The WisMissus Podcast: Reading, Writing, & Roaming around Wisconsin, the Midwest, & Beyond

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 are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.)

Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 7

In this episode, we’re talking about pre-launch marketing through your launch day efforts! (This is part 1 of the marketing discussion. In part 2, we’ll cover post-launch marketing / advertising.)

Some of the things we talk about in this episode:

* Pre-launch Housekeeping — adding the new book to your 1) website 2) social media 3)biographies everywhere 4) wherever you have membership listings that need to be updated 5) bookbub 6) goodreads 7) author central

* Media outreach - media kit (what’s IN your media kit)

* Guest blogging — connecting with influencers BookTok or Instagram

* Podcasts

* Other speaking engagements or book events/author visits — libraries, community groups, schools, bookstores …

* Social media … creating posts that build a buzz for your launch.

* Launch week . . . will you have an in-person event or do something digital like a zoom launch event?

Here are helpful resources:

How to set up your Amazon Author Central Account:

* Click here for the instructions from KDP

* More in-depth advice on what to put on this page from Kindlepreneur.com

Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing

FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE:

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!

See you in October! - Valerie & T.K.

About a month ago I won a pretty major book award, and I didn’t want to simply post a graphic on social media saying — “Hey, look what I won.”

Because this award is the culmination of a long journey for this particular book, and I wanted to share with you the background of why this feels like a big deal to me!

If you prefer to read, rather than watch, head on over to the transcript.

I mention the YouTube short videos I created during my agent hunt in the fall of 2023 into spring of 2024. If you’d like to check those out, start with the first video here. Each of these is 60 seconds (or less) and gives the tally of my queries, rejections and more.

If you’re curious about the awards I mention in the video … here’s the list for each of my 2024 releases.

BEYOND THE CEMETERY GATE - AWARD HONORS

Midwest Book Award WIN for YA Fiction

IBPA Book Award - Silver Medalist (YA Fiction)

IPPY Book Award - Gold Medal for Best YA eBook

Silver Falchion Award - Killer Nashville - Finalist

Purple Dragon Book Award YA Winner

Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist

CIBA (Chanticleer) Dante Rossetti Award for YA Fiction - Semi-Finalist

Wishing Shelf Book Award Finalist

Firebird Book Award - Best Suspense

Top 100 Notable Indie Books of 2024 - Shelf Unbound

HAVEN (middle grade) - AWARD HONORS

IBPA Book Award - Silver Medalist (Middle Grade Fiction)

Firebird Book Award - Best Children’s Book, Best Preteen Fiction, Best Children’s Realistic Fiction

Purple Dragonfly Middle Grade Winner

Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist

CIBA (Chanticleer) Gertrude Warner Award for Excellence in Middle Grade Fiction

Hi All,

I decided to bring you a video message today rather than writing a blog post!

Do you remember my post earlier this year where I completed book 4 in my Circle of Nine series in 47 days? It was over on the Blackbird Writers’ substack, but you can read it at the link below. The truth is writing a book in 47 days is hard . . . but editing one quickly is hard in a different way. And 47 days later … (not to be confused with the 28 Days Later zombie apocalypse movie) . . . I think I have a well-edited book. And I’d better because it’s time to go to print! (After watching the video if you have questions about this quick writing or editing process—feel free to use the comment section below.)

The official book release date is August 5 . . . but the book launch celebration is at Milwaukee’s Irish Fest (the biggest Irish festival in the nation), August 15 - 17. I’ll be in the Literary Corner in the Cultural Village. Please stop by and visit me. You can enter a drawing to have a name you suggest chosen to be featured in my next book. And if you purchase any books, you’ll get a Celtic-themed temp tattoo. It’s going to be great craic!

What are the early readers saying? (Huge thank you to these folks by the way!)

"Celtic magic stirs, and danger awakens. In Mercy in the Mist, Biel intensifies the stakes as Brigit Quinn’s haunted dreams crack open a truth the Circle of Nine isn’t ready to face. With ancient magic stirring and trust unraveling, this explosive installment delivers prophecy, peril, and reckoning in equal measure. Riveting, immersive, and unforgettable." —LAURIE BUCHANAN, The Sean McPherson Novels

What if your trusted magic made a mistake? What if you condemned innocents to a fate worse than death? In this thrilling installment of the Circle of Nine series, Brigit and her coven of mystical protectors are haunted by former enemies, wielders of dark magic who may have been innocent all along. Brigit races against time to learn who to trust and how to face Ancient Elders who might just as well kill her as help her. A mysterious and twisting tale full of magic, Irish lore, and a touch of romance. —SILVIA ACEVEDO, award-winning author of Mail-Order Monsters: Crash Course

Brigit Quinn’s magical powers grow stronger by the day. By night, her powerful dreams tell her something is off with the age-old prophecy. The Elders don’t lie. But Brigit risks everything to unveil the truth. I’m a sucker for teenage protagonists who break the rules and question traditions and Mercy in the Mist delivers spellbinding suspense. Positively enchanting! - TRACEY S. PHILLIPS, award-winning author of Forewarned

Brigit is a contemporary teen dealing with her ancient Irish origins and magical gifts inherited from the Tuatha de Danann. . . . Heroes, sorcerers, good magic and evil test Brigit's sense of self, her resourcefulness, and her family's bonds. Oh, and readers are treated to a sweet romance forged in the fire of battle. I'll say no more lest a spoiler slip out. – EVELYN ANN CASEY, author of Candlewood

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

The danger was supposed to be over.

The sacred treasures are safe.

The enemies banished to the Otherworld.

But Brigit Quinn’s dreams tell a different story.

The condemned return to haunt her sleep—pleading, accusing, refusing to be forgotten. Something is still wrong, even if the rest of the Circle of Nine insists the threat has passed.

When anonymous warnings surface and the police begin asking questions about the missing, Brigit’s visions intensify, blurring the line between dream and prophecy. The Circle is unraveling. Shadows are gathering.

To restore what’s been broken, Brigit knows they must return to the Otherworld and seek answers from the immortal Elders—knowing that to question them is to risk everything.

In this spellbinding fourth installment of the Circle of Nine series, ancient magic, mortal danger, and Brigit’s quest for the truth collide in a journey that will test the bonds of loyalty, love, and the fragile trust between gods and mortals.

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 are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.)

Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 6

In this episode, as usual, we talk about what we’ve been reading, where we’ve been roaming, and what we’re writing. At 17:45, we dive into the metadata topic — finding comp titles for your book, and then using that research to help inform your choices for categories and keywords, along with how book descriptions, titles/subtitles and more play into creating the best metadata to make your book findable by readers.

Here are the resources that we mention:

Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing

FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE:

Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice

Quick List for Where to Find Comp Titles:

* Look for books in the same genre that have similar themes / plots

* Look at bestsellers list for those books you initially identified — use Amazon but use incognito or in private browsing to get pure results.

* Use libraries or bookstores to browse for books.

* Use Literature Map. This can help you find additional authors related to the name you type in.

* Perhaps — depending on how you feel about AI — use systems like ChatGPT or Grok to give you lists of similar authors. BUT always check this information yourself. AI makes mistakes and invents things sometimes. Even Amazon has an AI shopping assistant now called Rufus. We haven’t yet tested that to see how it works.

The powerhouse tool that both T.K. and I use to research categories and keywords is Kindlepreneur’s Publisher Rocket program. Highly recommended! Click the button see what that’s all about. It’s an ingenious system that helps you position your book to be as competitive as possible on Amazon.

(Note: this is an affiliate link for me, which means at no additional cost, I receive a bonus if someone purchases the product using that link.)

Send Us Your Questions & Share Your Reviews 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!

Wishing you all a productive summer! See you in September! - Valerie & T.K.

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 are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.)

Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 5

In this episode, as usual, we talk about what we’ve been reading, where we’ve been roaming, and what we’re writing. At about the 12 minute mark, we dive into how to make sure your manuscript is the best it can be along with considerations and approaches to interior formatting.

Here are the resources that we mention:

Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing

Val’s post about writing a book in 47 days.

FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE:

Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice

CK Books Publishing (Christine Keleny)

Jane Friedman (indie & traditional advice)

Reedsy (great info source and place to find book industry professionals like editors.)

Alliance of Independent Authors

IBPA - Independent Book Publishers Association

Kindlepreneur.com (Also where you can create free bar codes.)

Bowker / myidentifiers.com (for purchasing ISBNs)

BISAC code list (Book Industry Standards and Communications)

Formatting software: Atticus or Vellum

And here’s a screen shot of a two-page spread from my book CIRCLE OF NINE: SACRED TREASURES using the Atticus formatting software.

Send Us Your Questions & Share Your Reviews 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!

Wishing you all a productive few weeks!! See you in June! - Valerie & T.K.

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 the first part of 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.)

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 4

In this episode we share (as we typically do) what we’re reading and writing and where we’ve been roaming at the beginning. At about the 20 minute mark, we share our worst reviews and discuss our review strategy, which is workable for either traditionally published OR indie published authors.

Also, take a look at these resources that we mention:

Val’s 4 Step Approach to Getting Reviews

* Ask other authors for pre-publication endorsements or blurbs that you can use on your cover, inside your book, and for early marketing efforts.

* Don’t forget to ask the readers to review your book . . . on social media and in the message at the back of your book!

* Sign up for review services like Net Galley or Hidden Gems or Book Sprout

* Submit your book to Editorial Reviewers like Readers’ Favorite, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Midwest Book Review, and more!

Upcoming Event we mentioned: Wisconsin Writers Association Wispresso Café — Saturday, April 19, 10 am. LEARN MORE HERE

Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing

Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice

Send Us Your Questions & Share Your Reviews in the Comments!

Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. And for this episode in particular, feel free to share you most ‘interesting ‘ reviews. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone!

Wishing you all a productive few weeks!! See you in May! - Valerie & T.K.

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 the first part of 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. So far we’ve discussed getting started, what hybrid publishing really is, and more. In today’s episode we’re taking a break from that regularly scheduled programming to take part in Podcasthon. Read more on this below.

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 3

For the first half of the podcast, you get the scoop on our favorite recent reads, how our writing is going—including some fun news, as well as where we have been and will be roaming. At about the 19 minute mark we shift to focus on our chosen charity for Podcasthon.

Have you heard of Podcasthon? 🎧🌍

It’s an incredible and fast-growing non-profit initiative that unites 1500+ podcasters globally. It’s all about raising awareness for various charitable causes. Today we’re featuring The World Orphan Fund — a charity founded in 2011 by the husband of podcast co-host Valerie Biel.

ABOUT THE WORLD ORPHAN FUND ~ We’re volunteers just like you!

We founded The World Orphan Fund in 2011 as an all-volunteer organization, with no overhead, staff, or administrative expenses. 100% of donations go directly to fund projects to aid orphaned children. Board members cover their own travel and administrative costs. We personally visit every children’s home we help to ensure that donations are benefiting the children. We focus on emergency and transformational funding, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and measurable results, having completed more than 200 projects in 14 countries around the world. Learn more at TheWorldOrphanFund.org.

Also, take a look at these bookish and writerly resources mentioned in that portion of the podcast.

Video link to how Mackinac Island horses return there each spring.

CONFERENCES:

Left Coast Crime

LakeFly Writers Conference

Bouchercon

Wisconsin Writers’ Association - Saturday, March 22 programming: Wispresso Cafe

Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice

Send Us Your Questions

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out 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!

Wishing you all a productive few weeks — we’ll be back with a new episode on April 18 covering book review strategies. We may even share a few of our most ‘memorable’ reviews with you! - Valerie & T.K.

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 the first part of 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!!

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 2

There’s some confusion about something called Hybrid Publishing . . . it’s a type of publishing that combines elements of traditional publishing with elements of independent or self publishing. It’s when you as an author forge a partnership (paid) with a company that will help bring your book to market in a professional way. It’s more than just hiring someone to do this work for you. . . and it’s a valid pathway to publication if you’re not going to go the full traditional route.

We’re talking about it in this podcast because it’s confusing and often misunderstood.

Please refer to the Independent Book Publishing Association’s Hybrid Publishing Criteria. We talk through each point in this list for a complete understanding.

Also, take a look at these resources that we mention:

Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing

Indie Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which is best? (another take on the topic)

Quiz: Traditional vs. Indie Publishing from BookBub Partners Blog

Jane Friedman’s Key Book Publishing Paths doc

Hybrid Huzzah: Opinion & Rebuttal to Jane Friedman’s Key Book Publishing Paths 2025-26 by Brooke Warner

Publisher Rocket (for category and keyword help)

Writer Beware Website (the latest in scams to watch out for)

Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice

Send Us Your Questions

Don’t hesitate to reach out 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!

Wishing you all a productive few weeks — we’ll be back with a new episode on March 21 for PODCASTHON’s Non-Profit Initiative—which is uniting more than 1500 podcasts to raise awareness for their chosen charities!! - Valerie & T.K.

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 the first part of 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started (this episode), along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!!

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT SEASON 2: EPISODE 1

In this episode we’re focused on getting started—great advice for any new authors—even if you have no idea which publishing path you might take when your manuscript is ready.

We chat a bit about our experiences this past year in the indie publishing world first, and then our main advice is to

* Join supportive writing / critique groups or associations.

* Establish a firm writing habit (daily if possible).

* Build your online presence with a website and at least one social media platform.

* Put in place a way to build an email subscriber list.

Assets we talk about in this episode:

Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing

Writer Beware Website (the latest in scams to watch out for)

Alliance for Independent Authors (website with great assets /advice for authors)

Writing Groups in Wisconsin (List on Wisconsin Writers Association Website)

Jane Friedman’s Key Book Publishing Paths doc

Author Media Podcast with Thomas Umstadd, Jr.

Your Creative Media

Going Indie: A Traditionally Published Author Forges a New Path (from BookLife)

How to Use Reedsy to Publish Your Novel

Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice

Send Us Your Questions

Don’t hesitate to reach out 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!

Wishing you all a productive rest of January and early February — we’ll be back with a new episode on Valentine’s Day!! - Valerie & T.K.

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. 2024 will have 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics, helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and this final episode listing the best angels and assets in 2024.

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 books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.

ABOUT EPISODE 10:

In episode ten, Tracey and Valerie give a shout out to the angels that played an important part in making their year of indie publishing a delight and success. Additionally, they list the tools they rely on and give some hints on the best gifts for writers during this holiday season!

Here’s the quick lists from each of them, but you’ll want to watch / listen for the full details.

Valerie’s Angel List:

* My Podcast Partner T.K. Sheffield

* Book Reviewers (in particular the advance reviewers for my new releases!)

* Guest Authors at Books & Beer (the monthly book club that Valerie hosts.)

* Book Buyers (who helped shepherd my book to #1 new releases on Amazon.)

* My illustrator for my middle grade novel.

* Membership organizations like Wisconsin Writers’ Association and Sisters in Crime and — I made a mistake by not including the Blackbird Writers in our podcast portion, so I am being sure to add that group here. Both T.K. and I are members of this great group.

Tracey’s Angel List:

* My good writerly friends who are supportive even on the bad days (aka Kerri & Valerie)!

* Indie bookstores.

* Ken Humphrey — the guy behind the tech at WWA!

* The anonymous angel donor with their matching gift for Tracey’s art donation to the Iowa County Humane Society. (The whole fabulous story is in the podcast.)

* The Book Kitchen and the Mineral Point Hotel. (See more about Mineral Point here.)

* My Book Cover Designer

Tracey’s Must-Have Tools & Writerly Gift List:

* Scrivener writing software (and their blog & library of tutorials)

* Vellum book formatting software

* Reedsy (and their blog.)

* Gift cards to bookstores and places that sell upcycled items

* Divine Consign - Upscale resale enterprise

* Coffee . . . this Bunn Coffeemaker is magical.

Valerie’s Must-Have Tools & Writerly Gift List:

* Substack - the platform for really connecting with people!

* Canva Pro - graphic design help

* Formatting software - Atticus

* Publisher Rocket program

* Tools on the Kindlepreneur.com

* Gift cards to bookstores or give an author the gift of time by giving them a retreat or a hotel stay or do a chore for them so they can write.

* Coffee — I also have the same Bunn coffeemaker Tracey mentions in her list, but I’m kind of in love with the Nespresso Vertuo Machine.

It’s been a pleasure creating this podcast for you all this year. If there are topics you’d like covered in 2025, please put them in the comments or email them to us!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! - Valerie & Tracey