Ep 84: Releasing the Sophomore Novel with Donna Norman Carbone

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Donna Norman-Carbone's second novel, Of Lies and Honey, just launched (April 24, 2024, Red Adept Publishing), and it was wonderful to have her on as a repeat guest. Her first novel, All That Is Sacred, came out less than a year ago (June 2023, Red Adept Publishing), and chatting about the differences between book 1 and book 2 proved as fun and insightful as I knew it would!  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSThe biggest differences between the first launch and the second (including the task she full-on forgot to do when launching the first book!)How Donna navigates looking at sales numbers and reviewsUsing NetGalley for reviews: the benefit of being with a smaller publisher versus a Big 5 publisher The admission that made me question whether Donna and I could be friends (yes, that’s clickbait.)The challenge of writing back cover copy/book jacket summaryDonna's strategy for ensuring she doesn’t get “stuck” while writing a bookABOUT DONNADonna Norman-Carbone's debut novel, All That is Sacred, was released in June 2023 and has earned eight awards. The BookFest Awards featured All That is Sacred among the other winners on the Tower billboard in Times Square. Donna holds a master’s degree in English from Southern CT State University and is a member of the WFWA, CAPA, WNBA. She is the co-host of the podcast Authors Talking Bookish and program director for Bookish Road Trip. Donna has a passion for writing women’s fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. After having taught as a university adjunct and adult educator, Donna currently teaches writing, film and British literature to high school students. She lives in a small Connecticut suburb where she and her husband have raised three wonderful and creative children, two Labrador Retrievers and a Siamese cat. In her spare time, Donna enjoys reading a good book on a sunny Cape Cod beach, traveling worldwide to immerse herself in other cultures, and spending cherished time with family and friends.CONNECT WITH DONNAAll that is Sacred  (purchase here to support Indie bookstores!)Of Lies and Honey (purchase here to support Indie bookstores!)Website: www.donnanormancarbone.comInstagram & Threads: https://www.instagram.com/donnanormancarbone/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dncarboneauthorX: https://twitter.com/dcarbs727authorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dcarbs727authorGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22429710.Donna_Norman_CarboneWHAT DONNA’S READING NOWSoul Dancing  by Gayle Priest RESOURCES MENTIONEDFirst WTDBA podcast with Donna (episode 43)NetGalley co-opThe Characterist podcast with Dr. Diana NaranjoWFWA (Women Fictions Writers Association)🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******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 PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe 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