Bookbound

How do you turn 200 million TikTok views into a bestselling memoir?In this episode of Book Bound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser talk with Dr. Erin Nance, orthopedic surgeon, bestselling author of Little Miss Diagnosed, and founder of the FeelBetr app, about building a platform rooted in authenticity. Erin shares how a single chapter shared with a stranger sparked her writing journey, why she started storytelling on TikTok, and how her viral content helped land a two-book deal.She gets real about writing without a ghostwriter, pitching while her content was going viral, and navigating the publishing process as a first-time author. From skipping blurbs to embracing the “authenticity economy,” Erin’s approach challenges the traditional playbook and offers a new way to think about platform, story, and what it takes to connect with readers.Resources:Connect with Dr. Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinnancemd/Find Dr. Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorerinnance/ Find Dr. Erin on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemissdiagnosed?lang=en Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

When your first manuscript doesn’t land with publishers, how do you transform that draft into the foundation for a book that does?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Cecily Mak, attorney, co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, and author of Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits. Cecily talks about the long, non-linear path to her debut, revealing how she spent years writing a 300-page memoir that will likely never be published, but became the essential groundwork for Undimmed. She shares how a breast cancer diagnosis just as she left her tech executive career reshaped both her timeline and her clarity of purpose.Cecily also deconstructs the nuts and bolts of the publishing process: finding the right agent, rewriting her proposal around a prescriptive framework, and selling her book at auction. She opens up about the role rituals played in sustaining her writing practice, why feedback from agents was invaluable, and how building community through Substack and Instagram fed both her process and her book’s message.Connect with Cecily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearlifejourney/Connect with Cecily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilymak/Check out Cecily’s book Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Undimmed-Awarenesses-Freedom-Unwanted-Habits/dp/1250385180Check out the ClearLife Substack: https://cecilymak.substack.com/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

What does it take to turn a podcast into a book?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Jill Sirianni, licensed clinical social worker, podcaster, and co-author of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, to talk about the journey from podcast host to traditionally published author.Jill shares how six years of podcasting laid the foundation for her book, what she learned from shaping a proposal, and how she and her co-author landed an agent and ultimately went to auction with multiple publishers. She reveals the challenges of finding a cohesive throughline, why opposing forces make the strongest titles, and how she and her team navigated everything from cover design to editorial input. Jill also opens up about the marketing side: launching a podcast tour, building a street team, and leveraging her platform to get her book on airport shelves across the country. Resources:Connect with Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliansirianni/?hl=enConnect with Jill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilliansirianni/Check out Buy What You Love Without Going Broke: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/Listen to the Frugal Friends Podcast: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

What really happens when a literary agent becomes an author?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Kate McKean, literary agent, Substack writer, and author of Write Through It, to talk about the long road from aspiring novelist to publishing her first nonfiction book.Kate opens up about the seven years it took to land her book deal, what she’s learned from failed projects, and why persistence often matters more than perfection. She shares the insider truths about query letters, proposals, and finding an agent, while also revealing how her newsletter, Agents and Books, helped her discover the audience she was meant to serve. Along the way, Kate offers advice on editing smarter, managing expectations, and keeping your passion alive in the often slow and messy process of publishing.Resources:Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemckean/Connect with Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_mckean/Follow Kate on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/katemckean.bsky.socialCheck out Kate’s website: https://www.katemckean.com/Subscribe to Kate’s newsletter Agents and Books: https://www.agentsandbooks.com/Check out Kate’s book Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life: https://bookshop.org/p/books/write-through-it-an-insider-s-guide-to-publishing-and-the-creative-life-kate-mckean/21872839Check out Publisher’s Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/ (00:00) - BB-Video-Kate McKean-V2 (00:00) - Introduction to the Book Bound Podcast (01:13) - Meet Kate McKean: Literary Agent and Author (02:25) - Kate's Journey to Becoming an Author (04:09) - The Writing Process: Fiction vs. Nonfiction (07:17) - Finding the Right Literary Agent (17:32) - The Importance of a Book Proposal (18:19) - The Importance of a Strong Ending in Fiction (19:05) - From Proposal to Manuscript: The Writing Journey (21:08) - Editing and Revising: Key Strategies (22:53) - Marketing the Book: Strategies and Experiences (24:23) - Substack: A Platform for Writers (29:00) - Advice for Aspiring Authors (31:29) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Sophie Elmhirst, award-winning journalist and author of A Marriage at Sea (published in the UK as Maurice and Maralyn). Sophie shares how she moved from years of failed fiction attempts and abandoned nonfiction concepts to finding the singular story that became her debut book.She explains why trusting one compelling narrative can be more powerful than building around a “big idea,” how she navigated proposal writing despite being a “pantser,” and what ultimately helped her land an agent and publisher. Sophie also opens up about her decision to avoid social media, the role of journalism in building her platform, and the unpredictable path from UK publication to US bestseller. This episode offers an honest look at persistence, process, and the winding road to a first book deal.Visit Sophie’s official website: https://www.sophieelmhirst.com/ Check out A Marriage at Sea: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771662/a-marriage-at-sea-by-sophie-elmhirst/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

What does it take to publish a book that sparks a cultural shift?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Neha Ruch, founder, CEO, and author of The Power Pause, about how she translated nearly a decade of grassroots advocacy into a bestselling book.Neha shares how she went from blog to book deal, the surprising pressure of platform growth, and what it really takes to land a Big Five publishing contract for a nuanced topic. She explains how her meetings with publishers mirrored VC pitches, why her proposal phase included interviews and commissioned research, and how she balanced motherhood with building a movement. She also offers key insight into proposal writing, working with developmental editors, and managing the marketing marathon before and after launch.Resources:Connect with Neha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neha_ruch Connect with Neha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehaleelaruch Learn more about The Power Pause: https://www.thepowerpause.com Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How do you reshape a book in progress into something unforgettable?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Melody Wilding, executive coach, author of Trust Yourself and Managing Up, about the twists, rewrites, and lessons behind her second book.Melody shares how reader feedback shifted her entire framework, why prescriptive nonfiction demands a clear and actionable structure, and how to lean into your strongest platform strengths, even if that’s not social media. She also reveals her approach to building media credibility through Help A Reporter Out, running creative pre-order campaigns, and securing bulk book sales through corporate partnerships.Resources:Connect with Melody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/Visit Melody’s website: https://melodywilding.comJoin Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How do you navigate the tension between telling your truth and building a platform that sells books?In this episode of Book Bound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser sit down with Daria Burke, bestselling author of Of My Own Making, award-winning business leader, and former CMO, for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to bring a memoir to life.Daria shares her story from quietly carrying the weight of her Detroit upbringing to feeling a “cosmic tap” that it was time to write. She talks about the long journey from the first idea to a finished proposal, how she found the right agent, and why she insisted on blending science with lived experience in her book. Daria also shares about the realities of pitching without a huge platform, the strategies behind her marketing plan, and the importance of showing up for her book—on tour, in the media, and online. Resources:Connect with Daria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariaburke/Find Daria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariaburke/Discover Daria’s work: https://dariaburke.com/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How do you bring a deeply researched, historical story to life?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Haley Cohen Gilliland, journalist and author of A Flower Traveled in My Blood, to discuss the process of turning an urgent, emotional story into a compelling book.Haley shares how her experience living in Argentina sparked the idea for her debut book, the long process of research and writing, and the challenges of navigating the auction process. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of promoting a book about such a deeply personal and painful history, and how she managed the vulnerability of sharing others’ stories with the world.Resources:Connect with Haley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleycohengilliland/ Connect with Haley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-cohen-bb91061a/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How can you take the leap from the precipice of not knowing what’s next and into making your publishing dreams come true? Even when that means turning rejection into momentum for your next big book?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Natalie Nixon, PhD, Creativity Strategist, keynote speaker, and CEO of Figure 8 Thinking, about the winding path to her latest book, Move, Think, Rest.Natalie shares how she went from 18 months of rejections on her first solely authored book to signing with a major publisher, and why she completely reworked her second proposal midstream. She reveals how building a “publishing dream team” of agents, editors, and assistants changed her writing process, and how movement, thought, and rest became both her subject matter and her creative method. She also discusses the business side of publishing, from strategic partnerships, pre-order campaigns, and why asking for help is one of the most powerful tools in an author’s toolkit.Connect with Natalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natwnixon Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienixonphd/ Check out Natalie’s latest book, Move, Think, Rest: https://www.figure8thinking.com/move-think-rest/ Learn more about Figure 8 Thinking: https://www.figure8thinking.com/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How do you turn a personal story into a publishable memoir?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Ruthie Ackerman, a journalist, book coach, and author of The Mother Code, about the journey from personal storytelling to completing a book.Ruthie shares how her Modern Love essay helped reveal the through line for her memoir, what she learned from losing a major book deal, and how she rebuilt her path to publication. She also discusses the power of micro-communities over social media when building a platform, and the emotional ROI of showing up in person through book tours and community events.Resources:Connect with Ruthie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruackermanConnect with Ruthie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthieackerman/ Connect with Ruthie in Substack: https://ruthieackerman.substack.com/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

What happens when a seasoned editor turns the lens inward and pens her own deeply personal narrative?In this episode of Bookbound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser sit down with Samhita Mukhopadhyay, former executive editor of Teen Vogue and current editorial director at The Meteor, to discuss her powerful new book The Myth of Making It.Drawing from her extensive career in media, Samhita offers a compelling critique of workplace culture, addressing women’s ambition and the societal pressures intensified by hustle culture. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of writing the book, from maintaining a 1,000-word-per-day writing routine to her fears about exposing her vulnerabilities.Resources:Connect with Samhita here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhita-mukhopadhyay/ Check out Samhita’s work here: https://www.samhitamukhopadhyay.com/Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

What does it take to turn an idea into a published book?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Lisa Marchiano, Jungian analyst and co-host of This Jungian Life podcast, to explore the journey of writing, publishing, and building an author platform.Lisa shares how her simple yet powerful daily practice of writing 300 words a day helped her complete two books, including her upcoming book Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams, which she co-authored with her podcast co-hosts. She also explains the importance of crafting a focused book proposal and how she built an author platform that caught the attention of publishers.Resources:Check out Lisa’s work here: https://lisamarchiano.com/Check out Lisa’s podcast here: https://thisjungianlife.com/Sign up here to be notified when the e-book is released: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Ever wondered how a chaotic writing process can transform into a bestselling book? In this episode of Bookbound, Amy Shoenthal, author of The Setback Cycle, shares her journey from journalism to book writing, inspired by her interviews with business leaders and entrepreneurs during the pandemic. Amy reflects on the importance of setbacks in professional and personal growth, detailing how her own experience as a mother shaped her perspective. She also discusses the process of creating her framework, the "four E's," and the challenges of getting her book published, offering valuable insights into book proposal writing, marketing strategies, and navigating rejection.Resources: Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoenthal/Check out Amy’s work here: https://www.amyshoenthal.comSubscribe to Bethany & Fran’s Substack here: https://bookswithbethanyandfran.substack.com/Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

What happens when a cultural critic and mother of boys decides to tackle the complexities of masculinity in modern society? In this episode of Bookbound, Ruth Whippman, author of Boy: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity, talks about her motivation behind crafting a book that embraces uncertainty and chaos, shedding light on her experiences parenting during the #MeToo movement.Ruth shares her journey from conception to publication, navigating the intricacies of proposal writing, and balancing authenticity with market appeal. She also reflects on the significance of the book's title and its reception, touching on its broader appeal beyond parents of boys. Resources: Connect with Ruth here: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwhippman/?hl=enCheck out Ruth’s work here: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/Check out Ruth’s Substack here: https://ruthwhippman.substack.com/Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Ever wondered how the competitive world of finance could be critiqued through a deeply personal lens? In this episode of Bookbound, Carrie Sun talks about her journey in writing her first book and memoir, Private Equity, which has garnered significant acclaim. Carrie shares her journey from an MFA student to a celebrated author, highlighting how her experiences influenced her narrative approach. She discusses the initial challenge of balancing personal and professional themes and ultimately finding a voice that resonates universally. The conversation also touches on valuable insights and restructuring advice from her agent Mel, which transformed her book from an experimental format to a compelling chronological structure. Carrie reveals the cathartic process of writing her book during the pandemic, the importance of editorial feedback, and the heartfelt message about understanding one’s relationship with money and work. Resources: Connect with Carrie here: https://www.instagram.com/carrieyisun/?hl=enCheck out Carrie’s work here: https://www.carriesun.com/Sign up here to be notified when the e-book is released: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the glossy covers and catchy titles of your favorite books?In this episode of Bookbound, award-winning author and journalist Julie Satow shares the secrets behind the success of her latest book, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion. She discusses her unique approach to digital marketing, revealing how leveraging social media significantly enhanced her book's visibility and sales. Julie walks us through the nitty-gritty, surprising influence of sales teams on book covers and titles, sharing her own experience of a rejected fashion illustration cover and a title change from Garment Queens to a title more related to the theme of the book.If you’re a writer interested in a behind-the-scenes look at what brings a book and a book launch to life, check out this episode! Resources: Connect with Julie and check out her work here: https://juliesatow.com/Subscribe to Bethany & Fran’s Substack here: https://bookswithbethanyandfran.substack.com/Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

What does it take to transform a persistent idea (over many years) into a published book? On this episode of Bookbound, executive leadership consultant Elaine Lin Hering joins us to explore the nine-year journey behind her book, Unlearning Silence. Elaine shares her insights on overcoming self-doubt, navigating the challenges of writing a long-form piece, and the pivotal moment she decided to build a team to bring her vision to life. From her decision to work with a literary agent to the delicate balancing act of positioning her book for both business and wellness markets, Elaine's insights are both inspiring and practical to the aspiring author or the author with many books under their belt!Resources: Connect with Elaine here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainelinheringCheck out Elaine’s work here: https://elainelinhering.com/Join Bethany and Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubProduced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

What happens when a professor discovers that her real strength lies in her journalism skills and academic experience?For Rachel Somerstein, it’s a critically acclaimed book. Rachel is an associate professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz and author of "Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section." We sat down with her to talk all about her author journey.From platform building to time management challenges as a busy professor and parent and the dedication required to see a book through to completion, Rachel shares her struggles and tips for those navigating the writing and publishing of a book. She provides an inside look at the publishing process, like securing an agent through the CLMP conference’s “speed dating” event and navigating deadlines and legal reads. Her insights are pure gold if you’re about to embark on your own author journey.Resources: Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-somerstein-1aab2610/Connect with Rachel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelesomerstein/Connect with Rachel on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/rachesomerstein?lang=enCheck out Rachel’s work here: https://www.rachelsomerstein.com/Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubProduced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Can astrology help you gain a competitive edge in your career or business? We’re sitting down with Ophi Edut, renowned astrologer and author, to dive into her journey of publishing her book, The Astrology Advantage, and how astrology played its part in her own success. She discusses her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing, and the development of her book, which makes astrology accessible through a framework involving innovator, maven, and entrepreneur personality types. We also talked about the importance of finding your signature thing, creating binge-able content, and using different platforms to promote your work. Resources: Connect with Ophi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrotwins/Check out Ophi’s work here: https://astrostyle.com/Join Bethany and Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubProduced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/