Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview authors about lessons they've learned about writing and publishing.
Episodes
318 episodes
Jami and Sara on State of the Industry
In this supporter-exclusive chat, we talk about marketing and the state of the author community. Using Written Word Media’s yearly author survey as a jumping off point, we discuss:What’s working for marketingMarketing spend...
Subscriber Episode
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33:55
2025: Year in Review for Authors - Part II
298 / We continue our discussion about what’s working in the indie author space. We join Douglas Pratt and Nicholas Harvey and share insights on navigating newsletter platforms, maximizing translations, and adapting to the changes in audiobooks...
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Episode 298
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48:31
2025: Year in Review for Authors - Part I
297 / How are authors adapting in 2025's changing publishing world? Sara Rosett, Jami Albright, Nicholas Harvey, and Douglas Pratt share lessons learned, trends they’re seeing, and practical strategies from their own writing careers.
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Episode 297
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52:07
Crafting Irresistible Book Pages Readers and Bots Love with Thomas Umstattd Jr.
296 / Do you want to leverage your author website, use AI tools efficiently, and prune your tasks strategically so you can sell more books and focus your creative energy where it counts? Thomas Umstattd Jr. shares insights on optimi...
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Episode 296
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1:10:07
Matthew J. Holmes on Building a Sustainable Author Business (Even If You Write Slowly)
295 / Curious how authors can build thriving, sustainable careers—even without rapid releases or a huge backlist? Matthew J. Holmes shares how he transformed his wife’s books into a six-figure business, the realities of book adverti...
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Episode 295
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41:50
Ads with Matt J. Holmes Supporter Chat
In this supporter-exclusive chat, we continue our conversation with Matt Holmes, diving into more ad- and business-related topics including: TrendsAI in adsAd spend percentagesRead-through
Subscriber Episode
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21:10
Bart Baker on Pitching Your Book to Hollywood
294 / Do you want to pitch your book to Hollywood? Screenwriter, playwright, and novelist Bart Baker shares how authors can position their books for adaptations. He also gives us the story behind Honeymoon With Harry, a movie deal twen...
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Episode 294
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1:00:19
Behind the Scenes at Author Nation 2025: Take-aways, Vendor Interviews, and Vegas Stories
293 / Curious about how conferences can spark inspiration, build connections, and transform your author business? We recap our experiences at Author Nation, share some lessons learned, and highlight community connection possibilities....
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Episode 293
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34:15
Conquering Mindset Blocks and Making Real Writing Progress with Developmental Editor Sarah Elle
292 / Are you curious about when to work with a developmental editor, how to get unstuck in your manuscript, and what actually helps authors succeed for the long haul? Editor and book coach Sarah Elle shares insights on the editing ...
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Episode 292
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31:51
Becca Syme on Dealing with Change
291 / Are you struggling to navigate burnout, industry shifts, or simply want to future-proof your writing career? Becca Syme returns to share lessons from her own journey with burnout, sustainable author success, plus actionable ad...
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Episode 291
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47:21
Lee Savino and Russell Nohelty on Thriving During Change, Collaboration, and Repurposing Your Backlist (Part II)
290 / If you missed the first part of our interview with Lee and Russell, scroll back to the previous episode in your podcast feed and catch up. Part II of our conversation with Russell and Lee continues in this episode as we talk about money m...
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Episode 290
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37:01
Highlight Reel: Supporter Episode - Jami and Sara on Symbolism ❤️ 🗝️ 🔮 ⚔️ 🪐
Did you know we have a supporter episode out? This short highlight reel gives you a preview of our chat about symbolism. From Pride and Prejudice to Monk, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how symbols can deepe...
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2:50
Lee Savino and Russell Nohelty on Thriving During Change, Collaboration, and Repurposing Your Backlist (Part I)
289 / Are you struggling to find ease, joy, and sustainability in your writing career as the industry keeps evolving? Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling ...
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Episode 289
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39:53
Supporter Episode: Jami and Sara on Symbolism ❤️ 🗝️ 🔮 ⚔️ 🪐
In this supporter-exclusive chat, we talk about symbolism. From Pride and Prejudice to Monk, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how symbols can deepen your stories. Different typesHow ...
Subscriber Episode
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23:45
Action Thrillers and Writing Fast with Douglas Pratt
288 / Have you ever wondered how to build a writing career that’s both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable in today’s fast-changing publishing world?Douglas Pratt shares the real markers of success, tips on seeking feedback...
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Episode 288
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46:56
Jeré Anthony on ADHD, Writing Struggles, and Embracing Creative Chaos
287 / Bestselling rom-com author Jeré Anthony shares about embracing your unique voice, the power of niche marketing, and why your book shouldn’t be for everyone. We tackled topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance o...
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Episode 287
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53:02
Soundtracks for Books and Fantasy Worldbuilding with Richie Billing
286 / What happens when a fantasy author brings a soundtrack to storytelling—and what can writers and readers learn from merging music, world-building, and social themes? Richie Billing shares his innovative journey blending origina...
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Episode 286
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42:00
Changing Genres with Fiona Maren (New Author Series)
285 / Are you curious about how to move to a new genre? Fiona Marin shares her experiences switching from traditionally published middle grade to indie contemporary romance and the marketing strategies that have helped grow her readership.<...
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Episode 285
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41:13
How to Research, Writing the Book That Only You Can Write, and Print Photo Books with John Gaspard
283 / Curious about how to create a one-of-a-kind book that only you can write? John Gaspard joins the show to discuss his latest passion project, a photo-rich, locally inspired book, and sharing lessons learned.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingr...
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Episode 284
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44:51
Jill Shalvis on Going Indie
283 / Have you ever wondered how to have a joy-filled writing career, especially when the publishing landscape is always changing? Jill Shalvis discusses her transition from traditional publishing to indie, what success means to her, and ...
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Episode 283
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35:31
Sara and Jami on Why You Should Go to a Writing Conference or Retreat
282 / Are you curious how in-person events and writing retreats can transform your writing journey, expand your community, and inspire new connections? Jami Albright and Sara Rosett dive into the benefits of stepping out of the writ...
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Episode 282
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25:59
Middle Grade Books with Shannon Lynn (New Author series)
281 / Shannon Lynn, middle grade sci-fi author and educator, shares how she found time to write while working full time, insight on launching your first book, and small marketing steps that add up over time. Balances a day job ...
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Episode 281
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44:14
Pinterest for Authors with Melissa Bourbon
280 / Melissa Bourbon, multi-series mystery shares how she leverages Pinterest to find readers and sell books. Trusting your intuition and staying true to your creative vision Rethinking Social Media and Emb...
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Episode 280
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49:52
Ember Scott on Writing Thrillers and IP Estate Planning
279 / Ember Scott, multi-genre author (also writing as MJ Caan), shares his journey from the medical field to full-time indie author and unpacks how he successfully transitioned across genres and managed his author IP. Finding ...
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Episode 279
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48:47
Stephanie Faris on Steamy Instalove Shorts, Sweet Romance, and Dictation
278 / Stephanie Farris, bestselling romance author, pivoted between genres and platforms, and found her stride with short, market-savvy romance fiction. She shares how she moved from traditional publishing to indie success and details her appro...
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Episode 278
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42:55