The Pen to Profit Podcast: Fiction Writing Tips
From drafts to dollars: learn the secrets to writing, editing, publishing, and marketing to turn your fiction writing into a profitable business. Are you a fiction writer? Does having to write, edit, do cover design, keep up on market trends, research, get reviews, etc leave you feeling overwhelmed? Is marketing your book so confusing that you feel like you’re just throwing money into a shredder to make confetti? Are you a great writer but struggle with grammar, long and winding sentences, clarity, and punctuation? As an independent author, the success of your book is all in your hands. I’m Ray Evans. I’m an editor and writing consultant for indie fiction authors. The Pen to Profit Podcast is going to give you advice on: Writing: Tips to help improve your book structure, pacing, and narrative to keep readers hooked. Like a personal trainer for your novel, we’ll whip your plot and characters into shape so they can carry the weight of your story. Editing: Would you go out for a hot date dressed like a hobo? No! You want to put your best foot forward. You’ll learn how to make sure your sentences are crisp and clear, your characters are consistent, and your plot makes sense. Grammar: Readers should be immersed in your world and falling in love with your characters, not tripping over typos. You’ll get tips to avoid the most common mistakes so readers can fully appreciate and enjoy your work. Marketing: You put your blood, sweat, and tears into this book: do you want it to sell like hotcakes or be as lonely as a single sock in the dryer? Of course not! You’ll learn tips, secrets, and tactics to get more people buying and talking about your book. The more people who see your book, the more likely it is to sell and get reviews. You’ll learn exactly how to give your book a fighting chance to get seen by the world. Learn: www.rayevansproofreader.com Connect: ray@getproofreading.com Instagram:@proofreaderray
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Episodes
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Introduction:
Hey there, literary aficionados and scribblers of the night! Welcome back to the Pen to Profit Podcast, where we dive deep into the trenches of writing, editing, and publishing, all while keeping it lighter than a helium balloon at a comedy club. I'm your host, Ray Evans, coming to you live from the iconic Simpsons' residence (don't mind the yellow family if they pop in). Today, we're unraveling the mysteries of mystery writing with none other than Tom Fowler, a maestro of the genre, whose keyboard is mightier than any weapon in a detective's arsenal.
Why You Should Tune In:
- Ever wondered how a tech guru becomes a USA Today Bestselling Author of mysteries and thrillers? Spoiler: It involves more twists than a pretzel factory.
- Discover the hacks, from outlining woes to dealing with the dreaded "writer's block" (or as we like to call it, the temporary lack of murderous creativity).
- Marketing your book without selling your soul (or emptying your wallet) – let's talk about making your book the next big thing since the invention of the alphabet.
Problems We're Solving:
- How to transition from tech wizard to mystery/thriller author without losing your mind.
- Navigating the choppy waters of book marketing with the grace of a literary swan.
- Building an engaging author platform when you're more used to code and cybersecurity.
Key Takeaways:
From Byte to Might: Learn how Tom Fowler transitioned from the world of computer security to penning page-turners that keep readers up at night.
Crafting the Perfect Crime (on Paper): Discover the secrets to creating compelling mysteries and thrillers, including why it's okay for your characters to take a bullet (or a stab).
Marketing Without Mourning: Get insider tips on promoting your books through email newsletters, social media, and why sometimes, you need to let a man with a gun walk into the room (figuratively, of course).
Building Your Author Empire: Why every author needs a newsletter and how to grow your subscriber list faster than you can say "plot twist."
Ads, Ads, Ads: The skinny on using Amazon and Facebook ads to boost your book sales without needing to rob a bank to fund them.
The Anti-Writer's Block Toolkit: Tom's top tips for beating writer's block, including why walking away (temporarily) might just be the best thing you can do for your manuscript.
Remember, folks, in the world of writing, the only crime is NOT following your passion. So, keep plotting, keep writing, and maybe, just maybe, let a man with a gun walk into the room every now and then.
Call to Action:
🎙️If today's episode left you more intrigued than a cat at a laser show, don't forget to hit that subscribe button. Dive deeper into the literary labyrinth with us on "Pen to Profit," and leave us a five-star review if you love the journey!
🔗 Quick Links🔗:
🌟 Want to unravel more mysteries with Tom Fowler? Check out his latest escapades and join his legion of fans at http://tomfowlerwrites.com.
Follow him on Instagram and TikTok @TomFowlerWrites for a behind-the-scenes look at a writer's life, sprinkled with a healthy dose of snark and suspense.
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Check out this episode for more tips on dealing with writer's block: Write more, stall less: 4 secrets to crush writer’s block
For a masterclass on building a newsletter, tune into episode 9: Write Emails, Sell Book: Why Every Author Needs an Email List
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
**Introduction:**
Hey there, word sleuths and narrative ninjas! Welcome back to another gripping episode of the "Pen to Profit Podcast: Fiction Writing Tips," where we dive into the enigmatic world of writing with a side of whimsy. I'm your host, Ray Evans, your goto guy for all things editing, proofreading, and spinning yarns into gold. Today, we're peeling back the curtain on the cozy corners of mystery writing with the multi-named maestro of murder and mayhem, Liz Mugavero, also known to the literary world as Kate Conte. Buckle up as we explore the underbelly of cozy mysteries, the art of crafting compelling crime stories, and the magical touch of creativity coaching.
**Why You Should Care:**
Ever dreamt of writing a mystery that keeps readers up at night, guessing till the very end? 🕵️♂️
Curious about the secret sauce that makes a cozy mystery... well, cozy? 🐱🔍
Feel like your creative spirit is shackled by the mundane? Liz/Kate, aka our creativity Houdini, is here to show you the escape hatch.
**The Problems We're Solving:**
Navigating the maze of mystery writing and unshackling your creative chains can be as baffling as a whodunit plot. Today's episode is your secret map to:
Constructing mysteries that enchant and enthrall.
Understanding the nuances of cozy mysteries and how to brew your own.
Reigniting your creative fire with a sprinkle of woowoo and a whole lot of practical magic.
**Key Takeaways:**
**Double Identity, Double the Insight:** Learn how Liz Mugavero and Kate Conte, two sides of the same coin, navigate the realms of cozy mysteries with distinct flair and creativity.
**Cozy 101:** Dive into the heart of cozy mysteries – where murder meets muffins, and mayhem is served with a side of morals.
**Creativity Unleashed:** Discover the Creativity Lab, where writers transform from solitary scribes to part of a pulsing, supportive community.
**A Touch of WooWoo:** Embrace the unconventional with creativityboosting strategies that include tarot, crystals, and the power of scent. 🌿✨
**From Plotting Woes to Creative Flows:** Tips and tricks from Liz/Kate on plotting your mystery and overcoming creative blocks.
**Call to Action:**
If today's episode cracked the case on mystery writing and lit a fire under your creative cauldron, don't forget to hit that subscribe button. Join us on the "Pen to Profit" journey for more insider tips, from avoiding grammar goofs to publishing prowess. And if you're feeling generous, leave us a five star review! 🌟
🔗 **Quick Links**🔗:
Ready to delve deeper into Liz's world of cozy mysteries? Check out: https://cateconte.com/
For those eager to ignite their creative spark, visit https://getwritingwithliz.com/ and step into the Creativity Lab. 🔮
Follow Liz/Kate on social media for a behind the scenes look at a writer's life, seasoned with a dash of mystery and a liberal sprinkling of creativity.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lizmugavero
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CateConte_TheCreativityLab/
Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Remember, in the world of writing, the only true crime is not following your passion. So, keep plotting, keep creating, and maybe let a little woo-woo into your writer's den. Until next time, I'm Ray Evans, wishing you ink-stained fingers and endless imagination.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Welcome back, all you scribes and scriveners, to another episode of Pen to Profit Podcast. Ray Evans here, your guide from first draft to bestseller list. Today's episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for any author looking to navigate the tumultuous seas of self-publishing. We're joined by Michele DeFilippo, a seasoned veteran with over 50 years in the publishing industry and the brain behind 1106 Design, offering a full spectrum of services from manuscript to market.
Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:
- Get insider insights from a half-century in publishing.
- Discover how to maintain traditional publisher quality while enjoying the freedom of self-publishing.
- Learn the dos and don'ts of book design, interior and cover, directly from an expert.
- Find out how 1106 Design can transform your manuscript into a masterpiece without losing your rights to your own work.
Key Takeaways:
The Importance of Professional Help: Learn why self-editing is never enough and the transformative power of a professional editor’s touch.
Cover Design - Your Book’s Handshake: Understand the critical elements of a compelling book cover and why it’s worth every penny to invest in a professional designer.
Interior Design - More Than Meets the Eye: Uncover the subtle art of typesetting and interior design that makes your book not just readable but enjoyable.
The Business of Writing: Michele emphasizes treating your book as a business, ensuring every decision, from design to marketing, aligns with your ultimate goals.
Navigating Self-Publishing Pitfalls: Discover how to steer clear of false promises and vanity metrics in the self-publishing world.
🎧 If you're serious about turning your pen into profit, then you can't afford to miss this episode. Michele's insights are gold dust for any author looking to self-publish without compromising on quality.
🌟 And remember, your reviews fuel our passion and help more authors find the guidance they need. So, if you loved this episode, drop us a five-star rating and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on the free value. .
🔗 Quick Links 🔗
Check out 1106 Design here: https://1106design.com/ to download the free book, “Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing” and schedule your discovery call today!
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Welcome back, literary aficionados and digital sages, to another episode of Pen to Profit Podcast, where we untangle the Gordian knots of the writing world. I'm your host, Ray Evans, your navigator through the labyrinth of syntax and storylines. Today, we've got a special treat - a confluence of the digital and the literary. Meet JoAnna McSpadden, a software sorceress by day and a narrative necromancer by night. Her debut novel, Obsidian Tide, is set to make waves in the literary ocean this March. Sit tight as we decode the enigma of balancing code and prose!
**Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:**
- Discover the alchemy of blending software development and novel writing.
- Unveil the secrets behind creating a world where dragons and deadlines coexist.
- Dive into the depths of Obsidian Tide and the mind of its creator.
**Key Takeaways:**
**The Magical Art of Website Development:** JoAnna demystifies the digital spells she casts to conjure user-friendly e-commerce portals.
**Finding Your Tribe:** Learn the importance of a writing community in keeping the creative cauldron bubbling.
**Navigating the Publishing Labyrinth:** JoAnna shares her odyssey from penning the first draft to finding a publisher that aligns with her vision.
**Social Media Sorcery:** Discover how to enchant followers and conjure a pre-launch buzz using the potent potions of Instagram and newsletter charms.
**Balance - The Ultimate Spell:** JoAnna reveals her secrets to juggling the realms of software development, writing, and personal life without summoning any dark spirits.
🎧 If your quill is quivering with anticipation and your cursor blinking in tandem, this episode is your crystal ball into the future of writing. Tap into JoAnna's wisdom and let your storytelling spirit soar.
🌟 If this episode has cast a spell on you, sprinkle some magic by hitting subscribe so you don’t miss a future episode.
🔗 **Quick Links** 🔗
Learn more about JoAnna's debut novel Obsidian Tide - available March 5, 2024 wherever books are sold here: https://www.joannamcspadden.com/books/obsidian-tide
Ready to embark on a literary quest with JoAnna? Visit https://www.joannamcspadden.com/ and subscribe to her newsletter for an enchanting journey through her realms of code and fantasy.
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Until the next page turns, keep your narratives bold and your code bug-free! This is Ray Evans, signing off from the Pen to Profit Podcast!
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Kiss and Tell: Writing Intimate Scenes with Tasteful Passion 😘
Welcome back, quill-wielders and storytelling sorcerers, to your favorite rendezvous for unraveling the yarns of fiction. I'm Ray Evans, your maestro in the symphony of syntax and the Picasso of prose. Today, as Cupid sharpens his arrows, we’re diving into the delicate dance of writing intimate scenes, ensuring they sizzle with sentiment, not scandal. So, let’s sculpt those amorous atmospheres with the elegance of a Shakespearean sonnet and the precision of a poet's pen!
**Why This Episode is a Must-Hear:**
- Uncover the secrets to crafting intimate moments that resonate with readers, not repel them.
- Get the lowdown on leveraging ambiance, emotion, and eloquent diction to paint scenes that sizzle.
- Learn to balance the tightrope of taste and titillation in your narrative.
**Key Takeaways:**
**The Stage of Intimacy:** Discover how to transform your setting from mere background to a silent narrator that whispers the unspoken desires of your characters. Learn to wield the environment as a catalyst for emotional connection, crafting scenes that resonate with the authenticity of Austen and the intensity of Brontë.
**The Waltz of Words:** Master the art of diction in love scenes, finding that sweet spot where words are the soft music to the dance of your characters' desires. Learn to suggest rather than saturate, leaving room for readers’ imaginations to wander the hidden paths of passion.
**Emotional Resonance – The Heartbeat of Intimacy:** Understand the importance of emotional buildup, where every glance, every touch, and every whispered word lays the foundation for moments of intimacy. It's the crescendo in the symphony of your story, where hearts beat in unison and emotions are as palpable as the pages they're written on.
**Consent and Sensitivity – The Cornerstones of Trust:** Navigate the nuances of portraying consent and sensitivity in your scenes, ensuring they're built on the bedrock of mutual respect and understanding. It’s the difference between a scene that soars and a scene that stumbles.
**Genre Journeys – Tailoring Intimacy to Your Tale:** Learn to adapt the portrayal of intimate scenes to the expectations of your genre, ensuring that the heat of your romance novel doesn't turn your epic fantasy into a blush-inducing misadventure.
**Polishing the Gems – Editing with Finesse:** Embrace the art of self-editing and the wisdom of beta and sensitivity readers. Learn to view your intimate scenes through the kaleidoscope of feedback, refining and reshaping until every word, every pause, and every breath aligns with the rhythm of your story.
**Call to Action:**
🎙️ If today's episode has set your writer's heart aflutter and inspired you to craft scenes that make Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy seem like mere acquaintances, don't be shy – subscribe for more wisdom, wit, and a dash of whimsy here at "Pen to Profit."
🌟 If you believe that the quill is mightier than the sword and that well-crafted love scenes are the sonnets of our time, leave us a five-star review. Your words are the ink in our pens and the passion in our pages!
🔗 **Quick Links**🔗:
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Until our next chapter unfolds, keep your narratives nuanced and your love scenes luminous. This is Ray Evans, your guide in the gallant journey of genteel prose and poignant passion. Fare thee well, and write on!
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Ep 22: Shanti Hershenson: The Journey from 6th Grade Novelist to Author of 16 books by 16
**🎧 Episode Overview:**
Hey, Pen to Profit enthusiasts! Your favorite host Ray Evans here, bringing you another episode filled with literary gems. Today, we have a special treat - a chat with the young and remarkably prolific author, Shanti Hershenson. Shanti's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, having published her first two novellas in sixth grade. Now with 16 books under her belt, she's a force to be reckoned with in the young adult fiction world. 📚✨
**🤔 Why You Should Listen:**
- To get inspired by Shanti's unique story and her early start in the writing world.
- For valuable insights into balancing school, social life, and a burgeoning writing career.
- To learn effective strategies for marketing books, especially through social media platforms like TikTok.
**🔑 Key Takeaways:**
**Consistent Writing Habits:** Shanti emphasizes the importance of writing daily, a practice she's maintained since seventh grade.
**Effective Time Management:** Balancing school and writing by creating to-do lists and utilizing free periods productively.
**Strategic Book Marketing:** The role of early promotion, gathering book reviews, and using TikTok to boost book sales.
**Handling Negative Reviews:** Differentiating constructive criticism from meaningless negativity and learning to use feedback positively.
**Maximizing TikTok for Book Promotion:** Tips for growing a TikTok following and using the platform to engage with readers and market books effectively.
**Shanti's Most Successful Book:** Insights into the launch strategy of her most successful book, "Never Dying."
🔗 **Quick Links**🔗:
Ready to dive into the world of a young writing prodigy?
Follow Shanti Hershenson on TikTok @ShantiWhoWrites (https://www.tiktok.com/@shantiwhowrites) and visit her website http://shantihershenson.com for more on her books and journey.
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
And hey, don't forget to subscribe to the “Pen to Profit Podcast” for more inspiring stories and tips. Your reviews mean the world to us, so if you love what you're hearing, drop us a five-star review! 🌟
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
🎙️Ep 21: A Coach's Guide to Writing Success: Insights from Tracee Lydia Gardner
**🎧 Episode Overview:**
Greetings, wordsmiths and story-lovers! In this episode of "Pen to Profit Podcast," I, Ray Evans, your neighborhood copy editor and writing consultant, dive deep into the world of writing with Tracee Lydia Gardner. Tracee is not just a prolific author but a beacon of inspiration as a disability advocate and writing coach. Tune in for an enriching conversation filled with wisdom from her 20+ years in the literary arena. 📚✨
**🤔 Why You Should Listen:**
- To get inspired by Tracee's journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming an international bestselling author.
- For practical advice on transitioning from aspiring to published author.
- To discover the nuances of self-publishing and traditional publishing from an experienced insider.
**🔑 Key Takeaways:**
**Adapting to Writing Challenges:** Tracee shares how she navigates writing with a disability, turning challenges into advocacy.
**Writing Contest Success:** Tracee's breakthrough via a writing contest, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities.
**Traditional vs. Self-Publishing:** Pros and cons of each path, helping you decide what's best for your writing career.
**Building Community:** The value of joining writing associations for networking, learning, and camaraderie.
**Effective Self-Editing Techniques:** Tracee’s tips for refining your manuscript before it hits the editor's desk.
**Launch Strategies:** Insightful tactics for a successful book launch, including unique promotional ideas.
Ready to elevate your writing game? Subscribe to “Pen to Profit Podcast” for more enlightening episodes every Tuesday. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for a great story. Keep writing, keep dreaming!
**👋 Closing Remarks:**
"And remember, the pen might be mightier than the sword, but knowing when to use which is the true art of a writer. Until our next literary adventure, keep those pens sharp and ideas flowing!"
*Join us again for more insights, laughs, and invaluable advice to turn your pen into profit! 🖋️💰*
🔗Quick Links🔗
Contact Tracee for writing coaching by visiting https://traceegarner.com/ and follow her literary journey.
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
**Episode Overview:**
Hey there, word wranglers and plot twisters! Welcome to another episode of the “Pen to Profit Podcast.” I’m your host, Ray Evans, a friendly neighborhood writing consultant and copy editor. Today, we're diving into the world of an incredible guest, Marie Jones, a celebrated author and screenwriter whose accolades could give the Oscars a run for their money. Strap in for an inspiring journey from aspirations to award-winning achievements in writing.
**Why You Should Tune In:**
- Learn the art of persistence and positive thinking from an accomplished author.
- Get insider tips on transitioning from book writing to screenwriting.
- Discover effective strategies for leveraging social media to boost your author brand.
- Uncover the secrets to dealing with rejections and nurturing a resilient writer’s mindset.
**The Problems Solved:**
This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring authors, offering solutions on overcoming writer’s block, navigating publishing choices, and effectively marketing your work in a competitive landscape.
**Episode Summary:**
**Marie Jones - An Introduction:**
- From a childhood passion to a multi-award-winning author.
- Her journey in creative writing and her favorite writing spots.
**Venturing into Screenwriting:**
- Transitioning from book writing to screenwriting.
- The challenges and rewards of adapting a novel into a screenplay.
**Overcoming Writer's Block and Managing Time:**
- Marie’s strategies for balancing writing with parenting.
- Tips for aspiring writers on managing time and staying motivated.
**Choosing the Right Publisher:**
- Why Marie chose Gen Z Publishing over self-publishing.
- Insights into finding a publisher that aligns with your goals and style.
**Leveraging Social Media for Author Branding:**
- The role of social media in promoting books.
- Practical tips for using Instagram and other platforms effectively.
**Dealing with Rejection:**
- Turning rejections into opportunities for growth.
- Marie’s approach to feedback and maintaining a positive outlook.
**Marketing Insights and Lessons Learned:**
- Marie’s experiences in marketing her books.
- Advice for new authors on navigating the competitive world of book marketing.
**Key Takeaways:** 🔑
**Persistence Pays Off:** The journey from aspiring to award-winning author.
**Screenwriting Tips:** How to adapt a book for the screen.
**Balancing Writing and Life:** Time management strategies for busy writers.
**Navigating Publishing Choices:** Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing.
**Social Media Strategies:** Effective use of platforms for author branding.
**Embracing Rejection:** Turning setbacks into growth opportunities.
**Marketing Wisdom:** Lessons learned from promoting books in a competitive niche.
Are you on a quest to turn your writing dreams into published realities?
Then don’t forget to subscribe to “Pen to Profit Podcast” for more episodes packed with expert advice and inspiring stories.
And if you're weaving words into your next masterpiece, swing by the show notes to snag a no-change sample edit and see how we can help catapult your work to best-seller fame! Until next time, this is Ray Evans signing off – keep writing, keep striving, and keep enchanting your readers!
🔗 **Quick Links**:
Learn more about the wonderful world of Marie Jones here:
https://www.mariejonesbritishwriter.com/
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
🎙 **Episode Overview:**
Ladies, gents, and literary enthusiasts, you're about to embark on a verbal voyage with Ray Evans and his exceptionally erudite guest, Kimberly Noel Sullivan. It's a rollercoaster ride through the whimsical world of writing, marketing, and the art of balancing life with literary pursuits.
**Why should you care?**
Because it's a masterclass in juggling the pen and the daily grind, served with a side of savvy social media stratagems.
**Why This is a Must-Listen:**
- Dive deep into the mind of a globe-trotting author.
- Grasp the nitty-gritty of using social media as a marketing maestro.
- Unravel the mysteries of a writer's psyche – from idea inception to bookshelf debut.
**Problem Solved:**
Stuck in your writing rut or lost in the labyrinth of book marketing? This episode is the Ariadne's thread leading you out of the maze.
**Summary in Style:**
- **The Sullivan Saga:** From Boston's burbs to Rome's romance, Kimberly's journey is more twisted than a pretzel in a Bavarian biergarten.
- **Juggling Journalism with Joviality:** Why Kimberly swapped the newsroom for the novel, and you should, too (if you're so inclined).
- **The Social Media Soirée:** It's not just cat videos and dance challenges; it's a goldmine for the wordsmiths.
- **The Book Launch Ballet:** A delicate dance of digital dexterity and reader rendezvous.
- **Pricing Paradox:** Setting the tag without playing tag.
- **Creative Conundrums and Solutions:** Writer's block? More like a minor hiccup on the highway of creativity.
- **Feedback Fandango:** Navigating the tightrope of reader reviews with the grace of a gazelle in a tutu.
**Key Takeaways:**
**A Life in Letters:** The mesmerizing melange of cultural and academic escapades that fuel Kimberly's fiction.
**Social Media Savoir-Faire:** Tips to turn tweets into tantalizing teasers for your tome.
**News to Novels:** Why jumping ship from journalism might just be your literary lifesaver.
**The Price is (Not Always) Right:** A candid chat on cracking the code of cost.
**Hitting the Books:** The secret sauce to sustaining a writing regimen amidst the madness of modern life.
**Audience Affection:** Mastering the art of magnetizing and maintaining your reader rapport.
**Call-to-Action:**
Alright, word wranglers and phrase finaglers, if you've enjoyed this foray into the fertile fields of fiction and fancy, smash that subscribe button like it's the last typewriter key on Earth. And hey, while you're at it, leave us a dazzling five-star review – because every star counts in the cosmos of content. Tune in next time for more quips, quotes, and quiddities on the Pen to Profit Podcast! 🌟🎙
🔗 **Quick Links**:
Learn more about award-winning author Kimberly, and sign-up for her newsletter: https://kimberlysullivanauthor.com/
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Welcome back to another episode of the Pen to Profit Podcast, hosted by your friendly-neighborhood copy editor, Ray Evans. And today we’re going to joined by children’s book author, Rella B Books! Rella B’s mission is to provide young readers with captivating tales that not only entertain but also instill valuable life lessons. Through her enchanting narratives, she invites children to venture on adventures where they can conquer fears, celebrate diversity, and embrace the power of their own imaginations.
What’s on the agenda:
She has published two of her books and we’re going to be doing a teardown of her marketing strategies to give her (and you!), an idea of what’s working and not working.
Key Takeaways:
What gets measured gets managed: Every strategy that you deploy to reach your audiences should be able to measured for it’s effectiveness.
Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth: Don’t get married to any one idea; look at your numbers (see point 1) and be willing to pivot/course-correct as necessary.
The early bird gets the worm: Start drumming up anticipation BEFORE launch day.
Automation: Social media and promotion is a full time job, and you’re already a full-time writer. Leverage AI and programs, like Buffer, Later, and/or Hootsuite, to free up time by posting to your various social media channels for you.
And about 5 or so references to the movie The Terminator.
🔗 **Quick Links**:
For the video version of Rella’s amazing podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@RellaBbooks
Follow her on all her socials: (FB, X, TikTok, IG, Pinterest): @Rellabbooks
For the audio version of Rella’s podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5e18qIiDX7gHhXYYV5tcjF
- Ray's Monday, Wednesday, Friday Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips
Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html
- Join the "Author Success Hub" Facebook community. (Because why wouldn't you?)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/610364924346883
Click here to get a copy of my free book, How to get 100 Book Reviews in a Week:
https://0c42-ray.systeme.io/46eaa060
Your Title
This is the description area. You can write an introduction or add anything you want to tell your audience. This can help potential listeners better understand and become interested in your podcast. Think about what will motivate them to hit the play button. What is your podcast about? What makes it unique? This is your chance to introduce your podcast and grab their attention.