The Publishing Performance 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 authorThe inspiration behind his horror and urban fantasy writingMark's writing process and collaboration with editorsThe development and features of Kobo Writing LifeComparison of Kobo to other platforms like Amazon KDPEffective marketing tactics for authors, including price promotionsThe importance of focusing on your niche audienceMark's consulting work and advice for authorsResources mentioned:Kobo Writing LifeDraft2DigitalBookFunnelWritten Word MediaFussy LibrarianBook recommendation: "The Business of Being a Writer" by Jane FriedmanConnect with Mark Leslie Lefebvre:Website: https://markleslie.ca/https://books2read.com/marklesliehttps://books2read.com/markleslielefebvreTwitter: https://twitter.com/markleslieInstagram: https://instagram.com/markleslielefebvreConnect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 novelistHow his defense reporting experience influences his writingThe inspiration behind his first book "Final Flight"Using NaNoWriMo to kickstart writingThe value of working with a book coachUnderstanding the "why" behind your writingPlotting techniques and book structureMarketing strategies for self-published authorsSuccess with German translationsOrganizing and running the Self Publishing Show Live conferenceThe importance of networking for authorsThoughts on traditional vs self-publishingAdvice for new authors starting outResources mentioned:NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyBookBub for book promotionsSelf Publishing Show Live conferenceBook recommendations:"Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody"On Writing" by Stephen KingConnect with James Blatch:Website: jamesblatch.comSelf Publishing Formula: selfpublishingformula.comConnect with Teddy Smith:@teddyagsmithWebsite: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 authorStrategies for writing and publishing multiple books per yearThe importance of book pricing and how it affects salesInsights into international markets, particularly German translationsThe evolution and impact of author conferencesTips for building and managing online author communitiesBalancing fiction and non-fiction writingThe importance of mindset in an author's careerResources mentioned:20 Books to 50K Facebook groupAuthor Nation conference (formerly 20 Books Vegas)Self-Publishing Show Live conferenceAmazon ads for authorsFindaway Voices for audiobooksTranslateBooks.com for translationsBooks Mentioned:Ian Bragg thriller seriesCygnus Space Opera seriesEnd Times Alaska seriesFree Trader seriesBattleship Leviathan series"Witten Wisdom""An Author's Legacy"Connect with Craig Martelle:Website: craigmartelle.comFacebook group: 20 Books to 50KConnect with Teddy Smith:Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 NaNoWriMoUnderstanding and writing in the urban fantasy genreJamie's writing process and approach to plottingEffective marketing tactics for authors, focusing on email lists and BookBubThe importance of networking for authorsOverview of the Author Nation conference and tips for attendeesBalancing writing with conference organization dutiesResources mentioned:NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)BookBub, Written Word Media, Book Barbarian, Robin Reads, E-Reader News TodayAuthor Nation conference: https://www.authornation.live/Amazon and Facebook ads for authorsBook recommendations:"Successful Indie Author" series by Craig MartelleConnect with Jamie Davis:Website: https://jamiedavisbooks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/funfantasyreadersConnect with Teddy Smith:Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 brandThe importance of identifying and connecting with your target audienceEffective strategies for author publicity and PRUsing newsletters and social media to engage with readersCollaborating with businesses and organizations for book promotionsThe difference between PR and paid advertisingCase studies of successful author branding campaignsTips for pitching yourself and your books to various platformsThe value of consistency in building your author brandResources mentioned:Build Your Author Brand courseFacebook groups for author networkingNewsletter platforms for reader engagementBookshop partnerships for book launchesBook recommendations"Enough" by Dr. Catherine McAleeseBooks by Pauline Tate"The Big Leap" by Gay HendrixConnect with Isabelle Knight:Website: https://buildyourauthorbrand.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelle.knight.pr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-knight-pr/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isabelle_knight_prGet 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=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 universesThe transition from traditional to indie publishingUsing Kickstarter and Patreon to engage with fans and fund projectsInsights into the film and TV adaptation process, including DuneThe benefits of dictation for increasing writing productivityThe value of networking and attending writing conferencesAdvice for new authors on building their platform and careerResources mentioned:Wordfire Press (Kevin's publishing company)Kickstarter for Dan Shamble, Zombie PI seriesPatreon for exclusive content and fan interactionWestern Colorado University's graduate program in publishingSuperstars Writing SeminarsMac Whisper for AI transcriptionBook 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: KevinJAndersonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/75203293463/?fref=nfX (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheKJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkja/Connect with Teddy Smith:Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 includeWebsite design tips, including using book covers as inspirationSEO optimization and strategies for driving traffic to your siteEmail list building and effective use for author marketingCommon mistakes authors make with their websites and how to avoid themResources mentioned:Website builder: WixPrint-on-demand services: Book Vault, LuluEbook delivery: Book FunnelBook recommendations (add links)"Ted Talks" by Chris Anderson"Ultra Processed People" by Chris Van TullikenJD Kirk's Hoon seriesConnect with Stuart Grant:Website: digitalauthorstoolkit.comSocial media: @StuartGrantUKConnect with Teddy Smith:Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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 promotionsThe concept of promo stacking and its importance in book marketingHow to use free book promotions effectively to gain reviews and readersStrategies for promoting both fiction and non-fiction booksThe importance of book covers and blurbs in marketing successResources mentioned:Email promotion services: Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, Red Feather RomanceSocial media advertising: Reader Reach AdsBook promotion service: NewInBooksCover design resource: ReedsyBook recommendation:"Company of One" by Paul JarvisConnect with Mike Hourigan:Website: writtenwordmedia.comEmail: hello@writtenwordmedia.comConnect with Teddy Smith:Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtcFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinstaYoutube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSwLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/Join our Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/publishingperformance/ Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

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.Support the showDiscover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/