Tough Love Publishing

Common Business Mistakes Authors Make

Writing the book is only half the job. In this episode, we sit down with Seth Norris to break down the most common business mistakes authors make — from mismanaging money to chasing trends, ignoring data, and building without a long-term strategy. If you want a sustainable writing career, this is the reality check you didn’t know you needed.Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com Resource: Profit First: Profit First - Mike Michalowicz [https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/] Seth Norris, CPA: Norris CPA LLC [https://www.norriscpafirm.com/] Follow Us: Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingFacebook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/toughlovepublishing

What to Do when a Market isn’t For You

Sometimes the problem isn’t your writing — it’s the market you’re trying to fit into. In this episode, we unpack how to recognize when a genre, trope, or niche isn’t aligned with your strengths, your voice, or your long-term goals. We talk about signs you’re forcing yourself into the wrong market, how to pivot without losing momentum, how to rebuild an audience, and how to make business decisions based on alignment, not panic. If you’ve ever felt like you’re swimming upstream in your author career, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and permission to change direction. Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com Resources: Russell Nohelty:How to Thrive as a Writer in a Capitalist Dystopia [https://www.russellnohelty.com/books/capitalistdystopia/] Follow Us: Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingFacebook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/toughlovepublishing

How to Grow and Engage Your Author Newsletter

Your newsletter is the most powerful tool you have as an author — but only if you know how to use it. In this episode, we’re breaking down the strategies that actually work: how to grow your list, what to send (and what NOT to send), and how to convert subscribers into real fans. We talk welcome sequences, segmentation, reader engagement, automation, newsletter swaps, and how to avoid the common mistakes that tank your open rates. Whether you're just getting started or you’re ready to level up, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for building a newsletter that supports your author career long-term. Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this season. Check them out at www.writtenwordmedia.com Resources: Bookfunnel: www.bookfunnel.com Story Origin: www.storyoriginapp.com Mailerlite: www.mailerlite.com Flodesk: www.flodesk.com Written Word Media: www.writtenwordmedia.com Vellum: www.vellum.pub Atticus: www.atticus.io Follow Us: Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingFacebook Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.comtoughlovepublishing

Estate Planning for Authors: Your Books, Your Legacy

Most authors think about their next book — not their long-term future. But your intellectual property is an asset, and planning for retirement and your estate is one of the smartest business moves you can make. In this episode, we break down what authors need to know about retirement options, saving on an unpredictable income, and how to protect your books legally so your family (or chosen heirs) actually benefits from your work. From royalties and rights transfers to wills, trusts, and long-term financial planning, we’re covering it all — without the overwhelm.It’s not just about the career you’re building now. It’s about the legacy you’ll leave behind. Thank you to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this season. Check them out at www.writtenwordmedia.com **Trigger Warning: loss, grief, loss of a loved one** ***Disclaimer: We are NOT legal professionals, please seek out a CPA and Lawyer to help you navigate the ins and outs of your particular situation.*** Resources: I will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethihttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNXPP4P The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collinshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725RFDPY Estate Planning for Authors by EL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RC1TWK Follow Us: Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishing Instagram: https:www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishing https://www.youtube.com/toughlovepublishing

Profit, Paychecks, and Publishing: Paying Yourself Like a Business

Paying yourself shouldn’t feel confusing or impossible — but for most indie authors, it is. In this episode, we break down how to treat your writing like a real business, from separating finances to setting up sustainable pay systems. Whether you're earning $50 or $50,000, you can pay yourself like a professional. Resources: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9NPP4ZQ Seth Norris - CPA - website: norriscpafirm.com YNAB - You Need a Budget - https://www.ynab.com/ Renee Rose & Lee Savino - Millionaire Author Mastermind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259777801145269/ We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVS2G24 Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y55GLXJ Thanks to our friends at Written Word Media for sponsoring this episode. Find out more about how they can help you reach the right readers at www.writtenwordmedia.com Follow Us: Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/toughlovepublishingFacebook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughlovepublishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/toughlovepublishing