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 5
In this episode, as usual, we talk about what we’ve been reading, where we’ve been roaming, and what we’re writing. At about the 12 minute mark, we dive into how to make sure your manuscript is the best it can be along with considerations and approaches to interior formatting.
Here are the resources that we mention:
Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing
Val’s post about writing a book in 47 days.
FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE:
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
CK Books Publishing (Christine Keleny)
Jane Friedman (indie & traditional advice)
Reedsy (great info source and place to find book industry professionals like editors.)
Alliance of Independent Authors
IBPA - Independent Book Publishers Association
Kindlepreneur.com (Also where you can create free bar codes.)
Bowker / myidentifiers.com (for purchasing ISBNs)
BISAC code list (Book Industry Standards and Communications)
Formatting software: Atticus or Vellum
And here’s a screen shot of a two-page spread from my book CIRCLE OF NINE: SACRED TREASURES using the Atticus formatting software.
Send Us Your Questions & Share Your Reviews 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!
Wishing you all a productive few weeks!! See you in June! - Valerie & T.K.
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