The Written Word Podcast

What Authors Can Learn from Dale Roberts’ YouTube Playbook

YouTube isn't just for cooking tutorials and gaming walkthroughs; it might be one of the most powerful book marketing tools authors aren't using. In this episode, Ferol sits down with Dale Roberts, host of Self-Publishing with Dale and one of the most-watched voices in the indie author space, to break down exactly how authors can build a YouTube presence that actually connects with readers and sells books. In this episode, you'll learn: * The separate-profile research hack that lets YouTube train its own algorithm to show you exactly what your ideal readers are watching * The three types of YouTube content (long form, Shorts, and live video), and why you should try all three before committing to one * Why fiction authors don't have to talk about writing craft, and the smarter content angle most are missing * The "seeding" strategy: how many videos to have ready before you ever go public * The single biggest mistake Dale sees authors make on YouTube (hint: it's not gear or lighting) * What gear actually matters, and the one purchase to prioritize if you have a limited budget * A surprising new YouTube feature that's showing up in the Shorts shelf without recording a single video * How pen name authors can build a YouTube presence without revealing their real identity * What's changed on YouTube in the last year or two, and why human creators have an edge right now Dale also shares the story of building four fully monetized YouTube channels over 10 years, starting completely by accident in 2016. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your Book Is Invisible to AI (Here's How to Fix It)

Readers are increasingly using AI to find their next book, and if your title isn't showing up in ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, you're missing a growing discovery channel. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down exactly how the three major AI engines find and recommend books, why most indie authors are invisible to them right now, and what you can do about it. What you’ll learn: * The difference between SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and why it matters for book discoverability * Why Gemini is the most actionable AI engine for authors, and the one Google Play trick that KDP Select authors can use without violating terms * The critical 10% preview rule: how to get your KU book into the Google Books ecosystem without losing your Amazon exclusivity * Why ChatGPT and Claude favor books that look traditionally published, and how indie authors can mimic that signal * The FAQ strategy: one simple addition to your book page that makes it dramatically easier for AI to recommend your title * How Reddit and YouTube factor into AI book discovery, and how to approach both without getting banned or ignored * A difficulty-ranked to-do list: from easy wins you can do today to advanced moves worth investing in Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

From Page to Stage with Jess Ekstrom: How to Get Paid as an Author Speaker

Most authors never consider the speaking stage, but according to Jess Ekstrom, it might be the most powerful income stream they're missing. In this episode, Ricci sits down with Jess Ekstrom, Forbes Top Motivational Speaker, founder of Headbands of Hope, and creator of Mic Drop Workshop, to break down exactly how authors (yes, even fiction authors!) can turn their stories and expertise into paid keynote speaking careers. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why the "you're either a speaker OR an author" myth is dead wrong, and how doing both makes you better at each * How fiction authors can build keynote careers even when they're not speaking to other authors * The "transformation promise" framework, the one question that unlocks your entire speaking pitch * How to find speaking gigs and build inbound opportunities through LinkedIn and social media * What speaking actually pays, from beginner rates ($500–$5K) to seasoned speakers ($35K+) * The halo effect: how speaking can drive book sales (80% of Jess's first book sales came from stages) * Why community is the secret weapon for building a sustainable speaking career Jess also shares details on her new book, Making It Without Losing It (out May 2026), and the upcoming Mic Drop Workshop Boot Camp starting April 20th. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

How to Get Your Book Featured in Local Media (Without a Publicist)

Getting local press coverage can feel like shouting into a void, but what if you knew exactly what editors were looking for? In this episode, Ricci sits down with Rory Gillis, owner of Triangle Media Partners and publisher of several regional magazines including Chapel Hill Magazine, Durham Magazine, Heart of NC Weddings, and The Triangle Weekender. Rory pulls back the curtain on how local publications actually decide what to cover and gives indie authors a clear, actionable roadmap for getting featured. In this episode, you'll learn: * How local editors source stories and what makes a pitch rise to the top of a very full inbox * Why editorial themes and calendars are your secret weapon — and how to find them on any publication's website * What to include in your pitch package to make an editor's job as easy as possible * Why your book launch isn't the only hook — and how to pitch a book that came out years ago * The power of the byline: how pitching yourself as a columnist can open the door to book coverage * Why "polite persistence" is not annoying — it's expected (and sometimes pays off two years later!) * The no-nos that instantly tank your pitch, straight from the editors themselves * What one author did to get featured that Rory still remembers years later * Rory's step-by-step action item checklist for authors ready to pursue local press Whether you're in a major metro or a small town, your local media landscape is full of opportunities. This episode will help you find them and pitch them the right way. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Amazon A10 Update: 3 Things Every Indie Author Needs to Know

Amazon just changed the rules — again. The A10 algorithm update is here, and if you've been running your book marketing the same way you were a year ago, it's time to take a second look. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down exactly what changed with the Amazon A10 update — drawing on an actual academic paper about the technology powering it — and translate it into three clear, actionable things indie authors need to do differently. From how Amazon now reads your book page (literally, including your cover), to why external traffic suddenly matters way more than Amazon ads, to why spreading your marketing over several days beats a single-day spike. This episode is your practical guide to navigating the new landscape. What you’ll learn: * Why keyword stuffing your book description is now actively hurting you * How Amazon's AI can literally "see" your book cover and why cover-genre alignment is now algorithmic, not just stylistic * Why A+ content and dwell time are suddenly critical ranking factors * How external traffic (email, social, promo sites) now outweighs Amazon ads * Why consistent sales over multiple days beat a one-day spike * How series authors are benefiting from the new algorithm and how standalone authors can adapt Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.