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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.

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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.

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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

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Burnout isn’t a personal failure; it’s a signal.

Why does your energy crash just when you need it most? … during a book launch, while writing your manuscript, or building your platform. Author and burnout expert Cait Donovan joins Allison to share how we can recognize the hidden drivers of burnout and rebuild our energy without guilt.

They explore practical self-care strategies, the neuroscience behind exhaustion, and how to channel frustration into the bold next chapter of your career. Tune in and learn how to reclaim your energy so your publishing journey feels sustainable, not draining.

In this episode, Cait and Allison discuss:

• [00:00] Intro & Setup: Why burnout isn’t a failure but a signal for change
• [02:00] Burnout Triggers: Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and hyper-independence
• [04:00] The Science: Why your brain misses burnout signals + how stress narrows vision
• [14:00] Recovery Tools: Two starting points — foundational self-care and resentment journaling
• [08:00] Career & Growth: Why high achievers get stuck and can’t see new possibilities
• [16:00] Mindset Shifts: Using resentment as a superpower + rebuilding trust with your body
• [20:00] Cait’s Story: From thriving in Prague to realizing it was time to pivot
• [25:00] The Takeaway: Burnout isn’t your fault — recovery leads to a bolder, bigger life

Cait Donovan, keynote speaker and burnout strategist, helps leaders and teams deliver results without burning out through science-based, practical systems. Host of FRIED: The Burnout Podcast and author of The Bouncebackability Factor, she brings a clear, blame-free, outcome-focused approach to every stage and organization.

Resources Mentioned:

• Cait Donovan’s website: CaitDonovan.com
• Podcast: FRIED: The Burnout Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fried-the-burnout-podcast/id1469939920
• Book: The Bouncebackability Factor: End Burnout, Gain Resilience, and Change the World by Caitlin Donovan: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781735194905
• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitdonovanspeaks/
• Book Reco: The Lady Hardcastle Mysteries by T E Kinsey: https://www.tekinsey.uk/

If you enjoyed today’s tips, please take a moment to rate and review The Author’s Edge. Your support helps us reach more authors who are ready to build visibility and share their work with the world. Don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow writer who may

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
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Feeling overwhelmed by social media, content calendars, and algorithm games?

Allison Lane welcomes Brooke Sellas, award-winning business leader and author, to discuss why authentic conversation, not just endless posting, creates a deeper impact for authors, marketers, and thought leaders. Brooke shares tangible ways to lighten your social load, use AI as your creative sous-chef, and build a community that feels connected well before your next book launch.

In this episode, Allison and Brooke discuss:

• 04:00 – 10:00: Brooke on why chasing algorithms and content quotas leads to burnout, and why content isn’t the point, conversation is.
• 10:00 – 16:30: The magic of messy, vulnerable posts and imperfect shares: how real human moments fuel engagement.
• 16:30 – 24:00: Using AI as your creative partner (not your replacement): Custom GPTs, idea sparring, and keeping your voice intact.
• 24:00 – 30:00: How to spark debate, gather “voice of customer” data, and run low-stakes controversies that get people talking
• 30:00 – 36:00: Ditching “ghost and post” habits: Why real back-and-forth comments matter more than perfectly scheduled content.
• 36:00 – 44:00: Integrating book writing and marketing into real life - embracing slow seasons, using micro-moments, and lowering the pressure to be perfect.

Brooke Sellas, CEO of B Squared Media and author of Conversations That Connect, is an award-winning strategist redefining digital marketing by proving that when brands prioritize conversations, they win.

Resources Mentioned:

• Brooke Sellas website: brookesellas.com
• B Squared Media: https://bsquared.media
• Brooke’s book: Conversations That Connect: How to Connect, Converse, and Convert Through Social Media Listening and Social-Led Customer Care: https://www.amazon.com/Conversations-That-Connect-Listening-Social-Led/dp/B0B457G51F
• Book Recos:
  • Secret Tradecraft of Elite Advisors: Covert Techniques for a Remarkable Practice Paperback by David C. Baker (Author), https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Tradecraft-Elite-Advisors-Techniques/dp/1605440884
• Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebsellas/

Everyone can be a better connector, online and off - by being more vulnerable, more human, and more curious. Start the conversations that matter.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FwYPl8HVhA

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
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What happens when you stop performing the “perfect mother” role and start telling the truth?

Nicole Graev Lipson shares how writing about the raw, unpolished sides of motherhood not only shaped her memoir but also built a genuine connection with readers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write your personal stories without oversharing, how to get published without a massive platform, or how to promote your book in a way that feels authentic, this conversation is for you.

Tune in to discover how honesty, community, and choosing the right strategies can spark visibility and book sales.

In this episode, Allison and Nicole discuss:

• 04:10 – How motherhood opened the floodgates for Nicole’s writing
• 12:35 – Writing about taboo topics without oversharing
• 22:50 – Why her memoir succeeded without a huge platform
• 33:40 – The marketing strategies she focused on (and skipped)
• 47:15 – Nicole’s go-to trick for starting when you don’t know what to write

Nicole Graev Lipson is the author of the USA Today bestseller Mothers and Other Fictional Characters: a memoir in essays.

Resources Mentioned:

• Nicole’s Website: www.nicolegraevlipson.com
• "Thinkers Who Mother" newsletter signup: https://nicolegraevlipson.com/contact
• Nicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nglipson
• Nicole’s book: Mothers and Other Fictional Characters: A Memoir in Essays: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781797228563
• Book Reco: The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother by Jill Bialosky: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781451677928

If today’s episode inspired you, please take a moment to rate and review The Author’s Edge on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us reach more authors and bring you honest strategies that actually work. And if you know a writer who needs encouragement, share this episode with them today.

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.

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What if you could sell more books on Amazon without spending a fortune or wasting hours learning ads?

Amazon ads strategist and founder and CEO of AMSPPC.com, Jai Heer, shares the exact steps nonfiction authors can take to boost discoverability, grow book sales, and make their book stand out in a crowded marketplace. You’ll learn how to choose the right keywords, set realistic sales expectations, and run ads that actually work, even if you’ve never touched the Amazon dashboard before.

Whether you’re traditionally published, with a hybrid, or self-published, this conversation will help you turn your book into a long-term visibility asset.

In this episode, Allison and Jai discuss:

• 02:15 — The #1 mistake authors make with Amazon ads
• 10:30 — Why your book title needs the right keyword in the first half
• 24:40 — How to set a realistic Amazon ads budget that works
• 38:50 — Turning your book into a long-term visibility asset
• 50:20 — Jai’s one tip for every author using Amazon ads

Jai Heer is the founder and CEO of AMSPPC.com, an Amazon Certified KDP AMS consultant, and author of KDP Amazon Ads for Non-Fiction Authors: Basic and Advanced KDP AMS Strategies for Non-Fiction Authors to Sell More Books, Reduce Spend, and Align Your Goal with Your Advertising

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Jai Heer: https://amsppc.com/
• Connect Jai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-singh-profile/
• Book reco: The Undiscovered Self: The Dilemma of the Individual in Modern Society by C. G. Jung: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780316476942

If you enjoyed today’s tips, take a moment to rate and review The Author’s Edge. Your support helps us grow and reach more authors ready to share their message. And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow author who wants to sell more books.

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
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What if your advocacy work could become the book that shifts the conversation?

Allison talks with Meg Stone about transforming advocacy into authorship that drives real change. Meg shares how she turned decades of violence prevention work into a book that calls out false safety advice and redefines empowerment.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your mission into a message that moves readers and gets publishers to pay attention, this is your roadmap.

In this episode, Allison and Meg discuss:

• 04:20 — Why Meg’s first book pitch failed - and why that mattered
• 12:30 — The surprising power of advocacy-based self-defense
• 21:00 — How her agent helped her find the right book to write
• 29:50 — The myth of “playing it safe” and how it limits women
• 44:10 — Meg’s daily visibility habit that actually works

Meg Stone is Executive Director of IMPACT Boston and the debut author of The Cost of Fear: Why Most Safety Advice Is Sexist and How We Can Stop Gender-Based Violence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Meg Stone org: megstone.org
• Impact Boston: impactboston.org
• Meg’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-stone-5a24a970/
• Meg’s Book: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780807016220
• Publisher: Beacon Press: https://www.beacon.org/
• Book Reco: The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781250881397
• Connect with the host: allison@lanelit.com
• Book a Call: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/chat-allison

If this episode helped you reframe what your book could be, rate and review The Author’s Edge. Your support helps this podcast reach more authors ready to speak up, write boldly, and make a lasting impact.

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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👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!