Podcast Show Notes
On The Indy Author Podcast, we discuss the writing craft, the publishing voyage, and how we can navigate our way to the readers who will love our books. Click the links below for the show notes for episodes since 200, including summaries and transcripts.
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Episode 296 - Article Writing for Platform and Profit with Kerrie Flanagan
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Kerrie Flanagan discusses ARTICLE WRITING FOR PLATFORM AND PROFIT, including practical strategies for finding paying markets—and why you should stop giving your work away for free. From her first paid piece in Better Homes and Gardens to her advice on researching and targeting the right outlets, Kerrie offers encouraging, actionable guidance to help writers turn their passion into income.
Kerrie Flanagan is the author of The Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing and creator of the online course, Magazine Writing Blueprint. She has also published twenty other books, including three sci-fi/fantasy series' co-authored under the pen name C.G. Harris. Her expertise and passion for teaching writers have led her to present at writing conferences across the country and teach continuing studies classes through Stanford University. Her dedication to her writing is evident in her contributions to numerous publications, including The Writer magazine, Alaska Magazine, Writer's Digest, and six Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Episode Links
https://www.kerrieflanagan.com/
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Kerrie Flanagan about a critical topic for writers: finding paying markets for their work. Kerrie emphasizes the importance of not undervaluing one's writing by giving it away for free, especially for authors with previous publishing experience. She advises authors to seek compensation for their work, even if it's a modest amount, as this not only acknowledges their skills but also sustains their writing endeavors financially.
Kerrie shares a compelling personal anecdote from her own career in writing. She recounts her experience with Better Homes and Gardens — her first paid writing opportunity for a small craft article. This experience was pivotal for Kerrie, as it made her realize that with the right research, targeting, and relevance to the market's audience, writers can indeed earn from their craft. This realization is crucial for writers at any stage of their career, as it alienates the mindset of seeing writing solely as a passion project and reinforces it as a viable means of income.
Throughout the conversation, Kerrie underscores the strategy of thoroughly researching potential markets. This includes understanding what specific publications are looking for, the type of content they publish, and how your writing can fit into that framework. By tailoring submissions to meet the needs and interests of a publication's readers, authors significantly increase their chances of being published and paid.
Another key point discussed is the professional satisfaction and momentum that receiving payment can bring to an author. It’s not just about the money; it’s about valuing your work, which in turn can boost confidence and open up further opportunities for professional development. Being paid for writing can serve as validation that the author's work is valuable, leading to more submissions, improvement in craft, and potentially larger projects.
The conversation aligns writers with the idea that by maintaining a professional standard, they avoid devaluing their work. The takeaway is clear: prioritize paid submissions, because doing so underlines the principle that your writing is inherently valuable and deserving of compensation.
For any author trying to navigate the often-challenging waters of the literary world, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice. By understanding and applying Kerrie’s insights, writers can efficiently contribute to the broader literary landscape while ensuring their art not only fulfills them creatively but rewards them financially as well.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for authors at various stages of their writing journey. Whether you are just starting or have been published multiple times, the advice to seek out paying markets remains pertinent. Authors are encouraged to think strategically about their market placements and submissions.
Episode 295 - Unlocking the Power of Book Awards with Hannah Jacobson
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Hannah Jacobson discusses UNLOCKING THE POWER OF BOOK AWARDS, including changes within the book awards landscape, particularly the increasing acceptance of indie-published works; practical tips on selecting and submitting to the right awards; how to leverage wins for maximum benefit; the value of receiving and incorporating feedback from award entries; and how authors can share their award journey with readers to build engagement, even if it doesn't end in a win.
Hannah Jacobson is the founder of Book Award Pro, the industry-trusted platform for getting reviews and awards. The company operates the world's largest database of legitimate book accolades, serving thousands of authors globally. As a recognized authority on literary accolades and prestigious book recognition, Hannah also serves an Advisor to the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).
Episode Links
https://facebook.com/bookawardpro
https://www.instagram.com/bookawardpro/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bookawardpro/
Mentioned in the interview:
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/author-awards-contests-rated-reviewed/
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Hannah Jacobson, founder of Book Award Pro, about the world of book awards and how independent authors can leverage them to enhance their book's reputation and visibility. They explore the significance of book awards, the evolving landscape, and practical strategies for authors considering this route.
Understanding the Attraction to Book Awards
Hannah shares that her fascination with book awards began at an early age, driven by a childhood curiosity about books with Gold seals. This passion translated into her current career, helping authors navigate the complexities of book accolades through Book Award Pro. The platform has become an authority, offering authors a way to strategically enter book awards that can bolster their professional credibility and discoverability.
The Importance of Book Awards for Indie Authors
The episode discusses how the landscape for indie authors has shifted significantly, especially over the past decade. More prestigious book awards, like the Pulitzer Prize, now accept self-published works, opening doors for independent authors to gain recognition alongside traditionally published counterparts. Hannah notes that the quality and professionalism of indie books have increased substantially, leading to a broader acceptance in the awards arena.
Selecting the Right Awards
Hannah advises authors to be strategic when selecting awards. Not all awards are suitable for every book, and factors like the book's genre, publication date, and specific award criteria must be considered. Authors should also align their award strategies with their personal goals, such as seeking recognition for an entire series or targeting niche categories like romantic science fiction. These choices can enhance marketability and reader reach.
Overcoming Challenges in the Awards Process
Matty and Hannah discuss the barriers that indie authors might face, such as limited awards accessibility and the challenge of excess choice. Hannah suggests maintaining a steady submission pace, perhaps targeting one award submission per month to avoid overwhelming oneself with the process. This approach also allows authors to adapt to feedback and refine their submission strategy over time.
Budgeting and Financial Considerations
Budget is a vital consideration in award submissions. Authors need to assess their spending capacity and evaluate the potential return on investment that winning an award could offer. It's crucial to consider features like bonus benefits that some awards provide, such as editorial reviews or publicity boosts, which can add value beyond the award itself.
Making the Most of Award Wins
An award win can significantly enhance an author's profile if leveraged correctly. Authors are encouraged to update their bios, book descriptions, and even cover designs to reflect their award-winning status. Hannah highlights the power of subtle but impactful changes, like updating an email signature to include award-winning credentials, which can lead to increased book sales and visibility.
Timing and Submission Strategy
Timing can be a strategic factor in award submissions. The sweet spot is often three months before publication, allowing authors to potentially launch with an award-winning title. However, even older titles can benefit from awards if matched with the right opportunities. Hannah emphasizes that always having awards open for any stage of publication is key.
Identifying Red Flags in Award Programs
Hannah offers guidance for spotting potentially problematic awards. Authors should look for clear guidelines, responsive communications, and transparency about judging criteria. Prominent awards should actively promote their winners, as visibility is a crucial aspect of the value they provide to authors.
Closing Thoughts
Hannah explains how Book Award Pro simplifies the book award process, helping authors find legitimate awards that fit their needs and handle professional entries. The episode ends with both guests encouraging authors not to be daunted by the process and instead view it as a valuable journey that can open up new pathways for reader engagement and professional growth.
This podcast episode is packed with insights into the strategic opportunities book awards present to indie authors, encompassing everything from initial submission to maximizing the benefits of a win. The conversation is an invaluable resource for authors seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of book awards.
Episode 294 - Warfare for Writers with Timons Esaias
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Timons Esaias discusses WARFARE FOR WRITERS, including how military history can serve as an invaluable resource for authors crafting stories that involve conflict, whether they are set in fantasy, science fiction, or historical periods. While warfare might seem intimidating to many writers, Esaias provides insights and guidance on how to incorporate elements of military history and strategy into fiction in a way that's engaging and informative.
Timons Esaias is a satirist, writer and poet living in Pittsburgh. His works, ranging from literary to genre, have been published in twenty-two languages. He has been a finalist for the British Science Fiction Award, and he won the Winter Anthology Contest, the SFPA Poetry Contest, and the Asimov's Readers Award (twice). He is a recent Pushcart nominee and Intrepid Award winner for the story "To Do." He is widely deplored for using a pillow as a protagonist, and, in another story, Concord grape jelly packets as an antagonist. His poetry collection is Why Elephants No Longer Communicate in Greek.
Episode Links
https://bsky.app/profile/timonse.bsky.social
https://www.facebook.com/timons.esaias
Episode 246 - The Secrets of World-Building: It’s the Small Stuff with Timons Esaias
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Timons Esaias about warfare for writers and how military history can serve as an invaluable resource for authors crafting stories that involve conflict, whether they are set in fantasy, science fiction, or historical periods. While warfare might seem intimidating to many writers, Timons provides insights and guidance on how to incorporate elements of military history and strategy into fiction in a way that's engaging and informative.
Timons begins by sharing his childhood fascination with military history, sparked by family visits to historic battlefields and reading books such as Teddy Roosevelt’s account of the War of 1812. This interest laid the groundwork for his later expertise in both real and fictional warfare, which he shares with writers needing guidance on military topics.
Matty and Timons explore the topic of historical accuracy in warfare writing. Timons emphasizes the universality of certain aspects of warfare across time periods, citing Genghis Khan dealing with issues similar to those faced in modern-day conflicts. The conversation covers the importance of logistics, survival in warfare, and the surprising lack of resources available for writers, which led Timons to work on a comprehensive guide himself.
The discussion highlights the narrative opportunities presented by focusing on military units as almost character-like entities within a story. Timons describes military units as "machines made out of people," where the roles within, such as officers and shared objectives, are critical to the plot. For writers, understanding this machinery helps to construct more robust and realistic military fiction.
Timons also provides practical advice for writers seeking to integrate warfare into non-military stories. By looking at battles as complex problems, akin to non-war tasks, writers can find inspiration in military history for stories outside the warfare genre. The logistics of war, for example, can be applied to any scenario where large-scale coordination and planning are required.
The episode deep-dives into the role of character development within military narratives, using popular media such as "Band of Brothers" and "Saving Private Ryan" as illustrators of balancing action with character focus. Timons discusses how the interplay between command structure and individual experiences can shape dynamic storylines without relying solely on battle sequences.
Finally, Timons stresses the significance of logistics in warfare, a crucial yet often overlooked element. Logistics shape every aspect of a military campaign, from supply lines to the feasibility of engaging in combat in certain locations. Understanding logistics can be incredibly beneficial for writers aiming to depict realistic and compelling military actions.
Timons closes the conversation by guiding writers on resources for current warfare understanding. He notes how journalism guides and military manuals can provide foundational knowledge for writers working within modern military contexts.
This episode is a treasure trove for authors interested in exploring warfare in their work, offering both tactical advice and philosophical insights into the nature of conflict across history. Whether writing about medieval skirmishes, futuristic space battles, or character-driven narratives set against the backdrop of war, authors will find Timons’ expertise and practical tips immensely helpful.
Episode 293 - What Writers Can Learn from "The Full Monty" with Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker
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Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker discusses WHAT WRITERS CAN LEARN FROM "THE FULL MONTY," including the idea of characters' external wants versus internal needs; the use of tropes such as found family, ticking time bombs, and ugly duckling progressions; and how the film uses one element to convey multiple messages. We discuss how the movie explores themes of masculinity, self-image, and societal expectations, and reflect on what makes the movie universally appealing and emotionally impactful so that writers can apply those techniques to their own work.
Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author and the creator of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five-book series beloved by writers seeking to hone their craft. With a diverse portfolio spanning twenty-four books under four pen names, she has also authored the urban fantasy trilogy The Undead Detective.
Ran Walker is an award-winning author of 38 books. He is an associate professor of creative writing at Hampton University and teaches with Writer's Digest University. He lives in Virginia with his wife, daughter, and puppy.
Episode Links
Jennifer Hilt
https://jenniferhilt.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@TropeTalk
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hilt
Episode 288 - Decoding Storytelling Tropes with Jennifer Hilt
Episode 140 - Troping Your Way to a Stronger Story with Jennifer Hilt
Ran Walker
Episode 289 - Crafting Poetic Prose with Ran Walker
Episode 098 - Redefining Indy Success through Short Fiction with Ran Walker
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with authors Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker about what writers can learn from the 1997 film "The Full Monty." The discussion pivots around the film's key themes, character development, and storytelling techniques. The conversation explores how both authors view storytelling elements within "The Full Monty," with Matty expressing her fondness for the film's direct and economic storytelling style.
External Wants vs. Internal Needs
The discussion centers around the film's portrayal of external wants versus internal needs. The primary character, Gaz, played by Robert Carlisle, exemplifies this theme. Gaz's external want is to earn money for child support to see his son, Nathan. Internally, Gaz needs to prove he can follow through on something, showcasing this through the microcosm of preparing for a strip show.
Ran notes Gaz's duality as both the best and worst father, which is visually represented in scenes where he involves his son in adult situations. They explore how Gaz's progression to assuming responsibility resonates with audiences, particularly through heartfelt moments between him and his son, Nathan.
Character Dynamics and Development
The podcast delves into the character dynamics and development, specifically focusing on Dave, Gerald, Lomper, and Guy. Dave represents many people's self-doubt and issues with body image. His journey towards self-acceptance and understanding his wife's love for him is both humorous and deeply touching.
Gerald, once a figure of authority, struggles with the loss of his job and societal image. The podcast highlights a symbolic element—the gnome—as a representation of his crumbling facade and the resultant personal growth.
Lomper's story, depicting isolation and eventual embracing of love with Guy, highlights themes of friendship and acceptance. Matty points out that the film beautifully illustrates brotherhood and the forming of a found family, something that resonates universally.
Ran emphasizes the irony and complexity in seemingly minor characters, like Horse, bringing depth to moments that might initially appear comedic. These layers add to the richness of the film's narrative and the relatability of its characters.
Storytelling Economy and Symbols
Another crucial aspect discussed is the film's economical storytelling. Matty appreciates how the film conveys much with few words or scenes, such as Dave's symbolic struggle to fit through a window and Gaz's prison-sewing skills. Jennifer agrees, noting the film's ability to achieve significant character revelations and plot advancement in concise moments.
Ran highlights symbolic gestures like the passing of a hat from Nathan to Gaz in key scenes, encapsulating themes of support and growth. These elements reflect the calculated and intentional crafting that makes the film enduring.
Themes and Tropes
Jennifer remarks on tropes prevalent in the film, such as ticking time bombs tied to economic desperation and the forced proximity that naturally evolves into a found family narrative. Matty reflects on how these motifs enhance the storytelling's emotional pull and engage viewers deeply.
The conversation concludes with reflections on how "The Full Monty" succeeds in creating a story devoid of villainy, focusing instead on self-inflicted obstacles and growth. Matty and her guests express appreciation for the film's ability to foster emotional depth without excessive dialogue or complex plots, leaving listeners with insights into the art of creating relatable, enduring stories.
By exploring the film's character arcs, symbolic storytelling, and inherent humor, this episode of The Indy Author Podcast provides listeners with rich examples and actionable takeaways for their writing journeys.
Episode 292 - Reviving a Series with Greta Boris
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Greta Boris discusses REVIVING A SERIES, including the process authors can use to evaluate what went wrong with the original work; the importance of ensuring that titles, covers, and marketing strategies are brand right; and the specific steps authors can take to improve the books' craft, tighten plots, and align better with genre expectations.
Greta Boris is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Mortician Murders, a humor-filled ghostly mystery series, and The Almost True Crime Stories, a psychological suspense series. She hails from sunny Southern California, where—based on her stories which are all set there—things are darker than you’d expect. She loves coffee, wine-tasting, and dogs but not necessarily in that order.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/greta.boris
Greta’s previous appearances:
Episode 248 - Constructing a Multi-Layered Villain with Greta Boris
Episode 242 - Uncovering Your Author Purpose with Greta Boris and Megan Haskell
Episode 184 - Planning a Novel with Greta Boris and Megan Haskell
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Greta Boris, USA Today bestselling author of the Mortician Murders and Almost True Crime series, about reviving an old book series. Greta shares her approach and insights into transforming her original series, The Seven Deadly Sins, into a new successful venture, shedding light on her experiences and strategies to breathe new life into her stories.
Greta begins by detailing how her initial series did not achieve the level of success she had hoped for. Despite positive feedback from book clubs, the series failed to capture significant commercial attention. This prompted Boris to re-evaluate and analyze what went wrong, leading her to explore various avenues for rejuvenating the series.
As Greta explains, one of the primary steps in her process was evaluating the craft, marketing, and genre expectations of the original series. She outlines three key areas she examined:
1. Craft and Storytelling Issues: She acknowledges that some of her initial books had draggy spots and unclear motivation for characters, particularly the villains. This can be detrimental to a thriller or suspense series, where pacing and plot coherence are vital.
2. Marketing Missteps: Boris realized that the series title "The Seven Deadly Sins" misled readers, often signaling either horror or romance rather than the intended thriller genre. Moreover, the covers, though attractive, were signaling women's fiction, causing a disconnect with her target audience.
3. Genre Mismatch: The original series struggled with its position in the mystery thriller genre. Greta describes her attempt to align the books more closely with psychological suspense, noting her analysis involved reading bestsellers and award-winning titles in her target genre to identify common elements such as writing style, pacing, and narrative perspective.
Through discussion with her publisher and other authors, Greta decided to pivot the series conceptually by introducing a new overarching theme—framing each book as a season of a true crime podcast hosted by a recurring character. This allowed for a thematic unity that connected the books more cohesively.
The conversation also tackles practical aspects of manuscript revision. Greta elaborated on how the first book in the series required the most extensive rewriting, where she retained only about 30% of the original text. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the character motivations were clear to avoid confusion and dissatisfaction among readers.
For marketing, Greta capitalized on updated blurbs using tools like ChatGPT to reframe her narrative hooks, ensuring they were punchy and compelling. Additionally, she worked with her publisher to redesign covers that were consistent across the series and aligned better with genre expectations, opting for place-based titles with stylistic similarities to increase visual uniformity and brand recognition.
She mentioned that the revamp proved financially beneficial, noting that the newly launched series has already generated more income than the original series ever did. Although traditional publishing restricts instantaneous sales tracking, Boris found reassurance in indicators such as rights deals for audiobooks and positive reviews on platforms like Goodreads.
Towards the episode's conclusion, Matty and Greta reflect on the dual benefits of revisiting and revamping previous work, emphasizing both the potential financial gains and the satisfaction of elevating storytelling quality. Greta encourages authors to adopt a critical editor's mindset, suggesting that the effort can lead to a more extensive backlist with increased sales potential.
Ultimately, this podcast episode serves as a comprehensive guide for authors looking to reassess their existing series. Greta Boris's experience provides valuable lessons on refining narrative craft, targeting marketing efforts more effectively, and embracing genre conventions to align better with readers' expectations, all while maintaining engagement with an evolving readership.
Episode 291 - The Podcast Guest Playbook with Mark Leslie Lefebvre
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Mark Leslie Lefebvre discusses THE PODCAST GUEST PLAYBOOK, including tips and strategies for being an effective podcast guest, emphasizing the importance of understanding the host's perspective, making the process as easy as possible for the host, and focusing on the value you can provide to the audience—if you do that, the benefits will accrue to you naturally! We highlight the importance of the Three Ps—professionalism, preparedness, and politeness— throughout the process and share personal anecdotes and practical advice to help creators get the most out of their podcast guest appearances.
Mark Leslie Lefebvre is the author of more than twenty books that include fiction and thrillers, and paranormal non-fiction explorations. He has also edited numerous anthologies. With three decades of experience in bookselling and publishing, Mark is a seasoned and trusted book industry professional who embraces both traditional and indie publishing options.
Episode Links
https://books2read.com/playbook
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Mark Leslie Lefebvre about the art and strategy of podcast guest appearances, drawing from their experiences and insights as both podcast hosts and guests. They explore various aspects of the podcast guesting journey, emphasizing the theme of providing value to the audience over self-promotion.
Mark and Matty delve into their shared experience of writing "The Podcast Guest Playbook," a book designed to help authors and industry professionals enhance their podcast guest appearances. They discussed the premise of turning podcast conversations into connections and community, aiming to provide practical tips drawn from their real-world experiences.
A significant portion of the discussion centers around understanding the host's perspective and the importance of approaching podcast guesting with a service mindset. Both Matty and Mark stress that the primary goal of being a podcast guest should be to offer value to the listeners. Mark highlights that if the conversation is engaging and informative, the promotional benefits will follow naturally.
Matty shares her insights on the efforts and labor involved in podcasting, noting that most podcast hosts are passionate about their work despite often minimal financial compensation. This makes the approach and interaction different from that with typical service providers, and respecting this effort enhances the guest-host dynamic.
The importance of identifying the right podcasts to target is another critical point of discussion. Mark emphasizes listening to episodes to understand the podcast's style and assessing whether it aligns with the value a guest can offer. Matty adds that assessing a podcast's engagement with its audience—rather than just its size—can guide a guest to more meaningful opportunities.
When it comes to making a pitch, Mark advises potential guests to tailor their pitches to highlight the value they can bring to the host's audience, rather than making generic or self-centered pitches. Matty suggests including detailed links and a demo reel if available, to make it easy for hosts to assess the guest's suitability.
Building rapport is seen as an ongoing process, starting from the first interaction through to the actual interview. Mark and Matty cover the importance of professionalism, preparedness, and politeness. Mark shares tips such as ensuring a distraction-free environment and attending to the conversation actively. Matty highlights the value of researching recent podcast episodes to tailor the conversation to the podcast's current themes and audience interests.
The duo also talks about amplifying the appearance after the recording, with suggestions such as sharing the episode widely and engaging with the podcast's community on social media. They emphasize making the promotion a continuous effort, not just a one-time share.
Throughout the conversation, Matty and Mark underscore the importance of enjoying the process. Mark reflects on the joy of discussing his work and engaging with new audiences, urging guests to remember why they were drawn to these opportunities in the first place.
The episode intertwines practical advice with lively, real-world anecdotes that illustrate the key points discussed, making it an informative guide for anyone looking to leverage podcast guest appearances as a tool for building their brand and community.
Episode 290 - The Traveling Writer in Life and on the Page with Luke Richardson
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Luke Richardson discusses THE TRAVELING WRITER IN LIFE AND ON THE PAGE, including how his travels to places like India, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Morocco have inspired his novels, as well as his process for incorporating realistic and vivid settings into his stories. He addresses the challenges writers face when creating stories set in places they haven't visited, shares research resources authors can use for book promotion as well as for writing, and offers best practices for capturing the essence of a location to create an immersive experience for readers.
Luke Richardson is an Amazon bestselling author known for his action-packed thrillers that blend history, adventure, and suspense. Inspired by his travels, he crafts gripping stories that transport readers to exotic locations like Egypt, Hong Kong, and Nepal. His Archaeological Thrillers Series follows Eden Black, as she uncovers ancient secrets and lost legends, while his International Detective books feature Leo Keane & Allissa Stockwell tracking missing persons worldwide. Praised for intricate plots, fast pacing, and vivid storytelling, Luke’s books make readers feel like they’ve traveled the world—without leaving home.
Episode Links
https://www.lukerichardsonauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lukerichardsonauthor/
http://lukerichardsonauthor.com/adventureauthorinsider
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Amazon bestselling author Luke Richardson about THE TRAVELING WRITER IN LIFE AND ON THE PAGE. Luke is known for his action-packed thrillers that incorporate elements of history, adventure, and suspense. Inspired by his travels, he crafts stories set in exotic locations like Egypt, Hong Kong, and Nepal. In this conversation, they explore the influence of travel on writing, particularly how to depict locations that writers may not have visited personally.
Luke shares his journey of becoming a writer, which began during his first trip outside Europe to India. The overwhelming and vibrant culture of Mumbai inspired him to evoke similar emotions in his readers through his writing. This transformative experience sparked his desire to create stories that provide a sense of travel and adventure to readers.
The discussion explores how authors can write convincingly about foreign locations, even without visiting them. Luke emphasizes that while setting is crucial, the story remains paramount. Authors should focus on capturing the essence and spirit of a place rather than obsessing over every detail. He recalls instances when movies portray London inaccurately, stressing the importance of maintaining the story’s flow over exact geographical accuracy.
For those who can't visit a location, Luke suggests leveraging online resources like Google Maps, YouTube videos, and podcasts to gather information and gain a sense of the environment. Matty and Luke discuss the challenges of capturing sensory details, such as sounds and smells, which enhance the authenticity of a scene. Luke advises listening to podcasts and watching street-level videos for auditory experience and suggests visiting cultural hubs or neighborhoods to grasp the atmosphere and nuances of a particular location.
Another vital aspect discussed is writing authentic characters and understanding cultural differences. Luke illustrates this by mentioning how family structures vary worldwide and how these differences can enrich character development. He advises focusing on universal human experiences like family to create relatable characters, regardless of cultural backgrounds.
Luke also highlights the importance of incorporating feedback from locals or those familiar with the setting to avoid inaccuracies and stereotypes. This step helps ensure cultural representation is both respectful and believable. Matty shares her practice of giving fictional names to real-life locations to avoid being strictly tied to specific geographical accuracies.
Throughout the podcast, Luke shares how his personal travel experiences have influenced his stories, stressing that inspiration can come from both far-flung locales and nearby settings. He encourages writers to keep an open mind while exploring, as even mundane environments can provide compelling story ideas.
Matty and Luke underscore the idea that writers can find exotic elements in their local surroundings, proving that inspiration is all around us. Luke concludes by mentioning his approach to travel: exploring with curiosity and letting creativity take shape from new experiences, ensuring his stories captivate readers by transporting them to different parts of the world.
In summary, this podcast episode provides insightful guidance for authors on how to effectively write about locations they have not visited. By using online tools, focusing on sensory details, and acknowledging cultural nuances, writers can create immersive and authentic stories. Luke Richardson’s experience offers valuable lessons for authors seeking to broaden their narrative horizons and bring far-away places into their storytelling.
Episode 289 - Crafting Poetic Prose with Ran Walker
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Ran Walker discusses CRAFTING POETIC PROSE, including the nuanced art of using poetic devices in fiction to bring language to life, venturing into various literary techniques, including metaphor and simile, personification, symbolism, homonyms, homophones, and homographs, and onomatopoeia, and exploring how these elements can enrich narratives and engage readers in more profound ways.
Ran Walker is an award-winning author of 38 books. He is an associate professor of creative writing at Hampton University and teaches with Writer's Digest University. He lives in Virginia with his wife, daughter, and puppy.
Episode Links
Episode 098 - Redefining Indy Success through Short Fiction with Ran Walker
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Ran Walker about the nuanced art of using poetic devices in fiction to bring language to life, venturing into various literary techniques, including metaphor and simile, personification, symbolism, homonyms, homophones, and homographs, and onomatopoeia, and exploring how these elements can enrich narratives and engage readers in more profound ways.
The conversation kicks off with a discussion about metaphors and similes, starting with their basic definitions and distinctions. Ran explains that while both compare two things, a metaphor is a stronger assertion of similarity ('He was a beast'), while a simile relies on 'like' or 'as' ('He was like a beast'), which suggests a weaker or partial resemblance. He advises fiction writers to consider how strongly they want their comparisons to resonate and choose accordingly.
Matty then inquires about ensuring the metaphors and similes chosen serve the story rather than distract from it. Ran advises that if a metaphor or simile takes readers out of the narrative, it might be too much. For humorous contexts, however, a bolder metaphor might work when it's intended to pause the narrative momentarily for comedic relief.
Conversation transitions into the poetic devices of personification and its variant, anthropomorphism. Ran describes personification as a way to make inanimate settings more vibrant, painting scenes where "the rocking chair moaned" or "the light from the lamp leaped up the wall." It's a strategy to maintain reader interest during scene descriptions. To find these opportunities, Ran suggests writers draft scenes naturally and, during edits, pinpoint subjects in sentences that could use an imaginative touch of personification.
On symbolism, Ran reflects on how writers often unintentionally create repeating symbols and motifs, such as rings in a narrative to denote never-ending cycles. Once identified, authors can weave these symbols more deliberately into their stories, adding layers of meaning without overtly drawing attention to them.
They also delve into the use of homophones, homonyms, and homographs, where the similarity or identicality in words’ sounds, spellings, or meanings (like 'bear' the animal and 'bear' as in tolerate) can open avenues for linguistic playfulness. Ran shares how these can enrich a text when used sparingly and effectively, enhancing the work's texture by creating intentional echoes or exploring double meanings in context.
The discussion naturally extends to one of Matty's favorites — the concept of onomatopoeia — where words imitate natural sounds within narrative descriptions. Ran warns against excessive use, as seen in comics, but acknowledges that the right application can indeed evoke strong reader reactions.
Throughout, both Matty and Ran emphasize subtlety and intention behind employing literary devices. They remind authors that while different styles can make writing unique, clarity and enhancement of the story should always remain at their core. It's about enriching narrative language in ways that are thoughtful and deliberate, allowing readers enough room to draw meanings deeper than what’s presented on the surface.
Concluding with takeaways, Matty and Ran stress the importance of experimenting with these techniques to elevate writing, recommending that authors engage readers' senses and imagination without detracting from the storytelling.
This podcast episode serves as a valuable resource for writers seeking to enhance their craft through poetic devices. It underlines the power of language choices in narrative construction, the depth symbolic threads can contribute, and the pleasure found in the playful interaction between language and meaning. Through their conversation, aspiring authors gain insightful guidance on striking an effective balance between creativity and coherence in storytelling.
Episode 288 - Decoding Storytelling Tropes with Jennifer Hilt
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Jennifer Hilt discusses DECODING STORYTELLING TROPES, including the universality of about 40 tropes that cross various genres, especially the tropes of found family, misdirection, secrets and scars, and the ticking time bomb. Jennifer shares insights about how tropes like these help shape narratives and character motivations, touching on examples from popular books and movies.
Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author and the creator of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five-book series beloved by writers seeking to hone their craft. With a diverse portfolio spanning twenty-four books under four pen names, she has also authored the urban fantasy trilogy The Undead Detective. As a professional plotter and concept creator, Jennifer has helped countless writers develop unforgettable stories. Holding degrees in linguistics and literature, Jennifer loves collecting obscure dictionaries, binge-watching Scandi-noir series, and shouting out tropes from her couch.
Episode Links
https://jenniferhilt.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@TropeTalk
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hilt
Episode 140 - Troping Your Way to a Stronger Story with Jennifer Hilt
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Jennifer Hilt about the role of tropes in writing, particularly within the mystery and thriller genres. They explore how these storytelling elements can transcend genres and enhance narrative depth and reader engagement.
The conversation kicks off with Jennifer discussing her love for open-water swimming, drawing parallels between the vastness of the ocean and the feeling of being a small part of a much larger world. This sense of exploration and stepping outside one's comfort zone seamlessly transitions into the exploration of narrative tropes, which provide a framework for storytelling across various genres.
Jennifer emphasizes that tropes are not genre-specific but rather universal storytelling mechanisms that can be applied creatively across different genres. She highlights around 40 tropes, suggesting that these can be mixed and matched depending on the story's needs. In particular, she notes how mystery and thriller tropes share commonalities with those in other genres, such as romance, sci-fi, and general fiction. The key is in how these tropes are paired with genre expectations to achieve unique storytelling outcomes.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the popularity of the domestic thriller market, highlighting examples like Frida McFadden's "The Housemaid." Jennifer explains how this genre has embraced simple yet impactful storylines involving a limited number of characters. The domestic thriller's appeal lies in its ability to combine the familiar with high-tension narrative elements, often exploring themes like found family and the darker undercurrents of seemingly ordinary lives.
The concept of misdirection—a staple in mystery and thriller narratives—is dissected in the context of its broader applicability. Jennifer and Matty discuss how misdirection can enrich character development and plot twists in any genre, using examples like Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and the film "Knives Out" to illustrate its versatility. Misdirection, they note, is about guiding the audience's perception and strategically revealing hidden truths, which can lead to compelling and engaging storytelling.
Similarly, the "secrets and scars" trope is examined for its potential to drive character motivation and conflict. Jennifer points out that both secrets (hidden information) and scars (past traumas) serve as powerful narrative devices. They can provide depth to characters by showcasing their vulnerabilities and the lengths they go to to protect themselves. For instance, the emotional unraveling depicted in "Gone Girl" vividly illustrates how deeply embedded secrets and scars can propel a storyline.
The conversation also touches on the importance of the "ticking time bomb" trope, which creates urgency and momentum in storytelling. Jennifer shares insights into how even non-thriller genres can benefit from time-sensitive plot elements. By incorporating major life events such as weddings, moves, or job changes, authors can introduce natural deadlines that keep the narrative from stagnating, thus maintaining reader interest.
Lastly, the episode delves into the potential overlap between narrative structure and audience appeal. Matty recounts a personal revelation about her affinity for settings characterized by isolation and seasonal quietude, suggesting that understanding the underlying themes within one's work can help in identifying suitable comparisons for marketing purposes. Recognizing and embracing these recurring themes can offer fresh perspectives and draw in new readers who resonate with those elements.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast with Jennifer Hilt provides valuable insights into how tropes function as a universal language in storytelling. By exploring their application, whether it's through the lens of mystery, thriller, or any other genre, authors can enhance their narratives, create engaging twists, and ultimately connect more deeply with their readers.
Episode 287 - Managing Your Editorial Crew with Roz Morris
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Roz Morris discusses MANAGING YOUR EDITORIAL CREW, including how authors can effectively manage their editing process, the role beta readers play in the development of an author's work, what the needs are for editing before submitting a work to a traditional publisher or an agent, and tips for indie authors on making the most out of their editing experiences and dollars.
Roz Morris’s novels and memoir have been recognized by major mainstream awards. She’s coached award-winning writers in both fiction and non-fiction, taught creative writing for The Guardian masterclasses, blogged for Writers & Artists Yearbook, and been a regular judge on Litopia’s Pop-Up Submissions show, critiquing manuscripts from promising writers. Roz is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Episode Links
https://nailyournovel.wordpress.com/
Episode 247 - Newsletter Marketing as a Creative Endeavor with Roz Morris
Episode 088 - How to Receive and Give Critique with Tiffany Yates Martin
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Roz Morris about the evolution of authors' editing needs as their careers progress. They dive into the different types of editing, provide insights into how authors can effectively manage their editing process, and explore the role beta readers play in the development of an author's work. This podcast episode highlights the changing landscape of editing and provides tips for indie authors on making the most out of their editing experiences.
Roz Morris begins by outlining the three general categories of editing: developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Developmental editing focuses on the content of a manuscript, ensuring that it works for its intended audience and fulfills its potential. Following that is copy editing, where inconsistencies and inaccuracies are addressed. The final stage is proofreading, which checks for any remaining minor errors, making the book ready for publication.
Matty explains her approach to editing, describing how she uses a single editor for her novels to identify major issues, focusing primarily on the character's motivations. Additionally, she relies on beta readers to provide insights and feedback that go beyond what's typically covered in a traditional edit. This tailored method has evolved over time, informed by her growing expertise, a network of sophisticated beta readers, and the advancement of editorial tools like Microsoft Word.
Roz discusses the change in editing needs that occurs as authors become more experienced. Early on, comprehensive developmental editing may be essential. However, as authors grow more proficient, they learn what to watch for in their own work and can rely more on beta readers and targeted editorial feedback to address their "blind spots." Roz explains how seasoned writers often transition away from needing extensive developmental edits unless they venture into unfamiliar genres or styles.
A significant point made by both Matty and Roz is the importance of having a network of beta readers that are knowledgeable about the author's specific genre. Beta readers not only help identify issues but can also provide market research by giving feedback on characters, plot elements, and story satisfaction. They caution, however, that authors should carefully weigh beta readers' suggestions and maintain their vision for their work.
Matty shares an anecdote where her editor suggested a change that led her to think deeper about setting and plot possibilities, ultimately enriching the story. Roz emphasizes that effective editors engage in discussions with authors, offering guidance rather than dictating changes. This collaborative process helps authors refine their craft and produce work that aligns with both their artistic vision and market expectations.
Roz and Matty agree that as writers become more practiced, they can better judge what feedback is useful and where they need external help. Matty notes a sophisticated use of tools like AI for organizing thoughts and reaching clarity on plot points before seeking external input.
The conversation shifts towards leveraging beta readers and editors according to their strengths. Matty reveals how she strategically positions her editor within her editing process, taking advantage of different individuals' expertise. They discuss the valuable role that contests with editorial feedback can play in providing impartial insights into one's work.
In the context of traditional publishing, Roz advises against unnecessary copy editing or proofreading before submitting a manuscript, suggesting that the focus should be on developmental improvements instead. The expectation is that publishers and literary agents will undertake their own developmental edits once a manuscript is submitted.
Ending on a reflective note, they discuss when it might be time for an author to seek new editorial relationships. If an author consistently disagrees with their editor’s feedback, it may indicate that they've outgrown that editorial partnership. Roz encourages authors to remain open to collaboration and to continuously assess their editorial needs as they develop their skills and grow their careers.
In summary, this podcast episode provides insightful guidance for indie authors on adapting their editing strategies to match their evolving competencies, highlighting the critical role of both editors and beta readers in an author’s development. It underscores the importance of building a supportive creative team and remaining adaptive in one’s approach to producing compelling, polished narratives.
Episode 286 - The New Normal of an Author Career with Johnny B. Truant
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Johnny B. Truant discusses THE NEW NORMAL OF AN AUTHOR CAREER, including the evolving landscape of self-publishing, the dilemma of comparisonitis, the need to accept slow growth in one's author career as the new norm, the value of patience, and the warning signs when patience turns into a rut.
Johnny B. Truant is the bestselling author of FAT VAMPIRE, adapted by The SyFy Network as REGINALD THE VAMPIRE. His other books include PRETTY KILLER, GORE POINT, INVASION, THE BEAM, DEAD CITY, UNICORN WESTERN, and over 100 other titles across many genres. Johnny is one of indie publishing’s early authorities, having created and co-hosted the original Self-Publishing Podcast with Sean Platt and David Wright. He is also the author of the indie cornerstone guide WRITE. PUBLISH. REPEAT., and hosted the Smarter Artist Summit author conference in Austin, Texas from 2015-2018 with the same two partners.
Episode Links
https://johnnybtruantbooks.com
Episode 239 - Moving the Needle to a Different Track with Johnny B. Truant
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Johnny B Truant about the evolving landscape of self-publishing, reflecting on past successes and current realities. During their conversation, Johnny discusses the earlier days of self-publishing, highlighting how initially, many authors experienced what appeared to be overnight success, especially during the beginnings of Kindle Unlimited (KU). There was a wave of authors enjoying significant financial gain from their first book releases, which led to many aspiring writers experiencing "comparisonitis"—the urge to measure their own success against these early trailblazers.
Johnny notes that such immediate successes have become rare in today's market, as the self-publishing environment has matured and become more competitive. It's now more common for authors to experience slower progress, which can feel discouraging but is, in fact, the new norm. This transition can present challenges for new authors who might have entered the field with expectations set by those early success stories.
The Early Days of Kindle Unlimited
In the early days, Kindle Unlimited was a significant catalyst for many authors who saw rapid success. This subscription model enabled a broader readership reach and provided a novel approach for both new and established authors to earn royalties. Authors frequently shared stories of making substantial earnings from their debut projects, feeding the aspirations of others entering the self-publishing space.
The Shift to a More Mature Market
Contrastingly, Johnny describes how today's market has shifted away from these hyper-successful launches. The increased competition and changes in digital publishing algorithms require authors to adopt more sustainable and long-term strategies. There is a greater emphasis on building a consistent readership and focusing on quality and marketing over time rather than expecting immediate high returns.
Johnny emphasizes that the current landscape represents a more sustainable and realistic approach to self-publishing. Although it may feel difficult for some—especially those who entered the field hoping for rapid success—the slow and steady growth model is healthier for long-term career sustainability. Authors are encouraged to focus on honing their craft, developing their authorial voice, and connecting with their audience consistently over time.
Throughout their discussion, Johnny and Matty explore how authors can set expectations that align more closely with today's realities. By understanding the industry's evolution, authors might recalibrate their metrics of success, focusing on gradual improvement and realistic goals. This podcast episode serves as a guidepost for both new and established authors navigating the ever-changing world of self-publishing, suggesting that persistence and adaptability are key components of enduring success in this field.
Episode 285 - Writing Short with Art Taylor
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Art Taylor discusses WRITING SHORT, including common challenges faced by novelists transitioning to short stories. Art emphasizes the importance of economy, efficiency, and focus; shares practical advice on trimming word count while maintaining narrative impact, such as eliminating redundant phrases and opting for active voice; and explores how key elements—like conflict escalation and character development—must be handled differently in short stories.
Art Taylor is the Edgar Award-winning author of two short story collections—The Adventure of the Castle Thief and Other Expeditions and Indiscretions and The Boy Detective & The Summer of ’74 and Other Tales of Suspense—and of the novel in stories On the Road with Del & Louise, winner of the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. He is a professor of English at George Mason University.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/ArtTaylorShortStories
https://www.instagram.com/arttaylorwriter/
https://bsky.app/profile/arttaylorwriter.bsky.social
Episode 212 - What Writers Can Learn from The First Two Pages with Art Taylor
Episode 193 - The Path to Short Story Publication with Michael Bracken
Episode 098 - Redefining Indy Success through Short Fiction with Ran Walker
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with guest Art Taylor about the intricate art of crafting short stories. Art, an Edgar Award-winning author, provides insightful guidance for writers, especially those accustomed to long-form fiction, who wish to delve into short fiction. The discussion focuses on strategies for creating compelling short stories by emphasizing economy, efficiency, and focus.
Art begins the conversation by reflecting on the common struggle many novelists face when writing short stories. He shares anecdotes from his own experiences and from those of colleagues in the writing community. Art explains that the challenge often lies in adapting to a smaller "canvas." Whereas novels allow for elaborate character development and expansive subplots, short stories demand brevity and concentration on a singular narrative arc. He also notes that while characters in short stories can be as rich as those in novels, achieving this requires a different approach.
Delving deeper into the essence of short story craft, Art highlights three critical principles: economy, efficiency, and focus. He defines focus as maintaining a singular narrative arc without diverging into unnecessary subplots, and economy as ensuring every element in the story has a purpose. Efficiency, on the other hand, involves ensuring that every component of the story fulfills multiple functions. For instance, a piece of dialogue should not only advance the plot but also reveal character traits and enhance the story's atmosphere.
Art also shares practical exercises to help writers condense their work. He describes a classroom exercise where students are tasked with composing a six-sentence story to outline the core elements: character, desire, action, conflict, climax, and resolution. This exercise forces writers to distill the essence and framework of their narrative, whether they're just beginning a short story or refining an existing draft.
He further discusses the concept of an "armature" in short story writing—an idea borrowed from sculpture. Just as a sculptor begins with a skeletal framework to support their creation, a writer should identify the core structure of their story. Art introduces a six-sentence breakdown of "The Speckled Band" by Arthur Conan Doyle, demonstrating an example of how to incorporate layered plots and suspense within a concise format.
Throughout the episode, Art offers several strategic trimming tips. He advises writers to escalate conflicts rather than repeat them, and to be mindful of pacing and rhythm. He suggests using dialogue to create a natural ebb and flow, providing necessary pauses for the reader to reflect. Additionally, he warns against excessive density in writing, which can exhaust the reader, and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance that keeps the reader engaged.
Art and Matty explore potential pitfalls for writers transitioning from long-form to short-form fiction. Art warns against creating vignettes—beautifully descriptive but narratively shallow—and encourages writers to ensure their stories include a complete arc with a clear conflict and resolution. He suggests writers use feedback from others to gauge where their story might lag or require more development.
In discussing the technical aspects, Art recommends writing with clarity and precision by eliminating unnecessary qualifiers and avoiding passive voice unless strategically used.
Overall, this podcast episode provides a comprehensive discussion on the nuances of short story writing. By offering detailed methodologies, illustrative examples, and helpful exercises, Matty and Art successfully guide long-form writers through the transition to mastering short fiction. Aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike can gain valuable insights into the art of distilling expansive ideas into powerful short stories.
Episode 284 - Training the Brain for Fiction Dictation with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
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Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer discusses TRAINING THE BRAIN FOR FICTION DICTATION, including the differences in approach for fiction versus nonfiction. Sarah describes the challenges authors face when transitioning to dictating fiction and offers practical advice for overcoming mental blocks. Sarah also highlights the flexibility of dictation, allowing authors to work in different environments and in shorter time blocks. And she discusses how dictation can improve other audio assets and can engage audiences in new ways.
Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is an author and writing instructor who takes authors struggling to master the tools and knowledge of their author journey and helps them become confident in writing their books. She has been featured on Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman’s blog, Writer’s Digest magazine, and more. She’s published 19 books, 11 of which she wrote solely by dictation. Sarah is also host of The Confident Fiction Author podcast which empowers authors to live their best creative lifestyle. Her Fictation Digital Course takes authors through the exact process of mastering dictation to write fiction.
Episode Links
www.fictioncourses.com
https://www.facebook.com/fictioncourses
Explore Sarah's fiction dictation course via my affiliate link: https://theindyauthor--fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation/
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about the art of dictation for authors. Sarah, an established author and writing instructor, emphasizes the distinct skills required for dictating fiction versus nonfiction. She shares insights for authors looking to delve into dictation or improve their current practices, highlighting practical tips and overcoming mental barriers associated with this method.
Sarah explains that many authors are used to dictating emails or text messages but find themselves struggling when transitioning to dictating fiction. The mental shift involves creating new neural pathways, which she describes as a different skill set from nonfiction dictation. Authors must train their minds to verbalize fictional characters and worlds, which can initially seem daunting. Sarah recounts her own journey of overcoming these barriers and the eventual success and confidence she gained from becoming adept in dictating fiction.
For those getting started, Sarah advises joining communities of authors who are mastering dictation, reading published fiction out loud to practice using dictation technology, and vocalizing punctuation to improve accuracy. Practicing speaking one's fiction out loud allows authors to become accustomed to hearing their own voices telling the story, which can help bridge the gap to full-fledged dictation. She reassures authors that while moving from typing to dictating might be gradual, it's possible to become as comfortable with dictating as they are with typing.
Matty raises a point about storytelling speed, noting that many authors pursue dictation to capture thoughts faster than typing allows. In response, Sarah shares how dictation can benefit authors beyond speed, such as accommodating health issues or offering flexibility to dictate in various environments like walking or doing household chores.
The discussion also delves into technological solutions for dictation. Matty expresses a desire for voice-activated recording when driving or walking, which would enhance hands-free dictation. While Sarah has yet to find a perfect app, she suggests setups where phones are mounted for safe hands-free operation and encourages experimentation with different tools and approaches.
For Sarah, the editing phase after dictation involves a crucial cleanup step where potential transcription errors are addressed, ensuring the draft is as clean as a typical typed one. This process allows authors to focus on storytelling without being hindered by transcription inaccuracies during subsequent editing.
Sarah also touches on preserving author voice in dictated works, sharing that her oral storytelling background contributed greatly to maintaining her distinct style. Authors looking to safeguard their voice might consider storytelling practices, such as engaging with live audiences or recording narrative videos, to integrate oral storytelling into their writing habits.
For those already experienced in dictation, Sarah suggests trying new methods or tools to enhance efficiency and enjoyment. Exploring various environments and embracing new technologies can refresh the dictation experience, making writing more dynamic and productive.
The episode concludes with Sarah providing resources for authors interested in dictation, including a quick start guide and a comprehensive training bootcamp via her website. These resources aim to help authors at any stage of their dictation journey discover a smoother, more efficient writing process.
In summary, Matty and Sarah's conversation sheds light on dictation as a valuable tool for authors. By addressing mental barriers, exploring technological options, and providing actionable advice, they offer insights into how authors can incorporate dictation into their creative processes, improving not just speed but overall storytelling flexibility and health.
Episode 283 - Writing Pivots and the Power of Humility with Kevin Tumlinson
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Kevin Tumlinson discusses WRITING PIVOTS AND THE POWER OF HUMILITY, including Kevin's journey of moving from a pantser to an outliner. They discuss his reasons for adopting outlining, influenced by his co-authoring project with J.D. Barker, and the cognitive challenges he faced during the transition. Kevin also speaks candidly about his existential crisis and burnout from overcommitting to activities outside writing, revealing how it affected his creative process. The conversation gives insights into the balance between structure and creativity, strategies for maintaining momentum in writing, and the importance of humility and continuous learning in a writing career. Kevin shares how his collaboration with J.D. is unfolding, along with his new role at BookBrush and the launch of Author Anchor.
J. Kevin Tumlinson is The Writer_, a bestselling and award-winning author, prolific podcast host, and in-demand public speaker. Kevin writes mostly thriller novels and Substack posts and enjoys a life of travel and exploration alongside his wife and their tiny dog.
Episode Links
https://kevintumlinson.com
http://kevintumlinson.substack.com/
https://youtube.com/kevintumlinson
https://x.com/@kevintumlinson
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Kevin Tumlinson, a bestselling author and prolific podcast host, about the journey from pantser to plotter, and how an existential crisis forced him to rethink his writing process. The conversation dives into the nuances of outlining, the challenges of overcoming personal hurdles, and how collaborating with fellow authors like J.D. Barker influenced his approach to writing.
Introducing The Writer_
The discussion kicks off with Matty's inquiry about Kevin's unique moniker, The Writer_. Kevin explains that this title evolved while naming his Substack newsletter. He wanted the name to symbolize the ongoing process of writing, represented by the underscore as a cursor that signifies continuous activity. This metaphor ties into a philosophy—that being a writer is an active, ongoing journey, not just a static state.
Transition from Pantser to Plotter
Matty and Kevin delve into Kevin’s transition from being a “pantser,” someone who writes by the seat of their pants, to adopting more structured outlining practices. Kevin attributes this shift largely to his collaboration with J.D. Barker. Initially apprehensive, he saw potential growth by stepping into the world of outlining. Kevin recounts his early struggles with rigidity in plotting, fearing a loss of creative freedom. However, he began to view outlines as jazz music, where improvisation between plotted notes allows for creativity while maintaining structure.
The Value of Outlining
Throughout the conversation, Kevin emphasizes the benefits of outlining, stressing that having a framework doesn't limit creativity but rather provides a safety net. He compares intricate outlining to building a structure that supports flexibility within the narrative, allowing unexpected subplots, like the evolving "C story," to enrich the narrative. The process of outlining, initially daunting, emerged as a practice that could help avoid extensive rewrites later.
Experiencing an Existential Crisis
Kevin discusses a period of existential crisis, which coincided with his transition into outlining and collaboration with J.D. Barker. Having previously put his writing career on hold to focus on other commitments, he hit a low point. This period of self-doubt was amplified by the stress of adapting to a new writing process. However, completing an outline became a turning point, reinforcing his capability and sparking renewed confidence in his writing journey.
Collaboration and Humility
Collaboration with Barker required Kevin to adopt a learner's mindset, setting aside his ego to refine his craft. Despite initial resistance, he acknowledges the necessity of humbling oneself to learn new methodologies and accept feedback. This openness allowed Kevin to integrate new practices into his writing, bridging the gap between experience and innovation. He likens this process to climbing a mountain, where reaching new milestones requires adapting and learning continuously.
Revisiting Early Work
The conversation also touches on the potential of revisiting early writings, comparing it to visual artists who refine their past work with evolved skills. Although Kevin suggests the idea of returning to previous drafts with newfound knowledge, he admits personal hesitations. This reflection challenges authors to reconsider how they view their early attempts and the value of reworking them with improved craftsmanship.
In conclusion, this episode of The Indy Author Podcast provides listeners with valuable insights into the intricate balance between structured planning and creative freedom in writing. Kevin Tumlinson's candid discussion about his journey, challenges, and growth offers aspiring authors both practical advice and inspiration for their own writing endeavors. By exploring themes like overcoming personal hurdles, embracing collaboration, and maintaining lifelong learning, the episode underscores the dynamic nature of the writing journey.
Episode 282 - Unlocking the Power of Book Reviews with Rossana Corniel
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Rossana Corniel discusses UNLOCKING THE POWER OF BOOK REVIEWS, including the importance of reviews in understanding reader expectations and forming effective marketing strategies. Rossana discusses the finding that research shows that reviews can significantly impact sales and reader trust; the importance of tailoring your book's cover and description to your target audience ; and the emotional challenge of dealing with low-star reviews. The conversation also touches upon practical strategies for gathering reviews, such as using platforms like BookSprout.
Rossana Corniel is a romantasy and paranormal romance author who believes in the magic of storytelling to inspire and connect. Writing under the pen name R.C. Luna, she has published six novels and a children’s book, with six more books slated for release in 2025. Drawing from her almost two decades of experience in marketing and communications, including her current role as Head of Marketing at Booksprout, Rossana blends creativity and strategy to help authors grow and thrive. When she’s not writing, she’s raising three incredible daughters and chasing the next great adventure.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/authorrcluna
https://www.instagram.com/author_r.c.luna/
https://www.tiktok.com/@author_rcluna
https://www.instagram.com/booksprout/
https://www.facebook.com/booksprout
https://www.tiktok.com/@booksproutapp
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Rossana Corniel about the pivotal role of reviews. Rossana emphasizes the significance of reviews in shaping marketing strategies and driving book sales, particularly spotlighting the importance of understanding and leveraging reader feedback.
To kick off the discussion, Matty highlights Rossana's diverse writing background, which includes publishing novels and a children's book. Rossana shares her belief in the power of storytelling and her commitment to helping fellow authors through her role at BookSprout. This episode predominantly revolves around how authors can maximize their marketing strategies through reader reviews.
Understanding Reader Expectations
Rossana underscores the impact of reviews on authors, noting how they influence purchasing decisions. She cites studies to stress that a positive review can significantly boost sales. The conversation delves into strategic marketing, where reviews build trust and can be as effective as personal recommendations. For authors starting their journey, she advises focusing on reviews of similar books by other authors as a learning tool to understand market trends and reader expectations, calling this approach savvy.
Reading and Responding to Reviews
The episode explores how authors can use feedback efficiently. Matty and Rossana discuss the emotional challenges authors face when handling negative reviews. Rossana shares her experience of turning critique into actionable changes, like adding trigger warnings when necessary. Authors are encouraged to pick trends from reviews rather than reacting to individual critiques. Matty supports this by advising authors not to act on single reviews but to seek patterns that indicate areas for improvement.
Engaging with Readers
As authors expand their work, Rossana suggests interacting with readers through thoughtful dialogue, encouraging feedback to fine-tune future narratives. Sharing how endorsements from known personalities can sometimes mean more than detailed book previews, the episode highlights how this strategy might differ based on the book's price and format.
Building a Review Strategy
The importance of reviews is further tied to promotional opportunities, with a focus on the difference between paid reviews and ethical platforms like BookSprout. The episode clarifies that platforms facilitating honest reviews are legal and beneficial for authors looking for credible market feedback. Rossana describes how BookSprout helps authors place their books before potential reviewers ethically by emphasizing the distinction between paying for a platform versus paying for reviews.
Navigating Free Reviews and Giveaways
Matty and Rossana also tackle authors' hesitance to give away their books in exchange for reviews, highlighting this as a crucial component of successful book marketing. They touch upon tools like newsletter swaps to encourage organic, honest feedback.
Tactics and Timing for Collecting Reviews
Further into the podcast, the discussion transitions into strategic timing for gathering reviews. Rossana explains the benefit of aligning book launches with review requests to capitalize on algorithms that affect visibility on platforms like Amazon. This tactical timing can offer added traction and elevate a book’s presence when paired with a strong launch strategy.
Building Long-term Engagement
Addressing strategies for long-term reviewer engagement, Matty and Rossana discuss communication with reviewers and how authors can engage without locking into counterproductive exchanges with critical reviewers. They recommend focusing on building meaningful connections through gratitude and professionalism.
Concluding the episode, Matty and Rossana reflect on the invaluable insights reviews offer in strengthening an author’s market position. With effective use of platforms like BookSprout, authors can not only understand reader preferences better but also significantly enhance their marketing strategy and reach.
Episode 281 - Using Relevance to Save Your Darlings with Liesel Hill
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Liesel Hill discusses USING RELEVANCE TO SAVE YOUR DARLINGS, including the importance of integrating emotional connection and subconscious storytelling to retain seemingly irrelevant scenes by making them essential. Topics include multi-tasking in scenes, pacing, evoking emotion, character arcs, purposeful character deaths, maintaining continuity in series, and avoiding unnecessary plot elements.
Liesel Hill is a USA Today best-selling author of 4 genres. She teaches authors to craft stories using the principles of energetics and transformational human psychology, and by tapping into one's individual subconscious creativity.
Episode Links
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theprolificauthor
https://www.instagram.com/6figurestoryteller/
https://www.tiktok.com/@6figurestoryteller
https://www.youtube.com/@fictionauthorbusinessschool
https://lff.kit.com/10ppsminicourse
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Liesel Hill about the often-debated topic among writers: "killing your darlings." Liesel Hill is a USA Today best-selling author who provides a nuanced perspective on this longstanding writing guideline, challenging traditional notions while emphasizing the importance of emotional resonance and story relevance.
Matty opens the conversation by recounting how "kill your darlings" is often a “battle cry” for writers, suggesting that authors should remove scenes they are emotionally attached to if they are not advancing the story. Liesel Hill suggests a reevaluation of this advice, advocating that instead of merely discarding these scenes, authors should explore ways to integrate them effectively into their narrative. She argues that scenes dear to the writer often hold an emotional connection that can potentially engage the reader as well.
Liesel provides a perspective that involves tapping into one's subconscious creativity. By leveraging the subconscious, authors can generate scenes with intrinsic emotional value, which makes them worth preserving if they can be made relevant to the narrative. "If there's something that is lighting you up about the story that you really love," Liesel says, "there's no reason that the reader would not feel the same way."
The discussion also covers how determining the relevance of a scene is crucial. Liesel and Matty agree that scenes should be integral to the main conflict or character arc. Scenes offering a deep dive into character backgrounds or internal dialogue need careful consideration to ensure they serve the overarching plot. Liesel suggests that newer authors often fall into the trap of creating scenes that do not push the narrative forward, resulting in potential fluff that might need cutting.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around multitasking in storytelling. Liesel and Matty both stress the importance of making scenes serve multiple purposes. By weaving several narrative threads into a single scene, authors can maintain pacing and deepen story complexity without overburdening the narrative. Liesel offers insights into maintaining pacing by ensuring that scenes do double duty—advancing the plot while developing character interactions or foreshadowing future events.
They delve into specific examples, such as the challenge of writing scenes that were the initial inspiration for a book but may no longer fit as the story evolves. Matty shares her personal struggle with deciding whether to keep or discard scenes that initially stirred her imagination, particularly those that no longer align with the book's direction. Liesel suggests that a high-level understanding of the story's structure can help authors anticipate potential misalignments before they become problematic, allowing them to better manage narrative flow.
The pair transitions to discussing character arcs, particularly in series novels where characters grow over time and influence one another's stories. Liesel discusses her approach in her own high fantasy series, which involves juggling multiple point-of-view characters. This approach can be daunting, requiring careful planning to ensure characters influence one another even if they are separated by the narrative distance.
Towards the end of the podcast, Matty and Liesel explore the concept of relevance and intentionality in character development. They discuss the pitfalls of keeping characters in a story without purpose, underscoring that every character should contribute to the narrative meaningfully or face "retirement" from the storyline—either metaphorically or literally. Liesel mentions that shock value alone is an insufficient reason to kill off a character, advocating that every significant action, including character deaths, should be deliberate and woven into the narrative fabric to justify its impact.
Finally, Liesel speaks to the importance of emotional storytelling and how authors can offer readers an emotional journey that results in catharsis. She suggests that emotion is the core of storytelling and what ultimately hooks readers, leading to a satisfying reading experience. Liesel emphasizes that authors who master this emotional connection will cultivate a dedicated readership. The conversation closes with encouraging authors to draw from their subconscious, allowing the wealth of their experiences and emotions to mold stories into engaging and cohesive narratives that resonate with readers.
Overall, this podcast episode provides nuanced insights for authors grappling with the idea of killing their darlings, suggesting that the real focus should be on relevance, emotional impact, and enriching the narrative tapestry. Liesel Hill's perspective offers a refreshing take that could help writers preserve the heart of their stories while ensuring every element serves the greater narrative purpose.
Episode 280 - Insider Tips from Writing Contest Judges with Clay Stafford
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Clay Stafford discusses INSIDER TIPS FROM WRITING CONTEST JUDGES, including what judges look for in submissions, such as originality, strong voice, and proper pacing. Clay shares insights into the judging process, highlighting the necessity of engaging the reader early, avoiding errors, and understanding the contest’s goals and audience. They discuss the importance of submitting polished work, ensuring the right contest fit, and the potential benefits of feedback from critique groups and editors. Clay also emphasizes the value of leveraging contest wins and placements to build a writer’s career.
Clay Stafford is a bestselling and award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright; film and television producer, director, showrunner, actor; book, film, and stage reviewer as well as public speaker. He has sold nearly four million copies of his books and has had his work distributed in sixteen languages. He is founder and CEO of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference and a contributor to Writer’s Digest magazine with his online column, “Killer Writer.”
Episode Links
https://claystafford.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ClayStaffordOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/claystafford/
https://x.com/ClayStafford
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claystafford/
Referenced in episode:
Episode 271 - Tapping into Your Author Voice with Tiffany Yates Martin
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Clay Stafford about the art of crafting submissions for writing contests and the nuances that come with it. The discussion revolves around the key aspects judges look for across different contest formats, whether short or long fiction, and how writers can effectively prepare their work for submission.
Matty kicks off the conversation by highlighting Clay's extensive experience, noting his role as a bestselling author and founder of Killer Nashville, among other accolades. The episode delves into the criteria contest judges seek, such as originality, creativity, and a strong narrative voice. Clay emphasizes the importance of a distinctive voice, one that is authentic and engaging, as a hallmark of great writing.
The conversation touches on the importance of matching submissions to the right contest categories and understanding the platform where work will be featured. They explore scenarios where a piece may not align with the contest's core focus, like entering a mystery contest with a non-mystery entry. Clay underscores the necessity of writers thoroughly reading guidelines and selecting the right category for their entries, as misplaced submissions often get disqualified regardless of their quality.
Listeners are urged to consider the pacing of their stories, recognizing the difference between rushing through events and rambling without purpose. Clay explains that sometimes works feel compressed when they shouldn't be, and authors should trust in the natural pacing of their stories. Engaging and meaningful pacing helps keep the reader invested in the narrative.
Matty and Clay also discuss the value of revisions and feedback before submitting to contests. Clay advises writers to vet their work with friends, writing groups, or even professional editors to ensure the piece is polished to its best potential. He suggests writers should be their harshest critics before sending work to a contest, thus minimizing glaring errors that could easily eliminate an entry early on.
The episode further explores the strategic approach to contest entry. Rather than writing specifically for a contest, Clay argues for writers to create authentically and then seek contests that fit their work. This method helps maintain the integrity of the story and potentially increases the chances of finding a natural contest fit.
Another key point discussed is the reaction to contest rejections. Both Matty and Clay agree that rejection isn't always a reflection of the work's quality, noting that numerous factors, including subjective judge preferences and contest constraints, play a role. Therefore, receiving a "no" should not discourage writers but instead should be seen as a learning opportunity.
Finally, the podcast highlights the importance of making the most of contest wins or placements. Clay encourages authors to leverage contest success in their marketing efforts, using accolades as a tool to separate themselves in the crowded literary marketplace. Authors should celebrate and publicize these achievements, utilizing them as steppingstones to further opportunities.
In summary, this episode is rich with insights for writers looking to refine their craft for contest entries. Matty and Clay guide listeners through understanding contest criteria, perfecting narrative voice, ensuring proper category alignment, and the strategic use of contest recognition—all vital elements to succeeding in writing competitions.
Episode 279 - LinkedIn Strategies for Authors with Troy Lambert
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Troy Lambert discusses LINKEDIN STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORS, including the evolving role of LinkedIn for authors. We delve into strategies for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, engaging with peers, and understanding platform nuances to enhance professional presence, network effectively, and perhaps build a side hustle.
Troy Lambert is the author of over 32 novels and several works of non-fiction. He's also an editor, book coach, and educator. When not behind the keyboard, he lives, works, and plays in the mountains of Idaho.
Episode Links
https://troylambertwrites.com
https://www.youtube.com/@TroyLambertAuthor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-lambert/
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Troy Lambert on The Indie Author Podcast about the evolving role of LinkedIn for authors. They delve into strategies for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, engaging with peers, and understanding platform nuances to enhance professional presence, network effectively, and perhaps build a side hustle.
LinkedIn's Evolution as a Social Media Platform
Troy acknowledges the transformation of LinkedIn from a digital résumé repository to a dynamic social networking site. The platform lets professionals interact beyond traditional job-seeking purposes, offering a more social dimension to business interactions. Troy points out that while LinkedIn still maintains its professional tone, it now serves as a space for people to extend their professional networks, share information, and even make purchasing decisions or explore new opportunities through these connections.
Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles for Authors
Authors, whether focused on fiction or non-fiction, are encouraged to maintain updated LinkedIn profiles. Matty notes her pet peeve with outdated profile pictures and recognizes the importance of current and professional headshots on LinkedIn. Troy stresses that an up-to-date profile signals competency and readiness for new opportunities, whether seeking freelance work, establishing expertise, or attracting podcast invitations.
He advises authors to actively showcase their expertise by listing publications in the profile's designated section. This creates a professional image, crucial for attracting book readers, especially in non-fiction, where showcasing expertise is imperative for credibility. Troy also suggests curating your LinkedIn contacts to reflect a network that resonates with your current professional identity and goals.
Networking and Engaging on LinkedIn
The conversation pivots to discuss the ways authors can engage with and understand their LinkedIn audience. Troy discusses using the platform to connect with peers in the industry. Authors should identify others within their niche or those they admire, then actively engage with their posts to learn and share insights.
This engagement strategy should extend beyond making connections to include thoughtful interaction. Authors should craft posts and comments that inspire discussion and exhibit their expertise. Troy shares his own experiences, citing how his LinkedIn interactions led to unexpected opportunities, such as invitations to speak on podcasts or contribute to discussions on topics of shared interest.
LinkedIn for Book Marketing and Author Services
While LinkedIn may not be the most effective platform for direct book sales, it holds significant potential for marketing author services and other higher-value offerings. Matty discusses her consulting service and how LinkedIn can help her connect with individuals transitioning to new career phases, such as retirement, who might be interested in writing a book. Troy suggests focusing on professional discussions about publishing-related topics to establish expertise and potentially attract clients interested in author services like editing, coaching, or consulting.
Using LinkedIn Groups and Ads
Their discussion briefly touches on LinkedIn groups, with Troy recommending caution due to the high risk of spam. He advises being selective with group participation to ensure interactions remain valuable.
Regarding LinkedIn ads, Troy shares insights about their effectiveness, especially for promoting non-fiction books and author-related services. He contrasts LinkedIn ads with other platforms, highlighting that LinkedIn users often search for professional development, making the platform a worthwhile avenue for educational promotions. However, he advises caution in using LinkedIn ads for fiction, which tends not to yield significant returns.
Current and Future Plans on LinkedIn
Troy concludes by advocating for intentional curation of one’s LinkedIn network. He emphasizes removing outdated connections that no longer align with current professional goals. He aligns this strategy with a broader trend toward streamlining social media interactions to focus on targeted professional objectives.
Matty plans to focus her LinkedIn strategy by engaging deeply with a curated list of professionals within her consulting sphere. By zeroing in on a small number of key contacts, she hopes to better integrate into the professional conversations that matter most to her.
Conclusion
In this podcast episode, Matty Dalrymple and Troy Lambert provide valuable insights into using LinkedIn effectively as an author. Whether for professional networking, promoting non-fiction work, or offering author services, a well-optimized and actively managed LinkedIn profile can open up a wealth of opportunities for authors who engage thoughtfully with the platform.
Episode 278 - The Perks and Pitfalls of Facebook Ads with Malorie Cooper
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Malorie Cooper discusses THE PERKS AND PITFALLS OF FACEBOOK ADS, including the significance of high-contrast images and textual elements in ad creatives, the benefits and drawbacks of Facebook's automated targeting suggestions, and the latest updates in Facebook's targeting mechanisms that can affect ad performance. Mal emphasizes the need for authors to diversify their advertising efforts, touching on the importance of also experimenting with platforms like Amazon Ads and BookBub for broader marketing success.
Malorie Cooper has been teaching authors how to run Facebook ads for over 7 years. Nothing makes her day more than knowing what she does helps to elevate authors' careers.
Episode Links
www.thewritingwives.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewritingwives
https://www.youtube.com/@thewritingwives
Summary
Matty Dalrymple talks with Malorie Cooper about the intricacies of using Facebook ads as a promotional tool for authors. With extensive experience in teaching authors how to leverage Facebook ads, Malorie offers valuable insights into navigating this ever-evolving platform. The discussion covers the challenges and strategies associated with Facebook advertising, the importance of creative content, targeting, and how authors can diversify their advertising approach across multiple platforms.
Introduction to Facebook Ad Challenges
Matty kicks off the conversation by sharing personal challenges faced when running Facebook ads around 2020-2021. Malorie acknowledges these challenges due to frequent and sometimes significant changes Facebook makes to their ad platform. Such changes can disproportionately affect different genres or marketing strategies.
Malorie points out that Facebook has made several substantial changes annually, affecting some authors more than others. She mentions the impact of genre targeting and how certain techniques for targeting readers may have become less effective due to algorithm updates or changes in Facebook's ad delivery priorities.
Understanding Facebook's Algorithmic Changes
When discussing algorithmic changes, Malorie highlights that while Facebook occasionally releases information about upcoming changes, they rarely offer details sufficient for precise prediction of performance shifts. Authors often rely on self-assessment and anecdotal observation to gauge the effectiveness of their ads.
Matty and Malorie also explore the impact of legal requirements, such as changes following the iOS security updates and compliance with the FTC and COPPA laws, which influence how and where ads can be placed effectively.
Diversifying Advertising Efforts
Malorie advises authors against putting all advertising efforts into Facebook alone. She emphasizes that multi-platform strategies ensure visibility even if a significant platform change occurs. Facebook ads should be part of a broader promotional strategy that might include Amazon ads, BookBub ads, or other platforms like Pinterest and YouTube.
She suggests that while Facebook offers broad reach, its audience is not specifically looking for books, unlike Amazon and BookBub, where the audience is more inclined towards book purchasing. Thus, spread-out advertising efforts can hedge against platform-specific issues and ensure steady reader engagement.
Creating Effective Ad Creative
Effective ad creative is paramount, as Malorie outlines several best practices. She advises ensuring images are high contrast for visibility and legibility, even in grayscale, to check color contrast and accessibility for colorblind viewers. Text is now crucial in creative due to people's expectations from TikTok and reels, providing context promptly.
Additionally, she warns that Facebook's AI might ignore initial targeting instructions; hence, it's essential to visually and contextually signal the ad's purpose—such as including a book cover to confirm it’s an ad for a book.
Optimizing Targeting Techniques
Exploring targeting in more detail, Malorie discusses how Facebook's implementation of Advantage Plus Detailed Targeting can override manual selections, showing ads to unintended audiences.
Despite AI-assisted targeting, manual interest-based targeting tends to outperform Facebook's broader strategies. Malorie suggests testing broad targeting first and then narrowing it down to optimize ad performance.
Analysis and Realistic Expectations
Malorie highlights the importance of analyzing the performance of ads by using tools like Amazon attribution links, acknowledging that attribution data isn’t foolproof but offers a relative comparison. She gives practical metrics: aiming for at least ten pages read per click for KU books and one sale every 50 clicks for non-KU books.
For newcomers to Facebook ads, Malorie advises setting aside a budget and patience to allow for a learning curve that could span a few months, emphasizing the value of test-driven adjustments.
Conclusion: Broader Advertising Strategy and Commitment
In conclusion, while Facebook ads are not the easy wins they once were, they remain a critical component of a well-considered advertising strategy. Malorie encourages authors to bravely navigate the complexities of ad creative, targeting, and platform changes to drive their book marketing efforts effectively. Investing time and resources into such ad campaigns, with a willingness to adapt, can yield significant returns over time.
Episode 277 - Book Promotion and How to Break through the Noise with Leah Paulos
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Leah Paulos discusses BOOK PROMOTION AND HOW TO BREAK THROUGH THE NOISE, including the importance of early marketing planning, crafting concise and compelling pitches, and understanding the specific needs of different recipients. Leah also delves into leveraging email lists, using AI tools for crafting pitches, building relationships with influencers, and the long-tail approach to post-publication promotion. Leah provides practical tips for authors to maximize their promotional efforts and connect effectively with their target audience.
Leah Paulos is the Founder and Director of Publicity at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School, and has worked at the intersection of books and media for over 25 years. Twice named a top PR firm by the Observer, Press Shop PR has worked on many notable books and #1 bestsellers including MARCH by Rep. John Lewis and ON TYRANNY by Timothy Snyder, as well as books by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Neil deGrasse Tyson, James Kirchick, and Pulitzer-finalists Samuel Freedman and Louise Aronson. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two sons.
Episode Links
www.PressShopPR.com
www.BookPublicityScool.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahpaulos/
https://www.facebook.com/PressShopPR
https://x.com/PressShopPR
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Leah Paulos about effective strategies for authors to break through the noise in a saturated market. Leah, drawing from her extensive experience at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School, provides valuable insights into how authors can effectively promote their books and connect with their target readers.
The conversation begins with Matty highlighting the many roles that indie authors have to play—not only are they the creative force behind their books, but they also need to manage publicity and marketing. Leah agrees, emphasizing how crucial it is for authors to start thinking about their promotion strategy early in the writing process. By keeping a document or spreadsheet of promotional ideas and contacts, authors can better position themselves when the time comes to market their book.
Leah stresses the importance of understanding one's audience and tailoring messages to fit different recipients, whether they are readers, media, or event coordinators. It's crucial to consider what the other party needs to know and how your approach should differ depending on who you are addressing. For example, the back cover copy of a book should capture a reader's interest and remain timeless, whereas a pitch to media should be timely, demonstrating the book's relevance to current discussions or trends.
A significant part of the conversation centers around the creation of effective pitch materials. According to Leah, every book campaign requires two key elements: a compelling pitch and an accurate recipient list. Authors need to craft pitches that are concise and snappy, avoiding excessive details and focusing on inviting the recipient to learn more. One of Leah's recommendations for pitch material is the "bar test," where authors think about how they would describe their book to someone in a noisy setting in just a few attention-grabbing words.
Matty and Leah also discuss building relationships with influencers and media. It's not about sending out mass emails but rather about connecting meaningfully with select individuals who can help promote your book. This involves engaging with them genuinely and understanding how your book might provide value to their audience.
They touch on the role of influencers in an author's promotional strategy. Leah advises that while influencer marketing can be highly effective, it is important for authors to engage with influencers who align well with their target audience. This involves participating actively in the community where these influencers operate and finding ways to offer value in the relationship.
The podcast episode ends with Leah suggesting several long-term strategies for book promotion. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging any media attention post-publication and using new information about reader reception to refine marketing strategies. Authors should remain adaptable, using feedback and reviews to tweak their pitches and focus on angles that resonate with their audience.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast offers practical advice for authors navigating the complex world of book publicity. Whether you are just starting out or looking to boost an existing campaign, the insights shared by Matty and Leah provide a solid foundation for promoting books effectively in a crowded market.