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

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My first love is non-fiction. That’s why I’m so excited to have Molly Kendall with me on today’s episode of The Rebel Maker. Molly is a well-rounded publisher and writer whose specialty is fiction.

Molly is a kind, quick-witted, quiet Christian girl who appreciates dramatic stories, adores nature, and loves to inspire others.  Molly strives to bring hope to her readers in everything that she writes.

We talk about the writing and publishing process for fiction books, connecting with your readers, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

In this episode:

• [03:14] What inspired Molly to start writing and her Wattpad journey
• [09:37] The editing and publishing process of a fiction book and how it differs from a nonfiction book
• [15:23] What makes a good book cover and choosing a cover designer
• [22:33] Molly’s writing process and how she maps out her books
• [26:31] Connecting with your readers as a marketing tool
• [29:22] Book events as an introvert and learning from other authors
• [34:09] Imposter syndrome as an author and practical tips to combat it 
• [39:54] Molly’s book recommendation
• [40:35] The one thing Molly would do differently for her next book launch 

Resources & Links:

Read Saving Ariel and The Secret Ingredient to Falling in Love by Molly Kendall

Noteworthy quote from this episode:

“I do my general plot of okay, this is what I want to happen. And then honestly, I think about the ending. How do I want it to end? How do I want to get there? And the in-between just happens.”

“Imagine you're stuck on that one spot, you don't know how you can further progress in your story because of how the character is. By having the freedom of allowing your character to change in any way you need them to, whether it's something big or something small, you have full right to go back and change it. It's not 100% in stone.”

“Marketing is connecting with your people. Finding your audience and enjoying things together.”

“Do what works for you. Don't try to be something that you're not”

Connect with Molly
Facebook: @AuthorMollyK
Facebook Group: Author Molly K. Readers Club

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. My guest today is my friend, Laura McKenna. With over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience, Laura is relentless in her calling to equip military and veteran women leaders to show up in their lives as themselves, achieve their potential, and make an impact that is meaningful to them.
Laura shares her story of transformation with us and provides frameworks that can help you to unpack and deconstruct your beliefs too. You’re not going to want to miss this one.

In this episode:

• [03:28]  Laura’s life and business journey and how she has embraced her mission in life
• [08:25] The process of unpacking and changing beliefs that aren’t serving you
• [18:16] The highs and lows of transitioning from a corporate 9-5 to starting your own business
• [26:39] Balancing rest time and work time without the guilt
• [33:26] Meeting your vision-self
• [37:10] The two reasons why you’re resisting and procrastinating 
• [40:47] Pushing past the resistance that comes from fear

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“The most rebellious thing you can do on earth is be yourself in a world that is telling you that to earn our approval, you have to be this thing. Well, I'm not that thing.”

Connect with Laura
Facebook: @StrengthShieldCoaching
Instagram: @strengthandshieldcoaching
LinkedIn: Laura McKenna
Website: strengthandshieldcoaching.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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to the Rebel Maker podcast. Today I have Tasha Christy with me and she is a perfect example of saying yes to opportunities, staying open to all possibilities, and trusting yourself. Tasha is an intuitive copywriter, ghostwriter, wordsmith, and copy coach.

Tasha is known for helping her clients craft powerful and potent messaging that engages, activates, and converts audiences everywhere. We talk about trusting yourself and your intuition, building your platform as a writer, figuring out your messaging, and more!

In this episode:

• [03:29] Tasha’s journey from speech pathologist to intuitive copywriter and copy coach
• [10:04] Discovering Energetic Marketing and Human Design
• [15:03] Embracing being a writer
• [23:39] Learning about marketing and sales
• [27:46] Should publishing your book cost you money? Or should you be paid for it?
• [30:29] Building your platform as an author before you write your book
• [32:36] Practical tips to figure out your messaging

Resources & Links:
Read Tasha’s book - Daring: One woman's story of triumph, courage, and defying the odds

Noteworthy quotes from this episode:
“I spent so much time on my title when I first started in business. It's just ridiculous. People don't care about that. People want to know how you can help them be, do, or have what they desire.”

Connect with Tasha
Facebook: @tasha.christy.10

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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Have you ever wondered how your book goes from words on a screen to a physical book in your hands?
That’s what we’re discussing in today’s episode of The Rebel Maker! I’ve got Shannon Bigham as my guest today and she is an expert on all things printing. She has spent the better part of her career in corporate printing, working as an account manager on large accounts producing New York Times best-selling titles, and she’s worked with self-publishers which is how we met.
We discuss trade books, printing quantities, the impact of Amazon on the printing industry, and more!

In this episode:

• [04:22] Shannon’s family's printing history and how she never expected to work in the industry
• [07:49] What makes a trade book and the unpredictable nature of book popularity
• [14:09] Printing quantities for authors and the process of reprints
• [19:50] The impact of Amazon on the printing industry
• [25:13] The impact the changing paper industry has had on printing and the pros and cons of different types of paper
• [35:23] Book printing essentials for new authors
• [39:44] Printing costs
• [44:30] The challenges of traditional publishing, self-promoting your books, and bestseller lists
• [53:15] The importance of high-quality art in a book

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“I think that's one of the wonderful aspects of Amazon, and really of social media, it has allowed people to self-promote and boost themselves and create their own audience.”


Connect with Shannon
Facebook: Shannon Turley Bigham
Instagram: @blessed_life_navigator
Email: [email protected]

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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

There’s more to being a successful author than writing a book.

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker! In this episode, I’ve got author Malorie Cooper with me. If you thought all you had to do to be a successful author was write a book, think again. Malorie explains just how much goes into the process of getting your books to your readers from creating a newsletter list to choosing the right tropes.

Malorie is the author of 127 fiction books and seven nonfiction books and she’s self-published them all. She likes to think of herself as a dreamer and a wanderer, yet her feet are firmly grounded in reality.

In this episode:

• [03:26] The first lesson Malorie learned about writing
• [06:30] How Malorie came to self-publish her books
• [09:39] Getting your books in front of the right people
• [12:56] How Malorie got on the New York Times Bestseller List
• [15:42] Business lessons Malorie has learned in her writing and publishing career
• [23:41] Practical lessons to implement in your writing, publishing, and marketing practice
• [25:52] Building your newsletter list as an author
• [29:45] Book Recommendation: Two of Malorie’s favorite non-fiction books
• [33:13] Writing Wives: How Malorie and her wife are helping other authors become rockstars

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“Your productivity as an author is really important from a business perspective. In a way, you're your own employee who has to create a product and you have to make it in a reasonable amount of time. If you want to do this as a business, you can't take years to write a book.”

Connect with Malorie
Facebook: The Writing Wives and Aeon 14 Fans
Instagram: @malorie.cooper
Website: thewritingwives.com and aeon14.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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker! In this episode, I’ve got Dr. Sharnael Wolverton Sehon with me. We cover everything from self-publishing, publishing with my publishing company, and the meaningful process Dr. Sharnael went through when recording her audiobook.
Dr. Sharnael is a naturopathic doctor and a minister who teaches on the divine health and the human body. She’s passionate about reconciling all people to an integrative life, both mind, body, and soul. She is hands down living her purpose and she has so many tips and lessons from her journey to share with us today.

In this episode:

• [03:54] Dr. Sharnael’s publishing history
• [08:26] Dr. Sharnael’s experience working with Marti
• [13:07] The process of recording an audiobook
• [19:22] Dr.Sharnael’s biggest lesson when self-publishing her first books
• [23:45] Lessons Dr. Sharnael has learned in business
• [32:16] Writing Tip: Practical tips for writers
• [38:24] Book Recommendation: Dr. Sharnael’s must-read book recommendation

Resources & Links:
Find Dr.Sharnael’s books here
Try the two transcription tools Marti mentioned: Otter and Temi

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“I don't want to learn how to upload a Kindle and figure out what size things need to be. I have other things to do. So, let the experts deal with that and let me work on the things that nobody else can do.”

Connect with Dr. Sharnael
Facebook: @Drsharnael
Instagram: @drsharnael
Youtube: @DrSharnaelTrueTV
Website: www.swiftfire.org

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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker! In this episode, I’ve got my friend Danielle Anderson with me, and we are talking about biographies and memoirs.

Danielle is a memoir coach and editor who runs her business and life with heart. She is the founder of Ink Worthy Books, an editorial and publishing services company that believes everyone has a story worth telling and every story has the power to change the world.
 
Join us as we talk about all things publishing-related that the average person who might want to write a book probably doesn’t know.

In this episode:

• [04:02] What Danielle means when she says, “Anyone can be a bestseller”
• [07:21] Creating a legacy rather than a profit when writing a memoir
• [09:54] Identifying a publisher that will have the writer's best interests at heart
• [12:19] It takes time and money to write and publish a good-quality book
• [15:15] When in the writing process should a writer approach an editor?
• [18:45] The difference between a memoir and a biography
• [20:40] The different types of editors and why you need all of them
• [32:46] Writing Tip: How Danielle defines publishing and her best writing tip
• [34:38] Book Recommendation: The most life-changing book Danielle has ever read

Resources & Links:
Read Danielle’s book: The Magic of Writing with Heart: A year of prompts to grow your writing skills, build your confidence, and maximize your memoir

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“We focus on quality over quantity [...] Cheap is not a word I use. That, to me, diminishes the value of the story that people want to tell and the value of the book that they want to deliver. [...] a good publisher is going to help your book be successful, no matter your goals.”

Connect with Danielle
Facebook: @inkworthybooks and @womenwritestory
Instagram: @inkworthybooks
Website: inkworthybooks.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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker! In this episode, we’re uncovering how to actually make money from your books – because that’s the goal, right?

I have Kristen Laidig with me today. With over 20 years in the industry, Kristen has helped over 50 publishing companies get started and she’s published over 200 books. Her most recent title is Asskickonomics: The Powerful Unseen Force Behind Every Entrepreneur. She’s earned the title of Book Ninja. 

We cover why traditional book publishing may not be the best way to publish a book these days, using your book as a marketing tool, and treating your writing as a career.

In this episode:

• [03:59] Building a publishing company and the start of ghost publishing
• [06:58] The Kindle 30-Day Challenge
• [12:36] Creating products and services that turn your book into a marketing tool
• [15:40] The biggest misconception about publishing and traditional publishing deals
• [18:53] Getting onto a best seller list the right way
• [23:20] Making money from books
• [27:39] Shifting careers? Starting a business? This is what you need to hear
• [31:40] Writing Tip: Creating a sacred time and space for writing
• [32:59] Kristen’s definition of publishing
• [33:18] Book recommendation: A book that was a game-changer for Kristen

Read Kristen’s book: Asskickonomics: The Powerful Unseen Force Behind Every Entrepreneur

Read Kristen’s marketing and publishing blog posts at thecasualentrepreneurs.com

“With the technology and tools the way it is today, why the hell are people traditionally publishing? It has its place for some industries, but I don't think for the book world so much.”

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook: TheKristenJoy & MagickalBear

Instagram: @MagickalBear

Website: MagickalBear.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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to the Rebel Maker! In this episode, we’re encouraging rebellious thinking and rebellious behavior in authors across the globe. Enough of this nonsense of constantly writing books to make money and stay visible as an author.
We’re taking a smarter and more sustainable approach. We’re looking at your backlist and finding new creative ways to promote and sell the books you already have.
And to dive deep into that I invited USAT best-selling author of Science Fiction, Jill Cooper. Jill is married to New York Times Best-Selling author, Malorie Cooper. Together, they started The Writing Wives, a community for indie authors who want to sell more books with their existing catalogs and get off the rat race of constantly writing and releasing. 

In this episode:

• [03:52] Hitting a bestseller list as a self-published author
• [08:10] Why writing is just a fraction of the work of publishing a book
• [11:40] Kickstarter: The way of the future for authors
• [15:39] Your Backlist: Selling the books you have instead of writing more books
• [18:17] Stop cranking out books and do this instead to sell more and write less
• [23:27] How Writing Wives helps authors sell more books
• [25:51] Should you buy Facebook Ads for your books?
• [30:14] Book Recommendation: The most life-changing book Jill has read
• [31:45] Writing advice: Jill’s best piece of writing advice

Resources & Links:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/
The Writing Wives Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewritingwives

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“How to grow income on words we've already written? Once we learned how to do that, I thought that more authors should learn how to do that. They should learn how to promote their backlist so they don't have to feel the pressure to write a book every month.”

Connect with Jill
Website: thewritingwives.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

Send Marti a text message HERE!

Welcome back to The Rebel Maker! In episode two, we’re talking about what everyone wants to know as they start to think about packaging their expertise and writing a book: How do you actually get paid for it?
It doesn’t matter if you want to write a book to fulfill a dream, get more visible, or establish credibility, we all want the same thing – to get paid, sell books, and see an ROI after all the sweat, blood, and tears poured into those pages.
So, I invited a pro to talk about that with me today, Trina Gunzel. She’s an author, speaker, international trainer, business consultant, and next-level life breakthrough coach. Trina specializes in small groups and big profits as she designs custom family-friendly business models that are built on strengths, skills, and talents.

In this episode:

• [06:38] What’s self-assisted publishing?
• [08:57] The difference between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and self-assisted publishing
• [11:22] Pros and cons of self-assisted publishing and the learning curve of self-publishing a book
• [16:28] The two things you should consider before writing a book if you want to make money from it
• [18:08] Creative ways to use your book to sell your offers, products, and services
• [23:00] Best practices for book launches if you want to sell books fast
• [27:33] Turning your book into a profitable offer
• [41:12] Book Recommendation: The most life-changing book Trina has read
• [41:57] Writing advice: The best writing tip if you’re experiencing writer’s block

Resources & Links:
Trina’s Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenleadinginbusiness/
Trina’s Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/trinalicavoligunzel

Noteworthy quote from this episode:
“It's not really about the book. It's not really about book sales. This is totally about opening doors, creating visibility, establishing yourself. It is about having more to give them outside of the book.”

Connect with Trina
Facebook: @TrinaGunzelBooks
Instagram: @TrinaGunzel
Podcast: Legacy and Legends with Trina Gunzel: Celebrity Interviews to Inspire You
Website: trinagunzel.com

Connect with Marti
Instagram: @rebelquee

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