Wendy has published police procedurals and a rom-com, and is presently shopping another rom-com. Andrew has published an action-adventure and a fantasy, and is planning on publishing a noir thriller soon. But is this smart when it comes to building a readership, or a "personal brand"? What is a personal brand, and how do you go about building one in the era of social media? How do you use your personal brand when it comes to marketing your books?

It's a hard business, getting your books into the hands of the right readers! Join authors Wendy Coffman and Andrew Hallman as we discuss our experiences with ARCs, BookSirens, NetGalley, Voracious Readers, BookBub, Publisher Rocket, Amazon & Facebook ads, as well as Wendy's first steps on Instagram and Andrew's first steps with Weekend Publisher, a company that helps authors develop a marketing & advertising plan.

We discuss writers groups we’re involved with, and their usefulness when it comes to developing and critiquing novel-length works. Wendy shares a funny story about a crazy coincidence between her and a literary agent based in Philadelphia. Then we dig into Wendy’s experiences publishing with Amazon, KDP, IngramSpark, and BookBaby, as well as editorial services, formatting, and cover design, and we explore the perils and pitfalls of self-publishing vs traditional publishing.

Wendy's books (Amazon page):

https://amzn.to/4kyepk8

Andrew's books (Amazon page):

https://amzn.to/4n6aHzY

Andrew Hallman is the author of two novels: Amba, an action-adventure about the rewilding of Siberian tiger cubs in the Russian Far East, published by Rough Edges Press in 2022, and Mirrenwood, a fantasy about the hunt for a unicorn, published by Crossroad Press also in 2022. His books can be found here: https://amzn.to/3Hvs9NI

Wendy Coffman is the author of three mysteries featuring Detective Leanna Walker: The Sentinel's Calling (2022), A Mind Too Far Gone (2022), and Unleashing a Predator (2023), as well as the cozy mystery with a touch of romance, Chasing a Gem (2021). Her books can be found here: https://amzn.to/4dEW5D5