The Author Wheel Podcast The Author Wheel

We're entering a new era for the indie author...

In the last few years we've once more seen seismic shifts in the self-publishing industry. 
No one understands that better than author consultant Joe Solari, who recently took the reins of what was once the 20Books to 50k conference. Rebranding under the Author Nation banner, Joe has been on the front lines, helping authors marry their artistic dreams with concrete business goals. 

In this interview, we dive deep into the history of 20Books, the changes that are coming with Author Nation, and how Joe hopes to grow regional support around the largest author conference in the country. 

Joe Solari is a consultant for authors and publishers, known for his experience in business ownership, private equity, and fundraising. He holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Since 2016, he has been helping authors navigate the complexities of the publishing market and has written guides for this purpose. He the Managing Director of the Author Nation Conference and Co-founder of Cybercraft Studios.

Joe Solari
Website:  https://www.authornation.live/2024tickets
Twitter: https://twitter.com/author_nation
Instagram: @author.nation
Facebook: @authornationevents
TikTok: @author.nation

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

*****

Thank you to our Sponsor
Many thanks go out to this week's sponsor, Stanley B. Trice. Check out his novel High School Rocket Science for Extraterrestrial Use Only on his website at https://stanleybtrice.com/.

⭐️ SUPPORT THE SHOW ⭐️
If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show by clicking the link below! Your contribution helps us cover the ongoing expenses—like hosting and editing—that are critical to the creation of this podcast. Plus, you'll get a shout out on air and in the show note
The Happy Writer with Marissa MeyerAuthors, from debuts to bestsellers, chat about books, writing, publishing, and joy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Support the Show.
FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.
7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.
Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.
Click here to learn more!

Want to create deeper, more three-dimensional characters?

Today's quick tips are geared to help you do just that.

Tip #1: Use the Enneagram to understand your character's motivations, fears, and desires. Make sure this stays consistent throughout your story.

Tip #2: Give your character a flaw or a quirk. Make it a visual representation of their internal story arc for extra depth and development.

If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider supporting the show. For a few dollars a month, you can help us cover the ongoing expenses—like hosting and editing—that are critical to the creation of this podcast. Plus, supporters will be thanked on each interview episode, so you'll get to hear your name on the air!

Click here to become a paid subscriber and support the show!

Another great way to support the show is to leave a five star review and share it with a writer friend. We don't advertise, so our growth is entirely dependent on word of mouth.

We appreciate your generous help!

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell
Support the Show.
FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.
7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.
Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.
Click here to learn more!

From a family band to scriptwriting to romance novels and teaching...

Ines Johnson joins us on the show this week to talk about understanding the market and finding your place in the trends. She's a master at finding patterns and applies that skill to the art of storytelling while meeting reader needs. Lucky for us, she's also a teacher at heart. This episode is a masterclass for writers at every stage.

Lover of fairytales, folklore, and mythology, Ines Johnson spends her days reimagining the stories of old in a modern world. She writes books where damsels cause the distress, princesses wield swords, and moms save the world.

Aside from being a writer, professional reader, and teacher, Ines is a very bad Buddhist. She sits in sangha each week, and while others are meditating and getting their zen on, she’s contemplating how to use the teachings to strengthen her plots and character motivations.

Discover how to strike the perfect balance between art and commerce, and learn why understanding your audience's desires is crucial to penning a story that resonates.

Follow Us!

Ines Johnson
Website:  http://www.ineswrites.com/

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

*****

Thank you to our Sponsor
Many thanks go out to this week's sponsor, The Indy Author Matty Dalrymple. If you're interested in starting a podcast or improving your podcasting skills, her new Pod Pro Author Coaching service is a must!

⭐️ SUPPORT THE SHOW ⭐️
If you're enjoying The Author Wheel Podcast, please consider supporting the show by clicking the link below! Your contribution helps us cover the ongoing expenses—like hosting and editing—that are critical to the creation of this podcast. Plus, you'll get a shout out on air and in the show notes!


The Happy Writer with Marissa MeyerAuthors, from debuts to bestsellers, chat about books, writing, publishing, and joy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Support the Show.
FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.
7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.
Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.
Click here to learn more!

How do you research your novel? How do you avoid procrastinating via research?

In this week's Quick Tips we're tackling the pre-planning journey of research.

Tip 1: Set limits, create deadlines, and use timers.

Tip 2: Understand the type of research you need. Is it traditional, freeform, or experiential? Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so know what you're doing before you fall down that rabbit hole.

If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider supporting the show. For a few dollars a month, you can help us cover the ongoing expenses—like hosting and editing—that are critical to the creation of this podcast. Plus, supporters will be thanked on each episode, so you'll get to hear your name on the air!

Click here to become a paid subscriber and support the show!

Another great way to support the show is to leave a five star review and share it with a writer friend. We don't advertise, so our growth is entirely dependent on word of mouth.

We appreciate your generous help!

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell
Support the Show.
FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.
7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.
Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.
Click here to learn more!

The new digital-first traditional publisher...

It's been awhile since we talked about the differences, pros and cons of traditional versus indie publishing.

As our tagline says, "We believe there's no single right way to produce, publish, or promote your writing, only what works for you!"

Which is why we're excited to have Stephanie Carey on the show. Steph is the Commissioning Editor at Joffe Books, one of the UK's leading independent publishers of commercial fiction, and they’re currently looking to expand further into the American thriller/suspense market.

We met Stephanie at the 20Books to 50K conference in Vegas last November, and really enjoyed our conversations. We always think it’s a good idea to learn about all of the publishing options, and Joffe has been on the cutting edge of the NEW digital-first traditional publishing space. Both indie and traditional authors will learn a lot from this one!

The indie publishing landscape can feel like untamed wilderness, but Stephanie reveals how Joffe provides a collaborative yet hands-on approach, giving authors the reins over editorial decisions and cover art. This blend of control and support could be the nurturing ground needed for authors to flourish long-term.

If pitching publishers is on your horizon, Stephanie has advice on how to query, what to do, and better yet, what NOT to do as you seek a contract.

THIS WEEK'S SUBSCRIBER SPONSOR
Many thanks to The Indy Author, Maddy Dalrymple, for becoming a subscriber and sponsoring the show. Take a listen to the Indy Author Podcast and learn more about Podcasting for Authors.

Follow Us!

Stephanie Carey
Website: https://joffebooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephMCarey

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell

The Last Descendant Special Edition Kickstarter Campaign

The Happy Writer with Marissa MeyerAuthors, from debuts to bestsellers, chat about books, writing, publishing, and joy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Support the Show.
FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.
7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.
Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.
Click here to learn more!

Ever felt like your creative well has run dry?

In this week's Quick Tips we're tackling brainstorming and writing creativity.

Tip 1: You are what you eat so consume good content.

Tip 2: Capture and expand on your ideas. 

If you’re enjoying this podcast, please consider supporting the show. For a few dollars a month, you can help us cover the ongoing expenses—like hosting and editing—that are critical to the creation of this podcast. Plus, supporters will be thanked on each episode, so you'll get to hear your name on the air!

Click here to become a paid subscriber and support the show!

Another great way to support the show is to leave a five star review and share it with a writer friend. We don't advertise, so our growth is entirely dependent on word of mouth.

We appreciate your generous help!

Follow Us!

The Author Wheel:
Website: www.AuthorWheel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWheel

Greta Boris:
Website: www.GretaBoris.com
Facebook: @GretaBorisAuthor
Instagram: @GretaBoris

Megan Haskell:
Website: www.MeganHaskell.com
Facebook & Instagram: @MeganHaskellAuthor
TikTok: @AuthorMeganHaskell
Support the Show.
FREE Mini Email Course

Have you ever struggled to explain to others exactly what you write? Or wondered which of the many fiction ideas running through your brain you should tackle? If so, The Author Wheel’s new mini-course might be your solution.
7 Days to Clarity: Uncover Your Author Purpose will help you uncover your core writing motivations, avoid shiny-thing syndrome, and create clear marketing language.
Each daily email will lead you step by step in defining your author brand, crafting a mission statement, and distilling that statement into a pithy tagline. And, best of all, it’s free.
Click here to learn more!