The BookFunnel Podcast

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.

Learn more about Shanon Huston
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBY1ZdiOkr2qBrn0y7aOhBw
Website
https://www.sdhuston.com
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.D.-Huston/author/B098MKK9CK?ccs_id=78c4bcbc-3ee6-4d6e-ba29-b353d47ac682
Summary
In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, the team welcomes Shanon Huston, a romantasy author and YouTuber. They discuss the importance of building an author brand on YouTube, the differences between BookTube and AuthorTube, and strategies for engaging with readers through live streams and writing sprints. Shanon shares her experiences with the AuthorTube Writing Conference and emphasizes the need for authenticity and community in the author journey. The conversation provides valuable insights for authors looking to navigate the digital landscape and connect with their audience.

Takeaways
You need to be intentional about your motivations for starting a YouTube channel.
BookTube is more reader-focused, while AuthorTube caters to writers.
Engaging with your audience through live streams can build a strong community.
Authenticity is key; be transparent about your journey as an author.
Writing sprints can attract both writers and readers to your channel.
It's beneficial to immerse yourself in the community before starting your own channel.
YouTube can be a revenue stream, but consistency is crucial.
Understanding YouTube's algorithm can help in gaining visibility.
Connecting with readers through live events fosters a deeper relationship.
The AuthorTube Writing Conference is a valuable resource for authors.

Learn More About this Episode's Guest
https://www.paulaustinardoin.com/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07CKQ4LX8?ingress=0&visitId=c2b5df87-13b5-4e68-aa5f-07ad57524e41&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab&ccs_id=c9a9314b-d543-4fb7-9ac8-1a165123ee19
Summary
In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, the team welcomes USA Today bestselling author Paul Austin Ardoin. They discuss Ardoin's journey as an indie author, the importance of meeting reader expectations, and the balance between plotting and pantsing in writing. Ardoin shares insights from his book 'Zero to Four Figures,' emphasizing the significance of branding, cover design, and building a reader base. The conversation also touches on the craft of storytelling and the necessity of outlining, while encouraging authors to trust their unique writing processes.
Takeaways
Indie authors can find real-world advice on writing and publishing.
Finishing a novel is a significant milestone for aspiring authors.
Achieving a profit of $1,000 a month is a realistic goal for indie authors.
Mistakes are valuable learning experiences in the writing journey.
Branding and cover design are crucial for attracting readers.
Meeting reader expectations is essential for book success.
Authors should align their genre with their target audience.
Outlining can help structure complex plots, especially for pantsers.
Building a reader base is vital for long-term success.
Writing should be an enjoyable process, not a chore.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:44 Introduction to Paul Austin Ardoin
01:44 Paul's Journey as an Author
04:15 From Zero to Four Figures: Achieving Profit
07:49 Learning from Mistakes in Book Marketing
09:53 The Importance of Titles and Branding
13:04 Cover Design and Genre Expectations
15:25 Navigating Genre Mashups
17:53 Understanding Reader Expectations
20:32 The Importance of Writing in Series
22:39 Building a Reader Base Before Marketing
25:18 Effective Strategies for New Authors
30:07 The Importance of Consistent Communication
34:05 Marketing Strategies for Introverted Authors
35:13 Crafting a Compelling Story
40:34 Outlining for Pantsers
54:09 Balancing Plotting and Pantsing
01:01:17 Outro