This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024.
In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.)
Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. In Episode 3, our main topic was utilizing literary tropes in your work. This episode shifts over to how you can build your fan base with an email subscriber list and a newsletter.
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ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:
Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com.
Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.
ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 4
In this episode, we explore the importance of having an email sign-up system as well as how to approach developing the newsletter that you send out to fans of your writing.
Here are links to the things we mention in this podcast.
BOOKS MENTIONED:
* The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey
* Still True by Maggie Ginsberg
* The Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Series by Sheila Lowe
Screenwriting Resources:
* Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium
* The Storyfarm located in Wisconsin
* International Screenwriters Association
* Bottle Shock, a (mostly) true story about the development of the California wine industry: how it began, and how it shocked the industry during the “Judgment of Paris” Chardonnay tasting in France in 1976.
Email sign-up systems and newsletter article links:
* Jane Friedman email list for authors, updated.
* Why Every Writer Needs an Email List - Jeff Goins
* Why Every Author Needs More Than One Reader Magnet - Book Funnel Blog
* Dan Blank - talks about communicating authentically as you build your audience
* How to Build a Powerful Email List - from Sandra Beckwith at Build Book Buzz
And ongoing help on TikTok:
* TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur
* TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog
* How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog
* TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok
* Jackson’s Tips on TikTok
* ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account)
* And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments!
TIMING NOTES:
We begin with a discussion about the Wisconsin Screenwriting Symposium that T.K. recently attended. We discuss what we’re reading beginning at 12:00 — this includes a reader question for you all that you can answer in the comments if you like. A quick chat about TikTok at 20:30.
We jump into the main topic of email list building and newsletters at 21:30.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing
Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It?
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
Send Us Your Questions in the Comments!
Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there.
See you in May! - Valerie & T.K.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com
