Get My Book Out There Podcast

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to become a successful author, this episode is your reality check — and your encouragement. In this candid and heart-to-heart conversation, New York Times bestselling author S.E. Smith and author business strategist Narelle Todd from Get My Book Out There share the truths, surprises, and lessons they wish someone had told them before starting their author careers. You'll discover: Why today's publishing landscape is harder — and how to stay ahead of constant change The hidden challenges of Amazon, KU, and other platforms (and how to protect your business) The real emotional cost of editing and perfectionism — and how to beat "analysis paralysis" Why mindset matters more than marketing when it comes to long-term success How comparison steals your joy and the practical ways to stay focused on your own path The rewarding moments that make every challenge worth it Whether you're an aspiring or established indie author, this episode will remind you why you started, what's possible, and how to keep going — even when the journey gets tough. 🎧 Honest, inspiring, and packed with wisdom for self-published authors building a sustainable creative business. 👉 Like and subscribe. 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/ ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/narelletodd/ 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sesmithfl  

In this episode, Narelle Todd and New York Times Bestselling author S.E. Smith dive deep into the future of writing, reading, and business for authors in the age of AI. 💡 From the ethics of AI training on authors' works to how writers can harness automation to free up creative time, this is a grounded, eye-opening conversation about how technology is reshaping publishing. You'll hear both perspectives — the tech optimist and the storyteller — as they explore: Whether AI is a threat or a tool for authors How to use AI to reduce admin time and grow your business The truth about piracy, copyright, and author compensation Why adaptability is the new superpower for creatives How AI can give authors more freedom, focus, and fun Narelle and Susan share real-world examples, from using AI agents to handle book promotions to how automations are giving authors their weekends back. If you've ever wondered how AI will impact your creative career — this conversation will inspire and empower you to adapt without losing your voice. 🎧 Tune in for mindset, marketing, and momentum insights that help you future-proof your author business. 👉 Like and subscribe. 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/ ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/narelletodd/ 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sesmithfl  

Giving away a free book has long been the go-to strategy for authors building their email lists—but does it still work? In this episode, Narelle Todd and New York Times bestselling author S.E. Smith dive into why the traditional freebie model is losing steam and explore innovative ways to attract—and keep—your ideal readers. From music playlists and personality quizzes to love letters from your characters, you'll discover fresh, fun, and meaningful ways to connect with readers beyond the free book. Learn how to create an experience your readers will remember—and why understanding your reader avatar is the secret ingredient behind every successful giveaway. 👉 Like and subscribe. 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/ ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/narelletodd/ 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sesmithfl  

What do you do when a story won't leave you alone—even if it doesn't fit into any of your current series? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith explore the challenges and opportunities of writing "outlier" books that fall outside your established brand. Susan shares how she created her S.E. Smith Signature Romance line to give standalones a home without diluting her brand—and why she chose not to use a pen name. Together, Narelle and Susan discuss the difference between branding worlds versus branding your name, why tone and message matter more than logos and colors, and how giving yourself permission to follow creative sparks keeps your writing fresh. They also offer encouragement for authors struggling between "conventional wisdom" and what their creative heart is demanding. If you've ever wondered how to balance branding, reader expectations, and passion projects, this episode will inspire you to believe in your voice. 👉 Like and subscribe. 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/ ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/narelletodd/ 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com ✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sesmithfl  

What do you do when Amazon cancels your book just days before release—without warning? In this powerful and surprisingly funny episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith share the behind-the-scenes chaos of Pets in Space 10, the 10th-anniversary sci-fi romance anthology that Amazon accidentally deleted right before launch. They talk candidly about the shock, the scramble, and the emotional toll—but also the lessons in resilience, communication, and grace under fire. From finding creative ways to vent to turning mistakes into marketing moments, this episode is equal parts therapy session and masterclass in calm crisis management. 💫 Whether you're an author, entrepreneur, or just someone who's ever had a big plan derailed, this one's for you. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to stay professional, protect your energy, and rally your community when things go wrong. 👉 Let us know in the comments if you've ever faced a "Zon-sized" setback. ==================== A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Carol Van Natta — the incredible editor, organizer, and author who kept Pets in Space 10 flying through chaos. Carol, you did an extraordinary job organizing everything and everyone, and we're so grateful for your calm leadership through such a dreadful experience. And an equally big shout-out to S.E. Smith's amazing fellow authors who rallied together to restart preorders and rebuild momentum: E.G. Manetti, Honey Phillips, Michelle Howard, Pauline Baird Jones, S.J. Pajonas, S.E. Smith, Skye MacKinnon, and Veronica Scott. Pets in Space 10 is available for a limited time at: https://books2read.com/PISA-10 Nine Interstellar Tales. Nine Unforgettable Romances. Nineteen Adorably Badass Pets. In this tenth-anniversary edition of PETS IN SPACE®, you'll find smart-mouthed birds, cyber armadillos, tiny dragons, and alien creatures who steal the show — and sometimes save it. Across distant planets, space stations, and magical realms, unlikely heroes and heroines are drawn together by danger, fate... and the meddling of their pet sidekicks. These stories blend swoon-worthy romance with thrilling sci-fi adventure in a way only PETS IN SPACE can deliver. 🐾 Don't miss your chance to escape into the stars with nine sizzling sci-fi romances — each with a pet who will steal your heart and a hero or heroine who will make it race. Grab PETS IN SPACE 10 and get ready to binge beyond the stars! Pets in Space authors are proud supporters of Hero Dogs, a charity that raises and trains service dogs for disabled veterans and first-responders. 10% of the initial sales go to this excellent nonprofit organization. 🐕 ==================== ✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes with Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith, where we talk about the real business of being an author—without the fluff. 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/ 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com

Should you update your book covers—or leave them as they are? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack the realities of recovering a series, from the artistic struggle of letting go of covers you love to the marketing and financial considerations that come with change. Susan shares her experience updating her Cosmos Gateway series after 15 years, including the unexpected can of worms: dealing with paperbacks, audiobooks, foreign editions, marketing assets, and confused readers. Narelle offers strategies for turning "fugly covers" into a marketing advantage and why sometimes standing out matters more than blending in. If you've ever wondered whether new covers will boost your sales—or just create more headaches—this candid conversation is for you. 👉 Like and subscribe. 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/ 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com   

Are you writing the books of your heart and wondering how to turn them into a long-term, successful author business? Join Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith as they dive into the three foundational pillars every author needs to create stability, confidence, and consistent growth. Whether you're writing passion projects or dreaming of full-time authorship, you'll discover practical strategies to build a sustainable business without chasing trends. From mindset to systems to marketing clarity, this conversation blends real-world experience with heartfelt encouragement. If you're ready to future-proof your author career, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more authors on their journey!  L E T ' S C O N N E C T 📱💻 👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/. 👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.combookouthere  

After a much-needed break, we're back—and we're getting real about why we pressed pause and how to come back stronger. Narelle shares her parotid cancer journey, radiation, and a scary post-treatment blood clot, plus what recovery taught her about letting go of control and living in the present. Susan talks about burnout, dog-sledding in Svalbard, an Iceland blizzard rescue, and why stepping away actually made her writing better. Together, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack practical self-care for authors: deciding where to spend your limited energy, embracing seasons in business, and using mindset tools to navigate tough times. We also discuss Narelle's book, It's All Good (Except When It's Not): Practical Mindset Tools for Navigating Life's Challenges, and how authors can apply it day to day. If you've felt guilty about slowing down—or you're rebuilding after a curveball—this episode will encourage and equip you. Like and subscribe, and if you're ready to scale your author business, work with Narelle at https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/.

In this episode, we explore how self-published authors can adapt to new technologies and innovative marketing strategies to boost book sales and build a community of dedicated readers. 📚✨ 🔍 Key Takeaways: Embracing Change: Learn how Susan and Narelle navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape to stay ahead in book marketing. Kickstarter Success: Discover the step-by-step process behind launching a successful Kickstarter campaign. Gut Instincts & Decision Making: Understand the role of intuition in making business decisions. Diversifying Income Streams: Explore the benefits of memberships and subscription boxes for authors. Balancing Innovation & Practicality: Get tips on when to adopt new tech and how to manage ongoing maintenance. Subscribe to our channel for more expert tips on book marketing and self-publishing success! Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Visit our website for more resources and join our community of thriving self-published authors.

Join Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith in this enlightening episode of "The Get My Book Out There Podcast." Today, we dive deep into the heart of diversity in romance writing. 🌍💖 Narelle and Susan discuss the importance of authentically representing different cultures and experiences in your stories. We share practical tips on how to create diverse characters that resonate with readers, whether you're writing about dragon shifters or Middle Eastern warriors. 🐉👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏼 Key Points Covered: Authentic Representation: Why diversity enriches your storytelling and how to portray different cultures with respect. Research Tips: How to conduct thorough research to accurately represent various cultures, languages, and experiences. Avoiding Stereotypes: The pitfalls of stereotypical characters and how to create nuanced, believable personas. Personal Insights: S.E. Smith's personal experiences in writing diverse characters and how her background has influenced her storytelling. Engaging Younger Audiences: Techniques to write convincingly about characters of different ages and backgrounds. We'd love to hear your thoughts! How do you handle diversity in your writing? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below or send us an email. Also, as a reader, do you enjoy more diverse characters and worlds in your books? Let us know! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with your fellow authors and help us spread the word about the power of diversity in storytelling.

In this episode, Narelle Todd and NYT Bestselling author, S.E. Smith, discuss the most common self-sabotage habits that hold authors back from reaching their full potential. Learn how to identify and overcome these pitfalls to boost your productivity, enhance your writing, and successfully market your books. 🔍 Key Takeaways: The importance of showing rather than telling in writing and how to master it. Why over-editing can be detrimental and how to avoid falling into the perfection trap. The impact of information overload and how to effectively implement what you learn. Strategies for overcoming the fear of success and criticism. Practical tips for making progress in your writing and marketing efforts. Are you struggling with self-sabotage habits in your writing journey? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.

Narelle Todd and NYT Bestselling author S.E. Smith share their experience of using AI and automation for self-published authors. Discover how these tools can streamline your admin tasks, enhance your writing, and supercharge your book marketing efforts without increasing your workload. 🔍 Key Takeaways: The evolving role of AI in book marketing and writing. How AI can improve your writing quality and editing process. Using automation to manage social media, email marketing, and other admin tasks efficiently. Ethical considerations and best practices when integrating AI into your author business. Real-life examples of AI tools like ChatGPT, Zapier, and Microsoft AI in action. Have you tried using AI or automation in your writing or book marketing? Share your experiences and favorite tools in the comments below! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast for an in-depth discussion and practical tips to take your author business to the next level with AI and automation.

Susan (S.E. Smith) recently dove into her first Kickstarter. In this episode, Susan and Narelle Todd discuss what they found out along the way and how to tailor the world of Kickstarter campaigns for self-published wide authors. 🌟✨ Discover how to harness the power of Kickstarter to boost your book sales, engage with readers, and create unique rewards that resonate with your audience… without losing your sanity! 🚀 Key Highlights: Kickstarter Journey: Susan shares her first experience launching a Kickstarter campaign and the learning curve involved. Timings & Planning: Narelle discusses the importance of realistic timings and planning for a successful campaign. Creating Rewards: Insights into designing compelling rewards and tiers that appeal to backers. Managing Fear: Overcoming the fear of failure and the importance of a positive mindset. Organization Tips: Essential tips for keeping your campaign organized and stress-free. Engaging with Artists: Finding the right artists and collaborators to bring your book world to life. Visit Susan's Kickstarter below to see the amazing rewards and campaign. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sesmithfl/more-than-human-more-than-just-another-shifter-romance Subscribe to our channel for more insights on book marketing and self-publishing tips. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

Welcome to a personal journey into the world of More Than Human! In this podcast, Susan (S.E. Smith) shares the inspiration behind creating this thrilling series and why she offered it as a Kickstarter. The series all began with a question: What if humans were believed extinct in a world dominated by shifters? This idea sparked a creative fire that led to the development of the More Than Human series. Join us as we dive into the themes of love, survival, and acceptance that drive the story. Discover how Susan's passion for storytelling and exploring unique worlds has shaped Ella and Ty's journey and set the stage for Mitchell and Jayden's adventures. Learn how Susan's experiences and imagination intertwine to bring these captivating characters and their world to life. And gain an understanding of why Susan's passion for immersing her readers in her worlds inspired her to launch her two new books in the More Than Human series on Kickstarter. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! 🔍 Key Takeaways: Inspiration and World-Building: S.E. Smith shares how the concept of humans being extinct in a shifter-dominated world inspired the thrilling and immersive More Than Human series. Captivating Characters and Themes: The series introduces unforgettable characters like Ella, Ty, Mitchell, and Jayden, weaving themes of love, survival, and unity with intense romance and high-stakes action. Stunning Artwork and Visual Storytelling: The More Than Human series features breathtaking artwork that enriches the story and offers readers a visually immersive experience. Exciting Kickstarter Rewards and Community: Supporting the Kickstarter grants access to exclusive rewards and connects you with a community passionate about bringing this series to life. Reader Experience and Emotional Journey: Readers are transported into a world of complex relationships and adventure, offering a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience. 💡 Highlights: The creative process behind developing the "More Than Human" series. How to make your Kickstarter campaign stand out. Balancing creativity and business in the self-publishing world. The importance of reader engagement and offering unique experiences. Subscribe to our channel for more expert tips on book marketing and self-publishing success… and low points! Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Visit https://www.getmybookoutthere.com for more resources and join our community of thriving self-published authors.

As children, we're taught to believe in the magic of connection. Whether it's the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny, we're taught that when we believe in something strongly enough, it feels real. The same is true when it comes to marketing. If you can tap into the magic of connection with your reader avatar, you can create a powerful marketing force that will work wonders for your book sales.

Come behind the scenes of Narelle's Mastermind and her August sales activator challenge. Coming into the biggest book buying months of the year (September - December), Narelle challenged her Mastermind to start flexing their marketing and sales muscles so they have their marketing groove on when the last quarter of the year arrives.   In this podcast, Narelle shares the exact process for Authors and their marketing that she is taking her Mastermind authors through - with amazing results! You can do this too in your marketing so you are ready not just for increased sales now, but for a bumper last quarter sales.

When it comes to increasing book sales, you will need to step outside your comfort zone and try new marketing activities, ones that potentially scare you or you don't want to do but you know you need to. While this can be uncomfortable, it's important to remember that these new habits will help you reach new readers and increase sales. In this podcast,  Narelle shares an exercise she does with her Mastermind group to help them expand their belief in themselves and compound their business growth in 30 days. By challenging yourself and expanding your comfort zone, you'll be able to achieve greater book sales.

We have had some interesting and even curly questions asked over the years. As S.E. Smith is a wide author and not in Kindle Unlimited (KU), by far the most popular curly question from readers is, "How do I read your books for free?".   In this podcast, Narelle discusses the approach her and Susan use to respond to readers seeking free books. Rather than ignore, send to spam, or shame, Narelle and Susan's approach is to entice the reader to read the free books S.E. Smith makes available on her website with a view to converting the reader into a paying reader.    Click on the link below for our  Quick Guide which provides you with examples of curly questions we have been asked over the years and samples of our responses.   Areas covered in this Quick Guide include: Why Aren't You in Kindle Unlimited / KU? Where Can I Get Free Copies of Your Books? Price of Books 99c Promos Leaving Amazon   Here is the link to click for the Get My Book Out There Quick Guide to Responding to Curly Reader Questions.            

Selecting a coach to work with is a personal choice because there are obviously many different coaches and many different coaching styles. How do you know who to go with as what is right for one person may not be right for you?   In this podcast, Narelle Todd shares her approach to coaching that helps authors achieve (and exceed) their goals. An experienced coach, Narelle tailors her approach to each person, by adapting her approach for the stage of writing and business the author is at. Oh, and she reads her authors's books because she believes they are a window to an author's soul.

If you're an author, it's time to face the truth: the reason you might not be getting what you desire in your business is you.   In this podcast, I talk about the number one thing stopping authors from reaching their goals and sabotaging their business - their mindset. Authors often are not aware of their own self-sabotage or what to do next to correct the situation they have created. But with some simple steps and a guiding hand, they can start to make changes that stop the limiting beliefs and will help them achieve their goals. First, they need to listen here.

Short, punchy, and attention getting – these are the three things readers want when they're scrolling through their social media feeds. And if you can give them a piece of your story that achieves all of those goals in just a few sentences, you've done your job. Bring on Snippets!   Snippets are 1-2 powerful sentences from your story that not only give your readers a taste of your story but also elicits an emotion, whether it be anticipation from a cliff hanger, tears from an emotional moment, or a feel good fist pump.   In this podcast, Narelle share four simple ways to create snippets from your story to share on social media that will have your readers one-clicking to buy.

Have you ever wanted to reach out to someone who is further along in their author journey and ask for their help or advice? Chances are fear has held you back from reaching out or thinking that you are the only one who has a question or doesn't know what to do next.   This podcast is all about how to empower yourself and ask for help so you can grow your author business quicker and, in turn, help others coming behind you.

In this podcast, you'll learn our 3 best productivity apps for Mac and Windows systems so you can write anywhere, be more productive, streamline your workflow, and edit and format faster. We can't imagine not using these now after discovering them!   These apps for productivity range from writing your book, editing your book to working anywhere. These productivity tools are paid but are OTPs (one time payments) and will help you self-publish and respond to your readers in real time quicker and efficiently!

You know bad days are going to arrive, probably when you least want them or expect them. You have a choice as to how you will deal with those bad days and in today's podcast, we look at what motivates us to push through on the bad days and do what we have committed to or need to achieve.   It's time to flex your resilience muscle with us so grab a coffee, let's go!!

What is the impact of perfectionism on writing? Stephanie Harrell talks about how perfectionism can hinder your writing career because you procrastinate for fear of not doing something new well or perfectly or you overthink and you don't allow yourself to see how good your writing and marketing is.   If you struggle with perfectionism, procrastination or imposter syndrome, this podcast is a must listen as the tips and insights will help you embrace perfectionism and use it for the forces of good aka self-publishing.

Growing as a writer and a business owner requires you to always be learning all the time - learning the craft of writing, running the mechanics of a business, and working out the marketing tactics for your particular genre. "It's like starting a new job every week!"   Stephanie Harrell opens the doors on her business growth as a new author and what she has discovered about her writing business and her love for writing. These are tips that every new and nearly new author needs to be reminded of.

What an amazing chat we had with Natalie Palma! This episode is perfect for newly published writers and writers wanting to publish.   Prior to releasing her first book, Natalie Palma called herself a dabbler in writing, being in writers groups for ten years, and having written but never completed many books. Natalie steps us through the release of her first book and what she learnt about writing, marketing, and herself.

Winnie started her author business in 2018 and shares her lessons learnt from starting her business and writing in multi-genres. If you write in different genres (or want to), this episode is a must listen. Winnie gives her tips for successfully integrating multiple genres under one pen name.

What if you were to reinvent yourself? What would you be doing? It's a fun way to check in on your happiness radar! If you are feeling stuck or just want to play with possibilities, have some fun and ask yourself the question.   Susan and Narelle talk about what they would be doing if they were to reinvent themselves... any ideas on what their dream jobs are?

Writing is a solitary business and often one with non-standard hours! 7pm to midnight (or longer), anyone?! Author groups are a great way to meet other authors, socialise and discuss things only a fellow author would want to know about - plot holes, hashtags, and self-publishing. But there can also be some downsides to joining an author group, from group think to comparisonitis and even bullying.   In our podcast, we share what we have learnt from being in a variety of groups and whether the blessings outweigh the negatives.

Cassandra Chandler is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who well knows that the road to success as an author is not linear. In this episode, Narelle and Susan chat with Cassandra about her personal development and growth as a writer and a business owner. With innate honesty and a healthy dose of self-reflection, Cassandra shares her author journey with its inherent struggles and win. And we ask the question, would you do this again?

Writing small town romance with a twist of magic is author, Candace Colt's happy place. Candace was previously published with a small press publisher and we talk with Candace about making the transition to self-published. What she wishes she knew then and what she's grateful to know now.   This podcast will uplift anyone wondering if self-publishing is possible.

Authors need a marketing plan! Releasing a book into the wild and hoping someone buys it is not a plan and yet many authors come to us doing exactly this.   In this podcast, we share our three must do activities with your marketing plan... because sort of having one and implementing it, are two very different things.

Feelings of disappointment and sadness can be difficult to bounce back from when opportunities fall through in our business. So what can writers do to keep their faith in their work and their goals when challenging moments happen in their business?   Jill Wallace is on our podcast today and we discuss two major disappointments she has lived through in her writing career and how she has tapped into the feelings associated with those disappointments and used them to create new opportunities in her writing business.   Be sure to stay to the end when we each share a tip to keeping a strong mindset when disappointment hits.

Writing about recent history and culture changes can be a balancing act but throw in the dynamics of apartheid and war torn South Africa and you know a gifted writer will need to balance many perspectives in the telling of their story.   In this week's podcast, we chat with Jill Wallace, a South African born writer, who has written two stories inspired by real events in South Africa. We discuss how she approached her stories to ensure respect for the various perspectives.

Trigger warnings in story blurbs are becoming increasingly common, especially in romance. In this podcast, we have a look at what constitutes a trigger and how do you know if you should add a trigger warning in your blurb. And to round the session up, we talk about respecting the dignity of your readers and why a trigger warning should not be used as a salacious way to make sales.

Creating different income streams is important to your author business to ensure you have diversity of income. Then if there is a downturn in one part of your business, you have other income coming in as you work to reverse the loss of income.   An author store is one way to diversify your income streams and in this podcast we discuss the ugly, the bad, and the good in operating your own store. You will need to take notes in this session so you don't get caught out with your own store! Yes there is profit to be made, but there are also some pitfalls to avoid.

Did you know that you have a choice of business models as an author? While writers start from the same business foundation, your choice of business model then provides you with different marketing tactics tailored to your specific needs.   Too many writers are using tactics that do not match their business model through no fault of their own. Usually they are not even aware that marketing tactics are not a one size fits all and that they need to use the right tactics for their business.   We discuss the five most common business models and what makes each one unique. Are you using the right tactics for your business model?

For many authors, being a part of an anthology is one way to share your story with the readers of other authors. While it looks good on paper - a group of authors joining forces to release an anthology with a collection of stories - it can also be akin to opening a can of worms.   S.E. Smith has been in many anthologies, in particular, the annual Pets in Space anthology of original, never before published stories. Narelle has been the marketing strategiest for the Pets in Space anthology. In this episode, they talk about the positives and challenges of being in an anthology, from personality differences, to authors not meeting their promotional obligations, to learning a lot, meeting wonderful writers, and making the USA TODAY Bestsellers list. We dish the dirt on the things that can go wrong and what to look for when considering joining an anthology, and we celebrate the joy that is possible when the anthology authors work together to meet the goals of the anthology.

For so many authors, all you wanted to do was write books and chances are, that you didn't realize that once you hit the publish button that you just became the CEO of your own business. As boss, you are responsible for not only creating the product (books) but creating and implementing your marketing, balancing your accounts, and so much more.   In this podcast, we look at how to take control of your business so you can do all the things expected of you as a business owner, but most importantly, you have more time to write. Listen in!

If you have ever found yourself pulling back on marketing or not doing the marketing you know you should be, then you have a limiting belief that needs to be released.   How do you release a limiting belief so you can get back on track with your book sales? We discuss this in this week's podcast.

As a business coach for authors, I see all too often how money mindset has a big impact on the continued success of an author. Once authors were able to kick the money shame in their brain to the curb and get rid of negative financial habits holding them back, they were finally able to make mental, emotional, and physical space for money to find its way into their wallet (where it should be) and operate their author business and life with cash-confidence.   In this podcast, we talk about how to make small changes to your mindset that will have a cumulative effect that leads to more financial abundance and business growth. If you truly want to become a wealthy author CEO who is as confident about her cash as she is about her craft, this podcast is for you.

It's so easy to fall into the trap of chasing the next big thing. Some call it 'Shiny Object Syndrome' when you hear of a marketing tactic that has gained success for an author and you decide to jump in to for fear of missing out.   But are all new marketing tactics shiny objects or are some valid ways to reach new readers thereby a tactic you want to add to your arsenal. In this podcast, we discuss how to tell the difference between a valid marketing tactic and a shiny object.

What do you do as an author when you discover your book title is the same. How about as a reader?   In this podcast, we discuss what to do when you discover another author has used the same title as your book AND you are in the same genre. Sneak peak! No pitchforks or tar are involved lol.

S.E. Smith (Susan) is celebrating her 10th year as a self-published author, selling over 3 million books in a small genre and making the New York Times and USAToday Bestselling list multiple times.   In this podcast, Susan and Narelle chat about Susan's author journey, what she would do differently if starting out now, and her big aha moment.

Veteran author of multiple genres, Donna MacDonald, is our guest on the podcast today and she shares lessons learnt in crafting an extraordinary writing career. Listen in here...

What if you could deepen the connection between your world and your readers? You have made your world come alive through words. Now it is time to deepen the connection between your world and your readers through games.   In this week's podcast, we discuss how to use games to increase book sales, reader engagement, and marketing.

You have made your world come alive through words. Now it is time to deepen the connection between your world and your readers through artwork.   In this week's podcast, we discuss how to use artwork to increase book sales, reader engagement, and marketing.

One of the three fundamentals of book sales is the book cover. It can make or break a book because a key reader decision to buy is the visual appeal of your book cover.   So, what things make a good book cover? How do you know what the right cover is to use? Can you create your own or leave it to the professionals? We answer these and other book cover questions in our podcast today.

Book piracy is huge with the capability to reproduce like rabbits. Trying to prevent your work being stolen is like playing a game of whack-a-mole, as soon as you find one site and fill in a take down notice, another two book piracy sites pop up. Domestic laws are helpful within your own country but selling books is an international business and there is no consistent world-wide approach to piracy which enables pirate websites around the world to flourish.   Is there a solution? Do authors accept piracy as part of the business or is there a way to fight back? We discuss the topic of book piracy in our podcast today.