The BookFunnel Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Emma Alisyn and Kelli Tanzi welcome Michael Evans, a sci-fi author and marketing expert. They discuss various aspects of author marketing, including the importance of understanding one's strengths, the significance of platform choice, and innovative strategies for engaging readers. Michael shares insights from his journey in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for authors to find their unique marketing voice and to leverage underutilized platforms for greater visibility.

Author Sidekick
https://authorsidekick.com/

Michael's Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:59 Meet Michael Evans: Author and Creator
04:30 Writing Progress and Accountability
06:48 Michael's Journey Back to Authorship
08:39 Tips from the Trenches: Self-Publishing Advice
15:46 Marketing Strategies for Authors
20:56 Exploring Genre Dynamics
24:42 The Importance of Content Batching
31:40 Understanding Author Superpowers
42:18 Social Hacking for Authors
50:38 Harnessing TikTok for Author Success
55:56 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation
01:06:40 Rethinking Reader Avatars and Audience Engagement
01:13:56 Testing Your Story's Market Viability
01:20:36 Navigating Creative Challenges
01:21:59 Understanding Market Pull vs. Marketing
01:26:55 The Dilemma of Finishing Series
01:34:33 Putting Readers First in Writing
01:37:17 The Importance of Creative Freedom
01:46:15 Outro

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and guests discuss various aspects of writing, publishing, and marketing for indie authors. They explore the challenges of balancing writing with personal life, the benefits of dictation, and the importance of community support. The conversation also introduces AutoCrit's new feature, Market Fuel, which aims to assist authors in understanding their market and improving their marketing strategies. In this conversation, Bekah Brinkmeier and Jack Shilkaitis discuss various aspects of writing and marketing for authors. They delve into the importance of crafting compelling blurbs, the role of AI in writing, and the significance of understanding one's target audience. The discussion also covers innovative marketing strategies, the creation of engaging reader magnets, and the necessity of market research. Additionally, they highlight the value of community support in the writing process and introduce the Novel 90 challenge as a new opportunity for writers to complete their works.

Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
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Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
  / 14n8xw8jpc 

Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!

Takeaways

Writing and marketing are both challenging for indie authors.
Dictation can significantly enhance the writing process.
Finding a balance between writing and personal life is crucial.
Community support can provide motivation and accountability.
Market Fuel helps authors identify their target audience and market trends.
Creative work includes brainstorming and thinking time, not just writing.
Overcoming writer's block can involve fun and quirky writing exercises.
Setting realistic goals can prevent discouragement in the writing process.
Using visual aids can enhance the writing experience.
Every book has a potential market, and tools can help identify it. Crafting a compelling blurb is essential for book promotion.
AI tools can assist in writing but should not replace the author's voice.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for successful marketing.
Using tools like AutoCrit can provide insights into audience preferences.
Engaging reader magnets can enhance reader connection and retention.
Innovative marketing strategies can set authors apart in a crowded market.
Navigating genre expectations is important for reaching the right audience.
Market research can save authors time and improve book performance.
Effective ad targeting is key to successful book promotion.
Community support can motivate and enhance the writing process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:05 Exploring AutoCrit and Its Features
05:56 Writing Progress and Personal Updates
10:03 Creative Techniques and Writing Tips
13:36 The Power of Dictation in Writing
22:39 Self-Publishing Tips from the Trenches
27:10 Conquering Writer's Block with Creativity
33:26 The Power of Positive Reinforcement in Writing
42:33 Visualization Techniques for Enhanced Writing
47:37 Introducing Market Fuel: A New Tool for Authors
52:37 Exploring Genre and Market Fit
55:40 Understanding Target Audience and Marketing Strategies
01:00:20 The Role of AI in Writing and Editing
01:02:26 Writing to Market: Finding Your Niche
01:11:23 Creative Reader Engagement Strategies
01:27:00 World Building and Market Research
01:29:08 Ad Strategies for Indie Authors
01:31:31 Target Audience Identification
01:32:48 Understanding Reader Demographics
01:34:51 Using Feedback for Targeting
01:35:45 The Importance of Genre in Marketing
01:43:22 Introducing Novel 90 Writing Challenge
01:48:49 Community Support for Writers
01:55:14 Outro

Jack, Emma, and Kelli sit down with Adam Stemple of WrittenWell.com to discuss the craft of writing, editing, the author's journey, and industry tips.
 
 Save on WrittenWell.com with discount code: 
 BOOKFUNNELPOD
 
 Get access to WrittenWell's Courses, Genre Guides, and Community for $14.49/mo or $120/year.
 Sign up at https://writtenwell.com/
 
 Adam Stemple:
 [Adam's Books] https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCXTO4
 [Adam's Website] https://www.adamstemple.com/
 
 Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
 https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel
 
 Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/
 
 Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!
 
 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome
 00:45 Meet the Guests: Adam Stempel
 01:27 Writing to Market: A Big Topic
 01:57 Reader Magnet Drama
 03:36 Editing vs. Writing: The Brain Switch
 08:03 Self-Publishing Tips from the Trenches
 13:07 Plotting and Outlining Tips
 17:42 Genre Trends and Writing to Market
 29:35 Advice for Slow Writers
 36:27 Balancing Art and Business in Writing
 51:30 Embracing Genre Constraints
 52:08 Editing and Identifying Tropes
 55:12 Targeted Editing Passes
 55:55 Character Depth and Sensory Details
 59:10 Writing Realistic Fight Scenes
 01:10:42 AI in Writing: Pros and Cons
 01:19:50 Adam's Origin Story
 01:30:23 Writing and Publishing Tips
 01:35:37 Conclusion and Shoutouts

The team sits down with Mal Cooper and gets into the details on successful marketing for self-published authors using Facebook ads. Mal's course on Facebook ads is well-known by the indie author community and she dispenses a lot of great advice with us in this episode.

 More about Malorie Cooper
 Facebook Ads & Marketing: https://storytellerlab.net
 Mal's Books: https://aeon14.com
 
 Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
 https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel
 
 Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/
 
 Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!
 
 00:00 Introduction and Personal Theories
 00:28 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest
 01:27 Vegas Adventures and Client Stories
 03:08 Author Interactions and Personality Types
 06:38 Tips from the Trenches: Writing and Marketing
 13:19 Mal Cooper's Writing Journey and Productivity
 19:02 The Importance of Facebook Ads for Authors
 29:22 Investing in Your Book Business
 29:55 Understanding Readthrough and Audience Targeting
 31:48 Reordering Your Series for Better Conversions
 33:06 Box Sets vs. Individual Books in Ads
 35:54 Maximizing Your Book's Potential
 43:47 Common Reasons Facebook Ads Fail
 52:51 Effective Targeting Strategies for Facebook Ads
 59:40 Exploring Target Audiences for Authors
 59:42 Leveraging TV Shows and Video Games
 01:00:25 Ancillary Interests and Niche Targeting
 01:00:53 Challenges with Demographic Targeting
 01:01:57 Effective Ad Strategies for Authors
 01:03:15 Understanding Facebook Ad Mechanics
 01:10:03 Optimizing Ad Spend and Conversion
 01:11:17 The Power of Reader Magnets
 01:18:15 Future Trends in Advertising
 01:22:13 Mal's Journey and Writing Philosophy
 01:28:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The team recaps the first ever Author Nation conference for self-published authors, which took over for the 20Books Vegas conference. 

Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live events at BookFunnel.com/videos
 
Questions? We can help! Contact support@bookfunnel.com by email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question.
 
 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on AuthorNation
 00:25 Welcome to the Book Funnel Podcast
 00:44 Recapping AuthorNation: First Impressions
 02:01 Meeting the Team in Person
 02:58 Transition from 20Books to AuthorNation
 05:43 Conference Layout and Networking
 07:28 Future Improvements for AuthorNation
 10:39 Industry Day Highlights
 22:35 In-Person Direct Sales and Strategies
 26:17 BookFunnel's Future Plans
 27:22 Exciting Ideas for Authors and Readers
 28:14 The Year of the Reader
 29:31 Fun Times in Vegas
 31:04 Gourmet Dining Experiences
 36:33 Meeting Industry Heroes
 40:33 Kevin Smith's Motivational Talk
 43:14 Story Wars: A Creative Battle
 45:09 Final Thoughts and Tips

In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast we sit down for a chat with Kate Hall to discuss TikTok for authors. Kate has courses for authors on a variety of topics, including using TikTok as a marketing tool. We get into the nitty gritty here, so make sure you watch the full episode as there are lots of little gems along the way!
 
 This episode was recorded on 11/7/24.
 
 More info about Kate Hall
 (Website & Courses) https://www.alynedigital.com
 (TikTok) http://tiktok.com/@thebooktokgoddess
 (Instagram) http://instagram.com/katehallbiz
 (YouTube Channel) https://www.youtube.com/@KateHallBiz
 (Facebook Group) https://www.facebook.com/groups/katehallpublishing
 
 Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live events at BookFunnel.com/videos
 
 Questions? We can help! Leave a comment or contact support@bookfunnel.com by email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question.
 
 00:00 Introduction to Rejection and Instinctual Fears
 00:25 Welcome to the Book Funnel Podcast
 00:51 Kate Hall's Journey with TikTok
 05:36 Tips from the Trenches: Author Strategies
 17:09 Main Topic: TikTok for Authors
 36:50 Going Viral on TikTok
 37:27 The Power of Emotional Hooks
 38:47 Cross-Platform Strategies
 40:38 Creating Effective TikTok Slideshows
 46:51 Batching Content for Efficiency
 58:42 Writing to Market vs. Writing to Trend
 01:00:55 Universal Fantasy and Its Impact
 01:07:44 Avoiding TikTok's Content Pitfalls
 01:16:16 Navigating Canva's Bulk Create Feature
 01:18:48 Managing Multiple TikTok Accounts
 01:20:14 Device Recommendations for TikTok
 01:25:57 Avoiding TikTok Bans and Misconceptions
 01:34:42 Effective TikTok Marketing Strategies
 01:45:04 Optimizing Your TikTok Algorithm
 01:53:17 Final Thoughts and Course Information

Join Jack, Kelli, and Emma as they discuss how to get more Amazon reviews with Patsy Collins. 

Learn more about Patsy Collins: 
(Website) https://patsycollins.uk 
(Amazon Author Page) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patsy-Collins/author/B004O08LRQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1730514596&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 
(Little Mallow Cosy Mysteries) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR7TVKF8?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=ast_author_bsi
 
Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live events at BookFunnel.com/videos
 
Questions? We can help! Contact support@bookfunnel.com by email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question.

In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, Emma Alisyn, and special guest Andrew Warren dive deep into the key strategies for building a sustainable author career. We'll discuss publishing plans, finding the right genre, and the importance of reader alignment. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced author looking to grow your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insights to help you succeed.
 
 More about Andrew can be found here:
 
 Andrew Warren's Books 
 (Thrillers): https://www.andrewwarrenbooks.com
 (sci-fi / fantasy): https://aawarrenwriter.com
 
 Amazon Author Pages 
 (Andrew Warren) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrew-Warren/author/B01EOBZH7Q
 (A.A. Warren) https://www.amazon.com/stores/A.-A.-Warren/author/B07MK147FN
 
 Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live events at BookFunnel.com/videos
 
 Questions? We can help! Leave a comment or contact support@bookfunnel.com by email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question.

In our debut episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, and Emma Alisyn dive into the world of self-publishing, offering advice and insights for authors at every stage of their career. We talk about how this podcast came to be and share some tips on overcoming writing struggles. Whether you're an aspiring author, a self-published veteran, or just a curious reader, this podcast has something for you!

Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live events at BookFunnel.com/videos

Questions? We can help! Contact support@bookfunnel.com by email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question.

In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis is joined by the Book Funnel Reader Support Team, including [Redacted], [Redacted], and [Redacted]. They discuss the origins of the Book Funnel support system, the importance of reader support, and share valuable tips for authors on how to effectively utilize the service. The team also reveals the story behind the name 'Jamie' used in support communications, emphasizing the human element behind the service. The conversation highlights the dedication of the team to assist authors and readers alike, ensuring a smooth experience in the self-publishing journey.
 
Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars
https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel
 
Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/
 
Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on this video or at support@bookfunnel.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question!