
Adventures in Self-Publishing
A raw and unfiltered journey of self-publishing as I navigate the chaotic, messy, and exhilarating process culminating in my novel’s release on September 27th. Expect candid insights, unexpected hurdles, and all the highs and lows of bringing a book to life.
Episode #1: Welcome to the trenches!
In this inaugural episode, I introduce myself, what I'm doing here, and why I'm doing it. We have this love affair with perfection, and one of the reasons I’m doing this podcast is to show writers what the self-publishing trenches look like from the inside.
TIME: 3:06
Episode #2: Writing Nonfiction?
This podcast is still for you. In this episode, we dive into the shared journey between fiction and nonfiction writing—showing nonfiction writers why this podcast is just as much for them. Whether you’re writing a memoir, self-help book, or biography, you’ll find valuable tips here to help you craft a powerful narrative that connects deeply with your readers.
TIME: 6:37
Episode #3: Walking Away from a Book I Loved
In this episode, I’m opening up about the power of walking away from your writing when it’s just not working. I’ll share my personal experience of letting go of a story that I struggled with for years, and how giving myself that space led to the clarity and creative spark I needed to write Reunion. Sometimes stepping back is exactly what you need to move forward.
TIME: 12:24
Episode #4: The Beta Reader Advantage
In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of beta readers in the writing process and how their feedback can transform your book. I share my own nerves about sending Reunion to beta readers and the excitement that came from seeing the story resonate with real readers. Plus, I discuss how I’m using beta readers differently by focusing on my target audience, not just fellow writers.
TIME: 8:35
Episode #5: Own Your Story
In this episode, I’m sharing why I decided to own my copyright and how it’s helped me protect my work. As an author, I used to think my book was safe the moment I finished writing it, but I learned that without officially registering my copyright, things could get tricky. I’ll walk you through why I took that step, how it’s given me peace of mind, and what the process looks like.
TIME: 10:02
Episode #6: The Madness of Book Covers
I share my journey of finding the perfect cover designer. You’ll also get a front-row seat to the moment I went down the rabbit hole of interior formatting details—measuring book spines and all! It’s a mix of creativity, chaos, and hard-earned lessons about what it really takes to make a book shine.
TIME: 11:55
Episode #7: The Reader Magnet I Didn’t Want to Write (But Did Anyway)
I tackle the dreaded task of writing a reader magnet. I share how I tried to outsmart the process, my resistance to creating this crucial marketing piece, and the lessons I learned along the way. You'll hear about the moment I finally gave in, the strategy behind my choice, and why a reader magnet is more than just a box to check off—it's an invitation to your readers.
TIME: 9:49
Episode #8: Writing a Series and My Philosophy on Marketing
In this episode I’m talking about the world of writing and marketing a series. I share my philosophy on marketing The Hellgate Chronicles and why building a universe goes beyond just writing multiple books. We'll explore the concept of "read-through," why it’s essential for a successful series, and how my marketing strategy is all about inviting readers to join the adventure.
TIME: 9:29
Episode #9: Battling Imposter Syndrome and Embracing the Publishing Journey
With just four days left until my book goes live on Amazon, I share the anxiety dreams, self-doubt, and fears that come with putting your work out into the world. We’ll explore why imposter syndrome shows up, the neuroscience behind it, and practical strategies to break the cycle of self-doubt. If you’ve ever questioned your worth as a writer or felt like a fraud, this episode is a candid look at how to push through and take action, no matter how loud that inner critic gets.
TIME: 9:04
Episode #10: It's More Than Just Sales
What does it mean to be a successful author? With just four days until my book's release, I explore why success isn’t only about sales, rankings, or bestseller lists, but rather about defining what success means on your own terms. Join me as I share personal stories, insights, and why the journey matters more than the destination.
TIME: 12:42
Episode #11: Categories and Keywords, What a PITA
Let’s go behind the scenes as I tackle the challenge of picking the perfect categories and keywords for my upcoming book, Reunion. It’s not as simple as it sounds, but I’m sharing my tips, mistakes, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for the real talk on what it takes to get your book noticed!
TIME: 10:33
Episode #12 – 20 Lessons I Learned While Publishing Reunion
I’m sharing the top 20 lessons I learned while publishing my novel Reunion. There are so many more than 20, but no one has time for that. So we’ll stick with embracing mistakes to tackling the technical stuff, and everything in between.
TIME: 11:05
Episode #13 – Keeping the Momentum Going After Launch
In the last episode for the next week I’m talking about the strategies I’m using to keep the momentum going now that Reunion is live! From promo stacking and social media engagement to building my mailing list and leveraging platforms like Goodreads and BookFunnel, I’m sharing all the details on what it takes to keep your book visible post-launch. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series, so stay tuned for the results next week!
TIME: 12:36
Episode #14 – Post-Release Marketing, the Grind, the Numbers, and the Long Game
In this episode of Adventures in Self-Publishing, I dive into the raw numbers and lessons from the post-release marketing of my debut novel, Reunion. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay visible and build an audience after launch, this episode is for you. From lowering the price of my book to running Amazon ads, I break down the strategies I’ve used, the results I’m seeing, and the importance of playing the long game in self-publishing.
TIME: 12:57