Episodios

  • Now is the Time to Build Your Authentic Author Brand with Joanna Penn, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 19

    Now is the Time to Build Your Authentic Author Brand with Joanna Penn, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 19
    Jun 25 2025

    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
    Más Menos
    43 m
  • AI & the Evolution of the Publishing Industry with Jane Friedman, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 19

    AI & the Evolution of the Publishing Industry with Jane Friedman, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 19
    Jun 13 2025

    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
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    1 h y 20 m
  • Understanding the Rules of Self-Publishing with Becca Syme, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 18

    Understanding the Rules of Self-Publishing with Becca Syme, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 18
    Jun 3 2025

    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
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Author Sidekick, with Michael Evans, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 17

    Author Sidekick, with Michael Evans, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 17
    May 26 2025

    In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Emma Alisyn and Kelli Tanzi welcome Michael Evans, a sci-fi author and marketing expert. They discuss various aspects of author marketing, including the importance of understanding one's strengths, the significance of platform choice, and innovative strategies for engaging readers. Michael shares insights from his journey in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for authors to find their unique marketing voice and to leverage underutilized platforms for greater visibility.

    Author Sidekick
    https://authorsidekick.com/

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

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Setup
    01:59 Meet Michael Evans: Author and Creator
    04:30 Writing Progress and Accountability
    06:48 Michael's Journey Back to Authorship
    08:39 Tips from the Trenches: Self-Publishing Advice
    15:46 Marketing Strategies for Authors
    20:56 Exploring Genre Dynamics
    24:42 The Importance of Content Batching
    31:40 Understanding Author Superpowers
    42:18 Social Hacking for Authors
    50:38 Harnessing TikTok for Author Success
    55:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
    01:06:40 Rethinking Reader Avatars and Audience Engagement
    01:13:56 Testing Your Story's Market Viability
    01:20:36 Navigating Creative Challenges
    01:21:59 Understanding Market Pull vs. Marketing
    01:26:55 The Dilemma of Finishing Series
    01:34:33 Putting Readers First in Writing
    01:37:17 The Importance of Creative Freedom
    01:46:15 Outro
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    1 h y 46 m
  • Market Fuel for Authors with Bekah Brinkmeier, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 16

    Market Fuel for Authors with Bekah Brinkmeier, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 16
    May 2 2025
    In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and guests discuss various aspects of writing, publishing, and marketing for indie authors. They explore the challenges of balancing writing with personal life, the benefits of dictation, and the importance of community support. The conversation also introduces AutoCrit's new feature, Market Fuel, which aims to assist authors in understanding their market and improving their marketing strategies. In this conversation, Bekah Brinkmeier and Jack Shilkaitis discuss various aspects of writing and marketing for authors. They delve into the importance of crafting compelling blurbs, the role of AI in writing, and the significance of understanding one's target audience. The discussion also covers innovative marketing strategies, the creation of engaging reader magnets, and the necessity of market research. Additionally, they highlight the value of community support in the writing process and introduce the Novel 90 challenge as a new opportunity for writers to complete their works.Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinarshttps://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnelJoin the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group / 14n8xw8jpc Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!TakeawaysWriting and marketing are both challenging for indie authors.Dictation can significantly enhance the writing process.Finding a balance between writing and personal life is crucial.Community support can provide motivation and accountability.Market Fuel helps authors identify their target audience and market trends.Creative work includes brainstorming and thinking time, not just writing.Overcoming writer's block can involve fun and quirky writing exercises.Setting realistic goals can prevent discouragement in the writing process.Using visual aids can enhance the writing experience.Every book has a potential market, and tools can help identify it. Crafting a compelling blurb is essential for book promotion.AI tools can assist in writing but should not replace the author's voice.Understanding your target audience is crucial for successful marketing.Using tools like AutoCrit can provide insights into audience preferences.Engaging reader magnets can enhance reader connection and retention.Innovative marketing strategies can set authors apart in a crowded market.Navigating genre expectations is important for reaching the right audience.Market research can save authors time and improve book performance.Effective ad targeting is key to successful book promotion.Community support can motivate and enhance the writing process.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene03:05 Exploring AutoCrit and Its Features05:56 Writing Progress and Personal Updates10:03 Creative Techniques and Writing Tips13:36 The Power of Dictation in Writing22:39 Self-Publishing Tips from the Trenches27:10 Conquering Writer's Block with Creativity33:26 The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Writing42:33 Visualization Techniques for Enhanced Writing47:37 Introducing Market Fuel: A New Tool for Authors52:37 Exploring Genre and Market Fit55:40 Understanding Target Audience and Marketing Strategies01:00:20 The Role of AI in Writing and Editing01:02:26 Writing to Market: Finding Your Niche01:11:23 Creative Reader Engagement Strategies01:27:00 World Building and Market Research01:29:08 Ad Strategies for Indie Authors01:31:31 Target Audience Identification01:32:48 Understanding Reader Demographics01:34:51 Using Feedback for Targeting01:35:45 The Importance of Genre in Marketing01:43:22 Introducing Novel 90 Writing Challenge01:48:49 Community Support for Writers01:55:14 Outro
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    1 h y 34 m
  • Meet the BookFunnel Reader Support Team, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 15

    Meet the BookFunnel Reader Support Team, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 15
    Apr 25 2025

    In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis is joined by the Book Funnel Reader Support Team, including [Redacted], [Redacted], and [Redacted]. They discuss the origins of the Book Funnel support system, the importance of reader support, and share valuable tips for authors on how to effectively utilize the service. The team also reveals the story behind the name 'Jamie' used in support communications, emphasizing the human element behind the service. The conversation highlights the dedication of the team to assist authors and readers alike, ensuring a smooth experience in the self-publishing journey.

    Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
    https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel

    Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
    https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/

    Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • Dictation & Overcoming Critical Voice with Christopher Downing, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 14

    Dictation & Overcoming Critical Voice with Christopher Downing, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 14
    Apr 17 2025

    In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, Coach Chris shares insights on the importance of coaching in writing, the practice of narration without expectation, and overcoming the initial hurdles of dictation. The conversation delves into effective writing tips, the role of technology, and the significance of outlining. Chris emphasizes the need to find one's unique writing process and how to deal with the critical voice that often hinders creativity. The episode also explores the journey of a writing coach and the evolution of a writer, concluding with valuable advice for aspiring authors.

    More About Christopher Downing
    Coaching: https://www.coach.me/ChristopherDowning
    Substack: https://the9practices.substack.com/

    Books by Christopher Available Amazon
    https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christopher-Scott-Downing/author/B00YN1PT26

    Takeaways:
    Coaching provides accountability and support for writers.
    Practicing narration without expectation helps improve storytelling skills.
    Overcoming initial hurdles in dictation is crucial for success.
    Utilizing technology can enhance the writing process.
    Finding your unique writing style is essential for creativity.
    Dealing with critical voice is a common challenge for writers.
    Writing is a journey that requires practice and patience.
    Embracing rough drafts can lead to better writing outcomes.
    Outlining can help organize thoughts and improve writing flow.
    Every writer has a unique process that should be respected and nurtured.




    Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
    https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel

    Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
    https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/

    Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!
    Más Menos
    1 h y 27 m
  • Indie Focused Brick and Mortar, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 13

    Indie Focused Brick and Mortar, The BookFunnel Podcast Episode 13
    Apr 8 2025
    Join us for an insightful episode of The Book Funnel Podcast as we sit down with author and illustrator Donovan Scherer, owner of Studio Moonfall. Discover the unique journey of how Donovan transformed his passion for graphic design into a thriving independent bookstore in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From local events and merchandising tips to leveraging Ingram Spark for better margins, Donovan shares invaluable advice for indie authors looking to expand their reach. Plus, get a virtual tour of Studio Moonfall and learn how to get your books featured in this author-centric store. Whether you're an indie author or just passionate about books, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration!00:00 Introduction00:45 Welcome to the Book Funnel Podcast01:14 Meet Donovan Scherer: Author and Illustrator02:06 Studio Moon Fall: From Graphic Design to Bookstore03:12 New Book Release: Chubba Mold04:27 Illustration vs. Writing: Creative Processes06:05 Author Updates: Current Projects and Challenges15:53 Tips from the Trenches: Self-Publishing and Marketing Advice31:18 Speeding Up the Writing Process31:31 Exploring Voice Recorders for Writing32:40 Studio Moonfall: An Author's Haven34:38 Supporting Independent Authors36:32 Tour of Studio Moonfall40:15 Merchandising Opportunities for Authors48:53 Navigating Bookstore Sales and Returns01:01:42 Organizing Local Author Events01:06:16 Challenges of Hosting Events in a Small Bookstore01:07:02 Building a Local Fan Base for Authors01:08:22 Importance of Merchandise and Frequent Events01:08:59 Hosting Author Signings and Events01:11:53 Consulting and Hiring Illustrators01:16:55 Genres Suitable for Coloring Books01:20:12 Author Submissions to Studio Moonfall01:26:38 Origin Story of Studio Moonfall01:30:48 Creating and Marketing Diverse Products01:35:40 Incorporating Games into Book Marketing01:40:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell[More About Donovan Scherer & Studio Moonfall]Studio Moonfall Website: https://studiomoonfall.com/Author Submissions: https://studiomoonfall.com/resources/...Donovan's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinarshttps://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnelJoin the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group / 14n8xw8jpc Questions? We can help! Send us a message at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!
    Más Menos
    1 h y 41 m