Seven Authors Discuss Author Platform Building, Book Reviews, and Marketing and Selling Books
Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:37:52 — 89.7MB)
In this episode 321, we start the new year with a bang with insights from seven different authors about what’s worked in their marketing and publishing journeys. We also feature both old and new work of late NC literary luminary Philip Gerard. Plus we’ll share a Charlotte Lit Two Minute Tip, book recommendations, and more.
Today’s Featured Authors:
Charlotte Dune Time Stamp: 14:40
Charlotte Dune is the author of the Psychedelic Love Series and is a fiction, romance, and non-fiction writer.
Jean Grant Time Stamp: 31:12
Author of Seeker, Jean Grant writes historical and contemporary romance and women’s fiction, as well as for family-oriented travel magazines and websites.
Kelly Finley Time Stamp: 31:12
Kelly Finley, author of After Him, is dedicated to writing books featuring characters we champion and love—ones with shameless heat, brave hearts, and whip-smart minds.
Lainey Cameron Time Stamp: 14:40
Lainey Cameron is the award-winning author of The Exit Strategy, a marketing expert, a digital nomad, and host of the Best of Women’s Fiction podcast.
Paulette Stout Time Stamp: 47:58
Paulette Stout, author of What We Never Say, writes fast-paced contemporary women’s fiction that tackles social issues often ignored.
Rue Sparks Time Stamp: 1:04:48
Rue Sparks has authored the short story collection The Stars Will Guide Us Back, the novella Daylight Chasers, and the magical realism/mystery novel The Fable of Wren.
Sharon Dukett Time Stamp: 47:58
In her memoir No Rules, Sharon Dukett writes about her journey of awakening to feminism and discovering her own strength after running away from home to join the hippies in 1971.
Philip Gerard Time Stamp: 1:19:40
Philip Gerard, recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature, the highest civilian honor conferred by the state, is the author of North Carolina in the 1940s: The Decade of Transformation, which focuses on a lively and illuminating set of events in the era.
Community Updates:
Listen to our episode for updates on the Charlotte writing community, including events from the Charlotte Writers Club, Charlotte Lit, and more.
Host Updates:
Sarah: I’m happy to be back into the swing of things after holiday travel! On January 18th, I’ll be speaking to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Writers Beyond Borders group about how and why to try screenwriting. Register for free here.
Hannah: I’m transitioning back from maternity leave after the first holiday season with baby Gwen! I’m looking forward to reading more in the coming months and sharing new recommendations with you.
Landis: I’m grateful to be featured in Mark West’s year-end round-up of favorite books from 2022. I’m also working hard on The Write Quotes book series, where we’ll share wisdom from every episode of the podcast–more coming soon.
Book Recommendations: Time Stamp: 1:30:20
Hannah recommends:
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Sarah recommends:
The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith
Landis recommends:
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Mark West, Storied Charlotte Blog, recommends:
In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd
2-Minute Tip: Time Stamp: 1:23:11
Don’t miss Charlotte Lit co-founder and executive director Paul Reali’s tip about when to begin a scene.
Marketing Tips:
From our seven authors in today’s feature, we take the following tips (and more):
- Take marketing advice from other authors, but tailor your practices to what works for you, and be willing to discard ideas if they’re not working.
- Don’t be shy to ask for honest reviews! Assembling an ARC reading team and getting reviews pre-publication can give you a leg up.
- Don’t just target bookstores and reading communities with your events and online outreach. Look for tie-ins with other subjects referenced in your book to broaden your base and give people other reasons to engage with you.
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