Overlooked Marketing Tips with International Thriller Writers’ Jeff Ayers
ThrillerFest Co-Executive Director Jeff Ayers is dedicated to exposing authors to useful but commonly avoided marketing techniques. Through ThrillerFest, Jeff and others like him teach underappreciated skills like pitching a book to an agent, writing a query letter, and reflecting on edits and feedback. Jeff is an accomplished author who has published both fiction and non-fiction works. He is well known for his Star Trek companion, Voyages of Imagination, writing book reviews under The Associated Press, and for his contributions to the International Thriller Writers. To contact Jeff, write to jeffayersauthor@gmail.com.
Guest Bio:
Jeff Ayers is the author of several works of fiction and non-fiction, including Voyages of Imagination: The Star Trek Fiction Companion, in which he covered over 550 novels and interviewed 350 authors to cover the history of the Star Trek publishing landscape. He wrote the upcoming Sigma Guide for author James Rollins and his agent is currently shopping to various publishers a mystery, a conspiracy thriller, and a non-fiction project. He is a freelance book reviewer for The Associated Press, a retired public research librarian, and the Co-Executive Director of Thrillerfest for the International Thriller Writers. He co-hosts a podcast with John Raab of Suspense Magazine called Beyond the Cover, and earlier this month produced the Night of a Thousand Authors for the Atria Mystery Bus.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Jeff became an author
- Why you need to know how to pitch a story
- Other marketing tips that most writers forget about
- How to learn new skills through the ITW
- If ThrillerFest will happen in 2021
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Runes, Ravens, & Revenants (J.’s 2021 short story experiment). Offer expires on January 8, 2021 – https://jthorn.net/2021shortstories/
Jeff Ayers – jeffayersauthor@gmail.com
Voyages of Imagination: The Star Trek Fiction Companion by Jeff Ayers – https://mybook.to/voyages
ThrillerFest – https://thrillerfest.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
2020 Review and State of the Industry
In this episode, Zach returns alongside J and J.D. to recap 2020 and discuss how such a chaotic year has affected the writing industry.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why things won’t go back to normal in 2021
- Why authors have been less impacted by COVID-19
- How COVID has changed the traditional publishing process
- What would happen if Facebook ads disappeared
- How AI could challenge human creativity
- Why “mainstream” might become irrelevant
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Finding Successful Routines and Understanding LLCs with Attorney Jonathan Kirsch
Author and attorney Jonathan Kirsch is a master of many trades. As a columnist for the Los Angeles Times and bestseller of many biographies and historical pieces, he utilizes a disciplined writing routine to create the best stories possible. When he isn’t writing, Jonathan works as an attorney and member of the Independent Book Publishers Association. With over thirty years of experience in the field, he understands the importance of an LLC to an independent author better than anyone else and offers a wealth of meaningful business advice during this episode. To learn more about Kirsch, follow the links below.
From JonathanKirsch.com:
Jonathan Kirsch’s latest book is The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan: A Boy Avenger, a Nazi Diplomat and a Murder in Paris (W. W. Norton/Liveright). “A lively and suspenseful tale,” according to Publishers Weekly. “Kirsch has eloquently provided a dramatic real-life mystery with broad appeal,” writes Mark Levine in Booklist. “It’s a remarkable story Kirsch tells here, deeply researched and compelling drawn,” writes Scott Martelle in the Washington Post. And Michael Berenbaum writes in The Jewish Journal: “Kirsch tells a powerful story with the skill of a novelist and the precision of a historian.”
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why to force yourself to write 200 words a day
- When to consider making an LLC
- How an LLC protects personal assets
- Why you need to keep track of business expenses
- Why you should license your work to yourself
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Jonathan Kirsch – http://www.jonathankirsch.com/
Law Offices of Jonathan Kirsch – http://www.jonathankirsch.com/law.html
The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan by Jonathan Kirsch – https://mybook.to/herschel
Speak Up For Small Business! – https://www.facebook.com/business/apple-ios-14-speak-up-for-small-business
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
How to Make It as a Solopreneur with Eddie Generous
Solopreneur Eddie Generous has no problem finding success on his own. Using discipline, self-motivation, and market sense, he has grown substantially as a publisher, podcaster, and author. Eddie is the creator of Unnerving Magazine, which filters through hundreds of open submissions to bring the best spine-chilling horror back to the masses. He also runs a podcast bearing the same name and has published multiple books, including Savage Beasts of the Arctic Circle and Plantation Pan. His latest publication, Dusk, is available below.
From Amazon.com:
Eddie Generous is an author of Savage Beasts of the Arctic Circle, RAWR, Trouble at Camp Still Waters, Great Big Teeth, and Radio Run (all from Severed Press), Plantation Pan (from Omnium Gatherum), and several collections. He is the founder/editor/publisher/artist behind Unnerving and Unnerving Magazine, and the host of the Unnerving Podcast. He lives on the Pacific Coast of Canada with his wife and their cat overlords.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Eddie persisted through countless early failures
- How to start a magazine
- Why “quiet horror” needs to go
- Why short stories sell less these days
- The importance of a story’s first sentence
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Eddie Generous – https://www.jiffypopandhorror.com/
Unnerving Magazine – https://www.unnervingbooks.com/
Dusk by Eddie Generous – https://mybook.to/dusk/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Creating Professional Covers and Ads on BookBrush with Kathleen Sweeney
Kathleen Sweeney has helped authors create professional covers and ads on BookBrush for the past two years. One of the most innovative new author tools, BookBrush features easy-to-design standard covers, instant mockups, box set covers, 3D covers, and even animated covers. As the Customer Service Manager and Marketing Lead at BookBrush, Kathleen hosts frequent information sessions and works closely with authors to help them create the best cover or ad possible. To learn more about BookBrush or Kathleen, visit bookbrush.com.
From BookBrush.com:
Kathleen loves creating images. She brings over 17 years of client service experience, business assurance, strategy and problem solving to Book Brush. She is happy to help!
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How BookBrush was created
- Why Kathleen decided to join the team
- Why BookBrush is so effective and easy-to-use
- How to animate your cover design
- The importance of the “20%” advertisement rule
- Why your ad needs bold colors
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Kathleen Sweeney – kathleensweeney@authorreachmedia.com
BookBrush – https://bookbrush.com/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
The Thinning Line Between Indie and Traditional Publishing
In this episode, J. and J.D. welcome indie mastermind Zach Bohannon to the show to discuss the growing similarities between indie and traditional publishing.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- What’s the deal with Audiblegate?
- The benefits of being a “hybrid” author
- Why traditional publishers are starting to value eBooks
- Why indies are becoming more tolerant of traditional deals
- The importance of a mailing list when pursuing a trad deal
- The role of subscription-based services in the future of publishing
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Pursuing Multiple Projects with Christopher Rice
Bestselling author Christopher Rice knows how to pursue multiple projects at once. By working on each project in different physical spaces and balancing the time spent on each, he breaks up the monotony of sticking to one book, makes himself more productive, and increases his writing and time management skills exponentially. Christopher is well-known for writing A Density of Souls, his bestselling debut novel, and Ramses The Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra, which he co-wrote with mother and fellow bestseller Anne Rice. He also runs The Dinner Party Show podcast with award-winning novelist Eric Shaw Quinn. His latest publication, Blood Victory, is available now.
From Amazon.com:
A New York Times bestseller since his first publication at the age of twenty-two, Christopher Rice is the author of BONE MUSIC (an Amazon Charts bestseller and the first novel in the Burning Girl series) and its sequel, BLOOD ECHO, as well as the Bram Stoker finalists THE HEAVENS RISE and THE VINES. BLOOD VICTORY, his third Burning Girl novel releases in August 2020. He is an executive producer on the television adaptation of The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, and he also collaborated with her on RAMSES THE DAMNED: THE PASSION OF CLEOPATRA, a sequel to her phenomenally popular novel THE MUMMY OR RAMSES THE DAMNED. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist, Eric Shaw Quinn, he runs the podcast and video network, TDPS, which you can find at www.TheDinnerPartyShow.com. Learn more about Christopher at www.christopherricebooks.com.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Christopher learned to multitask when writing
- Why the early stages of the creative process are non-linear
- The importance of podcasting platforms to authors
- Why every author needs a newsletter
- What to know when writing with your mother
To send J.D. an ARC copy of your new book, make sure you have the title available in ebook, paperback, and audio. Then mail him a physical copy at:
J.D. Barker
P.O. Box 177
New Castle, NH 03854
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Christopher Rice – http://www.christopherricebooks.com/
A Density of Souls by Christopher Rice – https://mybook.to/densityofsouls
Blood Victory by Christopher Rice – https://mybook.to/bloodvictory
Upstairs Inferno Starring Christopher Rice – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3088882/
The Dinner Party Show – http://thedinnerpartyshow.com/
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Gaining Exposure with Publicist Mickey Mikkelson
Publicist Mickey Mikkelson specializes in gaining exposure and brand recognition. Using his independent firm, Creative Edge, he teaches indie authors around the world how to market their books, foster their own reader communities, and build sustainable brands. Mickey has worked in PR for almost five years and has helped bestselling authors like Tosca Lee and Robert J. Sawyer gain publicity. In addition to running Creative Edge, he is a regular collaborator with TopShelf, a popular must-read magazine for booksellers and authors that focuses on promoting and publishing. To contact Mikkelson, follow the link below.
From Creative-Edge.services:
“At Creative Edge, we are a Team and a Community. The entire organization believes strongly in collaboration, the authors, myself, and the key partnerships we have developed. I am passionate about working in conjunction with my clients and finding innovative and creative ways to ensure that each represented client has promotional and marketing success.” -Mickey Mikkelson
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Mickey started Creative Edge
- When to seek out a publicist
- Why publicity doesn’t always equate to sales
- The importance of having a “vision” for your book
- Differences between short-term and long-term growth
Links:
An Important Letter from The Authors Guild – https://www.authorsguild.org/who-we-are/letter-president/
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Mickey Mikkelson – https://www.creative-edge.services/contact.html
Creative Edge – https://www.creative-edge.services/
TopShelf – https://topshelfmagazine.net/index.php/magazine
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Designing the Perfect Cover with Books Covered’s Stuart Bache
Stuart Bache has some tips for designing the perfect cover. As a professional cover artist, he helps traditional and indie authors around the world create covers that are visually appetizing, clearly represent the book’s genre and message, and market themselves well to potential readers. Stuart has been in the field for over a decade and has worked with Mark Dawson, Stephen King, and other big-name authors. He has a number of online resources, including his Books Covered design service and a mini-course on Self Publishing Formula. His book, The Author’s Guide to Cover Design, is also available below.
From Amazon.com:
With well over a decade of experience in both traditional and independent publishing, Stuart Bache started his career as a Junior Designer for Hodder & Stoughton, worked as Senior Designer for Puffin Books and HarperCollins, and was Art Director of Oneworld Publications. He has worked across every major genre for a whole host of publishers and authors, including Mark Dawson, Stephen King, John le Carré, S. K. Tremayne and the Tolkien Estate. Stuart is now the Art Director and founder of Books Covered, where he continues to create market-leading book covers for authors, agents and publishers.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Books Covered was formed
- Why more indie authors are caring about their covers
- How to formulate research into a design
- The importance of strategically marketing your cover
- How to compromise with a cover designer
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Stuart Bache – https://stuartbache.co.uk
Books Covered – https://www.bookscovered.co.uk
Cover Design for Authors Course – https://selfpublishingformula.com/design
The Author’s Guide to Cover Design by Stuart Bache – https://mybook.to/coverdesign
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Finding Mindfulness as a Writer with Seth Godin
Bestseller Seth Godin has unlocked the secrets to finding mindfulness as a writer. Through various publications, workshops, and podcasts, he sheds light on mental concepts often overlooked in pursuit of a professional career and preaches the ideas of beating resistance, accepting genre, disregarding authenticity, and choosing passion rather than chasing it. Seth is a renowned author and entrepreneur with nineteen bestselling books and guides, an internationally recognized blog, and a spot in the Marketing Hall of Fame. His latest book, The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, will be available tomorrow.
From Amazon.com:
Seth Godin is the author of nineteen international bestsellers that have been translated into over 35 languages, and have changed the way people think about marketing and work. For a long time, Unleashing the Ideavirus was the most popular ebook ever published, and Purple Cow is the bestselling marketing book of the decade. He’s a recent inductee to the Marketing Hall of Fame, and also a member of the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame and (go figure), the Guerrilla Marketing Hall of Fame.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Seth beats resistance
- Why to choose passion rather than chase it
- The importance of defining your genre
- Why authenticity is a lie
- How to push through “the dip”
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Seth Godin – https://www.sethgodin.com/
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin – https://mybook.to/thepractice
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin – https://mybook.to/purplecow
This Is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin – https://mybook.to/thisismarketing
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Rounding Up Reviews with Chanticleer’s Kiffer Brown
Since creating Chanticleer Book Reviews in 2010, Kiffer Brown has provided thousands of authors with the exceptional reviews integral to the success of any book. Her services include editorial reviews, manuscript reviews, and peer reviews, which help writers structure their story, earn community appraisal, and expand sales on Amazon. Kiffer has worked in book marketing for over a decade and is involved in a plethora of local and national writing groups, hosts several writing conferences and book conventions, and has connections with authors around the world. To have Kiffer review your book or manuscript, visit chantireviews.com/services.
From WritersWin.com:
Media scout for literary agents, publishing houses, movie producers, and industry professionals, along with folks seeking a good read, Kiffer Brown is known for her instinct of picking winners. Reader Extraordinaire, she reads thousands of works a year searching for today’s sparkling gems that will become tomorrow’s best sellers. She truly loves what she does and her passion shows.Kiffer is also the founder ofChanticleer Book Reviews & Media. CBRM Discovers Today’s Best Books with Editorial Reviews and International Writing Competitions. In addition to running a professional editorial review service, she is the president of Whatcom Writers and Publishers, Salish Sea League of Writers board member, Upstart Crows Writers Assoc. founder, and member of Western Washington University’s publishing curriculum’s advisory board. She presents at numerous writers conferences and book conventions.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Chanticleer was created
- Why a good review will make or break your book
- The importance of gaining appraisal from fellow authors
- The difference between editorial, manuscript, peer, and consumer reviews
- The biggest mistake most authors make during the review process
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Kiffer Brown – https://writerswin.com/kiffer-brown/
Chanticleer Book Reviews & Media – https://www.chantireviews.com/services/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Keeping Bookstores Alive with Tom Holbrook
Tom Holbrook has been keeping bookstores alive since 2002, when he opened RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. By showcasing a variety of indie books, helping aspiring writers edit and sell their work, and hosting book signings and other events for smaller authors, Tom has made a healthy impact on his local indie scene and has kept the spirit of physical books alive in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual. Over nearly two decades of owning a bookstore, he has also written a few books of his own and has helped local indie authors publish many more. Fortunately, RiverRun has stood strong through the pandemic, a historically tough time for small businesses, and remains a staple of Portsmouth.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Tom created RiverRun
- Why audiobooks aren’t as profitable for bookstores
- Why bookstores need to have “extras”
- The importance of assisting local indie authors
- How COVID has affected indie stores and writers
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Tom Holbrook – riverrunbookstore@gmail.com
RiverRun Bookstore – https://riverrunbookstore.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Accurately Depicting Law Enforcement with Patrick O’Donnell
Former cop Patrick O’Donnell is dedicated to helping writers accurately depict local PD in their books and novels. In his informational series, Cops and Writers: From The Academy to The Street, Patrick teaches authors about the fundamentals of a crime scene, the departmental ranking system, and a variety of small but important details for making your cops come to life. O’Donnell recently retired after serving in Chicago and Wisconsin for twenty-five years and is now focusing on building his website, copsandwriters.com, and continuing to grow his aforementioned series. To join his Facebook group, an awesome online resource with accomplished authors and other former cops answering the genre’s biggest questions, follow the link below.
From CopsandWriters.com:
Looking to add an authentic edge to your crime fiction? Ride along with me, a real-life sergeant to give your story the accuracy your readers crave. My name is Patrick O’Donnell, and I’ve been with a large metropolitan police department for the last twenty-four years, seventeen of those as a street sergeant. That means I’ve been a supervisor on the street for the bulk of my career. The city I work in has a population of about 600,000 people who are policed by about 1,800 sworn members, give or take a few hundred. I’m also an author of fiction and non-fiction books. I do understand the unique author point of view and can see through your writer’s eyes. Ride along with me, Sergeant O’Donnell for the law enforcement details that will give your story street cred.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How O’Donnell became a cop
- His craziest true crime stories
- What authors get wrong about cops
- The differences between the PD and PIs
- The various ranks of a police department
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Patrick O’Donnell – https://www.copsandwriters.com/
Cops and Writers: From The Academy to The Street by Patrick O’Donnell – https://mybook.to/copsandwriters
Cops and Writers Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/copsandwriters/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Writing Crime with the FBI’s Betsy Glick
Betsy Glick can help you write the perfect crime novel. Through an accessible and free author program, Betsy and her team work to provide authors with declassified info, public documents, connections to local offices, and interviews with retired agents in an effort to craft the most accurate stories possible. Glick works in the Office of Public Affairs and has been with the FBI for over fifteen years. In addition to helping writers, her office works with hundreds of TV and movie producers every year and has aided in the production of Quantico, Mindhunter, and many more shows and films. Their latest documentary project, The FBI Declassified, premieres this month. If you’re interested in bringing your next book to Betsy and her office, contact her via email.
From Personal Bio:
Glick works with screenwriters, authors, producers and other media associated with television programs, documentaries, made-for-TV movies, books, motion pictures and special projects, to help foster authenticity about the FBI. She recently organized a “Writing G-Man Stories Rooted in Reality” workshop for novelists attending the International Thriller Writers annual gathering in Manhattan. The FBI public service announcements she created for Internet Crime, Child ID App, Active Shooter, and the Most Wanted program with CBS have reached 130 million+ viewers since 2018, according to Nielsen.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Betsy’s funniest FBI moment
- How you can contact her office
- What makes a crime novel accurate
- The common FBI myths that every crime writer should know
- Why truth is sometimes stranger than fiction
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Betsy Glick – https://www.linkedin.com/in/petsketcherandmediafetcher
FBI page for writers – https://www.fbi.gov/portrayals
The FBI Declassified Teaser – https://www.cbsnews.com/video/news-series-the-fbi-declassified/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
The Advantages of Co-Writing with Tosca Lee
Bestselling author Tosca Lee has taken full advantage of the co-writing process. Through writing with various partners, she’s proven that co-writing is a great way to expand your readership, revitalize your voice, and learn key new skills, and that it is an essential challenge for all successful authors to conquer. Tosca has published a diverse set of thriller and historical novels and is well-known for The Line Between, The House of Bathory duology, and the Books of Mortals series, which she co-wrote with fellow bestseller Ted Dekker. Her sequel to The Line Between, A Single Light, is available now.
From Amazon.com:
Tosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels including A SINGLE LIGHT, THE LINE BETWEEN, THE PROGENY, THE LEGEND OF SHEBA, ISCARIOT, and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages and been optioned for TV and film. A notorious night-owl, she loves movies, playing football with her kids, and sending cheesy texts to her husband.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Tosca met Ted Dekker
- Helpful tips for finding a co-writer
- Why historical writers need to research extensively
- Why you should be active in reading groups
- How speaking engagements can boost your readership
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Tosca Lee – https://toscalee.com/
The Line Between by Tosca Lee – https://mybook.to/linebetween
A Single Light by Tosca Lee – https://mybook.to/singlelight
Forbidden (Books of Mortals Book 1) by Tosca Lee and Ted Dekker – https://mybook.to/forbiddenbook
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Becoming More Than Just an Author with Jessica Brody
Jessica Brody knows what it means to be more than just an author. From hosting writing workshops at high schools around America and creating the Writing Mastery Academy to adapting Blake Snyder’s screenwriting guide for novelists, she has maximized her potential as an Authorpreneur and stands out as an engaged and helpful member of the writing community. Jessica is well-known for her massively acclaimed Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need and her popular young adult series, System Divine. Her latest release, Between Burning Worlds, is available now.
From Amazon.com:
Jessica Brody is the author of more than 20 books for teens, tweens, and adults including Sky Without Stars, Between Burning Worlds, The Chaos of Standing Still, Better You Than Me, A Week of Mondays, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, and the Unremembered trilogy. She’s also the author of the Descendants: School of Secrets series, based on the hit Disney Channel original movie, Descendants, as well as the #1 bestselling novel-plotting guide, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel. Her books have been translated and published in over 23 countries and several have been optioned for film and television. She lives with her husband and three dogs near Portland, OR.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Jessica started speaking in schools
- How to find success by writing-for-hire
- The importance of a solid daily routine
- The importance of structure to every story
- Why to prioritize what’s most important to you
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Jessica Brody – https://www.jessicabrody.com/
Writing Mastery Academy – https://www.jessicabrody.com/online-writing-courses/
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody – http://mybook.to/SaveTheCatWrites
Between Burning Worlds by Jessica Brody – http://mybook.to/BetweenBurningWorlds
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Writing on Day One with T.W. Piperbrook
Bestseller T.W. Piperbrook knew little of writing on day one; coming from a corporate job, he had few connections in the industry and no idea how to market himself or adapt to his new lifestyle. Regardless, fueled by a childhood dream of becoming an author, he eventually gained a solid foothold in the indie market and learned many helpful tips along the way. T.W. is well-known for his post-apocalyptic Outage and The Ruins series, both of which showcase his unique dystopian style. Piperbrook’s latest release, Better Guns and Gardens: 12 Post-Apocalyptic and Horror Tales, is available now.
From Amazon.com:
T.W. Piperbrook lives in Connecticut with his wife, his son, and a Shih Tzu named Remy. He is the author of the CONTAMINATION series, the OUTAGE series, and co-author of THE LAST SURVIVORS, as well as the author of THE RUINS. In his former lives, he has worked as a claims adjuster, a touring musician, and a business systems analyst for a Fortune 500 company.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The importance of faith to a new author
- Why every author needs a support system
- How to decide which book/series to advertise
- How audiobooks can expand your accessibility
- How to maintain the writing mindset
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
T.W. Piperbrook – https://www.facebook.com/twpiperbrook/
Outage by T.W. Piperbrook – http://mybook.to/Outage
The Ruins by T.W. Piperbrook – http://mybook.to/TheRuins
Better Guns and Gardens by T.W. Piperbrook – http://mybook.to/BetterGunsGardens
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Writing Killer Hooks with Adam Croft
Adam Croft can write a killer hook. By crafting taglines that ask shocking, morality-challenging questions or demand the empathy of the reader, he is able to easily and effectively draw people to his books. Adam is a wildly successful independent author with over two million books sold worldwide. He took over the market in 2015 with his bestselling psychological thriller, Her Last Tomorrow, and again in 2017 with Only the Truth, which held the title of bestselling book in the world at the time. Croft’s upcoming release, On Borrowed Time, will be available this month.
From Amazon.com:
Adam Croft is one of the world’s biggest-selling authors of crime fiction and gripping psychological thrillers. His books are known for their quick pace, thrilling plots and believable characters, and have sold in more than 120 countries around the world. His books have topped the Amazon storewide chart seven times, and in February 2017 Amazon’s overall Author Rankings placed Adam as the most widely read author in the world, with J.K. Rowling in second place.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The elements of a killer tagline
- How to develop and maintain your readerbase
- The importance of a mailing list
- The importance of tracking sales data and trends
- The pros and cons of starting a podcast
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Adam Croft – https://www.adamcroft.net/
Her Last Tomorrow by Adam Croft – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018ZCAI10/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i8
Only the Truth by Adam Croft – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DRRX6ZB/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p2_i2
On Borrowed Time by Adam Croft – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CVF78FW/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Marketing Yourself as an Author with Joe Hart
Joe Hart knows how to market himself as an author. Armed with a drive to develop new connections, an acute attention to the importance of book covers and advertisements, and a watchful eye over new trends, he is able to sustain a successful brand while easily adapting to the ever-changing publishing market. Joe is a bestselling author of eleven novels and is well-known for The Last Girl and The River is Dark, two staples of his thrilling writing style. Hart’s latest release, I’ll Bring You Back, is available now.
From Amazon.com:
Joe Hart is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of eleven novels that include The River Is Dark, Obscura, and The Last Girl. When not writing, he enjoys reading, exercising, exploring the great outdoors, and watching movies with his family. For more information on his upcoming novels and access to his blog, visit www.joehartbooks.com.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The process of becoming a new writer
- How to develop connections with other authors
- How to find and connect with new readers
- How to balance a day job with writing
- The importance of noticing trends
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Joe Hart – http://www.joehartbooks.com/
The Last Girl by Joe Hart – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011UNEZN8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
The River is Dark by Joe Hart – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2EOONS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3
I’ll Bring You Back by Joe Hart & Richard Brown – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083H3SDQT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Immersing Yourself in Your Story with Heather Graham
Heather Graham lives to immerse herself in her stories. Whether she is speaking to former FBI agents, searching for small town legends, or taking part in a seance, she uses her encounters to intricately build and understand her characters and storylines. Heather is a long-time bestselling author with over 200 books published and over 600 million sales worldwide. She writes anything from historical fiction to romance to paranormal thrillers and is well known for her extensive Krewe of Hunters series and for hosting the yearly Vampire Ball at the RT Convention. Graham’s upcoming release, Dreaming Death, will be available next month.
From Amazon.com:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Heather Graham, majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write. Her first book was with Dell, and since then, she has written over two hundred novels and novellas including category, suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult and Christmas family fare.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouse, J. Thorn, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The history of the Vampire Ball
- The key differences between writing historical vs. contemporary fiction
- The benefits of writing with kids
- Why Heather’s writing is so diverse
- Heather’s writing schedule
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Heather Graham – https://www.theoriginalheathergraham.com/
Dreaming Death by Heather Graham – https://books2read.com/DreamingDeath
Phantom Evil (Krewe of Hunters Book 1) by Heather Graham – https://books2read.com/PhantomEvil
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
“Muggable” quote by Harley Christensen – https://www.mischievousmalamute.com/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.