Horror Business

John Durgin shares his strategy to garner 1K Goodreads reviews in 1 year.   Check out his novel The Cursed Among Us: https://amzn.to/444N94r   Inside the Indie Horror World: https://amzn.to/3Xz1gMX   Get a FREE book from S.C. Mendes: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/ytdownload   Connect with Lucy Leitner: https://lucyleitner.com/ Work with editor Joseph Sale: https://themindflayer.com/ Download a FREE book from Joseph Sale: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/cravingdownload --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

On this episode of HORROR BUSINESS,  Lucy and S.C. discuss the branding and networking that happened at Authorcon II in April 2023.   LISTEN to Part 1 on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3SAEroD   Spotify, Stitcher, and more: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/horror-business   SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books are on a mission to improve literacy! Screams for Teens: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/screamsforteens Blood Bank: A Charitable Anthology: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/bloodbank   Find the best in HORROR, SATIRE, & TRANSGRESIVE FICTION: https://lucyleitner.com/ Join Lucy's newsletter for convention dates, exclusive deals, and more: https://lucyleitner.com/newsletter-1   Music performed by Rising Seas: https://risingseaspunk.bandcamp.com/releases   #facebook #facebookads #indiehorror #authorpodcast #authorinterview #bookmarketing  #Indiehorrorbooks #howtoselfpublish #selfpublish #amazonauthor #authorpodcast #authorhelp #authormarketing #networking #advertisinghelp #adsforauthors #horror #horrorconventions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

On this episode of HORROR BUSINESS,  Lucy and S.C. discuss the advantages and obstacles of conventions for indie authors. This episode comes on the heels of their appearance at Authorcon II in April 2023. LISTEN on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3SAEroD   SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books are on a mission to improve literacy!   Screams for Teens: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/screamsforteens Blood Bank: A Charitable Anthology: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/bloodbank   Find the best in HORROR, SATIRE, & TRANSGRESIVE FICTION: https://lucyleitner.com/   Join Lucy's newsletter for convention dates, exclusive deals, and more: https://lucyleitner.com/newsletter-1   Music performed by Rising Seas: https://risingseaspunk.bandcamp.com/releases     #facebook #facebookads #indiehorror #authorpodcast #authorinterview #bookmarketing  #Indiehorrorbooks #howtoselfpublish #selfpublish #amazonauthor #authorpodcast #authorhelp #authormarketing #networking #advertisinghelp #adsforauthors #horror #horrorconventions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

On this episode of HORROR BUSINESS, Joseph Sale takes you step-by-step through setting up a Facebook ad that can help you boost book sales without breaking your bank. He also discusses strategies to employ depending on where you are in your career and what genre you write. Get more insight from Joseph in his video breaking down the Five-Act Structure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1CF6D9W1CY And visit his author page: https://amzn.to/3UBPFen SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/ Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks Lucy Leitner’s novel Bad Vibrations is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3f6QqvC Get a feel for her brand of horror with this FREE short story: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/post/the-shoe-box-challenge-free-fiction Godless Books: https://godless.com/collections/lucy-leitner Music performed by Rising Seas: https://risingseaspunk.bandcamp.com/releases #facebook #facebookads #indiehorror #authorpodcast #authorinterview #bookmarketing #Indiehorrorbooks #howtoselfpublish #selfpublish #amazonauthor #authorpodcast #authorhelp #authormarketing #networking #advertisinghelp #adsforauthors As Amazon affiliates we may earn from qualifying purchases --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

On this episode of HORROR BUSINESS, Lyndsey Smith poses the big question all authors must ask themselves and explains why writing your novel is the easy part. Smith reveals her biggest self-editing tips, how to choose the correct editor for your project, writing and marketing techniques, ways to make big bucks with ghostwriting, and more. Get more from Lyndsey: https://www.horrorsmithediting.com/ Kindlepreneur Marketing List: https://bit.ly/3yD87ZF SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/ Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks Lucy Leitner: https://bit.ly/3tC6poP Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr AND other great bookstores: https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe Music performed by Rising Seas: https://risingseaspunk.bandcamp.com/releases #editingtips #indiehorror #authorpodcast #authorinterview #ghostwriting #findaneditor #Indiehorrorbooks #howtoselfpublish #selfpublish #amazonauthor #authorpodcast #authorhelp #authormarketing As Amazon affiliates we may earn from qualifying purchases --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

On this episode of HORROR BUSINESS, Stephen Kozeniewski and Wile E. Young discuss their experiences with co-authoring novels, the expectations when beginning, how to pitch publishers and approach authors, as well as FEAR AND LOATHING IN CLICKERS – the inside scoop on the pitch that landed Kozeniewski and Young the chance to continue the legendary Clickers franchise. Enjoy our new segment on death inspired by Kristopher Triana’s episode (https://youtu.be/srD8Neiq7jg) where authors tell us their ideal way to checkout. Clickers may never die, but these two guys will. Find out how! The Perfectly Fine House: https://amzn.to/3M6lUwo Clickers Never Die: https://amzn.to/3m3LGqS Wile E. Young Twitter: @TexasCthulhu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connor.rice.581 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m3S01i Website: https://wileeyoung.blogspot.com/ Stephen Kozeniewski Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KozAuthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/outfortune Amazon: https://amzn.to/3N91Zyv Website: https://manuscriptsburn.blogspot.com/ SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/ Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks Lucy Leitner: https://bit.ly/3tC6poP Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr AND other great book stores: https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ #Horrorfictionpodcast #indiehorror #horrorauthors #Horror #authorinterview #clickers #howtocoauthor #coauthor #Indiehorrorbooks #howtoselfpublish #selfpublish #amazonauthor #authorpodcast #authorhelp #authormarketing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

Kristopher Triana knows the business of horror, but more importantly, he understands the business of storytelling. In this episode, Lucy and S.C. interview the award-winning author on how he successfully tells a story and markets a book regardless of the genre. You'll get insider tips on pen names, covers, and research, as well as a ton of laughs. Check out Triana's newest thriller A FINE EVENING IN HELL: https://amzn.to/382XFSa His coloring book is available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/705323752/body-art-the-coloring-book SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/ Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks Lucy Leitner: https://bit.ly/3tC6poP Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr AND other great book stores: https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ #Horrorfictionpodcast #indiehorror #horrorauthors #Horror #authorinterview #KristopherTriana #Indiehorrorbooks #howtoselfpublish #selfpublish #amazonauthor #authorpodcast #authorhelp #authormarketing As an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

Not sure how to use IG as an author? On this episode of the Horror Business podcast, Mona Kabbani shares how she grew her Instagram audience to more than 10K with no gimmicks or paid advertising. And most importantly, how she has fun with it. Step behind the scenes and learn how she started her profile, best practices when dealing with reviewers, and how to mentally prepare for the evil empire known as social media. As always, we discuss more than just Instagram, and all authors can benefit from her experience. Check out Mona’s IG for yourself @moralityinhorror: https://www.instagram.com/moralityinhorror/?hl=en Her award-winning novella can be purchased on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hP1vPP And "Cursed Objects" will be featured in BLOOD BANK: A Charitable Anthology this April: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/post/the-second-transfusion About Your Hosts: SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/ Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks Lucy Leitner: https://bit.ly/3tC6poP Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr AND other great book stores: https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ #womeninhorror #bookstagramtips #instagramforauthors #socialmediaforauthors #instagramhorror #indiehorror #horrorauthors #bookstagram #Instagram #horror #authortips #influencertips #howtoselfpublish As an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

Getting started on your audiobook is simpler — and more affordable — than you think. Author and audiobook narrator John McNee explains how he started narrating his horror audiobooks under a blanket to becoming an in-demand narrator for Highlander romance books. John reveals what authors should know when searching for narrators on ACX/Audible, including payment options, and what to expect if they tackle the recording themselves. Time and money commitments along with tips to make narrating your own short story less scary in this episode of Horror Business with Lucy Leitner and S.C. Mendes. Listen to John's narration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABpGA-iQOuc&t=123s  Start cooking with John and Vincent Price: https://www.youtube.com/user/hannibalmcnee/featured  Check into The Ballador: https://amzn.to/36oW4Vw or Reserve a seat a Doom Caberet: https://amzn.to/3rZfZ5y About Your Hosts:  SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction. Check out our new charitable project with Neil Gaiman, Jo Kaplan,  Kealan Patrick Burke, Kristopher Triana and more: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/  Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks   Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/products/lucy-leitner?_pos=16&_sid=430650489&_ss=rHer novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr  AND other great book stores:  https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe  Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ #howtomakeanaudiobook #audiobooks #horror #audiobooktips #narrator #narration tips #acx #audible #audiobooksforbeginners     As an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

If you’re in a Facebook horror group, you know the name Daniel J. Volpe. In this episode, the Left to You author reveals his marketing secrets. One of them is not fighting on the internet. Watch the full episode for the others that may or may not be more than being a supportive member of the indie horror community. Join the Splatter Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Splatterclub/  Read More Volpe!  Lost Girl, Found Dog ( A Talia story): https://amzn.to/3gMk9at BRADONOMICON: https://amzn.to/3GHtpY7 Left to You: https://amzn.to/3LtcYCj  SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction. Check out our new charitable project with Neil Gaiman, Jo Kaplan,  Kealan Patrick Burke, Kristopher Triana and more: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/  Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundBooks   Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/collections/lucy-leitner Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr  AND other great book stores:  https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe  Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ As an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

Drew Stepek of Godless dispels the myths and explains the true spirit of the platform.  Take control of your intellectual freedom, get involved in the horror industry, and find success in all forms of dark fiction.    Explore the distribution platform for yourself: https://godless.com/    Your hosts can both be found there as well!   Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/collections/lucy-...    Mendes’ collaborations: https://godless.com/collections/nikki... Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

According to TikTok’ing horror-loving mom Marian, aka @TF_DID_I_JUST_READ, horror authors should start getting on TikTok. It’s not because there’s anything special about this platform; it’s because Facebook’s era is over. It’s adapt or die for authors and indie horror, as Marian says. AuthorTok and BookTok are the present and immediate future.  Watch this episode to learn what types of content you should be making on TikTok to gain followers that will convert to readers.   If you want more from Marian, be sure to tune into the Mothers of Mayhe, podcast launching 1.1.2022. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/nZDpaWkoGno --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

You publish a book. You spend a couple hundred bucks on Facebook ads. You get no results. Sound familiar?  “Facebook ads don’t work” is a common refrain in the horror writer community.  The thing is, Lucy’s been writing Facebook ads for years for clients in a wide range of industries. And they’ve been successful. So, why do her ads work and yours don’t? Enter John Le, a pro in social media marketing. Lucy writes wild horror story ads for a supplement company and John Le runs them to the right audiences for massive results.  While anyone with a Facebook account and a credit card can run Facebook ads, it takes knowledge, skill, and understanding of the platform to run them successfully. Sounds a lot like self-publishing, doesn’t it?  The good news is you don’t have to hire John Le to do your Facebook marketing. You just have to listen to what he has to say.   This is our first of many episodes with John, so if you have any specific social media marketing questions, ask them in the comments and we’ll get answers on his next episode.   About Your Hosts:  SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction. Check out our amazing authors: https://amzn.to/3HsTVpCGet personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundB...   Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/collections/lucy-... Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 releases on Black Friday 2021 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr  AND other great bookstores:  https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe Video Mentions/Credit Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

Whatever you are selling, the structure of a landing page that converts does not change. In this episode of Horror Business, we discuss best practices to build landing pages for authors. A landing page is the destination web page for traffic from other sources. If you’re promoting your book on social media, you need to tell potential readers where to buy it. That’s the landing page.  Listen to the discussion and watch the video for examples of good book landing pages and structural elements of a successful landing page, as well as potential reasons to send traffic to your landing page instead of just to Amazon.   Example Websites from Video: Stephen King: https://stephenking.com/p/billy-summers/ Dean Koontz: https://www.deankoontz.com/book/the-o... About Your Hosts:  SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction. Check out our amazing authors: https://amzn.to/3HsTVpCGet personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundB...  Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/collections/lucy-...Her novel OUTRAGE LEVEL 10 releases on Black Friday 2021 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/30slNJr  AND other great book stores:  https://books2read.com/u/4A5ewe --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

The small press vs. self-publishing conversation continues!  According to Glenn Rolfe, the best answer may be both. After his original publisher went under, Glenn has been diversifying, publishing with several presses as well as self-publishing.   Keep up with Glen: https://glennrolfehorror.com/  About Your Hosts: SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction. Check out our amazing authors: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Bound-Bo... Get personalized books, horror greeting cards, and coloring books: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BloodBoundB...  Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/collections/lucy-... Video Mentions/Credit Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ Photo by Matthias Zomer from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/@matthiaszomer --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

If you’re an author, then you’re also an entrepreneur, and there’s no time like the present to create a business entity to ensure your future success!   In this episode, we discuss the surprisingly easy steps you can take to protect yourself and reap the maximum benefits. -LLC vs sole proprietor -Creating a business checking account -Investing in your business -Taxes for authors  More on promissory notes: https://www.rockethq.com/learn/person...  About Your Hosts:  SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction. We accomplish this by organizing blood drives, providing classroom sets of age-appropriate dark fiction books to teachers, and donating profits of certain books to children's hospitals.  Check out our books: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Bound-Bo... Lucy Leitner: https://godless.com/products/lucy-lei... Video Mentions/Credit Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

If you're deciding which social network will get you the most exposure as an author, listen to this episode.   Author/small press owner SC Mendes and author Lucy Leitner discuss how your personality should influence your social media strategy.  As a horror author, your social media presence should be where you showcase your brand. There are billions of people on each of the four big networks; your audience is on all of them. Let your skills determine which network you make your primary form of communication.  Facebook: How comfortable are you with being yourself without much editing? Instagram: Do you have the eye to make aesthetically pleasing social images? Twitter: Do you like talking about current affairs? TikTok: How are your skills as a performer?  We've just touched the surface so please comment below with any questions that you'd like answered in future episodes.   About Your Hosts:   SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' Mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction.  Please visit our website to find out how you can help: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/about  His books are available on Amazon and all major bookstores. More on Lucy Leitner Video Mentions/Credit:  Mr. Plow Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gArU-BAO7Kw  Books of Horror: https://www.facebook.com/groups/526308964218819  Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ Mushroom cloud icon by macro  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support

If you're deciding between self-publishing and working with an indie horror press, listen to this episode.    Author/small press owner SC Mendes and author Lucy Leitner discuss what you can expect from each publishing route.    Marketing skills for effective book promotions: What can a small press do that you can't do yourself? How much time should you expect to devote to marketing as an author? Can a small press reputation help sell your book?  Investment: How much money will you need to invest to have a professional self-published product?  Control: How much control do you retain when working with a small press? Why does this matter?    About Your Hosts:   SC Mendes and Blood Bound Books' mission is Spreading Hope Through Dark Fiction.  We accomplish this by organizing blood drives, providing classroom sets of age-appropriate dark fiction books to teachers, and donating profits of certain books to children's hospitals.  Please visit our website to find out how you can help: https://www.bloodgutsandstory.com/about  Our books can also be found on Amazon and all major bookstores Lucy Leitner Video Mentions/Credit  Lori Michelle - Artist Alley: https://www.theauthorsalley.com  Kristopher Triana: https://www.amazon.com/Kristopher-Tri...  Music performed by Shiver: https://m.facebook.com/shiverpgh/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blood-bound-books/support