The Career Author Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Lean Launch vs. Fat Launch Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

Lean Launch vs. Fat Launch is a tactic that every author should consider before publishing a title. Overesourcing a launch, using ads, taking advantage of a series can all be optimized to maximize exposure on the sales platforms. On the other hand, lean launch is a single release designed to test a market or demand without committing long-term.

There is no right way to launch and Fat isn’t better than Lean or vice versa. It’s all about deciding what’s best given what you want to accomplish.

The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors, advice for improving your writing craft, and honest discussions of what it takes to build a successful career as an author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The difference between Fat and Lean launches
The advantages of each
Examples of each
Why projects fail when the launch approach isn’t intentional

Also, discover a cool health tip courtesy of Dr. Gundry on the James Altucher Show.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: Do you plan to lean launch or fat launch your next project? Why?

Thanks to all of our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Branding for Fiction Authors by Dianna Gunn - https://gum.co/VECHZ

Dr. Steven Gundry on the James Altucher Show - https://jamesaltucher.com/podcast/508-dr-steven-gundry/

The November Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

100 Episodes! Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

100 episodes! Doing anything for 100 consecutive weeks is not easy. We’re excited to take a look back at some highlights.

Zach’s List

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 44 – Money Tips For the Aspiring Career Author - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-44-money-tips-for-the-aspiring-career-author/

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 57 – Dealing With Project Burnout - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-57-dealing-with-project-burnout/

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 66 – Digital Minimalism for the Career Author - https://thecareerauthor.com/ep066/

J.’s List

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 9 – The Importance of Unplugging, Distractions, and Living in the Moment - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-9-unplugging-distractions-and-living-in-the-moment/

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 39 – How to Protect Your Creative Energy - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-39-setting-up-boundaries/

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 86 – The Myth of Work/Life Balance - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-86-the-myth-of-work-life-balance/

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Money tips for the career author
How to deal with project burnout
Why digital minimalism can make your life better
The importance of unplugging and being in the moment
How to protect your creative energy
Why work-life balance might be a myth

Also, discover a cool text editor. Thanks to Mikey Campling.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: What would you like us to talk about in the next 100 episodes? (And how do you feel about reading box sets on an ereader?)

Thanks to all of our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Camille Champa - hello@camillechampa.com

Typora - https://typora.io/

James Clear “The Downside of Work-Life Balance” - https://jamesclear.com/four-burners-theory

Making a Living from Your Writing Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

Making a living from your writing can be one of the most challenging aspects of being a career author. Whether you’re a new author of if you make six figures a year, a sustainable income is difficult, and yet, there has never been a better time to be an independent creator.

Thanks to the good people at Written Word Media, we have some data that can shed some light on the most likely actions you need to take if you want to make a living as a writer. Whether it has to do with time management or advertising strategies, join Zach and J. in a conversation about Written Word Media’s report and determine how you can take incremental steps closer to becoming a career author.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How authors can be categorized when it comes to earnings
Why you need to write a lot of books
Why you need professional editing and professional covers
How much time the highest earners are spending on the act of writing
Which promotional sites are the most effective marketing channel
How to price your books
Where to distribute your books

Also, discover how what you put in your stomach directly affects your brain.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: Do you make a living from your writing? If so, how? If not, how do you plan on doing it?

Thanks to all of our newest Patrons - Peter DeHaan, Michele Tracy Berger, Ken Kobylski

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

J.’s mastermind group - https://theauthorlife.com/mastermind

Membership Academy - https://www.membershipacademy.com/

Death Stranding - https://amzn.to/33GEg1O

How to End Mental Illness with Dr. Daniel Amen - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/india-kieser/the-doctors-farmacy-with-mark-hyman-md/e/65089965?autoplay=true

Fleabag - https://amzn.to/2X1di2v

Author Income: How to Make a Living from Your Writing - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-income-how-to-make-a-living-from-your-writing/

The November Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://w

Pursuing the Traditional Publishing Path Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

Pursuing the traditional publishing path has been something that independent authors have traditionally avoided for many reasons. Whether it’s lack of control or a smaller share of royalties, many self-published authors have become career authors without playing the game with the Big 5.

But could there be legitimate and worthwhile reasons why indies would pursue traditional publishing now? Join J. and Zach in an honest conversation about that “other side” of publishing that has been historically difficult to cross into.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The definition of traditional publishing
Why authors can’t choose traditional publishing, but only to pursue it
When an author should consider the pursuit of a traditional publishing contract
What J. is doing with an unpublished manuscript
Why Zach might want to pursue traditional publishing

Also, discover the one question you need to ask yourself to avoid plot holes and character inconsistencies.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: Is traditional publishing something you’ve pursued? Why or why not? If so, what has been your experience?

Thanks to all of our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

J.’s mastermind group - https://theauthorlife.com/mastermind

The Writer’s Well Episode 145: Should I give up or double down? - https://shows.pippa.io/thewriterswell/episodes/ep145

The November Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Optimizing SEO with Dianna Gunn Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

Optimizing SEO can sound intimidating and most authors don’t want to think about it. And yet, if you have a website or blog and want readers to find you, it’s becoming increasingly important. But what if you’re not technical or can’t figure out what to do next? What if you don’t know what SEO stands for?

J. and Zach bring SEO expert Dianna Gunn on to the show for a special and rare interview to discuss what every author can do to gain visibility. Gunn’s techniques work. She talks about what she did for The Career Author website and how to rank higher in search results.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The definition of SEO
Why it matters to authors
How to make the most of SEO
Which tools are best to optimize it
How to keep from getting overwhelmed

Also, discover how to douse your business with rocket fuel and get lift off.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: How is your SEO and what can you do about it? If so, how?

Thanks to our new Patron - Anni Marjoram

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business - https://amzn.to/2Ndnmkm

Dianna Gunn’s newsletter. Get on it! - “This newsletter offers biweekly business tips based on my years of experience in SEO and digital marketing, with a focus on how these lessons apply to author careers.” - http://www.authordiannagunn.com/for-authors or http://businessforauthors.com

The October Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

Pay-Per-Click advertising can bring in a great return on investment or it can be a bottomless pit of frustration. It’s difficult to know if you should be running paid ads, how much you should be spending, and what kind of results to expect.

There’s a ton of information online about paid ads. And that too, is a problem. Who do you listen to? Zach and J. don’t have all the answers because they’re struggling with some of the same questions, but listen in as they share their insights on pay-per-click advertising and what might be next.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

What pay-per-click advertising is
How PPC advertising works
Why you should (or should not) be doing it
What platforms are available to authors
Who is having success with it
What might be next when the paid ads bubble bursts
Whose opinion we trust on pay-per-click advertising (for authors)

Also, discover why J. is now unofficially part of the FI movement.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: Do you use pay-per-click ads? If so, how?

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Vote on our 2021 world-building event destinations - https://forms.gle/Jz5rHNiiJyLda9Ez5

“Lilias’s Bones” - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/breenaelysekerr/liliass-bones-a-witch-podcast

Choose FI (podcast) - https://www.choosefi.com/

Playing with FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early): How Far Would You Go for Financial Freedom? - https://amzn.to/35L6slo

David Gaughran - BookBub Ads Expert: A Marketing Guide to Author Discovery - https://amzn.to/32HOKh7

Brian Meeks - Mastering Amazon Ads - https://amzn.to/2VZWuIC

Chris Fox - Ads for Authors Who Hate Math - https://amzn.to/33QMT9R

Mark Dawson - https://selfpublishingformula.com/courses/

The October Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events -

Dedicated Thinking Time Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

Dedicated thinking time can be some of the most important minutes in a career author’s day. Without the ability to create space for big ideas to grow and take shape, we’re left with an unending to-do list, chasing completion of an endless set of meaningless tasks.

While it’s important to meet deadlines and attend to the details of your business as a career author, it’s also critical to take time to think. Thinking in this way can be done in many different ways and at various times throughout your week. Dedicated thinking time is not “one size fits all.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why dedicated thinking time is important.
How leaving the screen at home is critical.
What successful people do for dedicated thinking time, like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.
When you can fit in dedicated thinking time.
How walking, driving, and journaling can be worked into your dedicated thinking time.
What you should consider thinking about.
How often you should big think.
How long you should spend big thinking.

Also, discover why Zach has returned to journaling.

Send us your ways and hacks – https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Leave us a comment: Do you set aside time for deep thought? Why or why not?

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Vote on our 2021 world-building event destinations – https://forms.gle/Jz5rHNiiJyLda9Ez5

Conquering the Boundaries of Friendship: Making and Maintaining Meaningful Male Relationships, by Mark Roman – https://amzn.to/35vOOlG

Stillness is the Key, by Ryan Holiday – https://amzn.to/2INcyrW

Inside Bill’s Brain – https://www.netflix.com/title/80184771

The October Giveaway is up now! – http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method – http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media – http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events – https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

Things to Know When Self-Publishing a Book Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

Things to know when self-publishing a book can be overwhelming. Zach and J. share some surprising and important pieces of advice for those who want to be independent creators.

There are horror stories out there. And not the fun kind we like to read during the month of October. If you don’t understand how business or publishing works, you can lose money, time, and your motivation for writing. It’s important to educate yourself so that you’re not taken advantage of by unscrupulous people or publishers who might not have your best interests at heart.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why you’re a small business owner, whether you like it or not.
The reasons behind having separate bank accounts, an accountant, and services like PD Abacus if you co-write.
Why you can’t stop piracy.
How to register your copyrights, and why you should.
What happens when you don’t hire an editor.
That your story isn’t unique and you’re not special.
Why you’re playing with fire if you haven’t backed up your files in at least 3 places.
Why you need an email list.

Also, discover why chasing happiness can make you unhappy.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

What’s one thing you wish you would have known before publishing your first book?

Thanks to all new Patrons Kim Barton, Leftie Aubé, and Mikki Tuohy.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman - https://amzn.to/2AIUcUj

How to Lose a Third of a Million Dollars Without Really Trying https://forge.medium.com/how-to-lose-a-third-of-a-million-dollars-without-really-trying-d3c343675aca

The Career Author Podcast: Episode 60 – Nerd Alert! Implementing a Backup System - https://thecareerauthor.com/the-career-author-podcast-episode-60-nerd-alert-implementing-a-backup-system/

The October Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media -

Travel Ignites Creativity Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Travel ignites creativity, can broaden your perspective, and make your writing rich. Whether you’re traveling around your town or across the globe, the people and experiences you encounter will make you a more tolerant person and a better storyteller.

Zach discusses how Seattle feels different than his hometown of Nashville and the ways he experienced the city that was different than other cities, like New Orleans and Chicago. Although a bit worn around the edges after their travel, the Career Authors discuss why experiencing the world is something every author should do.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why getting out of your normal environment is refreshing.
How travel can make you healthier.
The ways in which people give a city it’s identity.
The differences between perceptions of folks on the West Coast, the East Coast, the South, and the Midwest.
How iconic landmarks can be used in writing fiction.
The size and scope of the United States compared to Europe, and the different ethnicities and nationalities that make America great.

Also, discover why exploring your own town can be fun and exciting.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Do you feel more inspired after traveling? If so, in what ways?

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

J. Thorn on Books and Travel with Jo Frances Penn - https://www.booksandtravel.page/train-travel-usa/

Inspired by New Orleans - https://books2read.com/finalawakebox

Inspired by New Orleans and Chicago - https://books2read.com/u/4AwpXq

Inspired by Seattle - https://books2read.com/stonethecrows1

Inspired by Dauphin Island - https://books2read.com/undeadtales

The October Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Collaboration and Coffee in Seattle Sep 26, 2019

Show notes

Collaboration and coffee fueled an amazing Sci Fi world building event in Seattle this past weekend and the Career Authors were excited to invite the attendees on the podcast for a candid and fascinating conversation.

Exhilarated and exhausted from hosting Sci Fi Seattle, the guys reflect on an amazing time in an incredible city, Seattle, Washington. The iconic Space Needle inspired a space opera anthology project that will be published by Molten Universe Media in early 2020.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How collaboration works when you’ve never worked with anyone before.
Why pushing beyond your comfort zone can be a good thing.
What Zach and J. do when trying to decide how to come up with a story idea.
Where you can find the best coffee in Seattle.
What happens when co-authors disagree on a story idea.
How collaboration can develop a skill set that can be used on solo projects.

Also, discover why orange zest in a latte can change your life.

Send us your ways and hacks - https://thecareerauthor.com/waysandhacks/

Have you ever collaborated? If so, how? Comment at thecareerauthor.com.

Thanks to all our Patrons.

Podcast sponsored by Kobo Writing Life - https://writinglife.kobobooks.com

Get exclusive bonus content by supporting The Career Author Podcast on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thecareerauthor

Want to work with us? Get the details at https://thecareerauthor.com/services/

Links:

Sign up for Dianna Gunn’s newsletter! - “This newsletter offers biweekly business tips based on my years of experience in SEO and digital marketing, with a focus on how these lessons apply to author careers.” - http://www.authordiannagunn.com/for-authors

The September Giveaway is up now! - http://www.thecareerauthor.com

The Career Author YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/thecareerauthor

Three Story Method - http://threestorymethod.com

Molten Universe Media - http://www.moltenuniversemedia.com

Events - https://thecareerauthor.com/events/

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.