What Coaching Hundreds of Authors Taught Me About Who Succeeds

To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme? The Definitive Answer for Authors

"Should I write my children's book in rhyme?" It’s a question Vicky Weber hears at every conference, and the answer is rooted in science, not just preference. In this episode, Vicky pulls from industry data and cognitive studies to explain why rhyme can either be your book’s greatest strength or the reason it fails to connect with readers. You’ll discover the surprising reason why our brains process beat and musicality before language—and why that matters for your manuscript. Vicky explains why rhyming books are often a "win" for board books and baby exposure, but a "pass" for publishers looking for educational content or stories with a clear moral message. If you want your readers to remember the story, not just the rhythm, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to determine if your project is a fit for rhyme or if a prose pivot is the strategy you actually need to sell. Visit www.athomeauthor.com [http://www.athomeauthor.com] to learn more or join our coaching program.

The 5 Revenue Streams Most KidLit Authors Ignore

One of the biggest myths in the publishing world is that an author’s income only comes from book sales. While royalties are great, the truth is that most full-time children's book authors build sustainable careers by "stacking" different income streams. If you want to move beyond the feast-or-famine cycle of a single book launch, you need to start treating your writing like a creative business. In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber pulls back the curtain on the five revenue streams authors often overlook. From maximizing the "school visit ecosystem" to the power of licensing and backlist monetization, Vicky explains how to turn your intellectual property into a long-term career. Whether you’re interested in teaching, building a community, or exploring subrights, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for stabilizing your income and thriving in the KidLit industry. Visit www.athomeauthor.com [http://www.athomeauthor.com] to learn more or join our coaching program.

Publishing Mistakes: What I’d Never Do Again as an Author

We all want to believe there’s a shortcut to success, but sometimes the fastest way to grow is to stop making the mistakes that are holding you back. Looking back on her journey as both a writer and an agent, Vicky Weber is getting honest about the choices she made early on—so you don't have to. In this episode, Vicky unpacks the critical lessons she learned the hard way, from the dangers of "fear spending" on marketing packages to the mistake of rushing a book to publication before it’s truly ready. You’ll discover why building your platform should happen while you're writing, not at launch time, and how adopting a "portfolio mindset" can save you from burnout. Whether you’re struggling with isolation or feeling overwhelmed by the business side of writing, this episode offers a roadmap for what not to do. It’s a candid look at how to protect your time, your money, and your passion for storytelling. Visit www.athomeauthor.com [http://www.athomeauthor.com] to learn more or join our coaching program.

What Coaching Hundreds of Authors Taught Me About Who Succeeds

What actually separates a successful author from one who stays stuck? You might think it’s raw talent or luck, but after coaching hundreds of writers, Vicky Weber has seen that the real difference lies in learnable habits and a specific mindset. Talent matters, but it is rarely the deciding factor in building a sustainable career. In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky breaks down the patterns of success she’s observed from the front lines of the industry. From the power of staying in "beginner mode" longer than is comfortable to the necessity of separating your identity from your output, she shares how you can shift from a hobbyist approach to a professional career level. You'll learn why successful authors are decisive, emotionally resilient, and proactive about asking for help. If you’ve ever wondered why some authors seem to move faster than others, this episode will show you how to build the foundation needed to reach the finish line. Visit www.athomeauthor.com [http://www.athomeauthor.com] to learn more or join our coaching program.

Why You're Already an Author

So many writers hold back from calling themselves "authors" until someone else validates them—an agent offer, a book deal, a published book in hand. But the truth is, the title doesn't come from external approval. It comes from you. In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber unpacks why labels matter, how mindset shapes your confidence, and why you don't need permission to call yourself an author. Drawing from her own journey as both a writer and an agent, she shares how taking your work seriously from the start changes not just how others see you—but how you see yourself. If you've ever stumbled when introducing yourself, or wondered "Am I really an author yet?", this episode is your reminder that the title is already yours. www.athomeauthor.com