Wish I'd Known Then: a Podcast for Self Published Indie Writers

Hosted by Sara Rosett and Jami Albright

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341

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Indie authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett interview authors focusing on lessons learned about writing, marketing, and self-publishing.

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60 recent

November 11, 2026Episode 3431 hr 11 min

How to Sell Books on Instagram Reels and TikTok with Christian Author James Finke

343 / Can social media really sell books? Christian author James Finke has sold more than 50,000 books since 2021 while keeping his corporate career. He shares how Instagram Reels and TikTok became his biggest sales driver, why he writes both fiction and nonfiction, and why he donates 100% of his book profits to his church. How a COVID-era home group study turned into a nonfiction apologetics series Why he chose Kindle Unlimited for simplicity and is keeping his day job Social media content that moves books, from quick cover videos to topic videos with his books in the background Spotting an underserved market Newsletter vs. social media reach, plus using AI agents to manage Amazon ads ✨ This week's sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast wishidknownforwriters.com/support or wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: James Finke: authorjamesfinke.com Dear Judas series: authorjamesfinke.com/dear-judas-series Christianity Uncomplicated nonfiction series: authorjamesfinke.com/nonfiction James on Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorjamesfinke James on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@authorjamesfinke Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

November 4, 2026Episode 34248 min

Tapping into Foreign Markets through AI Translation with Marisa from Scribe Shadow

342 / Marisa, co-owner and creative director of Scribe Shadow, discusses making translations work for your books, from tech and marketing to overcoming skepticism. How Scribe Shadow preserves author voice and manages colloquialisms, Distribution strategies beyond Amazon Tips for preparing your manuscript for successful translation Trends in global book markets ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel.com . 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com Scribe Shadow: https://www.scribeshadow.com - Discount code: WISH30 Jami Albright on The Alignment Show: https://pod.link/1673832659/episode/c3Vic3RhY2s6cG9zdDoyMjI4NjczNTc 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

October 28, 2026Episode 34148 min

Leveraging In-Person Events and Writing Memoir with Patrick O'Donnell

341 / Patrick O'Donnell, former police officer and host of the Cops and Writers podcast, shares stories and strategies from his time on the force and his success writing memoir. He discusses in-person events and getting traditional media coverage, and innovative marketing. In-person events and leveraging memorable stories Navigating television and newspaper coverage and the surprising behind-the-scenes set-up of the interviews Smart strategies for innovative in-person selling ✨ This week’s sponsor is BookFunnel.com . 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: BookFunnel: https://www.BookFunnel.com Patrick O’Donnell: https://copsandwriters.com Fast Company article about digital photo frames: https://www.fastcompany.com/91623692/big-tech-used-ai-to-take-what-it-wanted-now-consumers-can-too Novel November: Novel November 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

October 21, 2026Episode 34047 min

Author Branding vs. Genre Branding: Building Reader Loyalty with Daniel Willcocks

340 / Horror author and podcaster, Daniel Wilcox, joins us to discuss how he’s building a sustainable author career through embracing creativity, connecting with readers, and writing across genres. Navigating burnout and returning to a day job for creative freedom and stability - “what feeds you verses what pays you” Finding success in the age of AI through events and personal interactions Building an author brand across genres while establishing clear reader expectations The importance of mindset, resilience, and focusing on the reader experience ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Bookfunnel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bookfunnel/videos Daniel Willcocks https://www.danielwillcocks.com / 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

October 14, 2026Episode 33942 min

Building a Reader Community through Text Messaging with Shannon Sims (New Author Series)

339 / Curious what launching a debut romantasy really looks like—and how to build authentic connections with readers outside of going viral? Shannon Sims shares what a realistic, non-viral indie launch looks like and how she approached building her author platform from scratch without email. Embracing imperfect first drafts and dictation Why marketing is a constant experiment Building a text-based reader list instead of a newsletter Setting realistic expectations for non-viral debuts ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com Shannon Simm’s website: https://shannonsimswrites.com/ 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

October 7, 2026Episode 33851 min

Making Direct Sales Easy with Greg Keogh from Curios

338 / Have you ever wished direct sales felt simple with no overwhelm, tax headaches, or a dozen integrations, while still keeping 100% of the sale and your reader’s email? Greg Keogh, co-founder of Curios, shares how the platform grew from digital distribution into a creator-owned storefront for authors, why print and special editions matter more than he first expected, and what successful direct-selling authors do differently. How Curios grew from music into books Making direct sales as easy as KDP Why print and special editions power indie revenue Driving all marketing to one buy button Affiliate payouts without prepaid escrow headaches ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Curios: https://www.studio.curios.com Bookfunnel: https://www.Bookfunnel.com 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

September 30, 2026Episode 33731 min

Navigating Tough Times in Indie Publishing

337 / Are you feeling uncertain about the state of the publishing industry and what it takes to thrive as an author right now? We share our thoughts about industry shifts, adapting to change, and the power of gratitude in difficult times. Why gratitude is so helpful when the industry changes Adapting when sales and strategies stop working Focusing on and serving your existing readers Giving yourself permission to get outside income Reframing success and letting go of self-imposed pressure ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Vellum: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish What are you grateful for? Send us a text and we’ll share during our gratitude episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

September 23, 2026Episode 33645 min

Sarah L. Kaufman: Sharpen Your Writing with Vivid Verbs

336 / How can selecting the right verbs and a creative approach to language set your writing apart? Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author Sarah L. Kaufman shares her passion for verbs, practical tips for vivid writing, and the grammar lessons she wishes every author embraced. The power and artistry of verbs in storytelling How verb choices have evolved from Shakespeare to Hemingway to today The pitfalls of adverbs and “fancy” verbs Tips for using active vs. passive voice Metaphors, deep POV, and making your language memorable ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Sarah L. Koffman sarahlkoffman.com Vellum: www.tryvellum.com/wish 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

September 16, 2026Episode 33546 min

Abbie Emmons on on Unlocking Your Creativity and Breaking Free from Rigid Writing Rules

335 / Are you curious how to unlock your creativity and make your stories truly matter to both yourself and your readers? Abbie Emmons dives into the psychology of compelling storytelling, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building a thriving community. The science behind what makes stories and characters compelling How to avoid overwhelm and burnout as a writer Why emotional truth matters more than “write what you know” Building a vibrant online author community Breaking free from rigid writing rules and trusting your inner instincts ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish makeyourstorymatter.com https://www.youtube.com/abbieemmons 📥 Send us a Text Message 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

September 9, 2026Episode 33439 min

Innovative Book Marketing Ideas and Writer Wellness with Susan Neal

334 / Susan Neal is a certified writer coach, health and wellness expert, and the author of ten books including How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month . Susan shared actionable advice for writers who want to grow their careers and stay healthy along the way. Transforming your writing with critique groups and editors The science behind book marketing and keyword strategies Why entering contests can change your sales trajectory Building a website that actually attracts readers Easy ways for writers to stay healthy and energized ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes Shoutout on a future episode 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish SusanUNeal.com ChristianPublishers.net http://Word-Weavers.com Moz.com Historical Mystery Day promo: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/h9pngjfgl8 📥 Send us a Text Message 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