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

Should your author's email match your book title? Or is it better to use your name?  The right choice can impact your author's brand, book visibility, and marketing success. In this episode of The Author’s Edge , Allison Lane breaks down the email and domain strategies every author should know—so you can avoid common mistakes and create a professional, memorable online presence. If you&a...

Is public speaking the missing link in your book promotion strategy?  In this episode of The Author’s Edge , Allison sits down with Bobbie Carlton , founder of “Innovation Women” and a trailblazer in speaker visibility. Bobbie shares how authorship and speaking go hand-in-hand to amplify visibility, credibility, and even compensation.  Discover practical tips for landing bigger stages, overcoming...

What’s the real key to turning media placements into a book deal? Spoiler alert: It’s not just about landing a big-name feature.  In this episode, Allison answers a listener’s question about pitching magazines and shares expert insights from powerhouse literary agent Sam Hiyate . You’ll learn why visibility, consistency, and audience targeting matter more than ever for authors trying to get publis...

Have you ever wondered how to find hope and light in the midst of profound loss? Allison Lane sits down with Jessica Fein—author of Breathtaking: A Memoir of Family Dreams and Broken Genes , TEDx speaker, Psychology Today columnist, and podcast host of I Don’t Know How You Do It . Jessica shares her deeply personal story of caregiving for her daughter, Dahlia, while navigating immense grief, and h...

What’s the difference between a beta reader and a critique partner, and why does it matter to your success as an author?  In this episode of The Author's Edge , Allison dives deep into how these two types of feedback providers can completely transform your writing—and how to find the right people for your team. Whether you're struggling to polish your manuscript or wondering who to trust...

Have you ever felt like your story deserves to be shared but don’t know where to start?  Allison Lane sits down with Meghan Riordan Jarvis—a psychotherapist, two-time TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of two powerful books, The End of the Hour and Can Anyone Tell Me? . Meghan shares her personal journey of navigating profound grief and how it became the driving force behind her writing. From...

Are you ready to finally create a website that reflects your unique value as an author and helps you sell more books? Allison Lane breaks down the exact steps you need to take to design a website that doesn’t just look great but actually works for your goals. From understanding what content to bring over from an old site to choosing the perfect inspiration sites, Allison provides practical strateg...

Are you an author wondering how to promote your book without compromising who you are?  Host Allison Lane sits down with Jessica Waite, bestselling author of The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards , to discuss how introverted authors can confidently step into the spotlight while staying true to themselves. Jessica shares her journey from writing her deeply personal memoir to navigating the highs and c...

Ready to streamline your social media strategy and boost your engagement? In this episode, host Allison Lane shares invaluable advice on how to stay consistent without chasing perfection. Discover tips on repurposing content strategically, navigating social media algorithms, and making the most of scheduling tools like Hopper HQ. Allison also provides creative content ideas, inspiring authors to t...

We explore the journey from podcasting to publishing, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing neurodivergence as a strength. Host Allison Lane talks with Tracy Otsuka , certified ADHD coach and bestselling author of " ADHD for Smart Ass Women: How to Fall in Love with Your Neurodivergent Brain " about her insights and strategies to turn perceived challenges into opportunities f...

Welcome to another episode of The Author’s Edge , where we’re demystifying the path to publishing success! This week, we’re tackling a burning question: "How big does my platform need to be to get my book published?" If you’ve ever been told to spend years building an audience before you pitch your book, think again. In this episode, you’ll discover why visibility trumps numbers and how...

Welcome to The Author’s Edge ! In this episode, host Allison Lane talks bestselling author and literary advocate Courtney Maum about the art and strategy of author marketing. Known for her groundbreaking guide Before and After the Book Deal , Courtney shares insights on navigating the publishing world, building a brand without burnout, and creating visibility for your work. Whether you’re a debut...

Are you struggling to decide what your book should be about? You’re not alone. Many authors find themselves stuck between multiple ideas, unsure which one will resonate most with their audience. In this episode of The Author’s Edge , host Allison Lane shares a proven, keyword-driven strategy to help you identify the perfect book topic that meets your readers’ needs while avoiding the common pitfal...

Welcome to this inspiring episode with Sam Bennett, bestselling author of Get It Done and The 15-Minute Method ! If you’re an author or aspiring writer struggling with procrastination or overwhelmed by marketing, Sam has the answers. Learn how to write and market your book in just 15 minutes a day using simple, effective strategies. Whether you’re launching your first book or your fifth, this epis...

Ready to market your book without the guesswork? In this episode of The Author’s Edge , host Allison Lane breaks down three must-know marketing moves to help authors effectively connect with their target audience. Whether you're a debut author or an experienced writer, these strategies will help you grow your readership and increase book sales. Discover how to connect with your readers faster...

In this episode of The Author's Edge , host Allison Lane sits down with Katie Versluis and Darcy Piedmonte from NetGalley to demystify how authors and publishers can leverage early reviews to build buzz and drive book success. Whether you’re gearing up for a big launch or looking to revitalize your backlist, this conversation will give you actionable strategies to connect with the right reade...

In this episode of The Author’s Edge , Allison Lane dives into the burning question every aspiring author has: When is the right time to query agents? She tackles common misconceptions about timing, shares why waiting for the "perfect" moment may hurt your chances, and explains how to ensure your book proposal is ready to impress. What you'll learn: Why literary agents are always on...

Episode #24. 2025 is fast approaching, and big goals need clear roadmaps. In this episode of The Author's Edge , host Allison Lane dives into a proven framework for setting and achieving your biggest aspirations. Learn how to set measurable goals, prioritize your time, and avoid common mistakes that derail progress. Whether you're aiming for a book deal, building your platform, or taking...

In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane dives into a common question from authors: how to arrange book events at bookstores and other venues without prior in-person connections. Allison answers Leslie's question about organizing book events while living abroad, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and planning. She provides actionable steps including emai...

In this special episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane addresses the common question from aspiring authors: how to write a book when you're not quote/unquote "a writer." Allison talks with celebrated memoir coach and author Marion Roach about the significance of personal storytelling in nonfiction, the differences between memoir and autobiography, and actionable steps...

Host Allison Lane discusses how to position your book to make it appealing to publishers and agents. Allison addresses a question from Bill, an author who received positive feedback from editors but faced rejections based on market fit. She advises against citing declined editors' feedback and instead recommends using their positive comments to strengthen your query. Allison underscores the i...

In this episode of the Author's Edge, host Allison Lane encourages viewers to overcome fears and seek collaboration rather than competition. She highlights the significance of asking for help, reaching out for opportunities, and leveraging available resources like the free 'Compassionate Critique Events' and the 'Publishing Lane' Facebook community. Allison shares actionab...

In this episode of the Author's Edge, host Allison Lane dives into the critical steps for aspiring authors to overcome self-doubt and peer approval barriers. Learn how to move forward with confidence by understanding the publishing process and creating a successful book proposal. Allison shares actionable steps for pitching your book, including crafting detailed tables of contents, chapter su...

In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane delves into the importance of building a consistent and recognizable author brand. She emphasizes how your professional identity extends beyond your book to include articles, social platforms, and speaking engagements, making you stand out in the publishing market. From defining your themes to maintaining visibility, Allison shares vital...

In this episode, the speaker addresses common feelings of overwhelm among authors trying to launch a book or expand their digital footprint. They provide three key strategies to streamline efforts and ensure success: maintaining consistency across owned platforms, elevating and consolidating your message, and understanding your audience’s needs. The speaker also shares a bonus tip on efficient con...