Have you ever dreamed of creating stunning special editions of your books—foil covers, sprayed edges, custom merch, even plushie characters—but wondered how to fund it all?

In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Steffanie Holmes (a.k.a. Steff Green), bestselling author of the Nevermore Bookshop series and a true expert in Kickstarter for authors.

Steff has successfully crowdfunded multiple six-figure campaigns to produce beautiful collector’s editions and build a fiercely loyal reader base. We dive deep into how she uses Kickstarter to create immersive book experiences that fans can’t resist—and the exact steps she takes to plan, promote, and deliver them.

We also talk about:

• How to know if you’re ready to launch a Kickstarter as an author
• What kinds of special edition book ideas attract superfans
• Common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to fulfillment and shipping
• How to grow a fandom through merch, exclusivity, and reader connection
• Behind-the-scenes stories from her record-breaking campaigns

Whether you’re Kickstarter-curious or just looking for ways to deepen reader engagement and monetize your backlist, this episode is packed with gold.📦

Want to see Steff’s latest campaign? Visit nevermorebookshop.co.nz

Want to go deeper? Join me at my next Queenstown Writing Retreat in 2026, where Steff will teach an exclusive virtual masterclass just for our attendees. Details at serenadepublishing.com/retreat-2026

What do publishers really look for in a manuscript? Is it still possible to break into traditional publishing in 2026? And how has BookTok changed the game for authors?

In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Hamley—publisher at Hachette Australia and bestselling author under the name Sophie Green—for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.

We talk about:

- How to pitch your novel to agents and publishers - Whether you really need an agent in today’s market-

Mistakes writers make when submitting

- The rise of self-publishing and where it fits now

- The truth about BookTok, platforms, and building an audience

- What publishers are acquiring in 2026 (romance, kids, fantasy and more)

Whether you're a self-published author hoping to go traditional, or you're just starting to submit, this is one of the most insightful and practical interviews I’ve ever recorded. Sophie’s seen it all, and she doesn’t hold back.

🎓 Want to learn directly from Sophie? She’s teaching a masterclass at my Queenstown Writing Retreat this March! Book your spot now at serenadepublishing.com

This has been my biggest year yet—as an author, a publisher, and a woman. In this deeply personal solo episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of 2025: how I wrote and published Songbird, a novel based on my real-life experience with emotional abuse; how I battled chronic fatigue while building my author business; and how launching The Write Podcast, hosting retreats, and organising the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival helped me grow in more ways than one.

I’ll take you inside the wins, the struggles, and the lessons—including why special editions, translations, and in-person events became game changers, and how hiring a business manager transformed my life. Plus, I’m revealing my word for 2026 and what’s next as I step into my empire-building era—with global signings, a Shopify store, audiobooks, and more.

If you’re an author who’s ready to grow creatively and professionally, I hope this inspires you to take bold steps in the new year. Let’s do this together.

💻 Learn more: serenadepublishing.com

📚 Join Fiction Writing Academy: serenadepublishing.com/academy

📝 Download the free Brainstorming Funsheet: serenadepublishing.com

In this inspiring episode of The Write Podcast, I chat with urban fantasy and paranormal romance author H.M. Hodgson, creator of the Witch Wars series. They dive into the real journey of becoming a self-published author—from the spark of an idea to building a loyal readership through special editions, character art, and social media.

H.M. opens up about why she walked away from traditional publishing, the lessons she’s learned marketing her books, and how she stays focused as an indie author. If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, confidence, or connecting with readers, this episode is packed with honest advice and encouragement.

✨ Topics include:

• How Witch Wars reimagines witches in the modern world

• The power of visual storytelling through character art

• Creative marketing that goes beyond paid ads

• Making special editions your readers will treasure

• Real talk on the hustle of self-publishing

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the indie trenches, this episode will leave you motivated to write and publish your way—with purpose and heart.

🎧 Don’t forget to visit serenadepublishing.com for more writer resources!

At every book event lately, I’ve been seeing it—gorgeous special editions flying off tables. Think sprayed edges, foil, bonus art... and readers love them. Even if they don’t plan to read the book right away (guilty!), they still want it on their shelf.

In this episode, I’m joined by Fiona—who also writes as Amelia Shaw—an indie author who’s been ahead of the special edition trend for years. We’re pulling back the curtain on how you can create collector-worthy books that delight readers and grow your income.

✨ We cover:

• What’s actually selling when it comes to special editions (not just hardcovers!)

• Where to source beautiful upgrades without blowing your budget

• Smart strategies for pricing, packaging, and shipping

• How Fiona used special editions to grow a loyal fanbase—and her revenue

• Why this trend is more than a fad (and how to future-proof your author business)
  

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your book as a collector’s item, this episode is your permission slip to go all in.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing USA Today bestselling author TL Swan. Recorded live at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival in November 2025, TL shares her incredible journey of turning life's challenges into storytelling success.

We delve into her unique approach to writing, the obstacles she has overcome, and her invaluable advice for aspiring authors.

Whether you're a fan of romance novels or simply love a good success story, this conversation is filled with insights and inspiration. Join us for an engaging and inspiring episode you won't want to miss!

What do publishers really look for in a manuscript? Is it still possible to break into traditional publishing in 2026? And how has BookTok changed the game for authors?

In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Hamley—publisher at Hachette Australia and bestselling author under the name Sophie Green—for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.

We talk about:

• How to pitch your novel to agents and publishers

• Whether you really need an agent in today’s market

• Mistakes writers make when submitting

• The rise of self-publishing and where it fits now

• The truth about BookTok, platforms, and building an audience

• What publishers are acquiring in 2026 (romance, kids, fantasy and more)

Whether you're a self-published author hoping to go traditional, or you're just starting to submit, this is one of the most insightful and practical interviews I’ve ever recorded. Sophie’s seen it all, and she doesn’t hold back.

🎓 Want to learn directly from Sophie? She’s teaching a masterclass at my Queenstown Writing Retreat this March! Book your spot now at serenadepublishing.com

Are you stuck in the hustle of trying to do all the things as a writer—and wondering why some advice just doesn’t work for you?

In this inspiring episode of The Write Podcast, I chat with author success coach Becca Syme about the different phases of building an author business, why quitting can actually be the smartest move, and how knowing your strengths can transform your writing career.

We also dive into the brand-new edition of her bestselling book Writer, You Need to Quit, which is currently available through Kickstarter—with late pledges still open!

✨ Becca shares powerful mindset shifts, real talk on burnout, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to succeed as an author—your way.

🎧 Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode will help you filter out the noise and start making aligned decisions that actually move you forward.🔗

Learn more about Becca and grab your late pledge here: https://betterfasteracademy.com/links 📥 Get your free Brainstorming Funsheet: https://serenadepublishing.com

In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by my partner Tim as we share the true story behind creating the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival—an event that grew 100 times bigger and better than I ever imagined.

We talk about what it really took to bring a brave idea to life: the fears we faced, the strengths we leaned on, and the pride we feel in the community we built together. You’ll hear how courage and collaboration made this festival possible—and why we’re already planning the 2026 event!

🎧 In this episode:

• How fear almost stopped us from starting

• The magic of combining strengths in a partnership

• Why showing up bravely matters more than perfection

• How this one idea sparked powerful collaborations
  

📸 Check out the festival photos and express your interest for 2026 at sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au

Tim Coulson is a certified councilor and the host of The Happiness Hack podcast. Learn more about him at www.tim-coulson.com

This week, I chat with romance author Emma Mugglestone about her traditionally published novel In the Long Run—a slow-burn, fake-dating romance set in a Melbourne run club. We dive into how her experience self-publishing gave her the confidence to keep going, and how a fellow writer putting her name forward led to her big break. If you're navigating a winding writing path, this episode is packed with encouragement and insight.