Episodes

  • SPTT 085 – Book Marketing Made Simple for Indie Authors
    Mar 15 2025
    Episode 085Released on: March 15, 2025 On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with bestselling poet and marketing expert Shelby Leigh to explore the essential strategies authors need to thrive on social media. Shelby shares her journey from anonymously posting poetry online to building a successful brand that helps creatives market their work with confidence. We dive into mindset shifts around self-promotion, practical ways to streamline content creation, and how social media platforms—especially TikTok—can drive book sales. She also opens up about the unexpected challenges and benefits of both self-publishing and traditional publishing. Whether you're struggling with marketing or looking to expand your author platform, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you make animpact! WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🌟 “How to Start on TikTok and Instagram as an Author | AuthorTube Writing Conference 2023,” marketing by shelby: https://youtu.be/15KOJQ4wV64?si=zyceB018dxMtIT9B🌟 “Diversifying Your Income Streams as an Author,” marketing by shelby: https://www.youtube.com/live/7J6g_IWgQrw?si=TMl_bQOKQWke3MV8🌟 You can still do a late pledge to Shanon’s Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/ YOU CAN STILLCATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH SHELBY LEIGH! 🎥Subscribe to Shelby for weekly marketing videos: https://www.youtube.com/@marketingbyshelby🌐 Grab her marketing freebies here: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/freebie❗ Explore all marketing guides and courses: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/marketing-offers CONNECT WITH US! ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~#selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt
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    47 mins
  • SPTT 084 – What No One Tells You About Self-Publishing Under a Pen Name
    Mar 1 2025

    Episode 084

    Released on: March 1, 2025

    On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, we sit down with multi-genre author Nicole Pierman, who also writes under the pen name Nicole Brona, to explore the intricacies of managing multiple pen names in self-publishing. Nicole shares her eye-opening experience of choosing the wrong pen name just days before publishing and the valuable lessons she learned about branding, marketing psychology, and navigating Amazon’s algorithms. We also dive into the challenges and rewards of writing in niche genres like Irish mythology, as well as the unique hurdles of marketing poetry versus fiction. Whether you’re considering a pen name or juggling multiple author brands, this episode is packed with insights to help you make strategic decisions in your self-publishing journey!

    WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

    🌟 Shanon’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/

    🌟 Author Ad School with Bryan Cohen: https://learn.bestpageforward.net/author-ad-school-enroll/🌟 Becca Syme (Phoenix/Intuitive Writing/CliftonStrengths): https://betterfasteracademy.com/

    YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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    CONNECT WITH NICOLE PIERMAN/BRONA!

    🌐 Nicole’s Website: https://nicolepierman.com/

    🎥 Nicole’s YouTube, Nicole's Bookish Nook: https://www.youtube.com/@NicolesBookishNook 📚Nicole Brona Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-Brona/author/B0C3FL7DHK📚Nicole Pierman Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Pierman/e/B08RG74PYP📧 Nicole’s Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/u2e2i6📱 Nicole’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064052976597#❗ Nicole’s Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14954026.Nicole_Pierman

    CONNECT WITH US!

    ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

    ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

    ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

    ▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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    #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

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    46 mins
  • SPTT 083 – Unlock Your Self-Publishing Success with StoryOrigin
    Feb 15 2025

    Episode 083

    Released on: February 15, 2025

    On this episode of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with Evan Gow, founder of StoryOrigin, as he shares the driving force behind his all-in-one platform designed for authors. From solving the problem of fragmented author tools to introducing innovative features like audiobook review distribution and beta copy management, Evan dives deep into the unique ways StoryOrigin is helping authors streamline their marketing and publishing efforts, like building an effective email list with enticing reader magnets. We also dive into actionable strategies for crafting email welcome sequences, explore emerging trends in self-publishing and direct sales, and uncover what sets StoryOrigin apart in today’s competitive publishing landscape. Tune in for practical tips and fresh insights designed to help you simplify your workflow and connect more deeply with your readers.

    CONNECT WITH STORYORIGIN & EVAN GOW:

    🌟 StoryOrigin: https://storyoriginapp.com/?via=s-d(affiliate link)

    🌟 Evan Gow, Indie Developer: evan@storyoriginapp.com

    🌟 Evan Gow, indie developer of StoryOrigin, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storyoriginapp

    ✨Shanon’s Kickstarter will launch on February 25th! Even if you can't buy anything later, following helps with the algorithm! 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/

    YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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    CONNECT WITH US!

    ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

    ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

    ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

    ▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54,YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli,Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi,Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social,Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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    #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

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    55 mins
  • SPTT 082 – When Scripts Become Sagas
    Feb 1 2025

    Episode 082

    Released on: February 1, 2025

    Join us for a heartfelt conversation with epic fantasy author H.L. Bernabe as she reveals her transformative journey from script writing to crafting expansive fantasy epics amid personal challenges. In this candid episode, Holly shares how channeling her experiences into writing became a powerful, cathartic release, and she offers practical insights—from embracing extended timelines for launch plans to leveraging essential software tools in self-publishing. Discover her unique perspective on the importance of attitude in marketing and how industry summits helped shape her path. Tune in for inspiration, real-life lessons, and invaluable tips that every writer can relate to.

    WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

    🌟Shanon’s Kickstarter will launch on February 25th! Even if you can't buy anything later, following helps with the algorithm! 👉https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems/

    🌟 Miblart: https://miblart.com/

    🌟 Storytellers Rule the World Show: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdPLFc4z-u1ZlmNYW_MWpigUnabkfr1kn

    YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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    CONNECT WITH HOLLY, H.L. HERNABE!

    📸Holly’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.hlbernabe/

    📧Holly’s Newsletter: https://hlbernabe.com/author 📗Holly’s Book, By Her Grace: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTCH8V7Q

    CONNECT WITH US!

    ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

    ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

    ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

    ▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli, Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi, Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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    #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

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    31 mins
  • SPTT 081 – Batman & Serial Fiction? J.M. Celi Explains + Our 2025 Goals
    Jan 15 2025

    Episode 081

    Released on: January 15, 2025

    Welcome to Season 6 of the Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks podcast! In our season premiere, we introduce our new co-host, Jamie, author of the gripping Lisa Cooper vampire series and a dark and urban fantasy writer under the pen name J.M. Celi. Jamie shares his unexpected journey into self-publishing, revealing how a now-ending platform, Kindle Vella, sparked his success and how a classic TV series influenced his writing style. We also share our writing goals for 2025, discuss platforms we’re excited to explore, and reveal our wild card ambitions for the year. Join us for a fresh start and inspiring insights for the year ahead!

    WEBSITES/ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

    🌟 Jamie’s (J.M. Celi) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli

    🌟 Jamie’s (J.M. Celi) Website: https://www.jmceli.com/

    🌟 Jamie’s (J.M. Celi) Newsletter: https://www.jmceli.com/newsletter

    YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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    CONNECT WITH US!

    ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

    ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

    ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

    ▶Jamie’s (J.M. Celi): Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jm.celi.54, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorjmceli, Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jm_celi, Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/jmceli.bsky.social, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_celi

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    #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • SPTT 080 – One Last Story Before We Begin Again (Five Seasons, Countless Lessons Learned)
    Dec 15 2024

    Episode 080

    Released on: December 15, 2024

    Join us for a bittersweet but celebratory episode as we reflect on five incredible seasons of Self-Publishing Tips & Tricks! In this special farewell episode, we explore the highs and lows of our self-publishing journeys, sharing hard-won lessons about time management, overcoming obstacles, and the crucial importance of self-care. We delve into our biggest accomplishments, biggest struggles, and offer invaluable advice for fellow authors. Discover what we'll take away from this amazing experience and hear what the future holds for each of us. Plus, join us in saying a heartfelt goodbye to Morgan Lee as she embarks on her next chapter. Tune in for inspiration, practical tips, and a celebration of the connections that make the writing journey worthwhile!

    YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist

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    CONNECT WITH US!

    ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston

    ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write

    ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write

    ▶Morgan’s Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee

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    #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt #authortube

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • SPTT 079 – Is Kickstarter Right For You? Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter
    Nov 15 2024
    Episode 079 Released on: November 15, 2024 Join Shanon, Rita, and Devon as they delve into “Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter” by Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle. Discover how Kickstarter can transform your author career, even if you’ve never considered crowdfunding. This episode explores the book’s key takeaways, including identifying the most beneficial Kickstarter scenarios, leveraging exclusivity, and mastering campaign design, budgeting, and marketing. The authors also discuss the power of psychological triggers in driving sales and address their own biggest questions and concerns about the platform. Whether you’re a Kickstarter novice or a seasoned pro, this discussion will provide valuable insights and inspire you to consider new possibilities for connecting with readers and boosting your book sales. Tune in to learn how Kickstarter can become a powerful tool in your self-publishing arsenal. 🎧WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK FREE IN AUDIO: https://youtu.be/Qwq9wl0blI0 📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK TO BUY ONLINE: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Book-Selling-Kickstarter-Profitability-ebook/dp/B09TQ4G5S6 ✨Find out about Kickstarter updates by Russell and Monica since they’ve published this book! 👉 https://www.theauthorstack.com/p/whats-new-on-kickstarter-since-get IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: 🌟 “Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter” campaign on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lovelightlioness/kickstarter-for-authors 🌟 2025 Authortube Writing Conference website to find applications and more: https://www.authortubewritingconference.com/ 🌟 Shanon’s first successful Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/acurseofscaleandfeathers 🌟 Shanon’s Kickstarter for A Curse of Wings & Gems: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems 🌟 Shanon’s video about doing Kickstarters: https://youtu.be/CWtWoJzXz_I YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH RITA SLANINA! 🎥 Rita’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitaSlanina 🌐 Rita’s Website: https://www.ritaslanina.com 📸 Rita’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaslanina 🐦 Rita’s Twitter: https://x.com/ritaslanina 📱 Rita’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritaslanina/ CONNECT WITH DEVON GAMBRELL! 🎥 Devon’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devongambrell 🌐 Devon’s Website: https://dgambrell.com/ 📘 Devon’s ALL CALL INDIE: https://dgambrell.com/allcallindie/ 💜 Devon’s Social Links: https://dgambrell.com/links/ 📚 Devon’s book The Witch's Crystal: https://books2read.com/u/mgYGGR CONNECT WITH US! ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write ▶Morgan’s Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • SPTT 078 – The Art of Editing with The Story Grid
    Oct 15 2024
    Episode 078 Released on: October 15, 2024 In this episode, four authors dive into Shawn Coyne's book, The Story Grid, a comprehensive editing tool that breaks down the structure of a story to reveal what works and what doesn't. We explore the key analytical tools Coyne introduces, including the Story Grid Spreadsheet and the Five Commandments of Storytelling, and discuss how the book reshapes our approach to editing. We also talk about why understanding genre expectations is essential and agree that this book is especially helpful for writers tackling revisions after completing their first draft. 📘WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK ONLINE: https://store.storygrid.com/books/ IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: 🌟 The Story Grid website: https://storygrid.com/ 🌟 Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-into-Dark-without-Outline/dp/1561466336 🌟 Anatomy of Genres by John Truby: https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Genres-Story-Forms-Explain/dp/0374539227 🌟 Shanon’s Kickstarter for A Curse of Wings & Gems: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sdhuston/a-curse-of-wings-and-gems YOU CAN STILL CATCH ALL THE FREE REPLAYS FOR THE 2024 AUTHORTUBE WRITING CONFERENCE👉 https://bit.ly/2024-AWC-Playlist ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ CONNECT WITH CATHARINA STEEL! 🌐 Catharina’s website: https://catharinasteel.com 📗 Catharina’s Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/catharinasteelauthor/vanishings-the-wythic-wood-mysteries-series-book-one 📸 Catharina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catharina_steel_author/ 📱 Catharina’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatharinaSteel.Author CONNECT WITH RITA SLANINA! 🎥 Rita’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitaSlanina CONNECT WITH A ADESHILE! 🎥 Adeshile’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adeshile.writes CONNECT WITH US! ▶Shanon’s (S.D. Huston) Links: https://linktr.ee/sdhuston ▶Ben Pick’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Running2Write ▶Ben Pick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running2write ▶Morgan’s Links: https://linktr.ee/authormorganlee ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~ #selfpublishingtipstricks #sptt
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    57 mins