Author Margins

Feeling the marketing overwhelm? Pared down your admin tasks to bare minimum, and still don’t have time to write? My friend, it’s time for an author assistant. In this episode we discuss how to find an author assistant, what you need to do to prepare for an author assistant, and the key to handing off the right tasks. I also share my #1 tip for working well with an assistant (hint: dating isn’t ju...

What happens when you’re a plotter–but the ending decides to just not show up? How do you balance your heart story with a desire to serve readers? Janeen tackles all of this and more in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast with guest author Tabitha Caplinger. Tabitha shares her tips and experiences with taking risks with your story, while also trying to think like a reader in editing. Plus,...

Need more time to write? Wondering how you’ll finish that book–and if anyone will read it? This is your episode. Host Janeen is joined by author Ted Atchley for this first What My Book Taught Me feature, where we celebrate authors and books and learn from their author experiences. You won’t want to miss Ted’s dynamite discussions about the challenges of editing and the importance of prioritization...

Who loves genre research? …All right, anyone love to hate it? Either way, we’re going to talk key tips and tricks to research your book’s genre for success in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Dive into a step by step walk through the reasons for genre research and some of the best practices for getting started. Plus, it’s time for some news, including a potential social media publishing...

What if a major publishing professional just ripped your writing to shreds? Or what if they gushed over it, but asked for specific tweaks? Or what if three different beta readers had three completely different opinions on a book? I’ve got you covered in this episode. We’ll discuss how to know when you should accept feedback–and when to put on blinders and ignore it. Plus, whether or not you should...

Ever wonder how people just suddenly get into cool book projects? Want to expand your book’s reach? Effective author networking is the key, and this episode has the best practices for getting started. Learn why authors in your genre are comrades (not competition), how to get asked into projects, and strategies for book sharing. Plus, Janeen dives into Meta Threads and how to know if this social me...

It’s time to write that draft–but you can’t get your brain out of editor mode! Yikes! Check out this episode of the Author Elevate podcast, where Janeen Ippolito dives into six tips about how to get into your first draft brain, and get those awesome words on the page Plus, this episode’s weekly take is all about why you have to persevere in writing (because the world really is out to get you but a...

How do you know when it’s time to move on–and when it’s time to stick it out and do the hard things a little bit more? In this extra-special episode of the Author Elevate podcast, Janeen and Amy dive into four key questions to ask yourself in that all-important evaluation of your author life and career. Plus, we discuss the recent shutdown of our publishing house, Uncommon Universes Press, and wha...

(Hey there! This is the second episode in our Adding Revenue Streams Miniseries. This episode features an interview from the previous podcast, Own Your Unique Words, with Katie Phillips). Want to start offering author services alongside your books? Or have you done so, but seen zero results? Special guest Katie Phillips and I have you covered in this biz-tastic episode. Learn how to balance author...

Feeling the pinch of prices? Worried you’re not selling as many books as you could be? Or maybe you’re finally admitting that yes, you want to make a profit–or at least break even. Where do you start? Janeen and Amy dive into the first episode of this mini-series on adding revenue streams to your book business. We kick off with an all-important assessment of your core motivations and your life sea...

Ever been told to avoid certain genres as “a waste of time” or “you’ll never make bank” or “no one cares”? Agree to disagree! Join Janeen Ippolito and guest host H.L. Burke as we tackle how to thrive writing in less common genres. Includes how to prep your expectations, tips for marketing success, and Heidi’s own experiences from writing 14+ books in the less common superhero genre. Plus, cats and...

AI is here, authors–run for the hills! Or maybe just become one with the machines? A hard nope to both. Instead, this podcast offers a healthy, balanced perspective of the increased emergence of AI and machine-learning in author life. Join Janeen Ippolito and guest co host Jessica Fry as we talk about automated editing programs, copywriting aids, dictation/transcription software, and how much AI c...

What if you had no plans of becoming an author–and then you suddenly start writing fiction? And then get a publishing deal? Join Janeen and special guest Sarah Delena White in this episode featuring an atypical author journey, and what you can learn about mastering your own unique path. Plus, we discuss when you should pay attention to cover design trends–and when you should ignore them. You won’t...

Janeen and Amy deliver a double-dose of encouragement, hope, and practical advice for author business when life is a lot (which we know can be…most of the time). As always, we get real with stories from our own experiences, when you do need to buckle down and do the work, and when to put blinders on and ignore those “can’t-miss opportunities” in favor of something better. Plus, we do the year in r...

Life can be hard, so make selling easier! Janeen and Amy tackle how (and why) to set up your books to sell on autopilot. Includes how social media can fit (if you choose) and why putting in the work now will help you to sell without burnout. Plus, we talk about pros and cons of using Substack for your author newsletter platform and what mud wrestling a pig has in common with writing. This is a pub...

Want to ensure your story gets read-through? What happens if your protagonist fails–or succeeds? Story stakes are one area you have to nail. In this episode Amy and Janeen dive into stakes by genre, by reader preference, and how to navigate the tension of what you find intense (vs. what works for your story). Plus, what Kindle has learned from your local grocery store and why sometimes the best go...

You gotta market–but you hate it. Or you enjoy it, but it can feel disconnected from your actual mission. Or maybe you’re just flat-out exhausted and need some new tips to stay consistent without burnout. Epic author, this is your episode! We take a deep-drive into the psychology of showing up as yourself, and also connecting with your ideal readers. Plus how personality tests do (and don’t) help....

Ready to stand out when everyone is selling? This is your episode! Amy and Janeen tackle how to move more books during high traffic months (like November–hello, Black Friday). Includes tips on market research, how to ride unstable sales waves, and the best strategic discounts to offer. Plus, in New and Shiny we discuss making readers wait on books, and when splitting your WIP is a great idea. This...

Need to organize a project to submit? Getting ready for NaNoWrimo? Want to file away story ideas for later? We have you covered in this episode. Includes essentials for plotting and characterization, plus what parts that you can leave for later. Let’s get you prepped for success! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit a...

Here’s the third episode in our specialty series, Reasons to Write! In this series, Janeen and Amy are diving into different ways to win at the writing and publishing life. In this episode, we tackle writing for entertainment, aka just for the fun of it, including ideas to unlock your brain, have more fun with writing, and put the blinders on and chill out when the author next to you is zooming in...

Here’s the second episode in our specialty series, Reasons to Write! In this series, Janeen and Amy are diving into different ways to win at the writing and publishing life. In this episode, we tackle writing to share a message, including specific plot essentials, production challenges, promo ideas, and why ‘free’ can be your best pricing model. Plus, what Sam’s Club and Costco can teach authors a...

Welcome to our first specialty series, Reason to Write! In this series, Janeen and Amy are tackling different ways to win at the writing and publishing life. In this episode, we dive into writing for profit, including genre choice, production must-haves, and keys for solid marketing. Plus, how to know if this is the right route for you. Upper tier Patreon subscribers get our bonus content on speci...

Ready to make your ensemble cast irresistible? This is your episode! Janeen and Amy are joined by guest author Margaret McGriff to talk all things character-building, including how to make your voices distinct, how to develop unique backstories, and what to do when your cast doesn’t behave. Plus, we discuss the best options for debut authors, and what the MCU gets right. This is a public episode....

Amy is back and ready to help you tackle your ads! She and Janeen talk about when to use ads, how to use ads, and why ads can be helpful even when they fail. Includes the essentials you must have in place before you start running ads. Plus, Amy’s surprise AWSA award win and why asking questions is the most valuable thing you can do. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with othe...

Need help with your author accounting? What about mental health? We get it–sometimes these two just go hand in hand (money can be hard). Join Janeen Ippolito and special guest Chris Morris (accountant and mental health advocate) as we talk friendly tips to help with your accounting, and insightful guidance on best practices for mental health. Plus, the differences between fiction and nonfiction au...