Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

310 / AI is getting better at producing words, audio, and even video, which raises the question for authors: how do readers know there’s a real person behind the book?In this episode, we talk about how writers can stand out in a sea of AI content through leaning harder into trust, voice, and real connection. We share concrete ways to signal “I’m a real person” without forcing yourself to overshare or turn your life into content. ✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesWhy authenticity and connection matter more as AI output scales—and what history tells us about tech panic cyclesHow parasocial relationships work, where they go sideways, and how real-world interaction cuts through the noisePractical ways to show your humanity: imperfection, process sharing, physical objects, and curationProtecting your author voice and using credibility signals to build lasting reader trust📌 Get a PDF download of all the ideas: Real, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust💙 Become a supporter of the podcast If you've gotten value from the podcast and would like to share back with us, you could support the podcast. You'll get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeWe’d love to hear from you. Comments will be open on this episode in Substack: https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe⚡Links:Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesPatty McGree on using grammar as your paintbox:https://pod.link/1495247798/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xODY2MDEzOAJoanna Penn and The Creative Penn Podcast: https://pod.link/309426367Thanks to long-time supporter Parker Finch: https://parkerfinch.com/📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

309 / Lona McCombie, social media marketer for authors, unpacks essential strategies for authors looking to promote their work, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesStarting out in social media marketingPromo strategies for book releasesBest practices for TikTok marketingCross-posting content on social platformsResults of paid promo vs. organic reachTrends in book promo content💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates 💙 Thank you to long-time supporter Kathleen Bailey: https://kathleenbaileyauthor.com📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

308 / Serial fiction expert, Kimboo York, joins us to discuss building long-term reader relationships, letting go of perfectionism and fan fiction, including insights on transitioning fan fiction to original works. We also talk about balancing productivity with kindness and allowing room for mistakes to set yourself up to have a resilient author career. ✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templatesSerial fiction business modelsTransitioning from fanfiction to original fictionProductivity and project management adviceCommunity and discoverability on SubstackMonetization methods for serialsLegal concerns with fanfiction writing🚨 Win a paperback copy of Trope Thesaurus: Mystery and Thriller by yours truly (Sara) and Jennifer Hilt. Comment on this episode on Substack with your favorite trope to write to be entered in the random drawing. Open until March 17, 2026.💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:houseofyork.infoserial-nation.comscriptorium.kimbooyork.nehouseofyork.infoscriptorium.kimbooyork.nethttps://newsletterninja.net/solutions/email-storytelling-pantry/Ingram Launches New Digital Catalog, DRC, and Ordering Platform: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/99760-ingram-targets-edelweiss-with-new-catalog-drc-and-ordering-platform.htmlThanks to long-time supporter Christa Bakker https://christabakker.com/Archive of Our Own https://archiveofourown.orgFOOTLOOSE! https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Footloose%20(1984)/works📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

Chelle Honaker, founder of Author Automations and co-founder of Indie Author Magazine, helps indie authors streamline business and community building. She talks about using automation to protect creative time. She explores shifting from funnels to marketing flywheels, social media burnout, AI ethics and practical AI tools, and the lasting importance of reader relationships.

306 / How do you get your first reviews? And what do you do about collating feedback from multiple beta readers? Evan Gow, creator of StoryOrigin, has solutions to these author problems. Plus we explore why building your mailing list is the number-one way to connect with readers and future-proof your business as well as discussing direct sales options and the perennial topic of AI impact on publishing.  ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishImportance of reviews for book salesCross-promotions and newsletter swapsBeta reader management with StoryOriginDirect sales trends and challengesAI’s impact on the publishing landscape💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: http://tryvellum.com/wishhttps://storyoriginapp.com/📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

305 / Ember Mae shares lessons learned about starting small with crowdfunding as well as managing fulfillment. We also talk about marketing without succumbing to the pressure of conventional social media wisdom.✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishTips on setting up your first Kickstarter campaign and keeping it manageableMaking marketing personal and connecting individually with readersWhy ditching social media is freeingIntuitive storytellingIn-person event strategiesNeurodivergence as a writing superpower💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:embpublishing.comhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/embermaeauthor/the-crowdfunded-authorhttp://tryvellum.com/wish📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

304 / Are you curious how understanding grammar—not just as a set of rules but as a tool for creative expression—can transform your writing and help you find your unique author voice?✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wishWe talked with Patty McGee, a literary consultant and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar to unpack why grammar isn’t about memorizing rules, but about developing your unique voice. Patty shared tips on building foundational skills, using grammar to enhance your writing’s rhythm, and why it’s totally normal to make mistakes. Finding your writing voice through sentence rhythmOvercoming grammar embarrassment as an authorPractical resources for learning grammarEffective strategies for giving and receiving feedback  Trends in grammar and punctuation in modern writing💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: www.pattymcgee.orghttp://tryvellum.com/wishAmazon algorithm changes and tips: https://thenewpublishingstandard.com/2026/01/24/a10-sales-rankings-explained/Joanna Penn’s 2026 trends and prediction: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2026/01/05/2026-trends-and-predictions-for-indie-authors-and-the-book-publishing-industry-with-joanna-penn/   📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

303 / Are you curious about how to find your writing voice, handle feedback without losing your vision, and thrive in today’s ever-changing publishing world? Nicole Meier shares what she wishes she’d known as both an author and developmental editor, plus key insights for writers at every stage. ✨ This week’s corporate sponsor:http://tryvellum.com/wishWhen to seek feedback and the stages of editingCommon mistakes authors make and how to avoid themAvoiding the trap of rushingFeedback as a listening device so you don’t lose your voiceEmerging trends and the power of authenticity in storytellingHow to get over being stuck in your revisions💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://nicolemeier.com/https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com/http://tryvellum.com/wish📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

302 / We’re talking about the power of tropes in storytelling with Jennifer Hilt, uncovering why elements like scars, secrets, and shame drive compelling mysteries and thrillers—and how they show up in every genre.  Jennifer shared insights from her Trope Thesaurus series, and both guests revealed how understanding and leveraging tropes isn’t just a writing shortcut—it’s a way to deepen character, amp up conflict, and even supercharge your marketing.Tips for handling co-writing and collaborationBreaking down “scars and secrets” as trope superstarsHow to make the tropes unique and memorable to your storyUsing tropes to analyze popular media with examples from Severance, The Housemade, and JustifiedThe storybeats of tropesPlus we brainstorm a story  with the armenia trope💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:www.jenniferhilt.comMystery and Thriller Trope book: https://books2read.com/MysteryandThrillerJennifer Hilt on Trope Con and Planning Online Events: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/262-2/How to Use Tropes to Create Strong Characters and Deepen Conflict with Jennifer Hilt: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/155-2/📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

301 / In this 301st episode, hear from listeners (thanks for the voicemails!) about their favorite topics and takeaways and another long-time supporter, Belinda Kroll joins us. Belinda is a cozy fantasy romance author and illustrator, and shares how she's streamlining her business to lean fully into her artisan side.Shifting from serial to artisan-focused publishing Leveraging Kickstarter and Shopify for book launches Balancing writing and business with family life Learning from setbacks and focusing on what works for you Adapting to industry changes and technology, including AI💙 Become a supporter of the podcast: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribeAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes but the 200 episodes in the vaultShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Trope Book: https://books2read.com/MysteryandThrillerJami’s branding workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsAimee Robinson: https://www.aimeerobinsonromance.comStephanie Faris: https://www.stephaniefaris.comStephanie Faris on Steamy Instalove Shorts, Sweet Romance, and Dictation:https://wishidknownforwriters.com/278-2/Belinda Kroll: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/worderella/an-uncanny-bargainhttps://worderella.comhttps://worderella.com/linkshttps://brightbirdpress.com/Writing Cozy Fantasy as a Joyful Side Hustle with Belinda Kroll: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/171-2/📥 Send us a Text Message Support the show🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast