Book Publishing & Marketing Tips for Experts: Author's Edge

Allison Lane
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Marketing
  • Weekly

The Author's Edge is the podcast for accomplished experts ready to turn what they know into greater visibility, influence, and opportunity. Hosted by nonfiction book coach and publishing strategist Allison Lane, the show gives you practical guidance on writing, publishing, launching, and marketing a book that builds your authority. Listen and learn: • How to clarify your message and strengthen your professional brand• How to build an author platform that reflects your expertise• How to find the right agent, publisher, or publishing path• How to create a website that makes your value clear• How to market and launch your book without wasting time or money• How to get booked for podcasts, media, and speaking opportunities• How to turn your expertise into clients, partnerships, and income• How to get attention and stand out without becoming an influencer• How to create a meaningful second act or next chapter This podcast for you if you've asked: • How do I write and publish a book?• How do I find a literary agent?• How do I get a book deal?• How do I write a book proposal?• How do I build an author platform before publishing a book?• How do I successfully launch my book?• How do I build a personal brand around my expertise?• How do I become a thought leader in my field?• How do I get booked as a podcast guest or speaker?• How do I get media coverage for my book?• How do I turn my book into speaking, consulting, or coaching opportunities?• How do I make more money from my expertise?• How do I use my experience to build a second act or encore career? If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re in the right place. Each week, Allison shares clear, honest insight into what actually creates traction. You’ll also hear from literary agents, bestselling authors, speakers, media experts, and leading marketers, including Daniel Murray of The Marketing Millennials, Ashley Stahl, Sam Hiyate, Dr. Partha Nandi, Rich Brooks, Nancy Harhut, and Tracy Otsuka. Listen to The Author’s Edge to make your expertise easier to find, understand, trust, and share. Book a free Roadmap Call with Allison Lane: https://calendly.com/d/csqk-g65-ng3

  1. 3d ago

    Author Branding: Stand Out Before Book Launch | Heidi Yarger | 117

    Learn how author branding helps nonfiction writers and experts create a recognizable personal brand before their book launches. Allison Lane talks with Heidi Yarger, founder of SpitfireGirl, about building a cohesive author platform using brand photography, Canva, mood boards, and AI design tools. Heidi shares practical ways to choose brand colors, create reusable marketing assets, and make your LinkedIn profile, website, and social content feel consistent. Useful for authors and thought leaders who want to stand out without spending hours on design or relying on their publisher to market them. 3 Key Takeaways Your author brand is bigger than your book. Build a recognizable identity around your expertise, personality, and message instead of copying your book cover's design.Start with a mood board and Canva brand kit. Choose colors, fonts, photography, and editable templates that work across your website, LinkedIn, and social media.Use AI to support your brand, not define it. AI tools can remove backgrounds, adapt photos, and create visual assets. Your strategy and real personality should guide the results.Chapters 00:00 Why authors need personal branding 02:09 Meet Heidi Yarger of SpitfireGirl 03:16 What publishers won't do for your author platform 05:38 Building visibility without becoming an influencer 07:30 Choosing professional brand photography 09:22 Creating your personal brand strategy 11:04 Developing a recognizable visual identity 14:10 Essential branding assets for authors 15:13 How to create a mood board and Canva brand kit 17:18 Using real photos to choose brand colors 20:31 Why your author brand shouldn't match your book cover 23:32 Overcoming discomfort with self-promotion 26:13 Creating reusable LinkedIn banners and social templates 28:22 Building a photography and video asset library 30:16 Using AI for author photos and book marketing graphics 33:05 Why brand strategy comes before AI design 36:08 Three things your publisher won't do for you 37:20 Taking the first steps before your book launch Resources Free guide: Your Publisher Won't Do It for You Three ways authors can build their brand and buzz before book launch. https://spitfiregirldesign.com/publisher SpitfireGirl: https://spitfiregirldesign.com/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Coolors color palette generator: https://coolors.co/ Likable Badass by Alison Fragale Dream Big and Win by Liz Elting Allison Lane Literary: https://lanelit.com/ Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority - and get recognized for your expertise (not your follower count): https://lanelit.com/authority    Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  2. Mar 24

    Mid-Career Pivot & Reinvention for High‑Achieving Women - How to Outgrow the Life You Built with JJ Flizanes

    Allison Lane and JJ Flizanes on career reinvention for high‑achieving women. Learn to recognize signals you’ve outgrown a role, reframe your professional identity, and take practical first steps toward a midcareer pivot. Key takeaways: how to spot readiness for change, mindset shifts to move from status to purpose, and tested first actions to explore new paths. Ideal for professionals planning a next chapter who want clear, actionable guidance. They unpack why so many brilliant women hesitate at the exact moment they’re meant to grow, why another credential usually isn’t the answer, and how to recognize when you’re no longer meant to stay where you are. If your career looks good on paper but something feels off, this episode will help you name what’s happening and start thinking differently about your next move. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize when you’ve outgrown your role, career, or identityWhy anxiety, overachieving, and endless credentials can signal misalignmentWhat keeps brilliant women invisible even after major successWhy visibility gets harder when you’re afraid of being judgedHow to stop waiting for permission and start choosing what’s nextWhy clarity matters more than piling on more effortResources: Connect with JJ Flizanes: https://jjflizanes.com/ Chat with Allison Lane: LaneLit.com Listen to more episodes of The Author’s Edge for smart visibility, publishing, and platform strategy for women experts ready to go bigger. Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  3. Feb 26

    The Secret to Explaining What You Do Clearly with Allison Lane

    Your message isn’t too nuanced, it’s just not landing. This episode of the Author's Edge, host Allison Lane explains how experts and creators use a one-sentence "I help statement" to make people get quickly interested. Allison shares a quick action you can take to rewrite your intro and turn confusion into tell me more. Learn when to use outcomes instead of credentials. You can be brilliant and still be unclear. Smart people often describe their roles, titles, and process, but skip the result. That’s why people disengage. In this quickie episode, Allison walks you through a simple one-sentence framework that helps people understand what you do in one breath.  Time Stamps:  00:00 Why smart people sound vague  01:10 The hallway problem  03:05 People hire clarity, not credentials  04:30 The I help framework  06:10 How to test and tighten your one-liner  07:20 Free guide mention 🔗Use this guide to help people understand what you do in one breath.  Quick Action:  Write one sentence using this structure: I help [audience] [get result] so they can [bigger outcome].  Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  4. Feb 24

    Traditional vs. Hybrid vs. Self-Publishing | Trena White

    Traditional vs. hybrid vs. self-publishing: Which publishing path is right for your nonfiction book, budget, timeline, and professional goals? Trena White, co-founder of Page Two, joins Allison Lane to explain the differences between traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing, including author costs, creative control, book rights, distribution, and marketing responsibilities. Not all hybrid publishers offer the same services. Some provide professional editing, design, and bookstore distribution. Others offer little more than assisted self-publishing. Trena explains what authors should look for before signing a publishing contract and why choosing a publisher should start with understanding what you want your book to accomplish. They also discuss why your book's market positioning matters before you write, how nonfiction authors can use books to generate speaking and consulting opportunities, and why building your author platform before publication gives you more options. If you're deciding how to publish a nonfiction book, this conversation will help you compare your options and avoid choosing a publishing path that doesn't support your goals. Key takeaways Traditional vs. hybrid vs. self-publishing: Understand the differences in costs, rights, control, and distribution.How hybrid publishing works: Learn why hybrid publishers vary significantly in quality, services, and selection criteria.Choosing the right publisher: Match your publishing path to your business goals, audience, budget, and timeline.Book marketing strategy: Why marketing begins with the book concept, not when your manuscript is finished.Writing a marketable nonfiction book: Identify your reader's needs, your central message, and a compelling reader promise.Building an author platform: Why publishers examine your website, LinkedIn presence, speaking experience, and audience.Publishing timelines: Understand why professional editing, production, and bookstore distribution take time.Selling more books: Why email subscribers and an effective marketing plan matter more than repeated social media promotion.Episode chapters 00:00 Introduction: Choosing the right publishing path 01:53 Traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing explained 03:27 How hybrid publishing works 04:06 Why hybrid publishers aren't all the same 05:17 Why authors should research the market before writing 06:49 Your book's role in your professional strategy 07:53 Why book marketing starts before the manuscript 09:19 Creating a compelling reader promise 12:35 Why shorter nonfiction books are gaining attention 14:34 The Coaching Habit: A book that sold over one million copies 16:44 Using a nonfiction book to grow a speaking or consulting business 19:30 Why you should build your author platform before leaving your job 22:10 Building a personal website and professional brand 24:10 What publishers look for in an author's online presence 25:21 Publishing timelines and bookstore distribution 27:36 What Page Two looks for in book submissions 28:23 Why a nonfiction book proposal is a business plan 30:42 How selective hybrid publishers evaluate authors 32:08 Book marketing strategies that no longer work 34:25 Why email lists matter for book launches 36:50 Using LinkedIn newsletters to build your audience 37:30 Recommended resources and next steps Action steps Define what you want your book to accomplish beyond book sales.Compare traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing based on rights, investment, control, distribution, and timeline.Research publishers carefully, especially their editorial standards, distribution, and author selection process.Identify the specific reader transformation your book promises.Build a professional presence independent of your current employer.Start developing an email list before you need to market a book.Create a publishing and marketing plan that supports your long-term professional goals.Resources Page Two: https://pagetwo.com/ Page Two submissions: https://pagetwo.com/submissions Write a Must-Read by AJ Harper The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier Allison Lane Literary: https://lanelit.com/ Your book is one part of a bigger professional strategy. Choose the publishing path that supports what you want to accomplish next. Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  5. Feb 19

    How to Use Speaking Engagements to Earn Trust Fast with Allison Lane

    If you’re speaking but not marketing where you spoke, you’re leaving credibility on the table. In this quickie episode, Allison Lane explains why credibility is an asset, not a moment, and how to make it visible where it actually builds trust. You’ll learn the simplest way to reuse one proof point so new people can trust you faster, without posting more or sounding braggy. Time stamps: 00:00 Quickie intro + the mistake 00:20 Credibility is an asset, not a moment 00:40 Where proof must live: banner, bio, website 01:05 Credibility doesn’t expire 01:30 Proof builds trust and authority 01:55 Don’t dismiss old wins 02:15 Do this today: pick one proof point 02:40 Grab logo + contextual photo 03:05 Place it and leave it 03:30 Why social posts disappear 03:55 CTA: 7 Shifts guide 04:15 Why you’re not getting opportunities 04:40 DM me on LinkedIn + wrap Action step: pick one speaking proof point from the last five years, grab the logo and an on-stage photo, and place it on your LinkedIn banner, website homepage, or short bio and leave it there. Don't forget to showcase proof of your own credibility get the free guide: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority at https://lanelit.com/authority  Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  6. Feb 17

    SEO for Authors: Digital Presence Fixes that Get You Found with Sandra Scaiano

    Your reputation can be rock solid. And still, your online presence can make you look like a side hobby. On the Author’s Edge episode, Allison Lane talks with Sandra Scaiano from The Long Game podcast about building a digital presence that actually functions. Not for vanity. For opportunities. You’ll learn how to build a website that turns curiosity into action. How to create a clean path so people can hire you instead of endlessly picking your brain. And how SEO still matters, even with AI search and answer engines reshaping discovery. What they cover: [03:38] Why corporate habits can sabotage personal branding after you go solo[05:21] How to avoid decision fatigue and keep momentum[07:00] What’s changing with SEO, AEO, and AI-driven discovery[13:40] A simple way to do keyword research using Google suggestions[15:03] Why long-tail keywords help you compete without fighting the “big guys”[20:34] How to structure pages so search engines understand your content[21:36] Headlines as hierarchy, not font sizes[19:04] Internal linking so your site doesn’t create dead-end pages[29:00] The customer journey: what you actually want visitors to do next[33:00] A 15-minute micro-step you can take today to improve your site fastResources Links: Guest: Sandra Scaiano: https://sandrasky.com/ Listen to Sandra’s podcast, The Long Game: https://sandrasky.com/podcast/ Connect with Allison Lane: https://www.lanelit.com/on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonlanelit/ Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  7. Feb 12

    Stop Avoiding Visibility: Stand Out Without Feeling Salesy

    Visibility gets a bad rap. If you’ve ever thought: “I don’t want to sound salesy,” this Quickie is for you. In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane reframes visibility for people who hate performing online. Visibility is not self-promotion. It’s translation. You’ll learn how to make your thinking easier to find and easier to understand, so the right people can benefit from what you already know. What you’ll hear in this episode:  Why visibility gets mislabeled as look-at-me marketing The real cost of staying quiet: people default to whoever is loudest The simplest, lowest-pressure visibility move you can make today A one-post framework that feels like service, not sellingTry this today  Write one post based on one thing you already say in private:  Here’s a question I get all the time.  Here’s my answer. Free resource Take these 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: get the free guide at https://LaneLit.com/authority Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

  8. Feb 10

    Grow on LinkedIn Without Posting Daily with Mandy McEwen

    Turn LinkedIn comments into real visibility using a simple 3-sentence method you can do in 15 minutes a day. This episode explains how experts and professionals use a strategic LinkedIn commenting strategy to grow their reach without posting every day. LinkedIn and personal branding strategist Mandy McEwen shares a real-world example of one comment generating 90,000 impressions. Listeners will learn when to use commenting instead of posting to build authority faster with less effort. If you want to grow on LinkedIn but posting feels like a second job, start with comments. In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane and Mandy McEwen break down a repeatable 3-sentence framework for comments that get seen, spark conversations, and drive profile clicks. You’ll also learn who to comment on, what to say so you do not sound salesy, and how to turn your best comments into future posts so you never start from a blank page. Links and Resources Connect with Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonlanelitConnect with Mandy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandymcewen/ Learn about Mandy McEwen’s Next Wave membership: The Next Wave: https://www.golumi.io/the-next-wave/  Timestamps  00:00 Why LinkedIn feels intimidating when colleagues are watching  02:05 Why people stay small on LinkedIn  05:10 Why job-title headlines reduce profile clicks  08:15 LinkedIn headline tips that create curiosity  12:10 The 3-sentence method for LinkedIn comments  16:30 Who to comment on: prospects and thought leaders  20:40 One comment, 90,000 impressions: what made it work  24:15 Comment vs repost-with-comment vs original post  28:05 Turn comments into posts with a simple swipe file  31:10 How to DM like a normal human  35:05 How to use AI without losing your voice  39:10 The 15-minute action step for today  Listen now for the LinkedIn commenting strategy that builds visibility, thought leadership, and inbound opportunities without posting every day.  Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority - and get recognized for your expertise (not your follower count): https://lanelit.com/authority    Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge “Finding visibility is tricky but she breaks it down simply and I’ve learned so much.” --Apple Podcasts review If the show helps you, rate it five stars and leave a review. It helps more people find it. Free from Allison: 7 Shifts to Build Real Authority: https://LaneLit.com/authority Essential Author Bio + Media Kit: https://www.LaneLit.com/package Social Content Calendar: https://www.LaneLit.com/content Book a Free Strategy Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/disco Want to be a guest? Send a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1723557361467192219d8f685

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The Author's Edge is the podcast for accomplished experts ready to turn what they know into greater visibility, influence, and opportunity. Hosted by nonfiction book coach and publishing strategist Allison Lane, the show gives you practical guidance on writing, publishing, launching, and marketing a book that builds your authority. Listen and learn: • How to clarify your message and strengthen your professional brand• How to build an author platform that reflects your expertise• How to find the right agent, publisher, or publishing path• How to create a website that makes your value clear• How to market and launch your book without wasting time or money• How to get booked for podcasts, media, and speaking opportunities• How to turn your expertise into clients, partnerships, and income• How to get attention and stand out without becoming an influencer• How to create a meaningful second act or next chapter This podcast for you if you've asked: • How do I write and publish a book?• How do I find a literary agent?• How do I get a book deal?• How do I write a book proposal?• How do I build an author platform before publishing a book?• How do I successfully launch my book?• How do I build a personal brand around my expertise?• How do I become a thought leader in my field?• How do I get booked as a podcast guest or speaker?• How do I get media coverage for my book?• How do I turn my book into speaking, consulting, or coaching opportunities?• How do I make more money from my expertise?• How do I use my experience to build a second act or encore career? If you’re asking any of these questions, you’re in the right place. Each week, Allison shares clear, honest insight into what actually creates traction. You’ll also hear from literary agents, bestselling authors, speakers, media experts, and leading marketers, including Daniel Murray of The Marketing Millennials, Ashley Stahl, Sam Hiyate, Dr. Partha Nandi, Rich Brooks, Nancy Harhut, and Tracy Otsuka. Listen to The Author’s Edge to make your expertise easier to find, understand, trust, and share. Book a free Roadmap Call with Allison Lane: https://calendly.com/d/csqk-g65-ng3

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