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The Written Word Podcast

Written Word Media

A podcast for authors who want to build successful writing careers. Each episode explores the business and craft of being an author, with practical strategies for selling more books, growing your audience, and navigating the publishing world. Presented by Written Word Media.

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#32
Tuesday · 23 min
How to Get More KDP Reads, Pick a Launch Date, and Handle DRM (Questions Authors Keep Asking)
This episode is a milestone; the Written Word Media Podcast just hit 10,000 downloads. To celebrate, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon are answering three of the most common questions listeners have sent in: what DRM actually is and whether you need it, when the best time to launch a book really is, and how to get more KENP reads if you're in Kindle Unlimited. What you’ll learn: What DRM (Digital Rights Management) is, the difference between hard DRM, soft DRM, and no DRM, and Amazon's new policy change that lets you update your settings midstream Why ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors) recommends against DRM for most indie authors, and the key philosophical question to ask yourself before deciding Why hard DRM is largely an illusion of protection (and what that means for your decision) What WWM's data from thousands of book launches actually shows about the best day and season to launch, and why the answer is probably not what you're hoping for The one exception to the "any day works" rule (genre-specific seasonality) Why your marketing plan matters 100x more than your launch date How running a promo (including a FreeBooksy free promo) drives KENP reads, not just downloads Why there's a lag between a promotion and when you see the KU reads hit your dashboard How WWM's promo emails call out "free on Kindle Unlimited" to prime KU readers before they hit the Amazon page Plus: listener questions are how WWM products get built. Subscriber Surge Giveaways exist because authors asked for help building their email lists. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#31
September 1 · 34 min
How to Turn Free Content Into New Readers: The Author's Guide to Lead Magnets
Your email list is your most valuable asset as an author, but how do you actually grow it beyond people who already know you? The answer is a lead magnet: free content you offer in exchange for an email address. In this episode, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon break down the full system: what to give away, where to host it, how to deliver it, and how to drive traffic. What you’ll learn: The difference between a lead magnet and a reader magnet, and why you need both (one reaches strangers, one converts existing readers) What to give away: chapter, novella, or full book, and why novellas hit the sweet spot for most authors The KDP Select caveat: why giving away a full book can violate exclusivity terms and what to do instead The 4 components of a working lead magnet system: content, landing page, delivery, and traffic The best tool for author-specific lead magnet delivery, and why BookFunnel handles customer service so you don't have to How to use Meta ads (Facebook and Instagram) to drive lead magnet sign-ups starting at $5/day Free traffic options: newsletter swaps and group promos, plus their real limitations The biggest mistake authors make after running a successful lead magnet campaign (and it's not the ad) What your landing page actually needs to say (spoiler: very little — keep it simple) A preview of WWM's new Reader Reach Lead Magnet product (coming soon!) Also: the Pacific Northwest trip recap, three new national parks checked off, and Ricci's first marmot sighting. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#30
August 18 · 35 min
How to Set Up Amazon A+ Content in 30 Minutes or Less
Amazon A+ content is free, it's available to every KDP author regardless of exclusivity, and it can increase your conversion rate by up to 20%. Most bestselling books on Amazon already have it. If yours doesn't, this episode will change that. Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon walk through exactly what A+ content is, why it matters, and how to set it up, step by step, in under 30 minutes. Also: Ricci's solo owl has become a family. There is a mated pair and a fledgling. The owl vsaga continues. 🦉 What you’ll learn: What Amazon A+ content actually is, and why it shows up in the middle of every New York Times bestseller's page Why A+ content is worth your time: Amazon's own data cites 8–20% conversion lift, and a higher conversion rate makes every future ad dollar go further How A+ content feeds the Amazon AI (Rufus), and why the images, colors, and alt text you upload are being read as metadata Where to find A+ content inside your KDP account (it's not where you'd expect) The three-module template that 80% of traditional publishers use: hero banner, three image blocks, and a comparison chart Words before pictures: how to write the copy for your modules (20 words max per block) and use Gemini to brainstorm if you're stuck How to create the image assets in Canva (plus a WWM template with correct dimensions, or use Gemini's image tool as an alternative The content rules you must follow: editorial reviews only, no customer reviews, no price mentions, no hyperbole unless named How to apply one set of A+ content across an entire series, so one setup covers every book Approval timeline (up to 7 days, often faster) and what to do if you're still stuck Show notes include a step-by-step blog post with screenshots, Canva templates with correct image dimensions, and module names, so you can follow along even without the video. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#29
August 4 · 35 min
How Your Book Can Become a Hollywood Movie with Maggie Marr
Nearly every author thinks their book would make a great movie. But how does a book actually get from the page to the screen, and what do you need to know before you sign anything? In this episode, Ferol sits down with Maggie Marr, entertainment attorney, former ICM motion picture literary agent, and author of over 20 books, for a frank inside look at how Hollywood works and how indie authors can position themselves to get there. In this episode, you’ll learn: How development executives find books, and why your reader platform matters more than your publisher What an option agreement actually means, what it costs, and what you give up during the option period Whether indie authors are at a disadvantage with Hollywood (the answer may surprise you) Rightscenter: the free tool authors can use to make their film and TV rights discoverable to studios and streamers The red flags that identify a scam "Hollywood inquiry", including the long con Maggie has seen play out in real time What a realistic film and TV deal looks like: purchase prices from $11K to $2M, EP credits, per-episode royalties, and why back-end participation is almost never worth waiting for How to get creative control as an author, and why asking for final cut is a deal-killer The contract clauses that haunt authors: perpetual attachments, shopping agreement traps, and development materials that survive an expired option What genres are hot in Hollywood right now: domestic thrillers, romanticy, and the emerging dystopian wave The three-item punch list every author should complete before lightning strikes Maggie also discusses her book Books To Film & TV: What Every Author Needs To Know, a practical guide to how books move into the film and TV space. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#28
July 21 · 35 min
How to Get Your Audiobook Discovered on Spotify (And What's Coming Next)
Spotify has over 600 million users, and most of them don't yet know they have access to audiobooks. In this episode, Ferol sits down with Will Dages, Head of Product at Spotify, to break down everything indie authors need to know about getting their audiobook discovered, promoted, and created on Spotify's platform. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Spotify's audiobook model works: the 15-hour monthly listening allotment, the pro-rata payout pool, and how a la carte sales compare How Spotify uses taste signals from music and podcast listening to surface audiobooks to readers who've never tried the format Why do short books and children's content now have a competitive advantage on Spotify that they don't have on credit-based models The metadata practices that actually improve discoverability, and the keyword-stuffing mistake that actively hurts you The free tools inside Spotify for Authors: promo cards, 100 redemption codes per book, and weekly demographic listening reports Spotify's new AI narration tool (in partnership with ElevenLabs): free for up to five books, ten curated voices, custom pronunciations How human narrators vs. AI narration differ, and why Will believes AI opens the door rather than closes it Page Match: the feature that syncs your physical book with the Spotify audiobook, and the 55% reading uplift and 2x completion rate it's already driving The Bookshop.org integration: how Spotify is now linking physical book purchases directly from audiobook pages Follow Along: the new feature that displays visual content (images, text threads) synced to the audio Will's closing advice for every author: it's never too late to get into audiobooks. The market is still in massive growth mode. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#27
July 7 · 40 min
The Author's Guide to Hiring Freelancers (Cover Designers, Editors, and More) with Maari Casey
Every indie author eventually needs help: a cover designer, an editor, a website builder, a marketing assistant. But hiring the wrong freelancer (or being a difficult client yourself) can cost you time, money, and a cover you hate. In this episode, Ricci Wolman sits down with Maari Casey, CEO of Uncompany, to break down exactly how to find, hire, brief, and manage freelancers, from the first Google search to the signed contract to navigating a missed deadline. What you’ll learn: How to write a scope of work tight enough to find the right freelancer, and the one "start at the end" trick that cuts the guesswork Where to find freelancers: Reedsy (built for authors), Fiverr, Upwork, and curated agencies, and when each makes sense How to set your budget and why you should always go in a little lower than your real number What the standard revision rounds look like for design vs. editing, and why two to three is the magic number The three questions to ask in every freelancer interview (and the red flags that should end the conversation) What should be in every contract: payment terms, revision rounds, timeline, and the ownership clause that authors always forget How to give feedback when the first draft is nothing like what you wanted (without blowing up the relationship) Why telling your designer what you hate is more useful than showing them what you love The one thing clients do that makes good freelancers not want to work with them again How to handle a missed deadline or a freelancer who goes silent Maari also shares the Uncompany blog's free templates for scopes, briefs, and conflict management, built specifically for people navigating freelance relationships. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#26
June 23 · 29 min
How Authors are Growing in 2026 (Mid-Year Survey Results)
Is the indie author market actually as tough as the forums make it sound? Written Word Media surveyed nearly 600 authors at the midpoint of 2026, and the data tells a more nuanced story than the doom-and-gloom. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down the survey findings and identify the five things that optimistic, growing authors are doing differently. What you’ll learn: The headline sentiment data: how many authors report growing vs. declining businesses halfway through 2026 Why the authors whose businesses are thriving are writing more (not less) and the psychological reason that strategy works Why author newsletters are still the top owned-channel investment among the optimistic group (and how Written Word Media's Subscriber Surge Giveaways can help you build yours) Which paid ad platforms are still delivering (Amazon ads and Meta), and why the optimistic authors haven't abandoned them The catalog monetization plays winning authors are making: box sets, translations (AI-assisted), and human-narrated audiobooks How growing authors are using AI as a workflow tool, and how that attitude differs sharply from authors who are struggling Why KDP Select vs. wide turns out to be statistically irrelevant to business optimism (46% vs. 47%) What changed between the end-of-year survey and the mid-year survey: algorithm anxiety is way up, and AI went from background noise to center stage Also covered: Ricci's quote-on-the-wall take on optimism vs. pessimism, and why data says there's a real reason for both. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#25
June 9 · 38 min
Social Media for Authors with Jim Tobin: An Insider's Playbook from a Social Media Pioneer
What does a CEO who's run social media campaigns for Nike, IKEA, Samsung, and Crocs think authors should be doing on social right now? In this episode, Ferol sits down with Jim Tobin, CEO of Ignite Social Media, founder of influencer marketing agency Carusele, and a two-time published author, for a frank, tactical conversation about what's actually working in social media today and how indie authors can apply it. What you’ll learn: Why social discovery has overtaken Google search, and what that means for how readers find books in 2026 The three-second hook rule: how to stop the scroll before the algorithm even decides to show your content Why negative hooks outperform positive hooks (and how to use this without being clickbait) The Organish® strategy: how to put $5–$25 behind your content to reach 5–20x more people, and why this beats influencer outreach on a small budget The carousel comeback: why image carousels are now outperforming Reels on Instagram and LinkedIn How to approach BookTok influencers with zero budget, and what to say (and not say) when you do have a few hundred dollars Why lo-fi, behind-the-scenes content is beating polished production right now How to think about pre-launch vs. post-launch content, and why "mystery posts" are a waste of your audience's attention The 30-minutes-a-week social strategy: where to spend your time if that's all you have •Stampede Social: the tool that lets you DM a link to anyone who comments a keyword on your post The biggest mistake Jim sees on social, and it's not what you think Jim also covers TikTok Shops, cross-platform content strategy, using trending audio, and how to connect your social presence to your email list. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#24
May 26 · 36 min
How to Use Podcasts to Grow Your Author Business (Lessons from One Year of Podcasting)
Podcasts build the kind of trust with listeners that almost no other marketing channel can match, and authors are uniquely positioned to leverage that. In this episode, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon draw on nearly a year of hosting the Written Word Media Podcast to break down how authors can use podcasting as a genuine reader-building tool, whether that means guesting on other shows or launching their own. What you’ll learn: The psychology behind why podcast listeners trust hosts so deeply, and why that trust transfers directly to book sales (parasocial relationships explained) Why an imperfect, stumbling podcast appearance is often more powerful than a polished blog post How to find the right shows to pitch as a guest, and the filter every author needs to apply before reaching out Exactly what to include in your guest pitch email to get a "yes" from a host (hint: it's not "I'd love to talk about my book") How to prep for a guest appearance: questions in advance, bio tips, gear basics, and the sign-off strategy that turns listeners into readers How to decide whether to start your own podcast, and the commitment level that separates the 5% who stick with it from everyone else The frequency mistake Ricci and Ferol almost made (and what their launch producer talked them out of) Why podcasting, like publishing a book, is a long game, and what realistic traction timelines actually look like Also in this episode: Ricci's woodland owl update. 🦉 She's seen it three times now (a photo may or may not appear in the show notes). Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#23
May 12 · 41 min
What Authors Can Learn from Dale Roberts’ YouTube Playbook
YouTube isn't just for cooking tutorials and gaming walkthroughs; it might be one of the most powerful book marketing tools authors aren't using. In this episode, Ferol sits down with Dale Roberts, host of Self-Publishing with Dale and one of the most-watched voices in the indie author space, to break down exactly how authors can build a YouTube presence that actually connects with readers and sells books. In this episode, you'll learn: The separate-profile research hack that lets YouTube train its own algorithm to show you exactly what your ideal readers are watching The three types of YouTube content (long form, Shorts, and live video), and why you should try all three before committing to one Why fiction authors don't have to talk about writing craft, and the smarter content angle most are missing The "seeding" strategy: how many videos to have ready before you ever go public The single biggest mistake Dale sees authors make on YouTube (hint: it's not gear or lighting) What gear actually matters, and the one purchase to prioritize if you have a limited budget A surprising new YouTube feature that's showing up in the Shorts shelf without recording a single video How pen name authors can build a YouTube presence without revealing their real identity What's changed on YouTube in the last year or two, and why human creators have an edge right now Dale also shares the story of building four fully monetized YouTube channels over 10 years, starting completely by accident in 2016. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#22
April 28 · 39 min
Your Book Is Invisible to AI (Here's How to Fix It)
Readers are increasingly using AI to find their next book, and if your title isn't showing up in ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, you're missing a growing discovery channel. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down exactly how the three major AI engines find and recommend books, why most indie authors are invisible to them right now, and what you can do about it. What you’ll learn: The difference between SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and why it matters for book discoverability Why Gemini is the most actionable AI engine for authors, and the one Google Play trick that KDP Select authors can use without violating terms The critical 10% preview rule: how to get your KU book into the Google Books ecosystem without losing your Amazon exclusivity Why ChatGPT and Claude favor books that look traditionally published, and how indie authors can mimic that signal The FAQ strategy: one simple addition to your book page that makes it dramatically easier for AI to recommend your title How Reddit and YouTube factor into AI book discovery, and how to approach both without getting banned or ignored A difficulty-ranked to-do list: from easy wins you can do today to advanced moves worth investing in Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#21
April 14 · 41 min
From Page to Stage with Jess Ekstrom: How to Get Paid as an Author Speaker
Most authors never consider the speaking stage, but according to Jess Ekstrom, it might be the most powerful income stream they're missing. In this episode, Ricci sits down with Jess Ekstrom, Forbes Top Motivational Speaker, founder of Headbands of Hope, and creator of Mic Drop Workshop, to break down exactly how authors (yes, even fiction authors!) can turn their stories and expertise into paid keynote speaking careers. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the "you're either a speaker OR an author" myth is dead wrong, and how doing both makes you better at each How fiction authors can build keynote careers even when they're not speaking to other authors The "transformation promise" framework, the one question that unlocks your entire speaking pitch How to find speaking gigs and build inbound opportunities through LinkedIn and social media What speaking actually pays, from beginner rates ($500–$5K) to seasoned speakers ($35K+) The halo effect: how speaking can drive book sales (80% of Jess's first book sales came from stages) Why community is the secret weapon for building a sustainable speaking career Jess also shares details on her new book, Making It Without Losing It (out May 2026), and the upcoming Mic Drop Workshop Boot Camp starting April 20th. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#20
March 31 · 26 min
How to Get Your Book Featured in Local Media (Without a Publicist)
Getting local press coverage can feel like shouting into a void, but what if you knew exactly what editors were looking for? In this episode, Ricci sits down with Rory Gillis, owner of Triangle Media Partners and publisher of several regional magazines including Chapel Hill Magazine, Durham Magazine, Heart of NC Weddings, and The Triangle Weekender. Rory pulls back the curtain on how local publications actually decide what to cover and gives indie authors a clear, actionable roadmap for getting featured. In this episode, you'll learn: How local editors source stories and what makes a pitch rise to the top of a very full inbox Why editorial themes and calendars are your secret weapon — and how to find them on any publication's website What to include in your pitch package to make an editor's job as easy as possible Why your book launch isn't the only hook — and how to pitch a book that came out years ago The power of the byline: how pitching yourself as a columnist can open the door to book coverage Why "polite persistence" is not annoying — it's expected (and sometimes pays off two years later!) The no-nos that instantly tank your pitch, straight from the editors themselves What one author did to get featured that Rory still remembers years later Rory's step-by-step action item checklist for authors ready to pursue local press Whether you're in a major metro or a small town, your local media landscape is full of opportunities. This episode will help you find them and pitch them the right way. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#19
March 17 · 29 min
The Amazon A10 Update: 3 Things Every Indie Author Needs to Know
Amazon just changed the rules — again. The A10 algorithm update is here, and if you've been running your book marketing the same way you were a year ago, it's time to take a second look. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down exactly what changed with the Amazon A10 update — drawing on an actual academic paper about the technology powering it — and translate it into three clear, actionable things indie authors need to do differently. From how Amazon now reads your book page (literally, including your cover), to why external traffic suddenly matters way more than Amazon ads, to why spreading your marketing over several days beats a single-day spike. This episode is your practical guide to navigating the new landscape. What you’ll learn: Why keyword stuffing your book description is now actively hurting you How Amazon's AI can literally "see" your book cover and why cover-genre alignment is now algorithmic, not just stylistic Why A+ content and dwell time are suddenly critical ranking factors How external traffic (email, social, promo sites) now outweighs Amazon ads Why consistent sales over multiple days beat a one-day spike How series authors are benefiting from the new algorithm and how standalone authors can adapt Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#18
March 3 · 33 min
KU vs Wide: What the Data Actually Says (No Ideology Allowed)
KU or wide? It's the great debate of indie publishing — and it usually generates more opinions than answers. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol cut through the noise and break down exactly how both paths work, backed by real data from Written Word Media's 2025 author survey. They walk through the mechanics of KDP Select, how Kindle Unlimited page reads and payouts actually work, what the January 2026 global fund number ($62.2 million) means for exclusive authors, and what going wide really looks like in practice — from managing multiple platforms to choosing between distributors. Spoiler: 38% of authors are all-in on Amazon, 30% are fully wide, and 32% are somewhere in between. There's no universal right answer, but there is a smarter way to figure out what works for you. What you'll learn: How KDP and KDP Select actually work — and why it's really just a 90-day commitment The real trade-offs of Kindle Unlimited, including page read payouts (KENP), countdown deals, and free promo days Why the KDP Select global fund has grown from $2.5M (2014) to $62.2M (January 2026) What "going wide" actually looks like and how to manage multiple platforms Draft2Digital vs. PublishDrive — which distributor model makes sense for your business What our 2025 author survey data says about what authors are actually choosing Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#17
February 17 · 31 min
From First Book to Sustainable Sales
Your first book didn't become a bestseller overnight? You're actually right on track. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down one of the most important patterns we see year after year in our reader surveys: authors with bigger catalogs earn significantly more money. But it's not just about writing more books—it's about understanding how your backlist creates sustainable income. Whether you're a one-book author wondering what's next or a seasoned writer looking to understand the business better, this episode will help you think strategically about your author career and the power of your growing catalog. What you'll learn: Why readers who love your work can't spend more if you only have one book How catalog size directly impacts your marketing effectiveness The real math behind lifetime customer value Alternative products beyond just writing more books (audiobooks, translations, merchandise, and more) How to decide if you're building a hobby or a business—and why both are valid choices Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#16
February 3 · 30 min
What 3,000 Readers Want Indie Authors to Know
In this data-packed episode, Ricci and Ferol dive into the results of Written Word Media's brand-new reader survey with nearly 3,000 responses from across all five brands. This isn't recycled industry advice or third-party reports - it's fresh, empirical data straight from the voracious readers who matter most to indie authors. Together, they unpack surprising stats about reader volume, discovery channels, and what readers genuinely want from the authors they love. From the shocking percentage of readers consuming 100+ books per year to the personal details readers crave (hint: pets came up a lot!), this episode delivers actionable insights that will transform how you think about book marketing, reader connection, and building your author platform in 2026. You'll Learn: Why 31% of readers consume over 100 books per year - and what this means for your marketing strategy The 80% loyalty rule that changes everything about free book promotions and first-in-series launches Where readers actually discover books in 2026 (Amazon and email newsletters still dominate, but there are surprises) Why social media advertising isn't resonating with readers - and what they're seeking instead The truth about AI for book discovery: readers aren't using it and don't want to What readers genuinely want to know about you as an author - from pets to vacations (but skip the politics!) How readers track their reading habits, including the surprisingly popular pen-and-paper method Whether you're launching your first book or optimizing your author platform, these insights will help you connect more authentically with readers and make smarter marketing decisions. The data proves it: books are still magic, and millions of readers are out there actively looking for their next favorite author. Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#15
January 20 · 35 min
Top Author Trends in 2026 (Part II)
Ricci and Ferol wrap up their 2026 book industry trends analysis by diving into the final two themes: discovery and sovereignty. They explore how book discovery is shifting from algorithm-driven feeds to trusted channels—think celebrity book clubs (Reese Witherspoon, Oprah), BookTok influencers, indie bookstores, and curated newsletters. The conversation highlights how word-of-mouth remains the #1 way readers find books, but the channels amplifying that word-of-mouth are evolving rapidly. Ricci and Ferol then tackle author sovereignty, celebrating the growing control authors have over their publishing journey. From innovative formats (like murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters!) to direct selling and flexible publishing paths, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of creative freedom and democratization. At its core, this episode emphasizes that while trends are predictions, the future offers authors more options and opportunities than ever before. You'll learn: Trusted channels are replacing algorithms for book discovery — Readers are moving away from algorithmic feeds toward curated newsletters, indie bookstores, libraries, and brands they trust Celebrity book clubs are the new bestseller kingmakers — Reese Witherspoon's picks are influencing bestseller lists like Oprah's Book Club did 15 years ago, with Jenna's Book Club and BookTok influencers also driving massive discovery Brand partnerships and author collaborations are accelerating — Authors are cross-promoting with each other and building collaborative worlds that increase discovery and reader engagement Authors have unprecedented control over their publishing paths — The democratization of publishing is accelerating, giving authors more flexibility in how they publish, distribute, and connect with readers Innovative formats are emerging beyond traditional books — Examples include murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters in the mail, creating unique reading experiences that stand out There's no single "right way" to publish in 2026 — The multiplication of options allows authors to find paths and channels that align with their comfort zones and goals 2026 is shaping up as a year of creative freedom and optimism — The convergence of discovery channels, author sovereignty, and new formats creates an environment ripe for creative experimentation Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#14
Dec 30, 2025 · 40 min
Top Author Trends in 2026 (Part 1)
It's December which means it’s also trends season – you’ve probably received your Spotify wrapped as well as a wrapped from almost every other app you have! With that spirit, Ferol and Ricci kick off their annual predictions episode by diving into the first three of five major themes that will shape the publishing landscape in 2026. Drawing from industry insights, customer feedback, and broader cultural trends, they explore how trust, reader experience, and connection will define the coming year for authors. This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering 2026 trends for indie authors and you’ll be sure to walk away with a few things to reflect on while also feeling a bit more confident about what the future holds. You'll learn: Trust is the new currency — Scam complaints are up 100% since 2023, and authors need to focus on building deeper trust with readers beyond email lists and be cautious with new service providers New legitimate companies will launch quickly — AI makes it easy to spin up author services, but many will disappear just as fast due to limited funding or lack of staying power Book-themed travel and literary tourism are growing — Readers want to visit settings from their favorite books, stay in book-themed vacation rentals, and attend reading retreats Book clubs and reader communities are exploding — Silent Book Club grew from 180 chapters (2022) to 500+ chapters today; readers are craving connection in low-lift ways The bar for creating reader connection is low — Authors can host simple 30-minute Zoom chats, AMAs, or themed discussions to build deep loyalty with minimal effort Special editions and collectible books are booming — Sprayed edges, foil covers, and illustrated books function as art pieces that become part of readers' identities Author swag and collectibles deepen fan connection — Stickers, special editions, and other tangible items help readers express their fandom, similar to sports memorabilia Experiences are valued over things — The cultural shift toward prioritizing experiences is coming to book world in a major way in 2026 Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
#13
Dec 16, 2025 · 23 min
How to Avoid Scams: What Authors Need to Know
In this essential PSA-style episode, Ricci and Ferol break down the growing wave of scams targeting authors — and how to protect yourself. From “too good to be true” book club invitations to fake Amazon warnings designed to spark panic, today’s scammers are using AI to craft convincing, personalized outreach. The hosts walk through the psychology behind these tactics, why even savvy authors can get caught off guard, and a simple checklist to help you identify red flags before you click or pay. They also share reputable resources authors can use to stay safe and stay informed. Whether you’ve received a suspicious email or simply want to prepare yourself, this conversation will help you trust your gut, slow down, and safeguard your work. You'll learn: Why and how author-targeted scams have become more sophisticated The emotional psychology scammers use — joy vs. fear and the hooks/emotional techniques to look out for How AI enables scammers to reference your characters, themes, reviews, and social content convincingly The most important red flags to watch for and what to do if you’re not sure something is legitimate Why you should never pay via Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, crypto, or similar methods Trusted resources for checking whether something is a known scam (Writers Beware, Authors Guild, ALLi Watchdog Desk) How Written Word Media can help sanity-check suspicious emails Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more. The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting. © 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

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