Author’s Edge: Smart marketing tips for women experts, academics, thought leaders and (of course) authors

Strong writing builds trust. But the best message can lose power when it’s cluttered with hesitation words. Allison Lane breaks down the tiny edits that make a big difference in how publishers, media, and readers perceive you. You’ll learn how to remove vague or filler words that water down your authority, and replace them with clear, confident language that connects. Key takeaways: The hesitation...

If your book pitch sounds more like your resume than a reason to read, this episode is for you. Most authors, speakers, and consultants make the same mistake: They lead with credentials, context, and passion, and lose the listener before they ever get to the point. Allison Lane shares how to turn your pitch into an authority-building tool that opens doors to book deals, media opportunities, and sp...

Are you unintentionally hiding your credibility?  Allison Lane breaks down one of the most common mistakes authors and experts make: minimizing their credentials. Whether you’re a PhD, MD, or sought-after speaker or seasoned leader, the way you introduce yourself shapes how people perceive your authority. Learn how to confidently present your expertise in conversations, media pitches, and online p...

You don’t need to fake confidence or chase followers to grow your visibility. In this episode, Allison talks with Goldie Chan, author of Personal Branding for Introverts and often called the “Oprah of LinkedIn,” about how to show up online in a way that feels genuine, warm, and sustainable. They discuss the difference between reputation and personal brand, how to communicate your expertise without...

Most authors overthink what to post on social – or miss the moments that matter. In this episode, Allison Lane shares how to simplify your content planning so your posts actually build visibility instead of draining your time.  Allison shares a simple, repeatable system for creating meaningful author marketing content without spending hours online. You’ll learn how to use key calendar dates, perso...

Award-winning journalist and novelist John DeDakis joins host Allison Lane to show how your career, no matter the field, can power your book. From CNN’s breaking news desk to gripping thrillers, John shares how professional expertise makes stories believable, urgent, and unforgettable. Allison and John break down writing techniques for pacing, building suspense, tackling difficult truths, and navi...

Are you celebrating your own wins or waiting for someone else to notice them first? Allison Lane shares the story behind a major milestone: how The Author’s Edge broke into Apple’s Top 200 marketing podcasts… and why she didn’t even realize it until someone else pointed it out. In fact, the show is now ranked among the Top 5% of all podcasts worldwide. This episode is both a celebration and a wake...

What if your book wasn't the final product, but the first step to a six-figure business? Many authors pour their hearts into writing and publishing a book, only to struggle with author marketing and visibility, wondering if it will ever lead to a real, lasting income. Allison Lane and Julie Chenell dive into a new path for authors, one where your book becomes a powerful tool for a scalable bu...

How can you get more done? Allison Lane reveals her no-nonsense approach to productivity for authors, leaders, and entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed by never-ending tasks. She walks through her personal framework for getting everything done without burning out, missing deadlines, or losing precious writing time. With lots of real-life examples, Allison shows how ditching busy work, building repea...

What happens when a bestselling nonfiction author and world-renowned publicist decides to write her first novel? Allison Lane welcomes her client and friend, Arielle Ford, a celebrated author of The Soulmate Secret and Turn Your Mate Into Your Soulmate , and now a novelist with her debut, The Love Thief . Arielle shares how a real-life experience inspired her first novel, what she learned about th...

Are you dreaming of a book deal, a keynote speech, or a fellowship but feel like those opportunities are out of reach? What if the secret to getting published and boosting your author visibility has nothing to do with your social media metrics or resume? This episode is all about reverse engineering your author marketing to get chosen for the rooms you belong in.  Join host Allison Lane and guest...

What if the fastest way to grow your author visibility had nothing to do with social media?  Allison Lane is joined by podcast pitching expert Alice Draper, who shares why landing podcast interviews is one of the most effective book promotion strategies for authors. And how you can start pitching yourself even if you don’t have a book yet. If you want to reach more readers, position yourself as an...

In this episode of Author’s Edge , host Allison Lane swaps seats and becomes the guest. Interviewed by Victoria Meyer , host of The Chemical Show , Allison shares how her 25+ years in global brand marketing with companies like Unilever, Burt’s Bees, and The Body Shop shaped her approach to helping authors land book deals, launch bestsellers, and build platforms that last. She breaks down everythin...

Many authors believe a publicist or publisher will guarantee sales, but the truth is, your book’s success depends on you. In this episode of The Author’s Edge, Allison Lane and Marissa Eigenbrood of Smith Publicity share the essential foundations every nonfiction author needs before investing in publicity. From building a platform and creating an author-centered website to choosing the right socia...

Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s a signal. Why does your energy crash just when you need it most? … during a book launch, while writing your manuscript, or building your platform. Author and burnout expert Cait Donovan joins Allison to share how we can recognize the hidden drivers of burnout and rebuild our energy without guilt.  They explore practical self-care strategies, the neuroscience...

Feeling overwhelmed by social media, content calendars, and algorithm games?  Allison Lane welcomes Brooke Sellas , award-winning business leader and author, to discuss why authentic conversation, not just endless posting, creates a deeper impact for authors, marketers, and thought leaders. Brooke shares tangible ways to lighten your social load, use AI as your creative sous-chef, and build a comm...

What happens when you stop performing the “ perfect mother ” role and start telling the truth?  Nicole Graev Lipson shares how writing about the raw, unpolished sides of motherhood not only shaped her memoir but also built a genuine connection with readers. If you’ve ever wondered how to write your personal stories without oversharing, how to get published without a massive platform, or how to pro...

What if you could sell more books on Amazon without spending a fortune or wasting hours learning ads?  Amazon ads strategist and founder and CEO of AMSPPC.com , Jai Heer, shares the exact steps nonfiction authors can take to boost discoverability, grow book sales, and make their book stand out in a crowded marketplace. You’ll learn how to choose the right keywords, set realistic sales expectations...

What if your advocacy work could become the book that shifts the conversation? Allison talks with Meg Stone about transforming advocacy into authorship that drives real change. Meg shares how she turned decades of violence prevention work into a book that calls out false safety advice and redefines empowerment. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your mission into a message that moves readers and...

Think you need a huge audience or perfect setup to make podcasting work for your book? Think again.  Allison Lane is joined by Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show and founder of Progressio Global , who reveals how niche podcasting can boost your visibility, expand your platform, and open unexpected doors, including paid speaking, brand collaborations, and major press.  Whether you’re podcast...

Does LinkedIn feel like a corporate maze or worse, a place where everyone’s shouting but no one’s listening?  Allison Lane is joined by visibility and personal branding expert Kate Paine to unpack how authors can turn their LinkedIn presence into a powerful personal brand without chasing the algorithm, faking expertise, or posting bland corporate content. Kate shares what works from optimizing you...

What if one short talk could launch your book, amplify your message, and land you media coverage? In this episode, we’ll explain exactly how to get selected for TEDx, how to pitch your idea, and how to use a TEDx talk to grow your visibility and book sales.  Allison Lane sits down with Anna Goldsmith, executive producer of TEDxPortsmouth, one of the largest and most successful TEDx events in the c...

Are your book goals being crushed by burnout or brain fog? What if the missing piece isn’t time management—but biology? In this episode, Dr. Partha Nandi, bestselling author, physician, and host of the syndicated show Ask Dr. Nandi , reveals how energy, focus, and health directly fuel long-term author success. Your energy, not your platform, might be the real reason your book isn’t done. Whether y...

Is it ever too late to write your book and get published? Lori Hellis proves it’s not.  Allison Lane and Lori Hellis explore how she transitioned from a career in law to becoming a recognized voice in the true crime genre with a successful book launch, a thriving YouTube channel, and a dedicated readership. You’ll hear how she reverse-engineered her author marketing strategy, secured a publishing...

Are you still relying on social media to promote your book? You’re missing the moment. Algorithms don’t build relationships… email does.  Allison sits down with email marketing expert Abby Combs to unpack exactly how authors can create authentic connections, build visibility, and launch successful books using email. From simple campaign tips to turning subscribers into buyers, this episode is your...