Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 246 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as they discuss the importance of endings, their favorite (and not-so-favorite endings) as well as the six different types of endings. 

Spoiler warning for these books/shows we discuss: 

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Pride and Prejudice 

Sugar Daddy

Sixth Sense

Ted Lasso

The Partner

Nobody Wants This

Fourth Wing

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Truly Devious

Cheat on Me, If You Can

And Then There Were None

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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📥 Send us a Text Message: What is your favorite ending? Or what ending did you find unsatisfying? 

⚡Links:

https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-end-a-story/

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 245 / Ines Johnson joins us and shares strategies for book marketing in the age of direct sales. We discuss:

• Testing and tweaking to increase backlist sales
• Importance of thinking of your customer in marketing to create a personal connection 
• Effective ad strategies using purchase ads 
• Special editions and direct sales, including incorporating elements like foiling and character art in special edition books to attract high-value readers
• Leveraging direct sales platforms and tools like Payhip and Shopify to boost book sales

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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⚡Links:

• https://www.authoradsintensive.com/a/2147845324/RXrpFFEh (Affiliate link)
• Ineswrites.com
• Page Turner Pacing

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 244 / Is it too late to plan holiday promotions? Nope. You still have plenty of time–and holiday promotions don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. 

We delve into what tactics we’ve used and found effective for marketing to cold, warm, and hot audiences. 

-What we wish we’d known about marketing during the holidays

-Group promos ideas -> warm/cold audience

-Solo promo ideas -> hot audience

Bookish Wish List – your favorite books/bookish things

https://www.sararosett.com/bookish-wish-list/

Mystery Lover’s Gift Guide: https://www.sararosett.com/gift-guide/

-Last Minute ideas -> cold and warm audiences

-Newsletter content ideas -> hot audience

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⚡Links:

• Post from Written Word Media for promotion ideas and consumer mindset: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/book-promotion-for-holiday/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 243 / We are thrilled (pun intended!) to chat with contemporary crime and conspiracy thriller author Nick Stevens. 

We talk about anti-heroes, setups and payoffs, Tremors, and why sometimes you just have to publish the book. 

10:58 Why emotional connection is better than perfect structure in storytelling

14:00 Using multiple formats to diversify

17:18 Marketing mistake: starting too early

23:00 Getting ratings and reviews

29:26 Finding community for writers of mystery/thrillers

34:09 Setups and payoffs in thrillers

37:20 Incorporating real-life details into fiction and authenticity that grounds stories

46:12 Nick Stevens books and social media

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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⚡Links:

• https://nickstevensbooks.com
• Facebook – Nickstevens Books
• [email protected] 
• https://sararosettbooks.com/products/croquet-murder-mystery-game-printable

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 242 / We're diving deep into listener questions about everything from drafting and editing techniques, tackling imposter syndrome, and decoding our strengths. 

🥤☕️ So grab your favorite beverage—be it Diet Coke or a cup of comforting coffee–and join us for a Wednesday chat about writing. 

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

Ep 15: Elana Johnson on Finding Success in Small Genres

https://wishidknownforwriters.com/finding-success-in-small-genres-with-elana-johnson/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 241 / Whether you're an introvert or extrovert you can develop a platform to grow your author brand. Learn how with authors of From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker, suspense and thriller author Matty Dalrymple and  science fiction & fantasy author M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn).  

Topics:

• How to match your platform to your personality 
• Tips for effective public speaking
• Common mistakes authors make when it comes to platform as well as public speaking
• Why the time you spend behind the microphone or on stage is often the least important part of the event
• Simple steps you can use to get started building your author brand

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

• https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.html
• https://books2read.com/FromPageToPlatform
• https://authorlevelup.com
• https://MattyDalrymple.com
• https://www.theindyauthor.com
• Speaker’s Notes: https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.html

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 240 / In 2024, Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe paired their love of regency romances like Bridgerton with their bad habit of killing people in their books to create a new series that they rapid-released, the Crown Jewels Regency Mystery Series. 

Topics:

• Why brutal honesty is critical for collaboration
• How to spot trends
• Tips on how to incorporate trends into a genre and still meet reader expectations around tropes
• How Lynn and Anne leveraged interest around Bridgerton to market the new series
• Using beta readers to verify the book was on target  

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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•  Shoutout on a future episode. 
• 🌟New: writing sprints on Tues and Thurs at 9 Eastern. Link in the slack group

📥 Send us a Text Message 

⚡Links:

• lynnmorrisonwriter.com
• anneradcliffe.com
• Cozy Mystery Clubhouse Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryclubhouse/

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 239 / Want to make a big impact with your book? Publicist, award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book, Melanie Herschorn, has tips to help you stand out. 

Topics:

• Beyond the Launch: keep promoting—your book is new to someone who hasn’t read it yet
• Misconceptions around marketing: engage beyond bookstores
• Building a community and relationships 
• Don't fear oversharing
• Alternative and creative marketing strategies:  speaking and podcasts
• Build reader communities: engage people around your book’s themes—create a sense of belonging that AI can't mimic

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
•  Shoutout on a future episode. 
• 🌟New: writing sprints on Tues and Thurs at 9 Eastern. Link in the slack group

📥 Send us a Text Message 

⚡Links:

• website: yourbigimpactbook.com
• Instagram: @bigimpactbooks

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 238 / Want some ideas on how to get readers on your newsletter list? On this Ask Us Anything episode, we have SO MANY ideas for you! 

Topics:

• Expectations for earnings
• Building a List
• Preview Promos 
• Reader magnets
• Difference between pre- and post-novel reader magnets
• Creative reader magnets

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
•  Shoutout on a future episode. 
• 🌟New: writing sprints on Tues and Thurs at 9 Eastern. Link in the slack group

📥 Send us a Text Message What’s your reader magnet? What ideas are your favorite from this episode?

⚡Links: 33 Reader Magnet Ideas for Authors: https://www.paulinewiles.com/articles/reader-magnet-ideas

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 237/Guest:  Luke Mitchel, science fiction and fantasy author 

Topics: 

• Luke’s transition from KU to wide and direct sales
• Self-editing and revisions and accepting your writing style
• Writing short stories to refresh the creative process
• Moving away from social media and focusing on email marketing and direct sales 

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
•  Shoutout on a future episode. 
• 🌟New: writing sprints on Tues and Thurs at 9 Eastern. Link in the slack group

📥 Send us a Text Message What is the best or worst advice you’ve received about writing or publishing?

⚡Links:

lukemitchellbooks.com

Bookfunnel Promo for historical mystery authors: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/b5mfo5llm1

Jami’s online workshop: https:www.JamiAlbright.com

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing