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 the first part of 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started (this episode), along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!!
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 2: EPISODE 1
In this episode we’re focused on getting started—great advice for any new authors—even if you have no idea which publishing path you might take when your manuscript is ready.
We chat a bit about our experiences this past year in the indie publishing world first, and then our main advice is to
Join supportive writing / critique groups or associations.
Establish a firm writing habit (daily if possible).
Build your online presence with a website and at least one social media platform.
Put in place a way to build an email subscriber list.
Assets we talk about in this episode:
Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing
Writer Beware Website (the latest in scams to watch out for)
Alliance for Independent Authors (website with great assets /advice for authors)
Writing Groups in Wisconsin (List on Wisconsin Writers Association Website)
Jane Friedman’s Key Book Publishing Paths doc
Author Media Podcast with Thomas Umstadd, Jr.
Going Indie: A Traditionally Published Author Forges a New Path (from BookLife)
How to Use Reedsy to Publish Your Novel
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
Send Us Your Questions
Don’t hesitate to reach out 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 rest of January and early February — we’ll be back with a new episode on Valentine’s Day!! - Valerie & T.K.
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