links:

Catch up with my episode with Kiki: EP. 1: Understanding How Things Work in The Publishing Industry with Kiki Ringer.

Want to have your own podcast and need some support? Contact my podcast gal Rosa at ideablossoms.com.

Catch up with my episode with my messaging guru Ashlee: E32. The Importance of an Outside Perspective and 4 Simple Ways to Write Your Book with Ashlee Sang.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co.

Shoot me an email at [email protected].

Want to be featured on The Rebel Maker™ Podcast? Apply here!

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“ Done is better than perfect. If I would have waited until it was perfec

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Not sure what your next step should be when it comes to that book you've been working so hard on?
Book a call with Marti and get the clarity you need to get to that next stage.
Go to the website rebelqueen.co and book your call today.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

To listen to the full episode with Marta Spirk, go to episode 13 or click here! 

This is one of the best moments of episode 13 with Marta Spirk. In this conversation, Marti and Marta talk about how Marta decided writing a book was the right next step for her and how to get more visible your way.
According to Marta, “It’s only impossible until you do it.” So, tune in to discover how to get out of your own way and finally get that powerful message of yours out into the world.

01:13 Finding your unique message to make an impact in the world
04:31 Overcoming imposter syndrome
06:06 Finding visibility in a way that suits you
07:31 The importance of challenging yourself and trying things out
08:11 Marta’s journey to publishing a book
11:58 Crushing the barriers and obstacles to writing a book

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co 

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

To listen to the full episode with Jill Cooper, go to episode 3 or click here! 

This is one of the best moments of episode 3 with Jill Cooper. In this conversation, Marti and Jill cover ways authors can improve their book sales, including how they can sell much more by running Facebook Ads.

Tune in to learn Jill and Mal’s strategies for advertising your books effectively, and what may be keeping you from selling as many books as you need to get off the rat race of constantly writing and releasing.

01:09 What you can expect from working with Jill and Malorie
03:09 The secret sauce in generating book sales
04:49 Reasons your books might not be selling

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co 

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

To listen to the full episode with Autumn Cohen, go to episode 15 or click here! 

This is one of the best moments of episode 15 with Autumn Cohen. In this conversation, Marti and Autumn talk about the perfect time to find a publisher, how important reaching out to Marti was for Autumn, and finding the right publisher.

The importance of connecting with people who actually know what they’re doing (not just say they do) cannot be overstated. In this episode, you’ll find the information you need to weed out the publishers that are not for you so you can find the publisher that is.

01:13 When should I reach out to a publisher?
03:04 Key considerations for an illustrated children’s book
03:37 How Autumn found Marti
05:17 What to consider when looking for the best publisher for you

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co 

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

To listen to the full episode with Danielle Anderson, go to episode 5 or click here! 

This is one of the best moments of episode 5 with Danielle Anderson. In this conversation, Marti and Danielle are talking about why and when you should reach out to an editor, as well as all the different ways to edit a book and their roles in making a quality book.

Get acquainted with all the rounds of editing a good book will (should) go through before it is released: developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. This will help you make an informed decision on what type of editing your book needs.

01:13 The importance of thoroughly editing your book
02:44 The best time to reach out to an editor
05:23 Why there are different types of editing
06:43 Developmental editing and book coaching
08:30 The value of line editing
09:23 Copy editing (not proofreading)
10:41 Different editors, different skill sets
11:37 What proofreading actually is and what it’s for
12:43 Challenges Marti and Danielle faced with their clients

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co 

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into the valuable role of a book in a business, when you should start writing your book, how to craft a values-based message, and make sure it aligns with the business.
I’m sharing questions that will guide you in creating a values-based message for your website, which will be the basis for what you write in your book, your social media posts, and your email newsletter.

In this episode:

• [02:04] Client conversations and insights
• [02:40] What a nonfiction book is meant to do for you
• [04:14] When should I start writing my book? (NOW!)
• [05:57] Using your book as your minimum viable product
• [07:16] Questions to help you craft a values-based message
• [09:59] Why having a consistent message matters
• [11:09] Aligning your book with your business
• [13:22] A special thank you just for you

Resources & Links:
Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co.
Shoot me an email at [email protected].
Want to be featured on the Rebel Maker™ Podcast? Apply here!

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“You don't have to have the business in place. You don't have to have the website done. You don't have to [have] business cards, like you don't have to have all of those done to start working on your book that showcases who you are, what you do, what you know, how you can impact them, and why they should listen to you.”

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co 

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker Podcast. I have Samantha Pollack with me today and we are talking about a new marketing paradigm rooted in honesty, kindness, and slowing the fuck down—while making (and paying) sustainable wages as well as how you can be not just a writer but a copywriter too.
Samantha Pollack is a Positioning Strategist & Copywriter who creates powerful brand personalities and compelling marketing copy for service providers, creatives, BIPOC women, AuDHD folks, activists, queers, weirdos, and other smart people. She’s known for her ability to truly capture her clients' voice—and craft messaging that makes THEIR clients feel seen, safe, and excited AF to get to work.

In this episode:

• [01:42] Meet Samantha Pollack
• [03:09] Conventional marketing needs a rebrand
• [07:19] It’s a numbers game, but it doesn’t have to be
• [12:52] Feeling icky about marketing
• [14:26] Choosing one social platform to be at
• [20:24] One easy way to start attracting raving fans
• [21:59] What Samantha’s positioning strategy for her clients is
• [23:29] Not everyone is a good writer and that’s not a problem
• [26:05] Lessons from an author growing her following
• [28:38] Writing for your book versus writing for marketing
• [30:43] An exercise to better understand your audience
• [37:25] Don’t just be a writer, you can be a copywriter with Samantha
• [40:35] Feedback and beta readers
• [42:32] Why learning how to write copy is worth it

Resources & Links:
Check out Samantha’s Sales Page Framework.
Listen to Samantha’s interview on the What Works with Tara McMullin podcast.
Since this podcast episode was recorded Samantha has put together the copy workshop she talked about creating, it’s called The Craft and you can learn more about it here.

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“So, for a long time, I was really focused on growing my Instagram following, which I think for me as a copywriter is like, eh, as far as results. But for authors, it's really important because publishing companies look at that specifically, even though secretly, I think it doesn't really fucking matter because just because you have 10,000 Instagram followers, that does not mean you're going to sell 10,000 books.” - Samantha Pollack

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Not sure what your next step should be when it comes to that book you've been working so hard on?
Book a call with Marti and get the clarity you need to get to that next stage.
Go to the website rebelqueen.co and book your call today.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into a conversation that authors in publishing circles keep bringing up: “Should you pay or be paid to publish a book?”.
I’m going to keep it real and break down how authors get paid in traditional publishing and self-publishing. This way instead of going along with baseless declarations you may see out there, you get to choose which type of publishing (and payment) makes the most sense to you.

In this episode:

• [02:47] Introducing the debate
• [04:08] The costs that go into publishing a quality book
• [08:21] How to get money in a traditional publishing book deal
• [10:41] Understand how royalties and advances work
• [13:30] Getting paid in traditional publishing versus self-publishing 
• [14:27] The issue with traditional publishing and intellectual property rights
• [16:33] What a book should do for you
• [18:07] The people who preach “Never pay anybody for your book”

Resources & Links:
Catch up with the bonus episode that’s one of the most consumed topics on this podcast Q: Should You Pay or Be Paid to Publish a Book?
Also listen to the full episode 9, Saying Yes to Opportunities with Copywriter And Ghostwriter Tasha Christy.
Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co.

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“If somebody offers you money for your book, it's not free money.”

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co 

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker Podcast. I have Lynn Howard with me today and we are talking about books that change lives, what it’s like having the best business bestie, and how she and her partner are pumping out books like machines.
Lynn Howard is a seasoned Entrepreneurial Development Strategist with 25 years of battle-tested experience. Transforming businesses, sparking growth, and establishing unshakeable foundations for enduring success is her game. She is the author of two award-winning books, and the host of a thriving podcast and a vibrant YouTube channel titled "The Pursuit of Badasserie".

In this episode:

• [01:41] Lynn Howard and her globetrotting journey
• [06:27] The origins of “The Pursuit of Badasserie” books
• [09:50] Lynn and Amanda’s writing system
• [12:13] Recording and releasing the Audible versions
• [16:57] Creating lists of possible topics and prompts
• [18:18] Writing your book as a relatable guide
• [21:50] Be careful not to overwhelm your audience
• [24:28] Playing small and not being where you should be (yet)
• [27:05] Being more than the Robin to someone’s Batman
• [32:04] How Lynn and Amanda’s business partnership works
• [39:07] About Lynn’s autobiography “And So, She Did”
• [43:32] The legacy and impact of your books

Resources & Links:
Check out The Pursuit of Badasserie books here.
Learn more about Lynn’s solo book “And So, She Did: Life Lessons, Reflections, and Stories”.

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“I'll never see the effect that my life will have on others but I know now that my legacy will live on far after I'm gone [...] because of the books.”

Connect with Lynn Howard
Facebook: @lynn.howard.9275
Instagram: @lynn.a.howard
Podcast: The Pursuit of Badasserie
Website: thepursuitofbadasserie.com
Personal Website: lynnahoward.com

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelqueenbooks
Facebook: @rebelqueenbooks
Website: rebelqueen.co

1. To suggest topics for the podcast or leave a comment, send Marti a text (link at the top of the show notes).
2. For questions that need an answer: book a clarity call here or send Marti an email at [email protected]
3. To be a guest on The Rebel Maker: fill out this form.

Not sure what your next step should be when it comes to that book you've been working so hard on?
Book a call with Marti and get the clarity you need to get to that next stage.
Go to the website rebelqueen.co and book your call today.

Book a Clarity Call with me at rebelqueen.co/contact.

Produced by Ideablossoms