Writing the book is only half the job.

In this episode, we sit down with Seth Norris to break down the most common business mistakes authors make — from mismanaging money to chasing trends, ignoring data, and building without a long-term strategy. If you want a sustainable writing career, this is the reality check you didn’t know you needed.Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com

Resource:

Profit First:

Profit First - Mike Michalowicz

Seth Norris, CPA:

Norris CPA LLC

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Sometimes the problem isn’t your writing — it’s the market you’re trying to fit into. In this episode, we unpack how to recognize when a genre, trope, or niche isn’t aligned with your strengths, your voice, or your long-term goals.
We talk about signs you’re forcing yourself into the wrong market, how to pivot without losing momentum, how to rebuild an audience, and how to make business decisions based on alignment, not panic.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re swimming upstream in your author career, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and permission to change direction.

Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com

Resources:

Russell Nohelty:How to Thrive as a Writer in a Capitalist Dystopia

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Your newsletter is the most powerful tool you have as an author — but only if you know how to use it. In this episode, we’re breaking down the strategies that actually work: how to grow your list, what to send (and what NOT to send), and how to convert subscribers into real fans.

We talk welcome sequences, segmentation, reader engagement, automation, newsletter swaps, and how to avoid the common mistakes that tank your open rates. Whether you're just getting started or you’re ready to level up, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for building a newsletter that supports your author career long-term.

Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this season. Check them out at www.writtenwordmedia.com

Resources:

Bookfunnel: www.bookfunnel.com

Story Origin: www.storyoriginapp.com

Mailerlite: www.mailerlite.com

Flodesk: www.flodesk.com

Written Word Media: www.writtenwordmedia.com

Vellum: www.vellum.pub

Atticus: www.atticus.io

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Most authors think about their next book — not their long-term future. But your intellectual property is an asset, and planning for retirement and your estate is one of the smartest business moves you can make.

In this episode, we break down what authors need to know about retirement options, saving on an unpredictable income, and how to protect your books legally so your family (or chosen heirs) actually benefits from your work.

From royalties and rights transfers to wills, trusts, and long-term financial planning, we’re covering it all — without the overwhelm.It’s not just about the career you’re building now. It’s about the legacy you’ll leave behind.

Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this season. Check them out at www.writtenwordmedia.com

**Trigger Warning: loss, grief, loss of a loved one**

***Disclaimer: We are NOT legal professionals, please seek out a CPA and Lawyer to help you navigate the ins and outs of your particular situation.***

Resources:

I will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethihttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNXPP4P

The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collinshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725RFDPY

Estate Planning for Authors by EL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RC1TWK

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https://www.youtube.com/toughlovepublishing

Paying yourself shouldn’t feel confusing or impossible — but for most indie authors, it is. In this episode, we break down how to treat your writing like a real business, from separating finances to setting up sustainable pay systems.

Whether you're earning $50 or $50,000, you can pay yourself like a professional.

Resources:

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9NPP4ZQ

Seth Norris - CPA - website: norriscpafirm.com

YNAB - You Need a Budget - https://www.ynab.com/

Renee Rose & Lee Savino - Millionaire Author Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259777801145269/

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVS2G24

Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y55GLXJ

Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com

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Your book launch doesn’t have to be chaos. In this episode, we’re talking about how to plan, pace, and execute a launch that builds momentum without burning you out. From timelines and preorders to promo stacking and newsletter strategy, this is your roadmap for doing launches the smart way.
Whether you’re publishing your first book or your fiftieth, these practical tips will help you focus on what actually moves the needle — not what social media says you “should” do.

Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com

Resources:

High Level Release Checklist

Klytics Alex Newton: E-Book Publishing SuccessPublisher Rocket: Publisher Rocket | Optimize Your Book's Amazon Success

Kindletrends: https://kindletrends.com/

Written Word Media: www.writtenwordmedia.com

Bookbub Deals: Book Promotion Tools for Authors & Publishers | BookBub Partners

Vellum: https://vellum.pub

Reedsy: https://reedsy.com

Atticus: https://www.atticus.ioFollow Us:
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Promotions don’t have to be random or overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what makes a promo successful — from timing and audience targeting to newsletter swaps, ads, and social strategy. Learn how to create consistent, repeatable promo wins.

Thanks to Ferol from Written Word Media for joining us and discussing all things promos! Check out our sponsors Written Word Media for more help for making your next promo a success! www.writtenwordmedia.com

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Writing with a chronic illness comes with unique challenges — and incredible resilience. In this heartfelt episode, we talk about balancing creativity and health, managing expectations, and redefining productivity when your body has limits.

Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this season. Check them out at www.writtenwordmedia.com

Resources:

Podcast: You Can Afford Anything by Paula Pant: https://affordanything.com/podcast/

Low Energy Resource List (Jen Lassalle):

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Every choice in your author career comes from one of two places — growth or fear. In this episode, we unpack how fear disguises itself as logic, how to recognize when you’re self-sabotaging, and how to make confident, growth-driven moves for your writing and business.Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media who helped make this episode possible. If you haven't already, please visit their website at www.writtenwordmedia.com to see how they can help you with your marketing plan!Follow us!Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingFacebookInstagram: https: www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishingSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingSpotifyResources:Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316399264Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cyclehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M8DLR1L

Burnout doesn’t mean the end of your author career — it’s a sign you need to rebuild differently. In this episode, we’re joined by author and speaker Tracey Delaney to talk about the realities of burnout, the warning signs we often miss, and the small, realistic steps that can help you recover your creative spark.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

This episode includes sensitive discussion around mental health, suicidal thoughts, loss of a loved one, cancer, parental loss, and near-death experiences, as well as occasional light language. Please listen with care and step away if needed.

*Note: We are NOT mental health professionals and are not qualified to diagnose, treat, or handle mental health. Please use the resources below to find qualified help.*

If you’re struggling or feel hopeless, you’re not alone.

Here are some free or low-cost mental health resources that can help:

U.S. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 (24/7, confidential support).

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained listener.

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org — offers screening tools, peer support, and low-cost therapy options.

7 Cups: https://www.7cups.com — free online chat with trained listeners + affordable therapy.

Open Path Collective: https://openpathcollective.org — therapy sessions starting around $40.

BetterHelp or Talkspace — online therapy platforms with financial aid options.

For international listeners: Find country-specific hotlines at [findahelpline.com], which lists free crisis lines worldwide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out — help is available, and recovery is possible. 💛

Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media who helped make this episode possible. If you haven't already, please visit their website at www.writtenwordmedia.com to see how they can help you with your marketing plan!

Follow us!

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingFacebook

Instagram: https: www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishing

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@toughlovepub