The BookFunnel Podcast

What if your next audience is waiting in another language?
In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, Jack Shilkaitis and Emma Alisyn sit down with Maxwell Zachs, CEO of Translation Review and a longtime indie author, to explore how authors can bring their books into international markets without sacrificing quality, voice, or reader trust.
Max explains how hybrid translation combines the speed and affordability of AI-assisted translation with the judgment, cultural knowledge, and nuance of professional human translators. The conversation goes far beyond simply translating the words on the page, covering everything from genre-specific terminology and localized marketing to foreign-language newsletters, international pricing, cover design, reader expectations, and long-term publishing strategy.
Authors will also learn why a translated edition should be treated as a new publishing venture rather than an ancillary product—and why the translation itself is often only the beginning.
Key Takeaway
Publishing in translation is not simply a matter of converting a manuscript into another language. Each translated edition is a new book entering a new market, complete with its own readers, expectations, marketing opportunities, cultural context, and publishing strategy.
Authors who approach translation with research, patience, professional support, and a willingness to engage with readers may discover opportunities well beyond the English-language market.
About Maxwell Zachs
Maxwell Zachs is the CEO of Translation Review and an independent author with nearly twenty years of publishing experience. After using AI-assisted translation to bring his own backlist into Spanish and other languages, Max recognized the need for professional human review to correct grammatical errors, preserve author voice, localize language, and improve the reader experience.
Translation Review now works with a growing team of native-language translators to help authors prepare AI-assisted translations for publication across a wide range of international markets.
Learn more about Translation Review and connect with Max through the company’s website.
https://translationreview.ai/

Summary
In this episode, Jack and Emma explore the realities of balancing full-time work and writing, the importance of motivation, setting boundaries, and the journey of building a sustainable author career. They share personal insights, practical tips, and the mindset needed to succeed as a part-time or full-time author.
 Key  Topics
Balancing full-time work and writing
The myth of work-life balance
Setting boundaries and managing crazy
Motivation and accountability in writing
Leveraging small wins and systems
The importance of community and support
Time management and productivity hacks
The long journey of author success
 Takeaways
There is no such thing as perfect work-life balance when you love your roles.
Motivation often comes from systems, accountability, and enjoyment of the process.
Tracking your time reveals how much actual work you can do in a day.
Delegating tasks and learning new processes can free up creative energy.
Progress is incremental; consistency over time leads to success.
Understanding your true motivators helps sustain your writing journey.
Life events can impact your writing schedule, and that's okay.
Slow and steady wins the race in building an author career.
Chapters
01:20 Work-Life Balance for Authors
04:53 Motivation and Accountability in Writing
07:59 Finding Your Unique Motivation
11:43 Time Management and Energy Awareness
15:02 The Importance of Delegation
18:41 High Leverage Opportunities
22:20 Embracing Life's Challenges
25:37 The Journey of Becoming an Author

In this episode of The BookFunnel Podcast, Damon Courtney sits down with Maxwell Salzberg, CEO of BackerKit, to talk about why crowdfunding has become one of the most exciting opportunities for authors today.
Max shares how BackerKit grew from managing the “back of the house” for crowdfunding campaigns into a full crowdfunding platform, and why authors are especially well-positioned to use crowdfunding as part of a long-term publishing career. Damon and Max also discuss the rise of special editions, superfan-driven campaigns, direct reader relationships, and why a successful campaign starts long before launch day.
Whether you’re thinking about your first campaign or looking for ways to turn your existing readers into a stronger community, this episode breaks down what authors should understand before they crowdfund.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why crowdfunding is really another form of direct sales
How authors can use crowdfunding to serve their superfans
Why your mailing list is the foundation of a successful campaign
The importance of “pre-live” campaign building
How to reduce the fear of public campaign failure
Why special editions, audiobooks, and premium products work well for crowdfunding
How smaller authors can think about campaigns without comparing themselves to Brandon Sanderson
Why peer collaboration can help authors reach new readers
What Bonkers Romance did well with community-driven campaigns
How BackerKit’s instant access rewards work with BookFunnel
How authors can use back catalog ebooks, audiobooks, bonus material, and samples to build campaign momentum
Key takeaways
Crowdfunding is not just for massive authors with giant audiences. Max and Damon emphasize that authors can start small by focusing on the next realistic milestone: one fan, ten fans, one hundred fans, and so on.
The most successful campaigns are not simply preorders. They become an event, a community experience, and an extension of the author’s world.
Authors should not wait until launch day to find out whether people are interested. A pre-live landing page gives authors a quieter, lower-risk way to measure demand, build momentum, and know whether they are ready to launch.
Mailing lists matter, but only if authors actually use them. Readers need to hear from authors regularly, not just when there is something to buy.
Superfans are the core of a campaign. When authors create something specifically for the readers who love their work most, those fans often help bring the crowd to the crowdfunding campaign.
Useful Links:
The Author's Guide to Crowdfunding webinar with Bonkers Romance: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/bonkers-romance

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