Wish I'd Known Then: a Podcast for Self Published Indie Writers

Latest Episodes:

Tapping into Foreign Markets through AI Translation with Marisa Haar from Scribe Shadow Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

342 / Marisa Haar, co-owner and creative director of Scribe Shadow, discusses making translations work for your books, from tech and marketing to overcoming skepticism.

How Scribe Shadow preserves author voice and manages colloquialisms,
Distribution strategies beyond Amazon
Tips for preparing your manuscript for successful translation
Trends in global book markets

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel.com.

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⚡Links:

Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com
Scribe Shadow: https://www.scribeshadow.com - Discount code: WISH30
Jami Albright on The Alignment Show: https://pod.link/1673832659/episode/c3Vic3RhY2s6cG9zdDoyMjI4NjczNTc

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🚀 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

Leveraging In-Person Events and Writing Memoir with Patrick O'Donnell Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

341 / Patrick O'Donnell, former police officer and host of the Cops and Writers podcast, shares stories and strategies from his time on the force and his success writing memoir. He discusses in-person events and getting traditional media coverage, and innovative marketing.

In-person events and leveraging memorable stories
Navigating television and newspaper coverage and the surprising behind-the-scenes set-up of the interviews
Smart strategies for innovative in-person selling

✨ This week’s sponsor is BookFunnel.com.

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⚡Links:

BookFunnel: https://www.BookFunnel.com
Patrick O’Donnell: https://copsandwriters.com
Fast Company article about digital photo frames: https://www.fastcompany.com/91623692/big-tech-used-ai-to-take-what-it-wanted-now-consumers-can-too
Novel November: Novel November

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Author Branding vs. Genre Branding: Building Reader Loyalty with Daniel Willcocks Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

340 / Horror author and podcaster, Daniel Wilcox, joins us to discuss how he’s building a sustainable author career through embracing creativity, connecting with readers, and writing across genres.

Navigating burnout and returning to a day job for creative freedom and stability - “what feeds you verses what pays you”
Finding success in the age of AI through events and personal interactions
Building an author brand across genres while establishing clear reader expectations
The importance of mindset, resilience, and focusing on the reader experience

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

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⚡Links:

Bookfunnel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bookfunnel/videos
Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/

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Building a Reader Community through Text Messaging with Shannon Sims (New Author Series) Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

339 / Curious what launching a debut romantasy really looks like—and how to build authentic connections with readers outside of going viral?

Shannon Sims shares what a realistic, non-viral indie launch looks like and how she approached building her author platform from scratch without email.

Embracing imperfect first drafts and dictation
Why marketing is a constant experiment
Building a text-based reader list instead of a newsletter
Setting realistic expectations for non-viral debuts

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

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⚡Links:

Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com
Shannon Simm’s website: https://shannonsimswrites.com/

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Making Direct Sales Easy with Greg Keogh from Curios Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

338 / Have you ever wished direct sales felt simple with no overwhelm, tax headaches, or a dozen integrations, while still keeping 100% of the sale and your reader’s email?

Greg Keogh, co-founder of Curios, shares how the platform grew from digital distribution into a creator-owned storefront for authors, why print and special editions matter more than he first expected, and what successful direct-selling authors do differently.

How Curios grew from music into books
Making direct sales as easy as KDP
Why print and special editions power indie revenue
Driving all marketing to one buy button
Affiliate payouts without prepaid escrow headaches

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

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⚡Links:

Curios: https://www.studio.curios.com
Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

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Navigating Tough Times in Indie Publishing Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

337 / Are you feeling uncertain about the state of the publishing industry and what it takes to thrive as an author right now?

We share our thoughts about industry shifts, adapting to change, and the power of gratitude in difficult times.

Why gratitude is so helpful when the industry changes
Adapting when sales and strategies stop working
Focusing on and serving your existing readers
Giving yourself permission to get outside income
Reframing success and letting go of self-imposed pressure

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

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⚡Links:

Vellum: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
What are you grateful for? Send us a text and we’ll share during our gratitude episode.

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Sarah L. Kaufman: Sharpen Your Writing with Vivid Verbs Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

336 / How can selecting the right verbs and a creative approach to language set your writing apart?

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author Sarah L. Kaufman shares her passion for verbs, practical tips for vivid writing, and the grammar lessons she wishes every author embraced.

The power and artistry of verbs in storytelling
How verb choices have evolved from Shakespeare to Hemingway to today
The pitfalls of adverbs and “fancy” verbs
Tips for using active vs. passive voice
Metaphors, deep POV, and making your language memorable

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish

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⚡Links:

Sarah L. Koffman sarahlkoffman.com
Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish

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Abbie Emmons on on Unlocking Your Creativity and Breaking Free from Rigid Writing Rules Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

335 / Are you curious how to unlock your creativity and make your stories truly matter to both yourself and your readers?

Abbie Emmons dives into the psychology of compelling storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a thriving community.

The science behind what makes stories and characters compelling
How to avoid overwhelm and burnout as a writer
Why emotional truth matters more than “write what you know”
Building a vibrant online author community
Breaking free from rigid writing rules and trusting your inner instincts

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

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⚡Links:

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Innovative Book Marketing Ideas and Writer Wellness with Susan Neal Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

334 / Susan Neal is a certified writer coach, health and wellness expert, and the author of ten books including How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. Susan shared actionable advice for writers who want to grow their careers and stay healthy along the way.

Transforming your writing with critique groups and editors
The science behind book marketing and keyword strategies
Why entering contests can change your sales trajectory
Building a website that actually attracts readers
Easy ways for writers to stay healthy and energized

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

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⚡Links:

Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
SusanUNeal.com
ChristianPublishers.net
http://Word-Weavers.com
Moz.com
Historical Mystery Day promo: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/h9pngjfgl8

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Music Industry Marketing Secrets for Indie Authors with A.B. Jackson Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

333 / What mindsets and practical strategies can transform setbacks into growth for writers—and what really defines success in a creative career?

A.B. Jackson shares how he successfully pivoted from music marketing to writing and publishing fiction and non-fiction. He unpacks the lessons learned from both industries and how he leverages community and personal growth.