After Hours Authors

Editing your book is a huge part in the publishing process, but how do you do it? In this interview I chat with writer and freelance editor, Liam Selby, who shares what editing is all about, and how to prepare as an author.Follow Liam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loks_editing?igsh=MTdkeHRjZ2tnZWhteQ==Here are the links mentioned in the chat:https://reedsy.com/editinghttps://www.fen.net.au/https://www.iped-editors.org/Check out Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai, edited by Liam: https://www.amazon.com.au/Awoken-Forest-Ashes-Injai-1/dp/1763763110/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Wesley Croft is a stunning Australian indie author, who has just published a mind-blowing debut, Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai. I chatted with Wesley about the writing process and all the tips other authors need to know! This was recorded in 2025.Check out Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai: https://www.amazon.com.au/Awoken-Forest-Ashes-Wesley-Croft-ebook/dp/B0DKTNW6LTFollow Wesley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesleycroftwrites/

In this, the very first author interview on the podcast (!), I chat with Loren Tuxford, author of the incredible Nightfall series (details below). She shares her do's and don'ts for writing, and everything in between. This is an episode recorded in 2025.Check out Loren's books:Nightfall in the Forest of Betrayal (The Nightfall Series Book 1): ⁠https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CPSST48H?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks⁠ Nightfall in the Forest of Broken Dreams: Nightfall Book Two (The Nightfall Series 2): ⁠https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CPSSNT63?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_1&storeType=ebooks⁠Nightfall in the Forest of Destiny: Nightfall Book Three (The Nightfall Series 3):⁠https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/0648636755?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_2&storeType=ebooks⁠Visit Loren's website here: ⁠https://www.lorentuxford.com/⁠Visit the Book Fair Australia website: ⁠https://www.bookfairaustralia.com/⁠

Competitions are a favourite marketing strategy amongst authors, but how do you use them effectively and strategically? I share my tips and the must-knows to ensure you get the right bang for buck in every competition you run.How to run competitions to promote your books (S2 E6)(After Hours Authors podcast S2 E6)#podcast #author #marketing #promotion #indieauthors #author #marketingforauthors

Part 4 of the marketing for authors series is here! We are about to pump for sales, you may now add calls to action to all of your marketing activity!00:33 what is conversion?03:35 practical strategies to support conversionMarketing for authors: consideration [part 4/4](After Hours Authors podcast S2 E5)#podcast #author

Welcome to part 3 of the marketing for authors series! We are talking today about phase 2 of the marketing cycle - consideration. 00:26 what is consideration?02:20 freebies!!03:28 interactive posts and content pieces05:29 share book content06:16 give them extras!Marketing for authors: consideration [part 3/4](After Hours Authors podcast S2 E4)#podcast #author

Welcome to part 2 of the marketing for authors series! We're digging deep into phase 1 of the marketing cycle (and one that many authors skip!) - brand awareness!00:35 what is brand awareness?01:16 aim for repetition02:28 signal what kind of writer you are03:25 talk around your book04:28 show you are human07:21 let people lurk09:46 examples of brand awareness marketingMarketing for authors: brand awareness [part 2/4](After Hours Authors podcast S2 E2)#podcast #author

Marketing doesn't have to be overwhelming! This is part 1 of a 4-part series all about marketing for authors. Think of this as your marketing bootcamp. Today we're talking high level about marketing mindset and objectives.01:24 what is marketing?03:14 you are the brand03:56 why marketing feels bad04:45 3 key marketing objectivesMarketing for author: mindset + objectives [part 1/4](After Hours Authors podcast S2 E2)#podcast #author

Developing great characters for your books or stories takes time, and there's a few tricks to it. In this episode I unpack some key elements of strong characters.00:00 Uniqueness03:03 Create conflict04:01 Create choices07:05 Human touches07:54 Practical prepHow to develop strong characters in your books (After Hours Authors podcast S2 E1)#podcast #author

OK I know you've run out of creative Instagram post ideas!!! Here are 5 easy posts you can do right now. Merry Christmas authors! 🎄#author #indieauthor

Behind all the technical aspects of what we write as authors, there is a message. What is the message of your book, short story, poem, piece? What are you *really* writing?

I recently decided to pause a creative project of mine that has been doing well for 3 years. It has a captive audience who love it, but I was verging on burnout. But how and why am I stopping for a break? What is the creative life? What does it looks like? What are its seasons? All of these thoughts were blurring in my brain as I posted that I would be taking a break.The creatives mentioned in this chat:Amie McNeeRob Bell

Recently in the media there's been some hoo haa about an ex-sportsman who created a Booktok, and within 6 weeks was offered a 2-book deal (fiction). Some people were excited, some weren't. Let's talk about it.Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/

💡 Are we building something meaningful or just tearing things down?Lately, the book community has been flooded with negativity—trashing books, hating on authors, and feeding the algorithm with drama. But is that the legacy we want to leave behind?Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/

I watched a super interesting video of domino builders (yes!) that taught me a few things about writing. Sounds weird, but watch this, watch the video, and be inspired!Here's the domino builder video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWjIqZ3_Qps&list=WLShare your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠Visit my website: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/

Here's a short introduction to how I came into writing and a little sneak peak into my debut novel :) Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Another episode recorded on my phone on the fly!! Since releasing my imposter syndrome episode last week I've been thinking a lot on the success we aim for. I truly believe artists, creatives and writers need to define success on their own terms and stop aiming for someone else's definition of success. Listen to my ramblings and let me know what you think!! Visit my website: https://jessknaus.blog

I *hate* imposter syndrome with a passion. In this episode, I break down why so many writers feel like frauds and share powerful mindset shifts to help you overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and own your creative voice. Here's the article I mention: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/ Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Wesley Croft is a stunning Australian indie author, who has just published a mind-blowing debut, Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai. I chatted with Wesley about the writing process and all the tips other authors need to know!Check out Awoken Forest: Ashes of the Injai here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Awoken-Forest-Ashes-Wesley-Croft-ebook/dp/B0DKTNW6LT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28ZOSWDIA6SJI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MYJG5FZPTWXTcYeXGFcc-u_XzhQ0gKQJ7NA-K1AMcR-tMIN3iZ8bbbNvYsH_cCUh.LZxdQ2hwUtsSrm2Q5r0sI6cOKaTP4GDjPsyhBWw9tJE&dib_tag=se&keywords=awoken+forest&qid=1730333390&sprefix=awoken+forest%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-1Sign up to Wesley's newsletter at https://www.wesleycroft.com/-----------Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here:⁠⁠ https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠Visit my website:⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Feel like your marketing and promo activities for your book are literally being thrown into the abyss? Hearing crickets after publishing your book? Here's what you need to check!Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here:⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠Visit my website:⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Here is the most popular short story from my blog in 2024! I released this audio story on my YouTube channel, but I wanted to share it here as a way to show how you can repurpose your content across platforms to help promote your writing. I hope you enjoy the story and let me know what you think! Listen to this story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yxX5I_PHaI&t=119s Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Sending big hugs to anyone who's unable to access TikTok 😭 Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠⁠ Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠⁠

Do you feel completely overwhelmed at the start of the year? I do!! Here are 3 practical tips you can try to get rid of the overwhelm and avoid burnout. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with me on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Visit my website: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Guys, it's the end of the year! We made it. This is the very last podcast episode for 2024. Thanks for listening! See you in 2025 👀 Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

In this, the very first author interview on the podcast (!), I chat with Loren Tuxford, author of the incredible Nightfall series (details below). She shares her do's and don'ts for writing, and everything in between.Check out Loren's books:Nightfall in the Forest of Betrayal (The Nightfall Series Book 1): https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CPSST48H?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks Nightfall in the Forest of Broken Dreams: Nightfall Book Two (The Nightfall Series 2): https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0CPSSNT63?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_1&storeType=ebooksNightfall in the Forest of Destiny: Nightfall Book Three (The Nightfall Series 3):https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/0648636755?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_2&storeType=ebooksVisit Loren's website here: https://www.lorentuxford.com/Visit the Book Fair Australia website: https://www.bookfairaustralia.com/

Welcome to part 2 of the engagement series! In this episode I talk about ways to increase the engagement with your email marketing. Don't feel overwhelmed, just get started and try some of my tips! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Most content creators want bigggg follower numbers, right? I would love to encourage all authors to focus more on engagement over the number of followers you have. This is part 1 in a 2-part series. Episode 1 will focus on Instagram, episode 2 will focus on email. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Are you a plotter or a pantser? I am the latter and man oh man, I have learnt a LOT about writing on this journey. Here are 3 things I've learnt in pantsing my first draft. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Live events are a MUST if you want to sell books! I recently went to Book Fair Australia and took note of what author displays looked amazing and why, plus how the best sales conversations went. Check out the incredible stand by Loren Tuxford: https://www.instagram.com/p/DB0s1zeyOU1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Time to stop stressing about your marketing plans and just have a play! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

I don't know a single indie author who doesn't have multiple stories swirling around in their head! Here's 3 practical ways you can get the stories out and jotted down, ready to be written up into a manuscript. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

I asked my followers on Instagram whether they'd prefer a villain character in a book, or a main character that swings between good and evil. Interestingly 71% said the latter! So I thought I'd share my thoughts on why this might be the case. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

I asked my followers on Threads what they wished they'd known before starting as an indie author and her is what they shared! Some amazing tips and guidance for anyone starting out as an author. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Are prologues a yay or a nay? I asked my followers on Threads and Instagram and here is the verdict! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Yep, you're amazing. LISTEN. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

It's amazing how effective the simplest habits can be. Here's 5 habits I love and want you to implement to support your writing as well! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Keen to avoid characters that fall flat on the page? Yep, me too. I've gathere some questions we can ask about each of our characters to help improve their depth and relateability. Maybe open a Google Doc and answer each one for each of your characters. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

No project under the sun is worth burning out for!! Here's some quick and practical tips to prevent burnout and ensure you can deliver your book without ending up a hot mess. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Figuring out how to pitch your book to someone in 3-5 sentences can feel impossible, but this formula might help! Here's the blog post I mention: https://jessknaus.blog/2024/06/23/crafting-a-compelling-book-pitch-a-guide-for-indie-authors/ Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Failure = success. It means you're doing the work. Every fail is a key to unlocking success. Aim. For. It. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Here are the 8 fatal flaws that indie authors possess! Ok this is just a bit of fun but I definitely resonate with some (*cough* MANY *cough*) of these. Which ones do you resonate with? Let me know. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Ok the long-awaited part 2 to Instagram for authors! Go back and listen to part 1 before venturing your way through this episode. I provide the 3 types of posts to focus on with your content, and give some examples of how you can do each one. But, as with all book marketing, make it your own. Peace! Read my tips from this episode in blog format: https://jessknaus.blog/2024/05/26/maximize-your-instagram-3-types-of-author-posts-to-boost-engagement/ Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Hello author - time to chill and slow down a lil, ok? Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

I see a lot of writers in online communities focusing on building very specific story arcs or structures, but I believe the art of storytelling is more important. Here are 3 dos and donts that I think make a better story. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

One of the best ways to improve conversations and sales of your book is by targeting the right readers to begin with! In this episode I share the first step of any book marketing campaign. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Instagram is a common roadblock for many authors so I wanted to share my thoughts and hopefully help you break through into your own Instagram groove. Check it out and share it with a fellow author! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Getting that first sentence of your book nailed is a bit of an artfrom. In this episode I open up the 5 things that help make first sentences brilliant, and give some examples of first sentences that work really well. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/ Check out Jess's written works here: https://jessknaus.blog/

Oooof dialogue is tough. How do you improve your dialogue? What tips and tricks work for you? In this episode I share the tips I found from other writers about how to make dialogue the best it can be. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

I can't think of any writer or creative I know that doesn't struggle with the concept of believing in themselves or their work. This episode is the pep talk we all need! Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠

Embrace it - your first draft will always suck. Every writer experiences this. I wanted to talk about how we can approach this idea without freaking out. This episode was inspired by a session at the 2024 Newcastle Writers' Festival. Share your own ideas on this or any other writing topic by reaching out here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/afterhoursauthors/⁠ Connect with Jess on Instagram or Threads: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jayk_creates/⁠ Check out Jess's written works here: ⁠https://jessknaus.blog/⁠