The Author's Lighthouse Podcast: Tips and Tricks for New Writers and Authors

This podcast episode focuses on the significance of author bios and About Me pages on an author's website. The hosts stress the importance of having a strong online presence in the digital age and aim to highlight the incredible benefits of these elements while providing practical tips for creating interesting ones.

We explain that an author bio is an opportunity to showcase expertise, qualifications, and achievements, serving...

Welcome to this episode all about discovering and embracing your unique writing voice! In this lively discussion, we explored the essence of a writer's voice—its tone, style, and perspective—and why it is crucial for creating engaging and impactful content. We encouraged listeners to tap into their self-awareness and uncover their strengths, interests, and values to cultivate an authentic voice. By embracing personal experience...

Welcome to a brand new episode of “The Author’s Lighthouse”!

In this exciting installment, we delve into the world of media kits for authors. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating a standout media kit that grabs attention and opens doors to exciting opportunities. From crafting compelling author bios to writing captivating book summaries, we’ll guide you through the essential components that make up an impressive media kit....

In this episode, we discuss the importance of book reviews for authors and why it is crucial to develop a thick skin in the industry. We highlight how reviews can be used as marketing material, and how both positive and negative reviews can help improve an author’s writing skills. We delve into best practices for responding to reviews and how to interact with readers through reviews. We also offer tips on how to encourage readers t...

Are you a writer looking for ways to elevate your craft and take your career to the next level? Look no further than writers’ retreats and conferences! In this episode, we explore the many ways these events can inspire and invigorate your writing, from providing a supportive community to offering valuable feedback and expert advice. Tune in as we chat with experienced writers who share their insights and personal stories of how ret...

This week’s podcast is Crafting Story Beats That Keep Your Readers Engaged and Wanting More. Packed with practical advice and inspiration for crafting interesting stories. Discover the importance of mastering the essential elements of storytelling, from character development to plot twists. Join us and let’s dive deep into the world of storytelling together!

Notes

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publish...

This week we dive into writer's block - what is it and how to over come it.

Notes

The Artists's Way by Julia Cameron - https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/apr/04/amazon-to-close-book-depository-online-shop

https://www.bestpageforward.net/getting-ready-for-the-5-day-amazon-ad-challenge/

My books:

Hollywood Hearts: The Second Act - https://www.amazon.com/Hol...

This week's show we discuss how to create an effective elevator pitch and why every author should have one. We also talk about Kobo Plus in the US and what a "comp" title is.

Notes

https://goodereader.com/blog/kobo-ereader-news/kobo-plus-is-now-available-in-the-united-states

My books:

Hollywood Hearts: The Second Act - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Hearts-Second-Karen-Schober-ebook/dp/B0BR8FYJ96

Chemical Attraction - htt...

Today we talk about imposter syndrome: what it is, how to identify it, and ways to overcome it.

We also talk about what an advance is, the Little Free Library initiative, and of course my personal update.

Notes

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/91877-little-free-library-aims-to-eliminate-book-deserts.html

https://littlefreelibrary.org

www.NaNoWriMo.org

My books:

Hollywood Hearts: The Seco...

This week we talk about author branding for new authors.

Notes:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/91862-in-a-swift-decision-judge-eviscerates-internet-archive-s-scanning-and-lending-program.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapbook#Modern_chapbooks

My books

Hollywood Hearts: The Second Act - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Hearts-Second-Karen-Schober-ebook/dp/B0BR8FYJ96

Chemical...

This week we discuss what elements make a good book cover and what an imprint are.

Show Notes:

https://selfpublishingadvice.org/self-publishing-news-lay-offs-at-wattpad/

https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/d2d-print-just-opened-up-for-every-author-everywhere/

My books

Hollywood Hearts: The Second Act - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Hearts-Second-Karen-Schober-ebook/dp/B0BR8FYJ96

Chemical Attraction - https://www.amazon.com...

This week we discuss why we should copyright our works and what is a blurb.

Notes:

www.Copyright.gov

www.LOC.gov (Library of Congress)

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/feb/27/rediscovered-terry-pratchett-stories-to-be-published

My books

Hollywood Hearts: The Second Act - https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Hearts-Second-Karen-Schober-ebook/dp/B0BR8FYJ96

Chemical Attraction - https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Attraction-Karen-Sch...

On this week's show we talk about the pros and cons of the pen name and the issues around the 979 ISBN's. We also discuss the news in the publishing world and always my personal update.

Notes:

https://www.isbn-international.org/content/changes-united-states-isbn-prefixes#:~:text=979%2D8%20will%20be%20unique,books%20anywhere%20in%20the%20world.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/91556-...

This week we discuss the passive voice: what it is, why it is "bad", how to find it, and correct it. We also talk about serials and serial fiction.

Show Notes:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/industry-deals/article/91535-is-the-sale-of-simon-schuster-heating-up.html

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/paramount-global-tries-again-sell-simon-schuster-sources-2023-02-14/

Hollywood Hearts: The ...

This week we discuss "Show Don't Tell" and Direct Sales.

Notes:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/91519-barnes-noble-pushes-ahead-in-2023.html

www.Karenschober.com/newsletter - Sign up for a free prequel in the Fire and Ice Series

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BV4JCRXT - link for Hollywood Hearts: The Second Act on Amazon.

This week we discuss the parts inside a book and what an agent is. We also talk about the updates to Amazon's return policy for ebooks and a personal update.

Notes:

https://kindlepreneur.com/parts-of-a-book/

https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/parts-of-a-book/

https://authorsguild.org/news/amazon-changing-ebook-return-policy/?fbclid=IwAR1jWLVC9b3tYEI6Kjcfk_NDP3eyY4pVKJ_N_3pWSuVmLW0vbbUndAhnmJA

https://www.citationmachi...

In today's show we discuss how to protect your social media accounts and what can happen if you don't. We also talk about what are comp titles and the strike at HarperCollins.

Notes:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/91377-harpercollins-harperunion-move-to-solve-labor-dispute-with-independent-mediator.html

Show Sponsor:
ALLI - bit.ly/ALH-ALLI

Today we discuss the physical parts of a book and how books are created. We also discuss what is a hook and how to use it for book marketing.

Links:
https://sureprintanddesign.ca/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-book-printing/

https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/20/23564311/cnet-pausing-ai-articles-bot-red-ventures

https://partner.canva.com/alh