PublishHER Podcast Episode 108: 10 year anniversary celebration with Alexa Bigwarfe

PublishHER Podcast Episode 108: 10 year anniversary celebration with Alexa Bigwarfe

by | Oct 17, 2023

Join Alexa Bigwarfe as she celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Write Publish Sell with guests Raewyn Sangari and Cayce LaCorte, as they unveil their exciting plans for the future of the Women in Publishing Summit, diving into the challenges and triumphs of Alexa's journey, and the power of helping authors and publishers succeed.

In this episode, we discuss:

 

Importance of Inclusivity and Representation

One of the core values of the Women in Publishing Summit is the importance of inclusivity and representation in the publishing industry. We need to incorporate diverse voices and marginalized narratives, showcasing a wide array of experiences and perspectives. It is so important to us that we are facilitating such inclusion and advocating for underrepresented voices in the publishing domain.

Memorable Moments:

00:08:43 – Evolution of Kat Biggie Press
Alexa discusses the evolution of Kat Biggie Press from operating as a vanity press to a hybrid press, where they kept authors under their umbrella but allowed them to retain their royalties. She also highlights the need for ongoing support for authors after their books are published, leading to the expansion of services offered by Kat Biggie Press.

00:15:25 – Favorite Projects
All three reflect on their favorite projects, including memoirs, children's books, and novels. They mention books that have had a profound impact, such as “Navigating the Unknown” and “Surviving the Unimaginable.”

00:18:05 – Working on Different Genres
Alexa and her team talk about their experiences working on different genres, including entrepreneurship books, YA books, thrillers, and paranormal romance. They discuss the challenges of marketing novels and the joy of bringing different stories to life.

00:21:07 – The Healing Power of Writing
Writing can impact mental health and help individuals process their emotions. Alexa announces the upcoming release of a grief journal for grieving mothers and expresses her excitement about its potential impact.

00:29:19 – The Birth of the Women in Publishing Summit
Alexa shares her journey of starting the Women in Publishing Summit after attending a conference with no women speakers. The support from male colleagues and the timing of the MeToo movement fueled the creation of the summit, focusing on creating a supportive environment for women in the publishing industry.

00:31:30 – The Importance of Mindset and Networking
The summit goes beyond just writing and publishing, emphasizing the importance of mindset and networking for women in the industry. Discussions focus on the unique challenges faced by women in writing, publishing, and selling books, creating a supportive and empowering community.

00:46:24 – Future Plans and Training Programs
Alexa shares her vision for the future, including more conferences, events, and webinars. They plan to create training programs for assistants working with authors to ensure a baseline understanding of the publishing industry.

PublishHER Podcast Episode 102: We get by with a little help from our {writer} friends with Lanette Pottle

PublishHER Podcast Episode 102: We get by with a little help from our {writer} friends with Lanette Pottle

by | Aug 12, 2023

If you're feeling overwhelmed and stuck in your book writing and publishing journey, despite your countless hours of research and effort, then you are not alone! Many aspiring authors find themselves spinning their wheels, unsure of the next step to take or making little progress towards their goal.

 

Transformational nonfiction writers and entrepreneurs who want to write a book to grow their business, leave an impact on the world, or help people get through a situation in their life may often struggle to make the time to get the book done. Lanette Pottle & Alexa Bigwarfe discuss the importance of accountability and community to get the book done!

Writing a book is a roller coaster ride, but with the right guidance and mentorship, you can shorten your timeline and overcome overwhelm. – Lanette Pottle

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The importance of expert guidance through mentorship and coaching in your book writing and publishing process.
  • The significance of community solidarity, offering you the support necessary in your writing journey.
  • The role your mindset plays in surmounting challenges and staying committed to your book-writing objective.

 

Writer Friends, Mentorship and Coaching

Mentorship and coaching play a significant role in the journey of writing and publishing a book. A knowledgeable mentor could offer just-in-time information and support, tailoring guidance to individual goals and motivations. Avoiding costly mistakes and saving time and money are some of the many benefits that come with coaching that ensures authors adapt a successful methodology that best suits them.

Memorable Moments:

00:04:24 – Creating a Supportive Community,
Lanette explains her approach to helping women navigate the writing and publishing process. She emphasizes the importance of personalized guidance and finding what works best for each individual. Her core values include uplifting and empowering women and providing accountability to help women achieve their goals.

00:08:07 – The Role of Accountability,
Lanette and Alexa discuss the role of accountability in writing a book, especially for busy women. They highlight the emotional challenges that come with writing and the need for someone to guide and hold authors accountable to their goals. Accountability programs can help authors stay focused and motivated throughout the writing process.

00:09:29 – Mindset and Awareness,
The conversation delves into the importance of mindset and self-awareness when writing a book. Lanette emphasizes the need to be aware of the stories we tell ourselves and overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Writing a book is a personal growth journey

Learn more at:

Website: shegetspublished.com
Podcast: shegetspublishedpodcast.com
Instagram: @shegetspublished
She Gets Published Mastermind Info & Application: shegetspublsihed.com/mastermind

Are you looking for your community? Join us at the Women in Publishing Summit!
PublishHER Podcast Episode 101: Interview with bestselling author & founder of InkersCon – Alessandra Torre

PublishHER Podcast Episode 101: Interview with bestselling author & founder of InkersCon – Alessandra Torre

by | Jul 28, 2023

Alessandra Torre, a best selling self-published sensation, ignites the indie author world with her tips for success as she navigates the competitive publishing industry and strives to build a loyal readership while continuously learning and persevering against the odds.

Do you want to increase your chances of success as a self-published author? Are you searching for the key to achieving your desired outcome? Special guest, Alessandra Torre, shares insight to help you attain your goal. Alessandra dishes her secrets to building a thriving readership, continuous learning, and unwavering perseverance, ultimately leading to a higher likelihood of triumph as a self-published author.

“I changed my description one afternoon, not thinking twice about it. And that book was selling 2000 copies a day within 48 hours.” – Alessandra Torre

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The unique path Alessandra Torre took to author success, navigating through the intricacies of self-publishing and traditional publishing.
  • The secrets behind consistently hitting the bestseller lists.
  • The creation of InkersCon, a novel virtual conference dedicated to empowering fiction indie authors.
  • Insights on becoming a victorious self-published author, focusing on building a loyal readership.
  • The power of continuous learning and persistence in the ever-evolving authoring scene.
  • How to leverage Amazon's sprawling platform to your advantage as a self-published author, with focus on Kindle Unlimited, the Amazon Algorithm, and various discoverability opportunities.

Alessandra's Unique Path to Bestselling Author

Jumpstarting her author's journey in 2012, Alessandra Torre dabbled in self-publishing inspired by the phenomenon of E.L. James. After releasing her first sexy romance novel on Kindle Direct Publishing, she altered her book description, setting off a surprising surge in sales. This propelled her from an unknown writer to a sought-after author by agents and publishers, leading her to lucrative deals and reaffirming the surprising paths to success in the industry.

Creation of Inkers Con

Recognizing the need for a community-centric platform for indie authors, Alessandra established Inkers Con. This unique forum offers live, professionally recorded presentations and workshops, creating an accessible and effective learning space for writers worldwide. With its focus on networking and industry insights, Inkers Con empowers authors with knowledge and tools to navigate the publishing landscape successfully.

Memorable Moments:

00:07:20 – Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing,
Alessandra found that her self-published books were more successful and profitable compared to her traditionally published books. Self-publishing allowed her to be agile and adapt to trends, while traditional publishing was slower and less profitable

00:17:17 – The Birth of Inkers Con,
Alessandra discusses how the idea for Inkers Con came about. She wanted to bring together the best people in different areas of writing and publishing to share their expertise. She believes that no one person is amazing at everything, so the conference aims to highlight different strengths and knowledge.

00:30:36 – Benefits of Amazon for Self-published Authors,
Torre and Alexa discuss the advantages of Amazon for self-published authors. They highlight the difficulty of getting traction with bookstores and other retailers and agree that Amazon offers more opportunities for book discovery through algorithms and organic recommendations.

Watch the interview on YouTube:

Check out InkersCon, an in-person and virtual conference for Indie fiction authors!

Want to learn more from Alessandra Torre? Join us at the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit where she is a featured speaker!

PublishHER Podcast Episode 100: Time – How do we get it all done?

PublishHER Podcast Episode 100: Time – How do we get it all done?

by | Jul 19, 2023

Time seems to be one of the biggest issues. Or lack there of. Prioritization can be really helpful. Alexa Bigwarfe talks about the stresses and time crunches on authors, and how we can make sure we're choosing the BEST for US places to spend our time and energy.

Are you struggling to find a balance between writing your book and effectively marketing it? In this episode, we talk about a strategy that will help you optimize your time and efforts, leading to heightened productivity and effectiveness in achieving your writing and marketing goals.

Time is the one resource we cannot create more of. We all have the same amount of it. So how do I fit in all the things? How do you fit in the things? How do you decide where to spend your time so that you can move forward? – Alexa Bigwarfe

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Learn practical approaches taming time management difficulties authors often encounter.
  • Ascertain how to balance the duality of writing and marketing roles effectively.
  • Realize how a professionally designed website can levitate your book promotion efforts.
  • Gather efficient strategies for task prioritization that propels progress in publishing.
  • Comprehend the pivotal role of dedication and unwavering perseverance in navigating the publishing industry.

 

The Biggest Challenge for Authors

In a recent networking session, participants identified time as the biggest challenge in their author businesses. The never-ending tasks of writing, marketing, and building a platform make it difficult to find time for everything. In order for people to value your book, they have to know that it exists. You have to be doing things. You have to be making the time to go on podcasts, to go to book fairs or book events or places where you can speak as an author, to go to school visits if you've got a children's book, to go to craft fairs or trade markets or farmers markets…You have to be doing things so that people know what you are doing. Prioritize your goals and decide whether you want to focus solely on writing or also engage in marketing and audience growth activities. Map out specific time slots for each task and considering seeking help from professionals to save time.

Key Takeaways

  • Check out Pubsite: Pubsite is a DIY website platform designed specifically for authors to market their books. Visit womeninpublishingsummit.com/pubsite to get a free two-week trial and save $5 per month for a whole year on your monthly hosting. This platform makes it easy to create sales pages, event pages, blog pages, and more for your book. It also includes templates and tools to help you market your book effectively.
  • Build your author website: Having a website is essential for authors to promote their books. Use a platform like Pubsite to create a hub where readers can find information about your book, sign up for your email list, and learn more about you as an author. A website is a central place to share content, post updates, and connect with readers. Make sure to include a clear call to action on your website, such as joining your email list or purchasing your book.
  • Grow your email list: Email marketing is a powerful tool for authors to connect with readers and promote their books. Make it a priority to grow your email list by offering a free resource or bonus content in exchange for email sign-ups. Use platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to manage your email

Memorable Moments:

00:15:45 – The role of publishers in book marketing,
Alexa discusses the potential help authors may receive from publishers in terms of marketing and launch support, but emphasizes that authors are ultimately responsible for selling their books.

00:16:08 – The importance of focusing on one book,
Alexa advises authors to focus on one book at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and making slow progress. She suggests dedicating time specifically for writing and setting a deadline for completing the book.

00:21:19 – Separating writing and marketing phases,
Alexa suggests separating the writing and marketing phases of book production. Authors can focus entirely on writing for a set period of time and then dedicate another period to marketing and audience growth. This approach allows for better focus and reduces the risk of distractions.

00:30:53 – Balancing Learning and Implementation,
It's easy to get stuck in the cycle of constantly learning without taking action. To make progress, authors need to strike a balance between learning new skills and implementing them.

00:39:53 – Setting Goals and Deadlines,
Having clear goals and deadlines is crucial for efficient time management. Set realistic milestones and create a timeline that allows for flexibility, ensuring you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

00:43:11 – Prioritizing and Saying No,
Focus on activities that directly contribute to your goals and say no to those that don't align. Avoid the fear of missing out and make decisions based on what will help you progress towards your desired outcomes.

PublishHER Podcast Episode 99: All About Children’s Books with Sheryl Bass

PublishHER Podcast Episode 99: All About Children’s Books with Sheryl Bass

by | Jun 28, 2023

Many aspiring authors struggle to find the right marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience and result in increased visibility and sales. Without a clear plan and effective resources, the process of marketing can be time-consuming and discouraging.

We're talking about children's books! Not only the importance of Social Emotional Learning and teaching that to children, but also self-publishing vs. trad for children's book authors, and tips from author Sheryl Bass.

Self-publishing has really leveled the playing field for regular folks to get out there if they've got a story in them that they want told. – Sheryl Bass

About Sheryl Bass:

Sheryl Bass holds a master’s degree in Social Work and has studied child development. She uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Sheryl also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations. Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship. Sheryl resides just outside of Chicago, IL with her husband and two terriers.

In this episode, we covered:

 

The Importance of SEL in Children's Books

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of children's development that helps them understand and manage their emotions, cultivate healthy relationships, and develop empathy. Addressing SEL in children's books allows the young readers to learn valuable life skills that will serve them well in their personal and professional lives as they grow older. The incorporation of SEL themes in children's literature like teamwork, accountability, and empathy fosters emotional literacy and develops essential communication skills. In the conversation with Sheryl Bass, she explains her background in social work and journalism, which led her to passionately believe in the importance of social emotional learning being included in children's books. Her stories focus on themes such as teamwork and friendship through whimsical narratives that captivate young readers. Such books aim to provide a solid foundation for children to develop critical emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Key Takeaways

  • Join SCBWI and Children's Book Insider for resources, conferences, webinars, and contests.
  • Consider using April Cox's Write Publish Sell program for guidance in self-publishing.
  • Look into Bobby Hindman's editing services for rhyme and meter in children's picture books.
  • Use Facebook groups for finding editors and other resources.
  • Visit Laura Bonchi Bontje for developmental editing to find holes in your story.
  • Utilize vendors recommended by April Cox for finding an illustrator.
  • Consider self-publishing for creative control over your book.
  • Purchase an ISBN code for your book.
  • Upload your manuscript into the Library of Congress.
  • Use focus groups for feedback on illustrations and character design.

Memorable Moments:

00:06:23 – Self-Publishing and Working with Editors,
Cheryl shares her experience with self-publishing and working with editors, including the invaluable guidance of April Cox and the importance of finding editors through Facebook groups. She emphasizes the importance of creative control and finding the right illustrator.

00:11:56 – Finding Editors and the Importance of Developmental Edits,
Cheryl discusses the importance of finding the right editor for a developmental edit, which can help find holes in a story and improve its overall structure. She emphasizes the importance of finding editors through Facebook groups and other resources.

00:14:46 – Marketing Children's Books,
Sheryl Bass gives insights on marketing children's books. She recommends hiring a PR professional specializing in books and authors. She shares tips on promoting books, identifying relevant awards, book reviewers and podcasts, and using ads on Amazon and Facebook. She also shares her experience using Pubby Co, a resource to review other authors' books and get reviews of your own.

00:23:25 – Traditional Marketing for Children's Books,
Alexa and Sheryl discuss the challenges of marketing children's books and how it differs from other genres. They agree that traditional marketing involves going out and getting in front of the community, such as school events, fairs, and author events. They suggest that authors consider hiring a PR expert who has the media contacts to help them get on the news and reach parents and teachers.

00:24:56 – Libraries as a Resource,
Sheryl shares that she purchased a database from Eric, who wrote a book on how to get your book into libraries. She plans to send a letter about her book to librarians throughout the US, which can be a great resource for selling books. Alexa suggests that going into schools, doing readings, and creating bookmarks with graphics from your book can also help promote it.

00:26:13 – Creating a Sequel,
Sheryl shares that she is working on a sequel to her first book and how it can help sell more copies of the first book. Once readers are invested in the characters and their adventures, they are more likely to buy

PublishHER Podcast Episode 98: Travel Writing Retreats with Lisa and Cami

PublishHER Podcast Episode 98: Travel Writing Retreats with Lisa and Cami

by | Jun 21, 2023

Have you ever wondered about travel writing retreats? Lisa Daily and Cami Ostman take authors on travel retreats for writing and are loving the results.

Trying to force creativity can be frustrating and often leads to disappointment. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, consider using travel as a tool for enhancing your writing. Immersing yourself in new cultures, environments, and experiences can open up new perspectives and ideas for your writing. From exploring the streets of a new city to experiencing the natural beauty of a different landscape, travel can offer unique opportunities for observation and reflection, ultimately fueling your creativity and improving your writing skills.

Traveling opens you up to newer possibilities, newer things, newer creativity, newer ways to think about things that you may have never thought about before. – Cami Ostman

Lisa Daily and Cami Ostman's love for travel led them to create Wayfaring Writers, a unique program combining exploration and writing retreats.

About Lisa & Cami:

Lisa Dailey is an avid traveler and writer. In 2015, she traveled around the world with her husband and two teenage sons visiting 14 countries and nearly 100 locations. In her time abroad, she unearthed new ways of looking at her life through her discoveries in remote corners of the world and she continues to enrich her life through travel. Lisa is a voracious reader and writer, and has published more than 20 titles and 200 authors at her company, Sidekick Press, including her own travel memoir, Square Up. A native Montanan, Lisa now makes her home by the ocean in Bellingham, Washington, but returns to her roots every summer for a healthy dose of mountains and Big Sky.

Cami Ostman has traveled to all seven continents and to twenty-four countries. She’s run 25 marathons and zillions of races of other distances, always at the back of the pack. She is the author of Second Wind: One Woman’s Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents and co-editor of Beyond Belief: The Secret Lives of Women in Extreme Religion (Seal Press). Cami holds a Bachelor’s of Education in English and Theater from Western Washington University and a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. She has a special interest in helping women live more authentically and freely. She is also a dog lover, a wine connoisseur, a runner, and a blogger. She runs a program for writers called The Narrative Project and has a passion for changing unhelpful narratives so people can be in charge of her own stories. She coaches people into their truest expression of themselves. Cami lives in Seattle, Washington.

In this episode, we covered:

  • Adventure Writing – Why Travel is THE Way Hone Your Craft
  • Travel is the best thing we know to spark an adventurous spirit and inspire creativity
  • Travel WRITING offers opportunities to be inspired by PLACE and CHARACTER like nothing else.
  • The Wayfaring Writer Retreats –  a rare opportunity for a small group of writers to immerse themselves in their craft while experiencing the food, drink, art, and history of foreign places
  • Writers to step out of their comfort zones and into using all their senses.
  • Together Cami and Lisa have visited nearly 50 countries and know first-hand the impact that travel has had on their writing

 

The Wayfaring Writers Experience

Wayfaring Writers takes a group of writers to a particular location and goes on adventures from there. The group includes an agent who consults with writers, and mastermind sessions with Lisa, Cami, and an expert on the craft of writing. The writers are given specific coaching and lessons to help them build their skills in observation and incorporating their experiences into their writing.

Key Takeaways

  • Unlock the creative potential of travel for boosting your writing prowess.
  • Delve into off-the-beaten-track adventures for a truly immersive cultural experience.
  • Grasp essential tips for women to make their travel escapades safer and more enjoyable.
  • Immerse yourself in specialized writing guidance crafted to address your unique needs.
  • Embrace the rewards of moving beyond your comfort zone to elevate your horizons.

Memorable Moments:

00:02:43 – Philosophy of Adventure Writing,
Travel is about challenging assumptions and opening writers up to new experiences, sights, smells, and sounds. It helps writers hone their observational skills and become better at incorporating those experiences into their writing.

00:14:23 – Favorite Wayfaring Writers Experience,
Lisa and Cami share their favorite experiences, including a doctor who was able to finish her book and get published with Cambridge University Press after coming on a Wayfaring Writers trip. The trips are designed to challenge assumptions and open writers up to

00:16:01 – The Importance of Travel in Writing,
The hosts and guests discuss the benefits of traveling for writers. They believe that experiencing different cultures and perspectives can help writers become better contributors to the collective consciousness.

00:17:09 – Eating Tarantulas in Cambodia,
Lisa shares a story about taking her family to a restaurant in Cambodia that served tarantulas. The restaurant was also a non-profit that helped children from the street find a career in the food industry. The group believes in off-the-beaten-path experiences to expand their sense of the world.

00:27:10 – Setting Travel Intentions,
Alexa shares her intention to travel more and write about her experiences. She believes that travel is important for personal growth and to capture unique perspectives in writing. The guests encourage her to join their travel group and explore new destinations.