Episodes
In this episode, Becky talks to Becky Antkowiak—Writer, Editor, Founder/Chief Encouragement Officer of the 540 Writers Community, and Serial Extrovert. Listen as Becky explores the value of writers being in community with each other and the benefits of attending writers conferences. She shares her experiences attending conferences and the importance of camaraderie, learning the culture of publishing, making connections, receiving coaching, finding a cohort, and continuing to write.     During...
Published 04/23/24
In this episode, Becky talks to Jesse J. Anderson—Author, Speaker, Creator, and ADHD Advocate. Listen as Jesse talks about his personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD, the impact of finding his niche and building an online community around it, and how nurturing that community led to book marketing success, selling 10,000 copies of his debut book in the first three months.   During the episode, you’ll learn:   About Jesse, his work in the world, his journey with ADHD, and the motivation...
Published 04/02/24
In the first episode of Season 5, Becky talks to Sarah Fay—private Substack consultant, award-winning author at HarperCollins, and a member of the faculty at Northwestern University. Listen as Sarah discusses her personal journey through the mental health system and her decision to share her stories through writing. She also talks about her experience with landing a book deal, how she discovered Substack, and how impactful the platform has been for her writing career.      During the episode,...
Published 03/12/24
In this final bonus episode of Season 4, Becky talks to Lucinda Halpern—Author and President of Lucinda Literary. Listen as Lucinda discusses her brand new book, Get Signed, what she hopes to achieve with her launch, and some of the surprises she has experienced throughout her book launch journey.    During the episode, you’ll learn:   About Lucinda and her book. What success looks like for Lucinda and what she most wants to achieve with her book launch. The smartest thing Becky did for her...
Published 02/06/24
This episode is all about the world of public relations for authors. Becky is joined by PR coach and publicist Lilian Sue. Lilian talks about how impactful mindset is when it comes to PR, some of the most important components of a PR strategy for authors, and how PR supports book promotion and marketing.    During the episode, Lilian also shares:   A little bit about herself and her work in the world. How authors can shift their mindset issues related to publicity and how to make PR more...
Published 11/30/23
This episode is about the various platforms for book distribution and how to use each one. Becky is joined by Everett O’Keefe—Founder of Ignite Press and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. Everett shares his vast knowledge of three book distribution channels—KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital—including their benefits, cost, and how they impact a book’s pre-order campaign. During the episode, Everett also shares:   About himself and his company. The benefits of each book distribution...
Published 11/14/23
This episode is about the importance of having a long-term view of the value your book can bring to the world. Becky is joined by two former guests, Gena Cox and Kevin Wilde, who have both reached the one-year anniversary of their latest book launches. Gena and Kevin share what they have learned about book marketing and some tactics that have helped them continue gaining momentum for their work post-launch.  During the episode, Gena and Kevin also share:   About themselves and their work in...
Published 10/31/23
This episode is about the process of writing a book for your business and how to overcome the inner obstacles you might face along the journey. Becky is joined by Catherine Gregory—Book Coach, Publisher, and Co-Founder of Modern Wisdom Press. Catherine shares her expert guidance for writing a book, and she discusses understanding when it’s the right time to share your message with the world.  During the episode, Catherine also shares:   A little bit about herself, her own author journey, and...
Published 10/17/23
This episode unlocks some of the secrets of successful book marketing with insights from an accomplished author who has sold over one million books! Becky is joined by Michael Bungay Stanier—Bestselling Author of The Coaching Habit, Founder of Box of Crayons, Keynote Speaker, and the #1 Thought Leader on Coaching. During the episode, Michael talks about the continued success of his book, The Coaching Habit, and what he has learned about the book marketing journey as a result.  During the...
Published 10/03/23
This episode is about Porchlight Book Company and their 2023 Business Book Awards! Becky is joined by Sally Haldorson, Managing Director at Porchlight Books. During the episode, Sally talks about the mission of Porchlight Books, what it’s like for an author to work with a bulk retailer, and a shift in the selection process of this year’s book awards.  During the episode, Sally also shares:   About herself, her work in the world, and the work of Porchlight Books. What it means to be a “bulk...
Published 09/21/23
This episode is about the exciting return of USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist! Becky is joined by sisters Nancy Sheed, Social Media Marketing and Communications Consultant at Sheed Communications, and Holland Saltsman, Owner of The Novel Neighbor. During the episode, Nancy and Holland discuss various bestseller lists and what they mean for authors, why USA TODAY’s list is so unique, and how authors and independent booksellers can benefit from its return.  During the episode, you will also...
Published 09/07/23
This episode is all about book awards! Becky is joined by three authors—Gena Cox, Libby Hoffman, and Kevin Wilde—who have all been successful in applying for, and winning, book awards. During the episode, Gena, Libby, and Kevin talk about the process of seeking out awards for books, whether it’s worthwhile to apply for them, and what book awards have done for the life of their books.  During the episode, you will also discover:   What Gena, Libby, and Kevin’s goals were when applying for book...
Published 08/22/23
For this exclusive two-part interview, Becky is joined by attorney, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, athlete, co-founder and CEO of The Ready State Inc, Juliet Starrett. In this second installment, Juliet discusses how PR firms help to maintain momentum after a book launch, lessons learned during her book marketing journey, and best practices for achieving long-term success.  During the episode, you will discover:   How to proactively drive Amazon reviews for your book.Pros and...
Published 08/08/23
For this exclusive two-part interview, Becky is joined by attorney, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, athlete, and co-founder and CEO of The Ready State Inc, Juliet Starrett. Juliet reveals effective ways to pitch your book to publishing companies, efficient book marketing strategies and techniques, and insights from her journey to becoming a bestselling author. During the episode, you will learn:   Book marketing techniques that have proven to be effective for authors on every...
Published 07/25/23
During this episode, Becky is joined by virtual event design consultant and executive Zoom producer, Robbie Samuels. Robbie gives insight into methods authors can use to establish effective launch teams, the importance of garnering authentic book reviews, and the best ways to maximize network connections. During the episode, you will discover:   How and why having a launch team is necessary to build awareness around a book launch.Advice on how to get supporters to leave a review on Amazon or...
Published 07/11/23
During this episode, Becky is joined by Ben Fox, Founder of Shepherd. Ben discusses how authors can gain increased exposure, the power of newsletter writing, and the importance of personal branding and showing up authentically online. During the episode, you will discover:   Methods authors can use to promote their books.Emerging book sites that readers are using to find new books.Which book marketing methodologies have proven to be successful for authors.How to best manage your online...
Published 06/27/23
During this episode, Becky is joined by leadership consultant, philanthropic strategist, and author of One Bold Move a Day: Meaningful Actions Women Can Take to Fulfill Their Leadership and Career Potential, Shanna Hocking. Becky and Shanna discuss the challenges of the book marketing journey, knowing when to re-strategize your book plan, and why you should make one bold move a day.  During the episode, you will discover:   The expectations versus the reality of book marketing.Why it’s...
Published 06/13/23
For this episode, Becky is joined by Richard Safeer, author of A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce and Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-being at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Becky and Richard discuss overcoming the challenges of marketing your book, tips for authors looking to identify their target audience, and ways to maintain your health and well-being. During the episode, you will discover:   How to...
Published 05/30/23
For this episode, Becky is joined by Dan Blank, who is the author of Be the Gateway: A Practical Guide to Sharing Your Creative Work and Engaging an Audience and founder of WeGrowMedia. Becky and Dan share ways to sustain energy through your book marketing journey, methods for growing your audience, and tips for showing up authentically on social media. During the episode, you will learn:   More about Dan’s work to help writers develop marketing strategies for their books.The power of...
Published 05/16/23
During this episode, Becky is joined by speaker, author, and member engagement strategist Amanda Lea Kaiser. Amanda talks about her new book, Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community.  Amanda and Becky also discuss ways that authors can create experiences around their book and transform their networks into thriving communities. During the episode, you will learn:   More about Amanda’s work as an engagement strategist for various online communities.The...
Published 05/02/23
This episode celebrates the 1-year anniversary of Becky’s book, Reach: Create the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause. Becky discusses the importance of using milestones as an opportunity to continue sharing your message with the world. She also reflects on lessons learned throughout her book marketing journey and the power of sowing seeds with your message.  During the episode, you will learn:   The importance of finding new opportunities to share your message with the...
Published 04/18/23
This episode is about exciting new ways to utilize strategy, creativity, and personal interactions to mobilize your network. Becky is joined by Clint Pulver—Emmy Award-winning keynote speaker, musician, workforce expert, and author of I Love It Here: How Great Leaders Create Organizations Their People Never Want to Leave. Becky and Clint discuss the importance of setting goals, fascinating methods to spread awareness of your book, and recommendations for authors looking for increased...
Published 04/04/23
This episode is about finding creative and innovative ways to work, connect with others, and manage your energy in the new virtual world. Becky is joined by Ali Greene—Co-Founder of Remote Works and Co-Author of Remote Works: Managing for Freedom, Flexibility, and Focus. Becky and Ali discuss the new normal of remote work, navigating human connections virtually, and energy management tools to prevent burnout. During the episode, you will learn:   About Ali and her remote work advocacy.The...
Published 03/21/23
This episode is about the positive impact of virtual events when marketing your book. Becky is joined by Wendy Haan—Marketing Services Manager at Weaving Influence—and Reiner Lomb—Founder of BoomerangCoach and Author of ASPIRE: Seven Essential Emotions for Leading Positive Change, No Matter Where You Are. Wendy and Reiner discuss the reach that comes from hosting webinars and virtual launch parties, what goes into facilitating them, and how their impact lasts beyond the day of the...
Published 03/07/23