Bound for Bestseller: Book Marketing & Book Launch Strategy for Authors

Fiction Books vs. Nonfiction Books: Crafting Stories that Matter

In this fun episode, Carolyn Sherrow, an accomplished author with both nonfiction and fiction works under her belt talks with Valerie Morris. Carolyn shares her writing journey, discusses the deeply personal nature of her memoir "My Personal Holocaust," and offers insights into her upcoming fiction trilogy, "Dark Heritage." Key Highlights: Carolyn’s Writing Journey: 1. Carolyn opens up about how years of life experiences and personal healing influenced her writing. She discusses her transition from caring for her mother to finally putting her story to paper. Memoir Challenges: 1. Writing "My Personal Holocaust" was not only emotionally challenging, but also required courage to share her life publicly. Carolyn talks candidly about the mental blocks, vulnerability, and the healing she sought to offer survivors of trauma. Fiction vs. Nonfiction: 1. Carolyn explains the process of writing fiction vs. nonfiction – how her personal experiences shaped both, and how fiction storytelling techniques kept her nonfiction engaging and relatable. Writing Habits & Craft: 1. From daily writing routines to switching projects when stuck, Carolyn shares practical ways she stays productive. Research and character development are key parts of her process, especially when bringing stories set in places like Kenya to life. Trilogy Tips: 1. Carolyn offers advice for anyone writing a trilogy – emphasizing careful timeline management, character arcs across books, and the importance of cliffhangers. Publishing Insights: 1. She reveals lessons learned from working with a local publisher, the value of flexibility, honesty, and accountability in publishing, and recounts both positive and challenging interactions with editors and agents. Advice for Aspiring Writers: 1. Carolyn’s standout advice: Start small. “You can write a chapter” — this simple mindset shift helps overcome overwhelm and sparks accomplishment. Where to Connect: 1. Find Carolyn and her books at cordsofgrace.com [http://chordsofgrace.com/] Who Should Listen? Authors, aspiring writers, anyone navigating memoir or fiction writing, and those interested in publishing and creative habits. Notable Quotes: 1. “My goal with writing that book was always to bring hope and healing to people, particularly other survivors.” 2. “Sometimes you write a chapter and there’s a sense of accomplishment. It’s like, ‘Oh, I can go forward from here.’” 3. "Books are like tattoos. Once you get one, you want to get another." Resources & Links: My Personal Holocaust Book [https://amzn.to/3OPXXAS] Connect with Valerie Morris 1. Books: We're All Ears: How to increase your impact, influence, and success online in a noisy world [https://amzn.to/46iiXFY] 2. LinkedIn: Weekly posts and updates from Valerie Morris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerielmorris/] 3. Reserve your domain name or set up website hosting for your author website https://www.tinteroonline.com here [https://www.tinteroonline.com]. 4. Build your own marketing plan for your book launch with the Book Marketing Blueprint [https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/book-marketing-plan-blueprint/]. Rock your next interview with this guide [https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/rock-your-next-interview/]!

Writing Your Legacy Story with Joy Martin

In this episode, Valerie Morris sits down with legacy writer, Joy Martin, to discuss the power of storytelling and the process of documenting personal and family histories. Joy Martin shares the origins of her business, My Legacy Work, and how her lifelong passion for writing and storytelling evolved into helping people preserve their unique stories for future generations. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT The Power of Storytelling 1. Joy Martin explains why our life stories matter—not just to ourselves, but to connect and inspire others. Who Chooses Legacy Writing (and When) 1. Insights into who typically seeks out legacy writing services (hint: it’s not just seniors!) and the types of life moments that spark the desire to preserve a story. Barriers to Writing Your Story 1. The timing, readiness, and personal willingness needed to take on a legacy project—and why you can’t force someone to tell their story before they’re ready.. Getting Started: Tips & Practical Steps 1. From “brain dumps” in a spiral notebook to digging through old photos, Joy offers actionable advice for anyone curious about beginning their memoir or legacy project. The Review Process and Overcoming Hesitancy 1. Valerie Morris and Joy Martin talk about the emotions and resistance that can come up when people see their life in print, and how Joy guides clients through the finalization process. The Importance of Third-Party Accountability 1. Why having a coach or outside perspective makes it easier to finish your story and capture details you might otherwise overlook. Interview Strategies & Story Extraction 1. Joy Martin shares her favorite icebreaker questions, what she’s learned about deep listening, and how she helps clients find and articulate the “rose in the sidewalk”—the moments that light them up. GUEST CONTACT & RESOURCES 1. Find Joy Martin: mylegacywork.com [https://mylegacywork.com/] 2. Free 30-minute discovery call via her website 3. Additional writing resources and FAQs also available KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. You don’t have to reach old age or experience major life events to start preserving your story—everyone’s experiences matter. 2. The hardest part is often getting started; practical steps like free-writing, gathering old letters, and talking with family make it less daunting. 3. Third-party support, prompts, and accountability help get your story across the finish line. 4. Storytelling can heal, connect, and leave a lasting impact on loved ones and future generations. ------ Connect with Valerie Morris Books: We're All Ears: How to increase your impact, influence, and success online in a noisy world https://www.amazon.com/Were-All-Ears-increase-influence/dp/099839971X?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tintecreat-20&linkId=ec70372607211871944859985956477b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl LinkedIn: Weekly posts and updates from Valerie Morris https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerielmorris/ Reserve your domain name or set up website hosting for your author website here . https://www.tinteroonline.com/ Build your own marketing plan for your book launch with the Book Marketing Blueprint . https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/book-marketing-plan-blueprint/ Rock your next interview with this guide ! https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/rock-your-next-interview/

Making Your Book's First Year Matter: Insights from Yasmeen Salama

In this insightful episode, Valerie Morris sits down with author and marketer Yasmeen Salama to explore the vibrant journey of writing, publishing, and marketing books in today's creative landscape. Yasmeen shares her personal story, the lessons learned from her debut novel "The Crimson Run," and the unique ways she’s built a community around her work. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1. From Writer to Marketer: 2. With a strong background in marketing, Yasmeen shares how skills like SEO and paid ads made her book launch more impactful, and why she’s grateful for waiting until she was truly ready. 3. Networking and Community Building: 4. Discover why writing conferences changed the game for Yasmeen and how connecting with other writers and readers has been her biggest source of support and feedback. 5. Thinking Beyond the Bookstore: 6. Yasmeen reveals her creative approach to book promotion—including events at comic book shops, art shows, and festivals—and offers advice for authors looking to think outside the box. 7. The Power of Newsletters: 8. Valerie and Yasmeen highlight why building an email list is crucial for authors, how it helps maintain a direct connection with readers, and why it’s never too late—or too early—to start. 9. The Long Game: 10. Both speakers discuss the realities of author life, busting the myth of "overnight success" and underscoring the importance of patience, persistence, and building genuine relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Lean into networking: Writing can be lonely, but community is essential. 2. Get creative with promotion: Book signings aren’t limited to bookstores. 3. Build your platform: Start that email list, no matter where you are in your author journey. 4. Plan ahead: Festivals and awards have deadlines—research early. 5. Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint—celebrate growth at every stage! CONNECT WITH YASMEEN SALAMA 1. Website: yasmeensalama.com [https://app.castmagic.io/recordings/f3792780-c042-4c69-a2d0-f3d571c15535#] (visit for links to her books, newsletter, and music) 2. The Crimson Run on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3LVdz50] Thank you for listening to Bound for Bestseller If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, or leave a review. For more creative strategies, marketing tips, and inspiring author stories, stay tuned for our next episode! ____ Connect with Valerie Morris Books: We're All Ears: How to increase your impact, influence, and success online in a noisy world https://www.amazon.com/Were-All-Ears-increase-influence/dp/099839971X?&linkCode=sl1&tag=tintecreat-20&linkId=ec70372607211871944859985956477b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl LinkedIn: Weekly posts and updates from Valerie Morris https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerielmorris/ Reserve your domain name or set up website hosting for your author website here . https://www.tinteroonline.com/ Build your own marketing plan for your book launch with the Book Marketing Blueprint . https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/book-marketing-plan-blueprint/ Rock your next interview with this guide ! https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/rock-your-next-interview/

Crafting Your Author Brand: Insights from Bob Gentle

In this conversation, Bob Gentle joins the show to dive deep into the art and strategy of building a powerful leadership brand - whether you're an author, an entrepreneur, or someone simply wanting to be more intentional about your impact. Key Topics Covered: 1. Personal Brand vs. Leadership Brand: 2. Bob Gentle explains the difference between the brand we accumulate organically and the brand we build intentionally to lead others. 3. Mindset Blocks on the Journey: 4. Imposter syndrome is called out as a natural part of stepping beyond your comfort zone. Bob Gentle shares helpful ways to reframe it as a beacon for growth rather than an alarm. Other common challenges include the belief that your perspective isn’t unique, and how to overcome that. 5. The Power of Your Story and Perspective: 6. You don’t need to be “extraordinary” for your life to be interesting to others. Bob Gentle and Valerie Morris discuss how stories, personal quirks, and daily realities can build connection—whether you have goats in Colorado or an apartment in Glasgow! 7. Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe: 8. Why authenticity (and a touch of storytelling creativity) goes a long way in attracting the right audience, and how building a “three-dimensional” relationship through content is key. 9. Personal Branding & Character Development: 10. Bob Gentle suggests thinking of yourself as a character, and how appropriate filters and emphasis are necessary depending on the social (or virtual) situation. 11. Choosing Your Content Channels: 12. There’s no one-size-fits-all, whether it’s TikTok, LinkedIn, or something else, the most sustainable platform is the one that aligns with your energy and skill set. 13. Repetition & Strategy: 14. The importance of talking about your book (or project) repeatedly—algorithms and attention spans demand it! But don’t be a one-trick pony; balance content about your book with other buckets of value. 15. Turning Your Book into an Ecosystem: 16. A successful book is just the beginning. Bob Gentle encourages authors to create ways for readers to enter their broader ecosystem, ensuring the book becomes a business asset, not just a calling card. 17. Thinking Bigger Than Your Book: 18. Don’t limit yourself to a single offering; your book can open doors to opportunities at every rung of the value ladder. Best Quotes: 1. "Imposter syndrome is the natural consequence of being on the edge of your comfort zone, of doing things differently, of perhaps trying to be seen as a leader in some way (...) It's what it costs to do what other people won't do." 2. “Imposter syndrome is the natural companion of a leader.” 3. “If you want people to know you in three dimensions, we need to give them structured windows to look in through.” 4. “We need to approach building our personal brand very similar to the way that an actor would play a role.” Whether you’re penning your first draft or launching your next book, your brand is more than a logo—it’s your story, your energy, and the intentional connections you create. Don’t hold yourself back; start building your leadership brand with purpose! Guest Info: Bob Gentle is a leader in personal and leadership branding, working with authors, professionals, and businesses to market and monetize their unique message. He’s active on several books and is known for delivering concise wisdom that sparks transformation. Connect with Bob Gentle: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgentle/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgentle/]) Bob's Work (https://amplifyme.agency/ [https://amplifyme.agency/]) Connect with Valerie Morris 1. Books: We're All Ears: How to increase your impact, influence, and success online in a noisy world [https://amzn.to/46iiXFY] 2. LinkedIn: Weekly posts and updates from Valerie Morris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerielmorris/] 3. Reserve your domain name or set up website hosting for your author website https://www.tinteroonline.com here [https://www.tinteroonline.com]. 4. Build your own marketing plan for your book launch with the Book Marketing Blueprint [https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/book-marketing-plan-blueprint/]. Rock your next interview with this guide [https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/rock-your-next-interview/]!

Marathon, Not a Sprint: Inside Book Marketing with Andy Storch

In this episode of Bound for Bestseller,Valerie Morris sits down with author, speaker, and personal development expert Andy Storch. Known for his relentless book marketing strategies and his distinctive “Own Your…” book series, Andy Storch offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he writes, launches, and promotes his books, plus valuable insights into successful collaborations and building a personal brand. He also shares insider experience on co-authoring a book and the process around that! What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 1. Marketing Mindset for Authors: Andy Storch shares why consistent visibility is crucial for book marketing, debunking the myth that “you’re talking about your book too much.” 2. Journey to Authorship: Andy Storch walks through his career evolution, from consulting and training to entrepreneurship and podcasting, explaining how his first book “Own Your Career, Own Your Life” was inspired and written, and why building a business around a book was always part of his plan. 3. Co-Authoring and Group Projects: Hear what it’s really like to write a book with a partner. Andy Storch discusses his collaboration with Mike Kim on “Own Your Brand, Own Your Career,” the highs and challenges of group projects, and why communication and clearly defined roles are essential for success. 4. Leveraging Strengths and Knowing Limitations: Both Valerie and Andy Storch share personal experiences about how understanding your work style (dreamer vs. executor) or hiring the right support can make or break creative partnerships and book projects. 5. Book Launch Strategies That Work: Dig into Andy Storch’s playbook for successful launches, including building an early reader team, recruiting influential endorsers, and following up persistently for Amazon reviews (for both yourself and for others - hello, karma bank!). 6. The Value of Reciprocation in the Author and Business Community: Find out why leaving reviews and supporting other authors is both good karma and solid strategy. Connect with Andy: : 1. Books: “Own Your Career, Own Your Life” [https://amzn.to/4rmSZJS] and “Own Your Brand, Own Your Career” [https://amzn.to/3NRPsVe](both available on Amazon). 2. LinkedIn: Daily posts and updates from 3. Andy Storch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/] 4. . 5. Podcasts: The Andy Storch Show [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-andy-storch-show-own-your-career-own-your-life/id1231942958] (with daily stories and lessons) and Talent Development Hot Seat. [https://tdtt.us/podcast/] 6. Website: andystorch.com [https://www.andystorch.com/] Connect with Valerie Morris 1. Books: We're All Ears: How to increase your impact, influence, and success online in a noisy world [https://amzn.to/46iiXFY] 2. LinkedIn: Weekly posts and updates from Valerie Morris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerielmorris/] 3. Reserve your domain name or set up website hosting for your author website https://www.tinteroonline.com here [https://www.tinteroonline.com]. 4. Build your own marketing plan for your book launch with the Book Marketing Blueprint [https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/book-marketing-plan-blueprint/]. Rock your next interview with this guide [https://tinterocreative.thrivecart.com/rock-your-next-interview/]!