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, 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 4
In this episode we share (as we typically do) what we’re reading and writing and where we’ve been roaming at the beginning. At about the 20 minute mark, we share our worst reviews and discuss our review strategy, which is workable for either traditionally published OR indie published authors.
Also, take a look at these resources that we mention:
Val’s 4 Step Approach to Getting Reviews
Ask other authors for pre-publication endorsements or blurbs that you can use on your cover, inside your book, and for early marketing efforts.
Don’t forget to ask the readers to review your book . . . on social media and in the message at the back of your book!
Sign up for review services like Net Galley or Hidden Gems or Book Sprout
Submit your book to Editorial Reviewers like Readers’ Favorite, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Midwest Book Review, and more!
Upcoming Event we mentioned: Wisconsin Writers Association Wispresso Café — Saturday, April 19, 10 am. LEARN MORE HERE
Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing
Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice
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. And for this episode in particular, feel free to share you most ‘interesting ‘ reviews. 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 May! - Valerie & T.K.
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