Podcast Episode: Book Promotion - Part Two w/ Publicist, Kathleen SchmidtThis podcast episode is Part Two of my interview with Kathleen Schmidt, creator of the popular Substack, Publishing Confidential. You can listen to Part One of the Interview HERE.Kathleen Schmidt has worked in the publishing industry for 25+ years. She’s been a literary agent, editor, ghost-writer and publicist, including being a Publicity Director at Skyhorse Publishing (WOW) and creating unique book marketing ideas for the best-selling book, YOU are a BADASS, by Jen Sincero. Kathleen owns her own publicity firm, KMSPR, and writes about publishing and her experiences to help authors, newbie and seasoned, to understanding publishing and do right by their books on her Substack at KathleenSchmidt.Substack.com. She offers listeners the opportunity to reach her directly at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to chat about hiring her as your publicist.In Part Two, of our two-part podcast interview, Kathleen shares…:* …her opinions on book reviews: industry trades and other book reviews… do they move the needle to book sales? The post that she mentions on air that covers book promotion is Book Publicity: What Works and What Doesn’t* …why sales and publicity must align in your book marketing plan* …the story behind the publicity for YOU are a BADASS by Jen Sincero (on the best-sellers list for for over 100 weeks.* …why an unknown author needs to “think out of the box” and come up with a creative publicity idea. Kathleen shares examples!* ..some examples of book promotion that does NOT work in Kathleen’s experience. * … warning signs for book promotion services that are predatory.* … more examples of the services she provides for authors!Kathleen has 25+ years in the book publishing industry. She is president of KMSPR, a strategy, marketing, PR and branding firm focusing on authors, publishers, and publishing adjacent entities.  I found Kathleen by searching “book promotion” on Substack and found a post that mentioned Jon Hamm and that was it for me… It is titled What Book Publishing Can Learn from Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Confess Fletch.  Have a notebook by your side as you read her substack because each post is chock full of great information, resources, book recommendations and other fun stuff. Thanks for listening and tune in for more great guests with information and tips on publishing and book marketing and promotion.You can contact me with any questions at [email protected], a reminder for writers out there who are ready to start to write their book! Now is the time to Sit & Write!The Annual Sit & Write Course, with Kate Brenton (Rebirth, The Golden Thread) starts Sept 7th - sign up today … learn all about it at the link. If you are ready to get started on your book and learn a bit about book marketing as you write to get ahead of the book publishing and sales game, follow the link to sign up today. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Episode: Book Promotion - Part One w/ Publicist, Kathleen SchmidtKathleen Schmidt has worked in the publishing industry for 25+ years. She’s been a literary agent, editor, ghost-writer and publicist, including being a Publicity Director at Skyhorse Publishing (WOW) and creating unique book marketing ideas for the best-selling book, YOU are a BADASS, by Jen Sincero. Kathleen owns her own publicity firm, KMSPR, and writes about publishing and her experiences to help authors, newbie and seasoned, to understanding publishing and do right by their books on her Substack at KathleenSchmidt.Substack.com. She offers listeners the opportunity to reach her directly at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to chat about hiring her as your publicist.In Part One, of our two part podcast interview, Kathleen shares…:* …the goal of her fabulous Substack: Publishing Confidential - where she writes about current publishing news and how the publishing industry works - in terms everyone can understand. Her substack is VERY generous and her personal recommendations - books, movies, tv, sorbet - are fantastic and fun.* …how she as a publicist works with authors * …what book promotion ideas translate into sales* …a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing business including a publisher’s p&l and the reasons behind the author’s advances and their catalog.Kathleen has 25+ years in the book publishing industry. She is president of KMSPR, a strategy, marketing, PR and branding firm focusing on authors, publishers, and publishing adjacent entities.  I found Kathleen by searching “book promotion” on Substack and found a post that mentioned Jon Hamm and that was it for me… It is titled What Book Publishing Can Learn from Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Confess Fletch.  Have a notebook by your side as you read her substack because each post is chock full of great information, resources, book recommendations and other fun stuff. Thanks for listening and stay tuned for Part Two of this interview with even more book promotion advice with Kathleen!You can contact me with any questions at [email protected], a reminder for writers out there who are ready to start to write their book! Now is the time to Sit & Write!The Annual Sit & Write Course, with Kate Brenton (Rebirth, The Golden Thread) starts Sept 7th with an early bird discount due date of August 31st… learn all about it at the link. If you are ready to get started on your book and learn a bit about book marketing as you write to get ahead of the book publishing and sales game, follow the link to sign up today. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Substack Titled Stock Fiction by Meg OoldersMeg Oolder’s popular Subtack titled, Stock Fiction, was born out of a cool idea. Use stock fiction pics as a writing prompt for fiction. Meg explains how she came up with the idea for her substack and how it attracts fans and a community of other fiction writers. Watt Pad Hosts YA Book, See Dot SmileMeg is the author of See Dot Smile, a steamy, YA, coming of age novel that sits on Watt Pad. She explains Watt Pad, a platform for authors to publish their books, and how she is using it to get the word out about her book. Fans can read the book for free.Book Promotion Ideas: Writers Conferences / Professional Orgs - Are they worth it?Through our conversation, Meg shares her writing and book promotion efforts - her stops and starts and successes, including the winning of a pitch contest at a writer’s conference sponsored by SCBWI - an organization that is specifically geared to children’s and YA authors. Is attending such a conference and joining such an organization worthwhile? You will have to listen to the podcast to find out. Shoutout of encouragement to authorsThis interview offers hope, support, and most importantly, IDEAS to all the authors and substack users out there who are trying to successfully navigate both writing and selling their work.In this podcast we mention:* Meg Oolder’s book on Watt Pad - free for anyone to read - ‘See Dot Smile”* Meg’s Substack post “ Heartfelt AF” : **Meg describes her award-winning pitch*** Meg’s Substack post “Name My Nemesis”* Meg’s Substack Post “Caked”* Kate Brenton’s Class “Sit & Write”* The SCBWI Organization* Authors Guild Organization* Elle Griffin Substack* Brass Ring Daily Substack* Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn* Meg Oolder’s Instagram @ritermelonThanks for listening. If you like what you hear, share this podcast and/or offer a 5 star rating! Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Kate McKean is a writer and a literary agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency as well as an adjunct professor at New York University in the school of professional studies.Her Substack titled Agents and Books is immensely popular among writers and aspiring authors.  She writes with humor and unflinching honesty about literary agents, publishing and writing.You can find her at katemckean.Substack.com or at her website: katemckean.comIn this podcast you will learn what literary agents are looking for, how they work, and “must-haves’ in your query to agents. Plus:* The FIVE elements to include in your query to literary agents* What are “smagents” and why do authors need to know what they are?* Why there is no perfect query.* What makes Kate McKean cranky.* Why its ok to tell the ending of your story idea in your query.* Why theft of your story idea is not an issue.* The “give up point” number of pitches to agentsIn the podcast we mention:Publishers marketplaceKate’s post: A list of things that make me automatically reject your workPoets & Writers Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Maureen Petrosky, author of the new book, Wine Club: A Monthly Guide to Swirling, Sipping, and Pairing with Friends is my guest in this episode.You can find out more about Maureen at her website, MaureenPetrosky.com.I am so excited to introduce this podcast episode.What better summer topic than wine, food (and chocolate tasting) PLUS tips for YOU to publish YOUR Specialty book.Maureen Petrosky's is the author of several books, a lifestyle expert and a writing coach. Her latest release, Wine Club: A Monthly Guide to Swirling, Sipping, and Pairing with Friends, is an updated version of a successful book she first published in 2005, The Wine Club: A Month-by-Month guide to Learning about Wine with Friends.  What an interesting publishing story.  The new release, with Chronicle Books, is set up in a month by month format that suggests wines and food pairing.  Everyone learns and everyone is introduced to great food and great wine. As a community, we are socializing more and more.  What a fantastic and fun way to get together. In the interview Maureen, Master Sommelier and Trained Chef, shares:* Tips on selecting and tasting different wines.* How wine, food and chocolate work together to form a complete tasting experience.* The one element you need to easily form a wine club with your friends.* What "leggy" means* and much moreOn publishing and marketing, Maureen shares:* Tips on finding a literary agent* Why you need a book proposal when you pitch to an agent* Her theory on why marketing does NOT come naturally to authors* The real publishing timeline that new authors need to understand* Find Maureen Petrosky at her website and her new book, Wine Club, wherever books are sold.Thanks for listening. If you like what you hear, subscribe today and leave a rating! Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Is Joining a Writers Group a Good Idea for Aspiring Writers?(or a great starting point/)Join authors Linda Wisniewski, Sandra Carey Cody, and Susan Wagner in a fun, illuminating conversation about Women's Writing Groups.  All the women are part of a writer's group created through their connection with the Pearl S Buck House in Bucks County, PA.  Not all writer’s groups are created equal and I was curious about how the groups work and how joining one be might advantageous for writers.Linda, Sandy and Susan share:* their individual writing and publishing stories* how writer's groups help them personally* how they cope with critics * why they write * advice for the aspiring author on publishing* resources that have helped them through their careers.* and much, much more.Find out more about these authors and their books at their websites:Linda Wisniewski at  Lindawis.comSandra Carey Cody at SandraCareyCody.comSusan Wagner at SusanEWagner.comIf wish to explore memoir writing, Linda Wisniewski offers a class. Other resources that the ladies mention in the broadcast:StoryCircleNetwork.orgInternational Women's Writing Group MeetUp.orgInternational Women's Writing GuildInternational PoetsSisters in CrimeAuthor's GuildPearl S. Buck Writing CenterThanks for listening.Sign up to support my work here: Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Dr Jan Yager is our guest today.. her expert specialty? Book Promotion! With over 50 award-winning books to her credit, Dr Jan - educator, author, book publishing and promotion expert, frequent talk show guest, and professional speaker - generously shares her time to teach us all about book promotion. Every facet of book promotion is covered, replete (yes, replete), with real life examples. This podcast interview is jam-packed with practical information for your book marketing efforts presented at a fun, easy pace.Promotion is as important as the book is being written. Dr. Jan YagerOne of my favorite parts of the interview is how Dr Jan explains that everything any author does to promote his/her book builds on itself and leads to more great promotion. It is a fascinating phenomenon of book marketing but you gotta start to get the ball rolling to see it in action.Some of the book promotion topics we discuss in this episode:** Why you need to think about book promotion while you are writing your book** What NOT to do during a radio/TV/Podcast interview** Why you need to consider Foreign Rights** Dr Jan’s opinion on self-publishing (she has both traditionally and self-published books)…And Much MoreYou can find Dr Jan Yager at her website. DrJanYager.comHer latest memoir mentioned in the podcast: Looking Backward, Going Forward: Reflections on a Writer’s LifeI highly recommend Dr Jan’s book, How to Promote Your Book, A Practical Guide to Publicizing Your Own Title. It is the resource you need on your shelf as you market your book. It is filled with fabulous resources and laid out in an easy-to-understand way. You may notice that my upcoming release (with Julie Murkette), Get Your Book Seen and Sold: The Essential Book Marketing and Publishing Guide (Sept 2023) is in the same genre and yet I am promoting Dr. Jan’s book. You bet I am. My goal is to provide YOU with the information you need to sell books. Both books will help you achieve that goal. Remember in your own book promotion to reach out to other authors in your genre. There is room for all of us. By helping readers, we are all elevated to a new level!Thanks for listening and remember to share and subscribe to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at Claudine Wolk.Substack.com.Why Subscribe to Get Your Book Seen and Sold Substack?With paid subscriptions, some less than $5/a month, you will have access to all of my resource filled posts, plus a fill-in-the-blank marketing plan that you can download.At the highest subscription level ($100/yr), you will also get a 30-minute consult with me.When you are ready to make some decisions about YOUR book subscribe today and let’s come up with a plan. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Today we are joined by developmental editor, Skye Kerr. Skye answers questions about developmental editing:** What it is and what it is not** Line Editing vs Copy Editing vs Proofreading - Yup, they are all important BEFORE you submit your manuscript to agents and/or publishers** The one characteristic your developmental editor HAS to have** Why you should “write from your scars not your wounds”You can find Skye at her website, SkyeKerrEditing.com Send her an email or a message through her site. Ask her a question about her developmental editing services today. It can’t hurt to ask, right?Upgrade to paid subscription today. For less than $5/a month, you’ll get EVERY post and podcast, a downloadable fill-in-the-blank marketing plan and you’ll make my husband very happy. He’s a nice guy. He deserves to be happy. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Owners of 2 Blondes Media, Julie McGinnis and Cynthia Scott share their book marketing strategies.In this episode, the 2 Blondes, Julie and Cynthia, focus on the strategies that work best for their author clients:Email Collection andBook Series WritingI ask them how each strategy works, how they are connected, and why they make the difference to get a book seen and sold in the competitive world of book sales.Julie and Cynthia are a Mother - Daughter team as well, you might have guessed, and I ask them about that dynamic, too. “How are the holiday dinners?” for example. They find that humor and a specific, realistic book marketing strategy is the perfect combination for their business and their clients. Their humor is on daily display on their Twitter Account, @2BondesMedia - which, btw, is how I found them. More laughter is definitely needed in the process of book marketing. It’s a tough and time-consuming endeavor - let’s enjoy it more with some humor.You can find out more about the services that 2BlondesMedia offers at their website. Your work with 2BlondesMedia begins with a questionaire and free consultation call to make sure clients are a good fit and ViseaVersa.Thanks for listening and remember to share and subscribe to my Substack, Get Your Book Seen and Sold. With paid subscriptions, some less than $5/a month, you’ll enjoy many more tools (ie. a fill-in-the-blank marketing plan) and resources to help you market your book and get your book seen and sold. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Andreea Billig - she is a book publishing coach and the creator of SelfPublishingMastery.com. Guess what? She loves to help authors to get their books marketed and sold… In this podcast episode, Andreea shares tips and must-do’s for every author, success stories from existing client authors and why she loves self-publishing.We chat about many resources as well. It’s a great overview for authors who are just beginning to think about book marketing and for authors who have stalled and need to get energized again to keep marketing their books. Andreea tells us, “It’s never too late to market your book.” As a book marketing/publishing coach, Andreea explains that she accepts clients where they are and develops a strategy to boost their promotion.Some of our favorite subjects at Get Your Book Seen and Sold Podcast and Newletter are mentioned:Publisher Rocket as a tool for Keywords and CategoriesPatreon as an author platform“writing to market” as a strategyWhy publishing timelines need to be 6 months or longer…. and much moreTo receive new posts and support my work on Get Your Book Seen and Sold, consider becoming a paid subscriber.You can find Andreea Billig at her website Self Publishing Mastery where her services are listed as well as award winning book marketing and self-publishing content.Thanks for tuning in! Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

What Is Your Publishing Goal?The number one step when deciding to publish your book is to decide the GOAL for your book. (Please share YOUR goal in the comments)Ciara Stockland ’s goal is to share her expertise. Her new book, Inventory Genius, is available today. In this podcast, Ciara shares her self-publishing story and reveals her book marketing challenge to herself. Her book marketing challenge to herself: to not spend a cent on promotion or advertising - social media or otherwise!! Listen in to this podcast to learn Ciara’s plan, and a few ideas that she has already put into action to get her book seen and sold.You can listen to the entire podcast episode where Ciara shares the details about her Inventory Genius plan - focus on Profits instead of Sales - an important focus for ALL Book Marketers - like YOU on Stories and Strategies for Women Podcast at the link.YOU are an author and an entrepreneur.As an author, YOU are entrepreneur, a business owner. Your business is to share your message (or entertain) through your book. Alongside your publishers, if you have one, you MUST promote and market your book if you want to enjoy book sales and book profits.Ciara’s brand new book, Inventory Genius, currently #1 on Amazon in its category, explains in clear and easy detail, the business basics of margin and profit through chart and example. Ciara has shared and used these methods to lead clients to success over and over again. Get Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive ALL posts, extras, and book marketing consulting consider becoming a paid subscriber.Don’t Spend a Dime on Book Marketing (and other tips from Ciara)* Ciara’s new book marketing idea - don’t spend any money!* You absolutely MUST hire an editor * YOU are your own PR firm!* The only wany to get a lot of “yes’s” is to get a lot of “no’s”* Authors, you are not “selling,” you are Helping People * How to create a “target audience” list* Try not to be fearful - just ASK!You can find Ciara Stockeland at her webiste: CiaraStockeland.comHer book, Inventory Genius, is on Amazon.   Her podcast The Inventory Genius Method can be found at the link or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Next week, I interview Andreea Billig, owner of Self-Publishing Mastery. Andreea shares behind the scenes book marketing resources and how-to.Thank you for reading Get Your Book Seen and Sold. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

A Book Signing Event That Sells Books (and that people attend ;)Allison Pattern Hoch is a book marketing, publicity, and events planning consultant. She is also a writer! Her Substack, Books, Marketing and More, offers book marketing tips and advice every week. In this podcast episode, I ask Allison about creating a unique book signing event - her specialty - something memorable and fun that will lead to a great book launch. What Exactly Will A Publicist Do For YouAllison shares specifics on what authors can expect from their traditional publisher’s publicist. As you will hear, each publicist’s efforts for a book launch can be as different as each book they represent. By knowing what to expect from a publicist, you can know what to ask and what you can do yourself for your book’s success. Find AllisonAllison is a book marketing consultant and teacher. She offers consulting, workshops, and courses to help you promote your book as she describes in the podcast.You can find Allison at her website Pottern.com and on her socials: Twitter: @APotternFacebook: Allison Pottern HochSubstack: Books, Marketing, and MoreWhy Subscribe to Get Your Book Seen and Sold Substack?With paid subscriptions, some less than $5/a month, you will have access to all of my resource filled posts, plus a fill-in-the-blank marketing plan that you can download.At the highest subscription level ($100/yr), you will also get a 30-minute consult with me.When you are ready to make some decisions about YOUR book subscribe today and let’s come up with a plan. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Sarah Fay, author of the Substack Newsletter, Serialize, chats with us about serialization - a way for novelists/memoirists to get their work out in a new and inviting way. Sarah is an author and a teacher. She shares valuable information for writers who wish to learn about serialization and how to properly implement serialization. She also offers courses to “prep your novel” or “prep your memoir” as part of her Substack Paid Subscribers options. Find out more at her Substack link: Serialize. Sarah also works with clients one-on-one with several great options. You can find out more about what she offers at her website: SarahFay.org.You will be as enchanted as I was with Sarah’s knowledge of the history of serialization and the famous authors who employed the technique. Sarah offers practical tips and advice in the interview plus offers her thoughts on Substack as a platform for writers. (hint: she digs it)You can also connect with Sarah at her Instagram @SarahFayAuthor.com where you will find many pictures of her adorable cats.You can find Sarah at her wesbite: SarahFay.organd on Instagram: @sarahfayauthorYou can find her popular Substack: Serialize Please consider subscribing to Get Your Book Seen and Sold for more great interviews like this one as a free or paid subscriber. Many goodies offered to paid subscribers plus the knowledge that you are supporting my work! Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Author Sarah Styf loved to write essays about her life on her blog - she wrote for years.  Eventually she decided to create a book from those essays, a collection for her her kids to read someday.  The essays that were meant for family held a larger lesson for anyone looking for the meaning in life and ways to adjust when life doesn't work out as planned so she self-published them as a book titled  Embracing the Journey: Learning to Grow When Life Doesn't Work Out as PlannedSarah  also shares:*** Thoughts on giving away your work for free*** The self-publishing journey: What is essential to hire and what you can do yourself*** Networking on Substack and Substack as a writer's platform*** The power of the Beta ReaderYou can buy Sarah's book: Embracing the Journey: Learning to Grow When Life Doesn't Work Out as PlannedFind Sarah on her Substackor InstagramGet Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Join me and voice actor Marissa Lanchak, my voice acting coach from Voice Coaches, as we chat about how I landed in a voice acting class and how I ended up narrating the audiobook version of my book, It Gets Easier! and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers...  The interview is an excerpt from Voice Coaches Radio Podcast, which Marissa, a very talented voice actor, hosts for Voice Coaches.  Marissa and I chat about marketing - marketing yourself.  She shares her story of how she networked - actual person to person networking -  over years to land enough jobs to develop her voice acting career.  These marketing tips can be applied to ANY career or business goal, especially to book marketing.  Plus, Marissa is simply fun to listen to - she has a great voice - yes, I am jealous. I took Voice Coaches Introductory Voice Over Workshop online through my local township.  The workshop was $30 and included information about the career of voice acting and the Voice Coaches Class plus an evaluation of my voice to ascertain if voice acting was a possibility for me.  I then took the full course, recorded my demo, and landed the job of narration of my book with Harper Collins.  If you are considering voice acting, the voice coaches workshop we chat about can be found at the link and with promo code "WOLK" you will get 50% off the workshop - that's $15 to get information about a possible life-changing career.  Mention "WOLK" as well if you decide, like I did, to take the full course. (Note: I am an affiliate) Get Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Interview with Dave Chesson, The Kindlepreneur Personal note: I have been reading, learning, and sharing from Mr Chesson’s Website for two year now. Dave is very successful in the word of self-publishing and continues to put out and create top notch, worth your time, content and software for authors. I am thrilled he had time for an interview!Dave Chesson is more than the owner of Kindlepreneur - website / podcast / book publishing resource / Publisher Rocker creator - he is also a generous and kind author himself who gives back to other authors. This interview with great information for authors is another example. Dave and I chat about why he started the Kindlepreneur website, how and why Publisher Rocket works and how he lives up to the goal of “leaving the internet better than you found it.”The Perfect Book Marketing Starting PointStudents often ask me the first step to market their books. I usually lead with Message | Audience | and Hook. But parallel to Message | Audience | Hook as a first book marketing step is Dave Chesson’s Online Classes on How to Choose Keywords and How to Choose Categories (they are short and sweet) and then the purchase of Dave’s Software Publisher Rocket (a bargain at $97). Watch the Keywords and Categories tutorials and then play with Publisher Rocket as your starting point for marketing your book. Why Should You Do It?Yes, you will come away with keywords & categories for your online book set-up but so much more. You will have identified the building blocks for ALL of you book marketing media (Back Cover Copy, Press Release, Author Bio, Interview Q&A, Advertising Content, Media Pitch Content, Article Ideas, and so much more.) All is explained in the podcast. You may even come away with more book ideas - books that are already desired by book buyers but have not even been written yet.Here are the links I mentioned above:How to Choose Keywords & How to Choose Categories Tutorial LinksPublisher Rocket LinkWe can chat about your book marketingIf you link & purchase above you will be supporting me as an affiliate. Remember: I was a customer long before I was an affiliate. Thank you in advance for your support.Questions about Keywords & Categories Tutorials and Publisher Rocket SoftwareFeel free to ask me any questions in the comments about any of the topics covered or more detail as to why I think Keywords & Categories tutorials and Publisher Rocket are valuable resources in your book marketing. Feel free to ask why I think Mr Chesson’s tutorial Keywords & Categories is a great starting point for YOUR book marketing. Remember I offer a 15 minute free chat about book marketing for anyone or with a founding member subscriber to my Substack, you get a free 30 minute consult with me plus other book marketing tools. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Independent Book Publishing - Your Publishing Solution?Owner of Bright Communications, Jennifer Bright, Answers Our Questions about a possible solution for you to get your book seen and sold. We have chatted and written about Traditional Publishing, Self-publishing and Hybrid publishing - what about the Independent Book Publishing Option?Jennifer Bright explains Independent Publishing - how it works, what you pay, what you earn, how you are supported as an author, and if at the end of the process you OWN your book.I found Jennifer Bright, excited and honest. I am very excited to share her informaiton with you.You can find Jennifer at her website: BrightCommunications.net.Jennifer also discusses a new program of publishing franchising which is pretty brilliant. Please leave any questions in the comment section. Jennifer would love to come back as a guest.Check out the new treats I am offering as a PAID subscriber to Get Your Book Seen and Sold Podcast - a free downloadable fill in the blank book marketing plan. Plus, founding members at the $100 level will also get a free 30 minute one on one call with me as well as the great content I provide in the newsletter and podcasts each week!Get Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

April Cox is the founder and CEO of Labradoodle publishing and the creator of self publishing made simple. After seeing how many fellow authors were struggling to get their books published, April launched her author work group providing step-by-step, handholding to help new and aspiring authors to get their books published. The program has graduated hundreds of students since launching in 2018, and continues to expand and increase their offerings, you can find April at selfpubmadesimple.com. April aids authors to get their books self-published and explains the process in the interview! You may have listened to the podcast interview with Sheryl Cox, author of Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze. Sheryl enlisted April’s help to self-publish the book and raved about her services. April answers:* Are your services only for children’s book authors? * Do you recommend self-publishing? * Tell us about your 12 week package for authors? What is your approach to helping an author to get published? What is the time frame? How do authors get started working with you?* Can authors order your services ala carte? Do you work with authors who want you to do everything for them or authors who want to learn and  do for themselves* What can you tell us about vanity presses other vendors out there, who may take advantage of a self published author?If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review but scrolling down to the bottom of the podcast on whatever platform you listen at Write a Review! Thank you for the support of my work.Why Subscribe to Get Your Book Seen and Sold Substack?With paid subscriptions, some less than $5/a month, you will have access to all of my resource filled posts, plus a fill-in-the-blank marketing plan that you can download.At the highest subscription level ($100/yr), you will also get a 30-minute consult with me.When you are ready to make some decisions about YOUR book subscribe today and let’s come up with a plan. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Sheryl Bass, Author of Baby Dragon's Big Sneeze, is our guest today.Sheryl shares her self-publishing story - how she did it and the resources she used as well as the advantages of self-publishing. She also shares:* Tips on Book Reviews and the cool platform she used to get them* The Self-Publishing Book Shepherd she hired to guide her self-publishing* Her timeline for publishing a children’s book* How editors were critical in her self-publishing process* Why joining Children’s Book Writer’s Professional Organizations is important for children’s book authorsPLUSAll about her new children’s book, Baby Dragon’s Big SneezeHow she used her professional background to share the book’s messages:* social emotional learning* teamwork* apologizing* communityYou can buy Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze at book retailers online.You can find Sheryl Bass at her website: Be-Kind Publishing.comSheryl is also on Instagram: Be.Kind.PublishingA few of the resources Sheryl mentioned:* Self-Publishing Made Simple - Owner, April Cox* Pubby.Co - Book Review Resource* SCBWI - Children’s Book Writers Organization: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators* Claire McKinney PR - Publicity Firm that offers book marketing servicesThank you for reading Get Your Book Seen and Sold. This post is public so feel free to share it.Coming up…. An Interview with the Owner of Self-Publishing Made Simple, April Cox…stay tunedWhy Subscribe to Get Your Book Seen and Sold Substack?With paid subscriptions, some less than $5/a month, you will have access to all of my resource filled posts, plus a fill-in-the-blank marketing plan that you can download.At the highest subscription level ($100/yr), you will also get a 30-minute consult with me.When you are ready to make some decisions about YOUR book subscribe today and let’s come up with a plan. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

What's YOUR Message or Story? Why Not Write a Book?In this episode, my colleague Kate Brenton and I answer questions about the book writing process and book marketing ideas.  You will love this Q&A session where we share other author's questions.  Did we cover your questions? More information on the class we chat about, Sit & Write, is at the link and below.I hope this gets you motivated to write and to get your message out in the world.  The world needs it!Sit & Write Master Class or to get your feet wet, Sit & Write: Begin (a self-paced beginner class for just $97)Try A free connection call with Kate Brenton as your first step to the Sit & Write Master Class or the Sit & Write:Begin class. What do you have to lose?A la Carte Writing and Book Marketing Consulting I offer book publishing/book marketing chats if you have any questions about book publishing (any type - traditional, self, or hybrid) and book marketing. Let's Chat! I offer a FREE 15 minute call to get the ball rolling. Connect with me here!Kate Brenton offers Writing Coaching as an a la carte service.Send her an email with more information if you are interested at Kate&KateBrenton.com.I mention a resource in the podcast to help you identify Keywords and Categories for your book.  It is called Publishers Rocket created by Kindlepreneur, Dave Chesson.I write in more detail about the software research tool that is Publisher Rocket on my Substack.  It is a fabulous tool, well worth the $99. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Author and Book Marketing Guru, John Kremer, sat down with us and offered so many fabulous book marketing tips and success stories, it’s a can’t miss. Part One of the interview airs this week and Part Two of the interview airs next week. Here are some of the links that we chat about:1001 Ways to Market Your BooksJohn’s Hour a Day Book Marketing PlanJohn Kremer’s Website: BookMarketingBestSellers.comPinterest: Book Marketing StoriesJohn Kremer writes on Substack, too. Stay tuned for part two of our interview with even more book marketing tips and ideas!Get Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

This podcast is the audio version of the video I posted last week just in case you didn’t feel like watching a video and prefer a podcast… It’s a quick 4 minute preview of coming attractions on Get Your Book Seen and Sold Substack for 2023. Links and summary is below: Thanks for listening.I am so excited about 2023… it will be all book marketing, all the timeBest-selling author, John Kremer’s website: BookMarketingBestSellers.comHis book 1001 Ways to Market Your Book____________________________________________________________________________Sit & Write Master Class Information with Kate Brenton and Moi: sign up for a free connection call to see if the Sit & Write Master class is for you…February 11th start date | February 4th, early bird discount | Deadline to sign-up February 10thAsk any question about this class if you like in the comments - I am happy to chat about it.Thank you for reading Get Your Book Seen and Sold. This post is public so feel free to share it.____________________________________________________________________________Finally, Get Your Book Seen and Sold, A Book Marketing and Publishing Guide - by Claudine Wolk and Julie Murkette releases SEPTEMBER 22rdYou guys inspired us to write this book to help you get your books seen and soon. More soon but we will be sharing the book marketing process in REAL TIME with you this year to advance YOUR book marketing!Please leave any comments and suggestions for topics you want to see covered!As always thanks for watching, listening and reading!Get Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.H2bEgxqqGJuDUSnOMB9u Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Quick Podcast Excerpt - Keep Motivated, Keep WritingKate Brenton, Host of Rebirth Podcast, interviews me about the release of my audiobook, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, and we got into a conversation that I hope motivates YOU to keep writing and marketing your book. Kate wisely states that everyone’s publishing journey is different - there is more than one way to publish and market you book. But the ONE thing that is the same in everyone’s journey is the NEED, the absolute burning necessity to GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT THERE!Have a listen, keep writing and let me know what keeps YOU motivated.You can hear the entire Rebirth podcast episode/interview everywhere you listen to podcasts and at the link. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

BookTrib for Book Promotion Podcast - Show NotesThis Podcast/Substack newsletter is all about book marketing methods and ideas! I search high and low for affordable yet effective book promotion opportunities and one resource that I have discovered is BookTrib. Book Trib is somewhat like BookBub in that it has a database of book readers (over 75,000 unique monthly visitors) so their audience is an author’s target market already - ie. book readers/book buyers. BookTrib differs from BookBub in that they offer a bit more in the way of book promotion than simply a “Featured Deal.” They offer a la carte book promotion opportunities.Get Your Book Seen and Sold is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.A la Carte Book Promotion OptionsIn this podcast episode, BookTrib’s editorial director, Jim Alkon explains some of the book promotion offerings as well as the site’s overall goals and how it works. Over 18 years experience has made BookTrib a go-to for authors time and again for book promotion. Jim and I chat about two specific book promotion opportunities:* Book Review w/ Social Media Upgrade* Press Release Creation and distribution to over 8,000 news agenciesRemember that book promotion is part of your overall book marketing plan - the list of book promotion tasks you create BEFORE the book publishes and that you execute before, during, and after publication of your book. You can pick and choose where to spend your budgeted promotion dollars. A BookTrib program may be a possibility for your book marketing plan.Book Marketing Plan: the list of book promotion tasks you create BEFORE the book publishes and that you execute before, during, and after publication of your book.I am not an affiliate of BookTrib but I am a customer and purchased the Book Review w/ Social Media Upgrade for my audiobook that released 11.22.22, It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. I will let you know after the promotion hits in Jan-Feb how effective it is. As with any book promotion opportunities that we cover - do your homework. Check out the site and read the reviews from other authors who have purchased the services. SPECIAL OFFER: You can contact Jim Alkon directly if you would like to discuss book promotion options with BookTrib at [email protected]. If you mention that you heard about BookTrib from Claudine Wolk’s Substack Podcast he will extend 5% off to you on your purchase. Thank you for reading Get Your Book Seen and Sold. This post is public so feel free to share it.Let me know what you think and if you DO decide to try BookTrib, please share your experience. Thank you for listening and if you know an author or aspiring author who could use this information on book promotion ideas please share the Substack link with them. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Kelly Simmons has published seven suspense fiction novels so far.  She just released material through a new platform - the serial fiction podcast.  In Part One of this podcast interview, we chat about her new serial podcast, Open the Window. In this Part Two of the interview, I ask Kelly about her publishing journey on the road to seven published novels, how she found an agent and her advice for aspiring authors to find an agent. Hint: tried and true tips still win the day to secure agent representation.  Join us for this fun and informative interview.You can find Kelly and read about her books and the new serial podcast, titled Open The Window at KellySimmonsBooks.com. You can also reach out at her K E L L Y 🖌 S I M M O N S (@kellyasimmons) • Instagram photos and videos.Have YOU considered a voice actor career or side gig but you are not sure about the industry or if your voice has what it takes? The workshop course offered by Voice Coaches might help you decide. Voice Coaches: Use the promo code "WOLK" to get half off  their introductory workshop to determine if voice acting is the career for you.  Voicecoaches.com. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

What Is a Serial Podcast w/ Author, Kelly SimmonsThe topic of this podcast interview is: Serial Podcast. Recording a serial podcast may be add to your author platform or could be a new career idea for you. Kelly Simmons, successful author of seven novels, just released brand new material as a serial fiction podcast titled, “Open the Window” and it is fabulous, I listened to it and would describe it as a suspense thriller. Kelly wrote it and recorded it. This audio interview is part one of a two part interview with Kelly where we focus on Kelly’s new serial podcast, Open the Window: the mechanics of creating it and Kelly’s experience as a narrator. in Part Two we ask Kelly about her publishing journey and she shares how to find an agent. Thank you for reading Get Your Book Seen and Sold. This post is public so feel free to share it.An Author Platform For You… A New Platform For Your Writing Perhaps creating a serial podcast to get your work out there and to enhance your resume as a writer, is a good choice for you. If you enjoy or have considered voice work or narrator work, listening to Kelly’s interview will give you a good idea of how it works. Remember, the serial podcast is NOT an audio book - it is not a narration of an existing book. It is the telling of novel that is ONLY found in podcast format. It is a pretty exciting idea and may be perfect for you. You can find Kelly and read about her books and her new serial podcast, titled Open The Window at KellySimmonsBooks.com. You can also reach out at her K E L L Y 🖌 S I M M O N S (@kellyasimmons) • Instagram photos and videos.Voice Actor LessonsOn the subject of becoming a voice actor… if you feel you would like to try it, I have a promo code offer from Voice Coaches: Use the promo code "WOLK" to get half off their introductory workshop to determine if voice acting is the career for you.  Voicecoaches.com. I took the introductory workshop and the full voice coaches course. I learned so much and loved the course.Have you listened to any serial podcasts lately? Please share the name and link. Any questions on the voice acting class? Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

It Is Time... For You to Sit & Write Your BookIn this episode of Get Your Book Seen & Sold, Kate Brenton joins me to present an opportunity for authors and aspiring authors.  Kate Brenton, author and inspired teacher has created the Sit & Write Master Class that starts October 1 (intake interviews in Sept).  Kate and I explain the Master Class: who it is designed for, how it works, and why combining our unique skills will make the difference between being an aspiring writer or a published author. If you have no interest in a class at this time, keep listening.  Kate and I tell our publishing stories and how working together made a huge difference in successful publishing!What is the Sit & Write Master Class?It is a class "container" that runs from Oct to Jan.  With commitment to the program, the aspiring writer could come away with a first draft of a book plus the marketing knowledge to give it the best chance to be seen & sold.How does it work?Community calls, video lessons, and one-on-one calls combined with the unique insight of Kate (spiritual) and me (analytical) will provide both pieces of what is needed for your book to get written and seen.   Kate provides the "tapping into the creative" side and I provide the book marketing / publishing industry side (like I do right here on my Substack!) to give aspiring authors what they need at the right time to achieve their publication goals.How to get started?Your process starts with an intake call with Kate Brenton to make sure of a good fit.  The call is free.  Once the connection is made, the Sit & Write Master Class begins Oct 1.  The information to start with the intake call and pricing can be found on Kate's Site.  You can also contact Kate directly with any questions at [email protected]. Why Kate & I?We are both published authors/teachers/mentors and we have been there and done it successfully.  We both passionately desire to help aspiring authors to get their message/story out in the world and to give their book the best possible chance to be seen and sold.I am so excited for this class, Substack readers/listeners!  By joining Kate, my long-time goal of helping authors get their message out and their books seen & sold is fulfilled.  For four years now I have interviewed experts who have wished to publish a book or they publish quickly (and not so successfully) simply because they didn't know the book marketing side of being a published author.  We change that state of affairs with this class!Sign up to Sit and Write Master Class before 9/15/22 and use the promo code YES for an early bird discount! Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Yes, Yes…I know this is a podcast / newsletter to get your book seen and sold. However, I promised in the intro of the podcast that there would be times when I would present book marketing by example. This is one of those times. Not only will you learn about a great new best-selling book, The Trial of Lizzie Borden, and meet it’s Author, Cara Robertson, you will also learn:* How a twist on a popular story can make a unique and successful non-fiction book* Defining the WAY to present non-fiction material is half the battle for a writer* How an expert can add (ahem) expertise to a non-fiction plotline* The first step in a successful pitch is to get on out there and ASK…no matter who it is you are pitching* Sincerity ALWAYS wins the day when asking for an interview…show a genuine and sincere interest in the subject you are pitching. If you are pitching TO an outlet, prove that you learned a bit about them instead of pitching blindly.* Finally, never burn a dress if you are accused of murder. That last one is common sense. You will have to listen to the podcast to know what I mean by that last one.I need to share another point about this book. It is a traditionally published book. It had a hardback release and then a paperback release. It was also submitted to long- lead industry reviewers… article coming about long-lead reviewers. Two of those reviewers reviewed the book…Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. The author highlights these reviews on her page. Those two reviews got an enormous amount of exposure for this book in the book industry including worldwide catalogs and libraries. Consider a long-lead book review outreach for your marketing plan if you are in the planning stages of your book publishing process. Enjoy the podcast and leave a comment - Is Lizzy Borden Innocent? What did you learn about this age-old story that you didn’t know before? Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, my Substack friends. This interview with Podcast Host of the Award Winning The Creative Penn podcast, Joanna Penn proves the old adage that “you never know until you ask.” I am a big fan of Joanna’s podcast, website, and books. On a whim, I pitched an interview with her and she graciously and generously agreed to it. I am still on a high from this interview and the fabulous information Joanna shared. Joanna covers every aspect of self-publishing from writing, to publishing, to distributing, to marketing a book in her books and her podcasts. She has grown a successful business as an author with over 30 books both fiction and non-fiction to her credit and another book soon on the way. How did she do it and what tips can she share with the aspiring writer? Have a listen… Always positive and a self-proclaimed “cheerleader” for authors she believes that an already published book can find more success than a newly launched book with the right marketing techniques and new publishing outlets. She offers insights into the indie publishing field and how she feels it is transformative for new authors in getting their work out into the world. She answers all of my questions - some pretty basic - ie. can you place your book with two different online retailers as the same time? - Sorry, Joanna. But, hey, this is how my mind works. Listen and learn.You can find Joanna Penn and all about her books and her podcasts at her website, TheCreativePenn.com Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Author Catherine Read was asked by a publisher to write this book on homeschooling using the Waldorf Curriculum. Listen in to learn what she learned about book marketing - specifically what a publisher is willing to do and what an author CAN do to help promote her book! Catherine can be reached at her website: TheGeniusofHome.org. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Deborah Shepherd is the Author of "So Happy Together," a coming of age novel set in the 60's.  Deborah fulfilled her lifelong dream in publishing this book.  In her 70's, she is now close to completing her 2nd book - a memoir!  She talks about the book and publishing the new way, with a hybrid publisher.You can find Deborah  at DeborahShepherdWrites.ComHow fantastic to pull a manuscript from the closet and see it published thirty years later?  Deborah tells us about her new novel and her publishing story.  We are hearing more and more about hybrid publishers.  Deborah's publisher is She Writes Press which turned out to be more than a publisher.  It also provided an invaluable support system of other women writers. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe

Many of the questions that I get are related to publishing. It makes sense that I would get these questions: how to publish, what are the publishing choices, how are they different? In this podcast, I speak with Dani Mahfood and Jenny Judson, co-authors of The Last Season - a Victorian era, romantic novel published by hybrid publisher, TouchPoint Press. You can find Jenny and Dani at their website - DaniAndJenny.com. Their excitement at being new authors is palpable. I hope their excitement is contagious and gets YOU excited to get your book seen and sold, too, through hybrid, traditional, or self-publishing. Get full access to Get Your Book Seen and Sold at claudinewolk.substack.com/subscribe