Zach and J. are back with a new podcast called "Men in Black Shirts" with T.W. Piperbrook!

This is it. The final episode. We hope you’ll join us at the Writers, Ink podcast!

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

Thanks to all of our listeners--past, present, and future! 

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

RevolutionFI Podcast - https://revolutionfi.com 

The Writers, Ink Podcast (our new home) - https://writersinkpodcast.com/ 

Google Play Books Promo Codes - http://g.co/play/promocode

2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ 

Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ 

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod 

Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a 

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What does it mean to be a career author? This is not an easy question to answer and one that involves a deeper discussion on how we define this elusive creature. 

Every writer with aspirations of making money from their words has a different definition of success. For some, it’s all about the “x-figure author,” but for others lifestyle matters more than revenue. Also, is financial gain the only way to define a career author? The guys answer with a resounding “no” while exploring alternative ways of measuring your own success in the publishing industry.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The ways authors measure financial success
• Why independence is hard to quantify but might ultimately be more important than revenue
• How some authors define success by their level of skill, experience, or status
• Why it's difficult to arrive at a consensus on what makes a “career author” or “indie writer.”

Also, J. recommends a new podcast about technology and culture.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

Leave us a comment: What is your definition of a career author?

Thanks to all of our patrons! 

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Wild Wild Tech Podcast = https://pod.casts.io/podcasts/wild-wild-tech 

2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ 

Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ 

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod 

Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a 

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this special episode of The Carer Author Podcast, J. and Zach sit down with Josh Malerman, bestselling author of the post-apocalyptic thriller, Bird Box. Josh talks about the process of getting his book adapted into a Netflix original movie starring Sandra Bullock, as well as talks about screenwriting and gives tips to aspiring authors. Oh, and there are plenty of laughs in this one, too!

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

Get the book Bird Box by Josh Malerman - https://books2read.com/birdbox

Watch the movie Bird Box on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/title/80196789

The Horror Writers Podcast Episode #58: Bird Box with Josh Malerman - http://thehorrorwriterspodcast.libsyn.com/the-horror-writers-podcast-58-bird-box-with-josh-malerman

Josh Malerman - http://www.joshmalerman.com

KDP Rocket - https://kindlepreneur.samcart.com/referral/IWu0V6R9/G44ZwkKgsNCROrEW

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIYVcr1UdWgSvYpb3Ol3xg

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Rock Apocalypse 2019 - http://www.rockapoc.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Every author needs a mailing list. But where do you start on building one? When you should start one? What should you focus on when building a list? How often should you send broadcasts? And of course, what do you send to your list? J. and Zach tackle all those questions and more on this episode.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Thomas Boyer

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

Sign up for Aweber - https://jthorn.aweber.com/

Reader Magnets by Nick Stephenson - https://books2read.com/readermagnets

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Rock Apocalypse 2019 - http://www.rockapoc.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Morning routines are crucial to productivity and getting your day started off right. It’s scientifically proven, and the most successful people in the world all have morning routines. On this episode, J. and Zach discuss what goes into their morning routines, and their ‘why’ related to each task.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Christopher Wills (increased pledge), Pinwheel Books, Meet Cat, David Powell, Jessica Renwick, Ariana Grace

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

Rock Apocalypse 2019 - http://www.rockapoc.com

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://books2read.com/u/mvKlMl

The Morning Sidekick Journal - https://www.amazon.com/Morning-Sidekick-Journal-Routine-Building/dp/0692726713/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

J. and Zach have been working on a lot of stuff behind the scenes. On this episode, they make some announcements on some of the big things they have planned for authors and listeners of The Career Author, as well as for the readers of their fiction.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Dareni Wellman, Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

Rock Apocalypse 2019 - http://www.rockapoc.com

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

The Dip by Seth Godin - http://books2read.com/u/38rK9Z

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Authors on a Train 2018 is officially over. The trip started with J. and Zach meeting six other authors in Chicago, jumping on the Amtrak train, and heading down to New Orleans for the week. On their last morning together in New Orleans, Zach and J. sat down with a microphone between them and shared some things they learned during the week. Enjoy J. and Zach’s reflections from New Orleans!

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this very special episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. answer questions from their Authors on a Train 2018 attendees in an open round table discussion. Recorded on location in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Jack Schaeffer

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

Lori Drake - www.loridrakeauthor.com

Chloe Adler - www.ChloeAdler.com

Cameron Coral - www.cameroncoral.com

Tikiri Herath - www.TikiriHerath.com

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you really need to have a presence on social media to succeed as an author? If so, which platforms should you be on? J. and Zach discuss their takes on social media on today’s episode.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Dahlia von Dohlenburg, Jennifer Sivec, Marcela (increased pledge)

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zach flies solo on the show today and talks about some of the big things he did to get his personal finances healthy to prepare for the jump to becoming a career author.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Kit Hallows

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey - http://books2read.com/u/mle20B

Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps to Financial Freedom - https://www.daveramsey.com/baby-steps

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 -http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A lot of aspiring authors dream about writing as their full-time career. But can you reach that point if it’s only a dream? J. and Zach discuss their different outlooks on goals and goal setting on this week’s show.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Raymond Kennedy, Michael Robbins

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Want to have Zach analyze your book’s Amazon product page? Get the details at https://theauthorlife.com/zach

Links:

Zach’s Amazon Product Page Makeover Service - https://theauthorcopilot.com/zach/

Triple H on the Tim Ferris Podcast - https://tim.blog/2015/04/20/triple-h/

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey - http://books2read.com/u/mle20B

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “Should I have a podcast?” So we tackle that topic today and give some advice on how to get started, including the gear you’ll need and some things to think about before you take the plunge into being a podcast host. Also, Zach gives a hack on selling more books on Kobo.

Thanks to our newest Patron: T.W. Piperbrook

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Links:

Indie Novelist Summit - http://bit.ly/ias2018thorn

Zach’s Mic: The Blue Yeti USB Microphone - https://amzn.to/2CL7va5

Joanna Penn’s Tips For Selling More Books on Kobo - https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2018/08/31/7-tips-for-selling-more-books-and-reaching-more-readers-on-kobo/

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We all have a story. The unique events that each of us experience build us and make us who we are. And the characters in your stories should be no different. 

Backstory is crucial for helping your character feel relatable to the reader. But what memories should you include in your books? And how do you deliver the information to the reader without it appearing as an info dump?

Join J. and Zach as they discuss the importance of backstory and how to properly implement it into your stories.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The big question to ask when determining what backstory to include in your work
• Why backstory is important
• How to implement backstory into your writing
• Showing versus Telling your backstory
• How to work backstory into a series of novels

Also, Zach recommends one of his favorite YouTube channels for productivity.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

Leave us a comment: What are your tricks or tips for writing your first chapter?

Thanks to our new Patron,. 

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Matt D’Avella on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ24N4O0bP7LGLBDvye7oCA

2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ 

Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/ 

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod 

Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a 

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

J. and Zach just got back from Pittsburgh and their Night of the Writing Dead writers retreat and worldbuilding summit. Today, they talk about the event and some of the takeaways for all authors, even if you weren’t there.

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Tommy Hween, Rainbow Warrior

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Let J. check the first chapter of your book and help make it stronger for your reader! Check out the details at https://theauthorlife.com/editing/

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Being professional and treating your product (aka book) the best chance to succeed is a big part of what makes a career author. Today, J. and Zach discuss the importance of using professional editors and help you decipher which types of editors you need to use and how to find them.

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Christine Daiglee, Leigh Ann Beckett

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As an author, it’s important to protect your creative energy in order to produce the best book possible. Today, J. and Zach discuss the importance of setting up boundaries and barriers, from finding the right place to do your most creative work, to building a strong understanding with the people around you.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Love to drink coffee while you write? Check out Cadence Coffee Roasters, a family-owned coffee company from Denver, CO. Use promo code “CAREERAUTHOR” to get 10% off your first order. www.cadencecoffeeroasters.com

Links:

The 8-Minute Writing Habit For Novelists by Monica Leonelle - https://books2read.com/8minutemonica

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For many authors, worldbuilding is the most fun part of the process. J. and Zach are back together in person this week and have a face to face discussion about their world building processes. Also, Zach gives a few tips on AMS ads for beginners.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Love to drink coffee while you write? Check out Cadence Coffee Roasters, a family-owned coffee company from Denver, CO. Use promo code “CAREERAUTHOR” to get 10% off your first order. www.cadencecoffeeroasters.com

Links:

Mastering Amazon Ads by Brian Meeks - https://books2read.com/masterams

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Things seem to change every single day in self-publishing. Today, J. and Zach talk about some of our favorite tools you can use to publish your book, as well as some recent changes with paperbacks over at Amazon. They also veer off into a discussion about going wide vs being exclusive with Amazon.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Love to drink coffee while you write? Check out Cadence Coffee Roasters, a family-owned coffee company from Denver, CO. Use promo code “CAREERAUTHOR” to get 10% off your first order. www.cadencecoffeeroasters.com

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zach and J. go deep on craft today and talk about The Editor’s Six Core Questions. They believe if you ask these six questions about your book, then they will help you have a better story for your reader once it’s time to publish.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Love to drink coffee while you write? Check out Cadence Coffee Roasters, a family-owned coffee company from Denver, CO. Use promo code “CAREERAUTHOR” to get 10% off your first order. www.cadencecoffeeroasters.com

Links:

The Editor’s Six Core Questions - https://storygrid.com/editor-roundtable-story-grid-101-the-six-core-questions/

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today on the show, Zach and J. share a story about something that recently happened to them, and how they turned lemons into lemonade. It leads to a conversation about how we should be treating other authors and readers within the indie community.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Myles Paine, Sheryl Hayes, Edwin Downward, Kimberly Packard, Sandie Hutchins, Marcela

Love to drink coffee while you write? Check out Cadence Coffee Roasters, a family-owned coffee company from Denver, CO. Use promo code “CAREERAUTHOR” to get 10% off your first order. www.cadencecoffeeroasters.com

Links:

31 Covers - https://authoraccelerate.com/31covers/

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

J. and Zach talk about selling at conventions, along with the advantages and disadvantages whether or not author book signings are worth it, and some experiences they’ve had direct selling. In this week's Hacks and Ways, J. talks about batching.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patron: Leigh Anderson

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You’ve written that novel, but now you need a book cover. Do you make it yourself? Do you find a graphic artist? How do you even find a good cover artist, and what should you be looking for? J. and Zach break it all down with actionable advice and tips on today’s episode.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patron: Antoine, Kat Bammer

Links:

J.’s interview with Writer’s Digest - http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/questions-and-quandaries/dealing-with-editors/when-to-hire-an-editor-expert-opinions

J. and Rachael on the Kobo Writing Life Podcast - https://kobowritinglife.com/2018/08/15/kwl-ep-115-rachael-herron-and-j-thorn/

The Other Stories Podcast - http://www.hawkandcleaver.com/podcasts/

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

J. recently visited Findaway Voices to see some of the cool things they are doing in the world of audiobooks. Today, Zach and J. discuss some of the stuff they showed J. and how we see the future of the audiobook market. In our hacks segment, Zach helps you get rid of digital clutter.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patron: Claire Chandler, Ian J Middleton, Sandie Hutchins

Links:

Authors With A Live Custom Storefront for the Findaway Direct Program - https://rachel-amphlett-audio.myshopify.com/

https://shadonna-richards.myshopify.com/

The Writer’s Well Episode #82 - https://shows.pippa.io/thewriterswell/ep082

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you’re walking through the grocery store and an employee offers you a free sample of a new brand of cheese. You’re likely to taste it. If you like the cheese, you might buy some. But if it tastes terrible, you won’t buy the product.

Reading behaviors aren’t any different. Hooking the reader with your first chapter is a critical and yet overlooked element of being an independent author or publisher. A snazzy cover and singing blurb only gets you so far. If the story doesn’t deliver, you’ll lose the sale. Lucky for us, we know readers always start the book with chapter one.

Join J. and Zach as they discuss the anatomy of a strong first chapter so you’ll know what to do and what to avoid in yours.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The mindset you need for that first chapter
• Which logistics to consider
• Elements of characterization that are important
• How form and style can set your writing apart

Also, J. recommends an outline and productivity tool. 

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

Leave us a comment: What are your tricks or tips for writing your first chapter?

Thanks to our new Patron, Stephanie Bond. 

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Workflowy - https://workflowy.com/ 

2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ 

Chapter Check service - https://chaptercheck.com/

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod 

Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a 

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you think it’s possible to tell a complete story in fifteen seconds with no dialogue? Today, Zach and J. break down a fifteen second Clorox commercial and discuss how it has every element of a good story.

Watch the commercial at: https://youtu.be/17fcpd4Bb-I

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our newest Patron: Jennifer Ellision

Links:

Clorox commercial - https://youtu.be/17fcpd4Bb-I

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What do the guys do at night to rest or to fill their respective creative wells? Zach and J. discuss their nighttime rituals.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Thanks to our new Patron: Yvonne Carder

Links:

SFWA Nebula Conference presentation by Data Guy - http://authorearnings.com/sfwa2018/

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zach stole the format from J.’s other podcast this week and asked him the question: how do you make big decisions about your business?. And in the tips segment, Zach talks about the importance of choosing good keywords in your metadata.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Links:

J.’s Six Foundations - https://theauthorcopilot.com/sendmesixfoundations/

Symmetric Design - http://symmetricdesign.co

The Writer’s Well (J.’s other podcast, formally The Petal to the Metal) - http://www.thewriterswell.org

KDP Browse Category Keywords - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200652170

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zach and J. have spent most of their time as collaborators working on trilogies, but now they’ve decided to move away from that. On this episode, they discuss what they’ve learned by writing and publishing trilogies, and why they are ready to try a longer series. In the tips segment, J. talks about being more productive using templates.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

J. hit the jackpot and got accepted for a BookBub ad. But how did it go? On today’s episode, J. breaks down his results and discusses them with Zach. In the tips segment, J. offers a way to make your scenes better.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Links:

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this special episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. are together in the same room once again. This time, they discuss the good and the bad from their most recent meeting, which focused around planning a long book series they’re going to be writing. In the tips segment, Zach talks about the biggest factor that led to him going full-time as an author.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Links:

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley - http://books2read.com/u/mvKnlJ

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey - http://books2read.com/u/mle20B

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

All authors think about what it would be like to see their book on the big screen or on a television set. But what are the opportunity costs involved with having your novel turned into a movie, television show, or video game? J. and Zach discuss on today’s show.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Links:

Nintendo Dads Podcast #184 w/ Zach guest hosting - http://vgtribune.com/nintendo-dads-podcast-184-with-cool-zach/

The Petal to the Metal Episode #73 - Plot Fundamentals Part 1 - http://thepetaltothemetal.com/ep073/

The Petal to the Metal Episode #74 - Plot Fundamentals Part 2 - http://thepetaltothemetal.com/ep074/

The Petal to the Metal Episode #76 - Plot Fundamentals Part 3 - http://thepetaltothemetal.com/ep076/

The Career Author - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

Patreon - http://www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the most controversial and most discussed topics in the publishing world is what the future holds for bookstores, as well as physical books. J. and Zach give some of their thoughts on a recent article entitled Can Barnes and Noble Survive? and discuss what you as an author should be thinking about when it relates to the health of brick and mortar bookstores. Also, they debut their newest segment with a Google Calendar productivity tip.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

Links:

Can Barnes and Noble Survive? - http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/can-barnes-noble-survive/

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You’ve heard all the advice on how to build a mailing list, but what do you do once you’ve got a reader’s email? On this week’s episode, J. and Zach talk about how they keep in touch with their readers and what kinds of emails they send out to them.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Malcolm Coon and Jim Heskett

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Scammer of the Week

https://medium.com/legendary-women/a-couple-new-issues-in-the-indie-book-community-f2cdfc5e830

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/06/02/amazon-changes-kdp-rules-on-bonus-content/

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/06/01/how-to-cheat-the-kindle-store-and-get-away-with-it-the-chance-carter-story/

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G202018960

Links:

Sell More Book Show Summit 2019 - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, J. and Zach talk about some of the reasons they host events, and what kind of work goes into them. Also, J. shares his experiences going to conventions and setting up tables to sell books and find new readers.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Melissa Banczak, Randy Spears, and Jonathan

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

More Tips From a Sly Fox

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKz2Wv28XSo

A Romantic Follow-Up

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/05/22/amazon-continues-to-pay-unfairly-low-royalty-rate-in-audible-romance-but-is-finally-letting-authors-out-of-the-program/

A Policy Up For Review

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/05/24/amazon-has-banned-arc-reviews-and-forgot-to-tell-anyone/

Links:

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Findaway Voices - http://www.findawayvoices.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the indie community it’s often said that the best way to make money is to write novels, specifically in series of three or more books. But what about writing short fiction?

From short stories to novellas, there are several different types of short fiction. Each offers not only a different reader experience from a full-blown novel, but they are also a different art form to create. Join the guys as they discuss the ups and downs and writing and selling short fiction.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The different types of short fiction
• How writing short stories is different than writing a novel
• Whether you should submit stories to publications
• The difference in marketing short fiction versus novels

Also, Zach recommends a book about writing and marketing short fiction. 

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

Leave us a comment: Do you enjoy writing short fiction and how do you use it in your business?

Thanks to our new Patrons, 

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Taking the Short Tack: Creating Income and Connecting with Readers by Matty Dalrymple and Mark Leslie Lefebvre - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083ZJ9X6Y/

2021 Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/ 

J.’s monthly mastermind membership - https://theauthorsuccessmastermind.com/join/

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - https://books2read.com/threestorymethod 

Three Story Method Workbook - https://amzn.to/37SAR1a 

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are more ways to collaborate on a book than writing a novel with another author. Join Zach and J. this week as they discuss multi-author box sets, anthologies, and one-time collaborations.

Thanks to our newest Patron: John Rindfleisch IX

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Ripples of Agitation

https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2018/05/21/the-motivation-myth-how-high-achievers-really-set-themselves-up-to-win-with-jeff-haden/

Modern Myth

https://medium.com/@stevenspatz4/six-myths-and-one-fact-about-traditional-publishing-b3309f70fcb8

Big Numbers

https://www.geekwire.com/2018/traditional-publishers-ebook-sales-drop-indie-authors-amazon-take-off/

Links:

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

Findaway Voices - http://www.findawayvoices.com

The Petal to the Metal Podcast Episode #72 - http://thepetaltothemetal.com/ep072/ Inspired Author Designs by Miriam Greystone - http://www.inspiredauthordesigns.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss how they do genre research on both a story and a marketing level. They also talk about one author’s tips on how to sell 250,000 books.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Angie Green

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

250,000 and Counting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKs_tGbNT6I

My Worlds Is Falling Apart

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/05/15/amazon-to-shut-down-kindle-worlds/

PSA: GDPR-pocalypse

https://selfpublishingformula.com/episode-117/

https://www.zdnet.com/article/gdpr-an-executive-guide-to-what-you-need-to-know/

Links:

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

Findaway Voices - http://www.findawayvoices.com The Petal to the Metal Podcast Episode #70 - http://thepetaltothemetal.com/ep071/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. reflect on some of their big takeaways from the great talks at Sell More Books Show Summit 2018, which was last weekend in Chicago. They also make a big announcement.

Special thanks to Jim Kukral and Bryan Cohen for co-hosting SMBSS 2018 with us, and to the awesome summit sponsors: Kobo, Draft2Digital, BookFunnel, and Vellum

Thanks to our newest patron: Barbara Kamm, David Powell, Michael Coon, Barbara McCollough, Joshua Harkin, and P.T. Hylton

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

Links:

Night of the Writing Dead - http://www.nightofthewritingdead.com Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you ready to raise the stakes? On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss the importance of identifying a strong act-level crisis in your story. And in the news, they talk about the rise of science fiction content at Netflix.

Thanks to our newest patron: Daniel Willcocks

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Paperback Writer

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201499010

45% More Value

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/01/books-by-women-priced-45-lower-study-finds

Sci-Fi And Chill?

https://lrmonline.com/news/netflix-to-focus-on-more-original-sci-fi-and-fantasy-content/

Other Links:

The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne - http://books2read.com/u/49PEvW

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss outliers and the danger in making decisions on your writing business around them. And in the news, they talk about Amazon giving controversial books special treatment, and a new group looking to give indie authors a voice.

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Special Treatment For Controversy

https://gizmodo.com/only-verified-buyers-can-review-james-comeys-book-on-am-1825453226/amp

Chinese Readocracy

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/04/19/prime-reading-launches-in-china/

Come Together, Right Now, Indie Authors

https://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/2018/04/22/giving-a-voice-to-indies/

Other Links:

Confirmation Bias - https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-confirmation-bias-2795024

Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Lasts by Ryan Holiday - http://books2read.com/u/3yZq1Z

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com

Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. flip the script on their Choose Your News segment, putting J. in the driver’s seat and having him read headlines to Zach. And in the main topic, they go over their favorite productivity tools.

Thanks to our newest Patron: Chad Lutzke, Philip Harris, Kevin G. Summers, Leenie Brown

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

The Skull and Bones of YouTube

https://goodereader.com/blog/digital-publishing/authors-can-take-advantage-of-piracy-via-youtube

5X the Fire and Fury

http://money.cnn.com/2018/04/13/media/a-higher-loyalty-publisher-book-sales/index.html

AI – Amazon Internet

https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/17/17249090/amazon-internet-web-browser-app-android-india

Amazon vs. Comic Book Man

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/76598-comics-retailers-are-optimistic-despite-market-changes-sales-declines.html 

Interesting but not newsworthy:

https://consequenceofsound.net/2018/04/red-hot-chili-peppers-bassist-flea-is-publishing-his-memoir-this-fall/

Our Favorite Tools:

Slack - http://www.slack.com

Google Drive - http://drive.google.com

J.'s free Google Calendar and Gmail guide - http://theauthorcopilot.com/calendar

Scrivener - https://www.literatureandlatte.com/

Bookfunnel - http://www.bookfunnel.com

Vellum - http://www.vellum.pub

Draft2Digital Formatting - https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/draft2digital-introduces-professional-quality-ebook-templates/

Dragon Dictate - https://www.nuance.com/dragon.html

Grammarly - http://www.grammarly.com

Zach’s Noise Canceling Headphones - https://amzn.to/2JVWvH7

Zach’s Ergonomic Keyboard - https://amzn.to/2Hc1QZb

Zach’s Ergonomic Mouse - https://amzn.to/2Ha1ZfC

Zach’s iPad Keyboard Case - https://amzn.to/2H9ZwWv

Zach’s Laptop Cart - https://amzn.to/2qJ0nCl

Other Links:

The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield - http://books2read.com/u/4NRKg6

Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Lasts by Ryan Holiday - http://boo

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss some of the biggest misconceptions around writing to market, and how you can find an audience and sell books while still writing the types of stories you love.

Thanks to our newest Patron: James S. Aaron

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Dude, where’s my Amazon account?

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/04/amazon-customers-take-to-social-media-after-mysterious-account-closures/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/781495321956934/permalink/1379173772189083/

Your Tastes Reflect Your Format

https://media.thinknum.com/articles/kindle-best-sellers-vs-printed-best-sellers-in-march/

A.I., A.I., Uh Oh

https://qz.com/1165775/googles-voice-generating-ai-is-now-indistinguishable-from-humans/

Other Links:

Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Lasts by Ryan Holiday - http://books2read.com/u/3yZq1Z

Write to Market: Deliver a Book That Sells by Chris Fox - http://books2read.com/u/4NRMjG

The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know by Shawn Coyne - http://books2read.com/u/49PEvW

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss some of their biggest mistakes they’ve made since they began publishing, and more importantly, how and what they’ve learned from them.

Thanks to our newest Patrons: Prim Groover, Peter Dudley, Ben Fishbein, Harley Christensen, Lora Edwards

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

The Great Amazon 50% Royalty Mystery is Solved

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/04/03/amazons-new-great-on-kindle-program-offers-50-royalty-to-non-fiction-titles/

Strip Off Your Clothes, We’ll Strip Off Your Rank

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/03/29/amazon-has-shadow-banned-romance-titles-from-the-kindle-store/

Other Links:

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s episode, Zach and J. talk about their struggles to shut off their brains, separate work from personal time, and offer solutions that have helped them feel less overwhelmed.

There’s no Choose Your News segment this week, as Zach and J. were guests on this week’s Sell More Books Show where they discussed five publishing news stories. You can hear that episode at http://sellmorebooksshow.com/episode-208-subtitles-amazon-reviewers-and-up-lit/

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

Other Links:

Sell More Books Show Episode 208 featuring Zach and J.: http://sellmorebooksshow.com/episode-208-subtitles-amazon-reviewers-and-up-lit/

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink - http://www.books2read.com/u/3RoA1v

Daniel Pink on the Tim Ferriss Podcast - https://tim.blog/2018/03/25/daniel-pink/

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this episode, Zach says R.I.P. to Toys R’ Us, the guys discuss a fun news story, and they talk about why they feel less is more when it comes to your book’s back matter.

Special thanks to our newest Patrons: James, Caimh McDonnell, Tom Fowler

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

All Hail Discoverability: BookBub Recommendations, and Draft2Digital Author Pages and Book Tabs - https://draft2digital.com/blog/introducing-author-pages-and-book-tabs/

4,000 Words and an Oil Change - https://www.buzzfeed.com/farrahpenn/this-woman-kept-going-back-to-a-tire-store-to-writ?utm_term=.jlGJnPoOe#.aiOgmqDb9

Kindle iOS App Gets Update With Some Very Welcome Features - https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/03/19/kindle-app-for-ios-gains-support-for-infinite-scrolling-split-view-on-ipad-and-more/

Other Links:

The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, Revised Edition - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TDGGVU/

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As career authors or even part-time writers, we all have to do things we hate. In a perfect world, authors could sit in a cabin in the woods, happily slapping the typewriter without a care or concern. But that’s not reality, and with the exception of a few authors, it’s never been how the industry works.

“Sharpening the saw” is an important routine in any writer’s life. Or it should be. Like a craftsman, sometimes you have to stop working and maintain the tools that allow you to create whether those are analog or digital. Join the fellas as they discuss some of those pesky tasks that need to be done with suggestions on how to make it just a little less painful.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why you can’t neglect your digital files
• The consequences of ignoring your email list
• The less-painful approach to creating book links
• Why you need to keep track of your author bio
• Why even social media accounts need a little attention every now and then

Also, J. recommends Athletic Greens as a replacement for green juices and supplements. 

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/ 

Leave us a comment: What’s the thing you hate doing the most?

Thanks to our new Patrons, Marianne Hansen Rencher and Jon Svenson!

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com 

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com 

Episode 109 - Accounting for Authors - https://thecareerauthor.com/accounting-for-authors/

Episode 97 - Optimizing SEO with Dianna Gunn - https://thecareerauthor.com/optimizing-seo-with-dianna-gunn/

Episode 69 - Tag! You’re it! Opt-in forms and Tagging Your List - https://thecareerauthor.com/ep069/

Episode 60 – Nerd Alert! Implementing a Backup System - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-60-nerd-alert-implementing-a-backup-system/

Episode 50 – List Building Fundamentals (List Building Part 1) - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-50-list-building-fundamentals-list-building-part-1/

Episode 56 – Content Marketing for Fiction (List Building Part 2) -

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On today’s episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. talk about the Audible romance controversy, Facebook algorithm changes strike, and Amazon bookstores. In the main topic, the co-hosts discuss Amazon exclusivity and their strategies on being enrolled in Kindle Select versus selling on all retailers.

Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Scott Jarol, Valerie Francis, Miriam Greystone, and Michael

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Audible Romance: A Tragic Love Story For Authors

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/03/02/audible-promises-patch-sinking-audible-romance-payments-bonuses/

New Facebook Algorithm Closes Doors on Once Flourishing Digital Publisher

http://www.businessinsider.com/littlethings-online-publisher-shuts-down-and-blames-facebook-algorithm-2018-2?utm_content=buffer5b81a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Amazon Bookstore Goes to Mile High

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/03/05/amazon-books-coming-denver/

Other Links:

Authors on a Train - http://www.authorsonatrain.com Sell More Books Show Summit - http://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/summit

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zach is back from vacation and brings today’s topic with him as he and J. talk about unplugging and recharging. In the news, there’s a new serial subscription service.

Special thanks to our newest Patrons: Sheryl Hayes, Suzie Howe, John Connelly

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.thecareerauthor.com

News Links:

Fantasy Author Terry Goodkind is not too good or kind to his cover artist

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/feb/26/terry-goodkind-book-cover-shroud-of-eternity?CMP=share_btn_tw&utm_content=buffer5db62&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Twitter Says Goodbye to Mass Tweets

https://the-digital-reader.com/2018/02/21/twitter-changes-rules-crack-bots-bans-mass-tweeting-duplicate-accounts/

A Subscription Service for Serials

http://deadline.com/2018/02/serial-box-e-books-audio-startup-raises-1-65-million-seed-round-1202296871/

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Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire at The Void - https://www.thevoid.com/dimensions/starwars/secretsoftheempire/

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