Claim OwnershipWish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
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© 2025 Wish 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.
299 Episodes
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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 ...
292 / Are you curious about when to work with a developmental editor, how to get unstuck in your manuscript, and what actually helps authors succeed for the long haul? Editor and book coach Sarah Elle shares insights on the editing process, author mindset, and the strategies—plus pitfalls—every writer should know. When to bring in a developmental editor vs. a book coachThe most common manuscript mistakes—and how to fix themTips for breaking out of endless revision loopsMindset, habits, ...
291 / Are you struggling to navigate burnout, industry shifts, or simply want to future-proof your writing career? Becca Syme returns to share lessons from her own journey with burnout, sustainable author success, plus actionable advice for writers at every stage. Understanding and recovering from burnoutMaking mindset changes for autonomy and sustainabilityStreamlining your author business for joy (not just income)The real value of Strengths and Enneagram for writers and relationshipsW...
290 / If you missed the first part of our interview with Lee and Russell, scroll back to the previous episode in your podcast feed and catch up. Part II of our conversation with Russell and Lee continues in this episode as we talk about money mindset, sustainability, collaboration, and more. Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling fantasy author and co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, discuss the realities...
Did you know we have a supporter episode out? This short highlight reel gives you a preview of our chat about symbolism. From Pride and Prejudice to Monk, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how symbols can deepen your stories. Different typesHow we use it in our booksFavorite examples from television and movies. 💙 Thanks to all our supporters who made this episode possible! If you’d like to become a supporter and get your private RSS feed with access to this e...
289 / Are you struggling to find ease, joy, and sustainability in your writing career as the industry keeps evolving? Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling fantasy author and co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, discuss the realities of building and maintaining an author business. Redefining "hard" and "ease" in writing and businessChoosing the right kind of hard—and what to walk away fromLetting go of pa...
288 / Have you ever wondered how to build a writing career that’s both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable in today’s fast-changing publishing world? Douglas Pratt shares the real markers of success, tips on seeking feedback, and why he moved away from strictly following “write what you know.” The importance of letting go of your “darlings” Defining success beyond book sales and fame Mistakes and lessons in craft, marketing, and series building Building a su...
287 / Bestselling rom-com author Jeré Anthony shares about embracing your unique voice, the power of niche marketing, and why your book shouldn’t be for everyone. We tackled topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of taking risks, and making peace with the messiness of the creative process. Finding your niche and accepting your book isn’t for everyoneLeaning into your book’s uniqueness and “repelling” the wrong readersManaging ADHD and the myth of writing “ease”Th...
286 / What happens when a fantasy author brings a soundtrack to storytelling—and what can writers and readers learn from merging music, world-building, and social themes? Richie Billing shares his innovative journey blending original soundtracks with fiction, the challenges of marketing across genres, and the lessons learned from a decade of writing. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Writing social justice and controvers...
285 / Are you curious about how to move to a new genre? Fiona Marin shares her experiences switching from traditionally published middle grade to indie contemporary romance and the marketing strategies that have helped grow her readership. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Biggest differences between writing for middle grade and contemporary romanceGroup texts, podcasts, and other mixed media storytelling techniquesGrowing a n...
283 / Curious about how to create a one-of-a-kind book that only you can write? John Gaspard joins the show to discuss his latest passion project, a photo-rich, locally inspired book, and sharing lessons learned. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Behind-the-scenes of researching a 50-year-old story, including tracking down interview sources, online resources, and family archivesIssues related to licensing photosOrganizing rese...
283 / Have you ever wondered how to have a joy-filled writing career, especially when the publishing landscape is always changing? Jill Shalvis discusses her transition from traditional publishing to indie, what success means to her, and the writing and marketing lessons she wishes she'd known earlier. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Why writing “rules” held Jill backTrusting your instincts over rigid craft advic...
282 / Are you curious how in-person events and writing retreats can transform your writing journey, expand your community, and inspire new connections? Jami Albright and Sara Rosett dive into the benefits of stepping out of the writing cave, share insights from podcasting conferences, and reveal what really happens at writing retreats. Sara’s takeaways from Podcast Movement conference that can be applied to writing and publishingStrategies for podcast merch and building communityHow to ...
281 / Shannon Lynn, middle grade sci-fi author and educator, shares how she found time to write while working full time, insight on launching your first book, and small marketing steps that add up over time. Balances a day job with writingTips for middle grade authors: marketing to parents and kids Lessons learned about pacing Print formatting and getting set up with Ingram Spark Making strategic choices–and sometimes saying no–to new opportunitiesHow Shannon found her ed...
280 / Melissa Bourbon, multi-series mystery shares how she leverages Pinterest to find readers and sell books. Trusting your intuition and staying true to your creative vision Rethinking Social Media and Embracing Pinterest for Book MarketingWhy Pinterest is great for long-term book visibility and discoverabilityHow Melissa manages multiple pen names Diversifying income through nonfiction for authors💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/su...
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