Book Writing & Publishing

In this no-fluff episode, publishing powerhouse Jane Friedman speaks to the aspects of writing and publishing that every aspiring author need to hear about. With decades in the industry and zero interest in sugarcoating, Jane breaks down what’s actually working in publishing today. 

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT: 

• Why the so-called "good old days" of publishing weren’t actually that great (unless you love gatekeepers and waiting around)
• The myth of the full-time writer dream—and why your day job might be your creative secret weapon
• What MFA programs don’t teach you about storytelling that readers actually care about
• How to build an author platform without selling your soul 
• The cold, hard truth about bookstore distribution and hybrid publishing 
• How sponsorships can turn your author newsletter into a profitable platform—and why subscriptions might not be the move
• What nobody tells you about post-publication anxiety (spoiler: publishing a book doesn’t magically fix your inner critic)
...

Ever walked past one of those cute Little Free Libraries and thought, Wonder if I could sneak my book in there? Spoiler alert: you totally can. And that’s just one of the brilliantly simple, low-cost book marketing strategies I dish out in this episode—ideas so simple many authors never even think about them!

Here’s the thing: no matter how you publish—traditionally, hybrid, or self—marketing is your job. And I know, that realization hits like a rogue wave. But before you panic-Google “best book publicist on an extremely limited budget,” take a breath. You don’t need deep pockets or an extrovert’s energy to get your book in front of readers.

In this episode, I break down ridiculously doable, budget-friendly ways to keep your book casually showing up in the world. Think: leaving copies in waiting rooms, slipping them onto airport lounge tables, or—one of my personal favorites—perching them on a pumpkin display at Trader Joe’s (because...why not?). 

And for my fellow introverts who...

One can easily overlook that little piece of the Amazon upload process where you specify 7 keywords related to your title. After all, who wants to filter through the millions of options to find 7 that are most likely to ensure your book is seen by the readers actively looking for it? 

It might not sound fun, but it's a step you don't want to ignore or breeze through. 

In short, strategically choosing keywords helps to ensure visibility and connection with the right audience. In this episode, we explore practical keyword strategies and how tools like Publisher Rocket that can help authors succeed in an incredibly saturated marketplace. 

TOPICS COVERED:

• The importance of keywords in book discoverability 
• Common misconceptions about keyword relevance 
• Strategies for selecting effective keywords 
• How to analyze competitor keywords  
• The unique benefits of long-tail keywords
• How intentionally crafted book descriptions can enhance keyword effectiveness

RESOURCES MENTIONED

*...

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. 

I’ve worked with countless authors who've asked the same question: “Do I really need a website?” (followed shortly by "Will I have to shell out $25K for it? 'Cuz that ain't happening!").

The short answers are yes, you need a website. And no, you absolutely do not have to shell out $25K (or anywhere near that) to have a great one. 

Now, before you roll your eyes and mentally add it to your never-ending to-do list, let me explain why having an author website (or at least a stellar book page on your already-existing website) can be one of your most powerful author assets.

Why a Website Is Necessary for Authors

In the same way that your email list is your home base for communicating with your readers, your website is your home base for your overall online presence. It’s the one place where you have complete control over how you present yourself and your book(s). Social media platforms come and go, and algorithms are constantly shifting. But your website, like your email list, is yours....

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...

With the rise of available options for indie authors, authors are more curious than ever  about how to navigate so many options without being overwhelmed or disappointed (simply because they didn't know what questions to ask!). 

In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we cover:

• the various indie publishing options, from self-publishing to hybrid publishing to working with a publishing service provider
• the temptation to work with publishing houses that make lofty promises regarding bestseller status and publicity assistance
• what questions to ask to ensure that your expectations are met should you decide to partner with an indie publishing company for assistance/expert guidance
• the importance of considering the long-term implications of partnering with any publishing house
• what questions authors should ask (and what red flags they should be looking for) when evaluating indie publishing options

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Jenn Hanson-dePaula, Book Marketing

Chip Valutis's bo...

Key Takeaways:

• It's important to give yourself permission to try different approaches and strategies when writing and publishing a book.

• Don't feel pressured to follow the advice of others if it doesn't align with your goals or preferences.

• Consistency and courage are key to finding success in your writing journey.

Introduction

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discuss the importance of giving yourself permission to do what feels right for your book, regardless of the advice and opinions of others. Let's dive in and explore the power of embracing your own path.

Embracing Your Unique Approach

In the world of book writing and publishing, there is no shortage of advice and opinions on the "right" way to do things. From running ads to choosing the perfect marketing strategy, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the sea of recommendations. However, it's crucial to remember that what works for one person may not work for anot...

In this solo episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I respond to listener's questions, including:

• How do I make sure I'm not infringing on someone else's copyright by referencing their advice, book, or insights in my book? 
• Why is publishing so complicated?
• Why do I become an insecure mess whenever I sit down to write?

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Cory Goodrich's book, Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Lauren Kay's young adult debut novel, We Ship It, was a dream come true, but it wasn't easy to get there. Now, she helps other writers achieve the same joy, minus the roadblocks. Having secured eight agent offers in a month,  she works with authors dreaming about a traditional publishing deal to help them write irresistible query letters.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• The 7-year path to her first novel, for which she received a 6-figure advance (best quote: "Lightning speed in this industry is 7 years.")
• The importance of transparency in the book industry when it comes to timelines, sales figures, and overall expectations
• The idea of an author “deserving” their lead author status (I hadn't heard this before, and loved the discussion around it!)
• How changing our expectations as authors can lead to far better results 
• The “before” and “after” of publishing
• Top mistakes to avoid when writing query letters + how to navigate the world of querying without becoming (too) disappointed 
...