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What if the fastest way to grow your author visibility had nothing to do with social media?

Allison Lane is joined by podcast pitching expert Alice Draper, who shares why landing podcast interviews is one of the most effective book promotion strategies for authors. And how you can start pitching yourself even if you don’t have a book yet.

If you want to reach more readers, position yourself as an authority, and make podcast guesting part of your book launch strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply right away. Tune in and learn how to pitch smarter, show up better, and grow your audience through podcasts.

In this episode, Allison and Alice discuss:

• [0:00] Why podcast guesting is more effective than social media for authors
• [2:00] The biggest mistake authors make when pitching themselves
• [6:00] What makes a great interviewee that hosts love to invite back
• [8:00] How to find podcasts that actually want to hear from you
• [11:00] Essentials of a strong pitch (and what to avoid)
• [15:00] Why a clear strategy beats a “spray and pray” approach
• [18:00] How to craft a simple, effective call to action
• [20:00] The truth about time, priorities, and pitching consistently
• [24:00] Why podcasting only works if it feels good for you

Alice Draper is the founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, where bestselling authors share how setbacks shaped their success. She’s on a mission to make publicity accessible, has placed clients on top 0.5% podcasts, and her work appears in HuffPost, Business Insider, VICE, and Refinery29.

Resources Mentioned:

• Alice Draper’s Website: https://hustlingwriters.com/
• Alice Draper’s Pitch Template: https://hustlingwriters.com/template/
• Connect with Alice on IG:https://www.instagram.com/alicedraper/

If you enjoyed today’s tips, please take a moment to rate, review, and share The Author’s Edge. Your support helps us reach more authors who want to market their books with confidence and clarity.

Ready to finally finish your book or proposal? The Super Secret Book Writing Club starts soon with book marketing genius Allison Lane and bestselling author + book whisperer Samantha Bennett. In just six months, you’ll get crystal clear on your book idea, create a market-ready manuscript or proposal, and build the audience and marketing plan to sell it. Spots are limited - learn more at LaneLit.com/writingclub

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

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In this episode of Author’s Edge, host Allison Lane swaps seats and becomes the guest. Interviewed by Victoria Meyer, host of The Chemical Show, Allison shares how her 25+ years in global brand marketing with companies like Unilever, Burt’s Bees, and The Body Shop shaped her approach to helping authors land book deals, launch bestsellers, and build platforms that last. She breaks down everything from the role of a book proposal to the reality of author-led marketing.

You’ll discover why writing a full manuscript isn’t the first step to landing a book deal, what agents and publishers really want to see, and the proven steps Allison uses to help women experts publish successfully. She also reveals how authors can build platforms that attract opportunities - from bestseller launches to media features and paid speaking.

In this BONUS episode, Victoria and Allison discuss:

• [00:00–04:00] Early career lessons: How journalism and PR taught Allison the power of saying “yes with enthusiasm.”
• [04:00–07:50] Corporate insights: What working with global brands revealed about the bigger marketing puzzle.
• [10:30–13:00] Breaking free from limits: Why corporate systems often hold women experts back - and how to claim your authority.
• [15:00–16:30] Publishing truths: Why a strong book proposal matters more than a finished manuscript.
• [18:45–21:00] Publishing options: Traditional, self, hybrid, and university presses - and how to choose the right path.
• [21:00–24:00] Marketing reality: Why even big publishers expect authors to drive their own marketing.
• [25:00–26:20] Next steps: Clear guidance if you’ve ever thought about writing a book.

Resources Mentioned:

• Allison Lane’s website: https://www.lanelit.com/
• Book Deal Blueprint: https://www.lanelit.com/proposal
• Connect with Victoria Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-king-meyer/
• Victoria’s podcast: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/

If you’ve wondered how to go from expert to published author, this episode gives you the roadmap - straight from someone who’s helped countless women experts secure book deals and amplify their visibility.

Ready to finally finish your book or proposal? The Super Secret Book Writing Club starts soon with book marketing genius Allison Lane and bestselling author + book whisperer Samantha Bennett. In just six months, you’ll get crystal clear on your book idea, create a market-ready manuscript or proposal, and build the audience and marketing plan to sell it. Spots are limited - learn more at LaneLit.com/writingclub

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

🔔 Subscribe for more tips and insights on writing and publishing!
👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!

Send me a text!

Many authors believe a publicist or publisher will guarantee sales, but the truth is, your book’s success depends on you. In this episode of The Author’s Edge, Allison Lane and Marissa Eigenbrood of Smith Publicity share the essential foundations every nonfiction author needs before investing in publicity. From building a platform and creating an author-centered website to choosing the right social media channel, this conversation gives you the tools to set up lasting visibility and momentum.

If you want your book to be more than a launch-day splash, tune in for practical strategies to grow your audience and make publicity work for the long haul.

In this episode, Allison and Marissa discuss:

• [00:01] Why publicity is only one slice of book marketing
• [00:04] What “platform” really means for authors
• [00:08] The website mistake that stalls publicity efforts
• [00:12] Why your name—not your book title—should be your brand
• [00:16] How to focus on the right audience without diluting your message
• [00:19] Why publication day is just the beginning
• [00:22] How hybrid and self-published authors can land major media
• [00:25] The mindset shift: book costs as business investments
• [00:27] Why contributor content can be more powerful than features

Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, is a passionate advocate for authors, specializing in crafting long-term publicity strategies that transform literary voices into influential, enduring brands.

Resources Mentioned:

• Smith Publicity Website: https://www.smithpublicity.com/
• Smith Publicity Podcast: https://www.smithpublicity.com/podcast/
• Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meigenbrood/
• Book Reco:
  • Quick Confidence: Be Authentic, Boost Connections, and Make Bold Bets on Yourself by Selena Rezvani: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781038707833
  • Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navig

Ready to finally finish your book or proposal? The Super Secret Book Writing Club starts soon with book marketing genius Allison Lane and bestselling author + book whisperer Samantha Bennett. In just six months, you’ll get crystal clear on your book idea, create a market-ready manuscript or proposal, and build the audience and marketing plan to sell it. Spots are limited - learn more at LaneLit.com/writingclub

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

🔔 Subscribe for more tips and insights on writing and publishing!
👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!