Best Success in the Chaotic Publishing World Podcasts (2025)

1
Jumpstart a Successful Editing Business (or Side Hustle) 38:50

3d ago38:50

38:50

In this conversation, special guest Sue A. Fairchild and I discuss the essential aspects of starting and running a successful editing business. We explore the importance of understanding one's purpose in editing, the necessary investments in education and time, and the critical questions aspiring editors should ask themselves. The discussion also c…

1
3 Steps to Stand Out in Anthologies & Multi-Author Series 17:07

10d ago17:07

17:07

In this conversation, I discuss the challenges and strategies for authors navigating collaborative writing projects, such as anthologies and multi-author series. I emphasize the importance of maintaining a unique voice while adhering to project parameters and goals. The discussion includes practical tips for authors to set their own objectives, und…

1
Write Heart-Stomping, Brain-Bending Dystopian with author Laura L. Zimmerman 1:12:26

17d ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Join Laura L. Zimmerman and me in this livestream as we explore the intricate world of dystopian fiction, discuss the themes and elements that define the genre, and shamelessly discuss all things Hunger Games. We discuss what draws readers to dystopian fiction, how allegories are key to creating memorable stories, and the need for compelling second…

1
The Pitfalls and Perils of Writing & Adapting Allegories 24:30

24d ago24:30

24:30

In this episode of the Author Culture Podcast, I discuss the complexities of using allegories in storytelling I emphasize the importance of understanding the power and potential pitfalls of allegories, the implications of casting choices in TV and movie adaptations, and the need for care to respect authorial intent. Plus, my examples are the latest…

1
WIP Updates, Backtracking, & Random Reading 12:26

1M ago12:26

12:26

In last week’s episode, I helped you walk through a quarterly pruning. In this one, it’s time to share about mine!Includes how Substack is going, updates on her latest work in progress (and how you can learn from my mistake), what’s happening with my world building series, and what’s been on my reading stack. Tune in and let’s hang out!Prefer to re…

1
Achieve More Book Success By Doing Less 17:38

1M ago17:38

17:38

So it’s the end of the first quarter in 2025. How are those goals? Knocking them out of the park? Felt like you got knocked around instead? Either way, this episode is for you to help you assess what you planned, what actually happened, and what to do next. By reflecting on what works and what doesn't, us authors can streamline our efforts and find…

1
Pros & Cons of Writing in the Superhero Genre with H.L. Burke 49:03

1M ago49:03

49:03

In this engaging livestream conversation, H.L. Burke (Heidi) and I explore the intricacies of writing superhero fiction, discussing the implications of superpowers, the role of government, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters. We delve into the unique challenges of marketing superhero stories, the importance of character development, and the …

1
Unlocking the Secrets of Genre Research 15:46

2M ago15:46

15:46

Just read books in your genre, and you’ll “get it.” Right? Sometimes it’s not so easy - but I’m here with my secret sauce tips to make doing genre research a simple and (and even fun) process. I cover methods for selecting books for research, analyzing genre elements such as tropes, character arcs, and world-building, and the crucial phrase I alway…

1
Is World Building Getting Less Complex? 8:57

2M ago8:57

8:57

In this conversation, I explore the shifting landscape of world building in science fiction and fantasy, including a comparison of simpler world building in romantasy with the enduring appeal of complex world building in other subgenres. I also offer some marketing thoughts on the increasing reader divide between complex and simple world building. …

1
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Book Events 25:23

2M ago25:23

25:23

In this conversation, I break down my 6 key factors when evaluating which book events I sign up for every year.Bonus: I also dig into how to do book events when managing limited energy levels (and a budget).This episode includes:-Why high foot traffic does not guarantee sales-Evaluating the theme and guests of the event for potential connections-Wh…

1
Will Kindle's Upcoming Change Hurt Authors? 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

In this conversation, I discuss the recent changes in Amazon's Kindle ebook policies, addressing the concerns raised by readers and authors alike. I emphasize the importance of understanding the nature of digital ownership and licensing, the cultural implications of these changes, and offer practical advice for both readers and authors navigating t…

1
When to Pull Back & Destroy Everything in the New Year (or at least mildly attack it) 25:03

4M ago25:03

25:03

In this episode, Janeen Ippolito reflects on the challenges and expectations that come with the New Year, particularly for authors. She discusses the importance of evaluating one's progress and setting realistic goals, emphasizing the need for a personalized creative calendar that aligns with individual rhythms. Janeen also shares her strategies fo…

1
Theme and Message Help You Sell Books 33:25

5M ago33:25

33:25

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito discusses the critical role of theme and message in storytelling. She emphasizes that understanding and effectively communicating these elements can significantly enhance a book's connection with readers. The discussion covers the definitions of theme and message, their importance in narrative structure, and pr…

1
When Writing is Hard - Find Hope and Perseverance in the Waiting 13:14

5M ago13:14

13:14

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito shares her personal journey through the challenges of writing, emphasizing the importance of humility, faith, and patience. She discusses the struggles of completing her latest book, the lessons learned in waiting for inspiration, and the significance of trusting God throughout the creative process. Janeen enco…

1
Does Your World Building Work with Your Scifi or Fantasy Genre? 26:41

5M ago26:41

26:41

In this episode, Janeen Ippolito discusses the intricate relationship between world building and genre in science fiction and fantasy writing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding genre definitions, cultural influences, and reader expectations. The conversation provides practical tips for authors on how to navigate the complexities of gen…

1
Don't Just Write Faster - Write Better (and Enjoy it) - Top Tips & Fun/Weird Hacks 20:17

6M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode of the Author Culture Podcast, Janeen Ippolito explores the balance between writing faster and writing better. She discusses the importance of understanding one's writing process, the trade-offs involved in increasing word count, and practical tips for enhancing writing speed without sacrificing quality. Plus, why your word count sp…

1
Ask This First - When Considering Your "Why" in Writing & Marketing 18:34

6M ago18:34

18:34

In this conversation, Janeen Ippolito explores the pivotal questions authors face regarding the significance of their work. She emphasizes the importance of asking not just why their writing matters, but whether it matters at all. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she encourages authors to confront uncomfortable truths about their motivation…

1
A New Era for This Podcast 16:42

7M ago16:42

16:42

Hey there! In this episode I share some of my recent (and not-so-recent) experiences with pivoting my focus and what that means going forward. I'm going to be closing down some things (this podcast is staying), shifting over others, and stepping into some areas that have been really on my heart lately. This is going to be a new, highly consolidated…

1
When You Should Ignore the Data (and just do what makes sense) 13:19

7M ago13:19

13:19

*waves* Hey there! Anyone feeling data and info overload? I'm right there with you! And in this quick episode I offer an alternative to getting lost in the analytics, likes, subscribes, and all the rest. Learn one crucial tip for sifting through all the info, and how to prioritize your goals and health to keep author life sustainable. It's time to …

1
How to Create Your Winning Writing and Marketing Process 27:32

7M ago27:32

27:32

Want to do your writing and marketing easier, faster, and better? It’s time to create a process you love for author success–and I’m here to help you start right now! Don’t miss this episode of the Author Elevate podcast as I share some tips to research your process and narrow it down to something that works for your unique brain. Includes awesome w…

1
One Thing Every Author Needs 11:42

8M ago11:42

11:42

Welcome back to the Author Elevate podcast! Are you ready for a few changes? We promise they’re good ones! Learn what cool things are on the horizon and our theme for this season. In this episode: -four changes I’m making to level up this podcast (and keep myself sane) -the highly underrated secret of successful authors -plus, find out more about t…

1
Author Business Success Even If You Can't Write Every Day with Tiffany Grant 48:25

9M ago48:25

48:25

Have you tried to write every day–and can’t, because of life? Do you want to push forward in your author biz but keep dealing with setbacks? Author and YouTuber Tiffany Grant has a boatload of encouragement, tips, and inspiration in this latest episode! And she also shares about running a successful Kickstarter with her debut novel! Includes epic c…

1
4 Top Tips to Help You Finish Writing Your Book with E.J. Kitchens 33:46

9M ago33:46

33:46

Are you ready to finish your next book? How about the next one…and the next one? Author E.J. Kitchens brings all the best tips for how to overcome writer's block on this episode! And she’s offering a free guide with even more tips for eliminating writers block (check out the YouTube Channel for the link). Includes epic conversations like: -Elizabet…

1
How to Handle Author Life Curveballs with Humor with A.C. Williams 46:53

9M ago46:53

46:53

Does author life sometimes make you feel like screaming? What if laughter is a better option? Special guest A.C. Williams shares all about approaching hard author life curveballs and situations with humor. Includes epic conversations like: -how mishaps with her latest release taught her resilience (...again…haha) -the importance of letting go of co…

1
Top Tips for Writing Short Stories That Help Sell Series with H.L. Burke 49:06

12M ago49:06

49:06

Struggling to write short stories? Or maybe you just want some fresh writing inspiration? We’ve got you covered with great tips on how to intuitively write short stories that connect with larger series. My special guest H.L. Burke (author of many books, winner of awards, adorer of cats) shares her top tips on writing short stories! Includes epic co…

1
How to Reclaim Your Creativity & Overcome Burnout with K. Michele Moseley 44:04

12M ago44:04

44:04

What if you have the contract, you do the promotion, you put on your best marketing hat - and then things fizzle anyway? Or worse, your publishing house closes? My guest K. Michele Moseley has been through all of this and more, and she shares her wisdom on recovering from burnout and reclaiming creative joy in this episode. Includes epic conversati…

1
Faith-Based Sword & Sorcery, Body Horror with Romance, and Creative Life Balance with Rebecca P. Minor 58:46

1y ago58:46

58:46

Can faith-based sword and sorcery books, body horror romance, gifted illustrator, successful CEO of Realm Makers, and chronic conditions all go together? Yup, if you’re the amazing Rebecca P. Minor, who I have the honor of interviewing in this latest podcast episode! We dive into world building from a Christian worldview, exploring new genres, bala…

1
Author Life | Final Podcast Episode (Sort of) and Future Plans 22:44

1+ y ago22:44

22:44

It’s a new year–and a new start with new goals for Author Elevate! Which includes some moves to new places and new angles (let’s see how often I can fit “new” into these show notes, haha). In this episode I dive into my most recent experience with streamlining my process, including analyzing habits, trying to be everywhere, and dealing with chronic…

1
Author Life | 2024 Author Predictions & Your Q&A 55:17

1+ y ago55:17

55:17

Want exclusive, secret sauce questions for identifying your ideal readers? What about incorporating theme into your story? How about bumping up your series read-through? Janeen Ippolito tackles all of this and more in this info-packed episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, where she answers a pile of your questions. Plus, she dares to make some pre…

1
Writing | 3 Ways to Save Time When Writing a First Draft 21:37

1+ y ago21:37

21:37

Have loads of story ideas? Want to get at least a few of them written? Then you’ll need to get solid with writing first drafts! In this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast Janeen tackles three essentials for saving time when writing the first draft of your story. Plus, how to handle writing around busy holiday seasons. This is a public episode. I…

1
Marketing | 5 Common Book Marketing Myths 37:29

1+ y ago37:29

37:29

Talk about your book all the time. No, in fact, never talk about your book, because that’s salesy. No, wait - “write to market” so you don’t waste your time. Sound familiar? Janeen Ippolito tackles 5 Common Book Marketing Myths in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes what marketing really is, why asking is a powerful tool, and the i…

1
Author Life | Successful Author Life While Coping With Chronic Conditions 1:10:18

1+ y ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Feel like your chronic conditions have stacked the deck against your author success? Overwhelmed by life and challenges–and wondering if achieving your goals is even possible? Be encouraged and equipped by this interview with bestselling fantasy author W.R. Gingell, who lives with multiple chronic conditions and keeps going onward. Includes time or…

1
Writing | Master Middle Grade Books with Marketing Rebel JJ Johnson 54:56

1+ y ago54:56

54:56

Calling all authors of middle grade fiction! Or potential authors. Or people who read middle grade fiction–or have kids who read it. Check out this episode with Janeen Ippolito and award winning middle grade author JJ Johnson. Includes how JJ started writing about plastic dinos and living snot, some pitfalls to avoid when writing for middle grade, …

1
Writing | How to Use Personal Experiences in Your Writing 32:31

1+ y ago32:31

32:31

What happens when you get personal with your writing–but then also want to sell it? Is it possible to write through your joy or grief, and make it marketable? Join host Janeen Ippolito and guest author and writing coach Sharon Hughson as they discuss personal inspiration and vulnerability in storytelling. Includes how to navigate using experiences …

1
Author Life | 3 Secrets to Keeping Your Author Life Sustainable 17:12

1+ y ago17:12

17:12

Overwhelmed with author life? Not sure how to keep going? Janeen Ippolito shares some of our secret sauce tips for a sustainable author career in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes one essential investment to make, one skill experienced authors have mastered, and why we at Author Elevate keep harping on goals (hint: they really do…

1
Marketing | 5 Reasons Readers Love Your Book 24:13

1+ y ago24:13

24:13

Want to attract raving fans to your story? What about positive reviews and excited endorsements? We’ve got you covered in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Janeen Ippolito dives into what story elements readers rave about, why your book ending is crucial, and why sometimes it has nothing to do with your writing. Plus, in Our Take we discu…

1
Writing | What to Do When Your Protagonist Goes Rogue 25:59

1+ y ago25:59

25:59

Thought you knew your protagonist and had everything planned out–and then they just stopped talking to you? Or maybe you were all ready to explore your story with your protagonist but they’re just not showing up? We’re talking all about rogue protagonists and how to bring them in line in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Join Janeen as sh…

1
Marketing | Should You Be On Social Media (and How to Use It Well) 39:56

1+ y ago39:56

39:56

Is social media actually worth your time? Does it work for your genre–even if you’re not giving away candles? Janeen Ippolito and special guest cohost Amy C. Williams tackle healthy, practical approaches to social media for fiction authors in this episode of the Author Elevate podcast. Includes how to choose a channel, when to ditch social media co…

1
Author Life | Should You Buy That Book, Course, or Program? 32:31

1+ y ago32:31

32:31

Learning more skills is one of the best ways to level up in your author life and book business. But how do you know which course, book, or program is worth your time? Janeen Ippolito dives into key questions to ask in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes how to vet the instructor, how to check the course content will work for you, a…

1
Writing | 5 Key Elements to Make Your Story Scenes Shine 15:10

1+ y ago15:10

15:10

Want to make sure your scenes keep readers turning pages? Want to make every moment count? We’ve got you covered! In this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, Janeen dives into five crucial aspects of how to write a story scene and gives you tips and tricks to make them irresistible to readers. Plus, the one area you absolutely need to invest in …

1
Author Life | Should You Become an Author Assistant? 26:27

1+ y ago26:27

26:27

Need a side hustle while you’re waiting for your books to take off? Enjoy helping authors and doing routine, detail oriented tasks? Then becoming an author assistant might be the right move for you! But before you jump in, Janeen Ippolito discusses the pros and cons of author assistant work in this episode of Author Elevate. Includes key questions …

1
Author Life | Best Practices for Hiring an Author Assistant 38:52

1+ y ago38:52

38:52

Feeling the marketing overwhelm? Pared down your admin tasks to bare minimum, and still don’t have time to write? My friend, it’s time for an author assistant. In this episode we discuss how to find an author assistant, what you need to do to prepare for an author assistant, and the key to handing off the right tasks. I also share my #1 tip for wor…

1
Writing | What to Do When Stories Get Vulnerable with Tabitha Caplinger 46:49

1+ y ago46:49

46:49

What happens when you’re a plotter–but the ending decides to just not show up? How do you balance your heart story with a desire to serve readers? Janeen tackles all of this and more in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast with guest author Tabitha Caplinger. Tabitha shares her tips and experiences with taking risks with your story, while als…

1
Writing | Managing Your Writing Time and Priorities with Ted Atchley 32:37

1+ y ago32:37

32:37

Need more time to write? Wondering how you’ll finish that book–and if anyone will read it? This is your episode. Host Janeen is joined by author Ted Atchley for this first What My Book Taught Me feature, where we celebrate authors and books and learn from their author experiences. You won’t want to miss Ted’s dynamite discussions about the challeng…

1
Marketing | Essential Jumpstart for Market Research 35:28

2y ago35:28

35:28

Who loves genre research? …All right, anyone love to hate it? Either way, we’re going to talk key tips and tricks to research your book’s genre for success in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Dive into a step by step walk through the reasons for genre research and some of the best practices for getting started. Plus, it’s time for some n…

1
Writing | 4 Essential Questions to Evaluate Feedback on Your Writing 25:18

2y ago25:18

25:18

What if a major publishing professional just ripped your writing to shreds? Or what if they gushed over it, but asked for specific tweaks? Or what if three different beta readers had three completely different opinions on a book? I’ve got you covered in this episode. We’ll discuss how to know when you should accept feedback–and when to put on blind…

1
Marketing | Best Practices for Authentic, Effective Author Networking 26:24

2y ago26:24

26:24

Ever wonder how people just suddenly get into cool book projects? Want to expand your book’s reach? Effective author networking is the key, and this episode has the best practices for getting started. Learn why authors in your genre are comrades (not competition), how to get asked into projects, and strategies for book sharing. Plus, Janeen dives i…

1
Writing | How to Get Out of "Editor Mode" and into "First Draft Mode" 18:53

2y ago18:53

18:53

It’s time to write that draft–but you can’t get your brain out of editor mode! Yikes! Check out this episode of the Author Elevate podcast, where Janeen Ippolito dives into six tips about how to get into your first draft brain, and get those awesome words on the page Plus, this episode’s weekly take is all about why you have to persevere in writing…

1
Author Life | Endings, Transitions, and Charting New Beginnings 57:22

2y ago57:22

57:22

How do you know when it’s time to move on–and when it’s time to stick it out and do the hard things a little bit more? In this extra-special episode of the Author Elevate podcast, Janeen and Amy dive into four key questions to ask yourself in that all-important evaluation of your author life and career. Plus, we discuss the recent shutdown of our p…

1
Sales | How to Add Author Services to Your Book Business 43:32

2y ago43:32

43:32

(Hey there! This is the second episode in our Adding Revenue Streams Miniseries. This episode features an interview from the previous podcast, Own Your Unique Words, with Katie Phillips). Want to start offering author services alongside your books? Or have you done so, but seen zero results? Special guest Katie Phillips and I have you covered in th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Success In The Chaotic Publishing World Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen