publishingcousins.com

The Publishing Cousins

Arts EN ↓ 11 episodes

Join cousins Nikki Boetger and Melissa LaShure - an author and illustrator duo - as they pull back the curtain on publishing. Through engaging conversations sprinkled with laughter and insider tips, they share their creative journeys, industry insights, and expert advice on writing and illustrating for publication. Whether you're an aspiring creator or just love all things books, tune in for this dynamic family duo's fresh take on the publishing world.

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publishingcousins.com

Episodes

Episode 11: How to Market Yourself as an Author or Illustrator 07.07.2026 9:44

Author marketing made simple. Discover your color palette, craft a one-line pitch, and sell your books or illustrations with authentic confidence. Publishing Cousins Ep. 11.

Episode 10: How Authors and Illustrators Can Build a Website and Grow an Email Newsletter 23.06.2026 28:22

Learn how authors and illustrators can build a website, grow an email newsletter, and use AI tools to market their books. Episode 10 of the Publishing Cousins podcast.

Episode 9: Social Media for Authors and Illustrators: How to Build an Authentic Brand and Grow Your Following 09.06.2026 31:18

In Episode 9 of Publishing Cousins, illustrator Nikki Boetger shares her proven social media strategy for authors and illustrators — including Instagram tips, the #kidletartpostcard hashtag, LinkedIn for client growth, and why consistency beats going viral every time.

Episode 8: How to Find Your Most Productive Hours, Master Batch Working, and Protect Your Time as an Author or Illustrator 26.05.2026 18:03

In Episode 8 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, Melissa and Nikki share how to identify your most productive hours, implement batch working strategies, and use time blocking to make consistent progress on your writing or illustration career. Whether you're juggling a full-time job, a family, or just a packed schedule, this episode delivers practical tools to protect your creative time and keep you...

Episode 7: How to Overcome Publishing Roadblocks: Rejection, Excuses, Time Management & Juggling Projects 12.05.2026 19:40

Feeling stuck in your author or illustrator career? In Episode 7 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, Melissa and Nikki tackle the most common publishing roadblocks head-on. They share honest, actionable advice on handling rejection letters, beating the excuse habit, managing your time like a professional, and juggling multiple creative projects at once. Whether you're an indie author, a children's...

Episode 6: How Critique Groups Work for Authors and Illustrators: What to Expect and How to Thrive 28.04.2026 18:13

Learn how critique groups work for authors and illustrators. Tips on submitting work, giving feedback, and growing your craft. Publishing Cousins Ep. 6.

Episode 5: How to Build Your Author-Illustrator Community, Find Publishing Conference, and Discover Go-To Experts in Publishing 14.04.2026 18:40

In Episode 5 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, author Melissa Lasher and illustrator Nikki Becker share practical strategies for building your author-illustrator community, finding the best writing and illustration conferences, and identifying go-to experts for your publishing journey. Learn how to create your own critique group, discover resources like SCBWI, ACFW, the Highlights Foundation, and...

Episode 4: How Authors and Illustrators Learn from Failure — Building Your Platform, Handling Rejection & Growing Your Creative Career 31.03.2026 26:11

What We Learned From Our First Published Projects (And What We'd Do Differently) | Publishing Cousins Ep. 3 17.03.2026 40:40

Episode 2: Creative Career Launch: Author and Illustrator Training Resources 03.03.2026 20:32

Ever wondered where to start if you're dreaming of becoming an author or illustrator? Find out how to start your publishing career with these author and illustrator training resources.

Episode 1: Publishing Secrets from an Author-Illustrator Dream Team 17.02.2026 27:29

Dive into Publishing Secrets from an Author-Illustrator Dream Team. We're thrilled to launch Publishing Cousins, a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the wild and wonderful world of book publishing. We're Melissa Lasher (the author) and Nikki Becker (the illustrator), and we're partners in publishing—and actual cousins!