DiscoverThe Publishing Performance Show
The Publishing Performance Show
Claim Ownership

The Publishing Performance Show

Author: Teddy Smith

Subscribed: 1Played: 29
Share

Description

Welcome to The Publishing Performance Show, the quintessential podcast for both budding and veteran self-published authors! Join your host, Teddy, as he sits down with with successful indie authors and top experts in the publishing world, who generously share their unique journeys, creative inspirations, and future aspirations in their writing careers and the wider industry.


Immerse yourself in a trove of valuable insights and actionable advice on writing, essential tools, and practical tips to elevate your self-publishing prowess. Whether you’re just beginning your literary voyage or seeking to refine your craft, this show brims with wisdom and inspiration to help you thrive in the self-publishing realm.


Each episode promises listeners at least one actionable tip for their self-published books and a must-read recommendation from our esteemed guests.


Tune in for an inspiring, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable exploration of the indie author experience!

66 Episodes
Reverse
Martyn Ellington and Steven Stiefel are trans-Atlantic writing partners who blend British and American sensibilities in their collaborative works. Through their production company MESS Productions, they create multi-format content spanning novels, TV scripts, and podcasts, with their international bestseller "Tomorrow's Flight" showcasing their ability to craft compelling cross-cultural narratives. Martyn Ellington is the author of five published novels, including "The End of Everything," "De...
Nicky Billou is a business coach and author who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and authors maximize their impact through podcast guesting. As the author of "Get Booked and Get Paid" and "Finish Line Thinking," he has appeared on over 1,500 podcast episodes and helps clients generate significant revenue through strategic podcast appearances. Coming from an immigrant background, Nicky's passion for entrepreneurship and helping others stems from his father's example of generosity and busin...
Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author who has successfully navigated both fiction and non-fiction publishing. Starting his career with aspirations in filmmaking, he transitioned to comics and eventually found his way to self-publishing. As the co-founder of Writer MBA, he helps authors build sustainable careers through innovative marketing strategies and business approaches. His expertise spans from successful Kickstarter campaigns to building author ecosystems. In this episode: T...
Dr. Nicole Janz is a psychologist and a book coach with over 20 years of experience as a journalist, academic, and writer. After leaving academia four years ago, she transitioned into creative writing and book coaching. She created The Write Habit Planner, a specialized tool designed to help writers maintain consistency and productivity in their writing journey. As both a writer and coach, Nicole combines her extensive experience to help authors overcome procrastination and develop sustainabl...
Louise Harris is the founder and president of LAST Research and Editing, specializing in comprehensive editing services for authors. With over 30 years of experience in editing and journalism, she has edited numerous manuscripts, authored four novels, and ghost-written multiple books including cookbooks and a book on addiction. Her expertise spans both fiction and non-fiction editing, from developmental work to final proofreading. In this episode: Different types of editing explainedThe imp...
Nick Thacker is a bestselling author in multiple genres who turned his hobby into a full-time writing career. Having written 45 books, he now helps other authors transition to full-time writing through his Book Career in a Year program. In this episode: The journey from hobby to full-time writingBuilding a sustainable author careerCreating effective email marketing strategiesDeveloping multiple income streamsSetting realistic author goalsMarketing strategies for new authorsBuilding an autho...
Rebekah Haskell is the owner and lead designer at Vivid Covers, specializing in speculative fiction book covers. With expertise in both illustration and photo manipulation, she helps authors create genre-appropriate covers that connect with their target readers. In this episode: Genre-specific cover design principlesDifferences between traditional and indie publishing coversResearch methods for effective cover designPre-made vs custom cover optionsVisual tropes and genre expectationsWorking...
Sarah Bullen is a multi-published author, writing coach, and literary agent, leading international writing mentorships. She is the author of Write your Book in 100 Days and works with authors as a book coach and agent. Over the last two decades, she has had over 180 books published by writers she has mentored. She has held editorial roles across books, magazines, and literary agencies. Her expertise in writing and publishing provides invaluable guidance to aspiring authors, helping them devel...
Lucy McCarraher is the Founder of Rethink Press, BookMagic AI, the book-writing app, and the Business Book Awards. She also hosts the ABOO – A Book of One's Own – women writers' network. She is the author of 13 books including three novels, four self-help books and six books on writing books. Lucy mentors non-fiction and fiction authors through planning and writing their books and is the UK's most experienced business book mentor. She recently won a Stevie Award for Women Helping Women in Bus...
Ellen Erikson is a publisher of over 30 books, combining self-authored works and public domain publications. Her expertise lies in identifying, updating, and successfully marketing classic works for modern audiences. In this episode: Understanding public domain books and copyright lawsGuidelines for publishing on Amazon KDPStrategies for standing out in the marketFinding and selecting profitable titlesFormatting and production considerationsMarketing and advertising approachesCommon pitfall...
Tom Wilde is the Head of Partnerships at ProWritingAid, a comprehensive toolkit for storytellers that helps authors improve their writing through advanced analysis and AI-powered features. With a background in English teaching, he brings deep insight into how writers can elevate their craft through technology. In this episode: Evolution of ProWritingAid from grammar checker to complete writing toolkitUnderstanding passive vs active voiceKey reports and features for writersAI-powered tools f...
Audrey Hughey is a planner and workbook creator, and a multi-genre fiction author. She uses her B.A. in English and M.A. in Ancient and Classical History to research and craft riveting horror and thriller stories brimming with cultural nuance and rich with lore. She lives in the hills of Appalachia with her family and sweet-but-bossy felines. In this episode: The importance of holistic life planning for authorsBreaking down yearly writing goalsCreating effective daily routinesManaging produ...
Evan Gow is the founder of StoryOrigin, a platform designed to help authors grow their readership through newsletter marketing, review management, and cross-promotions. With a background in tech entrepreneurship and creative writing, he created StoryOrigin to streamline the essential tools authors need for success. In this episode: Benefits of author newslettersCreating effective reader magnetsNewsletter content strategiesCross-promotion techniquesBuilding subscriber listsNewsletter monetiz...
Oriana Leckert is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps creators bring a marvelous array of literary projects to life. She's written and edited for Vice, MTV News, Slate, Hyperallergic, Gothamist, Atlas Obscura, and many more. Her first book, Brooklyn Spaces: 50 Hubs of Culture and Creativity (Monacelli, 2015), grew out of a multi-year project chronicling the rise and fall of under-the-radar creative places across New York City. In this episode: Understanding Kickstarter's ...
Hey everyone! What a wild ride 2024 has been. From welcoming a new baby (and realizing two kids is WAY more than double the work) to watching this show grow beyond my wildest dreams, I want to share the highs, lows, and everything in between of this incredible year. In this episode, I'm diving into: Life as a publishing dad The amazing guests who've joined us - from Susie Quinn to Kevin J AndersonMy Vegas adventure at Author Nation (what happens in Vegas... gets recorded!)Growing my ow...
Michele DeFilippo is the owner of 1106 Design, providing comprehensive book publishing services for indie authors since 2001. With over 52 years in the publishing industry, she brings extensive expertise in book design, typesetting, and project management. In this episode: Journey from Crown Publishers to founding 1106 DesignEvolution of book formatting from manual typesetting to digitalCommon mistakes authors make in self-publishingImportance of professional book design and formattingWorki...
Cathy Lewis is president of CS Lewis Publicity, a boutique PR firm specializing in non-fiction authors. With over 26 years of experience, she helps authors build their platforms through strategic media outreach. In this episode: Evolution from publishing to boutique publicityEssential author platform elementsMedia outreach strategiesSocial media tactics for authorsImportance of core messagingChanges in book marketing landscapeLocal bookstore resurgence Resources mentioned: Website essentia...
Dakota Krout is a successful LitRPG author and founder of Mountandale Press, specializing in LitRPG, GameLit, and cultivation fiction. With a background in computer science and military communications, he brings systematic thinking to his writing and publishing ventures. In this episode: Explanation of LitRPG and GameLit genresBuilding systematic magic and progression systemsProcess of founding and running Mountandale PressPublishing success metrics and author requirementsMarketing strategi...
Gillian Harvey is a successful author of women's fiction with nine published books, including the bestselling "The Year in the French Farmhouse" and "The Bordeaux Book Club." Living in France for many years before recently returning to the UK, she brings authentic French culture and experiences to her novels. Her latest book "The Little Provence Bookshop" combines elements of mystery, humor, and magical realism in a French setting. In this episode: Journey from teaching to full-time writingEx...
Roni Robbins, an award-winning journalist and author, shares her journey of transforming her grandfather's recorded memories into the award-winning book "Hands of Gold." With a background in journalism spanning publications like the Atlanta Journal Constitution and WebMD, she brings professional storytelling expertise to her family's Holocaust survival story. In this episode: Journey from journalism to authorshipConverting oral history to narrativeResearch and verification processTraditiona...
Eirinaios Theodorou is the founder and CEO of Publisher Champ, the leading all-in-one analytics platform used by over 16,000 authors. What started as a solution for his brother-in-law's book tracking needs has grown into a comprehensive platform that automatically pulls together royalties and spending data from multiple platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Draft2Digital, providing authors with detailed analytics for their publishing business. In this episode: Origins of Publi...
Dawn Greenfield Ireland is an award-winning author of 20 novels, including five series spanning cozy mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, billionaire shapeshifters, and dystopian genres. With certificates from UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting and ScreenwritingU, she has written 15 screenplays (two optioned) and seven award-winning nonfiction books. A former technical writer turned full-time author and publisher, Dawn now runs Artistic Origins publishing services while continuing to write acro...
Nick Courtright, CEO and founder of Atmosphere Press, brings his background as a PhD in literature and published author to hybrid publishing. Through Atmosphere Press, he has developed a transparent, author-focused approach that combines the best elements of traditional and self-publishing. In this episode: Evolution of hybrid publishing modelsManuscript selection processEditorial and design servicesMarketing and publicity supportAuthor collaboration approachBuilding successful publishing p...
Halima Khatun, a former journalist with prestigious experience at ITV and BBC, has successfully transitioned from media to becoming an accomplished author and PR consultant. With her background in media and communications, she's mastered both storytelling and book marketing, particularly through strategic PR and media outreach. In this episode: Journey from journalism to authorPR strategies for self-published authorsMedia outreach techniquesBuilding relationships with librariesSel...
Shelby Leigh is a mental health poetry author who has built a significant social media presence, with over 103,000 Instagram followers and viral TikTok success. Her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing demonstrates the power of social media marketing for book sales. In this episode: Mental health poetry publishing successTikTok marketing strategiesContent creation best practicesSocial media platform buildingConverting views to salesBook marketing analytics Resources menti...
Jami Albright is a born and raised Texas girl and the multiple award-winning author of the "Brides on the Run" and "Small-Town Royalty" series—both known for being sexy, swoony, and laugh-out-loud funny. Beginning her writing journey at 47, Jami brings her background in stand-up comedy and natural storyteller's voice to her romance novels. When she's not writing, she's a wife, mother, and actress/comedian who loves all things Outlander, puppies, and can be found watching her beloved Houston T...
Brownell Landrum is a multi-genre author who transitioned from business writing to fiction and screenwriting. Drawing from her experience in marketing and storytelling, she creates novels structured for potential TV/film adaptation, with a special focus on reincarnation themes that bridge multiple lifetimes and genres. In this episode: Journey from nonfiction to fiction writingStructuring novels for TV/film adaptationBuilding engaged Facebook communitiesUsing lead magnets and book funnelsBa...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Rossana Corniel and Virginie Carmichael from Book Sprout share insights into their review platform and first conference experience at Author Nation. As both business leaders and writers themselves, they discuss the importance of authentic reader reviews and building social proof. In this episode: Book Sprout's digital review platformBuilding authentic reader communitiesConference networking insightsAI adoption in publishingRomance gen...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Liam Gray from Book Report shares insights into the company's analytics platform and his first major conference experience. As founder of Book Report, Liam discusses how authors can effectively track their sales data across multiple platforms and make data-driven decisions for their publishing business. In this episode: Book Report's browser extension functionalityTop use cases for sales trackingWide publishing analyticsConference net...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Phil Marshall and Andrew Wallner, co-founders of Spoken, introduce their revolutionary platform combining AI narration with a unique streaming and monetization model. Launched just three months ago, Spoken helps writers create, publish, and monetize audio content with an innovative subscription-based revenue model that directly rewards creators based on listening time. In this episode: Understanding Spoken's dual-purpose platformAI na...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Monique Nelson is the Educational Content Creator at Atticus, a comprehensive book writing and formatting software designed to be an author's best friend. With three years of Author Nation experience, she helps writers transform their manuscripts into professionally formatted books across multiple formats. In this episode: Understanding Atticus formatting capabilitiesLive demos and hands-on trainingProfessional formatting without outso...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Michael Stewart leads the community at SudoWrite, an AI-powered writing platform helping authors streamline their creative process. With a team distributed across the US and a community of over 10,000 authors, SudoWrite combines traditional writing tools with AI capabilities to help writers manage their stories, particularly series work. In this episode: Understanding SudoWrite's AI writing assistanceHow StoryBible helps track charact...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] ​​Marnye Young is the founder of Audio Sorceress, a comprehensive audiobook production company. With an MFA from Yale and extensive narration experience, she leads a team delivering full-service audiobook production including custom trailers, marketing support, and advanced listening copy teams. In this episode: Audiobook production essentialsMarketing strategies for audiobooksBuilding advance review teamsThe growing audiobook marketV...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] D.F. Hart is a crime fiction author and the founder of 2 of Harts, a specialized bookkeeping service for authors. With expertise in both writing and financial management, she helps authors transform their writing passion into sustainable businesses through proper financial tracking and analysis. In this episode: Understanding the business side of author lifeHow to calculate true ROI on advertisingTips for tracking book sales and forma...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Tony Lee is a versatile author with 34 years of professional writing experience across various mediums including comics, TV, film, and journalism. Recently pivoting to novels with his Jack Gatlin series, Tony has transformed his extensive storytelling background into remarkable success in indie publishing, now earning more monthly than his previous yearly income. In this episode: From comic writer to novelist: Tony's journeyScene writ...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Oriana Leckert is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she serves as a literary industry expert, crowdfunding consultant, and champion for creators. With over $300 million pledged to publishing projects on Kickstarter, Oriana helps authors navigate the platform's potential for building communities and creating unique literary experiences. In this episode: Understanding Kickstarter's role in publishing projectsEssential steps f...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Megan Haskell is the co-founder of AuthorTrack, an innovative software solution revolutionizing how authors manage their metadata across multiple publishing platforms. With hands-on experience in direct publishing to major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo, Megan combines practical author experience with technical expertise to help writers maximize their books' visibility across all platforms. In th...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Willow Winters, a successful indie author and entrepreneur, shares insights into creating multiple revenue streams in self-publishing. Speaking from Author Nation 2024, she discusses how authors can build stability through diverse income sources, from direct sales to Kickstarter campaigns. Along with her husband Sean, who handles the business operations, Winter has created a unique publishing model that includes specialty editions and d...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Nicolette Terry, a rising star in the romance genre, shares her journey from military spouse to published author. With relatable characters and passion projects that tackle tough topics, Nicolette's books have captured the hearts of readers. She discusses her writing process, the importance of mentorship, and the value of attending events like Author Nation. In this episode: Nicolette's experience at Author Nation and the benefits of ...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Melissa Torres, a bestselling middle-grade author, shares her expertise on marketing books for the 8-12 age group. With insights on crafting irresistible covers, appealing to both parents and kids, and leveraging direct sales and bundles, Melissa provides a comprehensive guide to success in the middle-grade market. In this episode: Defining the middle-grade age range and its subgroupsThe importance of paperback books in the middle-gra...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Julie Broad, a Las Vegas-based author and founder of Book Launchers, shares her expertise on leveraging nonfiction books for business growth. With strategies for effective book giveaways, repurposing content, and transforming expertise into powerful books, Julie provides valuable insights for speakers, consultants, and entrepreneurs looking to maximize their book's impact. In this episode: Strategies for effective book giveaways to gr...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Alex Smith, Technical Lead at Book Vault, shares insights on how the platform empowers indie authors to create high-quality, premium books through special editions and print-on-demand services. With unique customization options, direct sales capabilities, and a focus on maximizing author revenue, Book Vault is revolutionizing the indie publishing landscape. In this episode: Book Vault's print-on-demand and direct sales servicesUnique ...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Taylor Shelton, Product Marketer and Product Manager at Ingram iD, shares insights on how the platform simplifies digital book marketing for authors. As a subsidiary of Ingram Content Group, Ingram iD leverages a vast database of consumer readers to help authors effectively target their desired audiences through Facebook, Instagram, Google Display, and Google Search advertising. In this episode: Ingram iD's role in simplifying digital...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Paige Allen, Director, and Deon McAdoo, Key Account Sales Manager at IngramSpark, share insights on the self-publishing process, the importance of metadata, and the benefits of IngramSpark's print-on-demand and distribution services. With a focus on empowering independent authors and providing resources to help them succeed, IngramSpark offers a comprehensive approach to self-publishing. In this episode: IngramSpark's role in supporti...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Carissa Andrews, founder of Author Revolution and an expert in manifestation techniques for authors, shares insights on aligning the subconscious mind, energy, and actions to achieve writing and publishing success. With a background in quantum physics and a practical approach to manifestation, Andrews provides strategies for authors to overcome limiting beliefs, harness the power of their minds, and create thriving careers. In this episo...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Jeffery H. Haskell, the bestselling author of the military sci-fi series "Grimms of War," shares his experiences as a writer, the importance of writing conferences, and the shift in the publishing landscape for science fiction and fantasy authors. Haskell discusses his journey from an aspiring writer to a successful author, and how conferences like Author Nation have helped him along the way. In this episode: The value of writing confe...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] JD Barker, a New York Times bestselling thriller and horror author, shares insights on his writing career, the publishing industry, and effective marketing strategies. With a dozen books and numerous TV and movie adaptations in the works, Barker discusses his collaborations with James Patterson and his approach to crafting gripping, suspenseful stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. In this episode: Balancing thriller an...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Cameron Sutter, a sci-fi/fantasy author and the inventor of Plottr – the popular visual story planning software – shares insights on visual story planning and organization for fiction authors. Speaking from Author Nation 2024, he discusses how Plottr helps writers see the threads of their story, organize details into a series bible, and use templates to hit key story beats. His software background and experience as an author provide a un...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024 - LAS VEGAS] Celeste Barclay, a bestselling historical romance author and former educator, shares her expertise on understanding the consumer journey in publishing. Speaking from Author Nation 2024, she discusses how authors can build lasting relationships with readers through strategic marketing and branding. Her unique background in political management and education brings a fresh perspective to author marketing strategies. In this episode: Unde...
[RECORDED LIVE AT AUTHOR NATION 2024] Alessandra Torre and JD Lasica, co-founders of Authors A.I., discuss how artificial intelligence, through their tool Marlowe, enhances the writing process. Speaking at Author Nation 2024, they highlight how AI can improve manuscripts via data-driven analysis, combining technology with creative writing. Alessandra Torre, a New York Times bestselling author, excels in both traditional and self-publishing. She has built multiple author-focused businesses and...
loading
We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.