The Written Word Podcast

Your first book didn't become a bestseller overnight? You're actually right on track. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down one of the most important patterns we see year after year in our reader surveys: authors with bigger catalogs earn significantly more money. But it's not just about writing more books—it's about understanding how your backlist creates sustainable income. Whether you're a one-book author wondering what's next or a seasoned writer looking to understand the business better, this episode will help you think strategically about your author career and the power of your growing catalog.What you'll learn:Why readers who love your work can't spend more if you only have one bookHow catalog size directly impacts your marketing effectivenessThe real math behind lifetime customer valueAlternative products beyond just writing more books (audiobooks, translations, merchandise, and more)How to decide if you're building a hobby or a business—and why both are valid choicesWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this data-packed episode, Ricci and Ferol dive into the results of Written Word Media's brand-new reader survey with nearly 3,000 responses from across all five brands. This isn't recycled industry advice or third-party reports - it's fresh, empirical data straight from the voracious readers who matter most to indie authors. Together, they unpack surprising stats about reader volume, discovery channels, and what readers genuinely want from the authors they love. From the shocking percentage of readers consuming 100+ books per year to the personal details readers crave (hint: pets came up a lot!), this episode delivers actionable insights that will transform how you think about book marketing, reader connection, and building your author platform in 2026.You'll Learn:Why 31% of readers consume over 100 books per year - and what this means for your marketing strategyThe 80% loyalty rule that changes everything about free book promotions and first-in-series launchesWhere readers actually discover books in 2026 (Amazon and email newsletters still dominate, but there are surprises)Why social media advertising isn't resonating with readers - and what they're seeking insteadThe truth about AI for book discovery: readers aren't using it and don't want toWhat readers genuinely want to know about you as an author - from pets to vacations (but skip the politics!)How readers track their reading habits, including the surprisingly popular pen-and-paper methodWhether you're launching your first book or optimizing your author platform, these insights will help you connect more authentically with readers and make smarter marketing decisions. The data proves it: books are still magic, and millions of readers are out there actively looking for their next favorite author.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ricci and Ferol wrap up their 2026 book industry trends analysis by diving into the final two themes: discovery and sovereignty. They explore how book discovery is shifting from algorithm-driven feeds to trusted channels—think celebrity book clubs (Reese Witherspoon, Oprah), BookTok influencers, indie bookstores, and curated newsletters. The conversation highlights how word-of-mouth remains the #1 way readers find books, but the channels amplifying that word-of-mouth are evolving rapidly. Ricci and Ferol then tackle author sovereignty, celebrating the growing control authors have over their publishing journey. From innovative formats (like murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters!) to direct selling and flexible publishing paths, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of creative freedom and democratization. At its core, this episode emphasizes that while trends are predictions, the future offers authors more options and opportunities than ever before.You'll learn:Trusted channels are replacing algorithms for book discovery — Readers are moving away from algorithmic feeds toward curated newsletters, indie bookstores, libraries, and brands they trustCelebrity book clubs are the new bestseller kingmakers — Reese Witherspoon's picks are influencing bestseller lists like Oprah's Book Club did 15 years ago, with Jenna's Book Club and BookTok influencers also driving massive discoveryBrand partnerships and author collaborations are accelerating — Authors are cross-promoting with each other and building collaborative worlds that increase discovery and reader engagementAuthors have unprecedented control over their publishing paths — The democratization of publishing is accelerating, giving authors more flexibility in how they publish, distribute, and connect with readersInnovative formats are emerging beyond traditional books — Examples include murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters in the mail, creating unique reading experiences that stand outThere's no single "right way" to publish in 2026 — The multiplication of options allows authors to find paths and channels that align with their comfort zones and goals2026 is shaping up as a year of creative freedom and optimism — The convergence of discovery channels, author sovereignty, and new formats creates an environment ripe for creative experimentationWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

It's December which means it’s also trends season – you’ve probably received your Spotify wrapped as well as a wrapped from almost every other app you have! With that spirit, Ferol and Ricci kick off their annual predictions episode by diving into the first three of five major themes that will shape the publishing landscape in 2026. Drawing from industry insights, customer feedback, and broader cultural trends, they explore how trust, reader experience, and connection will define the coming year for authors. This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering 2026 trends for indie authors and you’ll be sure to walk away with a few things to reflect on while also feeling a bit more confident about what the future holds.You'll learn:Trust is the new currency — Scam complaints are up 100% since 2023, and authors need to focus on building deeper trust with readers beyond email lists and be cautious with new service providersNew legitimate companies will launch quickly — AI makes it easy to spin up author services, but many will disappear just as fast due to limited funding or lack of staying powerBook-themed travel and literary tourism are growing — Readers want to visit settings from their favorite books, stay in book-themed vacation rentals, and attend reading retreatsBook clubs and reader communities are exploding — Silent Book Club grew from 180 chapters (2022) to 500+ chapters today; readers are craving connection in low-lift waysThe bar for creating reader connection is low — Authors can host simple 30-minute Zoom chats, AMAs, or themed discussions to build deep loyalty with minimal effortSpecial editions and collectible books are booming — Sprayed edges, foil covers, and illustrated books function as art pieces that become part of readers' identitiesAuthor swag and collectibles deepen fan connection — Stickers, special editions, and other tangible items help readers express their fandom, similar to sports memorabiliaExperiences are valued over things — The cultural shift toward prioritizing experiences is coming to book world in a major way in 2026Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this essential PSA-style episode, Ricci and Ferol break down the growing wave of scams targeting authors — and how to protect yourself. From “too good to be true” book club invitations to fake Amazon warnings designed to spark panic, today’s scammers are using AI to craft convincing, personalized outreach. The hosts walk through the psychology behind these tactics, why even savvy authors can get caught off guard, and a simple checklist to help you identify red flags before you click or pay. They also share reputable resources authors can use to stay safe and stay informed. Whether you’ve received a suspicious email or simply want to prepare yourself, this conversation will help you trust your gut, slow down, and safeguard your work.You'll learn:Why and how author-targeted scams have become more sophisticatedThe emotional psychology scammers use — joy vs. fear and the hooks/emotional techniques to look out for How AI enables scammers to reference your characters, themes, reviews, and social content convincinglyThe most important red flags to watch for and what to do if you’re not sure something is legitimate Why you should never pay via Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, crypto, or similar methodsTrusted resources for checking whether something is a known scam (Writers Beware, Authors Guild, ALLi Watchdog Desk)How Written Word Media can help sanity-check suspicious emails Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ricci and Ferol break down the newest Written Word Media Author Survey, sharing what more than 1,300 authors revealed about income, catalog size, marketing tactics, and where book sales are really coming from in 2025. They discuss the continued importance of email lists, how packaging influences sales, the realities of KDP Select vs. going wide, and why more authors are exploring direct sales. The episode wraps with a look at overall author sentiment heading into the new year and the communities supporting indie writers along the way.You'll learn:Income brackets and what influences author earningsEmail list effectiveness and list size correlationMarketing tactics ranked by effectiveness (promo sites, Facebook ads, BookBub, lead magnets, etc.)Packaging: covers, editing, blurbs, and why investment mattersDirect sales: how many authors are doing it and who sees the most benefitRetailer breakdown: Amazon dominance, in-person sales surprises, Kobo/Apple performanceOverall author sentiment: hopeful, tired, motivated, overwhelmedCommunities and resources authors rely on mostWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In the newest episode of The Written Word Media Podcast, Scribd co-founder Tripp Adler joins Ricci Wolman to explore how his newest venture, Created by Humans, is helping authors navigate the rise of artificial intelligence. When you listen in, you will learn what AI rights are, how they fit into existing publishing contracts, and why this new model could open powerful revenue streams for writers while safeguarding human creativity.You'll Learn:Created by Human’s mission to protect human creativity in an AI worldWhat “AI publishing rights” are and how they differ from traditional publishing rightsMore about the three types of AI rights: training, reference (RAG), and transformativeThe Anthropic lawsuit and what it signals for AI licensingPotential earnings and business models for authors on the Created by Humans platformAddressing author concerns about control and consent in AI useWhy engaging with AI — not avoiding it — may be the smartest move for creatorsWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this inspiring episode, Ferol sits down with Jonathan Graham, founder of Daily Courage, to explore how creatives can turn fear into fuel. Jonathan shares his journey from Silicon Valley to launching a mission-driven business dedicated to helping people remove fear as a barrier to their potential.Together, they unpack practical tools like the “fear log,” the F.A.C.T.S. framework for fact-checking fear, and the “soup list” for building confidence. Jonathan’s message is clear and empowering: courage isn’t the absence of fear - it’s the willingness to act in spite of it.You'll Learn:How to identify and label your fears so they lose their powerThe F.A.C.T.S. framework - a simple tool for checking what’s true vs. what’s fearWhy consistency builds courage faster than confidenceHow to turn fear into a creative ally instead of an obstacleWays to strengthen your “courage muscle” through small, daily actionsWhether you’re battling writer’s doubt, creative paralysis, or fear of publishing, this episode will help you reframe your relationship with fear and take your next bold step - scared, but moving forward.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

The indie publishing world is moving fast - and the authors who stay curious are the ones who thrive. In this live-recorded episode from the Novelist Inc. (NINC) Conference, Ferol Vernon sits down with James Blatch, co-founder of Self Publishing Formula, to talk about what's working right now for independent authors.From AI translation tools that help you reach global readers to the surprising comeback of Facebook ads, James shares what he's seeing on the front lines. You'll also hear his take on the ethics of AI narration, voice licensing, and why the authors who embrace new tools (without losing their creative edge) are the ones who'll come out ahead.You'll Learn:How AI translation tools like ScribeShadow are helping authors go globalWhy Facebook ads are making a comeback - and how to use them smarterThe ethics of AI voice licensing and what it means for audiobook creatorsWhat separates authors who experiment successfully from those who get left behindWhy AI won't replace creativity, but it will reward the authors who adaptWhether you're scaling your author business or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is full of practical insights and real talk about the future of indie publishing.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this special live-recorded episode from Walk West’s Podcast Marathon, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon sit down with author, speaker, and executive coach Erica Rooney to talk about her journey to publishing Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floors. Erica shares why she chose the hybrid publishing route, how she secured endorsements from big names like Mel Robbins, and what it really takes to market a book once it’s out in the world.You’ll Learn:What “sticky floors” are and how they hold us backHow Erica turned her podcast themes into book chaptersThe realities of hybrid publishing - costs, timelines, and trade-offsWhy networking and self-promotion are essential to book marketingThe importance of “doing the thing that can’t be undone” when pursuing big goalsFor more strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Staying productive as an author isn’t just about writing more - it’s about creating systems that help you focus, avoid burnout, and actually enjoy the process. In this episode of The Written Word Podcast, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon share their favorite productivity hacks, from planning your week with intention to using the Pomodoro technique and batching tasks.We’ll cover:How to set up an environment that keeps you focusedWhy planning your day (or someone else will) is a game-changerTricks for avoiding distraction and managing your energyThe Pomodoro technique and why short breaks boost creativityWhy celebrating your “done list” is just as important as making a to-do listWhether you’re balancing writing with a day job, juggling deadlines, or just trying to stay consistent, this episode will give you practical, proven strategies to get more done - and feel good doing it.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your email list is one of the most powerful marketing tools you’ll ever build as an author. However, getting from zero to thousands of subscribers can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Written Word Podcast, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon break down practical, proven strategies to grow your list. From adding your first 15 “friendlies” to using lead magnets, giveaways, and back-of-book signups, you’ll learn step-by-step how to start small and build momentum.We’ll cover:The best places to promote your signup linkWhy the back of your book is prime real estate for growing your listWhat list sizes correlate with real author incomeWhether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will show you how to turn your email list into a long-term asset that keeps readers coming back.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.Copyright:© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Email marketing isn’t dead - in fact, it might just be your most valuable tool as an indie author. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down why building and nurturing your email list is still one of the smartest and most effective ways to connect with readers and sell more books.You’ll Learn:Why email offers a stronger ROI than social or paid adsThe difference between “owned” and “rented” marketing channelsWhat makes email more personal and reliable than other platformsHow to get started with email marketing (and what to say in your emails)Tips for building a list of readers who actually want to hear from youFor more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Want to sell more books without breaking the bank? Curious which promos actually work and how to tell?Ricci Wolman, Ferol Vernon, and Emma Boyer answer the most common (and important) questions we get from authors every day.How to promote with a small budget.How to revive a backlist that’s gone quiet.What to do when Amazon throws you a curveball.You’ll walk away with clear, practical strategies for getting more eyes on your books. Whether you're just starting out or managing a full catalog, this conversation will help you take the next step.Let’s get into it.For more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

If you want to sell more books, reach more readers, and spend less time guessing what works, start here.In this episode, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon break down the strategy that helped launch the careers of countless successful indie authors - email promos. They’ll explain what email promos are, when to run them, and why they’re still one of the most effective tools in your book marketing toolkit.You’ll learn:Why email still outperforms social media when it comes to book marketingHow promo sites connect your book to the right readersWhat a promo stack is and how to use it to your advantageThis is the foundation of modern book promotion.Let’s get into it.For more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Emma Boyer is back from London and joins Ferol and Ricci to share her key takeaways from the Self Publishing Show (SPS)—Europe’s biggest indie author conference. In this episode, the team breaks down what they saw, heard, and felt at SPS and what it means for indie authors in 2025.You’ll Learn:Emerging trends in streaming vs. subscription audiobook platformsHow Written Word Media supports authors exploring direct sales and new revenue streamsHow Subscriber Surge Giveaways (SSG) can grow your email list fastTips on budgeting for book promotions that actually move the needleFeatured Guest:Emma Boyer, VP of Digital Operations and Author Relations at Written Word MediaFor more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Written Word Podcast.This show is for people who write stories—and want them to be read. Authors. Indie or traditional. Aspiring or ten books deep.Each week, we dive into the business of being an author—marketing strategies, growing your audience, and selling more books. What’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next.In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most controversial strategies out there: Giving your book away for free.Sounds risky? It might be. But it might also be the smartest move you make as an author.Hosts Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon unpack the emotional baggage behind “free.”They break down the math and share what top-earning authors are doing right now.Whether you're new to publishing or looking to level up, this episode will make you think twice about the power of zero dollars.For more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.