Blog & Pod
Here’s what’s on our mind, for better or worse! Enjoy the pontification mixed in with some great resources for writers.
Amazon Categories Unraveled: Maximizing Book Discoverability with Lara Bernhardt
Tune into the latest episode of the Writing Momentum podcast with Chris and Gena, featuring the knowledgeable Lara Bernhardt, where they delve deep into the complex world of Amazon categories. Lara shares invaluable insight into the significance of accurately categorizing books on Amazon, giving examples of how misidentification can lead to reader frustration. She also reveals the recent changes Amazon has made to the categories and offers practical tips for authors to effectively narrow down the right categories out of the staggering 16,000 available options. With enlightening discussions, real-life examples, and deeper insights into book publishing on Amazon, this episode is a must-listen for authors looking to maximize the discoverability and success of their books.
Five Must-Have Black Friday Deals for Writers Revealed
Tune in to the latest episode of the Writing Momentum podcast with Chris and Gena, where they delve into the five must-have Black Friday deals for writers. Focusing on securing the best value for authors, their essential deals range from email marketing with ConvertKit’s exclusive annual plan to the revolutionary email templates and trainings offered by Liz Wilcox, along with the time-saving social media management solution provided by SocialBee. Listen to uncover two lifetime deals: ProWritingAid for comprehensive grammar and spell checking and Sessions, a feature-packed video conferencing tool, both available at unbeatable rates. If you’re looking to take your writing and marketing strategies to the next level, don’t miss this insightful episode packed with exclusive deals!
The Art of Book Launches: A Candid Conversation with Award-Winning Author Henry McLaughlin
In this episode of the Writing Momentum Podcast, Christopher Maselli interviews author Henry McLaughlin as they discuss his latest book launch for “Emily’s Trials,” a compelling historical fiction set in the 1880s. Henry talks about his decision to hire a launch team and highlights the importance of having an effective coordinator, who managed the recruiting, organization, and daily operations of the launch team. They delve into the role of authors in marketing their books and the increasing expectation for authors to lead the marketing initiatives. Henry also provides insights into the plot and themes of “Emily’s Trials,” sharing the challenges faced by the protagonist and the intricacies of the book’s storyline.
Unlocking Author Power: Embracing the Freedom of Choosing How to Publish
In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena are joined by bestselling author William Bernhardt to discuss the pros and cons of traditional versus independent publishing, also known as self-publishing. They explore the evolution of the publishing industry and how the internet has created more opportunities for authors to reach their audience. Bernhardt shares his insights on the stigma that once surrounded self-publishing and how it has changed over time. He also discusses the importance of book quality and promotion, regardless of the publishing path you choose.
From Traditional to Self-Publishing: The Changing Landscape of the Publishing Industry
In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Chris and Gena chat with Kevin Tumlinson, the voice of indie publishing and the former Director of Marketing for Draft2Digital. They discuss the benefits of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, the changing landscape of the industry, and the best self-publishing options available today. Kevin shares his expertise and insights on reaching readers, marketing strategies, and the power of networking at conferences. He also reveals his exciting new role as CEO of BookSweeps, an author promotions and platform building company. Listeners will gain valuable advice on navigating the publishing world and finding success as an author.
Cracking the Code: Understanding Trends in the Writing Market w/ Marisa Corvisiero
In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena are joined by Marisa Corvisiero, the founder and CEO of Corvisiero Literary Agency. They discuss the concept of trends in the writing market, including what defines a trend and how it affects writers. Marisa explains that trends are what is hot and being published or read at a particular time, but cautions against blindly following trends because they can change quickly. They also discuss the influence of other media on book trends and the importance of staying informed. The episode concludes with a discussion about Marisa’s upcoming Authorpreneur workshop, where writers will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as an author.
Unveiling the Power of Spiritual Themes in Fiction with Laurel Thomas
In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, Chris and Gena are joined by author Laurel Thomas to discuss incorporating spiritual themes into fiction. They explore how to find and craft a theme, the benefits of adding depth to a story, and the importance of emotional impact. Laurel shares her process of starting with open-ended questions and weaving spiritual themes into her fantasy novels. She also addresses the possibility of adding themes into a manuscript that has already been started. The episode encourages writers to explore universal themes that resonate with readers, regardless of their religious beliefs.
From Frustration to Success: How Writers Can Simplify and Streamline Email Marketing
In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Chris and Gena address the frustrations of writer Bridget, who is struggling with email marketing. They offer several solutions, including using a lead magnet in books to collect email addresses, simplifying email service providers like MailerLite or ConvertKit, and paring down email lists. They emphasize the importance of starting with what is easy and building from there. Throughout the episode, they provide practical tips and resources to help writers simplify their email marketing efforts and connect with their audience effectively.
Liz Wilcox: Why Every Author NEEDS a Newsletter
In this episode, Chris and Gena interview Liz Wilcox, an email strategist who helps small businesses and authors build online relationships with their audience. Liz shares her journey into email marketing and why authors should have a newsletter. She explains that a newsletter allows authors to stay connected with their readers, build hype for book releases, and own their platform. Liz also provides tips for creating engaging newsletters, offers a framework for writing them, and discusses her email marketing membership where she provides templates and trainings to help authors market their books effectively.