Subscribe to Indie Author Chat Welcome to Indie Author Chat , the podcast designed to help you explore the ideas and insights behind today’s most thoughtful nonfiction books. Join host Laura Finch for engaging conversations with independent authors as they share the wisdom and inspiration behind their books—each title carefully curated by Weaving Influence Press . In this introductory episode, Laura sits down with Becky Robinson—host of The Book Marketing Action Podcast —to unveil the vision beh...
May 12, 2026•12 min•Season 7Ep. 169
In this final episode of Season 7, Becky sits down with Lara Love Hardin —president and founder of True Literary and bestselling author—to explore the powerful story behind her memoir The Many Lives of Mama Love . Lara shares her journey from addiction and incarceration to rebuilding her life as a ghostwriter, literary agent, and bestselling author. Together, Becky and Lara discuss the courage it takes to tell the truth through writing, the realities of publishing a memoir, and the transformativ...
May 05, 2026•46 min•Season 7Ep. 168
In this episode, Becky sits down with Jim Murphy —performance coach and author—to explore the extraordinary journey behind his book Inner Excellence . What started as a self-published book that sold 8,000 copies over 16 years transformed into a #1 New York Times bestseller after A.J. Brown was seen reading it on the sidelines of an NFL playoff game. Jim shares the behind-the-scenes story of how his book found its way into the hands of professional athletes, the years he spent refining his messag...
Apr 21, 2026•34 min•Season 7Ep. 167
In this episode, Becky is joined by Bree Groff —workplace culture expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) —to explore what it looks like to market a book in a way that feels joyful, authentic, and aligned. From designing a standout book cover and interactive website to creating influencer kits and experimenting with guerrilla marketing tactics, Bree walks through the creative strategies she used to bring her book to life and have fun along the way. During the episode, y...
Apr 07, 2026•32 min•Season 7Ep. 166
In this episode, Becky is joined by Jenna Nicholas —investor, entrepreneur, advisor, coach, speaker, and bestselling author of Enlightened Bottom Line —to explore how alignment and community drive powerful book marketing results. From hosting meaningful virtual and in-person launch events to building momentum through Substack, podcasting, and aligned partnerships, Jenna offers a fresh perspective on what it looks like to market a book in a way that feels both strategic and deeply authentic. Duri...
Mar 24, 2026•23 min•Season 7Ep. 165
In this episode, Becky sits down with Kathleen Schmidt—founder of Kathleen Schmidt Public Relations and author of Publishing Confidential on Substack—to pull back the curtain on the New York Times bestseller list. Kathleen explains why bestseller lists are more curated than many authors realize and why hitting the list is far less predictable than most people think. This candid conversation will help authors reset expectations about bestseller lists and focus on more impactful strategies that ...
Mar 10, 2026•29 min•Season 7Ep. 164
In today’s episode, Becky is joined by Yosi Amram —psychologist, executive coach, and Spiritual Intelligence expert and author—to explore how long-term commitment fuels meaningful book marketing success. Yosi shares how he has sustained momentum for his book, Spiritually Intelligent Leadership , more than 2 years after launch—through purpose-driven PR, thought-leadership columns, community gatherings, and even a TEDx talk. If you’re playing the long game with your book, this episode will inspire...
Feb 24, 2026•34 min•Season 7Ep. 163
In the first episode of Season 7, Becky is joined by Sharon Woodhouse —publisher, coach, consultant, business strategist, and award-winning author—to explore what it means to run a profitable, sustainable author business. Sharon shares multiple lessons including how to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, prioritize consistent outreach, and diversify your income streams. From speaking gigs to partnerships, this episode is filled with practical, repeatable strategies for authors who want to move bey...
Feb 10, 2026•25 min•Season 7Ep. 162
What does it take to sell 60,000+ books in a year and keep the momentum going? In this final episode of Season 6, Alison Fragale returns to share the behind-the-scenes journey of writing her debut book, building a strong brand, and leveraging speaking opportunities to drive lasting impact. From navigating PR to engaging authentically on social media, Alison discusses practical, actionable strategies for author success. Stay tuned after the action steps to hear Alison answer some bonus questions ...
Dec 18, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 161
In this episode, Becky is joined by Carol Morgan —founder and president of Denim Marketing and author of Social Media Marketing for Your Business, Second Edition —to talk about how she has used her books to establish credibility, grow her business, and show up with intention across multiple platforms. Carol shares how her marketing background helped her launch her books with purpose, how she leverages speaking and podcasting to build momentum, and why social media marketing should always start w...
Dec 02, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 160
In this special episode, Becky Robinson and Amy Driehorst share the exciting news about Weaving Influence Press —Weaving Influence’s new publishing hybrid. Learn about the types of books Weaving Influence Press will publish, how the model differs from other hybrid publishers, and why marketing support is built into the foundation of this innovative new imprint. During the episode, you’ll learn: Why Weaving Influence decided to explore hybrid publishing. The types of books Weaving Influence Press...
Nov 11, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 159
In this episode, Becky interviews debut fantasy author Ang T. Dalton , who shares how her lowest moments became the foundation and inspiration for her first book, The Scars Within . From 80+ rejections to landing a Big Five audiobook deal with Simon Maverick, Ang opens up about mental health, resilience, and redefining success on her own terms. This conversation shines a light on what’s possible when you bet on yourself as a writer. During the episode, you’ll learn: About Ang and her book, The S...
Oct 30, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 158
In this episode, Becky welcomes another return guest , Todd Sattersten—publisher at Bard Press and author of the new book, 100 Best Books for Work and Life , which launched today. Todd shares what makes Bard Press’s “one book per year” publishing model unique and discusses his highly intentional, experiment-driven marketing strategy for launching his own book. From activating author networks to crafting a sales plan, this conversation is packed with insights for any author looking to publish wit...
Oct 07, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 157
In this episode, Becky welcomes back Stephanie Chandler—founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association and Nonfiction Writers Conference —for a deep dive into publishing paths for nonfiction authors. Stephanie shares candid advice on navigating traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing, including how to vet hybrid publishers, how to protect your creative work, and what platform-building really looks like today. If you're trying to decide how to publish your next nonfiction book, this episo...
Sep 16, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 156
In today’s episode, Becky is joined by Larissa Banting —accredited publicist, CEO of El Bee PR , and author—for a powerhouse conversation on personal branding, earned media, and strategic PR for authors. Larissa shares actionable insights on how to define your niche, pitch your personal stories, and build media momentum long before your book launches. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your story featured or how to find the right audience for your message, this episode is filled with tips you ca...
Aug 19, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 155
In today’s episode, Becky is joined by Dawn Mann Sanders —author, Bible teacher, and associate minister—to discuss the power of relationships on the author journey. Dawn shares the unexpected turns in her publishing and audiobook experience, how strategic and authentic connections helped her launch her book, and what she’s learned along the way about marketing, podcasting, and trusting the process. If you’re navigating your own book launch, this conversation will leave you inspired to take actio...
Jul 31, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 154
In today’s episode, Becky is joined by Michelle Garrett —public relations consultant, writer, author, and speaker. Michelle shares the candid truth about her self-publishing journey—from unmet expectations to the determination it took to launch her book. If you're navigating the ups and downs of self-publishing, Michelle’s experience offers invaluable insights into what to ask, how to find the right partner, and why strategy—and resilience—matter. During the episode, you’ll learn: About Michelle...
Jul 15, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 153
In today’s episode, Becky interviews Kourtney Jason —president and co-founder of Pacific & Court —who delves into the intricacies of book PR campaigns. Kourtney highlights successful client stories, emphasizing strategies like targeted outreach, beginning PR efforts early, and managing expectations realistically within the book marketing landscape. She underscores the importance of identifying a specific audience and building a strong author brand to achieve effective book publicity. During ...
Jun 10, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 152
In today’s episode, Becky is joined by Jane Friedman —book publishing industry expert, author, and returning guest—who delves into the evolving landscape of the publishing industry, explaining how authors have taken responsibility for the marketing of their books and the impact of AI on discoverability. Jane provides listeners with her seasoned perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing authors and offers actionable insights for navigating the modern publishing landscape effectively....
May 13, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 151
In today’s episode, Becky is joined by author and poet Marla Taviano , who shares how her authentic online presence—one that embraces imperfection and interaction—has resonated with her followers. She explains her creative process, how she builds strong and genuine connections with her audience, and the significance of sharing her personal journey while uplifting other voices in her space. During the episode, you’ll learn: About Marla, her writing, her books, and her other work in the world. The...
Apr 08, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 150
In the first episode of Season 6, Becky is joined by Alison Fragale —bestselling author, research psychologist, award-winning professor, and international keynote speaker—who talks about the remarkable journey of launching her debut book, Likeable Badass . Alison discusses key strategies and initiatives behind her launch, the experience of working with a “Big Five” publisher, and how being proactive and consistent played pivotal roles in her success. During the episode, you’ll learn: About Aliso...
Mar 11, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 149
This three-part bonus season of The Book Marketing Action Podcast covers all of Becky Robinson’s Write to Publish 2024 sessions on achieving book marketing success. In this episode, Becky outlines some of the most impactful tactics for effective book marketing, including network mobilization, Amazon review campaigns, public relations, and events. She also brings the episode to a close by sharing a meaningful story about how creating long-term impact is like planting trees and seeing them grow fa...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 148
This three-part bonus season of The Book Marketing Action Podcast covers all of Becky Robinson’s Write to Publish 2024 sessions on achieving book marketing success. In this episode, Becky outlines the four Reach Commitments that are necessary for expanding your audience and creating a lasting impact: value, consistency, longevity, and generosity. She also dives into the fundamentals of how to get started on the journey to creating reach. During the episode, you’ll learn about: Becky’s definition...
Jan 21, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 147
This three-part bonus season of The Book Marketing Action Podcast covers all of Becky Robinson’s Write to Publish 2024 sessions on achieving book marketing success. In this episode, Becky demystifies the book marketing process by grouping it into four distinct phases: building, working, launching, and advancing. By providing detailed guidance around each phase, Becky sparks new ideas for authors as they work to build a substantial audience, effectively manage the pre-launch period for their book...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 146
In the final episode of Season 5, Becky is joined by Jenny Lisk —founder of the Widowed Parent Institute and award-winning author—who talks about her purposeful approach to sharing her story and insights with a broader audience, underscoring her commitment to filling the resource gaps she encountered as a widowed parent. She describes the challenge of determining which personal experiences to share publicly and the fine line between sharing her own story as a grieving parent while also respectin...
Nov 19, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 145
In today’s episode, Becky delves into the world of digital book ownership with Joshua Stone, CEO of Book.io —a platform that allows readers to buy ebooks and audiobooks and sell them on a global secondary market, with publishers and authors earning royalties on the sales. The conversation centers around the limitations of current ebook licensing models, championed by platforms like Amazon, which prevent true ownership of digital content. Joshua sheds light on how Book.io is disrupting this monop...
Nov 07, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 144
In the final part of this two-part series, Becky is again interviewed by Franchesca Conner—a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They take a deep dive into the nuances of marketing print-on-demand (POD) books, highlighting benefits, challenges, and strategies surrounding pre-order campaigns. With the rise of self-publishing and hybrid-publishing models, many authors face unique hurdles in timing and planning their book launches. Becky emphasizes the importance of pre-orders in establishing a boo...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 143
In part one of this two-part series, host Becky Robinson is interviewed by Franchesca Conner—a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They explore the vital topic of pre-order campaigns for traditionally published authors, discussing when and how authors should start engaging their audience, the significance of one-to-one outreach efforts, and strategies for creating pre-order incentives. Stay tuned for part two of this series, which will focus on pre-order campaigns for self-published and hybrid-p...
Oct 17, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 142
Have you always dreamed of seeing your book translated and distributed around the world? In this episode, Becky talks to Margaux Weisman , Director of New Business Development at DropCap Marketplace , a groundbreaking platform designed to help authors expand their books globally through rights licensing. Margaux explores how DropCap Marketplace simplifies the international licensing process for authors by connecting them with vetted foreign publishers. She provides an insightful overview of the ...
Oct 01, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 141
In this episode, Becky talks to Julee Balko —Freelance Writer and Author of The Things We Keep and The Me List . Throughout the episode, Julee offers valuable book marketing tips, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude towards social media and how it can serve as an empowering tool for authors. She also delves into the mindset shift she made from marketing her first book to marketing her second book, highlighting the significance of finding joy and creativity in the book marketing pro...
Sep 17, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 140
