In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, we welcome Joanna Penn, a prolific author and prominent podcaster in self-publishing. We discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the importance of author branding, and how to connect with readers in a changing landscape. Joanna shares insights on her current projects, the significance of authenticity in writing, and navigating the challenges posed by AI in the literary world. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to focus on their unique voices and the love of writing, while also adapting to industry changes.

Takeaways

• Joanna Penn has been writing for 20 years and has seen the evolution of indie publishing.
• The indie publishing landscape is constantly changing, and authors must adapt to new tools and technologies.
• Author branding is crucial for standing out in a crowded market.
• It's important to connect with readers and understand their preferences.
• Authors can change their branding and rebrand over time as their writing evolves.
• Authenticity in writing is more important than ever, especially in the age of AI.
• Focusing on serving existing readers can be more beneficial than constantly seeking new ones.
• Writing should come from a place of passion and love, not just for profit.
• Authors can create unique projects that resonate with their audience, even if they don't follow market trends.
• Building a community of true fans can lead to sustainable success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:48 Meet Joanna Penn: Author and Podcaster
11:41 The Evolution of Author Branding
23:58 Navigating Reader Expectations and Promises
40:49 The Role of Authenticity in Writing
42:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
43:09 Outro

Publishing expert Jane Friedman joins hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelly Tansey, and Emma Allison to talk about the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing.
We discuss how AI is changing the industry, why traditional publishers are adapting indie strategies, and why author-reader engagement matters more than ever.Jane also shares valuable insights for indie authors—including the power of email lists, the growing demand for special editions, and the importance of taking control of your own marketing.
Whether you're self-published or traditionally published, this episode is full of practical advice to help you thrive in today's publishing landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Funnel Podcast
02:18 Creative Updates from the Hosts
05:50 Tips from the Trenches: Insights for Authors
14:19 Exploring AI in the Publishing Industry
25:04 The Impact of AI on Authorship
26:51 The Rise of Misinformation in AI-Generated Content
30:28 Concerns About AI in Publishing
34:39 Speculations on AI-Generated Books
38:28 Shifts in Traditional Publishing Practices
45:25 Emerging Models for New Authors
49:59 The Future of Special Editions in Publishing
55:15 The Rise of Special Editions in Self-Publishing
57:37 Indie Innovations Influencing Traditional Publishing
58:30 Direct to Consumer Marketing: A Shift in Focus
01:03:51 The Author's Role in Marketing and Promotion
01:08:39 The Gamble of Traditional Publishing
01:12:01 The Value of Steady Sales vs. Big Hits
01:18:14 Closing Thoughts and Future Insights
01:19:46 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Kelly Tanzi and Emma Alisyn welcome author success coach Becca Syme. They discuss various topics related to self-publishing, including effective strategies for book signings, the importance of understanding one's writing process, and the nuances of social media engagement. Becca emphasizes the significance of knowing the rules of the publishing game and maintaining a strong will to publish, regardless of external fluctuations in sales or market trends. The conversation highlights the need for self-awareness and adaptability in an ever-changing industry, encouraging authors to focus on their motivations and joy in writing.

Better Faster Academy
https://betterfasteracademy.com/time-...

Becca's YouTube Channel / beccasyme

Becca's Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
05:09 Tips from the Trenches: Author Insights
10:18 Understanding the Game of Publishing
18:46 Core Motivations and Author Success
30:00 Understanding Higher Order Motivations
32:02 The Struggle with Social Media Engagement
34:18 Navigating Discoverability in a Saturated Market
36:18 The Importance of Personal Choice in Writing
38:49 The Emotional Toll of Writing and Creativity
41:39 Understanding the Rules of Publishing
44:16 The Unpredictability of Success in Publishing
55:49 Covenants for Resilience in Writing
01:02:08 Outro