Episode 14: Shaping Things Up!

Episode 15: Marketing 101

In this the final episode of Season 1, Wendy Jo talks all things marketing....at least the things that she knows. From social media to Goodread giveaways to websites to podcast interviews - and whatever else she can think of within her realm of experience. She also gives a long range perspective on the power of simply getting your book out into the world and letting it take on a life of its own. Marketing is the ongoing work that follows the work of writing. It never really ends...but that's okay because neither does your book. Carry on, fellow authors. Carry on!

Episode 14: Shaping Things Up!

It's time to get that manuscript in shape for publishing. What does that entail? Formatting, formatting, formatting. In this episode, Wendy Jo discusses some of the elements of getting your manuscript print ready. Everything from margins, sizing,  pagination, fonts, etc. Lots of decisions and details but much satisfaction when the finished product comes out in the form of a proof copy. There are many options from various software programs to YouTube learning to professional formatters. She also makes some comparisons between uploading onto KDP and IngramSpark - what's the difference? - as well as ebook formatting.

Episode 13: Judging a Book By Its Cover

Time to talk about the all important book cover. Yes, I know, God views us through the lens of what is going on in our hearts. But people.... well, we tend to judge things (at least initially) by the outward appearance. In this episode, we discuss the elements that will make up your cover as well as different places you can go to find cover designers. There is quite a spectrum of options both financially and technically. Something for everyone! I also expose some of the design process I have recently been through for Solbakken: A Tale of Generations. It has taken some doing, but the cover is done! Glory!

Episode 12: What's in a Name?

Is a rose by any other name just as sweet? Hmmm.... in Episode 12 we talk about the importance of naming your book. A short overview of our biblical naming inheritance shows we have the DNA of a very creative 'namer'. We can do this. Finding the title that settles and lands for you as well as engages your target audience is paramount. There's a big reveal in the middle of the episode of the title for my latest book. Ta da! There are also some books I recommend that I have come across recently as I continue to learn about writing and publishing that I think might be helpful to you as well.

Episode 11: Preview of Coming Attractions

In Episode 11, we continue our chat about audiobooks with some more specific information about the recording and editing process. Included is information about the software I use, the editing plug-in I recommend as well as discussion about ACX.com and the parameters they require for you to upload your audio files. Then I've included a little sneak preview of my upcoming audiobook recording of my second novel - The Agreements - with the Prologue and beginning of Chapter 1. Hope you enjoy!