Book Career Network
Book Career Network Podcast offers a daily exploration into the world of fiction writing, bringing together a diverse group of experts dedicated to helping authors succeed. Each show within the network is tailored to address different facets of the writing and publishing process, ensuring that no matter where you are in your author journey, there’s something valuable for you. Mondays feature ”Becoming A Household Name” with Jody Sperling, where listeners can follow the real-life documentation of an author’s journey out of obscurity. Jody shares personal experiences, triumphs, and setbacks, providing a roadmap for authors aspiring to make their mark in the literary world. On Tuesdays, ”Worlds Asunder” led by David Shadoin and H.Y. Gregor dives into the art of world-building and character creation. This show is perfect for writers who want to craft vivid, immersive worlds that captivate their readers, with expert advice from seasoned authors in fantasy and sci-fi genres. Wednesdays bring ”Romancing Like Swift” with Morgana Beven and Emma-Lee Jayne. This unique show examines Taylor Swift’s ingenious approach to marketing and storytelling, extracting lessons that authors can apply to engage and enchant their audience effectively. Thursdays are for ”Author Intelligence,” hosted by Elizabeth Ann West and Stacey Anderson. This interactive podcast focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence in the author community, discussing how emerging technologies can be leveraged to enhance storytelling and streamline the writing process. Ending the week on Fridays, ”Ink & Effort” with James Fox offers practical tips, expert interviews, and motivational strategies. It’s designed to keep authors productive and inspired, with a focus on maintaining the discipline needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of publishing. Each show in the Book Career Network is crafted to provide not just information but also motivation and community, helping authors feel connected and supported throughout their careers. Whether you’re drafting your first novel or looking to expand your reader base, our network is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us to transform your writing aspirations into tangible successes.
Listen on:
Episodes
![094 - A Big Bad Breakdown of My Push to Reach the World [Becoming A Household Name]](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18941618/Brown_and_Beige_Minimalist_Podcast_Cover_adprya_300x300.jpg){kind=logo}
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
How's it going with Instagram and conventions selling books? Find out in this episode. Omnibus on JodyJSperling.com
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
This week we’re excited to give listeners a new spin on worldbuilding, building bibles, and keeping your stories straight. Today’s guest is Mia Kleve, avid reader of science fiction, fantasy, and just about everything in between. Mia has been proofreading and editing for more than ten years and has experience with developmental edits, copy edits, world bibles, and more.
Join us in learning more about how your editors tick, what they can do for your writing process, and how you can help smooth the path for them before you submit your manuscript.
In Part Two, We Discuss:
Dialects and accents
Tools for world bibles: Word, Excel, Access, Notion, World Anvil
Character tracking and character sheets
Learning tropes, and deciding when and how to use them
Tracking characters (for pantsers)
Making character and place names unique
Resources and Guest Links:
Mia’s site: http://www.mrkdup.com/
MRK’d Up Editing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrkdup
Remarkable tablet: https://remarkable.com/
Notion: https://www.notion.com/
Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
Shunn’s modern manuscript formatting: https://www.shunn.net/format/story/
World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/
Casey “Moops” Moores: https://www.caseymoores.net/
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to work with a good editor. We’re grateful to Mia for lending us her expertise and digging into the technical side of worldbuilding and storycraft.
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
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
This week, we're talking with E.H. Drake, author and sometimes podcaster. She's published three books including Blood Herring and The Vampire's Cold Case.
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
This week we’re excited to give listeners a new spin on worldbuilding, building bibles, and keeping your stories straight. Today’s guest is Mia Kleve, avid reader of science fiction, fantasy, and just about everything in between. Mia has been proofreading and editing for more than ten years and has experience with developmental edits, copy edits, world bibles, and more.
Join us in learning more about how your editors tick, what they can do for your writing process, and how you can help smooth the path for them before you submit your manuscript.
In Part One, We Discuss:
Mia’s developmental editing process
Tools and tricks of the editing trade
The difference between world bibles and style guides
The Chicago Manual of Style
Steps authors can do to help their editors
Manuscript formatting
Adjusting your writing and editing process to suit personal needs (habits and ergonomics)
Watching for common grammar and punctuation errors or overused words
Resources and Guest Links:
Mia’s site: http://www.mrkdup.com/
Remarkable tablet: https://remarkable.com/
Notion: https://www.notion.com/
Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
Shunn’s modern manuscript formatting: https://www.shunn.net/format/story/
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to work with a good editor. We’re grateful to Mia for lending us her expertise and digging into the technical side of worldbuilding and storycraft.
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
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
In this episode, I’ve got something very special for you. Podcast Host Andy J. Pizza shared the first episode in his True Fan Series. It’s number 476, and you can find it here. I encourage you to listen to all of Creative Pep Talk. It’s stellar. If you got excited about the Luke In Time Mysteries Audiobook Omnibus, you can join the project here: https://www.jodyjsperling.com/products/the-luke-in-time-mysteries-audiobook-omni. Contribute what you want, and you’ll get three audiobooks right now.
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane welcome steamy contemporary romance author Darby Fox to discuss how Taylor Swift's music inspires writers and enhances storytelling. Together, they explore the concept of micro tropes—those small but impactful moments in stories—universal fantasies that captivate readers, and the emotional connections that make romance novels resonate. Darby shares her experiences crafting stories about rock stars and billionaires, emphasizing the importance of specificity and character development in creating compelling narratives.
The discussion also highlights the challenges romance authors face, including misconceptions about the genre, and strategies for blending craft with emotional resonance. The trio reflects on Taylor Swift’s lyrics, albums, and their influence on character development and storytelling. The episode concludes with a lighthearted "Kiss, Marry, Kill" segment featuring Swift's songs, showcasing how personal connections shape storytelling preferences.
Key Takeaways:
Darby Fox writes contemporary romance featuring rock stars and billionaires, blending craft with emotional intensity.
Micro tropes are small, specific moments that enhance storytelling and deepen reader engagement.
Universal fantasies tap into core desires and are central to captivating romance readers.
Romance novels offer readers an emotional escape and explore desires in a safe and imaginative way.
Taylor Swift's lyrics provide inspiration for writers through their depth and relatability.
Character development is crucial, and authors can use their 'id lists'—personalized ideas of what excites them—to enhance storytelling.
Music, including Taylor Swift’s albums, serves as a powerful source of creative inspiration for writers.
Romance novels often face undue criticism but play a vital role in exploring emotional connections and universal fantasies.
Tropes and character-specific moments are tools to create unforgettable scenes.
Writing requires revisions, patience, and strategies for building characters readers love.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast
00:31 – Guest Introduction: Darby Fox
02:05 – Darby’s Writing Journey and Inspirations
03:01 – Swiftie Era and Album Discussions
05:21 – Microtropes and Universal Fantasies in Romance Writing
07:41 – Crafting Stories with Emotional Appeal
18:39 – The Importance of Specificity in Storytelling
22:42 – Real-Life Parallels in Romance Writing
32:40 – Building Character Scenes with Microtropes
33:26 – The Role of Tropes in Crafting Stories
34:22 – Taylor Swift's Influence on Storytelling
36:09 – Gilmore Girls as Character Inspiration
41:37 – Challenges in Writing Distinct Characters
45:55 – Revisions and the Writing Process
55:44 – Kiss, Marry, Kill: Taylor Swift Song Choices
01:02:39 – Final Thoughts and Farewell
Titles Referenced:
7 Figure Fiction by T Taylor
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Today’s guest, Kacey Ezell, was born in South Dakota and grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family.
Kacey’s emotionally-fueled fiction includes alternate history, fantasy, noir, and science fiction. She’s a master in emotional resonance and character building! Join us in learning the tips and tricks to build characters with believable emotional arcs.
In Part One, We Discuss:
Saving character details for reference
Background information: what do you need to tell the story?
Choosing where to focus your background development
Tropes and genre
Character motivation
Using character flaws and strengths and plot points
Resources and Guest Links:
https://kaceyezell.net/
Newsletter and free short stories: https://kaceyezell.net/the-dragons-horde/
Psyche of War: https://kaceyezell.net/book-series/the-psyche-of-war/
World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/
Notion: https://www.notion.com/
Join us in thanking Kacey! She’s a great author and an even better friend, and we’re grateful she took time out of her relaxicon to interview and give us the inside scoop on how she crafts excellent characters.
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
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
In this episode of Romancing Like Swift, hosts Morgana Bevan and Emma-Lee Jane welcome author and marketing expert Natalie Knight to explore the world of e-commerce email marketing for authors. Natalie shares her expertise on crafting impactful email strategies tailored for direct sales, explaining the key differences between traditional author newsletters and e-commerce-focused campaigns. The discussion covers topics like segmentation, creating effective email flows, and optimizing book bundles to drive engagement and sales.
The conversation also highlights how Taylor Swift’s business acumen, from exclusive product offerings to strategic pricing, can inspire authors in their marketing efforts. Natalie dives into the importance of maintaining separate email lists for marketing and newsletters, retargeting potential buyers, and leveraging special editions and exclusive content to entice readers. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about favorite Taylor Swift songs and the emotional connection they foster.
Key Takeaways:
Direct sales newsletters should focus on product promotion rather than personal stories.
Traditional author newsletters and e-commerce marketing emails serve distinct purposes and require tailored strategies.
Segmentation is essential for targeted and effective communication with readers.
Maintaining separate email lists for newsletters and direct marketing enhances organization and effectiveness.
Retargeting flows can help convert potential buyers and maximize sales.
Bundling books or products can boost sales and attract reader interest.
Exclusive editions and limited-time offerings create urgency and drive sales.
Pricing strategies should reflect the value of the content while appealing to readers.
Automating email flows simplifies marketing efforts and improves engagement.
Authors can repurpose older works or create special editions to rejuvenate reader interest.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Romancing Like Swift Podcast
00:31 – Guest Introduction: Natalie Knight
01:14 – Natalie’s Journey as an Author
01:47 – Exploring Direct Sales for Authors
02:13 – Taylor Swift’s Email Marketing Strategies
03:41 – Differences Between Author Newsletters and Marketing Emails
06:46 – Managing Email Lists and Effective Segmentation
13:33 – Setting Up Essential Email Flows
17:27 – Crafting Campaign Strategies for Authors
20:43 – Optimizing Book Bundles and Pricing Strategies
28:12 – Pricing Approaches for Authors
29:35 – Effective Drip Campaigns for Book Sales
32:19 – Preparing for Black Friday and Seasonal Sales
34:08 – Creating Special Editions and Product Variations
42:50 – Leveraging Exclusive Content and Bundles
44:44 – Repackaging Older Works for New Audiences
46:48 – Concluding Thoughts and Current Music Obsessions
Links & Resources
Natalie’s website: https://nkcopywriting.com/
Find Natalie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenatalieknight
Some Klaviyo Black Friday sessions (you may need to be logged into Klaviyo to access)
Land in the inbox on Black Friday Cyber Monday: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/land-in-the-inbox-on-black-friday-cyber-monday
Last minute BFCM checklist: https://academy.klaviyo.com/last-minute-bfcm-checklist
Black Friday Cyber Monday campaign best practices: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/black-friday-cyber-monday-campaign-best-practices/1725924
Prepare your flows for BFCM: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/prepare-your-flows-for-bfcm/1745915
Turn BFCM shoppers into repeat customers: https://academy.klaviyo.com/en-us/courses/turn-bfcm-shoppers-into-repeat-customers/1807379
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Today’s guest, Kacey Ezell, was born in South Dakota and grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family.
Kacey’s emotionally-fueled fiction includes alternate history, fantasy, noir, and science fiction. She’s a master in emotional resonance and character building! Join us in learning the tips and tricks to build characters with believable emotional arcs.
In Part One, We Discuss:
Every villain is the hero of their own story; writing unpopular characters
Every hero is probably the villain of someone else’s story
Redemption arcs
Characters we love to hate
How worldbuilding impacts characters and vice versa
Tools to track details
Resources and Guest Links:
https://kaceyezell.net/
Newsletter and free short stories: https://kaceyezell.net/the-dragons-horde/
Psyche of War: https://kaceyezell.net/book-series/the-psyche-of-war/
World Anvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/
Notion: https://www.notion.com/
Join us in thanking Kacey! She’s a great author and an even better friend, and we’re grateful she took time out of her relaxicon to interview and give us the inside scoop on how she crafts excellent characters.
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