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Tune in to Marketing Director Melanie Calahan and her fluffy sidekick, Sage, for a chat about September's theme: "How to be an Amazon Best Seller," geared toward self-published authors.

Join Melanie Calahan as she discusses how writers really navigate the hurdles of carving out time for their practice. In this episode, she is joined by three other SPS team members who are all at various stages in their careers with different approaches to and demands on their schedules that influence their writing routines.

In this episode, join Marketing Director Melanie Calahan as she debunks the three most common myths of the self-publishing process.

Metadata isn’t just about filling out forms—it’s a strategic tool to help your book reach the right readers. In this episode of the Everything Publishing Podcast, Melanie Calahan and Maggie Genevich from Self-Publishing Services go beyond the basics to explore the nuances of choosing categories and keywords that actually work. Drawing from a recent client case study, they unpack how sometimes the “wrong” category is exactly the right choice, why comp titles matter more than you think, and how to avoid the infamous “erotica dungeon” on Amazon. Whether you're DIY-ing your metadata or working with a pro, this episode will help you see metadata as the ongoing strategy it really is.

Poetry: misunderstood, overlooked, and often feared—especially by those of us whose last real exposure to it was a high school unit that left us more confused than inspired. In this episode of the Everything Publishing podcast, Melanie Calahan sits down with colleague Danielle Cooney—SPS media manager, adjunct professor, and poetry educator—to ask the big questions: What even is poetry? Why does it feel intimidating? And how do we know if it’s “good”? From Shakespearean sonnets to Instagram poems, cowboy poetry to spoken word, Melanie and Danielle explore how poetry can be deeply personal, hilariously irreverent, and powerfully expressive. You’ll hear reflections on working with poetry authors, how young writers approach the genre, and why poetry might be the most accessible art form of all—if we’d only give it a chance. Whether you’re a curious reader, a reluctant writer, or someone who still has Dr. Seuss memorized, this episode will open the door to a more approachable, inclusive view of poetry. Featuring real examples, publishing insights, and a healthy amount of laughter. Listen now and share with the poet in your life—secret or otherwise.

In this episode of the Everything Publishing Podcast, we dive deep into the world of metadata with our very own project manager and metadata specialist, Margaret Genevich. We'll explore: What exactly is metadata? Why is it so important for book discoverability? How to choose the best keywords and categories for your book. The role of comp titles in your metadata strategy. Tips and tricks for optimizing your metadata for Amazon and other platforms. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make the most of your book's metadata and increase your chances of finding readers.

Ever feel like your writing routine is more "wishful thinking" than "words on the page"? Join Melanie and Emma from Self-Publishing Services as they dive deep into the REAL struggles of developing a writing routine (and actually sticking to it!). In this episode, you'll discover: Unconventional motivation tactics: (Hint: sometimes it involves thinking about your enemies... ) The power of flowcharts: Learn how a simple flowchart can transform your writing process. Redefining productivity: It's not always about word count! Explore different ways to move your writing forward. Self-care for writers: Why treating your writing like a pampering session can be the key to success. And much more! (Including electrified meat, the perils of goat cheese, and why you should always finish writing mid-sentence.) Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice and relatable insights to help you hack your writing routine and achieve your creative goals.

Welcome to another episode of the Everything Publishing Podcast. Join Melanie Calahan, Director of Marketing at Self Publishing Services, and our marketing expert Kendall, as they delve deep into the power of newsletters for authors. This discussion covers everything from the importance of newsletters as a marketing tool to practical tips on how to effectively engage and grow your audience through personalized content. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why newsletters are a crucial part of your marketing arsenal. How to overcome the common challenges authors face when starting a newsletter. Strategies for creating compelling content that captivates your audience. The benefits of controlling your outreach without relying solely on the whims of social media algorithms. Practical steps to build your subscriber list and keep them engaged. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this conversation is packed with valuable insights to help you create a strong connection with your readers and leverage newsletters to enhance your book marketing efforts. Don't miss these expert tips to take your author platform to the next level! #AuthorMarketing #Newsletters #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #PublishingPodcast #AuthorAdvice #MarketingTips #AuthorPlatform

Welcome to another episode of the Everything Publishing Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of literary tropes. Join Melanie Calahan and Kendall from Self Publishing Services as they explore the intriguing role of tropes across various genres, from romance to mystery to fantasy, and discuss their impact on both storytelling and marketing. In this episode, you'll learn: What tropes are and how they influence narrative dynamics. The fine line between a trope and a sub-category. How tropes can drive a story's popularity or contribute to its predictability. Strategies for writers to utilize tropes effectively without falling into the trap of overuse. Whether you're a writer looking to enhance your narrative techniques or a reader curious about the structural elements of your favorite books, this discussion sheds light on why tropes are pivotal in crafting compelling stories. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that might just change how you think about common plot devices in fiction. Tags: #LiteraryTropes #FictionWriting #BookMarketing #Storytelling #PublishingPodcast #WritingTips Subscribe for more insights and join us as we unravel the complexities of the publishing world, one trope at a time.

Join Melanie and Kendall in this in-depth, hour-long conversation as we unravel the invaluable roles of beta readers and sensitivity readers in the book publishing process. Whether you're a seasoned author or just embarking on your writing journey, understanding when and how to engage with these critical resources can significantly impact the success of your manuscript. What We Cover: Beta Readers Uncovered: Discover the optimal time to bring in a beta reader to polish your manuscript. We delve into the debate of enlisting friends or family versus hiring a professional, offering insights to help you make the best choice for your work. Incorporating Feedback: Learn the art of integrating beta reader feedback into your manuscript effectively, transforming good stories into great ones. The Role of Sensitivity Readers: Gain clarity on what sensitivity readers do, why they're essential, and when to include them in your editing process to ensure your book resonates with readers and respects cultural and social nuances. Finding the Right Fit: Navigating the process of finding a sensitivity reader can be daunting. We share practical tips and resources to help you connect with the right person to enhance your manuscript's authenticity and inclusivity. Approaching Sensitivity Reading: Feel weird about hiring a sensitivity reader? We discuss how to embrace this step as a crucial part of your publishing journey, ensuring your book is accessible and respectful to all audiences.

Self-publishing is a complicated business. For new authors looking to get into the indie publishing world are often overwhelmed by all the things they don't know. In this video, Melanie and Kendall from Self-Publishing Services cover what you should expect in the publishing process. This is a flyby overview of the biggest steps of publishing. We cover the questions we get frequently about when to do it yourself and when to hire someone else. What part of self-publishing should really be done by yourself? What should you pay for? (Hint: you can DIY a lot of things. You probably shouldn’t DIY a cover and editing.) We focus on the pros and cons so you can decide where you want to invest your resources. How do you find the people to who can help you? We take a deeper dive into publishing partners. What are some red flags? (Anyone who guarantees bestseller status, anyone who refuses to provide references or examples, and anyone who puts on the high pressure sales.) How do you know you’re choosing the right editor? What should you ask an editor before you hire them? How do you find the right cover designer? How much should editors cost? How much should cover designers cost? What other services can you outsource as a self-published author? What should you expect from a marketing partner? How do rights and royalties work when you’re partnering with someone to publish a book? Should you ever give up your rights? (No, unless you're working with an actual traditional publisher. However, there may be some scenarios where a royalty share makes sense.) The bottom line is to take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions of your potential publishing partners. Our website: selfpublishingservices.com Find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook!

Mel, Clare, and Danica discuss content. They run the gamut from social media, traditional publishing, and why it's always a good idea to keep something prepared in your back pocket... just in case.

You’re a complex, multi-passionate writer! You don’t fit into a single category, and neither does your book. Yet, the way your book is categorized is crucial to it finding its way to the right readers. Mel and Danica from SPS will help you reframe the categorization of your book using tags, categories, genres, BISAC codes, keywords, and metadata. “It doesn’t matter how good your story is, it doesn’t matter how good your editing is, it doesn’t matter how good your cover looks, none of that is as important as your BISAC codes and your categories.”  Danica Winters

10 years into your writing project? If so, you're certainly not alone. In this episode, Mel, Danica, and Clare get real in a conversation about procrastination. They cover how procrastination has affected their writing and their lives, and they share some of their best strategies for moving past it.  Sometimes procrastination is the result of more than just tough circumstances. If you're having suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

If you're thinking of pitching your book to agents and editors, you're in luck. Publishers are more accessible through social media than ever before. Danica, Mel, and Clare talk about how to prepare yourself to pitch during the pandemic by putting yourself out there on social media, determining what your business plan is as an author, how and where to find out what sort of deals authors in your genre are getting, and more. To get in touch with SPS, check out our free resources, or book a free consultation, visit us at selfpublishingservices.com