Authors' Allies

Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek

For the past decade, I've worked closely with authors and noticed that independent authors often struggle to get exposure compared to traditionally published authors. This led me to start the Authors Allies Roundtable, a membership designed to help indie authors build their marketing skills piece by piece. From Facebook vlog to here, Books and Brew is now the Authors' Allies podcast, we'll be sharing tips and tricks for book promotion and interviewing talented authors. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media. #books #coffee #indieauthor #author #bookmarketing #authorsallies

  1. Jinxing Your Book? Author Rituals Explained

    1D AGO

    Jinxing Your Book? Author Rituals Explained

    In this episode, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek explores the intersection of writing rituals and superstitions among authors. She discusses how these practices can provide comfort and structure, especially during significant moments like book launches. The conversation delves into various personal rituals, the significance of launch days, and the balance between embracing these traditions and not letting them hinder creativity. Ultimately, the episode encourages writers to find their unique blend of ritual and strategy to enhance their creative process. Takeaways Writers often have rituals that blend magic and superstition.Rituals can calm nervous systems and create a sense of control.It's important to question superstitions that hinder progress.Embracing a bit of sparkle can enhance the writing journey. Chapters 00:00 The Magic of Writing Rituals 04:33 Superstitions and Launch Strategies 07:57 Embracing Rituals Without Fear Want the presentation mentioned in the show?  The Shadow Mansion Quest:  https://shop.unicornmojo.com/friday-13th-shadow-mansion-quest/?aff=006f25ac Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://payhip.com/b/oiNTX 📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

    10 min
  2. 37: Stop OVERmarketing Your Book

    FEB 5

    37: Stop OVERmarketing Your Book

    Your Book Is the Best Marketing You Can Do If you’re an author who feels overwhelmed by marketing, this episode is your permission slip to simplify. In this episode, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek—magazine publisher turned book marketer—breaks down why your book itself is the most powerful marketing tool you already have… and how to make sure it’s working for you, not against you. I do hold up some samples in this episode so you may want to be sure and catch the video version as well. Why ads don’t sell books—the book sells the bookWhy solid editing matters more than you think (and how bad reviews are word-of-mouth in disguise)The role of professional covers and clear blurbs in reader trustHow QR codes, links, and clear instructions help readers stay connectedWhy the last page of your book is prime marketing real estate Take Action: Audit your cover, blurb, and back matter Make it obvious where readers should go next Ask for reviews—don’t assume readers will think of it Ensure your book reflects the author career you want to build Your book is already doing the heavy lifting. Let’s make sure it’s lifting in the right direction. 💫 Blogs-  https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/post/your-book-is-the-main-marketing-piece https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/post/the-last-page Books mentioned: Podcast planner by Rebecca Paciorek: https://a.co/d/08eLty1L My Success Planner by Stacy Baxley: https://amzn.to/4qipqIu California Stars by Carlie Yates: https://amzn.to/4qXn7M7 Mailboat IV by Danielle Lincoln Hanna: https://amzn.to/4bv93Vb Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠  📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases, an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations (including Amazon -except for my products, which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

    14 min
  3. 36: Planning Your Social Content- The Easy Way

    JAN 29

    36: Planning Your Social Content- The Easy Way

    Feeling stuck every time you go to post on social media? Same… 😂 In this quick, cozy episode of Books and Brew, I’m sharing my simple system for planning content without the panic: monthly themes + weekly content buckets (or, if you’re in Authors’ Allies… content cauldrons 💫). You’ll learn how to choose a theme for the month, assign easy “daily prompts” (like Tip Tuesday), and create a go-to list of content ideas you can pull from on those days when inspiration is nowhere to be found. Bonus: this isn’t just for social media—you can repurpose these ideas into emails, blogs, and videos, too. How monthly themes make your content easier to plan (and easier to stick with) A simple way to assign day-of-the-week prompts (Sunday Fun Day, Tip Tuesday, etc.) What “content buckets/cauldrons” are, and how they stop the what do I post?! spiral How planners and pantsers show up in marketing… and how to support both styles The quick repurposing move: post → email → blog → video Monthly themes like: planning, sales sheets/blurbs, birthday bash, anniversaries Weekly prompts like: Social Sunday, Media Kit Monday, Tip Tuesday, Testimonial Tuesday Want the two planning sheets I mention (monthly themes + content buckets/cauldrons)? Drop a 🔮 (crystal ball emoji) in the comments or send me a DM, and I’ll send them over! Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠  📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

    6 min
  4. 35: Write More, Stress Less: The Simple Intention Routine for Consistent Author Progress

    JAN 22

    35: Write More, Stress Less: The Simple Intention Routine for Consistent Author Progress

    Do you tell yourself you just need more time, more motivation, or more willpower? In this episode of Authors’ Allies, Rebecca sits down with success and personal growth coach Stacy Baxley, creator of INTENTIONAL, a simple framework that helps busy women stop living in survival mode and start designing their days with purpose. Stacy shares how her 25 years in career development shaped the tools she now teaches women—clarity, confidence, goal-setting, decision-making, self-awareness, and follow-through—using 5–10 minute daily practices that actually stick. You’ll hear how to choose a “word of the day,” identify your MVPs (Most Valuable Priorities), reframe negative thoughts, and create momentum without burnout… even if your calendar is already a trash fire. 😂📝✨ In this episode, we cover: 00:54 The Importance of Personal Connection in Coaching 01:00 Stacy's Journey to Empower Women 01:55 Designing Your Day with Purpose 06:14 The Concept of a Word of the Day 08:27 Overcoming Overwhelm with Small Habits 11:38 Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps 13:47 Tracking Progress and Reflection 15:10 Celebrating Small Wins 16:32 The Limitations of Vision Boards 17:56 Finding What Works for You 19:54 The Importance of Accountability 20:57 Habit Stacking for Success 24:59 Prioritizing Tasks Effectively 30:12 Creative Energy for Authors 32:26 Taking Baby Steps Towards Goals 33:33 Where to Find More Tips and Resources RESOURCES:  ➡️ Grab Stacy’s Note Card Guide + program info:  https://stacy-baxley-healthy-habits-inside-ou.aweb.page/p/0c54c1aa-b26d-4cd0-af69-275cb1a83935 Stacy’s Journal on Amazon: https://amzn.to/45V6jwz You might also consider  Eat That Frog https://amzn.to/4pOpu2f Atomic Habits https://amzn.to/49PBeLX And, if you’d like my class on finding your best energy times: https://payhip.com/b/t0nhG Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠  📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠  Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.  #authorsallies  #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies #habits #habitstacking

    42 min
  5. 34: How Authors Get Booked on Podcasts (and What Gets You Deleted Fast)

    JAN 15

    34: How Authors Get Booked on Podcasts (and What Gets You Deleted Fast)

    Want more visibility without living on social media? Podcast guesting is one of the fastest ways for authors to grow an audience, build trust, and increase book sales… by borrowing other people’s audiences. 📚💫 In this episode, Rebecca breaks down how to find the right podcasts, how to get chosen as a guest (without landing in File 13 🗑️😂), and how to show up like a pro so you get invited back again and again. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Podcast Guesting 01:01 Finding the Right Podcasts 03:53 Getting Chosen as a Guest 06:11 Preparing for Your Podcast Appearance 09:59 Recording and Promoting Your Episode 11:25 Action Plan for Podcast Guesting Quick Action Plan Make a list of 10 dream podcasts Listen to 2 episodes each + read the show notes Prep your assets folder (bio, photos, links, freebie) Apply consistently—start with one per week Promote every episode like you mean it Resources: Podmatch for getting hooked up with podcasters. https://joinpodmatch.com/rpaciorek Monitor clip for filtering glare on glasses: https://amzn.to/45LuWM5 Our blog about podcast guesting.https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/post/why-authors-should-get-on-podcasts Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ ⁠https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/⁠  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ ⁠https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook⁠  📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠ Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you. #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies

    13 min
  6. 33: Author's Guide to Goal Setting: Make Your Year Count

    JAN 8

    33: Author's Guide to Goal Setting: Make Your Year Count

    In this episode of the Authors Allies podcast, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek discusses effective annual planning and goal setting for authors. She emphasizes the importance of finding a planning tool that works for the individual, whether it be a vision board, bingo board, or a word of the year. The conversation covers the significance of reflecting on the past year, experimenting with different planning styles, and creating a loose plan to achieve writing goals. Ultimately, the episode encourages authors to embrace flexibility and creativity in their planning process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Annual Planning for Authors 02:04 Understanding Different Planning Styles 03:39 Reflecting on the Past Year 04:35 Creating Vision Boards and Bingo Boards 06:56 Choosing a Word of the Year 08:20 Converting Dreams into a Loose Plan 10:16 Finding the Right Tools for You 12:09 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Get the notes/worksheets HERE. Follow Stacy Baxley, coming guest, HERE. Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠ https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠ https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook📧 Email us: info@authorsallies.com⁠⁠Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks. 😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you. #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies

    14 min
  7. 32: Book Marketing Predictions 2026

    JAN 1

    32: Book Marketing Predictions 2026

    In this episode of Authors Allies, Rebecca Paciorek discusses the evolving landscape of book marketing for 2026. She emphasizes the importance of authors transitioning from merely launching books to establishing themselves as media brands. Key predictions include the rise of direct sales, the significance of newsletters, the emergence of micro communities, and the integration of AI as a marketing co-pilot. Rebecca also provides actionable steps for authors to implement these strategies effectively, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to building an author ecosystem. Takeaways 2026 is the year that authors fully behave like media brands.Direct sales and book extra bundles will be where the real money is.Micro communities are going to beat that broad reach.AI is going to become your marketing co-pilot.Video first podcasts can become evergreen discovery machines.Hybrid launches are becoming the norm.Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠  https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/ Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠  https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook 📧  Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠ Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.  😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/ 📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5 Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.  #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies

    11 min
  8. 31: Twelve Marketing Rituals Every Indie Author Should Do Before 2026

    12/18/2025

    31: Twelve Marketing Rituals Every Indie Author Should Do Before 2026

    In this episode of the Authors Allies podcast, Rebecca Hallbach Paciorek introduces the 'Ink and Intention' initiative, designed to help indie authors prepare for a successful 2026. The conversation covers 12 days of actionable steps that focus on setting intentions, strategizing marketing efforts, building an author platform, and fostering community support. Each day offers practical advice to reconnect with one's writing purpose and enhance visibility in the literary world. Takeaways Reconnect with your inner voice and vision for writing. Set intentions for your writing journey in 2026. Plan your promotions around your energy and health. Update your author bio and media kit for better outreach. Revive your email list for consistent engagement. Choose one social media platform to focus on. Schedule local events for authentic connections. Join a supportive community of fellow authors. Progress over perfection: take it one step at a time. Utilize the 12 days of Ink and Intention for clarity and focus. Get a printout of the 12 Days checklist HERE. Join the RoundTable: Want help planning your next magical marketing move? Join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable, where indie authors brainstorm, collaborate, and make book marketing fun again. Authors’ Allies⁠ RoundTable⁠ can be found on our ⁠website.⁠  https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/ Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that⁠ ⁠HERE.⁠⁠  https://mailchi.mp/15e024a36fd4/marketingplanebook 📧  Email us: info@authorsallies.com ⁠⁠ Follow us on the⁠⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.  😀📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/ 📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blue_dot_digital/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorek  Would you like to apply to be a guest on the show? Go here to fill out the application. https://forms.gle/p7aNuDbLd49t1EPz5 Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE. I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.  #author #indieauthor #selfpublishing #authorsallies

    11 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

For the past decade, I've worked closely with authors and noticed that independent authors often struggle to get exposure compared to traditionally published authors. This led me to start the Authors Allies Roundtable, a membership designed to help indie authors build their marketing skills piece by piece. From Facebook vlog to here, Books and Brew is now the Authors' Allies podcast, we'll be sharing tips and tricks for book promotion and interviewing talented authors. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media. #books #coffee #indieauthor #author #bookmarketing #authorsallies