Episode 246 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as they discuss the importance of endings, their favorite (and not-so-favorite endings) as well as the six different types of endings. Spoiler warning for these books/shows we discuss: Extraordinary Attorney WooPride and Prejudice Sugar DaddySixth SenseTed LassoThe PartnerNobody Wants ThisFourth WingThe Serpent and the Wings of NightTruly DeviousCheat on Me, If You CanAnd Then There Were None💙 Become a supporter of the podcas...

Episode 245 / Ines Johnson joins us and shares strategies for book marketing in the age of direct sales. We discuss:Testing and tweaking to increase backlist salesImportance of thinking of your customer in marketing to create a personal connection Effective ad strategies using purchase ads Special editions and direct sales, including incorporating elements like foiling and character art in special edition books to attract high-value readersLeveraging direct sales platforms and tools...

Episode 244 / Is it too late to plan holiday promotions? Nope. You still have plenty of time–and holiday promotions don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We delve into what tactics we’ve used and found effective for marketing to cold, warm, and hot audiences. -What we wish we’d known about marketing during the holidays -Group promos ideas -> warm/cold audience-Solo promo ideas -> hot audienceBookish Wish List – your favorite books/bookish thingshttps://www.sarar...

Episode 243 / We are thrilled (pun intended!) to chat with contemporary crime and conspiracy thriller author Nick Stevens. We talk about anti-heroes, setups and payoffs, Tremors, and why sometimes you just have to publish the book. 10:58 Why emotional connection is better than perfect structure in storytelling14:00 Using multiple formats to diversify17:18 Marketing mistake: starting too early23:00 Getting ratings and reviews29:26 Finding community for writers of mystery/thrillers34:...

Episode 242 / We're diving deep into listener questions about everything from drafting and editing techniques, tackling imposter syndrome, and decoding our strengths. 🥤☕️ So grab your favorite beverage—be it Diet Coke or a cup of comforting coffee–and join us for a Wednesday chat about writing. 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us ...

Episode 241 / Whether you're an introvert or extrovert you can develop a platform to grow your author brand. Learn how with authors of From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker, suspense and thriller author Matty Dalrymple and science fiction & fantasy author M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn). Topics:How to match your platform to your personality Tips for effective public speakingCommon mistakes authors make when it comes to platform as well as public speakingW...

Episode 240 / In 2024, Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe paired their love of regency romances like Bridgerton with their bad habit of killing people in their books to create a new series that they rapid-released, the Crown Jewels Regency Mystery Series. Topics:Why brutal honesty is critical for collaborationHow to spot trendsTips on how to incorporate trends into a genre and still meet reader expectations around tropesHow Lynn and Anne leveraged interest around Bridgerton to market the n...

Episode 239 / Want to make a big impact with your book? Publicist, award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book, Melanie Herschorn, has tips to help you stand out. Topics:Beyond the Launch: keep promoting—your book is new to someone who hasn’t read it yetMisconceptions around marketing: engage beyond bookstoresBuilding a community and relationships Don't fear oversharingAlternative and creative marketing strategies: speaking and podcas...

Episode 238 / Want some ideas on how to get readers on your newsletter list? On this Ask Us Anything episode, we have SO MANY ideas for you! Topics:Expectations for earningsBuilding a ListPreview Promos Reader magnetsDifference between pre- and post-novel reader magnetsCreative reader magnets💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack group Shoutout on a future episode. 🌟New: w...

Episode 237/Guest: Luke Mitchel, science fiction and fantasy author Topics: Luke’s transition from KU to wide and direct salesSelf-editing and revisions and accepting your writing styleWriting short stories to refresh the creative processMoving away from social media and focusing on email marketing and direct sales 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack group Shoutou...

Episode 236 / Ever wondered why certain characters steal your heart? This week we chat with Jessica Firpi, a TV and movie reviewer as well as a K-drama enthusiast and podcast host. We explore everything from effective "save the cat" moments to why a sunshine character can make a dark character shine. If you've ever wondered how to make your characters compelling, relatable, and unforgettable, we’ve got some ideas for you. Plus, we've got examples from your favorite Kdramas and blockbuste...

Episode 235 / Fantasy romance author Penn Cole shares tips on writing to market in a way that goes beyond the usual analysis of trends and tropes, patience in the writing and publishing process, and translations using an agent.Topics:Penn’s tips on prepping for publication and ARC teamsHow to research and write to market in a deep way, focusing on why certain books resonate with readersPutting your blinders on and having the self confidence to go with your intuitionSpecial editions from trad ...

Episode 234 / Liz Shipton is a freelance writer, hybrid author, and full-time, off-grid, liveaboard sailor. She shares how changing her lifestyle to become a digital nomad created more time for writing and how she uses Tik Tok to market her books.💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse di...

Episode 233 / Ever wished you had some writing hacks to make your drafting and editing go more smoothly? (And who hasn’t?) Then this episode with cozy author Barbara Emodi is for you! Barbara is a developmental editor for emerging writers and has great insights.💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast and get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportSponsor: Xero Accounting ...

Episode 232 / Jessie Kwak writes supernatural thrillers and sci-fi crime as well as nonfiction productivity books including, From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book. Topics:Trusting your own process, reassessing expectations, and enjoying the writing processHow Jessie blends sci-fi and crime genres and found her second series easier to market with a clearer target audienceHow Jessie integrates her fiction and nonfiction in her promotion and marketingThe power of showing ...

Episode 231 / Dr. Nick Courtright of Atmosphere Press, a literary hybrid publisher dedicated to author rights, joins us to discuss different publishing options, letting go of the mindset that you must have an agent, and the importance of a personal brand.💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportSponsor: Xero Accounting Software Us...

Subscriber-only episodeIn this supporter-exclusive chat, we broke down the Enemies to Lovers trope–and it’s not just for romance novels! From Pride and Prejudice to You've Got Mail, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how friction and chemistry can turn rivalry into romance.Why readers love this tropeThe need to maintain the core characteristics of your protagonistsThe difference between Opposites Attract and Enemies to LoversVariations/subtypes of the tropeStory beats of the En...

Episode 230 / A.B. Herron blends elements of fantasy and romance in her fiction. She shares about balancing a full-time job while diving headfirst into the world of writing, the joy of connecting with readers at book fairs, and the critical role a supportive community plays in overcoming challenges, especially for authors with dyslexia.💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode....

Episode 229 / Learn about the four basic types of relationship arcs from freelance developmental editor and writing writing instructor, September C. Fawkes. Discover how mapping arcs can define the direction and evolution of your characters' relationships and create a dynamic, zigzag narrative. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.c...

Episode 228 / Kemper Donovan is the host of the All About Agatha podcast and author of The Busy Body, a USA Today bestseller on launch earlier this year. Kemper shares tips for querying and how podcasting about Agatha Christie helped him connect with mystery authors and also provided a built-in audience for his book. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishi...

Episode 227 / Liz Long shares her journey of embracing her own uniqueness, particularly in relation to ADHD and finding peace and growth after personal loss. Quick note: the language in this episode isn’t as family-friendly as our usual G/PG episodes, so just be aware of that. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episod...

Episode 226 / Author, musician, and marketer, Paul Indigo shares insights on seeking validation, embracing our voice, and the unconventional use of an Excel spreadsheet for writing and marketing. If you’ve tried all the writing software and haven’t found one that works for you, perhaps your answer is a spreadsheet!💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownfo...

Send us a Text Message.Episode 225 / Megan Vernon, author of over 40 romance novels, joins us to talk about starting over after a difficult experience of being publicly criticized. We talk about the need to give ourselves grace and the importance of a supportive community for navigating the ups and downs of a writing career. Megan shares about her creation of the Mojo Dojo Casa House, a supportive space for published authors and shares her insights into ghostwriting. 💙 🎙 Become a support...

Send us a Text Message.Episode 224 / Kate Johnson is the co-founder of Zory, an interactive reading app that merges the depth found in fiction with the choose-your-path-style plotlines of narrative video games. Kate shares details about Zory and craft tips about GMC as well as the All Is Lost moment. Plus we talk about trends in genre blending, and what Kate sees coming in the publishing industry. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter ep...