The BookFunnel Podcast

BookFunnel CEO Damon Courtney interviews author and BookFunnel author support specialist Jack Shilkaitis to discuss the economics and practicalities of selling books in person, including Jack’s mall kiosk. They cover how local TikTok promotion creates repeat visits, why direct reader relationships and series sales can compound beyond an initial purchase, and how to price and prepare for events wit...

Summary In this episode, Jack and Christina discuss the evolving landscape of direct sales for authors, sharing recent survey data, platform insights, and practical tips for building a successful direct sales strategy amidst industry changes. Key Topics The rise of direct sales and its impact on authors Survey data on author sales strategies and industry trends Platform integrations and tools for...

Summary In this episode, Dani Collins shares her journey from traditional publishing to indie success, explores the power of reader magnets, author commentary, and effective marketing strategies for authors. Discover practical tips on building your author platform, leveraging social media, and optimizing pre-orders to grow your readership and sales. In this episode, Dani Collins shares her approac...

Summary In this episode, Greg from Curios discusses the realities and misconceptions of direct sales for authors, the evolving industry landscape, and practical strategies for building a sustainable author career through direct sales and community engagement. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of book marketing, advertising strategies, and the future of direct sales for authors. Our guest...

Learn More About Our Guest Kacie's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ladybelkreads?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Kacie's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LadyBelkReads Helpful BookFunnel Links Author Knowledge Base https://authors.bookfunnel.com/ Jack’s BookFunnel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jack.bookfunnel BookFunnel Podcast https://bookfunnel.transistor.fm/ BookFunnel Authors Facebook Gr...

What if your next audience is waiting in another language? In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, Jack Shilkaitis and Emma Alisyn sit down with Maxwell Zachs, CEO of Translation Review and a longtime indie author, to explore how authors can bring their books into international markets without sacrificing quality, voice, or reader trust. Max explains how hybrid translation combines the speed an...

Summary In this episode, Jack and Emma explore the realities of balancing full-time work and writing, the importance of motivation, setting boundaries, and the journey of building a sustainable author career. They share personal insights, practical tips, and the mindset needed to succeed as a part-time or full-time author.  Key  Topics Balancing full-time work and writing The myth of work-life bal...

In this episode of The BookFunnel Podcast, Damon Courtney sits down with Maxwell Salzberg, CEO of BackerKit, to talk about why crowdfunding has become one of the most exciting opportunities for authors today. Max shares how BackerKit grew from managing the “back of the house” for crowdfunding campaigns into a full crowdfunding platform, and why authors are especially well-positioned to use crowdfu...

In this episode, Amanda Traylor shares her journey of rebranding as June Patrick, the importance of authentic branding, and practical tips for authors to connect with their audience through in-person events, social media, and unique branding strategies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:52 Amanda Traylor's Journey in Writing and Branding 04:35 The Transformation into June Patric...

About Our Guests Johnny B Truant https://johnnybtruant.com/ Katie Cross https://katiecrossbooks.com/ Todd Fahnestock https://toddfahnestock.com/ Summary This episode explores the art and business of selling books in person at events like conventions and fairs. Authors share their experiences, strategies, and insights on how face-to-face sales can boost visibility, build community, and generate rev...

Learn more about our guest Website https://markleslie.ca/ Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07JXYVJ92?ccs_id=d940ac4f-01c6-4885-b4d3-f011eff9a1cd YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkLeslieLefebvre Facebook https://www.facebook.com/markleslielefebvre/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklefebvre/ Substack https://angeliquemfawns.substack.com/p/the-unfiltered-truth-about-indie Summ...

Guest Links Website -https://www.lydiasherrer.com/ Summary In this episode, Lydia Shearer, a USA Today bestselling author, shares her journey in indie and traditional publishing, her strategies for direct sales, newsletter building, and navigating the evolving landscape of book marketing and AI challenges. In this episode, Lydia Sherrer and the team discuss the future of digital reading, author-re...

Masters in Publishing Degree https://wordfire.com/publishing-masters-degree/ Dan Shamble Kickstarter https://wordfire.ubpages.com/ Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the founding of WordFire Press, and the importance of multiple income streams for authors. Kevin shares insights...

Learn more about Shanon Huston YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBY1ZdiOkr2qBrn0y7aOhBw Website https://www.sdhuston.com Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.D.-Huston/author/B098MKK9CK?ccs_id=78c4bcbc-3ee6-4d6e-ba29-b353d47ac682 Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Shanon Huston, a romantasy author and YouTuber. They discuss the importance of bui...

Learn More About this Episode's Guest https://www.paulaustinardoin.com/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07CKQ4LX8?ingress=0&visitId=c2b5df87-13b5-4e68-aa5f-07ad57524e41&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab&ccs_id=c9a9314b-d543-4fb7-9ac8-1a165123ee19 Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, the team welcomes USA Today bestselling author Paul Austin Ardoin. They discuss Ardoin's jou...

Learn more about Spoken https://spoken.press/ Disclaimer The opinions of the hosts and guest are their own and not necessarily those of BookFunnel. Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Phil Marshall, founder of Spoken, to discuss the evolution of audiobook production through digital narration. They explore the challenges authors face in creating audiobooks, the inn...

Learn More about AuthorScale https://www.authorscale.com/ Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes guests Genesis Davies and Marvin from AuthorScale. They discuss the journey of self-publishing, the power of TikTok for authors, and how AuthorScale can help streamline the marketing process. Genesis shares her personal experience of going viral on TikTok, leading to sign...

Dakota Krout https://www.mountaindalepress.store/pages/dakota-krout Mountaindale Press https://www.mountaindalepress.store/ Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team interviews Dakota Krout, an international bestselling author and publisher known for his work in the LitRPG genre. They discuss Dakota's journey as an author, the rise of LitRPG and GameLit, and the intricacies of c...

Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, the team and guest Michael Evans discuss essential strategies for indie authors to succeed in storytelling and publishing. Michael shares three key questions that every author should answer to enhance their chances of success, emphasizing the importance of understanding human connection in storytelling. The conversation explores how to capture at...

"I took a huge risk." In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Sasha Black, a successful author and entrepreneur. Sasha shares her journey from a corporate job to becoming a full-time writer under the pen name Ruby Rowe, focusing on sapphic fantasy. She discusses her unique writing process, the impact of TikTok on her sales, and her strategy for direct sales through her own we...

Learn more about Scrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com Summary In this episode of the BookFunnel podcast, the team welcomes Oliver Evensen, the director of marketing and outreach for Scrivener. They discuss the features and benefits of using Scrivener for writing, the challenges authors face in their writing journeys, and how to effectively utilize the software to enhance productivity and o...

Learn more about Becca Syme https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beccasyme/dear-writer-you-still-need-to-quit Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes back Becca Syme, an author coach and expert in helping indie authors navigate their careers. The conversation covers a range of topics including creative marketing strategies for Kickstarter campaigns, the importance of...

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes back Kate Hall, a successful author and marketing expert. They discuss the evolving landscape of social media, particularly TikTok, and how authors can adapt their marketing strategies to thrive. Kate shares her personal journey from struggling to successful author, emphasizing the importance of engaging content and the need to pivot in...

Summary In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Emma Alisyn and Kelli Tanzi welcome Joe Solari, Managing Director of Author Nation. They discuss the evolving landscape of self-publishing, the importance of community and connection among authors, and innovative strategies for engaging readers. The conversation highlights practical self-publishing tips, the sign...

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the BookFunnel team welcomes USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty. They discuss various aspects of self-publishing, including marketing strategies, the importance of scalability, and the mindset needed for success. Russell shares insights from his own journey, emphasizing the need for authors to embrace their unique voices while also learning fro...