In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Damon Courtney interviews Johnny B. Truant, a veteran in the self-publishing industry. They discuss Johnny's journey from writing his first book to becoming a successful author and podcaster. The conversation explores the evolution of self-publishing, the importance of building true fans, and the impact of AI on the industry. Johnny emphasizes the need for authors to connect with their readers on a personal level and shares insights from his new b...
Jul 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of the BookFunnel podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis and Emma Alisyn welcome audiobook narrator Ruthie Bowles. They discuss the importance of engaging thumbnails, the journey of indie authors, and the nuances of audiobook narration. Ruthie shares her experiences and insights on working with authors, the significance of marketing audiobooks, and the potential of platforms like YouTube for reaching new audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to leverage their reader...
Jul 23, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, we welcome Joanna Penn, a prolific author and prominent podcaster in self-publishing. We discuss the evolution of indie publishing, the importance of author branding, and how to connect with readers in a changing landscape. Joanna shares insights on her current projects, the significance of authenticity in writing, and navigating the challenges posed by AI in the literary world. The conversation emphasizes the need for authors to focus on their unique ...
Jun 25, 2025•43 min•Ep. 20
Publishing expert Jane Friedman joins hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelly Tansey, and Emma Allison to talk about the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing. We discuss how AI is changing the industry, why traditional publishers are adapting indie strategies, and why author-reader engagement matters more than ever.Jane also shares valuable insights for indie authors—including the power of email lists, the growing demand for special editions, and the importance of taking control of your own market...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Kelly Tanzi and Emma Alisyn welcome author success coach Becca Syme. They discuss various topics related to self-publishing, including effective strategies for book signings, the importance of understanding one's writing process, and the nuances of social media engagement. Becca emphasizes the significance of knowing the rules of the publishing game and maintaining a strong will to publish, regardless of external fluct...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 18
In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Emma Alisyn and Kelli Tanzi welcome Michael Evans, a sci-fi author and marketing expert. They discuss various aspects of author marketing, including the importance of understanding one's strengths, the significance of platform choice, and innovative strategies for engaging readers. Michael shares insights from his journey in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for authors to find their unique marketing voice ...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and guests discuss various aspects of writing, publishing, and marketing for indie authors. They explore the challenges of balancing writing with personal life, the benefits of dictation, and the importance of community support. The conversation also introduces AutoCrit's new feature, Market Fuel, which aims to assist authors in understanding their market and improving their marketing strategies. In this conversation, Bekah Brinkme...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis is joined by the Book Funnel Reader Support Team, including [Redacted], [Redacted], and [Redacted]. They discuss the origins of the Book Funnel support system, the importance of reader support, and share valuable tips for authors on how to effectively utilize the service. The team also reveals the story behind the name 'Jamie' used in support communications, emphasizing the human element behind the service. The conversation highlig...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 15
In this episode of the Book Funnel Podcast, Coach Chris shares insights on the importance of coaching in writing, the practice of narration without expectation, and overcoming the initial hurdles of dictation. The conversation delves into effective writing tips, the role of technology, and the significance of outlining. Chris emphasizes the need to find one's unique writing process and how to deal with the critical voice that often hinders creativity. The episode also explores the journey of a w...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 14
Join us for an insightful episode of The Book Funnel Podcast as we sit down with author and illustrator Donovan Scherer, owner of Studio Moonfall. Discover the unique journey of how Donovan transformed his passion for graphic design into a thriving independent bookstore in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From local events and merchandising tips to leveraging Ingram Spark for better margins, Donovan shares invaluable advice for indie authors looking to expand their reach. Plus, get a virtual tour of Studio M...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis hands over the reins to Damon Courtney and special guest Kevin J. Anderson, a bestselling author and indie publisher. They discuss Kevin's journey through traditional and self-publishing, the establishment of WordFire Press, and the importance of building a direct relationship with readers. Kevin shares insights on the power of crowdfunding through Kickstarter, his successful campaigns, and the value of short fiction in engaging au...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, host Jack Shilkaitis and co-hosts Emma Alisyn and Kelli Tanzi welcome guests Jason and Leah Bond. The conversation covers various aspects of the writing and self-publishing journey, including creative processes, tips for engaging with readers, and the unique approach of in-person direct sales at events. The Bonds share their experiences and insights on how to effectively market books and connect with audiences, emphasizing the importance of conversatio...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 11
Jack, Kelli, and Emma spend time with friend of the pod, Katie Cross! This wide ranging conversation dives into the business of direct sales, building a community of readers, crowdfunding, and Katie's writing process. [Katie Cross's Bookstore] https://katiecrossbooks.com/ Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14N8Xw8JPc/ Questions? We can help! Leave a comment on ...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of the Book Funnel podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, and Emma Alisyn welcome guest Kay Wagner, an award-winning author. The conversation covers various aspects of writing, including current projects, character development, and the importance of improvisation in enhancing creativity. The hosts share their personal writing experiences and strategies, emphasizing the balance between writing to market and allowing creative freedom. Kay discusses her new series and the bene...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 9
Jack, Emma, and Kelli talk with Bekah Brinkmeier about writing, ghostwriting, getting beta readers and good feedback, and her process for writing. The team ends up adopting one of her key habits to write more. They wrap up with a discussion on AutoCrit and how it empowers authors. Learn more about AutoCrit and their tools to help you plan, write, and edit your work. https://www.autocrit.com/ Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel Join the Discussion in the ...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 8
Jack, Emma, and Kelli sit down with Adam Stemple of WrittenWell.com to discuss the craft of writing, editing, the author's journey, and industry tips. Save on WrittenWell.com with discount code: BOOKFUNNELPOD Get access to WrittenWell's Courses, Genre Guides, and Community for $14.49/mo or $120/year. Sign up at https://writtenwell.com/ Adam Stemple: [Adam's Books] https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCXTO4 [Adam's Website] https://www.adamstemple.com/ Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinar...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 7
The team sits down with Mal Cooper and gets into the details on successful marketing for self-published authors using Facebook ads. Mal's course on Facebook ads is well-known by the indie author community and she dispenses a lot of great advice with us in this episode. More about Malorie Cooper Facebook Ads & Marketing: https://storytellerlab.net Mal's Books: https://aeon14.com Sign-up for Upcoming BookFunnel Webinars https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel Join the Discussion in the BookFunnel...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 6
The team recaps the first ever Author Nation conference for self-published authors, which took over for the 20Books Vegas conference. Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live events at BookFunnel.com/videos Questions? We can help! Contact support@bookfunnel.com by email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can with an answer to your question. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on AuthorNation 00:25 Welcome to the Book Funnel Podcast 00:44 Recapping AuthorNation: Fi...
Nov 27, 2024•47 min•Ep. 5
In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast we sit down for a chat with Kate Hall to discuss TikTok for authors. Kate has courses for authors on a variety of topics, including using TikTok as a marketing tool. We get into the nitty gritty here, so make sure you watch the full episode as there are lots of little gems along the way! This episode was recorded on 11/7/24. More info about Kate Hall (Website & Courses) https://www.alynedigital.com (TikTok) http://tiktok.com/@thebooktokgoddess (Insta...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 4
Join Jack, Kelli, and Emma as they discuss how to get more Amazon reviews with Patsy Collins. Learn more about Patsy Collins: (Website) https://patsycollins.uk (Amazon Author Page) https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patsy-Collins/author/B004O08LRQ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1730514596&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true (Little Mallow Cosy Mysteries) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR7TVKF8?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=ast_author_bsi Check out our library of webinars...
Nov 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 3
In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, Emma Alisyn, and special guest Andrew Warren dive deep into the key strategies for building a sustainable author career. We'll discuss publishing plans, finding the right genre, and the importance of reader alignment. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced author looking to grow your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insights to help you succeed. More about Andrew can be found...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 2
In our debut episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, hosts Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, and Emma Alisyn dive into the world of self-publishing, offering advice and insights for authors at every stage of their career. We talk about how this podcast came to be and share some tips on overcoming writing struggles. Whether you're an aspiring author, a self-published veteran, or just a curious reader, this podcast has something for you! Check out our library of webinars and sign-up for upcoming live event...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 1
