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 book, 'The Artisan Author.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:22 The Journey of Johnny B. Truant
04:11 The Evolution of Self-Publishing
07:04 The Artisan Author Philosophy
09:48 The Impact of Rapid Release
12:24 Building True Fans
14:47 The Reader Journey
17:40 The Future of Self-Publishing
30:33 Connecting with Readers in Unexpected Places
32:01 The Importance of Building Relationships
34:03 Navigating the Impact of AI on Authorship
36:10 The Value of Being Human in a Digital World
38:42 Creating True Fans Through Personal Connections
41:20 Innovative Strategies for Selling Books
46:08 The Future of Author Engagement
49:27 Kickstarter Success and Community Building
54:28 Long-Term Strategies for Author Success
01:02:02 Outro

The Artisan Author Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnnybtruant/the-artisan-author-your-way-out-of-the-self-pub-rat-race

Johnny's Website
https://johnnybtruant.com/

Johnny's Substack
https://johnnybtruant.substack.com/

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 readers for marketing and to maintain clarity in character accents for narrators. In this engaging conversation, Ruthie Bowles discusses the evolving landscape of audiobooks, the importance of discoverability on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and her experiences using BookFunnel for audiobook distribution. She shares insights on navigating reader events, the emotional depth of narration, and the significance of building authentic connections with readers. Ruthie emphasizes the collaborative nature of audiobook production and the importance of trust between authors and narrators.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:43 Meet Ruthie Bowles: Audiobook Narrator
02:01 Checking In: Author Updates
07:02 Tips from the Trenches: Marketing Strategies
10:20 Character Accents in Writing
16:42 Delivering Subscription Models with BookFunnel
20:25 Ruthie's Journey to Audiobook Narration
23:27 The Art of Narration: Skills and Techniques
25:35 Collaboration Between Authors and Narrators
28:02 Writing for Audiobooks: Tips for Authors
32:14 When to Create Your First Audiobook
37:03 Marketing Your Audiobook Effectively
42:06 Leveraging YouTube for Audiobook Promotion
43:44 The Evolving Landscape of Audiobook Distribution
47:46 Leveraging BookFunnel for Audiobook Success
51:45 Navigating Reader Expectations and File Sharing
57:09 Engaging Readers at Events: The Power of Personal Connection
01:05:42 Building Connections in the Industry
01:05:58 The Evolution of Publishing and Reader Engagement
01:07:49 The Emotional Experience of Audiobook Narration
01:08:17 The Impact of Performance on Narration
01:09:56 Navigating Spicy Scenes in Narration
01:13:23 Setting Boundaries in Narration
01:14:56 Diversity and Sensitivity in Narration
01:17:14 The Importance of Trust in Collaboration
01:20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors
01:22:33 Outro

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 voices and the love of writing, while also adapting to industry changes.

Takeaways

• Joanna Penn has been writing for 20 years and has seen the evolution of indie publishing.
• The indie publishing landscape is constantly changing, and authors must adapt to new tools and technologies.
• Author branding is crucial for standing out in a crowded market.
• It's important to connect with readers and understand their preferences.
• Authors can change their branding and rebrand over time as their writing evolves.
• Authenticity in writing is more important than ever, especially in the age of AI.
• Focusing on serving existing readers can be more beneficial than constantly seeking new ones.
• Writing should come from a place of passion and love, not just for profit.
• Authors can create unique projects that resonate with their audience, even if they don't follow market trends.
• Building a community of true fans can lead to sustainable success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:48 Meet Joanna Penn: Author and Podcaster
11:41 The Evolution of Author Branding
23:58 Navigating Reader Expectations and Promises
40:49 The Role of Authenticity in Writing
42:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
43:09 Outro