The Publishing Performance Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to The Publishing Performance Show, the ultimate resource for self-publishers looking to take their careers to the next level. This weekly podcast dives deep into the world of self-publishing, offering invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences from successful authors and industry experts.

Subscribe to the Publishing Performance Show on your preferred podcast platform to join Teddy Smith and his guests in exploring the world of self-publishing.

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Kevin J. Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author, best known for his work on the Dune series and Star Wars expanded universe. As co-author of the Dune prequels and sequels with Brian Herbert, Kevin has significantly expanded Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction universe. His contributions to Star Wars include 54 novels, comics, and young adult series, helping to shape the franchise's literary landscape. With over 24 million books in print, Kevin's prolific career spans both traditional and indie publishing, offering unique insights into the evolving world of authorship.

In this episode:

• Kevin's experience writing in the Dune and Star Wars universes
• The transition from traditional to indie publishing
• Using Kickstarter and Patreon to engage with fans and fund projects
• Insights into the film and TV adaptation process, including Dune
• The benefits of dictation for increasing writing productivity
• The value of networking and attending writing conferences
• Advice for new authors on building their platform and career

Resources mentioned:

• Wordfire Press (Kevin's publishing company)
• Kickstarter for Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series
• Patreon for exclusive content and fan interaction
• Western Colorado University's graduate program in publishing
• Superstars Writing Seminars
• Mac Whisper for AI transcription

Book recommendations:

• "Death Warmed Over" (first book in the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series)
• "On Being a Dictator" (Kevin's book on dictation for authors)

Connect with Kevin J. Anderson:

• Website: https://wordfire.com/
• Patreon: KevinJAnderson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/75203293463/?fref=nf
• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheKJA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkja/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

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Mike Hourigan is a representative from Written Word Media, a company known for its book promotion services including Free Booksy and Bargain Booksy. With extensive experience in book marketing, Mike offers valuable insights into effective promotion strategies for authors at various stages of their careers.

In this episode:

• The difference between launch promotions and price promotions
• The concept of promo stacking and its importance in book marketing
• How to use free book promotions effectively to gain reviews and readers
• Strategies for promoting both fiction and non-fiction books
• The importance of book covers and blurbs in marketing success

Resources mentioned:

• Email promotion services: Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, Red Feather Romance
• Social media advertising: Reader Reach Ads
• Book promotion service: NewInBooks
• Cover design resource: Reedsy

Book recommendation:

• "Company of One" by Paul Jarvis

Connect with Mike Hourigan:

• Website: writtenwordmedia.com
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

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Stuart Grant is the founder of Digital Authors Toolkit, a digital agency specializing in author websites. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry and having created more than 300 websites for authors, Stuart is a leading expert in helping writers establish their online presence. His approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of author needs and reader expectations.

In this episode:

• The importance of author websites and essential elements they should include
• Website design tips, including using book covers as inspiration
• SEO optimization and strategies for driving traffic to your site
• Email list building and effective use for author marketing
• Common mistakes authors make with their websites and how to avoid them

Resources mentioned:

• Website builder: Wix
• Print-on-demand services: Book Vault, Lulu
• Ebook delivery: Book Funnel

Book recommendations (add links)

• "Ted Talks" by Chris Anderson
• "Ultra Processed People" by Chris Van Tulliken
• JD Kirk's Hoon series

Connect with Stuart Grant:

• Website: digitalauthorstoolkit.com
• Social media: @StuartGrantUK

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

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Jamie Davis is a nurse, retired paramedic, author, and nationally recognized medical educator. He has written over 55 fun fantasy reads, focusing on urban fantasy and incorporating his medical background. As the conference director of Author Nation, Jamie helps organize one of the premier events for indie authors. His expertise spans writing, marketing, and building author communities.

In this episode:

• Jamie's journey from storyteller to published author, starting with NaNoWriMo
• Understanding and writing in the urban fantasy genre
• Jamie's writing process and approach to plotting
• Effective marketing tactics for authors, focusing on email lists and BookBub
• The importance of networking for authors
• Overview of the Author Nation conference and tips for attendees
• Balancing writing with conference organization duties

Resources mentioned:

• NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
• BookBub, Written Word Media, Book Barbarian, Robin Reads, E-Reader News Today
• Author Nation conference: https://www.authornation.live/
• Amazon and Facebook ads for authors

Book recommendations:

• "Successful Indie Author" series by Craig Martelle

Connect with Jamie Davis:

• Website: https://jamiedavisbooks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/funfantasyreaders

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Isabelle Knight is a publicist to the stars, having worked with high-profile clients such as JK Rowling and the BBC. As the founder of Build Your Author Brand, Isabelle now helps authors develop their profile, grow their readership, and increase book sales. Her expertise spans traditional and digital marketing strategies, offering unique insights into the world of author branding and publicity.

In this episode:

• Understanding the concept of building an author brand
• The importance of identifying and connecting with your target audience
• Effective strategies for author publicity and PR
• Using newsletters and social media to engage with readers
• Collaborating with businesses and organizations for book promotions
• The difference between PR and paid advertising
• Case studies of successful author branding campaigns
• Tips for pitching yourself and your books to various platforms
• The value of consistency in building your author brand

Resources mentioned:

• Build Your Author Brand course
• Facebook groups for author networking
• Newsletter platforms for reader engagement
• Bookshop partnerships for book launches

Book recommendations

• "Enough" by Dr. Catherine McAleese
• Books by Pauline Tate
• "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendrix

Connect with Isabelle Knight:

• Website: https://buildyourauthorbrand.co.uk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelle.knight.pr/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-knight-pr/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isabelle_knight_pr
• Get 10% off Isabelle Knight's Author Brand Mastermind course! Use code PUBLISH10 when paying in full.

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Dave Cohen, a writer, comedian, and Edinburgh Festival Perrier Award nominee, has been a constant presence on the British comedy scene for over 35 years. As a founder member of the Comedy Store Players and writer for successful TV shows like Have I Got News For You, Spitting Image, and BBC sitcoms Not Going Out and My Family, Dave has also written nearly 100 songs for the multi-BAFTA winning BBC hit Horrible Histories. With experience in stand-up comedy, radio shows, and as the lead singer of the world's first Jewish heavy metal band Guns'n'Moses, Dave has now turned his attention to novel writing and teaching comedy writing. In this episode, he discusses his career and approach to adding humor to fiction.

In this episode:

• Dave's journey from stand-up comedy to writing for TV and radio
• The process of transitioning from writing scripts to novels
• Techniques for adding humor to different fiction genres
• Tips for aspiring comedy writers
• Insights from Dave's new book "Funny Up Your Fiction"
• Marketing strategies for self-published authors

Resources mentioned:

• "The Complete Comedy Writer" by Dave Cohen
• "Save the Cat" writing method
• "Funny Up Your Fiction" by Dave Cohen

Book recommendation:

• Jonathan Fairfax series by Christopher Shevlin

Connect with Dave Cohen:

• Website: https://www.davecohen.org.uk/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sitcom-geeks/id1014489955

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Mark Leslie Lefebvre is a prolific author, book industry expert, and self-publishing innovator. He has published over twenty-five books across various genres, including thrillers, horror, paranormal non-fiction, and guides for authors. His industry experience includes leadership roles at Kobo, Draft2Digital, and several major book industry organizations.

In this episode:

• Mark's journey as a writer, from early rejections to published author
• The inspiration behind his horror and urban fantasy writing
• Mark's writing process and collaboration with editors
• The development and features of Kobo Writing Life
• Comparison of Kobo to other platforms like Amazon KDP
• Effective marketing tactics for authors, including price promotions
• The importance of focusing on your niche audience
• Mark's consulting work and advice for authors

Resources mentioned:

• Kobo Writing Life
• Draft2Digital
• BookFunnel
• Written Word Media
• Fussy Librarian

Book recommendation: 

• "The Business of Being a Writer" by Jane Friedman

Connect with Mark Leslie Lefebvre:

• Website: https://markleslie.ca/
• https://books2read.com/markleslie
• https://books2read.com/markleslielefebvre
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/markleslie
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/markleslielefebvre

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter, BBFC Film Examiner, and author of military aviation thrillers. His reporting career included coverage from HMS Invincible during the Operation Desert Fox build-up, Kuwait's Ali Al Salem allied air base, the Arctic Circle, and the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999. James is also the co-founder of the Self Publishing Formula and organizer of the Self Publishing Show Live conference.

In this episode:

• James' journey from BBC reporter to novelist
• How his defense reporting experience influences his writing
• The inspiration behind his first book "Final Flight"
• Using NaNoWriMo to kickstart writing
• The value of working with a book coach
• Understanding the "why" behind your writing
• Plotting techniques and book structure
• Marketing strategies for self-published authors
• Success with German translations
• Organizing and running the Self Publishing Show Live conference
• The importance of networking for authors
• Thoughts on traditional vs self-publishing
• Advice for new authors starting out

Resources mentioned:

• NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
• BookBub for book promotions
• Self Publishing Show Live conference

Book recommendations:

• "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody
• "On Writing" by Stephen King

Connect with James Blatch:

• Website: jamesblatch.com
• Self Publishing Formula: selfpublishingformula.com

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show

Craig Martelle is a prolific author with nearly 200 published works, including over 110 full-length novels. A retired Marine and former lawyer, Craig is also the founder of the 20 Books to 50K community and a key figure in the indie author world.

In this episode:

• Craig's journey from Marine to bestselling author
• Strategies for writing and publishing multiple books per year
• The importance of book pricing and how it affects sales
• Insights into international markets, particularly German translations
• The evolution and impact of author conferences
• Tips for building and managing online author communities
• Balancing fiction and non-fiction writing
• The importance of mindset in an author's career

Resources mentioned:

• 20 Books to 50K Facebook group
• Author Nation conference (formerly 20 Books Vegas)
• Self-Publishing Show Live conference
• Amazon ads for authors
• Findaway Voices for audiobooks
• TranslateBooks.com for translations

Books Mentioned:

• Ian Bragg thriller series
• Cygnus Space Opera series
• End Times Alaska series
• Free Trader series
• Battleship Leviathan series
• "Witten Wisdom"
• "An Author's Legacy"

Connect with Craig Martelle:

• Website: craigmartelle.com
• Facebook group: 20 Books to 50K

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/

Support the show