Author Margins

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito explores the pivotal questions authors face regarding the significance of their work. She emphasizes the importance of asking not just why their writing matters, but whether it matters at all. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she encourages authors to confront uncomfortable truths about their motivations and the changing landscape of the publishing ind...

Hey there! In this episode I share some of my recent (and not-so-recent) experiences with pivoting my focus and what that means going forward. I'm going to be closing down some things (this podcast is staying), shifting over others, and stepping into some areas that have been really on my heart lately. This is going to be a new, highly consolidated focus that I'm super-excited about - and of cours...

*waves* Hey there! Anyone feeling data and info overload? I'm right there with you! And in this quick episode I offer an alternative to getting lost in the analytics, likes, subscribes, and all the rest.  Learn one crucial tip for sifting through all the info, and how to prioritize your goals and health to keep author life sustainable. It's time to reclaim your confidence and clarity. See you in t...

Want to do your writing and marketing easier, faster, and better? It’s time to create a process you love for author success–and I’m here to help you start right now! Don’t miss this episode of the Author Elevate podcast as I share some tips to research your process and narrow it down to something that works for your unique brain. Includes awesome word-nerding (vocabulary appreciation), one essenti...

Welcome back to the Author Elevate podcast! Are you ready for a few changes? We promise they’re good ones! Learn what cool things are on the horizon and our theme for this season. In this episode: -four changes I’m making to level up this podcast (and keep myself sane) -the highly underrated secret of successful authors -plus, find out more about the direction the Author Elevate Podcast & YouT...

Have you tried to write every day–and can’t, because of life? Do you want to push forward in your author biz but keep dealing with setbacks? Author and YouTuber Tiffany Grant has a boatload of encouragement, tips, and inspiration in this latest episode! And she also shares about running a successful Kickstarter with her debut novel! Includes epic conversations like: -Why she decided to run a Kicks...

Are you ready to finish your next book? How about the next one…and the next one? Author E.J. Kitchens brings all the best tips for how to overcome writer's block on this episode! And she’s offering a free guide with even more tips for eliminating writers block (check out the YouTube Channel for the link). Includes epic conversations like: -Elizabeth’s unexpected journey to authorship (she didn’t e...

Does author life sometimes make you feel like screaming? What if laughter is a better option? Special guest A.C. Williams shares all about approaching hard author life curveballs and situations with humor. Includes epic conversations like: -how mishaps with her latest release taught her resilience (...again…haha) -the importance of letting go of control and accepting that some things are out of ou...

Struggling to write short stories? Or maybe you just want some fresh writing inspiration? We’ve got you covered with great tips on how to intuitively write short stories that connect with larger series. My special guest H.L. Burke (author of many books, winner of awards, adorer of cats) shares her top tips on writing short stories! Includes epic conversations like: -how she’s used short stories to...

What if you have the contract, you do the promotion, you put on your best marketing hat - and then things fizzle anyway? Or worse, your publishing house closes? My guest K. Michele Moseley has been through all of this and more, and she shares her wisdom on recovering from burnout and reclaiming creative joy in this episode. Includes epic conversations like: -how Michele found fresh creativity in b...

Can faith-based sword and sorcery books, body horror romance, gifted illustrator, successful CEO of Realm Makers, and chronic conditions all go together? Yup, if you’re the amazing Rebecca P. Minor, who I have the honor of interviewing in this latest podcast episode! We dive into world building from a Christian worldview, exploring new genres, balancing business and creative life, the importance o...

It’s a new year–and a new start with new goals for Author Elevate! Which includes some moves to new places and new angles (let’s see how often I can fit “new” into these show notes, haha). In this episode I dive into my most recent experience with streamlining my process, including analyzing habits, trying to be everywhere, and dealing with chronic conditions. Tune in for my exclusive tips on tran...

Want exclusive, secret sauce questions for identifying your ideal readers? What about incorporating theme into your story? How about bumping up your series read-through? Janeen Ippolito tackles all of this and more in this info-packed episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, where she answers a pile of your questions. Plus, she dares to make some predictions for 2024 (and then of course, invites you...

Have loads of story ideas? Want to get at least a few of them written? Then you’ll need to get solid with writing first drafts! In this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast Janeen tackles three essentials for saving time when writing the first draft of your story. Plus, how to handle writing around busy holiday seasons. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscriber...

Talk about your book all the time. No, in fact, never talk about your book, because that’s salesy. No, wait - “write to market” so you don’t waste your time. Sound familiar? Janeen Ippolito tackles 5 Common Book Marketing Myths in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes what marketing really is, why asking is a powerful tool, and the importance of mastering your motivation. Plus, the...

Feel like your chronic conditions have stacked the deck against your author success? Overwhelmed by life and challenges–and wondering if achieving your goals is even possible? Be encouraged and equipped by this interview with bestselling fantasy author W.R. Gingell, who lives with multiple chronic conditions and keeps going onward. Includes time organization strategies, how she includes characters...

Calling all authors of middle grade fiction! Or potential authors. Or people who read middle grade fiction–or have kids who read it. Check out this episode with Janeen Ippolito and award winning middle grade author JJ Johnson. Includes how JJ started writing about plastic dinos and living snot, some pitfalls to avoid when writing for middle grade, and how he grew his platform and sales during the...

What happens when you get personal with your writing–but then also want to sell it? Is it possible to write through your joy or grief, and make it marketable? Join host Janeen Ippolito and guest author and writing coach Sharon Hughson as they discuss personal inspiration and vulnerability in storytelling. Includes how to navigate using experiences you walked through with others, how to deal with n...

Overwhelmed with author life? Not sure how to keep going? Janeen Ippolito shares some of our secret sauce tips for a sustainable author career in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes one essential investment to make, one skill experienced authors have mastered, and why we at Author Elevate keep harping on goals (hint: they really do matter). Plus, we discuss how to prep (and when t...

Want to attract raving fans to your story? What about positive reviews and excited endorsements? We’ve got you covered in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Janeen Ippolito dives into what story elements readers rave about, why your book ending is crucial, and why sometimes it has nothing to do with your writing. Plus, in Our Take we discuss NaNoWriMo - good reasons to do it, and good rea...

Thought you knew your protagonist and had everything planned out–and then they just stopped talking to you? Or maybe you were all ready to explore your story with your protagonist but they’re just not showing up? We’re talking all about rogue protagonists and how to bring them in line in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Join Janeen as she discusses five ways protagonists go rogue and of...

Is social media actually worth your time? Does it work for your genre–even if you’re not giving away candles? Janeen Ippolito and special guest cohost Amy C. Williams tackle healthy, practical approaches to social media for fiction authors in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes how to choose a channel, when to ditch social media completely, and other methods for community building...

Learning more skills is one of the best ways to level up in your author life and book business. But how do you know which course, book, or program is worth your time? Janeen Ippolito dives into key questions to ask in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes how to vet the instructor, how to check the course content will work for you, and how to evaluate if this book, course, or progra...

Want to make sure your scenes keep readers turning pages? Want to make every moment count? We’ve got you covered! In this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, Janeen dives into five crucial aspects of how to write a story scene and gives you tips and tricks to make them irresistible to readers. Plus, the one area you absolutely need to invest in for your author life success.  This is a public ep...

Need a side hustle while you’re waiting for your books to take off? Enjoy helping authors and doing routine, detail oriented tasks? Then becoming an author assistant might be the right move for you! But before you jump in, Janeen Ippolito discusses the pros and cons of author assistant work in this episode of Author Elevate. Includes key questions to ask yourself before deciding to become an assis...