Authors, are you looking to build a strong foundation as an entrepreneur who is at the helm of marketing your own work? After hearing about all the scams and red flags in our January episode, it’s important to know that there are honest, effective, and affordable ways to promote your book. These proven strategies (and a long directory with links) help you build visibility, connect authentically with readers, and establish long-term credibility.

SHOW NOTES:

Build a Strong Author Platform

Collaborate with other Authors

Work with Reputable Publicists or Marketers

Pursue Authentic Media Coverage

Optimize your Book Metadata

Leverage Paid Ads the Smart Way

Engage Readers Directly

Final Takeaway

SOURCES & LINKS

Qwoted Connects credible experts with authors (podcasts, blogs, PR…)

Haro: Help a Reporter Out Connects journalists to stories/potential interviews

Writer Beware Blog that identifies scams and provides advice

ALLi Watchdog Alliance of Independent Authors, protects from predatory practices and misinformation

SOURCES & LINKS

Links available on our website/ click link below

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

DO NOW: Research some of the links we’ve provided, so you not only know what’s available to you but to curate a list of marketing strategies that meets your specific goals.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we provide brainstorming techniques you can use today to help spark ideas and methods to begin to flesh them out. From character-driven sparks to high-concept “what if” questions, we’ll show you how to move past creative paralysis and into momentum. Whether you’re starting your first novel, searching for your next project, or feeling stuck midway through a draft, this episode will help you unlock creativity with purpose — and walk away with ideas you’re excited to write.

SHOW NOTES:

Idea Generators (lots of them)

Methods of Brainstorming

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.well-storied.com/blog/three-powerful-ways-to-brainstorm-new-story-ideas

DO NOW: Choose an idea generator and combine it with a method. Repeat until you have have a strong premise for your next story.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you

Sue William Silverman is the award-winning author of five books of creative nonfiction, including her latest, Selected Misdemeanors which has been longlisted for the 2026 PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, two craft books on writing, and three poetry collections. Her memoir Love Sick: One Woman's Journey through Sexual Addiction was also made into a Lifetime TV Original Movie. As a professional speaker and writer, Sue has appeared on many nationally syndicated radio and TV programs including The View and Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN; She's the co-chair of the MFA in Writing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

SHOW NOTES:

Selected Misdemeanors

The Butterfly Effect

Writing Process

Teaching writing (craft books & MFA Program, Vermont College of Fine Arts)

Writing poetry

Advice for Writers

Next Steps

Rapid Fire Questions

Sue’s Book Recommendations:

anything by novelist Jean Rhys & The Love by Marguerite Duras

SOURCES & LINKS

https://www.suewilliamsilverman.com

https://www.instagram.com/suewilliamsilverman/ https://www.facebook.com/SueWilliamSilverman https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19942.Sue_William_Silverman

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

If you found value in this content, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE. Thank you