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Recent Episodes
Becoming a full-time writer can be overwhelming. Join J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they help you improve your craft and find your audience, so you too can become…a career author. This is The Career Author Podcast.
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 109 – Accounting for Authors
Accounting for Authors Accounting for authors is something we’re asked about all the time. Special shout out to John Box for suggesting the conversation. “How do self-published authors handle their income? Both part-time and full-timers? Are authors setting up LLC’s or the like? Is this something that we can do on our own? Or is[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 108 – Authors on a Train California 2020
Authors on a Train California 2020 In this special episode coming to you live from J.’s aunt’s kitchen in San Francisco, it’s the Authors on a Train California 2020 round table conversation! After riding the Coastal Starlight train from Los Angeles to Oakland, California, the guys shared a mansion with 12 other amazing writers for[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 107 – Launching an Author Career in 2020
Launching an Author Career in 2020 The publishing industry went through a wave of unprecedented changes in the last decade with the evolution of self-publishing. The rise of the eReader along with technological advancements in the digital distribution of books knocked down doors previously held closed tight by the major publishers. But with the “golden[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 106 – The State of Independent Publishing in 2020
The State of Independent Publishing in 2020 It’s time to discuss the state of independent publishing in 2020. In their third annual installment of the “looking ahead” episode, J. and Zach examine the trends that occurred over the past year while trying to determine what they’ll be this year. As the industry continues to evolve[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 105 – Reflections on 2019
Reflections on 2019 It’s hard to believe that 2020 is almost upon us. In this reflective episode, Zach and J. look back at 2019 and discuss some of their personal successes and struggles while also talking about what went right—and wrong—with Molten Universe Media. The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 104 – Value Your Intellectual Property
Value Your Intellectual Property Your intellectual property is valuable. How do you exploit it to build true fans and more revenue? Star Wars. Harry Potter. Pokemon. Mickey Mouse. These are some of the most recognizable franchises in the world. But why? What makes Star Wars so much more beloved than any other science fiction and[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 103 – Beating Resistance
Beating Resistance is a daily challenge. For most creatives, we must battle doubt and insecurity at every step of the way. In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield defines the universal force that tries to keep us from our full potential. Thanks to Kim for sending in a topic suggestion that we’ve turned into “Beating[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 102 – Creating Characters Who Aren’t Like You
Creating characters who aren’t like you is key to making your story world feel real and lived in. Our world would be a boring place if every person was exactly the same. As such, so can the worlds in your books if all your characters are. It’s natural for us to write about our own[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 101 – Lean Launch vs. Fat Launch
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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 100 – 100 Episodes!
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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 99 – Making a Living from Your Writing
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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 98 – Pursuing the Traditional Publishing Path
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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 97 – Optimizing SEO with Dianna Gunn
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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 96 – Pay-Per-Click Advertising
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,[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 95 – Dedicated Thinking Time
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 Career Author Podcast: Episode 94 – Things to Know When Self-Publishing a Book
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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 93 – Travel Ignites Creativity
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 Career Author Podcast: Episode 92 – Collaboration and Coffee in Seattle
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,[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 91 – How to Choose a Title For Your Novel
Choosing a title for your novel can be incredibly difficult. Although we want our book titles to be unique and clever, this isn’t necessarily the best way to sell books. The title of your book shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s one of the most important aspects of your book if you want to sell copies[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 90 – The Art of the Email Broadcast
What should I put in my email broadcast? This question is one we all face on a regular basis. You have an email list, but what do you do with it? This week, J. breaks down a recent email broadcast and explains why it was one of the most effective he’s ever sent. The Career[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 89 – How to Get Support From a Partner or Loved One (or My Partner Doesn’t Support My Writing)
Getting the support of your spouse or significant other can make the difference between success and failure when becoming a career author. Discover how to set expectations and boundaries while honoring the relationship. The Career Author Podcast is a podcast where co-authors J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon share their struggles and successes as full-time authors,[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 88 – Opportunity Costs (and a Story Levels pivot)
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. Every opportunity comes with a cost. We must decide what’s critical to[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 87 – Writing Better Dialogue
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. “We all want to write better dialogue,” Zach screamed irritably. Ugh. Clunky[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 86 – The Myth of Work/Life Balance
We’re all striving for work/life balance. Or are we? Discover how you can have it all as J. and Zach discuss how a career can intersect a fulfilling home life. 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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 85 – Using Pen Names
Choosing to use a pen name when publishing can be a difficult decision. Make sure you look at the issue from all angles before deciding. 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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 84 – Finding an Audience with Anthologies and Box Sets
It’s getting hard to find an audience these days so leveraging multi-author box sets and anthologies might be one solution. 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[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 83 – Breaking Bad
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. SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE! Get our analysis of the pilot episode from Breaking[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 82 – Finally, a Procrastination Episode
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. We’ve put it off long enough. Let’s finally talk about procrastination as[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 81 – Our Reader Engagement Failure
Zach and J. provide an update from episodes 48 and 56 where they had high hopes for an experiment to tap reader engagement. They’re not so enthusiastic about the results. You will discover exactly how badly their experiment failed and more: J.’s experience at ThrillerFest and the continued stigma surrounding independent publishing Zach’s close call[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 80 – What’s the Point (of View)?
Choosing how you tell a story can be confusing. With help from the Fussy Librarian, Zach and J. explore how to determine the best point of view for your work. You will discover the importance of strong narration and more: Zach’s favorite app for keeping track of everything he needs to do + some of[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 79 – The Dark Side of Co-Writing
Collaboration doesn’t always smell like roses. Listen to this candid conversation about the potential problems of cowriting, how Zach and J. cope with these problems in their own business, and more: Recent events in the video game industry and what authors can learn from them Some changes happening over at the Patreon + what novelists[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 78 – Don’t start a series until you answer these 2 questions.
Simply by accident, J. and Zach stumbled upon the two most important questions you need to ask when planning your series. You will discover some of the basics of how to plan a series and more: The launch of How to Self Publish, a brand new and 100% free ebook Why the number of dollars[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 77 – Nobody Cares
J.’s less tactful and unofficial title for this episode is a nod to Steven Pressfield: “Nobody Wants to Read Your Shit.” While protecting your intellectual property is wise, spending time trying to lock it down is foolish. You will discover how you should be protecting your creative work and more: A great book that can[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 76 – What to Focus on When Not Writing
Time management for authors can be a tricky business. Prioritizing what you should be doing when you’re not writing is important. Zach and J. make some suggestions on where you should focus. You will discover: Some interesting changes in the video game industry + how they relate to what’s happening in the publishing industry right[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 75 – Paralysis by Analysis
Trying to figure out where to start can be daunting. Tapping into the wisdom of Seth Godin, Steven Pressfield, and Shawn Coyne, J. and Zach try to explain how to overcome analysis paralysis in your author career. You will discover: The first official sponsor of The Career Author Podcast How to get access to special[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 74 – Things Authors Say That You Don’t Have to Believe
There isn’t one process that works for everyone. There isn’t a formula. Zach and J. tackle some of the most commonly repeated bad advice from real authors and what you should be doing instead. You will discover: How the Library Extension can help you find out if the books you want are available in your[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 73 – Write to Audience
After going through the data from the recent Career Author survey, J. and Zach discuss the difference between “write to market” and “write to audience.” You will discover how the guys are shifting their own approach to the writing process and more: J. hits five years and over five hundred episodes of podcasting Five rules[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 72 – The past, present, and future of publishing (a special panel).
There’s no substitute for spending time with real people. J. and Zach reflect on their recent events plus a panel on publishing from Rock Apocalypse featuring Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Jim Kukral, T.W. Piperbrook. You’ll discover their predictions for the future of publishing and more: The power of live author events and genuine networking Why Zach[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 71 – LIVE from The Sell More Books Show Summit!
This week, J. and Zach come to you live from The Sell More Books Show Summit in Chicago. You will discover: How the guys have changed Authors on a Train for the 2020 event The rebranding of the Sell More Books Show Summit + some of the exciting speakers already booked for next year’s event[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 70 – Series and Writing Spin-offs
It’s not always easy to know when to end a series or if you should spin one off a successful one. Zach and J. break down your options for both existing and new series. You will discover the pros and cons of writing spin-offs and more: What makes the guys such a good team How[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 69 – Tag! You’re it! Opt-in forms and Tagging Your List
The best way to cultivate your mailing list is to know what your readers and want and where they came from. Zach and J. discuss “tagging” subscribers and how that system can pay dividends later. You will discover how to create effective opt-in forms and more: The release of J. and Zach’s first nonfiction book[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 68 – What Makes a Good Character Great?
Character is critical and in this episode, Zach and J. go deep on how to take yours from good to great. You will discover how to write great characters and more: How science fiction and fantasy authors can use World Anvil as a marketing tool Why the guys don’t do an enormous amount of worldbuilding[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 67 – Knowing How and When to Sell Direct
While we’d all love to sell books directly to our readers, there are still some hurdles to overcome with direct sales. Zach and J. discuss the advantages and disadvantages of selling direct. You will discover when to sell direct as an author and more: The newest Molten Universe Media author A powerful system to help[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 66 – Digital Minimalism for the Career Author
It’s not easy to turn away from social media in this day age but what’s it costing you? Zach and J. discuss the toll our digital life can take while exploring some ways to stay healthy. You will discover how the guys have approached digital minimalism in their own life and more: Some of the[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 65 – The Pyramid for Products and Services
Maslow’s Hierarchy can be used in so many ways, and in this episode, J. and Zach look at a Bain study from the Harvard Business Review and discuss how it can apply to independent authors. You will discover the pyramid for products and services and more: Zach’s latest experiment with dictation using the Dragon Anywhere[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 64 – The Pixar Rules of Storytelling
There’s always something to learn by studying the masters which is what the guys do today as they dive deep into the Pixar rules of storytelling. You will discover: Some exciting things coming up on the Patreon + the newest Molten Universe Media author, Lori Drake Reedsy’s new discoverability tool for authors How Pixar has[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 63 – Exposition as Ammunition (Show, Don’t Tell)
We’ve all heard “show, don’t tell,” but what does that mean? Join J. and Zach as they discuss the Robert McKee technique of exposition as ammunition along with examples. You will discover: Some of the exciting things the guys are working on + the newest Molten Universe Media author, Cameron Coral! An easy way to[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 62 – Should I Write For or Offer Services to Authors? (Part 2)
In part 2 of this two-part episode, J. and Zach continue the conversation around whether or not you should offer author services. You will discover: Bookbub’s new service for audiobooks + what this might mean for the future of audiobooks Four powerful questions to help you assess scenes in your manuscript Why change is the[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 61 – Should I Write For or Offer Services to Authors? (Part 1)
In many past episodes, the guys have discussed the importance of income diversification with multiple revenue streams. In today’s episode (part 1 of 2), Zach and J. dive deep into potential ways authors can help other authors while earning money. You will learn how to decide whether or not you should provide services for authors[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 60 – Nerd Alert! Implementing a Backup System
Would you be prepared if your computer crashed tomorrow and your cloud service went down? It’s a doom and gloom subject, but implementing a backup system is something many authors put off until it’s too late. On this episode, J. shares his time and experience as a systems administrator to help you learn how to[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 59 – How to Get More Writing Done
Do you feel like you don’t have enough time to write? Is it hard to focus? Do you find yourself procrastinating? Today, J. and Zach share some tips to help stay in the zone. You’ll discover how to get more writing done and more: Some exciting stuff happening on the Patreon Molten Universe Media’s latest[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 58 – StoryLevels, Sci-Fi Seattle, and a Look Behind the Curtain
J. and Zach have two big announcements on today’s show and also take you behind the scenes to discuss some of the big mistakes they’ve made running past author events, and how they’ve fixed them for 2019. You will discover: How to decide what you’re going to include in a specific scene with “scene seeds”[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 57 – Dealing With Project Burnout
Have you ever worked on a project you just don’t want to do? Of course you have! On this episode, Zach talks about a recent bout with burnout and Resistance he faced and has an open discussion with J. about it. You will discover some powerful strategies for dealing with project burnout and more: Some[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 56 – Content Marketing for Fiction (List Building Part 2)
The guys have been teasing this episode for a while, and it’s finally here. On this episode, J. and Zach go in-depth about why and how they are publishing a free digital magazine for post-apocalyptic fans and building their own network to engage with those people in. You will learn about the potential of content[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 55 – Paid Advertising in 2019
How effective is BookBub in 2019? Do Facebook ads still work? What about Amazon ads? On this episode, Zach and J. talk about their experience with different paid advertising avenues for books. You will discover the state of paid advertising in 2019 and more: The power of ad stacking + why consistent sales are better[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 54 – The Screw Resolutions Episode
If you’ve listened to the podcast for any amount of time, you’re likely to know that J. and Zach aren’t big fans of goals. On the show today, they discuss why New Year’s resolutions don’t work and how they focus on systems to achieve the results they want. You will discover: Some of the exciting[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 53 – The State of Independent Publishing in 2019
The landscape of the publishing is everchanging, especially for indies. On this episode, J. and Zach discuss the state of independent publishing in 2019 and how you can prepare yourself for changes in the year ahead. You will discover: How J. creates phenomenal first lines + why you should rarely accept the first idea you[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 52 – How to become a career author
Are you ready to take your writing from a side gig to your full-time work? If so, are you asking yourself the right questions or making the best moves to prepare for the transition? On this episode, J. and Zach discuss how to become a career author and what you need to consider before you[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 51 – From Book to Film With Bird Box Author Josh Malerman
On this special episode of The Career Author Podcast, J. and Zach sit down with Bird Box author Josh Malerman. Josh talks about the process of getting his book adapted into a Netflix original movie starring Sandra Bullock and more: Zach’s old method for finding the best Amazon keywords + the tool he uses now[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 50 – List Building Fundamentals (List Building Part 1)
Every author needs a mailing list. But where do you start on building one? When you should start one? What should you focus on when building a list? How often should you send broadcasts? And of course, what do you send to your list? J. and Zach tackle all those questions and more list building[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 49 – Morning Routines
Morning routines are crucial to productivity and getting your day started off right. It’s scientifically proven, and the most successful people in the world all have morning routines. On this episode, J. and Zach discuss what goes into their morning routines, and their ‘why’ related to each task. Listen to discover: How Zach and J.[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 48 – Collaborative Story Building, Rock Apocalypse, and Content Marketing
J. and Zach have been working on a lot of stuff behind the scenes. On this episode, they make some announcements on some of the big things they have planned for authors and listeners of The Career Author, as well as for the readers of their fiction. They also discuss terrible creative advice, the importance[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 47 – Reflections From Authors on a Train 2018
Authors on a Train 2018 is officially over. The trip started with J. and Zach meeting six other authors in Chicago, jumping on the Amtrak train, and heading down to New Orleans for the week. On their last morning together in New Orleans, Zach and J. sat down with a microphone between them and shared[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 46 – Ask Us Anything Live at Authors on a Train
On this very special episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. answer questions from their Authors on a Train 2018 attendees in an open round table discussion. You will discover: How the guys approach book launches + how their launch strategy differs for a book one vs. later books in the series Why[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 45 – The Role of Social Media for Authors
Do you really need to have a presence on social media to succeed as an author? If so, which platforms should you be on? J. and Zach discuss the role of social media for authors and more: The challenges of staying professional when you’re facing a difficult emotional time The fascinating science around decluttering Some[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 44 – Money Tips For the Aspiring Career Author
Zach flies solo on the show today, talks about some of the big things he did to get his personal finances healthy to prepare for the jump to becoming a career author, and offers some powerful money tips for authors. You’ll discover: The special author service Zach is now providing to listeners of The Career Author[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 43 – The Importance of Goals Over Dreams for Career Authors
A lot of aspiring authors dream about writing as their full-time career. But can you reach that point if it’s only a dream? J. and Zach discuss their different outlooks on the importance of goals and goal setting on this week’s show. You’ll discover: Zach’s exciting new service for authors A simple way to reduce[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 42 – Podcasting 101 For Authors
One of the most common questions we are asked is, “Should I have a podcast?” So we tackle that topic today with a candid discussion about podcasting 101 for authors. You will discover: Zach’s recent success with meditation Some practical tips for increasing your visibility and sales on Kobo + why you want to publish[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 41 – Dawn of the Night of the Writing Dead
J. and Zach just got back from Pittsburgh and their Night of the Writing Dead writers retreat and worldbuilding summit. Today, they talk about the event, some of the takeaways for authors, and more: J. expands his author services An easy way to get more out of your time The importance of tracking your daily[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 40 – Yes, Virginia, You Need An Editor
Being professional and treating your product (aka book) the best chance to succeed is a big part of what makes a career author. Today, J. and Zach discuss the importance of why you need a professional editor and more: The danger of using too many saidisms in your work Why repetition is important if you[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 39 – How to Protect Your Creative Energy
As an author, it’s important to protect your creative energy in order to produce the best book possible. Today, J. and Zach discuss the importance of setting up boundaries and barriers. You’ll discover how to protect your creative energy and more: Why creating a designated workspace for your writing is an essential step for every[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 38 – Story World Building
For many authors, worldbuilding is the most fun part of the process. J. and Zach are back together in person this week and have a face to face discussion about their story worldbuilding processes. You will discover: How Molten Universe Media has used Amazon ads (AMS) to boost their sales The various types of AMS[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 37 – Publishing Tools in a Changing Landscape
Things seem to change every single day in self-publishing. Today, J. and Zach talk about some of the best publishing tools available today, some recent changes with paperbacks over at Amazon, and more: The success of the new Halloween movie The ever-changing nature of self publishing and why it’s important to pay attention to developments[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 36 – How to Edit a Novel with The Editor’s Six Core Questions
Zach and J. go deep on craft today and talk about The Editor’s Six Core Questions. You’ll discover the basics of how to edit a novel and more: How recent changes to J.’s morning routine have helped him tap into the deepest parts of his creativity and increased his motivation How to train your brain[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 35 – Internet Etiquette for Authors
Today on the show, Zach and J. share a story about something that recently happened to them, and how they turned lemons into lemonade. It leads to a conversation about internet etiquette for authors. You’ll discover best practices for interacting with people in your author career and more: The science of coffee J.’s top tip[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 34 – Retail or Real Life? Where to Sell Books
J. and Zach talk about selling at conventions, the advantages and disadvantages whether or not author book signings are worth it, and more: The importance of honesty, discipline, and trust in yourself to finish everything that needs to get done Why goal setting can be psychologically damaging and a little bit about what the guys[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 33 – How to Find a Book Cover Artist
You’ve written that novel, but now you need a book cover. Do you make it yourself? Do you find a graphic artist? How do you even find a good cover artist, and what should you be looking for? J. and Zach share how to find a book cover artist and more in this week’s episode[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 32 – The Future of Audiobooks
J. recently visited Findaway Voices to see some of the cool things they are doing in the world of audiobooks. Today, Zach and J. discuss some of the stuff they showed J. and how we see the future of audiobooks and more: The growing library of content on The Career Author Podcast Patreon page An easy way[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 31 – Great Storytelling in 15 Seconds
Do you think it’s possible to tell a complete story in fifteen seconds with no dialogue? Today, Zach and J. break down a fifteen second Clorox commercial to facilitate a discussion about story structure and the many facets of great storytelling. You’ll discover: The sense of accomplishment you feel when you finish a series The[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 30 – Night Rituals
What do the guys do at night to rest or to fill their respective creative wells? Zach and J. discuss their night rituals and more: The podcast hits 30 episodes Exciting times at metal shows One of the fathers of indie publishing signs a deal for a TV adaptation and what it means for other[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 29 – Decision Making for Indie Authors
Zach and J. discuss the struggles of decision making for indie authors and more: How quickly you can fall out of routine Findaway Voices continues to innovate in the world of audiobooks How the guys choose their Amazon keywords and offer some advice for improving your own Amazon page with keywords and metadata Why the[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 28 – Our Experience with Trilogies and Self Publishing
Zach and J. have spent most of their time as collaborators working on trilogies, but now they’ve decided to move away from that. On this episode, they discuss what they’ve learned by writing and self publishing trilogies, why they are ready to try a longer series, and more: A fascinating new show J. is watching[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 27 – BookBub Breakdown
J. hit the jackpot and got accepted for a BookBub ad. But how did it go? On today’s episode, J. offers a detailed Bookbub breakdown and more: Working on the holidays The importance of learning to switch your focus from the macro to the micro when plotting or revising a story J. explains how you[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 26 – Planning a Long Book Series
In this special episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. are together in the same room once again. This time, they discuss the good and the bad from their most recent meeting, how to plan a book series of your own, and more: Sad farewells to one of the best drummers in the[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 25 – The Opportunity Costs of Adaptation
All authors think about what it would be like to see their book on the big screen or on a television set. But what are the opportunity costs of adaptation? Take a deep dive into this question and more with J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon. You will learn: J.’s recent experience teaching Rachel Herron about[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 24 – The Future of Bookstores
One of the most controversial and most discussed topics in the publishing world is what the future holds for bookstores, as well as physical books. J. and Zach discuss the future of bookstores and more: Some of the issues with running a news segment on The Career Author Podcast The importance of developing systems to increase[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 23 – Mailing Lists for Authors
You’ve heard all the advice on how to build a mailing list, but what do you do once you’ve got a reader’s email? On this week’s episode, J. and Zach talk about mailing lists for authors and more: The impressive success of one author’s sleazy tactics to gain Amazon reviews Book stuffing and other Kindle[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 22 – The Power of Hosting an Event for Authors
On this week’s episode, J. and Zach talk about some of the reasons they host events, what goes into hosting an event for authors, and more: Upcoming features on the Patreon The ongoing controversy of the Audible unlimited romance subscription program’s terrible royalty rates Amazon quietly bans ARC reviews? Or are authors overreacting to a[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 21 – Multi-Author Box Sets, Anthologies, and One-Off Collaborative Writing Opportunities
There are more ways to collaborate on a book than writing a novel with another author. Join Zach and J. this week as they discuss multi-author box sets, other collaborative writing opportunities, and more: How a new perspective on your story can help you build a stronger outline Common myths about traditional publishing and why[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 20 – How We Do Genre Research
On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss how they do genre research on both a story and a marketing level, along with some other interesting topics: Why authors should stop worrying so much about the GDPR Amazon closes Kindle Worlds + what it means for the authors involved Some perspective on KU scams and[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 19 – What We Learned at Sell More Books Show Summit 2018
On this week’s episode, Zach and J. reflect on some of their big takeaways from the great talks at Sell More Books Show Summit 2018, which was last weekend in Chicago. Listen to learn: Why cargo shorts are great The importance of face-to-face gatherings with likeminded people and how much the guys loved the Sell[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 18 – How Crisis Can Make or Break a Story
Are you ready to raise the stakes? On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss how crisis makes or breaks a story and more: Some clarifications about last week’s podcast The importance of finding your own ideal writing process The difference between pantsing and first draft publishing, and how the Story Grid can help pantsers[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 17 – The Pete Rose Effect and Outliers
On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss the Pete Rose effect, the danger of basing your expectations on outliers, and more: Zach’s one year anniversary of becoming a full-time writer A fun new approach to choosing bonus episodes on the Patreon Amazon launches Prime Reading in China with over 500 Kindle titles The Indie[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 16 – Our Favorite Productivity Tools for Authors
On this week’s episode, Zach and J. flip the script on their Choose Your News segment, putting J. in the driver’s seat and having him read headlines to Zach. They discuss Amazon Internet, productivity tools for authors, and more: The Career Author Podcast hits 50 patrons on Patreon Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers is[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 15 – Writing To Market: Misconceptions and Truths
On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss some of the biggest misconceptions around writing to market and more: The excitement of the first time you hit “publish” How the Story Grid is meant to be used New data that shows the connection between what types of books people read and how they read them,[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 14 – Our Biggest Self Publishing Mistakes and How We Learned From Them
On this week’s episode, Zach and J. discuss some of their biggest self publishing mistakes they’ve made since they began publishing, and more importantly, how and what they’ve learned from them. You’ll learn: Exciting features coming up on Patreon What happened with the brief appearance of a third royalty option on Amazon More rank stripping[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 13 – Work Life Balance for Authors
On this week’s episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. discuss practical steps toward creating a healthy work life balance for authors and more: What the guys have been up to lately, including exciting new bonus episodes on Patreon J. and Zach’s recent visit to the Sell More Books Show How to turn[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 12 – Calls to Action
What are Calls to Action (CTAs) and how should authors use them? On this episode, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon discuss this question and more: Zach says farewell to Toys R’ Us and the guys discuss the power of nostalgia How Toys R’ Us closing might impact other businesses and the mass closing of malls[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 11 – Exploring the Collaborative Process
On this special episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. have a rare sit-down and face to face discussion about various aspects of the collaborative process: Exciting things coming up for Patreon subscribers How Authors on a Train showed J. and Zach the importance of in-person meetings for collaborative partnerships Why authors[…]
The Career Author Podcast: Episode 10 – Amazon Exclusivity vs Selling Wide
As an indie author, where should you sell your books? On today’s episode of The Career Author Podcast, Zach and J. discuss Amazon exclusivity vs selling wide and a variety of other topics: The Facebook algorithm changes strike down a small publisher Amazon opens more brick-and-mortar bookstores Audible’s attempt to reconcile with romance authors and[…]