341 / Patrick O'Donnell, former police officer and host of the Cops and Writers podcast, shares stories and strategies from his time on the force and his success writing memoir. He discusses in-person events and getting traditional media coverage, and innovative marketing.

• In-person events and leveraging memorable stories
• Navigating television and newspaper coverage and the surprising behind-the-scenes set-up of the interviews
• Smart strategies for innovative in-person selling

✨ This week’s sponsor is BookFunnel.com.

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• BookFunnel: https://www.BookFunnel.com
• Patrick O’Donnell: https://copsandwriters.com
• Fast Company article about digital photo frames: https://www.fastcompany.com/91623692/big-tech-used-ai-to-take-what-it-wanted-now-consumers-can-too
• Novel November: Novel November

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

340 / Horror author and podcaster, Daniel Wilcox, joins us to discuss how he’s building a sustainable author career through embracing creativity, connecting with readers, and writing across genres.

• Navigating burnout and returning to a day job for creative freedom and stability - “what feeds you verses what pays you”
• Finding success in the age of AI through events and personal interactions
• Building an author brand across genres while establishing clear reader expectations
• The importance of mindset, resilience, and focusing on the reader experience

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Bookfunnel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bookfunnel/videos
• Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com/

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

339 / Curious what launching a debut romantasy really looks like—and how to build authentic connections with readers outside of going viral?

Shannon Sims shares what a realistic, non-viral indie launch looks like and how she approached building her author platform from scratch without email.

• Embracing imperfect first drafts and dictation
• Why marketing is a constant experiment
• Building a text-based reader list instead of a newsletter
• Setting realistic expectations for non-viral debuts

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com
• Shannon Simm’s website: https://shannonsimswrites.com/

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

338 / Have you ever wished direct sales felt simple with no overwhelm, tax headaches, or a dozen integrations, while still keeping 100% of the sale and your reader’s email?

Greg Keogh, co-founder of Curios, shares how the platform grew from digital distribution into a creator-owned storefront for authors, why print and special editions matter more than he first expected, and what successful direct-selling authors do differently.

• How Curios grew from music into books
• Making direct sales as easy as KDP
• Why print and special editions power indie revenue
• Driving all marketing to one buy button
• Affiliate payouts without prepaid escrow headaches

✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Curios:  https://www.studio.curios.com
• Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

337 / Are you feeling uncertain about the state of the publishing industry and what it takes to thrive as an author right now?

We share our thoughts about industry shifts, adapting to change, and the power of gratitude in difficult times.

• Why gratitude is so helpful when the industry changes
• Adapting when sales and strategies stop working
• Focusing on and serving your existing readers
• Giving yourself permission to get outside income
• Reframing success and letting go of self-imposed pressure

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Vellum: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
• What are you grateful for? Send us a text and we’ll share during our gratitude episode.

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

336 / How can selecting the right verbs and a creative approach to language set your writing apart?

Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author Sarah L. Kaufman shares her passion for verbs, practical tips for vivid writing, and the grammar lessons she wishes every author embraced.

• The power and artistry of verbs in storytelling
• How verb choices have evolved from Shakespeare to Hemingway to today
• The pitfalls of adverbs and “fancy” verbs
• Tips for using active vs. passive voice
• Metaphors, deep POV, and making your language memorable

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Sarah L. Koffman  sarahlkoffman.com
• Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

335 / Are you curious how to unlock your creativity and make your stories truly matter to both yourself and your readers?

Abbie Emmons dives into the psychology of compelling storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a thriving community.

• The science behind what makes stories and characters compelling
• How to avoid overwhelm and burnout as a writer
• Why emotional truth matters more than “write what you know”
• Building a vibrant online author community
• Breaking free from rigid writing rules and trusting your inner instincts

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
•  makeyourstorymatter.com
• https://www.youtube.com/abbieemmons

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

334 / Susan Neal is a certified writer coach, health and wellness expert, and the author of ten books including How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month. Susan shared actionable advice for writers who want to grow their careers and stay healthy along the way.

• Transforming your writing with critique groups and editors
• The science behind book marketing and keyword strategies
• Why entering contests can change your sales trajectory
• Building a website that actually attracts readers
• Easy ways for writers to stay healthy and energized

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Shoutout on a future episode

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
• SusanUNeal.com
• ChristianPublishers.net
• http://Word-Weavers.com
• Moz.com
• Historical Mystery Day promo: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/h9pngjfgl8

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast