Write! Grow! Launch!

81% of consumers must trust a brand first before they ever consider buying from it, and readers are consumers, just like authors are brands.“People buy from people they know, like, and trust” may sound cliché at this point, but there’s a reason marketers have repeated it for decades: it works. Most indie authors don’t struggle because their books are bad. They struggle because they launch to an audience of strangers. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest mistakes authors make before publishing — waiting until launch week to start trying to get readers’ attention. By then, the Amazon algorithm is already watching, readers are overwhelmed with content, and shouting “my book is out now!” into the void rarely creates the momentum authors hoped for.The good news? There’s a far better way to approach book marketing, and it doesn’t require going viral, becoming an influencer, or constantly selling to people online. In this episode, you’ll learn why building genuine relationships with readers long before your launch can completely change your publishing career, how loyal reader communities are created, and why showing up to launch day with an existing fanbase can dramatically impact your visibility, sales, reviews, and long-term success as an indie author.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        Why you must become friends with your readers first·        How to connect with your ideal readers organically·        What to do once you connect with them to build relationships·        How to nurture the relationships you’ve started and build a fandom·        When you need to start this strategy and how to do itRESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Free Resource: https://bit.ly/430ToqZ Book a FREE Session: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69634d3f7a5de72a93761652 My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

Episode Title: Finding Your Audience and Build a Super Fanbase!Episode SummaryIf you don’t know who is actively looking for books like yours and are far more likely to buy your book, you’re shouting into the void, and that never sells books!Most indie authors don’t struggle because their book isn’t good—they struggle because they skipped the step of building an audience before they hit publish. In this episode, I break down why spending at least 90 days finding and understanding your ideal readers is non-negotiable if you want your book to succeed. I explain how platforms like Amazon evaluate your book’s performance during the first seven days after launch—and how little to no activity can signal to the algorithm that your book isn’t worth promoting. The good news? This is completely fixable when you know what to do ahead of time.I walk you through a simple, strategic process to identify and connect with your readers using three powerful research methods: analyzing book reviews on Amazon to uncover reader expectations, studying reader behavior and conversations on TikTok and Instagram, and diving into niche-specific reader groups on Facebook. You’ll also learn how to organize your findings and turn them into a clear Ideal Reader Avatar so you can write, market, and connect with confidence. This is the foundation for building a loyal fanbase that’s ready and excited to support your book before it ever launches.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        Why you can’t sell books to “everyone”·        How the book marketing industry works in 2026·        How to figure out who will actually read your book·        How and where to find your target audience·        What to do once you find your target audienceRESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Free Resource: https://bit.ly/48rXprJ My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

If your book blurb isn’t written perfectly (and correctly), you’re losing readers, not to mention money, by the minute!Your book blurb isn’t just a summary of facts. It’s your sales pitch, and if it’s not doing its job, your book isn’t selling. Too many authors think they’re supposed to summarize their plot in great detail and/or show off their amazing ninja writer skills. But nothing could be more incorrect! Your blurb needs to be written in a certain way with your target audience and their expectations in mind, otherwise, you’re missing out on potentially thousands of book sales. In this episode, I break down exactly how to write a compelling, high-converting blurb that grabs attention, hooks your ideal readers, and makes them need to click “Buy Now.” You’ll learn what a blurb actually is (and what it’s not), the biggest mistakes indie authors are still making, and the simple but powerful structure I use to turn casual browsers into buyers. If your book isn’t selling the way it should, there’s a very good chance your blurb is the missing piece. And I’m helping you fix that today.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What a blurb is and where it is used·        The importance of nailing your blurb·        Why your blurb is THE key factor in sales conversions·        The bestselling book blurb template I teach my clients·        Tips on how to make your blurb “chef’s kiss perfect!”RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/ My Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

It’s not either/or! The best self-publishing strategy for indie authors right now is something you’ve likely never heard of…until now.A lot of indie authors get stuck on the question of whether to publish exclusively on Amazon or “go wide.” But the truth is, most of the advice out there is either incomplete or flat-out misleading. Not enough “experts” are teaching the strategy that actually works in 2026 and likely will for a long time to come.In this episode, I break down what these terms actually mean and walk you through a smarter, strategic approach that sets you up for real success. You’ll learn why starting with Amazon KDP is the most powerful move you can make (hint: that 86% market share matters), why you should never accept a free ISBN, and how to properly use IngramSpark as a wholesaler…not a sales platform. I also explain when it actually makes sense to expand beyond Amazon and why building your own website early is critical for long-term growth and credibility. If you want a clear, no-fluff strategy for publishing your book the right way from day one, this episode is your roadmap.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        The difference between exclusive and “going wide”·        Which platform you absolutely cannot exclude·        Why being exclusive to any platform is a deadly mistake·        Why you don’t need most of those other platforms at all·        The most effective strategy for launching and growing your careerRESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/ My Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

You’re supposed to be making money as an author, not handing it over to scammers and rip-off artists!Hands-down, the most infuriating part of being an indie author coach and advocate is hearing their heartbreaking stories of being ripped off and even outright scammed out of their hard-earned money! And you wouldn’t believe me if I told you how frequently I am the one who winds up telling an author that they fell for a vanity press deal, a scam, or completely unqualified service provider. It feels WAY past time for me to talk to you about the most common ways indie authors are being taken advantage of and even taken to the cleaners on a daily basis. So, this week, I’m going to pull back the curtain and bring these scam artists and their evil deeds out into the light of day!In this episode, I’m not just going to tell you the most prevalent scams and rip-off schemes dogging indie authors today, but I’m also going to teach you how to spot these buggers from a mile away, know how to avoid them in the future, and what to do if you think you might be about to lose your hard earned money to a rat!What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        The 2 most common ways authors are taken advantage of·        The biggest players in the author scams arena·        Why so many authors fall for these traps·        How to spot scammers from a mile away·        How to also avoid losing money on inexperienced, unqualified servicesPRODUCTION TEAMThis show is produced by the lovely Joshua Hatcher of HatcherMedia.net! For affordable yet high quality podcast production with fast and super helpful service, send Josh a note and tell him Christina Kaye sent you!RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More, Get More, and Work With Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Snag a Book Sales Breakthrough Video Audit: https://square.link/u/oLnHtOQp My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

If your book isn’t selling well at all, it’s not JUST a “marketing problem.” It’s a (fixable) problem with your conversion rates. The best way to convert Amazon scrollers to buyers is what I call The Trifecta of Book Sales - the three elements that make or break your ability to turn browsers into buyers, which includes your book cover, your title, and your blurb. Even with all the changes in publishing and marketing over the last few years, these fundamentals haven’t changed…and they still carry the most weight.Your cover must instantly signal genre and meet reader expectations. Your title should be clear, compelling, and aligned with what your audience is already searching for. And your blurb? It’s your sales pitch (not a summary) and it needs to hook readers emotionally while clearly communicating stakes and conflict.In this episode, I’ll teach you that, when these three pieces are dialed in, everything else in your strategy becomes more effective. And if you want personalized, actionable feedback on how to improve your own book’s sales performance, check out my Book Sales Breakthrough Video Audits linked below.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        The 3 elements that actually convert scrollers to buyers·        Why DIYing your book cover is a deadly mistake·        How and where to get a book cover that converts affordably·        Why you can’t just title your book whatever feels “right”·        How to come up with the best title for your book·        What your book blurb is and what it isn’t·        How to write a compelling Amazon description/book blurbPRODUCTION TEAM!This show is produced by the lovely Joshua Hatcher of HatcherMedia.net! For affordable yet high quality podcast production with fast and super helpful service, send Josh a note and tell him Christina Kaye sent you!RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More, Get More, and Work With Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Snag a Book Sales Breakthrough Video Audit: https://square.link/u/oLnHtOQp Free Resource: https://bit.ly/4s6JI8F My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

Authors with clear, consistent, and recognizable voices are 3X more likely to gain readers’ trust, as well as their loyalty.For indie authors, especially, establishing our brand voice isn’t an optional “thing” to tick off a list! It’s what sets you apart in a sea of those who are publishing every single day. When your tone, personality, and messaging are consistent and recognizable, readers start to remember you, trust you, and come back for more. Why? Because they’re not just connecting with your books, they’re connecting with you.That’s why in this week’s episode, I’m going to wrap up my three-part series on author brand building with what is arguably the most essential and critical element of all: your brand voice. Your “voice” isn’t about whether your speech is quiet or loud or gravely or sexy. It’s the super unique way you sound in your content, how you connect, and how readers come to know it’s you without even seeing your name. What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What the true meaning of “brand voice” is!·        Why your brand voice can make (or break) your career!·        How to tap into your own unique brand voice and draw it out!·        How to share your unique brand voice consistently in everything you do!·        How failing to establish your unique brand voice makes you a minnow in an ocean!·        How you can, instead, become a shark in a very small pond!KEY TAKEAWAYYour brand voice already exists. It’s what makes you stand out uniquely to those who know and love you and can tell you apart in crowd based on any number of things that are genuinely YOU. Maybe you’re a full-fledged, unapologetic girly girl (like me). Maybe you have a certain catch phrase people are used to hearing. Maybe you are obsessed with purple. Whatever it is, if you want to find, attract, and build long-lasting (profitable) relationships with readers looking specifically for books like yours, building your unique brand, including your distinguishable voice, is paramount. PRODUCTION TEAM!This show is produced by the lovely Joshua Hatcher of HatcherMedia.net! For affordable yet high quality podcast production with fast and super helpful service, send Josh a note and tell him Christina Kaye sent you!RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More, Get More, and Work With Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Free Resource: https://bit.ly/4bXGwqW My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Substack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

98% of consumers say brand authenticity matters more than ever before when choosing which businesses to support.And readers are no different. They don’t just connect with books; they connect with the people who write them. Your brand story is the small but meaningful part of your life that explains why you write the kinds of stories you do. It’s not about oversharing or turning your life into a memoir. It’s about sharing a relatable moment, experience, or passion that helps readers see the real person behind the books. So, in this episode of Write! Grow! Launch!, we’re diving into one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—elements of an author brand: your brand story. It’s Part 2 in my 3-part series on how hot build an indie author brand that attracts your ideal readers and allows them to connect with you, relate to you, and ultimately, trust you (which leads to much higher sales conversions)!Over the next 3 weeks, I’ll go over the three critical elements of an effective indie author brand that converts: your visual aesthetics, your brand story, and your brand voice. And this week, I’m going over one of the most critical of these elements…your brand story!What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What on earth a brand story even is!·        Why your brand story matters more than ever for indie authors!·        How you can uncover your own unique brand story!·        Tips on how to actually share your story with your target audience!·        How to naturally attract readers who already love the same books you do!KEY TAKEAWAYYour brand story doesn’t have to be dramatic or deeply personal—it just has to be real. When readers understand why you love the kinds of stories you write, they begin to see you as someone who shares their interests, their curiosity, and their passion for those worlds. And that simple connection is often the difference between someone casually discovering your book… and becoming a lifelong fan who shows up for every new release.PRODUCTION TEAM!This show is produced by the lovely Joshua Hatcher of HatcherMedia.net! For affordable yet high quality podcast production with fast and super helpful service, send Josh a note and tell him Christina Kaye sent you!RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/ Free Resource: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QZW6AqiZKRL4s4zam4N5dZwsmOPw5jUL/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112062873962772342332&rtpof=true&sd=true My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.com Find Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficial Facebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

80% of consumers say they MUST be able to relate to and connect with a brand before they buy from it (and yes, that includes books)!Long gone are the days when authors could hide behind our computer screens in blissful anonymity as we write to our little hearts’ content. They’ve been replaced with a modern market filled with consumers (including readers), who must feel some sort of personal connection to a brand before they invest a penny in them. We have to build what’s called the “know-like-trust” factor. And the most important way we can do that, as indie authors, is by building a magnetic, cohesive, and complete author brand!That’s why, on Write! Grow! Launch!, I’m bringing you a 3-part series on how hot build an indie author brand that attracts your ideal readers and allows them to connect with you, relate to you, and ultimately, trust you (which leads to much higher sales conversions)!Over the next 3 weeks, I’ll go over the three critical elements of an effective indie author brand that converts: your visual aesthetics, your brand story, and your brand voice. We’ll start this week by going over one of the most fun but important of these elements…the aesthetics!What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        Why everything you post visually online must be branded!·        Why the visual aspects of your brand are so important!·        How to choose your brand color palette and fonts!·        Choosing, finding, and even creating on-brand graphics!·        Taking “branded selfies” and why being “face-forward” is critical!KEY TAKEAWAYWhen you show up for your audience, you put your best face forward, and you reveal yourself as a genuine, regular lover of books, who is just like them, magical things happen. You’ll go from having a couple hundred “followers” to thousands of avid, loyal fans and friends who will show up for you during launch week just because they care and want to support you, and then, guess what happens? You will NEVER have to “sell” a book again in your career! So, put together a reader-facing visual vibe your Ideal Readers can relate to and connect with for starters.RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS•        Dial in on your chosen genre, subgenre, and niche (i.e., dark romantasy not just fantasy)•        Start spending time online each day where your Ideal Reader Avatar is hanging out•        Pay attention to everything: what they love and don’t, what they want and don’t…•        Spend 10-15 min EVERY day following, engaging with, and talking directly to your IRA•        When connecting with your readers, think like a Booktoker, NOT an Authortoker•        Stop pitching and start building relationships with your IRA 90 days before you launch RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/Schedule a FREE strategy call: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/69634d3f7a5de72a93761652My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comWant me to audit your entire book sales system and send you a private video with feedback?https://square.link/u/oLnHtOQpFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

Being an indie author doesn’t really mean you have to do everything totally alone. Most indie authors have heard the term “street team,” but if you asked them to explain it clearly, they’d hesitate. A true street team is a small, organized group of loyal readers (and other supporters) who actively help you build visibility before, during, and after your launch. The problem is that no one really teaches what a street team actually does, how to structure it, or how to turn reader enthusiasm into strategic support instead of chaos.So, this week, on Write! Grow! Launch!, I’m sitting down with prolific bestselling indie author, Victoria Danann, who has sold MILLIONS of her books and credits her street team as one of the biggest factors in her success.We’ll discuss what exactly defines a street team, how (and when) you can build one yourself, and how to encourage them to help spread the word about your book and help you get far more visibility than you would ever get alone.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What a street team really is·        Who you want in your street team·        How to recruit the right people to join·        What they can and should do for you·        How to encourage them and keep them motivatedKEY TAKEAWAYDoing everything by yourself is not only exhausting and a road to absolute burnout, but it’s almost impossible to get the kind of exposure your book really needs that way. Stop thinking you have to do it all solo. Find a group of your most loyal online (and IRL) friends, group them together, and turn them into a powerful engine that will drive sales faster and higher than you thought possible.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/Learn About Victoria & read her books: https://victoriadanann.com/My Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

Is using an outdated strategy REALLY worth damaging or even losing your career as an indie author?I’m betting your answer to that is that, no, it isn’t. Unfortunately, too many indies are either unaware of or unwilling to stop things that are damaging their chances at a career, let alone a successful one. And one of the most dangerous “strategies” still being used daily by indie authors is the ARC Review process.So, this week, on Write! Grow! Launch!, I’m diving deep into yet another “hot topic” that creates debate, even chaos, every single time I post or talk about it. But like it or not, the truth is that ARC Reviews, while posted by kindhearted, well-intentioned readers volunteering their time, is a time suck you can’t afford. But most importantly, it’s dangerous to your career!In this short, to-the-point episode, I’m going to explain very clearly and under no uncertain terms, exactly why this strategy is outdated, wasteful of your time, and potentially deadly for your books.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What exactly is an ARC Reviewer and why it’s not their fault.·        Why using ARCs is a complete waste of your time and will throttle your progress.·        How ARC Reviewers are unintentionally telling Amazon their review is fake or hired.·        What Amazon is currently doing regarding book reviews that changed all this.·        What you can do to get honest, verified, and safe reviews for your book instead.KEY TAKEAWAYWhile it’s hard to hear that you’re depending on and using outdated, even dangerous strategies to self-publish and market, it will be even harder on you to learn that your book has been removed from Amazon…or worse yet, that you can no longer use the biggest book sales platform in the world to publish and sell your books! So, take heed, listen to my advice, and instead, lean more into building your community and gently reminding them to leave reviews.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

What would happen if Taylor Swift’s next album dropped, and it was death metal? The truth is, while a tiny handful of her millions of die-hard fans MIGHT think it’s cool, the vast majority, and I mean 99.999%, would revolt. That may seem like an absurd thing to imagine, but it’s exactly what many indie authors try to pull off daily, then wonder why they aren’t selling books.That’s exactly why this week, on Write! Grow! Launch!, I’m going to slow things down a smidge and give you the no BS, no holding back TRUTH to why I (and any expert worth their weight in gold) shout from the rooftops that, “No! You cannot write and publish across different genres under the same name and expect to be successful. It will not work.”And before you decide NOT to listen to this episode because you think I’m wrong without hearing the WHY behind what I’m telling you, just know that this one episode could quite literally change the entire trajectory of your publishing career…especially if you take what I teach you to heart.This episode may spark quite the debate, just as it does every time I post about this, send a newsletter, or talk about it on any platform. But if even one indie author listens, heeds my advice, and it helps them finally realize their dream, it’s every bit worth it for me.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        What it actually means to “niche down” for indie authors.·        How choosing one genre to write is the biggest marketing decision you’ll make·        Why choosing one genre isn’t stifling your creativity or limiting you like you think·        How you can choose your genre/niche even if you “love all kinds of books”·        What’s at stake if you don’t niche down and choose your subgenre·        How this is not a forever rule and how you can one day write whatever you wantKEY TAKEAWAYThe thought of niching down and writing and publishing in one genre only is understandably uncomfortable for many indie authors, but it isn’t forever. One day, you’ll have the freedom of time, energy, and finances to create as many different brands to write under as you can manage. But if you want to build a sustainable, profitable career in self-publishing, you have to accept the fact that this is what works in 2026, and it’s how you’re 1000X more likely to be discovered by the right audience of readers, for them to buy your book and read it, and most importantly, to love it and share it with their fellow avid readers in that same genre.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/My Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

If you don’t know your WHY, you’ll simply blend in with the thousands of other people writing in your niche, and that’s a very bad thing!This week, I’m sitting down with bestselling indie author, EJ Yerzak, to talk about one of the most overlooked steps any author should take early in their career, which is to discover your WHY.What exactly do I mean by this? I mean, every author needs to figure out WHY they write what they write, why they want to share their story, and why they think they have a platform to tell it in the first place.If you don’t know and lean into your WHY and figure out what sets you apart from all the other romantasy, rom com, or thriller authors (whichever genre you write in), you’ll blend in with the herd, and that is how you and your book get lost in the noise.If you feel like no one is seeing or hearing you, no matter how many times you post or send emails, then, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN for you!What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        Why it’s so important to figure out your “WHY” as an author·        How to determine your WHY and what is your unique selling point·        How EJ Yerzack gambled big on his WHY and how it paid off·        The steps you can take TODAY to figure out what makes you uniqueTHE CORE FRAMEWORKStep 1: Understanding what it means to know your “WHY”We’ll talk about why it’s almost impossible in 2026 to just be another writer of X genre and why figuring out your unique story and selling points is what will make you stand out from all the thousands of other authors writing in your space.Step 2: Figure out your WHY and lean into itHear how EJ figured out a way to make his WHY loud and clear in a way that paid off big-time. He found a unique way to share his story and get the word out about his book, as well as making sure he stood out from everyone else. And it paid off in spades.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/Learn More About EJ Yerzak & His Books: @indiebooktokMy Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

One of the biggest myths in the indie author world is that your online content should be all about writing, your book itself, your journey, connecting with other authors, but…In Episode 3, I will explain exactly why this is entirely outdated advice that doesn’t work, never has, and never will…and what you can do starting now to create better content that is far more likely to attract readers and convert them to buyers and fans of your book!There is nothing at all wrong with supporting the indie author community. In fact, the support of our community can make a huge difference in keeping us motivated and moving forward toward our dreams.After all, as the 17th century poet, John Donne famously said, “No man is an island.”The problem is that too many indie authors are still creating social media content from an author viewpoint that is aimed at their fellow indies and hoping it will magically lead to sales.Spoiler Alert! It won’t.The good news is all you need is one hard, immediate pivot in your approach to social media marketing to turn things around entirely!What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        The two biggest missteps indie authors make when creating social media content·        Why posting content that is author community centered is actually turning away readers·        The kind of social media content that actually attracts your ideal readers (with examples)·        How to come up with ideas for social media that is far more likely to convert to sales·        What you should do starting today to create better, more compelling, sales-worthy postsTHE CORE FRAMEWORK Step 1: Accept That Your Platform is For Selling, Not Making FriendsYou should support indies by reposting, engaging with their content, tagging them when appropriate. But you must also understand the difference between how you show up on social media as a content creator versus how you show up as a casual consumer of content. Your content on your platform should be for, about, and aimed at no one but your target audience of readers. Step 2: Changing Your Mindset on Social MediaClear your mind of the antiquated idea that building a community is how you sell your books. Replace it with a mindset that while yes, writers do read books, too, it’s all about each person’s intentions when scrolling through content! Your target audience is looking for posts that speak to them, and if the first few seconds of your post makes it clear that it isn’t for them, they keep scrolling. Step 3: Be Intentional and Purposeful With Every Post Before you take the next step, make sure you are 1000% confident in your brand and the genre in which you write and publish. Then, get as comfy cozy as you can with those people who are avid readers of that genre, and even the specific niche (subgenre) your books fall into. Spend time scouring platforms as a reader, not a writer, and pay close attention to what kind of content those readers are posting and engaging with most. And finally, create a content plan filled with those kinds of ideas and from now on, post in a way that shows up as another rabid fan of (insert genre) books!KEY TAKEAWAYOnce you change your mindset and pivot the way you think about and post your own content on social media, here’s where the magic begins…because if you’re consistently showing up on TikTok, Instagram, etc. as someone who just loves dark romantasy books, your readers will notice you more, connect with you, relate to you, and begin to support you. And believe it or not, if you do this for at least 90 days before you publish, you will never have to beg anyone to buy your books. Instead, you simply share the good news of your launch with your new reader besties, and they will show up for you, support you, and buy your books!RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS·        Take a 1 – 2 day “break” from posting on social media to turn things around·        Spend at least 20 minutes each day consuming content about your niche of books·        Create a spreadsheet to track all the ideas you come up with as you are scrolling·        Update your social media profiles to make it clear that you write in X genre·        Create a content plan each week with 3-5 posts per day that are reader-facing·        When you start posting again, keep your Ideal Reader Avatar front and center alwaysRESOURCES & LINKSFREE Content Plan Creation ChatGPT Prompt: https://bit.ly/49UxDxySocial Media Profile Optimization Infographic: https://bit.ly/4bqPH3rLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/My Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

Bestselling Romantasy Indie Author Bree Granado on Making Industry Connections That Will Make Your Brand So Fire!Being an “indie author” doesn’t mean you MUST do everything totally alone! Making genuine connections in the biz is easier (and more rewarding) than you think.In this episode of Write! Grow! Launch! I sit down for an open, honest, and super helpful chat with one of my clients (and new besties), Bestselling Romantasy Author, Bree Granado.Her dark romantic fae fantasy A Fate of Shadows and Flames has been a hot commodity on Booktok ever since she launched it!But her success isn’t just based on her fanbase which continues to grow each day or with her rave reviews or even bestseller status.Putting herself out there and connecting with other industry professionals, including other indie authors, narrators, and event hosts has helped skyrocket her visibility!And today, she and I will teach you exactly what you (yes…you!) can start doing TODAY to make those genuine and rewarding connections.What You’ll Learn in This Episode·        Why networking and attending bookish events must be part of your sales strategy!·        How to reach out to people, even if you’re terrified of rejection!·        The RIGHT way to make those connections and increase your chances of landing them!·        How to act (and interact) at book events to make the most of each one!·        How NOT to approach anyone you want to connect with (and how to nail it instead)!·        What you need to do today to start making these all-important industry connections!THE CORE FRAMEWORKStep 1: Get Over Your AnxietiesIt’s 2026, and long gone are the days when authors could hide behind our computer screens. And even if you’re shy or introverted, you can do this by simply changing your self-talk. Remind yourself that the people you’re trying to connect with are just human beings like you, and they really do want to support you more than you realize. Rip off the Band-Aid and just start reaching out. The worst that can happen is they say, “no.” Then, you’re no worse off than you were before. Right?Step 2: Put Your Brand Story First!Absolutely NO event coordinator, podcast host, or narrator will want to work with you or help you if you try to connect with, “Hi! I’m Author X! And I wrote a great book! Let me come on your show/to your event and tell everyone about it!” Instead, figure out your WHY and your brand story (what makes you and your journey unique?) and lead with that on an organic, authentic level.Step 3: Show Up in a Professional Yet Relatable Way!It should go without saying that we should always conduct ourselves like normal, adult human beings. Dress nicely (not in grey sweatpants or leggings). Brush your hair. And plaster on a sincere smile (even if it hurts). Put your best foot forward, but also, the more genuine and relatable you are to those you connect with, either at events or in person, the more beneficial (and lucrative) each relationship will be from the jump.KEY TAKEAWAYYou can’t stay trapped inside your “bubble” (your online following) forever. Only 6% of your followers see what you post most times anyway. But for every single connection you make in this biz, your visibility and your reach will grow exponentially because you’re no longer relying on the same core group of people to deliver your brand story to. Instead, you’re tapping into and connecting with each connection’s loyal, devoted following, and that is the fastest and easiest way to grow your fanbase as an indie author.RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS•        Research events (book fairs, conferences) within driving distance of where you live.•        Research individuals who are in your same niche whose audience would be similar to yours.•        Create a database to track all the connections you’re going to pitch and try to connect with.•        Write a short, concise email template to use (but personalize it each time you send) out.•        Start genuine, honest, and non-salesy conversations with those you want to connect with.RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/Free Resource: https://shorturl.at/l2LEUMy Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comGUEST HOST LINKS Find and Follow Bree Granado on most social media apps @AuthorBreeGranadoCheck out Her Bestselling Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sUOCHjFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

What if everything indie authors have been taught about “marketing” their books is the reason their books aren’t selling?In this episode of Write! Grow! Launch! I break down why traditional book marketing tactics such as constant pitching, spammy posts, cold DMs, and even paid ads have never worked for indie authors and never will.It’s now 2026, and in today’s reader-savvy, relationship-driven market, desperate selling doesn’t just fall flat…it actively pushes readers away.That’s why, in this Season 4 premier episode, I’m going to pull back the curtain and tell you what actually sells books in this new world we live in.And spoiler alert! It’s all centered around organic connection, reader-first engagement, and building genuine relationships long before launch week ever arrives.If you’re tired of shouting into the void and wasting money on strategies that don’t convert to book sales, this episode is going to absolutely shift your entire mindset when it comes to selling your books AND teach you how to start doing it the right way…starting today!WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:Why “marketing” as most authors do it actually hurts (even hinders) book salesWhy paid ads never have and never will work for indie authors (especially debuts)What modern readers detect and reject automatically as “spammy” sellingThe mindset shift you need right now to sell books starting launch day oneHow cultivating authentic relationships with your Ideal Reader Avatar is crucialTHE CORE FRAMEWORKStep 1: Be Ruthlessly Clear on Your GenreBefore anything else, authors must clearly define their genre and understand exactly who is already searching for books like theirs. This process must begin no less than 90 days before launch and requires identifying where those readers already spend time online.Step 2: Study Readers, Not DemographicsDemographics do not sell books…authentic connections do. Indie Authors must observe their target audience of readers and their behavior, conversations, debates, reviews, and reactions to understand what excites them, what turns them off, and what motivates them to buy.Step 3: Connect as a Reader, Not an AuthorSelling books today requires showing up as a genuine reader and fan (aka “Booktoker”) of your genre…and NOT as an “authortoker.” Intentional daily engagement builds that all-important KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST factor without ever pitching or asking for a single sale.KEY TAKEAWAY:Books don’t sell because of clever marketing tactics. They sell because of relationships. When authors focus on genuine connection, reader-first engagement, and long-term trust, book sales become a natural outcome rather than a forced effort.RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPSDial in on your chosen genre, subgenre, and niche (i.e., dark romantasy not just fantasy)Start spending time online each day where your Ideal Reader Avatar is hanging outPay attention to everything: what they love and don’t, what they want and don’t…Spend 10-15 min EVERY day following, engaging with, and talking directly to your IRAWhen connecting with your readers, think like a Booktoker, NOT an AuthortokerStop pitching and start building relationships with your IRA 90 days before you launch RESOURCES & LINKSLearn More About Me: https://christinakaye.com/Free Resource: https://shorturl.at/l2LEUMy Course (The Bestselling Indie Author Playbook): https://bit.ly/49HT4ABMy Etsy Shop (The Bookish Swag Shop): https://thebookishswagshop.etsy.comFind Me, Follow Me, DM Me on These Platforms:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christinakayeofficialSubstack: https://substack.com/@christinakayeofficialFacebook: https://facebook.com/christinakayeofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaKayeOfficialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakayeofficial/SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW THIS SHOW If you enjoyed this episode, follow and/or subscribe to Write! Grow! Launch! wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don’t miss future episodes on successfully self-publishing, profitably launching your book, and building a sustainable indie author career…without burnout or BS.

If you’re tired of vague advice and publishing myths, you’re in the right place. Write! Grow! Launch! is a top-ranked podcast for indie authors who want profitable self-publishing, real strategy, and zero BS.Hosted by veteran of the publishing industry and indie author marketing & branding coach, Christina Kaye, this show is guaranteed to teach you things NO ONE else will, give you advice that ACTUALLY works, and hopefully, inspire and motivate you (and maybe even make you laugh once or twice).Season 4 starts now.

Even if you’re a bit camera shy, being a guest host or being interviewed on a podcast can make a huge difference in your success as an author! Every single appearance you can make on …The post Episode 9: Get Yourself Featured on Podcasts (with Author Matty Dalyrimple)

YouTube Can Be a Great Platform to Increase Visibility for Your Author Brand, Gain More Readers, and Increase Book Sales! Ever considered using YouTube as a platform for selling your books? Maybe a little camera …The post Episode 8: Using YouTube to Sell More Books (with Author Michael LaRonn) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

Why authors need Instagram to sell more books! Have you wondered if you’re wasting your time on social media…specifically, Instagram, when trying to reach readers and sell your books? Most likely, the issue isn’t Instagram …The post Episode 7: Using Instagram to Promote Your Books (with Author Kay L Moody) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

How you, as an author, can find, hire, and work with a professional (and affordable) book editor to improve your book and your writing skills! One universal truth about self-publishing is that you absolutely cannot …The post Episode #6: How to Find a Professional, Affordable Book Editor (with Author Amy Rivers) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

How a regular, manageable writing schedule that works with your everyday life can increase your writing output and get you to launch faster! Do you ever feel like there’s not enough time in the day …The post Episode 5 : Time Management & Writing Schedules for Authors (with Author Katherine Macdonald) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

Work with experienced professionals instead to avoid conflicting, confusing advice. Have you ever found yourself spending hours on the internet, searching for the answer to how to self-publish your book? If so, you probably noticed …The post Episode 4: Stop Searching the Internet for How to Self-Publish Your Book! (with Author Emily Blackwood) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

Authors! Feel Like a Fraud? Here’s How to Defeat Imposter Syndrome and Recognize (and Realize) Your Inner Bestseller! Do you sometimes wonder why you even bother writing at all? Often wonder why the hell anyone …The post Episode 3: Overcoming Author Imposter Syndrome (with Author Willow Winters) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

Self-publishing is a business. Treat your career the same way you would any other business if you want to be a successful author! Episode 2 – Show Notes Do you dream of being a successful …The post Episode 2: Self-Publishing is a Business! (with Author LK Wilde) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

If you dream of a career as a self-published author, listen to this interview with Bestselling Indie Author, Hugh Howey! Is it your dream to become a successful indie author, but you keep hearing other …The post Episode 1: Become a Successful Indie Author (with Author Hugh Howey) appeared first on Book Boss Academy.

Episode 70 - How NOT to Fail as an Author with Author Coach Derek Doepker

Hosts & Guests   Host – Christina Kaye   Guest Host – Author Ann Garvin     To learn more about Ann and her books: https://anngarvin.net/     For your FREE TRIAL of LeadPages: https://leadpages.pxf.io/gb1noB     Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://bookbossboutique.com/     To Follow us on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook @bookbossboutique     To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com     For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/     For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/

If you’re just now deciding to write a book for the first time, but you have no idea how to get started, or even if you’ve already written and published books before, only to receive very few reviews and purchases, then it’s time to ask for help. Just like you would hire an instructor if you decided to become a concert violinist, an author needs someone to show them the basics, guide them through the process of learning, and teach them how to become not just AN author but a SUCCESSFUL author! This week, I’m switching things up a bit, and we’re diving deep with my client who’s had the most successful launch week out of over 100 clients so far. This way, you can hear firsthand how hiring not just any coach but the right coach for you (like me) can completely transform your writing career and set you on the course toward success! In this episode, you will: · Learn what exactly author coaches do for authors · Learn what it’s like to work with an author coach and why you need one · Learn how a skilled author coach can teach you more than just writing basics · Learn exactly how I can take you from no sales to launch success in just 3 months! Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host – Author Kota Kai Lovett To learn more about Amy and her books: https://www.kotakailovett.com/ Follow Kota on social media @kotakailovett Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://bookbossboutique.com/ To Follow us on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook @bookbossboutique To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/ For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/

  Proper pacing is not just a good thing to have in your novel. It’s crucial to your reader’s experience. If the pacing is too slow, the reader will lose interest and get bored. If it’s too fast, they’ll feel like they have whiplash and be frustrated and lost. What we must do instead is find a way to have Goldilocks type pacing! Don’t worry. I’ll explain what that means in this episode. So, tune in and listen as my guest host and I unpack the topic of perfect pacing and discuss ways you can keep your readers not just interested but engaged and flipping the page to see what comes next! In this episode, you will: · Learn why it’s important to have perfect pacing · Learn how to avoid too slow pacing · Learn how to avoid too fast pacing · Learn other ways to maintain perfect pacing throughout your story Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host –Bestselling Author Amy Impellizzeri To learn more about Amy and her books: https://www.amyimpellizzeri.com/ For your FREE TRIAL of LeadPages: https://leadpages.pxf.io/gb1noB Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://bookbossboutique.com/ To Follow us on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook @bookbossboutique To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/ For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/  

One crucial element of a great novel that doesn’t get as much attention as characters, plot, and setting is your timeline. But a coherent, easy to follow timeline is crucial to your reader’s enjoyment of your story. If the timeline is wonky or hard to follow, readers will likely get frustrated, confused, and eventually, they’ll give up and put the book down – something no author ever wants! But how do we create and maintain a proper timeline to avoid this? That’s exactly what we are discussing on this week’s episode! In this episode, you will: · Learn why it’s important to have a coherent timeline · Learn ways to tackle dueling timelines · Learn how to write timelines and still divulge backstory · Learn other ways to reveal backstory aside from flashbacks Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host –Bestselling Author Sonali Dev To learn more about Sonali and her books: https://sonalidev.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://bookbossboutique.com/ To Follow us on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook @bookbossboutique To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/

The setting of your book should be a character in and of itself. It should speak to the reader, showing (not telling) them exactly where the protagonist is at any given moment, and if written properly, it should transport the reader wherever you want them to imagine themselves. But how do we effectively bring our setting to life without info dumping or over describing every detail? On this week’s episode, that’s exactly what we’re discussing! In this episode, you will: · Learn why it’s important to have a beautifully described setting · Learn ways to describe your setting in a way that brings it to life · Learn how to avoid info dumping, especially at the beginning of your book · Learn ways to use more than just visual clues to describe setting Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host –Bestselling Author Amy Reichert To learn more about Julietta and her book (The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman): https://www.amyereichert.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://modernbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/

  One of the first decisions an author must make when they decide on a new story idea is whether they are writing in single, dual, or multiple POV (points of view). And it’s not always that easy deciding, either. Some genres and stories work better with a single perspective, while others work wonderfully with multiple character perspectives. But determining this before you begin writing can help you avoid head hopping and unclear or indistinguishable character voices. This week, we’re discussing how to master the practice of writing a story written in multiple POV and how to decide which is the best approach for your story. In this episode, you will: · Learn the different options you have when choosing perspectives · Learn which genres work best with which type of POV · Learn how to effectively write in multiple POV · Learn the best ways to create different voices for each perspective Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host –Author Julietta Henderson To learn more about Julietta and her book (The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman): https://juliettahenderson.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://modernbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/  

  Especially in 2021, we all wear and juggle so many different hats, it’s ridiculous. We must constantly switch modes from parent to spouse to employee to boss to chauffer to maid and even teacher. If we want to be writers, that’s yet another hat to juggle. So, how on earth are we supposed to balance all these things and still find time to write, let alone have time to think, plan, and create? The key is to organize and schedule. And those things don’t come as naturally to some as they do others. This week, I sat down with Bestselling Author Madeline Martin and got some great, actionable tips we can all use starting now to create more balance, find time to write, and most importantly, not neglect our own mental health and wellbeing in the process. In this episode, you will: · Learn ways to prioritize your daily “to do” list · Learn when you should be writing and how often · Learn how to create your own special writing nook · Learn the best way to create a manageable writing schedule Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host – Bestselling Author Madeline Martin To learn more about Julia and her book: https://www.madelinemartin.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://modernbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/  

  All great authors know that our entire purpose is to create a story for readers that allows them to escape their everyday lives and be transported to a different time and place. And the only way to ensure we paint pictures that are vivid enough to allow our readers to have a visceral reading experience is to get as many of the details of our story right. The best way to do this is by researching before you write certain things you include in the story. You can definitely do online research, but there are many other ways you can research and make sure you know enough about the story you’re writing to make even the most fantastic fiction novel seem like a real experience to your readers. This week, we’re discussing some of the most effective, unique ways you can learn about all the aspects of your story before you write. In this episode, you will: · Learn the different aspects of your story that require research and planning · Learn ways to research outside of internet searches · Learn how to store and organize your research for easier access when needed · Learn creative ways to investigate and learn about your setting, characters, and plot Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host – Author Julia Heaberlin To learn more about Julia and her book: https://juliaheaberlin.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://modernbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/ Online Writing Course - Best Book Method: How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book https://bookboss-writingcourse-vault.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=2421304  

  For most authors, it’s easier to “stay in our lane” and write stories from the perspective of a character who shares our gender identity. It just comes more naturally to most. But sometimes, we need to share the perspective of a character from the opposite sex. And that does not come as naturally. We are afraid of misrepresenting, or worse, offending anyone, which is understandable. But there is a way to walk that fine line between writing stereotypical gender roles and making characters not authentic enough. That’s why this week, I sat down with an expert in the field of writing for different gender roles, and we discussed different ways we can approach this, accurately portray male sand females, and respect one another’s differences at the same time. In this episode, you will: · Learn how to avoid stereotyping different genders · Learn ways to accurately portray someone of the opposite sex · Learn how to do research into different gender identities · Learn ways to accurately but respectfully portray characters of different genders Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host – Author Susannah Marren To learn more about Ally’s book on organization: http://www.susanshapirobarash.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://modernbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/ Online Writing Course - Best Book Method: How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book https://bookboss-writingcourse-vault.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=2421304  

  Every writer needs a place where they can write in peace and quiet, otherwise, all the noise and distractions can stem the flow of creativity. Of course, it’s not always easy finding a quiet, peaceful space inside your home, especially if you have little ones, live with your parents, or in a dorm or apartment. But where there is a will, there is a way. And this week, I’ve brought the go-to gal when it comes to organization and enhancing your space on the show so we can discuss why you need a sacred writing nook, as well as where and how you can create one, even on a budget and even if space is limited. It just takes a little creativity. And as writers, we have creativity on reserve. In this episode, you will: · Learn why it’s important to create your very own writing space/nook · Learn where you can set up a writing nook, even in small spaces · Learn some of the best home office products to enhance your space · Learn ways to organize and make your writing space most productive Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host – Author Ally Deatherage To learn more about Ally’s book on organization: https://www.allydeatherage.com/ Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://modernbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/ Online Writing Course - Best Book Method: How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book https://bookboss-writingcourse-vault.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=2421304  

  I know I’m not alone when I have moments where I need to be writing…or even WANT to be writing…but inspiration is nowhere to be found. While we all wish inspiration struck us every day the way it did when that idea first hit us like lightning from a clear, blue sky, the reality is, it doesn’t. In fact, often, lack of inspiration is the biggest reason we don’t finish writing when we planned to, and it can even be the real reason behind most cases of “writer’s block.” So, this week, we’re talking about how to get (and stay) inspired to write, even when it feels hopeless. In this episode, you will: · Learn what do to when you feel uninspired but need/want to write · Learn ways to get inspired even if it seems hopeless · Learn why inspiration sometimes doesn’t come when we need it most · Learn tips on staying inspired and motivated to write so we don’t get stuck Hosts & Guests Host – Christina Kaye Guest Host – Peter Robinson To learn more about Peter Robinson books: https://inspectorbanks.com/ Online Writing Course - Best Book Method: How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book https://bookboss-writingcourse-vault.teachable.com/purchase?product_id=2421304 Shop for Essentials/Supplies for Your Writing Nook: https://bookbossboutique.com/ To Follow Write Your Best Book on ALL Social Media: @writeyourbestbook To Contact Christina Kaye: [email protected] www.writeyourbestbook.com For a Consultation with Christina Kaye https://letsmeet.io/writeyourbestbook/free-coaching-call For a FREE Sample Edit & Quote for Book Editing: https://writeyourbestbook.com/contact-us/  

Now, before you scroll past this episode because you’re a die-hard pantser, and just seeing the word “outline”makes you cringe, stop scrolling. Trust me. I’m not here to convert anyone in the plotter v pantsers debate one way or another. In...

As authors, we all know our novels need to have characters who leap off the page and grab our readers’ attention and stay with them long after the book is finished, especially the protagonist. But how do we develop and write a protagonist who not...

When you hear the words “fact” and “fiction,” I’m guessing you consider them mutually exclusive. I also bet you would wonder why I suggest to all my author clients that they conduct fact research before they write their books. Here’s the...

Something I think all writers struggle with during the writing process is striking a balance between dialogue and narrative. It’s something many of my coaching clients have come to me worried about. But the reality is, there’s no hard and fast...

Thinking of writing a novel series? Series are highly popular with publishers, agents, and readers because, after all, who doesn’t love to find a great new book then find out the characters and the story aren’t quite finished yet. But as writers,...

Have you ever thought about co-authoring a book? If you’re wise, you’re active in at least a couple online communities for writers, which allows us the opportunity to connect with writerly folk we might never have met in the “real world.” So,...

As authors, our ultimate goal when sending our writing out into the world, should not just be to sell as many books as possible or even for readers to simply love our work. What we should be aiming for is for the reader to not just enjoy our stories...

Welcome to season two of Write Your Best Book! This season, we’re shifting focus slightly. Last season, we sat down with some of the biggest/best influencers in the writing community. This season, we’re still discussing all the struggles every...

Y’all…Joanna Penn is in the house!! Need I say more? But seriously…who better to have as a guest host on our final episode of season one for this podcast than THE Joanna Penn, The Queen of all things creative! I’m sure you all know her as the...

What exactly is a marketing platform? As our guests host this week, James Blatch of The Self-Publishing Show, explains, it’s all the things you do to promote your book both before and after you publish it. Yes, that’s right. There are several...

If you’re anything like me (and most authors, to be honest), you’ve found yourself in this position before – you get all excited about your new book idea, you sit down and start typing away like a madman (or woman), and then after a few...

Many authors, I included, don’t realize there’s a difference between marketing and publicity. And publicity is a huge part of your book launch efforts, and we should all be doing our best to find moments in the spotlight when we can feature our...