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A WORDSLINGER PODCAST In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some of my own experiences with bad book reviews, internet trolls, review bombing, and public criticism. Including a few stories that are so ridiculous you almost have to laugh. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER Writing a book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, marketing it, building an audience, and navigating the challenges of a creative career are where things get interesting. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical writing advice, honest conversations about publishing, book marketing strategies, and lessons learned from more than a decade of helping independent authors succeed. If you're serious about becoming a better writer and building a sustainable author career, you're in the right place. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger: Internet trolls and negative comments01:48 Why every writer will face negative criticism02:56 The ridiculous book review that got everything wrong04:44 Why some people just want to tear creators down06:06 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts06:14 KDP permafree pricing problems and what authors should know06:47 Could YouTube launch an audiobook service in 2027?07:13 Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books holiday publishing deadlines07:44 Voices by INaudio adds Curios for audiobook distribution08:57 Dealing with bad reviews and one-star ratings10:02 Why I sometimes promote my worst reviews10:47 Should authors even read their reviews?11:19 Review bombing, online mobs, and personal attacks15:30 Why you should never respond to a negative review17:41 Lessons from handling public relations controversies19:18 When should you apologize publicly?21:23 The golden rule for responding to book reviews22:29 Why ignoring trolls is usually your best option24:24 Learning to handle criticism without getting defensive26:26 When an apology really is appropriate29:25 Final advice for authors dealing with bad reviews30:22 Closing thoughts and supporting the writing community THIS WEEK'S RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS 06:14 — Is KDP Ending Permafree Books?Some authors have reported problems with permanently free ebooks reverting to paid pricing. Dale shares what KDP has said about the issue and what authors can do.https://youtu.be/Hg_PZt3JdQc?si=h_NrEoIw26o7qJkY 06:47 — YouTube Might Offer Audiobooks in 2027YouTube is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding audiobooks to its platform, potentially through YouTube Premium. Could this mean a new opportunity for indie authors? Good e-Reader:https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/youtube-might-offer-audiobooks-in-2027 9to5Google:https://9to5google.com/2026/10/15/youtube-may-add-audiobooks-to-app/ 07:13 — Holiday Publishing Deadlines for Barnes & Noble Press and Apple BooksPlanning a holiday book release? Allow extra time for print orders, ebook uploads, and publishing updates. Barnes & Noble Press:https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359210768667-Receiving-My-Print-Book Apple Books for Authors:https://authors.apple.com 07:44 — Voices by INaudio Adds Curios as a Distribution PartnerA new audiobook retail partnership gives authors another potential way to reach listeners. Dale explains what authors should know about participation and royalties. Voices by INaudio:https://voicesbyinaudio.com Curios:https://www.curios.com/ Find more self-publishing news, updates, and advice from Dale Roberts:https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingAdvice #SelfPublishing #BookReviews #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITERS ARE READING THE WRONG BOOKS Want to become a better writer? You might need to change what you're reading. Most writers know they should read more books. But what should you actually be reading? Books in your genre? Classic literature? Books about writing? Or something completely different? In this episode of Wordslinger, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explores why reading is one of the most important skills a writer can develop—and why limiting yourself to your favorite genre might be holding back your writing. We'll talk about how reading shapes your writing voice, why readers want stories that feel familiar but different, and how reading outside your comfort zone can make you a stronger storyteller. Plus, I'll share a simple daily reading habit—just 20 pages a day—that has transformed my own reading routine. Whether you're writing your first novel, building a career as an indie author, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the books you choose to read can make all the difference. What are you reading right now? Do you deliberately read outside your favorite genres? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear what's on your reading list. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS:00:00 Why Writers Need to Read00:33 What Should Writers Be Reading?01:15 Finding Your Voice Through Genre Fiction02:18 Why Readers Want the Same but Different03:12 The Value of Reading Outside Your Genre04:05 Why You Should Read the Classics04:54 Challenging Books Make You a Stronger Reader06:10 How Reading Resets Your Expectations07:09 Learning the Rhythm of Great Storytelling08:07 Finding Your Own Unique Writing Voice09:22 Why Every Writer Needs a Daily Reading Habit09:49 The Power of Reading 20 Pages a Day10:29 What I'm Reading Right Now11:57 Keep Your Reading Streak Going12:29 Why Reading Is Essential to Writing SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! Whether you're just starting your first book or you've already published a dozen, Wordslinger is your home for practical, honest advice on writing, storytelling, publishing, and building a successful author career. Subscribe for regular Wordslinger 10-Shots, podcast conversations, and insights from a working author who's been through the ups and downs of the publishing business. No hype, no shortcuts—just the guidance, encouragement, and tools to help you become the writer you want to be. Subscribe today and let's keep writing! FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritingAdvice #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT How do you keep writing when anxiety takes over? What happens when you love writing, but stress, deadlines, competing priorities, and the pressure to succeed make it almost impossible to sit down and do the work? Even experienced, successful writers struggle with anxiety. And sometimes the biggest obstacle to finishing your book isn't writer's block, a lack of discipline, or a shortage of ideas. It's what's happening inside your own head. In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson gets personal about his own struggles with anxiety and shares the practical strategies he's learned to manage stress, quiet his mind, and keep creating even when life feels overwhelming. We'll talk about why worrying about tomorrow can sabotage your productivity today, how to give yourself permission to redefine success, and why sometimes the most productive thing a writer can do is take a nap. You'll also discover how journaling, simple relaxation techniques, and focusing on one task at a time can help you regain control of your creative life. Whether you're working on your first novel, building an author career, or juggling writing with a dozen other responsibilities, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to do everything at once. And you don't have to be perfect to make progress. Anxiety doesn't have to have the final word in your writing career. QUESTION FOR YOU: Do you struggle with anxiety when it comes to writing or creative work? What strategies have helped you manage it? Share your experiences in the comments. I'd love to hear what works for you, and your advice might help another writer! SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for honest, practical advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable creative career. Whether you're just starting your first book or working toward becoming a full-time author, this is your home for guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you succeed. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome to Wordslinger: Let's Talk About Anxiety00:38 - When Anxiety Gets in the Way of Writing01:35 - Why Living in the Future Creates Stress02:29 - Focus on What's Important Right Now03:10 - Redefining Success and Giving Yourself Grace05:18 - One Task at a Time: Managing Competing Priorities06:03 - Front-Loading Work to Reduce Stress06:34 - A Simple Breathing and Relaxation Technique07:29 - Releasing Physical Tension and Anxiety08:04 - How Journaling Helps Writers Manage Stress09:42 - Getting Anxious Thoughts Out of Your Head10:09 - When Anxiety Becomes Overwhelming10:47 - Why a Nap Might Be Your Best Productivity Tool11:26 - Sleep, Self-Care, and Supporting Each Other12:18 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.comWatch Wordslinger on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslingerFind a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingAdvice #WritingAnxiety #WritersLife #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT When is the best time to start marketing your book? Before you finish writing it? Before you publish? Or should you wait until you actually have something to sell? Here's the answer most authors don't want to hear: The best time to start marketing your book is RIGHT NOW. In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson explains why waiting until publication day to start marketing could be one of the biggest mistakes you make as an author. Whether you're working on your first novel or your fiftieth, building an audience early can make all the difference. But here's the good news: Book marketing doesn't have to mean becoming a salesperson, spending a fortune on advertising, or dancing on TikTok. It's about making connections with readers, building relationships, and making sure your books are discoverable when someone is ready to read them. We'll talk about building your author platform, why your email newsletter is one of your most valuable marketing tools, how to choose the right social media platforms, and why consistency matters more than chasing trends. You don't need a finished book to start finding your readers. You just need to start. What's holding you back from marketing your books? Share your biggest challenge or your favorite marketing strategy in the comments. I read and respond to every comment! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS:00:00 When Is the Best Time to Market Your Book?00:30 Why You Should Start Marketing Right Now01:24 Why Waiting Until Publication Is a Mistake02:11 What Book Marketing Really Means03:02 Why Your Book Launch Matters03:50 Building Your Author Platform Before Launch04:44 Why Your Email Newsletter Is Essential05:25 Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms06:01 Why Consistency Beats Chasing Trends07:06 Building an Audience by Doing What You Love08:05 Websites, Substack, and Your Author Platform08:42 Start Telling People About Your Books09:29 Turning Your Audience Into a Community10:02 Building Relationships With Readers10:40 What's Stopping You From Marketing Today?11:21 Final Thoughts SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER:Whether you're writing your first book, building an author career, or trying to make a living from your words, Wordslinger is here to help you along the way. Subscribe for practical, honest advice on writing, publishing, book marketing, and the business of being an author. No hype, no gimmicks. Just real-world guidance from a fellow writer who's been there. Subscribe and join the Wordslinger community:https://youtube.com/@wordslingershow FIND KEVIN:Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS:Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AuthorMarketing #WritingTips #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST Should you REALLY become a full-time writer? For many authors, quitting the day job to write books for a living is the ultimate dream. But what if becoming a full-time author isn't actually the best thing for your writing career? I've written more than 90 books, spent years working full-time jobs while building my author career, and experienced the freedom—and unexpected challenges—of writing full-time. Here's something that might surprise you: Sometimes I was MORE productive as a writer when I had a day job. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, we're talking about what it really takes to become a full-time author, why having unlimited writing time isn't always an advantage, and how to know whether you're actually ready to quit your job and write for a living. We'll explore the financial realities of making a living as an author, the hidden costs of leaving traditional employment, how isolation and relationships can affect your writing life, and why discipline matters more than having hours of free time. I'll also share my personal experience with creative burnout, how it nearly derailed my writing career, and what I've learned about finding a sustainable balance between writing, work, and life. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, a self-published author working toward financial independence, or a creative entrepreneur trying to turn your passion into a career, this conversation might change how you think about success. Because maybe the real goal isn't becoming a full-time writer. Maybe it's having the freedom to choose how you spend your time. Are you working toward becoming a full-time author? Or have you found that keeping your day job actually helps your writing? Tell me in the comments. I'd love to hear how you're making it work. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! If you're serious about writing better books, building a successful author career, and navigating the ever-changing world of publishing, you're in the right place. Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, honest advice on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and the creative life, from a fellow writer who's been there. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss an episode! EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to Wordslinger01:52 – When Life Gets in the Way of Writing05:19 – Should You Really Become a Full-Time Writer?06:41 – The Hidden Danger of Having Unlimited Writing Time08:20 – Rapid-Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts10:42 – The Dream vs. the Reality of Writing Full-Time12:50 – Finding Time to Write While Working a Day Job16:34 – How Do You Know You're Ready to Quit Your Job?17:03 – Can Your Writing Income Replace Your Salary and Benefits?18:03 – The Loneliness of Being a Full-Time Author20:01 – Writing, Health, and Unexpected Responsibilities21:39 – Managing Relationships When You Work from Home23:19 – Why Discipline Matters More Than Free Time25:32 – How a Day Job Can Actually Make You More Productive26:55 – Setting Goals and Avoiding Burnout29:16 – Financial Freedom and Rethinking Your Day Job32:10 – Why Having Options Is the Real Goal33:36 – Is Full-Time Writing Right for You? RAPID-FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS 08:20 – ACX Reports Early Results from Audible's New Royalty ModelACX reports that audiobook creators collectively earned more in royalties during the first months of Audible's new royalty model, though questions remain about how the changes affect individual authors.https://acx.com 08:49 – Audible Plans International ExpansionAudible announces plans to expand into five additional countries in 2027, while new research highlights how audiobooks can help readers discover authors and purchase their other books.Publishers Weekly: Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, Audible Wants to Turn Every Book into an Audiobookhttps://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/101500- 09:17 – Spotify Offers 1,000 Free Audiobook Redemption CodesSpotify for Authors now allows eligible account holders to generate up to 1,000 free audiobook redemption codes per title, opening new opportunities for review copies, giveaways, and audiobook promotion.https://authors.spotify.com/blog/redemption-codes For more self-publishing news, tips, and updates, subscribe to Self-Publishing with Dale:https://youtube.com/@SelfPubWithDale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingAdvice #FullTimeWriter #SelfPublishing #AuthorLife #WritingCareer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Think you don't have enough time to write? What if the very thing holding you back is actually making you a better, more productive writer? Building a writing career while juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and everyday life can feel impossible. But here's something I discovered after years of squeezing writing into lunch breaks, early mornings, and spare moments: I was sometimes MORE productive when I had less time to write! In this episode of the Wordslinger 10-Shot, I'm sharing my advice for writers struggling to find time for their craft. We'll talk about embracing limitations, using deadlines to your advantage, building consistent writing habits, and why becoming a full-time author might not solve all your productivity problems. Whether you're an aspiring novelist, an indie author working a day job, or a creative entrepreneur trying to balance your passion with your responsibilities, there's a lesson here: You don't need unlimited time to build a successful writing career. You need persistence, consistency, and a willingness to write even when life gets in the way. What's your biggest obstacle to finding time to write? Tell me in the comments! And if you've figured out how to keep writing despite a busy schedule, share your success story. You might inspire another writer who's struggling. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! If you're serious about becoming a better writer, publishing your books, and building a sustainable author career, you've found your people! Subscribe to Wordslinger for practical, experience-based advice on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and making a living as a creative. No gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just honest guidance from a fellow writer who's been there. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Writing with Fences: Finding Time to Write01:04 – When Two Hours a Week Was the Goal01:44 – Why I Wrote More While Working a Full-Time Job02:39 – Embrace the Deadline: Turn Obstacles into Advantages03:33 – The Power of Small, Consistent Writing Sessions04:14 – The Reality of Being a Full-Time Author05:00 – Why Passion Matters More Than Money05:58 – Even One Word Counts: Finding Time When Life Gets Hard06:38 – Persistence, Consistency, and Your Writing Success06:57 – Share Your Writing Challenges and Success Stories FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.comJoin Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.comWordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #WritingMotivation #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST This One Habit Made Me a Successful Writer What's the secret to writing more books, building an audience, and making a living as an author? It's not talent, luck, or the latest writing software. It's consistency. After publishing more than 90 books and selling millions of copies worldwide, I've learned that showing up and doing the work, day after day, is one of the most powerful habits a writer can develop. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing how my daily 2,000-word writing goal helps me finish novels, why small efforts add up to big results, and how that same approach can transform your book marketing. We'll also talk about building your author mailing list, using Substack and BookFunnel to connect with readers, finding your ideal audience, and promoting your books without feeling like a salesperson. Whether you're writing your first novel or building a full-time author career, there's something here you can put to work today. PLUS: Dale Roberts joins us with his Rapid-Fire Newsflash, covering potential changes to Amazon KDP's perma-free pricing, new audiobook advertising tools from ACX, Spotify's massive audiobook expansion, and free publishing education from IngramSpark. You don't have to do everything. You just have to keep doing something. What's the one habit that's made the biggest difference in your writing career? Tell me in the comments! SUBSCRIBE to Wordslinger for practical, experience-tested advice on writing better books, publishing independently, marketing your work, and building a sustainable creative career. If you're serious about your writing and publishing journey, you're in the right place. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast01:33 AI, writing tools, and the author business05:48 Dale Roberts' Rapid-Fire Publishing Newsflash05:48 Amazon KDP and the future of perma-free books06:15 New ACX audiobook advertising and promotion tools06:49 Spotify expands audiobooks to 180+ markets07:13 Free publishing courses from IngramSpark Academy07:55 Why writers should consider Substack13:13 BookFunnel promotions and author collaborations15:31 Simple ways to grow your author mailing list17:20 Why I advertise my mailing list instead of my books18:14 Finding and targeting your ideal reader21:42 Using your mailing list to sell more books24:27 The secret weapon of successful writers: consistency25:14 Why I write 2,000 words every day27:28 Small daily word counts lead to finished novels30:24 Using Scrivener to track writing goals31:11 My looping and self-editing process32:03 How to finish a novel one day at a time32:54 Consistent book marketing without being salesy35:43 Your favorite writing tools and habits36:47 Final thoughts RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS 05:48 — Is Amazon KDP changing its perma-free pricing policies?The Self Publishing Show, Episode 467: Amazon KDP Is Changing — Are You Ready?https://youtu.be/04kAmWZkBTE?si=JrmBSe_2ONqhFmmP 06:15 — ACX introduces new tools for audiobook promotion and Amazon advertising.https://www.acx.com/mp/blog/promote-your-audiobook 06:49 — Spotify announces plans to expand audiobook availability to more than 180 markets.Publishers Weekly:https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/Frankfurt-Book-Fair/article/101440-frankfurt-book-fair-2026-spotify-expands-audiobooks-to-180-markets.html 07:13 — IngramSpark Academy offers free self-publishing courses, plus a limited-time promotional challenge.Free publishing courses:https://www.ingramspark.com/self-publishing-courses IngramSpark Academy Challenge:https://www.ingramspark.com/academy-promo Get more self-publishing news and advice from Dale Roberts:https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and get your manuscript ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your books to major online retailers, in print and ebook, with support from Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books, manage your author business, and more with AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorSuccess #WritingHabits #BookMarketing #IndieAuthors #WordslingerPodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Should authors use Substack? I’ve been using Substack for several years now, and I’ve come to see it as something more useful than just another social media platform. For writers, it can be a blog, newsletter, community, podcast platform, and—most importantly—a way to build an audience you actually own. In this episode, I break down how I use Substack as an author, how recommendations and Notes can help grow your readership, how often I think writers should post, what kinds of content work, and how Substack can ultimately help you build an email list and sell more books. You don’t need to master everything on day one. Start publishing, participate in the community, experiment with your content, and figure out what your readers respond to. And remember: unlike your followers on most social platforms, your email list can go with you. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.comGET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Why I’m talking about Substack00:59 What Substack actually is02:31 Blogs, newsletters, Notes, video, and podcasts03:28 How Substack helps grow your mailing list04:51 Recommendations and sharing audiences with other writers05:44 How often should authors post?07:06 What should writers publish on Substack?08:37 Writing for your readers—and for yourself09:28 Fiction, paid subscriptions, and monetization10:27 Podcasts, livestreams, and video10:54 Why owning your mailing list matters11:28 The posting schedule I recommend12:12 My concern about Substack and AI13:07 Can Substack actually help sell books? If you’re a writer trying to navigate writing, publishing, book marketing, building an audience, and making a living from your work, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where we talk about the practical side of becoming a better writer, reaching more readers, and building a sustainable author career. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Should writers use AI to write their books? My answer is yes—but probably not in the way you think. I don’t use AI to write the actual prose of my novels. That’s the part I love. But while working on a research-heavy historical novel, I’ve found some incredibly useful ways to make AI part of my writing process without handing over the creative work. In this episode, I break down how I’m using AI as a research assistant, organizational tool, outlining partner, fact-checking aid, and even a way to immerse myself in the story before I sit down to write. I’ll show you how I’ve used tools like ChatGPT, Google’s NotebookLM, Plaud, and Castmagic to organize years of history, build timelines, process interviews, create story overviews, and keep an entire novel fresh in my head. The key is simple: Let AI help you do the work. Don’t let it replace the work that makes you a writer. If you’re a writer trying to figure out where AI fits into your creative process—or whether it belongs there at all—this one’s for you. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 You should use AI to write your book… sort of00:41 Why I don’t use AI to write my prose02:17 How I’m using AI on a historical novel02:59 Managing massive amounts of research03:48 Using ChatGPT to build and update timelines04:35 Turning research into a workable novel outline05:49 Using NotebookLM to turn research into podcasts06:55 Listening to your own story over and over07:41 Using AI-generated video overviews08:30 Learning modalities and why they matter for writers09:30 Using audio while traveling through story locations10:18 Plaud, transcription, interviews, and Castmagic10:59 AI as an assistant—not the author11:42 My rules for writers using AI12:28 Using AI for editing, continuity, and research13:07 Why you still need to verify everything14:04 Use AI to support the way you learn14:50 How are YOU using AI as a writer?15:35 Writers helping writers If you’re serious about becoming a better writer, building a publishing career, and navigating the constantly changing world of books and creativity, subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is where writers come for practical, experience-based guidance on writing, publishing, marketing, creativity, and building a sustainable career around their work. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Every successful writing career is built on mistakes. I’ve made plenty of them. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I share some of my biggest failures as a writer—from falling for a literary agent scam and spending thousands on things that didn’t move my career forward, to signing a publishing contract without proper representation and eventually burning myself out trying to keep up an impossible pace. The point isn’t to avoid failure entirely. You can’t. The goal is to learn from it, recognize the warning signs earlier, and make better decisions the next time around. If you’re building a career as a writer, author, creator, or creative entrepreneur, learn from my mistakes—and then go make some new, brilliant failures of your own. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Why I talk about my accomplishments00:46 My biggest failures as a writer01:25 Falling for a literary agent scam02:28 Paying for expensive book reviews04:44 How to recognize publishing scams05:08 My traditional publishing contract mistake06:50 Why I walked away from the publishing deal07:34 Making six figures—and burning myself out09:33 The danger of pushing too hard10:24 Why writers should have contracts reviewed11:21 The biggest red flag with literary agents12:01 Advice about writing contests and competitions14:18 Why I talk openly about failure15:03 Experience, confidence, and taking criticism16:05 Why failure is part of success16:46 Go fail fabulously Subscribe to the channel for practical, experience-based guidance on writing, publishing, book marketing, author careers, and the business of being a writer. If you’re trying to build a sustainable writing career, this is the place to learn what works, what doesn’t, and what nobody tells you until you’ve been doing this for years. And tell me in the comments: What’s one mistake or failure in your writing career that taught you something valuable? FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books—and more—at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST How do you write a character who is smarter than you, comes from a different background, sees the world differently, or believes things you never would? In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, Don King joins me for another Kevin on Craft conversation about creating characters who feel like real human beings instead of extensions of the author. We talk about writing characters with knowledge and intelligence you don’t possess, avoiding stereotypes, writing across gender and cultural differences, creating villains who believe they’re the hero, and handling character growth without changing the qualities readers love. We also dig into why great characters—and great stories—can ultimately change the reader. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at https://knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS If you’re a writer trying to improve your craft, publish smarter, build an audience, and make a career from your work, subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is here to give writers practical, experience-driven guidance for every stage of the writing and publishing journey. TIMECODES 00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast03:00 What’s new with Wordslinger and Kevin on Craft05:55 Rapid-Fire News Flash with Dale Roberts08:27 Amazon terminates an author’s KDP and ACX accounts09:18 Smashwords ebook preorders and Ingram’s AI rollout10:26 How AI-powered publishing scams build trust11:06 Kevin on Craft with Don King17:38 Why good writing should get out of the reader’s way25:33 How do you write a character smarter than you?26:32 The writer’s secret weapon: research, rewriting, and hindsight29:10 Writing characters who are different from you30:34 Writing across race and cultural differences35:01 Gender, stereotypes, and believable characters36:45 Writing strong female characters40:32 Knowing what your character would actually do43:17 Every character sees themselves as the hero47:30 Why believable villains need believable logic53:43 What makes a complex antagonist work55:06 How much should a recurring character change?55:53 A character can be the catalyst for change58:29 How to grow a series character without changing who they are01:02:18 Let your supporting characters carry growth arcs01:05:07 The reader is a character in the story, too01:08:12 Let theme emerge naturally from the story01:10:10 What separates a cardboard story from a meaningful one? RAPID-FIRE NEWS FLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS 08:27 Ruthanne Reid: Amazon just deleted my KDP account. You need to pay attention.https://youtu.be/0nQx4lR326U?si=R9a00I1vRKH8UHvr 08:27 Dale L. Roberts: KDP Appeal Rejected? You Still Have Optionshttps://youtu.be/mLSCoiCcOQI?si=BY_BCXF6gxUKJYmq 09:18 Draft2Digital Announces Ebook Preorder Sales Now Available at the Smashwords Storehttps://draft2digital.com/blog/press-releasedraft2digital-announces-ebook-preorder-sales-now-available-at-the-smashwords-store/ 09:18 Ingram Finds Success in AI Rollouthttps://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/101218-ingram-s-ai-rollout-is-a-success.html 10:26 Writer Beware: How AI-powered publishing scams build trust before asking authors for money For more publishing news from Dale Roberts:https://youtube.com/selfpublishingwithdale FIND KEVIN Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books and more at Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Should authors use AI-generated book covers? AI can produce some astonishingly good artwork, but that doesn’t mean the decision is simple. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down what authors should consider before using AI for a book cover—from Amazon’s disclosure requirements and copyright questions to reader backlash, professional design, and the alternatives available if you don’t want to go the AI route. I’ve designed nearly all of my own book covers over more than 20 years, and I’ve watched the tools, costs, and expectations around book design change dramatically. The goal hasn’t changed, though: You need a professional cover that fits your genre and helps do the marketing work for your book. We’ll also talk about Fiverr, 99designs, premade covers, professional designers, and some of the potential rights issues authors should watch for when hiring someone else to create their artwork. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Why I Know a Thing or Two About Book Covers01:28 — Should Authors Use AI-Generated Covers?02:28 — What Amazon KDP Requires You to Disclose03:11 — The Ethics and Controversy Around AI04:10 — Why Some Authors Are Turning to AI05:11 — Reader Backlash and Other Risks05:49 — Can You Copyright an AI-Generated Cover?06:59 — How I Use AI in Cover Design07:51 — Should You Actually Use an AI Cover?08:29 — The Risks of Cheap Cover Designers09:31 — Using 99designs10:06 — Premade Covers from BookCovers.com10:46 — Draft2Digital and Cover2Book11:34 — The Most Important Thing Your Cover Has to Do BOOK COVER RESOURCES MENTIONED: Fiverr:https://www.fiverr.com 99designs:https://99designs.com BookCovers.com:https://bookcovers.com Cover2Book:https://cover2book.com Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger If you’re a writer trying to build a career, publish better books, reach more readers, and navigate the business of being an author, subscribe to Wordslinger. This channel is here to give you practical, experienced guidance for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Should authors use AI-generated book covers? Let me know what you think in the comments—and tell me how you’re handling your own cover design. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT Can you build an author career without putting your face, real name, and personal life all over the internet? Absolutely—but anonymity takes more than choosing a pen name. In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down practical ways authors can market their books while protecting their identity. We’ll talk about building a brand around your pen name, keeping your author life separate from your personal life, creating ways for readers to connect with you without revealing who you are, and treating anonymity as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time setup. You can still build an audience. You can still run ads, use social media, appear on podcasts, create videos, grow an email list, and sell books. You just need to be deliberate about how you do it. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES: 00:00 Can an author really stay anonymous?01:44 Build your brand around your pen name02:43 Separate your author accounts from your personal accounts03:45 How anonymous authors can connect with readers04:42 Avatars, author photos, and faceless branding05:39 Websites, domains, and anonymous email06:43 Treat anonymity as an ongoing practice07:25 How to market books without showing your face08:03 Ads, interviews, TikTok, and faceless content09:06 Why separating your personal and professional lives matters09:54 Final thoughts for anonymous authors If you're a writer trying to build a career, publish better books, grow an audience, and navigate the business side of being an author, subscribe to the channel. Wordslinger is here to give you practical, experience-based guidance for every stage of your writing and publishing journey. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT What if the thing keeping you from writing more books isn’t the writing—it’s everything else that comes with being an author? In this Wordslinger 10-Shot, Kevin talks about working with a virtual assistant, or author assistant, to take some of the business of being a writer off your shoulders. Marketing, social media, video editing, graphic design, administrative work, Kickstarter campaigns, online stores, and more can potentially be delegated—giving you more time and energy for the work only you can do. But hiring help isn’t just about getting rid of tasks. Kevin breaks down how to decide whether an assistant makes financial sense, what you should expect to pay, how to choose the right person, and how to avoid some of the biggest mistakes authors make when they start outsourcing. You’ll also learn a simple way to onboard an assistant, test your communication and workflow, document repeatable processes, and gradually build a working relationship that can grow along with your author business. If the business of being an author is starting to take more time than the writing, this episode will help you figure out what you can hand off—and when. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 Writing anywhere—and why authors need help00:32 What is a virtual assistant or author assistant?01:13 What does an author assistant cost?03:20 What can an author assistant do?04:04 Why Author Anchor was created04:51 Tasks authors can delegate06:11 How to know when you’re ready to hire help07:14 Think in terms of return on investment08:20 How to start working with an assistant09:30 Why small test projects matter10:03 Document your processes11:08 Don’t overload your assistant11:53 Match the assistant to the skills you actually need12:46 One assistant doesn’t have to do everything14:06 How to prepare for a discovery call15:31 Interviewing and choosing an assistant16:32 When outsourcing can help you break through17:31 Final thoughts and author assistant advice SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER If you’re a writer trying to write better books, publish smarter, build an audience, and create a sustainable career around your work, subscribe to the Wordslinger channel. This is where writers come for practical, experience-driven guidance on the writing and publishing journey. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at Author Anchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST Most writers start with a character, a premise, a scene, or maybe an ending. I often start with the title. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I talk about the weird way I begin many of my novels, why a good title can sometimes unlock an entire story, and what happens when the title changes halfway through the book. I also get into what I’m working on right now, including a commissioned historical novel, the Wordslinger book, short fiction, and the challenge of keeping multiple creative projects moving at once. Along the way, we talk about discovery writing, research, productivity, batching content, building repeatable workflows, marketing your books, growing an audience, and finding ways to make a creative career sustainable. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur trying to produce more work without letting everything else fall apart, there’s plenty here you can put to work. Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS TIMECODES 00:00 Welcome to the Wordslinger Podcast01:38 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts04:01 Franklin, Tennessee and what I’m working toward06:36 Why environment affects my productivity07:38 Writing a fictionalized story from real history09:20 When research needs to end and writing needs to begin09:59 Why I love “having written”11:19 The weird way I start writing a novel11:58 How thriller titles can create the story13:38 Why titles matter so much14:37 What happens when a book changes titles15:26 Writing the Wordslinger book18:19 Why I’m experimenting with short fiction21:35 Batching videos, podcasts, and creative work23:02 Building templates and repeatable workflows24:16 Why systems make creative work easier25:20 What marketing really means for writers26:10 Why marketing is more than advertising27:20 The value of building a local readership28:24 Turning readers into your best marketing29:29 How I balance multiple projects30:20 What I’m reading right now RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS Dale Roberts joins the show with a quick roundup of important developments in self-publishing, including changes to KDP title creation limits, identity verification problems, KDP account termination and reinstatement, and free audiobook creation tools available through Spotify for Authors. KDP Community: Update on KDP Title Creation Limitshttps://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/KDP-Title-Creation-Limits-Update?language=en_US KDP Help: Troubleshoot Identity Verification Errorshttps://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GFN5MYGPJ4MV7PSP Amazon Terminated My KDP Account. Here’s How I Got It Back.https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/amazon-terminated-kdp-account-how-to-get-it-back/ Spotify for Authors: Draft2Digital authors: your audiobook starts here.https://authors.spotify.com/draft2digital The Self-Publishing with Dale Podcasthttps://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale Subscribe to Dale Roberts:https://www.youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale SUBSCRIBE TO THE WORDSLINGER SHOW If you’re serious about becoming a better writer, publishing smarter, reaching more readers, and building a creative career that lasts, subscribe to the channel. The Wordslinger Show is about practical, experience-tested guidance for writers at every stage of the writing and publishing journey. FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books:https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack:https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page:https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid:https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital:https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor:https://authoranchor.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.