Book-A-Go-Go | How to Write, Publish & Market Your Book

Why do even the best writers need editors? In this episode, Jenna and Sara talk with veteran writer and book shaper Kate Zentall about the transformative role of editors in the publishing process. From developmental feedback to line-level polish, Kate shares how the right editorial guidance can elevate a manuscript—and help authors grow in the process.

What’s it really like to get traditionally published? In this episode, Jenna and Sara sit down with Bree Barton—author of the Heart of Thorns trilogy from KT/HarperCollins—to share what it’s really like to be traditionally published. From submissions to post-pub realities, Bree draws on two decades of experience as a working writer in this candid conversation.

Publishing your book is a huge milestone—but it’s not the end of your author journey. In this final reference episode, we help you plan what comes next. Learn how to keep your book relevant post-launch, build long-term momentum, and avoid the post-pub slump. From ongoing marketing to repurposing content and planning your next project, we’ll show you how to turn your finished book into a lasting as...

To successfully publish and maintain your book’s visibility, you’ll need to create and manage several essential service accounts. In this episode, we walk you through the most important ones—Amazon KDP, Goodreads, OverDrive, and more—and explain what each one does, why it matters, and how to optimize your presence. You’ll learn how these platforms help you control your book’s metadata, connect wit...

Your book is done—now how do you get readers to actually find it? In this episode, we guide you through building a strategic marketing and PR plan tailored to your goals. We’ll revisit your BAGG (Book and Author Gameplan and Goals), help you define success post-launch, and explain how to time your release date, use pre-orders, and leverage ARCs effectively. We also unpack your promotional toolkit:...

Confused by all the printing and distribution options for your book? In this episode, Jenna and Sara break down the pros and cons of print-on-demand vs. offset printing, how services like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark compare, and when traditional distribution might still make sense. You’ll also learn about working with wholesalers, setting discounts and royalties, and pricing your book so it’s compe...

Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing formats in publishing—and a powerful way to reach new readers. In this episode, we provide an overview of audiobook production: how to decide if you need one, whether to narrate it yourself or hire a pro, what equipment or services to use, and how to distribute it effectively. If you’ve ever considered bringing your book to life through audio, this episode...

A well-designed interior can elevate your book from amateur to professional. In this episode, we explain what goes into interior book design—print and digital. You’ll learn how to prep your manuscript for a designer, what formatting choices matter (margins, fonts, images, tables), and how interior layout differs between print and e-books.

Your book cover is a powerful sales tool, often the first thing a potential reader sees. In this episode, Jenna and Sara break down how to design a cover that reflects your genre, appeals to your audience, and meets industry specs. We’ll cover the full anatomy of a book cover, including the front, spine, back, flaps, barcodes, BISAC codes, and how to incorporate blurbs and branding for maximum imp...

Learn how to structure your book like a pro. This episode walks you through the essential building blocks of a complete book—front matter, main content, and back matter. You’ll discover which elements are optional vs. required, how to sequence them, and tips to give your finished book a polished, professional look that meets industry standards.

Blurbs and testimonials can boost your book’s credibility, marketing reach, and discoverability—if you know how to get the right ones. In this episode, we walk you through who to ask, how to ask, when to ask, and what makes a testimonial truly effective. We also cover how to use endorsements beyond the book jacket to enhance your author brand and marketing strategy.

Not sure which publishing path is right for you? This episode breaks down traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid models—explaining how each works, what authors can expect in terms of control, cost, royalties, and distribution, and how to align your publishing choice with your goals, timeline, and budget.

Don’t let legal issues derail your book. In this episode, Jenna and Sara cover what every author should know about legal review, fact-checking, and compliance—from using song lyrics and brand names to referencing real people and places. Learn when to involve a publishing lawyer, how to clear third-party content (including photos and permissions), and how to protect yourself from copyright violatio...

A strong book title does more than sound good—it sells your concept, hooks readers, and guides your cover and marketing. In this episode, Jenna and Sara share practical strategies for brainstorming titles, tailoring them to genre and audience expectations, avoiding common pitfalls, and involving your publishing or PR team before locking it in. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, this epi...

Not all editors do the same thing—and understanding the differences can save you time, money, and frustration. In this episode, Jenna and Sara demystify the roles of developmental editors, line editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders. You’ll learn who to hire, when to bring them in, what each one does (and doesn’t do), and how they work together to help you create a professional, polished book.

Not every author needs to write their book alone. In this episode, Jenna and Sara unpack the pros and cons of working with a ghostwriter, co-author, or writing coach—or going solo. We cover who gets credit, who owns the rights, typical pricing, and how much time and effort each path requires so you can choose the best option for your goals, schedule, and skill set. Whether you’re time-poor, confid...

Blogging is one of the most powerful tools an author can use to build visibility, credibility, and momentum—long before your book is even published. In this episode, Jenna and Sara share tips for getting started, staying consistent, and making your blog work for your long-term publishing goals.

Your author website doesn’t need to be big or fancy—but it does need to exist. In this episode, Jenna and Sara walk you through the key reasons to set up a website early in your publishing journey, what pages it should include, and how to make smart decisions that will grow with you over time.

It’s never too early to start working on your author platform—and that could mean even before you start writing your book. In this episode, Jenna and Sara break down what an author platform is, why it matters, and how to start building one in a way that feels natural—even if you’re not a fan of self-promotion.

Jenna and Sara help you set clear, realistic goals and expectations for your book, creating the foundation for the rest of your publishing journey. We introduce the concept of a BAGG (your Book and Author Gameplan and Goal) and walk through nine common reasons for writing a book, plus discuss how to define what success looks like for you. This episode is designed to give you a clear-eyed view of t...

Book-a-Go-Go is your podcast that will guide you on how to go from writer to published author. In this introductory episode, meet your co-hosts Jenna Rose Robbins and Sara Stratton as they explain what to expect in the episodes ahead. The first 18 episodes serve as reference guides, each one focused on a key step in the self-publishing process, from setting your author goals to planning your launc...