This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024.
In 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.)
ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS:
Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com.
Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model.
ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 7
In this episode, we’re talking about pre-launch marketing through your launch day efforts! (This is part 1 of the marketing discussion. In part 2, we’ll cover post-launch marketing / advertising.)
Some of the things we talk about in this episode:
Pre-launch Housekeeping — adding the new book to your 1) website 2) social media 3)biographies everywhere 4) wherever you have membership listings that need to be updated 5) bookbub 6) goodreads 7) author central
Media outreach - media kit (what’s IN your media kit)
Guest blogging — connecting with influencers BookTok or Instagram
Podcasts
Other speaking engagements or book events/author visits — libraries, community groups, schools, bookstores …
Social media … creating posts that build a buzz for your launch.
Launch week . . . will you have an in-person event or do something digital like a zoom launch event?
Here are helpful resources:
How to set up your Amazon Author Central Account:
Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing
FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE:
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
Send Us Your Questions in the Comments!
Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone!
See you in October! - Valerie & T.K.
