Book Career Network

082 - Mastering Author Newsletters with Holly Darling [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee are joined by returning guest Holly Darling to discuss the art of email marketing for authors. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s mastery of storytelling and fan engagement, the conversation explores how authors can use newsletters to connect with their audience, build anticipation, and foster a loyal community of readers.
Holly shares practical strategies, including how to gamify reader engagement, personalize content through segmentation, and reward superfans with exclusive perks. The discussion also tackles overcoming imposter syndrome, using automation to streamline communication, and collaborating with other authors to expand reach. Packed with actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for authors looking to take their email marketing to the next level.
Key Takeaways:
Email marketing is a powerful tool for authors to build a community and deepen connections with readers.
Storytelling within newsletters enhances reader engagement and loyalty.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is key to creating authentic and effective communication.
Personal stories make newsletters relatable and foster a sense of connection.
Gamifying reader engagement can boost interaction and excitement.
Rewarding superfans with exclusive content or perks strengthens community bonds.
Collaborative newsletters among authors can increase reach and engagement.
Polls and surveys help authors understand reader preferences and tailor content.
Segmenting audiences allows for targeted, personalized communication.
Consistency in sending newsletters is vital for maintaining reader interest and trust.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift
01:18 – Guest Introduction: Holly Darling Returns
04:54 – The Power of Storytelling in Emails
06:09 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
08:33 – Engaging Readers with Personal Stories
12:48 – Using Newsletters for Book Marketing
18:56 – Preparing for Book Launches
27:57 – Building Effective Marketing Systems
30:06 – Understanding the Audience
30:32 – Rewarding Your Superfans
31:19 – Creative Reward Systems
37:45 – Collaborative Newsletters
47:48 – Advanced Newsletter Strategies
51:59 – Kiss, Marry, Kill: Music Edition
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Holly Darling
Website - https://hollydarlinghq.com/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/181189192674935
Courses - https://hollydarlinghq.com/courses/

081 - J.T. Evans, The City Planner's Committee, Pt 2 [Worlds Asunder]

Our latest guest is J.T. Evans, fantasy, science fiction, and horror author and former president of Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group and Pikes Peak Writers. Today he brings his expertise and experience in both writing and gaming to help us dig into the nitty gritty of fantasy city building. 
When not writing, he keeps computers secure at the Day Job, spends time with his family, and plays way too many tabletop games. J.T. joined the Gnome Stew Crew in March of 2016. Since that time, he has written dozens of articles for the site and has earned three Gold ENnie awards (2016, 2017, and 2018) as part of the team at Gnome Stew. He is the author of the Modern Mythology and Flashing Blades series and is hastily working on more right now.
 
In Part Two, We Discuss: 
Reasons and implications for city locations and environments
City resources and the role of standardization and 
Natural disasters and character reactions to their surroundings 
Governing bodies, including some of their flaws 
Maps!
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
https://jtevans.net/ 
The Flashing Blades series: https://jtevans.net/publications/flashing-blades/ 
Modern Mythology series: https://jtevans.net/publications/modern-mythology/ 
Newsletter subscription: https://jtevans.net/about/contact/ 
Gnome Stew: https://gnomestew.com/ 
Stay tuned for links to JT’s maps and other photo resources! 
 
Join us in thanking JT! We’re fortunate to claim him as a writing colleague and a friend. We’re seriously grateful he lent us his expertise for this episode and loved digging into the nitty-gritty of city building with him. 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim
 

080 - What Do You Want from Your Author Career? [The Plot Geek Academy]

One of the most important things you as a writer can do for yourself is determine your why. In this episode of The Plot Geek Academy, we’ll tackle how to determine what you want from your author career, what those things might be, and how knowing your why can set you up for success. 
 
Join Troy, CJ, and Jana as they share their journey, and how you can find your own path to author success, however you define it. 
 

079 - From Page to Platform: Growing an Audience for Novels with Social Media, In-Person Sales, and Attention-Driven Marketing [Becoming A Household Name]

Curious about building your author brand? In this episode, we explore how I’ve grown my Instagram to 740 followers, hit a 3,000-view milestone on my latest reel, and prepped for my showing at Twin Cities Con. I’ll share strategies on leveraging social media, boosting in-person book sales, and creating attention-driven marketing for authors eager to connect with readers and expand their reach. Join me for insights on turning your passion into a growing, engaged audience!

078 - Indie Author Resilience with Chelle Honiker [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane interview Chelle Honiker, co-founder of Indie Author Magazine, to discuss the parallels between Taylor Swift’s approach to her career and the world of indie authorship. The conversation dives into the transformative power of authenticity, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community for creatives. Chelle shares personal stories, including the importance of Taylor Swift’s music in her life, especially during challenging times, and reflects on the role of creativity as a means of connection and resilience.
The discussion highlights how indie authors, like Swift, can take control of their narratives, embrace their unique voices, and cultivate a genuine relationship with their audience. Themes of mental health, constructive criticism, and navigating the demands of a creative career are woven throughout the episode, offering practical advice for authors. The episode underscores the value of indie publishing, community building, and the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age.
Key Takeaways:
Personal challenges, such as family health issues, can influence and deepen an author's creative journey.
Indie Author Magazine is dedicated to supporting writers in building successful careers.
Taylor Swift’s music holds a powerful connection for Chelle and her family.
The pandemic shifted how artists like Taylor Swift approached creative control and independence.
Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in building a loyal audience as an author.
Setting boundaries is key to protecting mental health within a demanding creative industry.
Romance literature plays an essential role in connecting communities through storytelling.
Constructive criticism can aid growth when approached with the right mindset.
Building a supportive network and community is critical for indie authors’ long-term success.
Indie authors today have more opportunities than ever to share their stories and connect with readers.
Episode Breakdown:
Harnessing Creativity: Lessons from Taylor Swift for Indie Authors
 
Hosts Morgana Bevan and Emily Jane discuss the impact of Taylor Swift's lyrics and business strategies on authors' careers in the Romancing Like Swift podcast. They are joined by Shell Honaker, co-founder of IndieAuthorMagazine and other initiatives, to explore the profound influence of Taylor Swift on personal and professional growth. The episode covers themes of authenticity, collaboration, and creative control while touching on Swift's various eras and her strategic navigation of fame. They also delve into maintaining boundaries, handling criticism, and embracing the evolving landscape of independent storytelling.
 
00:31 Guest Introduction: Shell Honaker
01:12 Shell's Background and Achievements
01:44 Author Nation Conference Details
03:34 Taylor Swift's Influence and Eras
06:50 Taylor Swift's Collaborations and Creativity
12:18 Taylor Swift's Political Stance and Impact
20:08 The Power of Romance and Empathy
20:53 Men Reading Romance: Breaking Stereotypes
23:04 Legal Fun with Literary Questions
24:17 Challenges of Marketing Romance on TikTok
25:21 Taylor Swift's Balanced Approach to Advocacy
26:28 Lessons Authors Can Learn from Taylor Swift
27:19 The Importance of Owning Your Intellectual Property
27:36 Building a Trustworthy Team
28:58 Handling Criticism and Authenticity
31:35 Navigating Fame and Setting Boundaries
33:29 The Impact of Negative Reviews
36:06 Protecting Your Mental Health as an Author
48:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell
 

077 - J.T. Evans, The City Planner's Committee, Pt 1 [Worlds Asunder]

Our latest guest is J.T. Evans, fantasy, science fiction, and horror author and former president of Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group and Pikes Peak Writers. Today he brings his expertise and experience in both writing and gaming to help us dig into the nitty gritty of fantasy city building. 
When not writing, he keeps computers secure at the Day Job, spends time with his family, and plays way too many tabletop games. J.T. joined the Gnome Stew Crew in March of 2016. Since that time, he has written dozens of articles for the site and has earned three Gold ENnie awards (2016, 2017, and 2018) as part of the team at Gnome Stew. He is the author of the Modern Mythology and Flashing Blades series and is hastily working on more right now.
 
In Part One, We Discuss: 
Writing fictional vs real-world cities and landmarks 
Establishing “anchor locations” and set points in your city 
Keeping it all straight - numbering and listing locations 
Map building 
Treating cities and setting as character 
Using history and real-world examples as inspiration 
Creating realism and giving fictional cities a soul 
Influences of economics, geography, and politics 
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
https://jtevans.net/ 
The Flashing Blades series: https://jtevans.net/publications/flashing-blades/ 
Modern Mythology series: https://jtevans.net/publications/modern-mythology/ 
Newsletter subscription: https://jtevans.net/about/contact/ 
Gnome Stew: https://gnomestew.com/ 
 
Join us in thanking JT! We’re fortunate to claim him as a writing colleague and a friend. We’re seriously grateful he lent us his expertise for this episode and loved digging into the nitty-gritty of city building with him. 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim
 

076 - Defining Who You Are as an Author [The Plot Academy]

In this debut episode of the Plot Geek Academy Podcast, hosts Troy, Jenna, and CJ tackle a crucial question for aspiring authors: Who are you as a writer? As they introduce themselves and share personal stories, they discuss the foundational elements of their philosophy, built around the "Three C's"—Craft, Create, and Career. These pillars encompass everything from writing technique to production, publishing, and building a sustainable author career.
The episode dives deep into the right-to-market approach, a strategy that encourages writers to find a balance between their creative passions and audience expectations, aiming for a fulfilling, market-savvy career without compromising authenticity. Each host shares their own journey of discovering preferred genres, evolving their voices, and navigating life changes—such as health challenges, family commitments, and balancing other careers—while remaining dedicated to their writing goals.
This candid conversation highlights the importance of understanding your personal motivations, setting realistic goals, and making intentional career decisions. Whether you're a hobbyist or aiming to write full-time, the hosts encourage you to define success on your terms and offer insights on balancing passion with practical market demands. This episode is an inspiring start to exploring the complexities and rewards of a sustainable writing career.

075 - Setbacks On Instagram and How To Use Them To Grow Your Novel Sales [Becoming A Household Name]

Breakdown of social media and in person book sales for the week of October 28th.

074 - Thriving in the Creator Economy with Michael Evans [Romancing Like Swift]

In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jayne sit down with returning guest Michael Evans to discuss the growing impact of the creator economy on authors. They explore how shifts in technology and social platforms are transforming traditional publishing models, empowering authors to become creator-entrepreneurs. Michael explains the journey from platform economies to creator-focused models, underscoring the importance of authors owning their audience data and fostering direct relationships with readers. The conversation provides actionable steps for authors to embrace this evolving landscape, like using direct sales and building an engaged email list to establish a sustainable, independent future.
Michael also offers insights into emerging tools such as blockchain, generative AI, and their potential to redefine how books are distributed and monetized. The episode highlights the value of networks and communities, showing how authors can build stronger connections with readers, inspired by strategies used by figures like Taylor Swift and Jesse Cole. The hosts conclude with reflections on cultivating a creative career centered on both freedom and longevity.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing the creator economy can lead to a sustainable, independent author career.
Direct sales and owning audience data empower authors and reduce reliance on platforms.
Generative AI and blockchain technology may reshape future publishing.
Building a network of readers is increasingly valuable, exemplified by Taylor Swift’s fanbase strategy.
Authors should think beyond traditional publishing and consider themselves as creators.
TikTok and social media algorithms heavily influence book sales, especially among younger readers.
Audience demographics are shifting, with the fastest-growing reading demographic now over 50.
Creative careers in the creator economy require a mindset shift toward ownership and sustainability.
Building community and a strong author brand helps combat industry changes and platform fluctuations.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Romancing Like Swift
00:31 - Understanding the Creator Economy
01:30 - The Evolution of the Creator Economy
08:50 - Platform Economy vs. Creator Economy
15:19 - Direct Sales and Customer Behavior
19:40 - Future of Publishing and Blockchain
33:48 - The Power of Networks and Communities
36:56 - Taylor Swift: The Ultimate Network Queen
40:06 - The Power of Reader Recommendations
40:46 - TikTok’s Influence on Book Sales
41:51 - Social Media Algorithms’ Impact
44:22 - Reaching and Engaging Older Audiences
45:07 - Demographic Shifts in Reading Habits
48:01 - Technology’s Role in Reader Engagement
56:28 - Sustainable Careers in the Creator Economy
01:01:33 - Shifting the Author Mindset
01:09:45 - Balancing Success and Well-being
01:12:17 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

073 - Tim Akers, You're Weird Enough For Us, Part 2 [Worlds Asunder]

Our guest today is Tim Akers, author of more than ten (often genre-blending) fantasy novels and more short stories and novellas than we wanted to count. Tim was born in deeply rural North Carolina and is the last in a long line of telephony princes, tourist attraction barons, and gruff Scottish bankers. He moved to Chicago for college and stayed to pursue his lifelong obsession with apocalyptic winters. 
Author of series including the Spiritbinder Sag, the Burn Cycle Archives, and the Hallowed War books, Tim loves to write fantasy that blends elements of his favorite genres. Join us in learning about how to write a fantasy story in cyberpunk clothes. 
 
In Part Two, We Discuss: 
“Writing the other” and respecting varied viewpoints in your writing 
Defining and determining genre 
Viewing genre as a marketing tool 
Looking at tropes as parts already explored, vs strict guardrails 
Layering genre as world/setting and pacing/plot 
Writing to market vs writing what you love 
Writing stories that last 
 
Resources and Guest Links: 
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/timakers.bsky.social 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimAkers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.akers/ 
Reign of Dragons Kickstarter, featuring Tim’s short story Of the Wyrm: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jasmineyoungauthor/reign-of-dragons-illustrated-hardcover-anthology 
Neuromancer by William Gibson: https://www.amazon.com/Neuromancer-William-Gibson/dp/0441569595 
Malifaux: https://www.wyrd-games.net/malifaux 
Huge thanks to Tim for joining us! He’s a great champion for writing stories you’re passionate about and bringing personal experiences and beliefs into speculative fiction. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 
 
Host Links: 
H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/
David Shadoin: https://www.davidshadoin.com/ 
 
Credits: (all assets licensed through the sites listed)
Intro: Music- Cinematic Epic Trailer by PaulYudin on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user- kazim hussian; from pixabay users-davidfoxx, DavidGallie, olenchic, stefaniejockschat, AiVreaSaStii, RuneSnow, duyen-nguyen, EnchantedStudios, 
Outro: Music- Good Night by FASSounds on Pixabay
Animation and Image- From Vecteezy user-onlydesignz; from pixabay users-olenchic, Placidplace, Evgeniy_Z, Dantegrafico, Shayea_Kim