Nick Thacker is a bestselling author in multiple genres who turned his hobby into a full-time writing career. Having written 45 books, he now helps other authors transition to full-time writing through his Book Career in a Year program.

In this episode:

• The journey from hobby to full-time writing
• Building a sustainable author career
• Creating effective email marketing strategies
• Developing multiple income streams
• Setting realistic author goals
• Marketing strategies for new authors
• Building an author platform from scratch

Resources mentioned:

• Book Career in a Year program: https://www.bookcareerinayear.com/
• Scrivener: https://scrivener.app/
• Email marketing platforms
• Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/
• Facebook advertising platform: https://www.facebook.com/business/ads
• The 12 Week Year book: https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Others-Months/dp/1118509234
• Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS): https://www.eosworldwide.com/

Book recommendations:

• Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain: https://www.amazon.com/Techniques-Selling-Writer-Dwight-Swain/dp/0806111917
• Amazonia by James Rollins: https://www.amazon.com/Amazonia-James-Rollins/dp/0061965839

Connect with Nick:

• Website: https://www.nickthacker.com/
• Book Career in a Year Coaching Program: https://www.bookcareerinayear.com/
• Online courses and training: https://www.bookcareerinayear.com/coaching/
• Books by Nick: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008A2W6XE

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Rebekah Haskell is the owner and lead designer at Vivid Covers, specializing in speculative fiction book covers. With expertise in both illustration and photo manipulation, she helps authors create genre-appropriate covers that connect with their target readers.

In this episode:

• Genre-specific cover design principles
• Differences between traditional and indie publishing covers
• Research methods for effective cover design
• Pre-made vs custom cover options
• Visual tropes and genre expectations
• Working process with authors
• Thumbnail visibility importance

Resources mentioned:

• Vivid Covers: https://www.vividcovers.com/
• Pre-made cover collections: https://www.vividcovers.com/shop/
• "Cover Your Book" by R. Haskell - https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Your-Book-Designer-Maximize/dp/B08Q6NGRSJ/
• Amazon bestseller lists: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Books/zgbs/books

Book recommendations:

• Never Check Email in the Morning by Julie Morgenstern: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Check-Mail-Morning-Unexpected/dp/0743250885
• Mage Errant series by John Bierce: https://www.amazon.com/Mage-Errant-7-book-series/dp/B07PHPLHX5

Connect with Rebekah:

• Website: https://www.vividcovers.com/
• Email: design@vividcovers.com
• Facebook: https://www.rebekahhaskell.com/fb-groups/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Sarah Bullen is a multi-published author, writing coach, and literary agent, leading international writing mentorships. She is the author of Write your Book in 100 Days and works with authors as a book coach and agent. Over the last two decades, she has had over 180 books published by writers she has mentored. She has held editorial roles across books, magazines, and literary agencies. Her expertise in writing and publishing provides invaluable guidance to aspiring authors, helping them develop their craft, structure their stories, and navigate the publishing world.

In this episode:

• The insider secrets of literary agent selection
• Differences between fiction and non-fiction manuscript submissions
• How to create a compelling book proposal
• Understanding the publishing industry's inner workings
• Strategies for becoming a successful published author
• The importance of online presence for writers
• Navigating the traditional publishing landscape

Resources mentioned:

• The Writing Room mentorship: https://www.thewritingroom.co.za/author-mentorship
• International writing retreats: https://www.internationalwritingretreats.com/
• Online author platforms
• Book proposal guidelines
• Genre-specific writing conventions
• Publishing industry networking

Book recommendations:

• The Ghost Ship by Colleen Dolan: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Ship-Fire-Colleen-Dolan/dp/1637776365
• The Authority Gap by Marianne Seacart: https://www.maryannsieghart.com/the-authority-gap/

Connect with Sarah:

• Website: http://www.thewritingroom.co.za/
• Alternative Website: https://www.internationalwritingretreats.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahbullenwritingroom/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbullenwritingroom/
• LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/sarahbullenwritingcoach

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Lucy McCarraher is the Founder of Rethink Press, BookMagic AI, the book-writing app, and the Business Book Awards. She also hosts the ABOO – A Book of One's Own – women writers' network. She is the author of 13 books including three novels, four self-help books and six books on writing books. Lucy mentors non-fiction and fiction authors through planning and writing their books and is the UK's most experienced business book mentor. She recently won a Stevie Award for Women Helping Women in Business; and the Great British Businesswomen's Award for Creative Industries Businesswoman of the Year for her work supporting more women to write and publish their business books.

In this episode:

• The journey from idea to published business book
• Using AI tools to support (not replace) writing
• Creating authentic business books
• Hybrid publishing vs self-publishing
• Book positioning strategies
• Writing habits and routines
• Distribution and marketing approaches

Resources mentioned:

• Book Magic AI: https://bookmagic.ai/
• Rethink Press: http://www.rethinkpress.com/
• KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): https://kdp.amazon.com/
• Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
• Key Person of Influence: https://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/

Book recommendations:

• The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart: https://www.amazon.com/Authority-Gap-women-still-seriously/dp/0857527568

Connect with Lucy:

• Get your Free Trial for Book Magic AI: https://bookmagic.ai/
• Rethink Press: http://www.rethinkpress.com/
• Personal Website: https://www.lucymccarraher.com/
• Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Ellen Erikson is a publisher of over 30 books, combining self-authored works and public domain publications. Her expertise lies in identifying, updating, and successfully marketing classic works for modern audiences.

In this episode:

• Understanding public domain books and copyright laws
• Guidelines for publishing on Amazon KDP
• Strategies for standing out in the market
• Finding and selecting profitable titles
• Formatting and production considerations
• Marketing and advertising approaches
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Resources mentioned:

• Project Gutenberg
• Many Books
• Wikipedia copyright tables
• KDP publishing guidelines

Connect with Ellen:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenerikson/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Tom Wilde is the Head of Partnerships at ProWritingAid, a comprehensive toolkit for storytellers that helps authors improve their writing through advanced analysis and AI-powered features. With a background in English teaching, he brings deep insight into how writers can elevate their craft through technology.

In this episode:

• Evolution of ProWritingAid from grammar checker to complete writing toolkit
• Understanding passive vs active voice
• Key reports and features for writers
• AI-powered tools for story development
• Integration with popular writing platforms
• Privacy and security considerations

Resources mentioned:

• ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com/
• Writers Week events: https://prowritingaid.com/art/1163/learn-with-prowritingaid-this-month.aspx
• Integration with Scrivener, Word, Google Docs: https://prowritingaid.com/integrations
• YouTube channel tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClh8Sjuq-j17zxjfvvxmcIg

Book recommendations:

• Go As A River by Shelley Reed: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Go-River/Shelley-Read/9781954118232
• Fingersmith by Sarah Waters: https://www.amazon.com/Fingersmith-Sarah-Waters/dp/1573229725

Connect with Tom:

• Website: https://prowritingaid.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prowritingaid
• X.com: https://twitter.com/prowritingaid
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prowritingaid.insta/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prowritingaid
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClh8Sjuq-j17zxjfvvxmcIg

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Audrey Hughey is a planner and workbook creator, and a multi-genre fiction author. She uses her B.A. in English and M.A. in Ancient and Classical History to research and craft riveting horror and thriller stories brimming with cultural nuance and rich with lore. She lives in the hills of Appalachia with her family and sweet-but-bossy felines.

In this episode:

• The importance of holistic life planning for authors
• Breaking down yearly writing goals
• Creating effective daily routines
• Managing productivity with family commitments
• Setting authentic and meaningful goals
• Using time-blocking techniques
• Monthly review and progress tracking

Resources mentioned:

• The Author's Planner series
• Virtual writing retreats
• Monthly Writing Focus Planners
• Growth Day app
• Female Entrepreneurship Association
• Pomodoro Technique

Book recommendations:

• The Ritualist by Dakota Crowe
• Six Habits of Growth by Brendon Burchard
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

Connect with Audrey:

• Website: www.audreyhughey.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewriteservices
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewriteservices
• Sign Up to Audrey’s Newsletter: https://bit.ly/authorweekly

Get your tickets for the 2025 Virtual Spring Writing Retreat:

• Purchase discounted tickets while preordering their 2025 Author's Planner HERE: https://audreyhughey.com/2025preorders
• Join Audrey’s newsletter waitlist HERE: https://bit.ly/2025vswrwait

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

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Evan Gow is the founder of StoryOrigin, a platform designed to help authors grow their readership through newsletter marketing, review management, and cross-promotions. With a background in tech entrepreneurship and creative writing, he created StoryOrigin to streamline the essential tools authors need for success.

In this episode:

• Benefits of author newsletters
• Creating effective reader magnets
• Newsletter content strategies
• Cross-promotion techniques
• Building subscriber lists
• Newsletter monetization options
• Platform features and integrations

Resources mentioned:

• StoryOrigin: https://storyoriginapp.com/
  • MailerLite recommendation
  • Newsletter swap directory
  • Group promotions
  • Universal book links
  • Review copy landing pages

Book recommendations:

• He Who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon (Travis Deverell): https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/26294/he-who-fights-with-monsters

Connect with Evan:

• Website: https://storyoriginapp.com/
• Tutorials: https://storyoriginapp.com/tutorials
• Contact Evan: evan@storyoriginapp.com

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show