Author Margins

Could your description be making your story drag? Level up your description writing chops with this tip-tastic episode! Janeen and Amy share how great descriptions can make your plot more impactful, your characters more potent, and your settings more engaging. We also talk about new hardback printing options–and whether they make sense for your market. Plus, why sometimes the answer to writer’s bl...

Janeen and Amy dive into some current topics with timeless guidance in this biztastic episode. We discuss maintaining your biz when the economy tightens budgets, including when to shift gears. Plus, three key questions when checking those writing and publishing goals, and our own epic shifts with Author Elevate. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

Your epic hosts Janeen and Amy tackle these oft-heard writing terms in this helpful episode. Learn how tropes can help you connect with your readers, what genre expectations have to do with spaghetti, and why cliches aren’t really something to worry about. Plus, we share one easy tip for book sales, and get our Drift on with Pacific Rim geekishness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discu...

Ready to grow your audience? Already doing it, but want a boost? Amy and Janeen have you covered in this episode. We discuss five ways to grow your audience, from branding insight to data collection tips. Plus, we discuss audience building as a beginner or experienced author, and a possible upswing in the saga of a certain book distributor’s return policy. Tune in for all the awesome details! This...

Ever wonder if it really is easier now–or harder? We have all the encouragement for you! Janeen and Amy talk about changes in the publishing industry in the last 15-20 years. Includes why publishing is easier (and harder) now, editors vs. editing software, and how to focus on what works for you. Plus, what Spiderman has to do with all of this. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss thi...

Just starting off in your author life–or in that awkward adolescence? We have all the encouragement for you! Janeen and Amy share their personal then/now stories as professional authors and publishers, with loads of tips (and mistakes you can avoid). Plus, we look at the difference between genre mash-ups and trope combos–and how you can use that love for genre smashing to sell more books (potato c...

Amy and Janeen talk book awards, contest judging, and those oh-so-popular videos in this market-tastic episode. We take a deep dive into the book contest arena, including what book awards are meant to do (hint: it isn’t traumatize authors), why you can’t “lose” a book award, and how to give yourself the best chance for winning. Plus, we discuss how to handle the current “all the videos” social med...

Janeen and guest host H.L. Burke talk superheroes and super storytelling in this epic episode. Learn how to choose superpowers, which tropes work well (and which don’t), and how to apply info to non-superhero genres. Plus we discuss group self-publishing and finishing up book series. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vis...

Get revved for your summer writers conference with this episode! Amy and Janeen discuss goals, comfy + professional clothes, and the importance of taking time to breathe. Plus, why certain book graphics are so effective and why "pivot" is THE word for a successful author. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authormar...

Own Your Unique Words is back for Season 2, and we’ve gotten a makeover! Welcome to Author Elevate, your weekly podcast for the best tips, advice, and encouragement to level up your author biz. We’re talking about new features, a new cohost, and one industry tip you absolutely need (hint: we say it in “large, friendly letters”). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other su...

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 services with books, top reasons NOT to offer author services, and our mistakes from our first offers. Plus, Katie answers the flavorful random question of the day. This is a public episo...

Dealing with an unlikable character? Unsure whether to redeem them? What about characters that your readers love, but you don’t? Author and book coach A.C. Williams comes aboard to discuss all things unlikable characters. Learn what Pride & Prejudice, Doctor Who, and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles get right about characterization. Plus, we discuss Hallmark “bad boys” and our favorite Doctors...

Irresistible book intros can get you agents, contracts, and more readers--but how do you write them well? I’ve got you covered in this tip-tastic episode. Includes why genre matters, how to start with story tension, and why clever lines aren’t always the answer. Plus, in the Episode Action tip, I share one of my secrets to series writing (without retconning). This is a public episode. If you'd lik...

Want to get a great book cover that sells books? I got you covered in this episode loaded with advice for getting the best, marketable book cover for your story. Learn when genre matters, when it doesn’t, and why communication skills are your best friend. Plus, in the Episode Action tip we focus on when to switch up your email newsletter platform, social media scheduler, and other subscription ser...

Book promotion is hard enough without feeling like you’re annoying people. In this episode, learn key tips and tricks for book promotion without being obnoxious--and feel more confident sharing about your book! Plus, in the Episode Action Tip learn my #1 plotting essential, and how it helps with marketing. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...

Ready to level up your short fiction--or dive in for the first time? Special guest Laura VanArendonk Baugh has you covered in this wordtastic interview. Learn the best way to approach short fiction, how to get started (and finished), and what to do when you get stuck. Plus, why short stories are like kale--and ice skating. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscrib...

Want to turn a one-time book buyer into a super-fan? This is your episode, Epic Author! Includes seven tips to take your book from a reader’s TBR pile to their must-read-again shelf. Plus, this week’s episode action tip gives you one essential trick for drafting books faster. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autho...

Want to write memorable characters who stand out from each other? Want to clear the “character clones” out of your manuscript? This is your episode! Learn essential tips for making your characters shine (and be delightfully different from each other) so that your books are easier to write and easier to sell. Plus, in the Episode Action Tip I share what you should be focused on during social media...

You launched the book--now what? I’ve got you covered with these essential tips and tricks on how to market your book after it’s out in the world. Includes why you need to do this, best practices for increasing your visibility, and some pitfalls with price drops. Plus, what matters most when marketing after (and between) book launches. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with o...

Special guest & veteran author Parker J. Cole comes on the show to share all the awesome (plus her thoughts on Michael B. Jordan).. Learn her solution to author burnout, the one marketing tip every serious author needs, and how to hack the romance market (first tip: actually reading romance). Plus, why sometimes the best thing you can do is flip a trope. This is a public episode. If you'd like...

Unforgettable characters keep readers turning pages, sell books, and create loyal tribes. Learn where to start, what to avoid, and what to do with breakout characters (hint: don’t ignore them!). Plus, the Top Five essentials for character sketches, plus a free cheat sheet! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorma...

You’re ready to show up and repurpose your book marketing content--but how do you come up with that content? This episode is cram-jammed full of ideas, tips, and tricks for authentic author and book-related content to connect naturally with your ideal readers. Plus, what bathtubs have to do with marketing your books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or...

Content repurposing is a great way to market your book consistently without burnout...but how do you do it? And won’t people get tired of seeing the same thing? (Short answer: nope!). This episode explains how content repurposing actually works, how it saves you time, and a few tricks to do it faster. Plus, why a little organization goes a long way. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discu...

Special guest author and marketing strategist Margaret McGriff shares how content marketing can help you sell books with your natural storytelling gifts. Learn tips for choosing your content and why more isn’t necessarily better. Plus, why one of your most important readers is: yourself! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes,...

Special guest author H.L. Burke joins the discussion on how to use story lengths strategically for your fiction business. Includes when shorter is better, how the novella can supercharge sales, and why novels can work best as audiobooks. Plus, how to make your book shorter (or longer) to suit your unique purposes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or ge...