The BookFunnel Podcast

In this episode, Amanda Traylor shares her journey of rebranding as June Patrick, the importance of authentic branding, and practical tips for authors to connect with their audience through in-person events, social media, and unique branding strategies.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:52 Amanda Traylor's Journey in Writing and Branding
04:35 The Transformation into June Patrick
07:20 Reinventing the Author Brand
10:08 Embodying the Pen Name
12:41 Connecting with Readers through Branding
15:33 Navigating Goodreads and Author Reviews
18:44 Building a Brand Through Newsletters
26:43 Authenticity in Author Branding
28:36 Understanding Your Audience
35:21 In-Person Engagement and Reader Reactions
39:10 Creative Branding Strategies for Authors
41:10 Unique Promotional Items and Their Impact
44:42 Connecting with Modern Audiences
47:28 Finding Your Authentic Brand Voice
50:38 Navigating Branding in Different Contexts

About Our Guests
Johnny B Truant
https://johnnybtruant.com/
Katie Cross
https://katiecrossbooks.com/
Todd Fahnestock
https://toddfahnestock.com/
Summary
This episode explores the art and business of selling books in person at events like conventions and fairs. Authors share their experiences, strategies, and insights on how face-to-face sales can boost visibility, build community, and generate revenue. This episode features a lively discussion on in-person book sales, pitching strategies, and overcoming introvert/extrovert challenges at events. Johnny B Truant, Katie Cross, and Todd Fahnestock share practical tips, personal stories, and innovative ideas to boost author success at conventions and markets.
Key Topics
In-person book selling strategies
Event selection and audience targeting
Bundling and pricing tactics
Pitching and presentation skills
Networking and brand building In-person book sales strategies
Effective pitching techniques
Overcoming introvert/extrovert challenges in marketing

Learn more about our guest
Website
https://markleslie.ca/
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07JXYVJ92?ccs_id=d940ac4f-01c6-4885-b4d3-f011eff9a1cd
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkLeslieLefebvre
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/markleslielefebvre/
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklefebvre/
Substack
https://angeliquemfawns.substack.com/p/the-unfiltered-truth-about-indie
Summary
In this episode, industry expert Mark Leslie Lefebvre shares insights on going wide as an author, the importance of multiple income streams, and creative strategies for marketing and leveraging intellectual property. Discover practical tips for indie and traditional authors to build sustainable careers.

Guest Links
Website -https://www.lydiasherrer.com/
Summary
In this episode, Lydia Shearer, a USA Today bestselling author, shares her journey in indie and traditional publishing, her strategies for direct sales, newsletter building, and navigating the evolving landscape of book marketing and AI challenges. In this episode, Lydia Sherrer and the team discuss the future of digital reading, author-reader connections, and the impact of AI on publishing. They explore topics like direct sales, platform independence, and innovative author marketing strategies.
Key Topics
Lydia Shearer's hybrid publishing model
Strategies for direct sales and owning your audience
The importance of newsletters and building a mailing list
Challenges and opportunities with AI and platform changes
The evolution of book distribution and fulfillment The potential and challenges of platform independence for authors
The impact of AI and generative tools on publishing and author branding
Strategies for connecting with readers beyond traditional platforms
Resources
BookFunnel - https://bookfunnel.com
Mark Dawson's Self-Publishing Course - https://selfpublishingformula.com
Ammo Facebook Ads Course by Steve Piper - https://stevepiper.com
Pirate Ship for shipping labels - https://pirateship.com
Author Nation Conference - https://author-nation.com
Adagio Tea - https://adagio.com
Canva - https://canva.com
Photoshop - https://adobe.com/products/photoshop
John Ringo (Author) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ringo

Masters in Publishing Degree
https://wordfire.com/publishing-masters-degree/
Dan Shamble Kickstarter
https://wordfire.ubpages.com/
Summary
In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson. They discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the founding of WordFire Press, and the importance of multiple income streams for authors. Kevin shares insights from his experience with Kickstarter campaigns, the creation of a graduate program in publishing, and the hands-on learning approach he employs. The conversation also touches on the economics of publishing, the role of book signings, and the exciting developments surrounding Kevin's Dan Shamble series, including its upcoming adaptation for television. Additionally, they explore the new features of Book Funnel, including personalized ebooks, and the future of author support in the industry.
Takeaways
Indie publishing has revolutionized the way authors can share their work.
Kickstarter provides a new funding model for authors.
Having multiple income streams is crucial for a sustainable writing career.
Hands-on learning is essential in teaching publishing skills.
The bookstore often makes the most profit from book sales.
Planning a Kickstarter campaign requires careful consideration and organization.
Personalized ebooks can enhance reader engagement and author connection.
Understanding the traditional publishing industry is beneficial for indie authors.
The Dan Shambles series is being adapted for television, showcasing the potential of indie works.
Book Funnel continues to innovate with features that support authors.