Claim OwnershipWish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
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Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview authors about lessons they've learned about writing and publishing.
215 Episodes
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312 / What are the creative lies writers tell themselves, and how can reframing your mindset lead to a long-lasting, resilient writing career? Katherine Collette shares her insights and lessons from both podcasting and publication. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish Why resilience matters more than talent or craftThe pitfalls of tying self-worth to external validationReframing the role of social media and visibilityThe archetypes of post-publication responseFinding joy...
311 / Think you need to be on every platform, spend big on ads, or release a book every month to succeed as an indie author? We’re busting some of the most common publishing myths. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish But first, we catch up on life after a writing retreat: the post-draft crash, newsletter plate-spinning, and the genuine weirdness of evaluating promos when the market keeps shifting Honest BookBub promo numbers and why results look different no...
310 / AI is getting better at producing words, audio, and even video, which raises the question for authors: how do readers know there’s a real person behind the book? In this episode, we talk about how writers can stand out in a sea of AI content through leaning harder into trust, voice, and real connection. We share concrete ways to signal “I’m a real person” without forcing yourself to overshare or turn your life into content. ✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studi...
309 / Lona McCombie, social media marketer for authors, unpacks essential strategies for authors looking to promote their work, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. ✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates Starting out in social media marketingPromo strategies for book releasesBest practices for TikTok marketingCross-posting content on social platformsResults of paid promo vs. organic reachTrends in book promo content💙 Be...
308 / Serial fiction expert, Kimboo York, joins us to discuss building long-term reader relationships, letting go of perfectionism and fan fiction, including insights on transitioning fan fiction to original works. We also talk about balancing productivity with kindness and allowing room for mistakes to set yourself up to have a resilient author career. ✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates Serial fiction business modelsTransi...
307 / How can automation, AI, and genuine relationships help you thrive as an author? Chelle Honaker shares her insights on blending creativity and business, building community, and navigating the ever-changing publishing world. ✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates Flywheel marketing instead of funnel marketingBuilding community and collaborationSocial media burnout and challengesDiscoverability and reader relationshipsTrends in pu...
306 / How do you get your first reviews? And what do you do about collating feedback from multiple beta readers? Evan Gow, creator of StoryOrigin, has solutions to these author problems. Plus we explore why building your mailing list is the number-one way to connect with readers and future-proof your business as well as discussing direct sales options and the perennial topic of AI impact on publishing. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish Importance of reviews for...
305 / Ember Mae shares lessons learned about starting small with crowdfunding as well as managing fulfillment. We also talk about marketing without succumbing to the pressure of conventional social media wisdom. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish Tips on setting up your first Kickstarter campaign and keeping it manageableMaking marketing personal and connecting individually with readersWhy ditching social media is freeingIntuitive storytellingIn-person event strategies...
304 / Are you curious how understanding grammar—not just as a set of rules but as a tool for creative expression—can transform your writing and help you find your unique author voice? ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish We talked with Patty McGee, a literary consultant and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar to unpack why grammar isn’t about memorizing rules, but about developing your unique voice. Patty shared tips on building foundational skills, using grammar t...
303 / Are you curious about how to find your writing voice, handle feedback without losing your vision, and thrive in today’s ever-changing publishing world? Nicole Meier shares what she wishes she’d known as both an author and developmental editor, plus key insights for writers at every stage. ✨ This week’s corporate sponsor:http://tryvellum.com/wish When to seek feedback and the stages of editingCommon mistakes authors make and how to avoid themAvoiding the trap of rushingFeedback as ...
302 / We’re talking about the power of tropes in storytelling with Jennifer Hilt, uncovering why elements like scars, secrets, and shame drive compelling mysteries and thrillers—and how they show up in every genre. Jennifer shared insights from her Trope Thesaurus series, and both guests revealed how understanding and leveraging tropes isn’t just a writing shortcut—it’s a way to deepen character, amp up conflict, and even supercharge your marketing. Tips for handling co-writing and col...
301 / In this 301st episode, hear from listeners (thanks for the voicemails!) about their favorite topics and takeaways and another long-time supporter, Belinda Kroll joins us. Belinda is a cozy fantasy romance author and illustrator, and shares how she's streamlining her business to lean fully into her artisan side. Shifting from serial to artisan-focused publishing Leveraging Kickstarter and Shopify for book launches Balancing writing and business with family life Learning fr...
300 / In this 300th episode, we take a walk down memory lane, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of the podcast and reflecting on how far we’ve come—with over 500,000 downloads and listeners tuning in from all around the world. We chat about the most popular episode, our sometimes dodgy sound, and the connections we’ve made with authors and vendors in the indie publishing community. Joining us is long-time listener and sports rom com author Parker Finch, who shares how stay...
📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThen 299 / Do you ever wish you had a clear, actionable way to understand book trends and make smarter publishing decisions? Nat Connors of Kindle Trends shares insights on the power of market awareness, how to focus on your “author neighborhood,” and why success is more about craft than chasing trends. Why market awareness empowers authors, not confines themFinding and using your a...
298 / We continue our discussion about what’s working in the indie author space. We join Douglas Pratt and Nicholas Harvey and share insights on navigating newsletter platforms, maximizing translations, and adapting to the changes in audiobooks and direct sales. This episode is full of practical nut-and-bolts tips and ideas. Newsletter platform pros, cons, and cost-saving tipsSubject lines, open rates, and optimizing reader engagementUsing AI and hybrid methods for international transla...
297 / How are authors adapting in 2025's changing publishing world? Sara Rosett, Jami Albright, Nicholas Harvey, and Douglas Pratt share lessons learned, trends they’re seeing, and practical strategies from their own writing careers. Sales trends and challenges in 2025Experimenting with book marketingSpecial editions and direct salesUsing Patreon and subscriptionsImpact of AI on publishingSocial media strategies for authorsFacebook ads and Amazon changesReader engagement and superfans💙 Become...
296 / Do you want to leverage your author website, use AI tools efficiently, and prune your tasks strategically so you can sell more books and focus your creative energy where it counts? Thomas Umstattd Jr. shares insights on optimizing your book pages, using AI wisely, and making tough choices to thrive in a crowded publishing world. Why your book page matters for both readers and AI discoveryTips to optimize book pages for GEO (generative engine optimization)Innovative uses of AI tool...
295 / Curious how authors can build thriving, sustainable careers—even without rapid releases or a huge backlist? Matthew J. Holmes shares how he transformed his wife’s books into a six-figure business, the realities of book advertising, and the mindful strategies indie authors need now. Turning a single slow-release series into a profitable businessSimplicity vs. complexity in book marketing and adsImportance of advertising platform focusCommon mistakes in author advertising strategies...
294 / Do you want to pitch your book to Hollywood? Screenwriter, playwright, and novelist Bart Baker shares how authors can position their books for adaptations. He also gives us the story behind Honeymoon With Harry, a movie deal twenty-plus years in the making, which will go into production in 2026, starring Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal for Amazon/MGM. Lessons from writing plays, scripts, and novelsWhat authors should know about adaptation and selling movie rightsWhen to get lega...
293 / Curious about how conferences can spark inspiration, build connections, and transform your author business? We recap our experiences at Author Nation, share some lessons learned, and highlight community connection possibilities. Panel insights: romance, rom-com, cozy, and moreDirect sales, Kickstarter, and translations for authorsNew tech for signed ebooks and social media marketing💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of ...
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