Book Writing & Publishing

What do a flooded house, a nine-month (and still going) renovation, and a debut novel have in common? Angelika Morini.

In this episode, Angelika shares what it actually looked like to finish her first novel, Do You See Me Now?—while living in chaos (read: house stripped to the studs). We talk about why character development can feel a lot like falling in love with someone mysterious and how launching a book is less of a finish line and more like Mile One of a marathon you didn’t know you signed up for.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• The (not so) glamorous reality of writing and editing during a home renovation from hell
• Why marketing Book One while dreaming up Book Two can feel like a  bit of a tightrope act
• The decision to write in English (even though she’s German) 
• Weaving the complexities of post-reunification Germany into her novel
• The way she allowed her characters to show up and surprise her (no outline, no problem!)

ABOUT ANGELIKA

A. Morini is an author from Germany, who w...

Have you ever sat through a back-to-school night and thought, Wow, this could be a novel? Jordan Roter did—and then she actually wrote it. Moms Like Us (coming May 2025 from Little A) hilariously unpacks the cutthroat social hierarchy of LA moms, complete with all the messy, cringey, and oh-so-relatable moments of motherhood and friendship.

In this laugh-out-loud episode, we chatted about:

🔥 Jordan’s career hops from YA author to TV writer (American Housewife, The Watchful Eye) and back to novel writing.

🔥 The painfully awkward school event that sparked her book idea.

🔥 Why juggling multiple POVs is like hosting a dinner party where everyone wants to talk at once.

🔥 Hollywood vs. publishing: one’s a chaotic circus, the other’s...slightly less chaotic

🔥 Writing the real (sometimes dark, often hilarious) thoughts moms have but rarely admit

🔥 The shift toward "radical truth-telling" in motherhood writing (because perfection is overrated)

🔥 And also...how she ended up with an Am...

Publishing a book requires long-term strategy, patience, and flexibility, not magic bullets or gimmicky shortcuts. The long game is the shortcut when it comes to building a sustainable author career.

In this episode, I answer some of the questions that have come my way recently via email and Instagram DMs, including: 

✅ Why does one's writing perspective often evolves from third-person past to first-person present as authors become more emotionally connected to their material

✅ How to "suss out" unsolicited offers to review your book for payment 

✅ How many reviews you should accumulate on Amazon before you begin investing in Amazon advertising

✅ The best way to accumulate reviews (everything, everywhere, all at once is NOT a good strategy!)

✅ How to best use the Universal Book Link to direct readers to the appropriate Amazon store based on their location 

✅ When and how to use Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) as an indie author

Awesome Email Templates for Authors

From communi...

If the thought of asking for Amazon reviews makes you break out in hives, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: reviews are gold for indie authors. They help boost visibility, credibility, and—most importantly—book sales. The good news? You don’t have to beg, bribe, or feel weird about it.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how indie and self-published authors can ethically and confidently get more Amazon reviews without feeling sleazy or pushy. You’ll discover:

✔️ Why Amazon reviews matter (and how they impact your book’s success)

✔️ Creative, no-pressure ways to ask for reviews that actually work

✔️ The power of social media, email, and direct outreach in gathering reader feedback

✔️ Common mistakes that keep authors stuck (and how to avoid them)

✔️ Real-world examples from indie authors who’ve cracked the code on getting reviews

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow/subscribe, drop a quick review (see what we did there?), and share it with another w...

Keywords: they either fascinate you or they're the bane of your existence. 

For me, it's the second. 

Which is why I'm so excited to bring you this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast with guest Dave Chesson, creator of Kindlepreneur, where we do an in-depth exploration of the significance of keywords and categories when it comes to a book's success on Amazon. 

We discuss strategies for choosing keywords that maximize book discoverability and allow you to run effective Amazon ads, as well as best practices for connecting with your ideal readers.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

 • Understanding the profound role of keywords in discoverability
• Strategies for optimizing Amazon ads based on keyword effectiveness
• Common misconceptions surrounding keywords
• The necessity of consistent sales patterns for enhanced visibility
• Insights on crafting compelling book descriptions for better conversion rates

CLICK HERE FOR THE SPECIAL DEAL ON PUBLISHER ROCKET ($30 off when you purchase, pl...

Navigating hybrid publishing can feel overwhelming, but understanding the unique way it helps indie authors grow their author career helps authors make informed decisions.

This episode covers fundamentals of hybrid publishing, identifies potential red flags, and highlights critical questions to ask publishers before signing any agreements.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Differentiating between hybrid publishing and self-publishing 
• Key red flags in hybrid publisher contracts 
• The importance of understanding upfront fees and backend profits 
• Questions to ask hybrid publishers before signing 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

7 Critical Questions to Ask Hybrid Publishers

KTKPublicity (Katie Kurtzman)

Jackson Musker (audio consulting, booking, and publicity)

This episode explores the critical role ISBNs play in the self-publishing journey. It's not the most glamorous part of publishing, but understanding the role of the ISBN is critical when it comes to managing book sales and metadata ownership.

Topics covered:

• The importance of ISBNs for indie and self-published authors
• Differences in acquiring ISBNs in various countries
• Components of an ISBN, explained
• Challenges authors may face with hybrid publishers
• Situations where it’s acceptable to use a free ISBN
 

Resources Mentioned

Kindlepreneur barcode generator 

Bowker Publishing Services 

7 Critical Questions to Ask Hybrid Publishers

Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?

From cover design to interior formatting to ISBN registration and properly loading your book to distributors, whether you need help with parts of the process or the whole darn thing, I’ve got you covered.

Visit www.publishaprofitablebook.com/self-publishing-services to learn more. 

What happens when a seasoned television writer known for his work on irreverent comedies such as Beavis & Butthead, Just Shoot Me, and King of the Hill takes a leap into the author world?

In this episode, Michael Jamin reveals the more personal and vulnerable side of his writing through his release of A Paper Orchestra. From navigating the intricacies of the TV industry to exploring the art of storytelling and the decision to self-publish, Michael offers an unfiltered glimpse into the realities of a creative career.

Michael candidly discusses the contrast between writing for TV and writing for oneself. His reflections on creativity, inspired by authors like David Sedaris, offer insight into the importance of staying true to oneself in a world full of (neverending) expectations.

You'll also hear about the joys and hurdles Michael experienced with the self-publishing process, including the role of social media in building an audience (as well as what led to his decision to abandon his qu...

Have you ever imagined trading a stable career for the unpredictability of writing and publishing? That's exactly what Patti Hall did, transitioning from urban design to becoming a full-time writer and publishing strategist. 

Patti and I dive deep into the kind of personal transformation that makes most people's comfort zones quake. Her journey isn't just a career shift—it's a masterclass in resilience, triggered by her son's diagnosis with gigantism and propelled by an unwavering commitment to storytelling that matters.

Our conversation takes a candid look at the realities of traditional publishing. And, as we explore the myths surrounding bestseller status, we underscore the importance of writing with a purpose and focusing on genuine connections with specific communities rather than chasing commercial success. 

Buckle up for an episode that's part hilarious writing room confessional, part vulnerable heart-to-heart. We're talking editing battles, narrative vulnerability, and those ...

In this episode, I speak with the legendary Jenn Hanson-dePaula about strategies authors are using today to promote their books. 

Learn how to create content that resonates with your target readers and get greater clarity on the vital role of empathy in crafting messages that engage readers across genres—from fiction to nonfiction to poetry to memoir. 

We also unravel the complexities of platforms like Substack and the impact of AI on content creation, offering practical advice for maintaining authenticity while leveraging time-saving new technologies.

Finally, discover how focusing on building a dedicated core fan base can revolutionize your marketing efforts, rather than chasing after a massive audience. 

With actionable tips and a fresh perspective on the role of algorithms, you'll be inspired to enhance your book marketing strategy and connect more authentically with your audience as we head into 2025!

About Jenn

Jenn is a marketing and social media expert who has been working w...