If you're an author who watched the BookTok wave from the sidelines — this episode is for you.

I'm talking about what I missed, why I missed it, and whether it's too late to build a readership on TikTok in 2026. Spoiler: it's not. But the strategy has changed.

We cover:

• The real BookTok numbers — 59 million books sold in the U.S. in 2024 alone

• Why TikTok's fastest-growing demographic is women aged 25–50 (your readers are already there)

• An honest platform breakdown: TikTok vs Instagram vs Threads — where romance readers actually are right now

• Why your social following is borrowed land, and your email list is the only audience you truly own

• The mindset shift that changes how you think about every post you'll ever make

Whether you're a debut author or have been publishing for years — this episode will help you figure out where to show up, why, and what you're actually building toward.

What if your book cover isn’t just a marketing tool—but one of the most powerful storytelling elements you have?

In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by cover designer Holly Dunn for a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into creating a cover that sells your story.

And here’s what makes Holly different: she actually reads the entire manuscript before she designs. (Yes—really.) Which means her covers aren’t just beautiful… they’re deeply aligned with the tone, emotion, and promise of the book itself.

We dive into her creative process, how she translates story into visual language, and what she’s looking for as she reads a manuscript. We also talk about the rise of AI in design—what it means for authors, where it can help, and where human creativity still matters most.

And of course, we explore the truth behind the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”… and why readers absolutely do.

If you’re an author who wants your book to stand out, connect with the right audience, and truly reflect the story you’ve written, this episode is a must-listen.

✨ In this episode, we cover:

• Why reading the book changes everything in cover design

• How to visually communicate tone, genre, and emotional promise

• The role of AI in publishing and creative work

• What makes a cover actually sell a book

• How to think about your cover as part of your storytelling

Find Holly online at: https://www.hollydunndesign.com/

Some launches go exactly to plan. This one didn't — and I'm telling you everything.

Heartbeat Song released on the 12th of April 2026, and in the lead-up to launch day, Amazon cancelled all of my preorders. Before I could even speak to a real person at KDP, I had to fight through a wall of AI bots — frustrating, time-consuming, and genuinely stressful when your launch window is closing in real time.But here's the thing. My book was also live on Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play — and those platforms delivered. Being wide didn't just make business sense in theory. It literally cushioned my launch.

In this episode I'm sharing the full story: what went wrong, what I didn't do, and exactly how I'm building the runway differently for Our Song later this year.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- Why preorders are about so much more than sales — and what losing them actually costs you

- Why selling wide across multiple platforms is non-negotiable

- The honest list of launch strategies I skipped — ARCs, street team, BookTok, Meta ads, email sequences

- How to build an ARC team that generates reviews before launch day

- Why your Shopify store (or direct sales channel) should lead your strategy, not follow it

- What a proper email launch countdown sequence looks like

- How to shift from creation mode to launch mode — before you finish the last chapter

Links mentioned:Grab Songbird and Heartbeat Song from my website: https://serenadepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/songbird

The Author CEO: https://www.serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

If this episode resonated, please leave a review or share it with a writer friend. It genuinely helps this show reach more people.

Have you ever thought about building a business in the book world… without actually writing a book?

In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by Shara—the creative force behind Aura and Alchemy, a beautifully unique, book-inspired perfume brand that captures the magic of stories in scent form.

What I love most about this conversation is how it expands what’s possible for you as a creative. Because being part of the writing and publishing world doesn’t have to mean becoming an author—it can look like building something entirely your own, rooted in your love of books.

Inside this episode, we talk about:

• How Shara came up with her incredibly clever bookish business idea

• What it really takes to turn a creative concept into a product-based brand

• The different ways you can be part of the book industry beyond writing

• Why thinking outside the box might be exactly what your creative journey needs
  

Whether you’re a writer, an aspiring author, or someone who simply loves books and wants to turn that passion into something more—this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities.

After 10 novels and building Serenade Publishing from the ground up, I'm getting honest about what actually shaped my author career -- the things I got right, the one thing I couldn't find, and why that gap is the reason the Author CEO Mentorship exists.

What we cover:

• Why writing for yourself isn't the same as knowing your reader -- and how to make the shift

• How to make publishing decisions deliberately instead of by default

• Why your newsletter is the most powerful thing you own as an author

• The real limit of learning from podcasts alone -- and what only a thinking partner can give you

• What I'd do exactly the same, and why belief in the work is what holds everything together

If something's been missing in how you're building your author career, this episode will help you name it.

Apply for the Author CEO Private Mentorship: serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

In 2017, I published my first novel with no traditional deal, no connections, and no backup plan—just a decision to stop waiting.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from writing during daycare hours as a mum of four to becoming a bestselling author and building my own publishing company from the ground up.

This is the real story—what it actually takes to create a sustainable author career, protect your work, and step into the role of Author CEO.

I also share a powerful moment from my recent Queenstown writing retreat that might just shift the way you see your own path forward.

In this episode, I cover:

⭐ Why I chose indie publishing—and what it gave me in terms of control, profit, and ownership

⭐ The mindset shift that changed everything in my career

⭐ Why your book not taking off isn’t about talent—it’s about strategy

⭐ How one book can become multiple income streams over time

If you’re a fiction writer who’s ready to stop waiting and start building something real, this episode is for you.

Nobody is coming to save you.

But you don’t need saving—you need a strategy.

🎓 Ready to build your author career with intention and support? Learn more about The Author CEO Private Mentorship at:

www.serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

What if writing your story could help heal you?

In this inspiring conversation, romance author Lee Savino shares how creativity, courage, and community shape the writing journey. We talk about overcoming fear, claiming your identity as a writer, and why giving yourself permission to be wildly creative can change everything.

Lee also explores the powerful role romance plays in storytelling and emotional healing—for both writers and readers. As she says, “The romance is doing the work.” Through love, connection, and vulnerability, stories can become a space for transformation.

If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, creativity, or believing in your voice, this episode will remind you why your stories matter.

In this episode:

• Overcoming fear and embracing your creative voice

• The healing power of storytelling

• Claiming your identity as a writer

• Why community is essential for authors
  

“Choose love over fear every time.”

— — — — — — — — — —

✍️ Writers: Want help building a real writing career?Join my free weekly email for tips on writing, publishing, and growing your readership.→ https://www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —👋 About This ChannelHi, I’m Sarah Williams. I help writers turn their books into sustainable careers.Here we talk about:• writing and finishing books• publishing and the book industry• author marketing• building a long-term writing careerWhether you're writing your first book or already publishing, you're welcome here.— — — — — — — — — —🚀 Ready to go deeper?✦ The Author CEO – for writers ready to treat their books like a real business ✦ Author Retreats – immersive strategy and writing retreatsLearn more:https://www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —📌 Connect With MeInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/serenadepublishingTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@serenadepublishing

What happens when two bestselling fantasy authors get on stage together with a microphone and a room full of writers?

Chaos. Laughter. And some surprisingly brilliant writing advice.

In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I’m sharing a live conversation recorded at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival between bestselling paranormal romance author Steffanie Holmes and bestselling fantasy and rom-com author A.K. Mulford.

Their conversation is funny, candid, and wonderfully unfiltered. Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes insights into the writing life, and the kind of honest author conversation you usually only hear after hours at a writing conference.

And if you find yourself wishing you were in the room with us…

The Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival is happening again this October, bringing together readers, writers, and bestselling authors for a weekend of inspiration, craft, and community.

🎟 Get tickets and learn more: www.sunshinecoastfictionfestival.com.au

— — — — — — — — — —✍️ Writers: Want help building a real writing career?Join my free weekly email for tips on writing, publishing, and growing your readership.→ www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —👋 About This ChannelHi, I’m Sarah Williams. I help writers turn their books into sustainable careers.Here we talk about:• writing and finishing books• publishing and the book industry• author marketing• building a long-term writing careerWhether you're writing your first book or already publishing, you're welcome here.— — — — — — — — — —🚀 Ready to go deeper?✦ The Author CEO – for writers ready to treat their books like a real business ✦ Author Retreats – immersive strategy and writing retreatsLearn more:www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —📌 Connect With MeInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/serenadepublishingTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@serenadepublishing