Where publishing, ecommerce, and marketing collide. Brought to you by Lulu.com.
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Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview self-published authors about how they found success as well as lessons they've learned. Because being an indie author is about being innovative and creative and learning from your mistakes.
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The Level Up Creators podcast is for digital creators ready to take their business to the next level. You'll learn valuable strategies and hear engaging stories from industry pros and digital creators who have walked the path of scaling up. Whether you're tired of tap dancing for the algorithm or seeking to build real wealth - without the burnout - this podcast offers proven methods and practical advice to help you elevate your business, on your terms. Join us!
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Kathryn McGarvey; If this was your business, what would you do differently?
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In this conversation, Amanda Northcutt interviews Catherine McGarvey, a marketing expert with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the importance of talking to customers and using their insights in marketing. Catherine explains that understanding customers helps businesses grow and sell more effectively. She emphasizes the limitations of surve…
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Pain Point Solutions for Your Ecommerce Store
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In this episode, Lauren & Matt tackle some common pain points entrepreneurs and ecommerce store owners struggle with. We’ll talk through solutions and tips for collecting sales tax, setting up shipping and managing shipping issues, and providing proactive customer service for your shoppers. Dive Deeper 💡 Sales Tax Lulu Knowledge Base | How Do I Con…
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Writing Hacks with Author and Developmental Editor Barbara Emodi
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Episode 233 / Ever wished you had some writing hacks to make your drafting and editing go more smoothly? (And who hasn’t?) Then this episode with cozy author Barbara Emodi is for you! Barbara is a developmental editor for emerging writers and has great insights. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast and get access to the backlist of exclusive suppo…
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From Manuscript to Market: 5+ Tools to Help You Draft, Publish, and Sell Your Book
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Self-publishing might be a DIY publishing model, but there are plenty of tools and resources to help you get your book from manuscript to market. In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss a debatable number of tools to help you draft, edit, format, design, market, and ship your book. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn More About Fictionary Vellum Atticus Bublish Lul…
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Jessie Kwak on Finding Joy in Your Writing Process and Cross-Genre Marketing Tips
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Episode 232 / Jessie Kwak writes supernatural thrillers and sci-fi crime as well as nonfiction productivity books including, From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book. Topics: Trusting your own process, reassessing expectations, and enjoying the writing process How Jessie blends sci-fi and crime genres and found her second series easier to…
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How to Get Your Book Into Indie Bookstores
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In this episode, Lauren & Matt review strategies for getting your self-published book into indie bookstores, including participating in consignment programs, pitching yourself for author events, and making your book available through retail distribution. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts Selling Your Book on Consignment With Indie Bookstores 5 Vi…
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Publishing Options with Nick Courtright of Atmosphere Press
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Episode 231 / Dr. Nick Courtright of Atmosphere Press, a literary hybrid publisher dedicated to author rights, joins us to discuss different publishing options, letting go of the mindset that you must have an agent, and the importance of a personal brand. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episo…
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🔒 Supporter Episode: Enemies to Lovers Trope 🔪→♥️
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Subscriber-only episode In this supporter-exclusive chat, we broke down the Enemies to Lovers trope–and it’s not just for romance novels! From Pride and Prejudice to You've Got Mail, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how friction and chemistry can turn rivalry into romance. Why readers love this trope The need to maintain the core c…
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The Indie Author’s Guide to Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
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In this episode, Matt and Lauren take listeners on a journey through self-publishing and traditional publishing. We’ll look at where those paths overlap, where they diverge, and what to expect on your publishing adventure. Dive Deeper 💡 Jane Friedman’s The Key Book Publishing Paths 💡 Listen to These Episodes: Episode #2 → Is Self-Publishing the Bes…
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Finding your Community and Navigating Dyslexia with A.B. Herron
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Episode 230 / A.B. Herron blends elements of fantasy and romance in her fiction. She shares about balancing a full-time job while diving headfirst into the world of writing, the joy of connecting with readers at book fairs, and the critical role a supportive community plays in overcoming challenges, especially for authors with dyslexia. 💙 🎙 Become …
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Creator Interviews: Yasin Mammeri; Know thyself, I think is like a huge lesson for business and for life.
1:08:53
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Yasin Mamary, a successful content creator and entrepreneur, shares his journey from musician to homeless to building a thriving creator business. He emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and finding an environment where strengths are maximized and weaknesses are minimized. Yasin discusses the challenges of monetization, including the …
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Designing the Right Go-to-Market Strategy for Your Book
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In this episode, Lauren & Matt dive into what makes a successful go-to-market strategy for your book. Learn how to pick the right launch date and products, choose the best sales and distribution platforms, and craft effective pre-launch and post-launch sales strategies. Have a question about self-publishing, selling direct, Lulu, or any of the weir…
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🎭 Relationship Arcs with September C. Fawkes
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Episode 229 / Learn about the four basic types of relationship arcs from freelance developmental editor and writing writing instructor, September C. Fawkes. Discover how mapping arcs can define the direction and evolution of your characters' relationships and create a dynamic, zigzag narrative. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to t…
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Hooking New Readers With a Compelling Book Description
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In this episode, Lauren attempts to convince Matt (and the listeners) of the power of a well-written book description. Listen in to learn how to craft a compelling book description that will help you hook new readers. Have a question about self-publishing, selling direct, Lulu, or any of the weird tangents Matt & Lauren like to meander through? Ema…
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🎧 Kemper Donovan on Building An Audience Through Podcasting
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Episode 228 / Kemper Donovan is the host of the All About Agatha podcast and author of The Busy Body, a USA Today bestseller on launch earlier this year. Kemper shares tips for querying and how podcasting about Agatha Christie helped him connect with mystery authors and also provided a built-in audience for his book. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the p…
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Creator Interviews: Sam Vander Wielen; Be interested in things to be interesting
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In this episode, Amanda interviews Sam VanderWielen, an attorney turned entrepreneur and legal educator, about legally protecting and growing businesses. Sam shares her journey from being a corporate lawyer to starting her own legal templates business. She emphasizes the importance of setting up legal paperwork correctly from the beginning and high…
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Books You Can Create Using Your Existing Content
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In this episode, Lauren & Matt share ideas for repurposing your existing content. Hint: it's by turning that content into a book. We share ideas for both nonfiction and fiction book projects, including options that require little to no new writing. Have a question about self-publishing, selling direct, Lulu, or any of the weird tangents Matt & Laur…
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🌦️Writing with ADHD and Surviving Life’s Storms with Liz Long
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Episode 227 / Liz Long shares her journey of embracing her own uniqueness, particularly in relation to ADHD and finding peace and growth after personal loss. Quick note: the language in this episode isn’t as family-friendly as our usual G/PG episodes, so just be aware of that. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exc…
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5 Things to Know Before You Start Publishing
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In this episode, Matt & Lauren review five things you’ll need to know before you start on your publishing journey! We share insights about knowing your content, knowing your goals, knowing your limits, knowing your audience, and knowing your publisher. Also featuring a meandering detour into graphic novels and an ongoing discussion about crying (no…
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📶 Using Excel to Write a Book with Paul Indigo
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Episode 226 / Author, musician, and marketer, Paul Indigo shares insights on seeking validation, embracing our voice, and the unconventional use of an Excel spreadsheet for writing and marketing. If you’ve tried all the writing software and haven’t found one that works for you, perhaps your answer is a spreadsheet! 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the pod…
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Creator Interviews: Matt Briel; A book is one of the best lead magnets on the planet
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Amanda and Matt discuss the importance of publishing a book for creators and thought leaders. They debunk the myth that self-publishing is less legitimate than traditional publishing and highlight the benefits of self-publishing, such as ownership and flexibility. They also explore how a book can help creators expand their reach, establish authorit…
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Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online Bookstore
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In this episode Lauren & Matt talk through the 7 essential steps to building your own online bookstore. From choosing the right platform to launching your site, we’ll cover everything you need to know to sell your self-published books directly to your readers. Dive Deeper 💡 Step 1: Shopify Learn More About Selling Your Book With Shopify and Lulu Di…
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✨ Magan Vernon on Navigating Self-Doubt, Criticism, and Creative Renewal
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Episode 225 / Megan Vernon, author of over 40 romance novels, joins us to talk about starting over after a difficult experience of being publicly criticized. We talk about the need to give ourselves grace and the importance of a supportive community for navigating the ups and downs of a writing career. Megan shares about her creation of the Mojo Do…
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Finding Your Place in Author & Reader Communities
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In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate the distinctions between author and reader communities, discuss the value of participating in either, and share some suggestions for how to bridge the gap between them. Dive Deeper 💡 Check Out These Online Communities Enter the Luluniverse Meet the Nonfiction Authors Association Learn More About Novelists, Inc.…
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Episode 224 / Kate Johnson is the co-founder of Zory, an interactive reading app that merges the depth found in fiction with the choose-your-path-style plotlines of narrative video games. Kate shares details about Zory and craft tips about GMC as well as the All Is Lost moment. Plus we talk about trends in genre blending, and what Kate sees coming …
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S1:EP26 Creator Interviews: Loni Brown; Society is failing mothers right now
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Loni Brown, founder and CEO of Wholesome Nest, helps modern career-oriented moms reduce overwhelm in motherhood by detoxing and decluttering their lives using simple systems and habits. She is passionate about guilt-free motherhood and believes that moms can pursue their goals and interests while being good mothers. Loni's 5D method includes discov…
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3 Steps to Prep for an Author Event (and What to Do When You’re There)
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In this episode, Lauren & Matt share their insights from attending dozens of author events to set you up for success. Hear tips for preparing sales strategies and inventory, promoting the event to your fans, and maximizing your presence at the event. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn More About These Events CEX Author Nation NINC 💡 Read These Blog Posts How to P…
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🩻 Steffanie Holmes on Skeleton Drafting, Rebanding, and Kickstarter
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Episode 223 / Do you like to discover the plot as you write? Do you get bored if you know where the story is going? Then a skeleton draft might be what you need. Paranormal and gothic romance author Steffanie Holmes joins us to talk about how discovery writers can use a skeleton draft to get their ideas down on paper and avoid writer’s block. We al…
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🔒 Supporter Episode: 🔎 Incorporating Mystery Elements into Your Writing
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Subscriber-only episode Ever wondered how to add a twist of mystery to your narrative? Find out exactly what mystery elements are, how to sprinkle them into your narrative, and why they keep readers turning the pages. Whether you're writing romance, sci-fi, or fantasy, a mystery can add layers of intrigue and depth to your story. I'll be sharing so…
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In the Studio with Author Nation’s Joe Solari
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In this episode, Lauren is joined by Joe Solari, Managing Director of Author Nation, for our first-ever Publish & Prosper interview! Get excited for the Author Nation event coming to Las Vegas this November, take an inside look at CEX 2024, and hear Joe’s thoughts on the future of indie publishing. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn more about Author Nation 💡 Lis…
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🧚♂️ Writing Middle Grade Books with Jessica Renwick
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Episode 222 / Jessica Renwich, who writes fantasy and horror for kids ages 9-12, joined us to share her experience as an indie middle grade author. She has terrific insights on approaching schools for author visits and the impact of creating whimsical and fun content to appeal to young readers. In addition to discussing how marketing middle grade b…
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S1:E25 Creator Interviews: Xayli Barclay; Your message is more important than your fear
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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of camera confidence with XayLi Barclay, a renowned Camera Confidence Coach. XayLi shares her inspiring journey and expert insights on overcoming the fear of being on camera. We explore the psychological barriers like imposter syndrome and self-doubt that often hold us back, and the mindset shifts requir…
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Episode 221 / Looking to grow a community around your books? Romance author Amy Pine shares how she and her co-hosts created a podcast and built a vibrant community around Korean dramas. We also dive into craft book recommendations, beat sheets, and combining tropes in unexpected ways. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give yo…
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Determining the Right Retail Price for Your Book
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There’s a fine line to balance when you’re setting the retail price for your book! Too high, and you might discourage potential new readers. Too low, and readers might question the value of your content - or worse, you wind up losing money on every sale. In this episode Matt & Lauren discuss how to determine the optimal list price for your book and…
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Do Book Reviews Help You Sell More Books?
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As authors, writers, and creative types, it’s easy to get caught up in the perceived importance of customer reviews. But do those reviews actually help you sell more books? In this episode, Lauren & Matt debate the value of book reviews for increasing your sales, boosting your book’s discoverability, and providing social proof for new readers. Dive…
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Episode 220 / KimBoo York joins us to share how to embrace flexibility and spontaneity in your writing process through discovery writing. Whether you thrive on outlining or prefer a more free-flowing approach, there are different techniques to suit your writing style. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a …
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S1:EP24 Creator Interviews: Lenka Šilhánová
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Lenka Šilhánová, an actor, writer, and content marketer, shares her journey as a creator and her experience with burnout. She accidentally became a creator when her blog documenting her journey to become an actress gained traction and led to opportunities to write and teach actors about social media. Lenka experienced burnout gradually over time, n…
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Author Branding 101: Building a Brand Beyond Your Books
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In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore author brands. Listen now to discover the power of your author identity, why it is so important, and how to create and maintain a brand for your long-term marketing and sales success. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts What Is an Author Brand and Why Does It Matter? Complete Book Marketing Plan for Creators a…
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Martha Carr on Embracing Change and Starting Over
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Episode 219 / Martha Carr is a journalist who now writes escapist fiction in the urban fantasy genre with a lot of magic, some action and adventure, and a little romance. Martha shares about beating health challenges, changing her business model, and dealing with the ups and downs of publishing. We also talk about leaving regret behind, her Kicksta…
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How to Turn Your Casual Fans into Super Fans
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Super fans! We know them, we love them, we want them for our own. But how do you turn your casual fans into loyal, dedicated super fans? In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss strategies like diversifying your products, demonstrating the value of your content, and creating a community for your fans. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts 5 Ways You Ca…
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Julie Duffy on Writing Short Stories and Flash Fiction
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Episode 218 / Julie Duffy has long been involved in the publishing industry, but she found herself not actually writing fiction due to the demands of school and work. This realization led her to challenge herself with a "story a day" project in order to get back to writing and creating fictional stories. Julia joins us to talk about A Story A Day i…
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In this episode, we interview Mark Stiving, a pricing strategist, on how to properly price products and services in the creator economy. They discuss the importance of value-based pricing and the different pricing models that can be applied to digital products. They also explore how to determine the value that a membership community provides and th…
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Celeste Barclay: Binge Writing and the Power of Universal Themes in Pulling Readers to New Genres
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Episode 217 / Writing under two pen names, Celeste Barclay has penned over 50 books in historical and mafia romance. She shares insights on the writing process, the challenges of juggling multiple book brands, the importance of flexibility, and why universal themes resonate across genres. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give…
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How to Survive (and Thrive) at Conferences and Events
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In this episode, Matt & Lauren share their favorite survival tips for attending author and creator conferences! From packing essential supplies to putting your health first, hear our team’s must-haves and must-dos for anyone trying to maximize their time at a conference. Dive Deeper 💡 Read more about Why Creator Events Are a Must for Creators & Ent…
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Using Customer Data to Grow Your Business
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In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss the most valuable tool in any creator’s arsenal: customer data. Whether you’re tracking book sales and behavioral data, collecting customer information through direct sales, or reviewing your key social media and email marketing metrics, understanding your customer data is essential for long-term brand success…
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Abigail Keam: Writing Historical Mystery, Payhip Direct Sales, and Merchandise for Readers
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Episode 216 / Mystery author Abigail Keam shares how she embraced the digital landscape and incorporated direct sales into her business model. From historical accuracy to adapting to technology, she shares her lessons-learned. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwrit…
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Michelle Dew, founder of Cultivate Your Space, shares her unique path to finding her passion in interior design after experiencing trauma. She emphasizes the importance of intentional and meaningful physical spaces in our lives. Michelle started her business by offering free and low-cost services to gain experience and build a portfolio. She also h…
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1
Cover to Cover: Getting Your Book Design Right
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In this episode, Lauren & Matt take a look at best practices for book design. We’ll review key design elements that often get overlooked on book covers, what to include inside your book, and whether or not we think it’s worth the cost to pay for book cover and interior design. Dive Deeper 💡 Download Lulu’s Free Guides & Templates 💡 Check Out the Pr…
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💸 How to Save and When to Splurge in your Author Business
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Episode 215 / When it comes to your author business, a bargain sometimes costs money in the long run, but other times it pays to splurge instead of scrimp. Join us as we discuss tips for saving money as well as when we’re willing to pay more. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wi…
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1
Do You Need to Hire Professional Editors for Your Book?
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In this episode Matt & Lauren take a look at the different types of editing your manuscript might need, debate which ones they think are most valuable, and share a few of their tips for making sure your book editing is done right. Dive Deeper 💡 Find Freelance Editors and Hybrid Publishers on Lulu’s Hire A Pro Page 💡 Browse Fiverr for Freelance Edit…
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