Send us Fan Mail

Everyone tells authors they need a platform—but what does that actually mean in today's publishing landscape?

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen and Adanna sit down with podcasting and content marketing expert Tracy Hazzard to unpack what an effective author platform looks like today. Tracy explains why social media followers aren't the same as a true platform, why your website should serve as the foundation of your marketing, and how creating consistent content can build lasting authority that continues working long after a single post disappears from a social feed.

The conversation also explores practical ways authors can begin building a platform before their book launches. From choosing the right content format—whether that's blogging, podcasting, video, or Substack—to establishing a consistent publishing rhythm, Tracy shares actionable strategies that help authors attract readers, increase discoverability, and build credibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace. If you've ever wondered where to start with book marketing, this episode offers a clear roadmap focused on building your audience rather than chasing algorithms.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why your website—not social media—is the foundation of your author platform.
• The difference between building followers and building an audience you own.
• How consistent content improves discoverability and builds authority.
• Why authors should choose the content format they enjoy most.
• Practical first steps for creating a sustainable marketing platform before your book launches.

Connect With Us

Kathleen: kathleenkaiser.com

Adanna: maddannastudio.com

Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout.

Have a topic or guest suggestion?
Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today

Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

Send us Fan Mail

Think publishing your book is the finish line? Think again.

Many authors unknowingly make small publishing decisions that lead to poor discoverability, lost sales, rejected bookstore submissions, or even leave their work vulnerable to theft. The good news? Most of these costly mistakes are completely avoidable—if you know what to look for.

On this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen and Adanna welcome Juliet Clark of Superbrand Publishing to discuss the publishing and marketing mistakes she sees every day, from copyright protection and metadata to author branding, Amazon optimization, and the scams targeting today's authors.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why registering your copyright matters
• The difference between ISBNs, Library of Congress registrations, and Amazon product codes
• How cover design affects discoverability and sales
• What makes effective back cover copy
• Why every author needs a consistent brand
• How Amazon A+ Content helps readers understand your book
• Why metadata and categories are critical for discoverability
• The importance of building your author platform before launch
• How lead magnets grow your email list
• How to recognize and avoid common publishing scams

Whether you're publishing your first book or looking to improve the performance of an existing one, this episode is full of practical advice that can help you publish smarter and market with confidence.

Connect With Us

Kathleen: kathleenkaiser.com

Adanna: maddannastudio.com

Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout.

Have a topic or guest suggestion?
Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today

Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

Send us Fan Mail

What do literary agents look for in a book proposal? Do nonfiction authors need a finished manuscript before approaching publishers? And how important are comp titles and author platforms when it comes to landing a traditional publishing deal?

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty welcome book proposal expert Debra Eckerling to demystify the proposal process. Debra shares her Three C's framework—Concept, Context, and Content—and explains why a book proposal is far more than a publishing requirement. It's a sales and marketing document that helps agents, publishers, and editorial boards evaluate both the book and the author.

The conversation explores what makes a nonfiction book marketable, how authors can strengthen their platforms, why comp titles are critical to positioning a book, and the opportunities available to writers pursuing traditional publishing. Debra also shares insights from her own publishing journey and discusses the growing category of "memoir-plus" books that combine personal stories with actionable guidance.

Key Takeaways

• A successful book proposal is built around Concept, Context, and Content.
• The overview, audience analysis, and comp titles are among the most important sections of a proposal.
• Most nonfiction books do not need to be completed before they are pitched to agents or publishers.
• Comp titles help prove market demand while demonstrating how your book fills a unique need.
• Publishers evaluate the author as much as the book itself.
• An author platform includes both online visibility and real-world credibility.
• Time spent waiting on submissions can be used to strengthen your platform and visibility.
• Memoir-plus books often have broader market appeal because they combine storytelling with practical takeaways.

Connect With Us

Kathleen: kathleenkaiser.com

Adanna: maddannastudio.com

Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout.

Have a topic or guest suggestion?
Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today

Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet