Claim OwnershipAlexa's Publishing Chat
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© Alexa Bigwarfe 2020
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Alexa's Publishing Chat is for authors and publishing professionals - we're talking all routes to publishing, book launches, book marketing, tips, tools, and resources to write, publish, and sell your book. Plus, changes and updates in the publishing industry. Self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing, you name it, we're talking about it. Author interviews and industry experts. Hosted by Alexa Bigwarfe of the Women in Publishing Summit. Formerly known as the PublishHer podcast.
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In this milestone episode, Alexa celebrates 12 years since publishing her first book and shares hard-won lessons on building a business that lasts. From community and collaboration to content and consistency, she offers five actionable tips to help authors and publishing pros keep going — even when times get tough.
Alexa Bigwarfe and social media strategist Raewyn Sangari unpack the newest Instagram trends and share practical, stress-free tips for authors. Learn how to grow your audience, connect authentically, and use new tools like reels, carousels, and trial reels to turn social media into your strongest marketing ally.
Bestselling author Victorine E. Lieske shares how she went from hobbyist to New York Times and USA Today lists, co-founded The Writing Gals, and built a career in clean romance. Alexa and Victorine discuss craft, community, and business strategies every author can use to build a sustainable career.
Award-winning marketer Aimee Ravichandran of Abundantly Social joins Alexa to talk about how authors can build buzz, plan launches effectively, and understand the difference between PR and marketing. From credibility boosters like awards to smart ad strategies, Aimee shares practical insights for self-published and indie authors ready to shine.
Memoirs can transform lives—but only if they’re written and marketed the right way. In this episode, Jennifer Wilkov of Your Book Is Your Hook shares her path from bestselling author to memoir consultant, why memoirs matter, how to make them marketable, and actionable strategies to share your story with impact.
Emma Boyer of Written Word Media explains how targeted email promos (Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy) boost downloads, sales, and read-through, plus how launch packages, giveaways, and consistent cadence build momentum. Learn genre-fit best practices, pre-launch strategy, and why growing your owned audience is essential for long-term success.
Audiobook producer Mary Catherine Jones unpacks costs, timelines, narration choices, distribution (exclusive vs. wide), library access, AI realities, and marketing moves that actually sell audiobooks. Learn smart paths for every budget, how to use your audiobook as a promo engine, and when authors should narrate—plus a special community discount.
Independent publishing isn’t easy—but it’s deeply rewarding. In this episode, Alexa talks with Samantha Atzeni of Read Furiously about creating space for overlooked voices, sustaining a traditional press in a POD world, and the power of community and activism in shaping the next decade of independent publishing.
Author and humorist Dana Bowman joins Alexa’s Publishing Chat to share how humor transforms heavy topics into stories of hope and connection. From recovery to grief to the challenges of writing memoir, Dana explains how laughter helps both writers and readers process pain while finding joy and resilience.
Beth Jones shares how she turned her personal healing journey into a book, a framework, and a thriving business. Learn why self-publishing gave her the freedom to create courses, retreats, and a podcast that empower survivors—and how writing can be a catalyst for both personal and professional transformation.
Alexa shares her biggest takeaways from Publishing University 2025 — including AI opportunities, censorship battles, and discoverability strategies for authors and publishers. Learn how to adapt to industry changes, optimize Amazon metadata, leverage ARC teams, and build sustainable publishing careers through collaboration, innovation, and strategic marketing.
Greg from Curios joins Alexa to discuss direct digital sales for authors, the power of email lists, and how Curios gives 100% of ebook and audiobook revenue back to authors. Discover how their Creator Fund rewards uploads and sales — and why disrupting publishing means going direct and building community.
Author and Harvard/Oxford instructor Elisabeth Sharp McKetta shares how myths and fairy tales can be powerful tools for writing memoir. Learn how “mythic memoir” helps you find structure, protect vulnerability, and reclaim your voice. A must-listen for writers interested in storytelling, healing, and making sense of life through art.
Kae Wagner shares how she transformed from an anxious introvert into a confident book promoter. Learn how mindset, simple habits, and series strategies helped her grow book sales and visibility. She offers practical tips for daily marketing, overcoming fear, and using Amazon to your advantage.
Michelle Vandepas of GracePoint Publishing joins Alexa to unpack the world of hybrid publishing, red flags to avoid, and how to align your book with your bigger purpose. Learn what questions to ask, what you're really paying for, and why GracePoint is a great home for mission-driven authors.
Joel Pitney, founder of Launch My Book, joins Alexa to bust common self-publishing myths, from bookstore dreams to Amazon hacks. They dive deep into what it really takes to succeed in publishing—plus, how his company helps authors publish professionally without giving up creative control. This episode is a must-listen for authors navigating the complexities of publishing and looking to make informed decisions about their books.
Alexa is joined by five dynamic authors from different genres to talk all things book marketing—what worked, what didn’t, and how the Book Launch in a Box program helped them succeed. Real advice, real results, and a whole lot of encouragement for authors at every stage.
Alexa Bigwarfe and Hannah Jacobson dive deep into business-building for authors and publishing pros. They cover funding models, pricing mistakes, automation, AI tools, and the essential mindset shift from "just an author" to entrepreneur. It's honest, funny, and full of hard-won wisdom. A must-listen for creative business owners!
In this special Memorial Day episode, Alexa Bigwarfe shares the powerful—and too often untold—stories of seven remarkable American women who gave their lives in military service. From the first Native American woman killed in combat to elite combat photographers and Marine officers, this tribute honors their legacy and explores why storytelling matters.
Alexa also highlights authors writing about women in the military, shares her thoughts on Ashley’s War by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, and honors the legacy of America’s most daring female spies.
Damon Courtney, CEO of BookFunnel, joins Alexa to share how authors can use BookFunnel for more than just ebook delivery. From building email lists and distributing audiobooks to selling direct and collaborating with other authors, Damon covers the essential tools that make BookFunnel a must-have for indie success.
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