The WisMissus Podcast: Reading, Writing, & Roaming around Wisconsin, the Midwest, & Beyond

Valerie Biel & TK Sheffield

Welcome to the WisMissus Podcast: Reading, Writing & Roaming around Wisconsin, the Midwest, & Beyond. This is a podcast for authors by authors Valerie Biel & TK Sheffield! (And also for readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join us as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

  1. Season 3 - Episode 5: Audiobook Production

    May 22

    Season 3 - Episode 5: Audiobook Production

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.) Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. In Episode 3, our main topic was utilizing literary tropes in your work. Episode 4 covers how to build your fan base with an email subscriber list and a newsletter. And in this episode we’re diving into audiobook production. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 5 In this episode, we explore the how we’ve created audiobooks and the other methods available to us now, including voice replication using your own voice. Interesting topic! Here are links to the things we mention in this podcast. BOOKS MENTIONED: * Runebreaker by Mila Finch * Deepest Secrets by Tracey S. Phillips (will be released in June) * The Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Series by Sheila Lowe Audiobook production links: * How to claim your titles on ACX * Eleven Labs * INAudio (formerly Findaway Voices.) * The Best Audiobook Production Services in 2026 - Reedsy Article * Hindenburg Pro - Audio editing software * Audible’s New Royalty Model - Publishers Weekly Article And ongoing help on TikTok: * TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur * TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog * How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog * TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok * Jackson’s Tips on TikTok * ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account) * And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments! TIMING NOTES: We discuss what we’re reading and writing and where we’re roaming first. The audiobook topic starts at 19:20. OTHER RESOURCES: Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It? Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there. See you in June! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    44 min
  2. Season 3 - Episode 4: Email Subscribers and Newsletters

    Apr 17

    Season 3 - Episode 4: Email Subscribers and Newsletters

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.) Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. In Episode 3, our main topic was utilizing literary tropes in your work. This episode shifts over to how you can build your fan base with an email subscriber list and a newsletter. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 4 In this episode, we explore the importance of having an email sign-up system as well as how to approach developing the newsletter that you send out to fans of your writing. Here are links to the things we mention in this podcast. BOOKS MENTIONED: * The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey * Still True by Maggie Ginsberg * The Claudia Rose Forensic Handwriting Series by Sheila Lowe Screenwriting Resources: * Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium * The Storyfarm located in Wisconsin * International Screenwriters Association * Bottle Shock, a (mostly) true story about the development of the California wine industry: how it began, and how it shocked the industry during the “Judgment of Paris” Chardonnay tasting in France in 1976. Email sign-up systems and newsletter article links: * Jane Friedman email list for authors, updated. * Why Every Writer Needs an Email List - Jeff Goins * Why Every Author Needs More Than One Reader Magnet - Book Funnel Blog * Dan Blank - talks about communicating authentically as you build your audience * How to Build a Powerful Email List - from Sandra Beckwith at Build Book Buzz And ongoing help on TikTok: * TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur * TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog * How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog * TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok * Jackson’s Tips on TikTok * ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account) * And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments! TIMING NOTES: We begin with a discussion about the Wisconsin Screenwriting Symposium that T.K. recently attended. We discuss what we’re reading beginning at 12:00 — this includes a reader question for you all that you can answer in the comments if you like. A quick chat about TikTok at 20:30. We jump into the main topic of email list building and newsletters at 21:30. OTHER RESOURCES: Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It? Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there. See you in May! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    44 min
  3. Season 3 - Episode 3: All About Tropes and a TikTok Update

    Mar 20

    Season 3 - Episode 3: All About Tropes and a TikTok Update

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.) Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help in Season 3: Episode 1 & Episode 2. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 3 In this episode, we talk about tropes, those recurring plot device, incidents, and character types we see over and over again. We talk about the comfort of using and reading these familiar types of frameworks, but emphasize the importance of twisting them a little to make them uniquely yours. Here are links to help you out with tropes along with a few books / resources we mention: PODCAST MENTIONED: The S**t No One Tells You About Writing BOOKS MENTIONED: * The Breakfast Jury by Ken Humphrey * Death Takes a Knight by Sharon Lynn TROPE ARTICLE LINKS: * Top Tropes in Lit. * Powerful Romance Tropes * The Trope Thesaurus * Tropes in Literature And ongoing help on TikTok: * TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur * TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog * How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog * TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok * Jackson’s Tips on TikTok * ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account) * And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments! TIMING NOTES: Our reading writing and roaming chit chat from the beginning until 27:20, when we begin our trope discussion, then at 45:00 we start a brief update on TikTok. OTHER RESOURCES: Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It? Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there. See you in April! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    51 min

  4. Feb 13

    Season 3 - Episode 2: TikTok Set Up Continues

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.) Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 2 In this episode, Valerie continues her initial TikTok journey with T.K.’s help . . . learning to post her first video. Here are links to help you out with your TikTok journey. * TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur * TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog * How to Promote Your Book on TikTok from the BookBub Partners Blog * TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok * Jackson’s Tips on TikTok * ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account) * And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments! TIMING NOTES: As this is a continuation of our previous podcast (Season 3 - Episode 1), we dispense with the chit chat on what we’re reading, where we’ve been roaming, and jump right into the TikTok tutorial. This is going to be best watched on video versus just listening to see the screen view. OTHER RESOURCES: Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It? Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! And don’t forget to drop your TikTok handle in the comments so we can find you over there. See you in March! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    22 min

  5. Jan 23

    Season 3 - Episode 1: TikTok Here We Come.

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue.) Now, in 2026 we’re starting off with how to get started on TikTok. T.K.’s been on this platform for a while, but Valerie’s been avoiding it. So come along for the ride as Valerie finally dives into TikTok with T.K.’s help. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON THREE: EPISODE 1 In this episode, T.K. helps Valerie set up her TikTok profile and gives advice on how to get started on this platform. Here are links to help you out with your TikTok journey. * TikTok for Authors: The Ultimate Guide - from Kindlepreneur * TikTok trends for authors from the Urban Writers blog * TK Sheffield_Books on TikTok * Jackson’s Tips on TikTok * ValerieBiel_Books (Val’s new account) * And don’t forget — drop us your TikTok handle in the comments! TIMING NOTES: We begin with chit chat on what we’re reading, where we’ve been roaming, and what we’ve been writing. At 17:50 we dive into setting up Valerie’s TikTok. This is going to be best watched on video versus just listening to see the screen view. Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing Our most popular podcast of 2025: Hybrid Publishing: What Exactly Is It? FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE: Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! See you in February! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    31 min
  6. 2025 Gratefulness List and Top Gifts for Writers

    12/12/2025

    2025 Gratefulness List and Top Gifts for Writers

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we focused on the process of indie/self publishing from getting started, to how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (We took a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing and discussed ways to repurpose content you’ve already created to increase revenue. Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 10 In this episode, we each give our ‘best of the year’ list — the people, places, events and more that made 2025 a great year. And it’s not too late to shop for the writer in your life with our gift list. Here are links to places / items / websites mentioned in this episode: * Wispresso Café - hosted by T.K. and this December 13 special guests are Valerie Biel & Christy Wopat. * 48 Hour Book Printing - where T.K. is getting her gorgeous special editions printed. * Literatus & Co., Watertown, Wis. * Lakeside Books, Lake Geneva * This & That at the Mill Boutique, Genesee Depot, Wis. * Dansko Shoes, employee-owned professional clogs * Book Vases * Wisconsin Writers Association: Give a Membership or Critique Group * Steelcase chair* (the one Valerie loves.) * The Emotion Thesaurus* series of books (Valerie uses the first one — the Emotion Thesaurus and the Emotional Wound Thesaurus regularly. TIMING NOTES: We begin with chit chat on what we’re reading, where we’ve been roaming, and what we’ve been writing. At 14:40 we list the best things from our year and at 28:41 we give gift ideas for writers. Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE: Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice *NOTE: These two are Valerie’s Amazon affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, Valerie makes a little bit of money if you use this link to purchase something. Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! See you in 2026! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    39 min
  7. Work Smarter, Not Harder

    11/14/2025

    Work Smarter, Not Harder

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.) Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 9 In this episode, we’re talking about the ways you can repurpose content you’ve already created, along with the potential to create companion products. Some of the things we talk about in this episode: * all the formats for delivering your story to readers * special products like limited edition hardcovers * utilizing book content on social media or to entice email subscribers * companion products like workbooks, cookbooks, and more that fit with your book content TIMING NOTES: We begin with chit chat on what we’re reading, where we’ve been roaming, and what we’ve been writing. At 19:20 we begin our talk on today’s topic. Resources / Links Mentioned: How to Claim Your Title on ACX (for audiobook creation) Screenwriting Symposium - Madison, WI - April 10-12, 2026 Wispresso Café Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE: Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. (And if you have other ideas for ways to utilize your creative content!) We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! See you in December! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    56 min

  8. 10/24/2025

    Book Marketing Part 2

    This is a podcast for authors by authors! (And also readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join Valerie Biel and T.K. (Tracey) Sheffield as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Our inaugural year, 2024, had 10 episodes on topics like agent searching (episode 1), indie vs traditional publishing (episode 4), book launch basics (this episode), helpful writing conferences (episode 2), why we write what we write (episode 3) and our last episode listing our angels and assets of 2024. In 2025, we are focusing on the process of indie/self publishing. We’ll walk through getting started, along with how to approach the tasks indie publishing requires—reviews, editing, formatting, cover design, marketing and more!! (And take a deep dive into defining hybrid publishing.) Thanks for reading Reading, Writing, & Roaming with Author Valerie Biel! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ABOUT US—YOUR PODCAST HOSTS: Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. ABOUT SEASON TWO: EPISODE 8 In this episode, we’re talking about post-launch marketing and beyond—even well beyond your launch year. (This is part 2 of the marketing discussion. In part 1, we covered prelaunch marketing and book release celebrations.) Some of the things we talk about in this episode: * Social Media efforts * Advertising on BookBub, Facebook, and Amazon * Promo Stacking * Library and bookstore efforts and more! * How award contests can fit into your marketing plan TIMING NOTES: We begin with chit chat At 10 minutes, we talk about what we’re reading . . . we’re both raving about Overruled by Christy Wopat (release date 11/11/25), Dying Cry by Margaret Mizushima, and the latest installment in Sherrill Joseph’s Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries — Macadamia Street: Hidden Skeleton. At the 15-minute mark we discuss roaming and at 16:45 we talk about roaming, mostly of the bookish variety. The book marketing discussion begins at the 20-minute mark if you want to avoid all our fluffy fluffiness! (But you’ll miss a lot of fun if you do that — just sayin’.) Resources / Links Mentioned: Advertising Your Books — Part One: BookBub Ads Advertising Your Books — Part Two: Facebook Ads Advertising Your Books — Part Three: Amazon Ads Promo Stacking Explained Our most popular podcast of 2024: Traditional vs Independent Publishing FOR INDIE PUBLISHING ADVICE / ASSISTANCE: Val’s Substack — Full of indie publishing advice Send Us Your Questions in the Comments! Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have questions about any of the topics we’ve covered. We’re happy to answer questions directly to you via email and in subsequent episodes to help everyone! See you in November! - Valerie & T.K. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

    46 min
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About

Welcome to the WisMissus Podcast: Reading, Writing & Roaming around Wisconsin, the Midwest, & Beyond. This is a podcast for authors by authors Valerie Biel & TK Sheffield! (And also for readers who want the scoop on what authors are REALLY thinking.) Join us as we share topics to help our fellow writers as well as fun tidbits on what we’re reading and where we’re roaming. Valerie Biel is the author of the award-winning Circle of Nine series and mystery-suspense novel, Beyond the Cemetery Gate, and middle-grade novel, Haven. She’s also a publicity professional who aids other authors with their book launches and marketing. You can find her here on Substack at Reading, Writing, & Roaming or at ValerieBiel.com. Tracey writes stories for readers who want to laugh and escape. She is the author of the award-winning Backyard Model comic culinary cozy mysteries, and other feel-good humorous books. She is found at her website, T.K. Sheffield Writes, and her Instagram, The Backyard Model. readingwritingandroaming.substack.com

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