Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

307 / How can automation, AI, and genuine relationships help you thrive as an author? Chelle Honaker shares her insights on blending creativity and business, building community, and navigating the ever-changing publishing world.
✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates
Flywheel marketing instead of funnel marketing
Building community and collaboration
Social media burnout and challenges
Discoverability and reader relationships
Trends in publishing and tech for authors
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⚡Links:
https://reedsy.com/studio 
https://reedsy.com/studio/templates
Author Automations Substack 
Indie Author Training
Indie Author Magazine 
Author Nation
StorytellerShowcase
ChelleHoniker.com
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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

306 / How do you get your first reviews? And what do you do about collating feedback from multiple beta readers? Evan Gow, creator of StoryOrigin, has solutions to these author problems. Plus we explore why building your mailing list is the number-one way to connect with readers and future-proof your business as well as discussing direct sales options and the perennial topic of AI impact on publishing.  
✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
Importance of reviews for book sales
Cross-promotions and newsletter swaps
Beta reader management with StoryOrigin
Direct sales trends and challenges
AI’s impact on the publishing landscape
💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:
 http://tryvellum.com/wish
https://storyoriginapp.com/
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Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

305 / Ember Mae shares lessons learned about starting small with crowdfunding as well as managing fulfillment. We also talk about marketing without succumbing to the pressure of conventional social media wisdom.
✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
Tips on setting up your first Kickstarter campaign and keeping it manageable
Making marketing personal and connecting individually with readers
Why ditching social media is freeing
Intuitive storytelling
In-person event strategies
Neurodivergence as a writing superpower
💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:
embpublishing.com
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/embermaeauthor/the-crowdfunded-author
http://tryvellum.com/wish
Send a text
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

304 / Are you curious how understanding grammar—not just as a set of rules but as a tool for creative expression—can transform your writing and help you find your unique author voice?
✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish
We talked with Patty McGee, a literary consultant and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar to unpack why grammar isn’t about memorizing rules, but about developing your unique voice. 
Patty shared tips on building foundational skills, using grammar to enhance your writing’s rhythm, and why it’s totally normal to make mistakes. 
Finding your writing voice through sentence rhythm
Overcoming grammar embarrassment as an author
Practical resources for learning grammar
Effective strategies for giving and receiving feedback  
Trends in grammar and punctuation in modern writing
💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links: 
www.pattymcgee.org
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Amazon algorithm changes and tips: https://thenewpublishingstandard.com/2026/01/24/a10-sales-rankings-explained/
Joanna Penn’s 2026 trends and prediction: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2026/01/05/2026-trends-and-predictions-for-indie-authors-and-the-book-publishing-industry-with-joanna-penn/   

Send a text
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

303 / Are you curious about how to find your writing voice, handle feedback without losing your vision, and thrive in today’s ever-changing publishing world? Nicole Meier shares what she wishes she’d known as both an author and developmental editor, plus key insights for writers at every stage. 
✨ This week’s corporate sponsor:http://tryvellum.com/wish
When to seek feedback and the stages of editing
Common mistakes authors make and how to avoid them
Avoiding the trap of rushing
Feedback as a listening device so you don’t lose your voice
Emerging trends and the power of authenticity in storytelling
How to get over being stuck in your revisions
💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe
Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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📥 Send us a Text Message 
⚡Links:
https://nicolemeier.com/
https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com/
http://tryvellum.com/wish
Send a text
Support the show
🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast