Have you ever wondered how to get your book on an amazon bestseller list? In today's episode, publishing expert and guide Scott James discusses the ins and outs of the amazon bestseller algorithm and how you can hit a bestseller list. From finding the right subcategories, to driving up your presales and getting 5-star book reviews, Scott talks about what does and doesn't factor into moving up in the bestseller rankings, and how being a bestseller can affect the success and sales of your book. If...
Aug 29, 2022•27 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to Episode 64 of Published. Today we’re talking to Greenleaf’s General Counsel, Guy Muller, about the biggest legal issues he sees authors face and why it’s important to keep an eye out for them when working on your book. Guy explains each of these legal concerns, why they matter, and how you can avoid them in your writing to stay out of trouble.
Jul 29, 2022•27 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast This episode focuses on finding the time to write your book when you’ve got a demanding schedule, and why it’s worth doing so despite the demand it places on your time. Like any significant undertaking that’s worthwhile, writing a book requires focus and a plan—but the end result can be life changing. Let’s face it: writing a book is hard. If you’re struggling to find the time needed to dedicate to writing your book, this is the perfect time to connect with an editor who can help you navigate th...
Jun 28, 2022•22 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast How do I price my book? How do I become a bestseller? How do I know if I can trust a publisher with my work? What do publishers look for when evaluating submissions? If these are questions you've had as an author, this is the episode for you. Today, our in-house publishing consultant, David Endris, has compiled some of the most common questions he gets from authors, and today, he’s interviewing me. We’ll talk about a range of topics in today’s episode and attempt to answer your most burning publ...
May 18, 2022•29 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I'm speaking with one of Greenleaf’s editors, Lee Reed Zarnikau. Lee will tell us how to piece together a memoir and give us her insights into the dos and don’ts of memoir writing from an editor's perspective. If you’re someone with an interesting life story, you may have been told by friends and family that you should write a book. But many authors struggle to put their experiences on paper in an authentic way that resonates with readers. This is where an editor’s insight comes in handy....
Apr 29, 2022•28 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Goodreads is well known to many readers as a great place to find book reccommendations and reviews, but today we’re going to talk about how it can also be a great tool for authors. New authors may not realize that Goodreads has a robust Author Program that you can use to run giveaways, interact with your readers, and advertise your books. In this episode, Mimi tells us all about how to use Goodreads as an author and what it can do to elevate your book promotion strategy. She gives us her tips an...
Mar 18, 2022•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast The old saying goes “never judge a book by its cover,” but of course, we all know in the book industry that is exactly what happens. An eye-catching cover is key to attracting a reader and making sure your book is taken seriously. Today, I'll speak with Greenleaf’s Art Director, Neil Gonzalez, about book design elements and why a well-designed cover and interior are vital to your book’s success.
Feb 18, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to Published! In this episode we talk to Erin Brown, the executive editor at Greenleaf Book Group. She discusses the key to writing a book outline, what a book outline template might look like for a new author, and how to approach writing an effective book outline for both fiction and nonfiction. If you're embarking on your author journey and looking for a place to start, this episode is full of great writing tips and advice for you.
Jan 27, 2022•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast For our final episode of the year, we have two guests, Corrin Foster, Greenleaf’s Director of Branding and Marketing, and Kesley Smith, Greenleaf’s Director of Business Development and Corporate Communications. Today we’ll talk about top book marketing and author branding tips and trends for the coming year.
Dec 30, 2021•30 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I’ll speak with Texas Book Festival’s literary director, Matthew Patin. Matt will tell us all about the Texas Book Festival and how independent authors can get involved.
Nov 30, 2021•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today I'll speak with Susan Wittig Albert, the author of the popular China Bayles Mysteries, the Darling Dahlia Mysteries and many other must-read books spanning the mystery, historical fiction, and nonfiction genres. As well, Susan will tell us all about her own writing process while offering advice to new authors who might be considering writing their own book series.
Oct 27, 2021•28 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I’ll speak with Greenleaf’s Digital Media Strategist, Sam Ofman, about book publicity and how it has changed in recent years. Sam will tell us about the impact a strong PR campaign can make for an author and their book, and how you can get started on your PR efforts.
Sep 30, 2021•35 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Today I’ll speak with Nick Hutchison, the founder of BookThinkers, an online book community focused on highlighting personal development and growth titles. Nick will tell us all about BookThinkers and how he and his team have built a successful book influencer platform.
Aug 25, 2021•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is the second part of our two episode special with author and book coach, Jennie Nash. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go back and check out episode 51. In today’s episode, Jennie picks up where we left off and dives deeper into the topic of book proposals, sharing her insight into what makes a proposal truly standout.
Jul 23, 2021•29 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I’ll speak with author and book coach, Jennie Nash. This will be the first part of a two episode special, where we dive deep into the art of creating a successful book proposal. Jennie will share what it takes to craft a compelling proposal and offer advice for authors embarking on this process.
Jun 29, 2021•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today I’ll speak with Membership and Marketing Manager at the Chilren’s Book Council and recent PW Rising Star Honoree, Ryan Mita, all about the world of children’s books. He’ll share his insights and tell us all about the Children’s Book Council and how they support authors and publishers in this genre.
May 31, 2021•21 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast Today, I’ll speak with Katrina Brooks, the owner of the independent bookstore Black Pearl Books. We’re asking Katrina all about indie bookshops, and how authors can best approach an indie store when they’re looking for places to distribute their book. As a black-owned, independent bookstore, Katrina gives us insights into how Black Pearl Books operates, and what she looks for when considering stocking a new title on her shelves.
Apr 24, 2021•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mar 31, 2021•34 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Mar 26, 2021•25 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Mar 26, 2021•28 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we speak to Justin Branch, the Director of Consulting at Greenleaf Book Group, about how to sniff out publishing scams, and the biggest mistakes he’s seen authors make when evaluating publishers.
Dec 21, 2020•26 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Nov 28, 2020•22 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Oct 28, 2020•28 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to episode 42 of Published. Today we' ll speak with Greenleaf’s Director of Marketing and Branding, Corrin Foster, about the importance of reviews and endorsements. We’ll discuss the process of outreaching to potential endorsers, how you can lock down trade reviews, and drive up consumer ones, and how all of these things can impact your book sales.
Mar 23, 2020•16 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we speak to Erin Brown, an Editor at Greenleaf Book Group, about why titles matter to a books success and how you can choose one that will resonate with your audience.
Feb 24, 2020•20 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast Jan 29, 2020•35 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode we speak to Greenleaf Book Group Marketing Strategist, Emily Maulding, about the ins and outs of book marketing in 2020. She will discuss why marketing is such an integral part of the publishing process, and give some great tips that you can use when promoting your book.
Dec 10, 2019•19 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode we speak with Greenleaf Book Group Digital Media Strategist, O’Licia Parker-Smith, about podcasts and why they are a powerful way for authors to connect with their audience and boost their reach.
Nov 12, 2019•22 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast Today I’ll speak with our Distribution Account Executive here at Greenleaf, Kristine Peyre-Ferry, to chat about all things regarding foreign rights in book publishing.
Oct 22, 2019•10 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode I'll speak with Greenleaf Book Group Design Supervisor, Chase Quarterman, about the art and strategy behind cover and interior designs that sell more books and make for the best reader experience.
Sep 17, 2019•17 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast 
