The Written Word Podcast

Readers are increasingly using AI to find their next book, and if your title isn't showing up in ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, you're missing a growing discovery channel. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down exactly how the three major AI engines find and recommend books, why most indie authors are invisible to them right now, and what you can do about it.What you’ll learn:The difference between SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and why it matters for book discoverabilityWhy Gemini is the most actionable AI engine for authors, and the one Google Play trick that KDP Select authors can use without violating termsThe critical 10% preview rule: how to get your KU book into the Google Books ecosystem without losing your Amazon exclusivityWhy ChatGPT and Claude favor books that look traditionally published, and how indie authors can mimic that signalThe FAQ strategy: one simple addition to your book page that makes it dramatically easier for AI to recommend your titleHow Reddit and YouTube factor into AI book discovery, and how to approach both without getting banned or ignoredA difficulty-ranked to-do list: from easy wins you can do today to advanced moves worth investing inWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Getting local press coverage can feel like shouting into a void, but what if you knew exactly what editors were looking for?In this episode, Ricci sits down with Rory Gillis, owner of Triangle Media Partners and publisher of several regional magazines including Chapel Hill Magazine, Durham Magazine, Heart of NC Weddings, and The Triangle Weekender. Rory pulls back the curtain on how local publications actually decide what to cover and gives indie authors a clear, actionable roadmap for getting featured.In this episode, you'll learn:How local editors source stories and what makes a pitch rise to the top of a very full inboxWhy editorial themes and calendars are your secret weapon — and how to find them on any publication's websiteWhat to include in your pitch package to make an editor's job as easy as possibleWhy your book launch isn't the only hook — and how to pitch a book that came out years agoThe power of the byline: how pitching yourself as a columnist can open the door to book coverageWhy "polite persistence" is not annoying — it's expected (and sometimes pays off two years later!)The no-nos that instantly tank your pitch, straight from the editors themselvesWhat one author did to get featured that Rory still remembers years laterRory's step-by-step action item checklist for authors ready to pursue local pressWhether you're in a major metro or a small town, your local media landscape is full of opportunities. This episode will help you find them and pitch them the right way.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

KU or wide? It's the great debate of indie publishing — and it usually generates more opinions than answers.In this episode, Ricci and Ferol cut through the noise and break down exactly how both paths work, backed by real data from Written Word Media's 2025 author survey. They walk through the mechanics of KDP Select, how Kindle Unlimited page reads and payouts actually work, what the January 2026 global fund number ($62.2 million) means for exclusive authors, and what going wide really looks like in practice — from managing multiple platforms to choosing between distributors. Spoiler: 38% of authors are all-in on Amazon, 30% are fully wide, and 32% are somewhere in between. There's no universal right answer, but there is a smarter way to figure out what works for you.What you'll learn:How KDP and KDP Select actually work — and why it's really just a 90-day commitmentThe real trade-offs of Kindle Unlimited, including page read payouts (KENP), countdown deals, and free promo daysWhy the KDP Select global fund has grown from $2.5M (2014) to $62.2M (January 2026)What "going wide" actually looks like and how to manage multiple platformsDraft2Digital vs. PublishDrive — which distributor model makes sense for your businessWhat our 2025 author survey data says about what authors are actually choosingWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this data-packed episode, Ricci and Ferol dive into the results of Written Word Media's brand-new reader survey with nearly 3,000 responses from across all five brands. This isn't recycled industry advice or third-party reports - it's fresh, empirical data straight from the voracious readers who matter most to indie authors. Together, they unpack surprising stats about reader volume, discovery channels, and what readers genuinely want from the authors they love. From the shocking percentage of readers consuming 100+ books per year to the personal details readers crave (hint: pets came up a lot!), this episode delivers actionable insights that will transform how you think about book marketing, reader connection, and building your author platform in 2026.You'll Learn:Why 31% of readers consume over 100 books per year - and what this means for your marketing strategyThe 80% loyalty rule that changes everything about free book promotions and first-in-series launchesWhere readers actually discover books in 2026 (Amazon and email newsletters still dominate, but there are surprises)Why social media advertising isn't resonating with readers - and what they're seeking insteadThe truth about AI for book discovery: readers aren't using it and don't want toWhat readers genuinely want to know about you as an author - from pets to vacations (but skip the politics!)How readers track their reading habits, including the surprisingly popular pen-and-paper methodWhether you're launching your first book or optimizing your author platform, these insights will help you connect more authentically with readers and make smarter marketing decisions. The data proves it: books are still magic, and millions of readers are out there actively looking for their next favorite author.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

It's December which means it’s also trends season – you’ve probably received your Spotify wrapped as well as a wrapped from almost every other app you have! With that spirit, Ferol and Ricci kick off their annual predictions episode by diving into the first three of five major themes that will shape the publishing landscape in 2026. Drawing from industry insights, customer feedback, and broader cultural trends, they explore how trust, reader experience, and connection will define the coming year for authors. This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering 2026 trends for indie authors and you’ll be sure to walk away with a few things to reflect on while also feeling a bit more confident about what the future holds.You'll learn:Trust is the new currency — Scam complaints are up 100% since 2023, and authors need to focus on building deeper trust with readers beyond email lists and be cautious with new service providersNew legitimate companies will launch quickly — AI makes it easy to spin up author services, but many will disappear just as fast due to limited funding or lack of staying powerBook-themed travel and literary tourism are growing — Readers want to visit settings from their favorite books, stay in book-themed vacation rentals, and attend reading retreatsBook clubs and reader communities are exploding — Silent Book Club grew from 180 chapters (2022) to 500+ chapters today; readers are craving connection in low-lift waysThe bar for creating reader connection is low — Authors can host simple 30-minute Zoom chats, AMAs, or themed discussions to build deep loyalty with minimal effortSpecial editions and collectible books are booming — Sprayed edges, foil covers, and illustrated books function as art pieces that become part of readers' identitiesAuthor swag and collectibles deepen fan connection — Stickers, special editions, and other tangible items help readers express their fandom, similar to sports memorabiliaExperiences are valued over things — The cultural shift toward prioritizing experiences is coming to book world in a major way in 2026Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ricci and Ferol break down the newest Written Word Media Author Survey, sharing what more than 1,300 authors revealed about income, catalog size, marketing tactics, and where book sales are really coming from in 2025. They discuss the continued importance of email lists, how packaging influences sales, the realities of KDP Select vs. going wide, and why more authors are exploring direct sales. The episode wraps with a look at overall author sentiment heading into the new year and the communities supporting indie writers along the way.You'll learn:Income brackets and what influences author earningsEmail list effectiveness and list size correlationMarketing tactics ranked by effectiveness (promo sites, Facebook ads, BookBub, lead magnets, etc.)Packaging: covers, editing, blurbs, and why investment mattersDirect sales: how many authors are doing it and who sees the most benefitRetailer breakdown: Amazon dominance, in-person sales surprises, Kobo/Apple performanceOverall author sentiment: hopeful, tired, motivated, overwhelmedCommunities and resources authors rely on mostWant to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this inspiring episode, Ferol sits down with Jonathan Graham, founder of Daily Courage, to explore how creatives can turn fear into fuel. Jonathan shares his journey from Silicon Valley to launching a mission-driven business dedicated to helping people remove fear as a barrier to their potential.Together, they unpack practical tools like the “fear log,” the F.A.C.T.S. framework for fact-checking fear, and the “soup list” for building confidence. Jonathan’s message is clear and empowering: courage isn’t the absence of fear - it’s the willingness to act in spite of it.You'll Learn:How to identify and label your fears so they lose their powerThe F.A.C.T.S. framework - a simple tool for checking what’s true vs. what’s fearWhy consistency builds courage faster than confidenceHow to turn fear into a creative ally instead of an obstacleWays to strengthen your “courage muscle” through small, daily actionsWhether you’re battling writer’s doubt, creative paralysis, or fear of publishing, this episode will help you reframe your relationship with fear and take your next bold step - scared, but moving forward.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

In this special live-recorded episode from Walk West’s Podcast Marathon, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon sit down with author, speaker, and executive coach Erica Rooney to talk about her journey to publishing Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floors. Erica shares why she chose the hybrid publishing route, how she secured endorsements from big names like Mel Robbins, and what it really takes to market a book once it’s out in the world.You’ll Learn:What “sticky floors” are and how they hold us backHow Erica turned her podcast themes into book chaptersThe realities of hybrid publishing - costs, timelines, and trade-offsWhy networking and self-promotion are essential to book marketingThe importance of “doing the thing that can’t be undone” when pursuing big goalsFor more strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Your email list is one of the most powerful marketing tools you’ll ever build as an author. However, getting from zero to thousands of subscribers can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Written Word Podcast, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon break down practical, proven strategies to grow your list. From adding your first 15 “friendlies” to using lead magnets, giveaways, and back-of-book signups, you’ll learn step-by-step how to start small and build momentum.We’ll cover:The best places to promote your signup linkWhy the back of your book is prime real estate for growing your listWhat list sizes correlate with real author incomeWhether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will show you how to turn your email list into a long-term asset that keeps readers coming back.Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.Copyright:© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Want to sell more books without breaking the bank? Curious which promos actually work and how to tell?Ricci Wolman, Ferol Vernon, and Emma Boyer answer the most common (and important) questions we get from authors every day.How to promote with a small budget.How to revive a backlist that’s gone quiet.What to do when Amazon throws you a curveball.You’ll walk away with clear, practical strategies for getting more eyes on your books. Whether you're just starting out or managing a full catalog, this conversation will help you take the next step.Let’s get into it.For more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Emma Boyer is back from London and joins Ferol and Ricci to share her key takeaways from the Self Publishing Show (SPS)—Europe’s biggest indie author conference. In this episode, the team breaks down what they saw, heard, and felt at SPS and what it means for indie authors in 2025.You’ll Learn:Emerging trends in streaming vs. subscription audiobook platformsHow Written Word Media supports authors exploring direct sales and new revenue streamsHow Subscriber Surge Giveaways (SSG) can grow your email list fastTips on budgeting for book promotions that actually move the needleFeatured Guest:Emma Boyer, VP of Digital Operations and Author Relations at Written Word MediaFor more tips, tools, and strategies to grow your author career, visit writtenwordmedia.com.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a fellow author and leave us a review. It helps more writers find the show.The Written Word Podcast is produced by Walk West.© 2025 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.