Your first book didn't become a bestseller overnight? You're actually right on track.

In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down one of the most important patterns we see year after year in our reader surveys: authors with bigger catalogs earn significantly more money. But it's not just about writing more books—it's about understanding how your backlist creates sustainable income. Whether you're a one-book author wondering what's next or a seasoned writer looking to understand the business better, this episode will help you think strategically about your author career and the power of your growing catalog.

What you'll learn:

• Why readers who love your work can't spend more if you only have one book
• How catalog size directly impacts your marketing effectiveness
• The real math behind lifetime customer value
• Alternative products beyond just writing more books (audiobooks, translations, merchandise, and more)
• How to decide if you're building a hobby or a business—and why both are valid choices

Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.

The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.

© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this data-packed episode, Ricci and Ferol dive into the results of Written Word Media's brand-new reader survey with nearly 3,000 responses from across all five brands. This isn't recycled industry advice or third-party reports - it's fresh, empirical data straight from the voracious readers who matter most to indie authors. Together, they unpack surprising stats about reader volume, discovery channels, and what readers genuinely want from the authors they love. From the shocking percentage of readers consuming 100+ books per year to the personal details readers crave (hint: pets came up a lot!), this episode delivers actionable insights that will transform how you think about book marketing, reader connection, and building your author platform in 2026.

You'll Learn:

• Why 31% of readers consume over 100 books per year - and what this means for your marketing strategy
• The 80% loyalty rule that changes everything about free book promotions and first-in-series launches
• Where readers actually discover books in 2026 (Amazon and email newsletters still dominate, but there are surprises)
• Why social media advertising isn't resonating with readers - and what they're seeking instead
• The truth about AI for book discovery: readers aren't using it and don't want to
• What readers genuinely want to know about you as an author - from pets to vacations (but skip the politics!)
• How readers track their reading habits, including the surprisingly popular pen-and-paper method

Whether you're launching your first book or optimizing your author platform, these insights will help you connect more authentically with readers and make smarter marketing decisions. The data proves it: books are still magic, and millions of readers are out there actively looking for their next favorite author.

Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.

The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.

© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ricci and Ferol wrap up their 2026 book industry trends analysis by diving into the final two themes: discovery and sovereignty. They explore how book discovery is shifting from algorithm-driven feeds to trusted channels—think celebrity book clubs (Reese Witherspoon, Oprah), BookTok influencers, indie bookstores, and curated newsletters. The conversation highlights how word-of-mouth remains the #1 way readers find books, but the channels amplifying that word-of-mouth are evolving rapidly. Ricci and Ferol then tackle author sovereignty, celebrating the growing control authors have over their publishing journey. From innovative formats (like murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters!) to direct selling and flexible publishing paths, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of creative freedom and democratization. At its core, this episode emphasizes that while trends are predictions, the future offers authors more options and opportunities than ever before.

You'll learn:

• Trusted channels are replacing algorithms for book discovery — Readers are moving away from algorithmic feeds toward curated newsletters, indie bookstores, libraries, and brands they trust
• Celebrity book clubs are the new bestseller kingmakers — Reese Witherspoon's picks are influencing bestseller lists like Oprah's Book Club did 15 years ago, with Jenna's Book Club and BookTok influencers also driving massive discovery
• Brand partnerships and author collaborations are accelerating — Authors are cross-promoting with each other and building collaborative worlds that increase discovery and reader engagement
• Authors have unprecedented control over their publishing paths — The democratization of publishing is accelerating, giving authors more flexibility in how they publish, distribute, and connect with readers
• Innovative formats are emerging beyond traditional books — Examples include murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters in the mail, creating unique reading experiences that stand out
• There's no single "right way" to publish in 2026 — The multiplication of options allows authors to find paths and channels that align with their comfort zones and goals
• 2026 is shaping up as a year of creative freedom and optimism — The convergence of discovery channels, author sovereignty, and new formats creates an environment ripe for creative experimentation

Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.

The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.
© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.