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

Hosted by Sara Rosett and Jami Albright

Business Entrepreneurship Arts BooksInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

331

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 33440 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

September 2, 2026Episode 33358 min

Music Industry Marketing Secrets for Indie Authors with A.B. Jackson

333 / What mindsets and practical strategies can transform setbacks into growth for writers—and what really defines success in a creative career? A.B. Jackson shares how he successfully pivoted from music marketing to writing and publishing fiction and non-fiction. He unpacks the lessons learned from both industries and how he leverages community and personal growth. Changing limiting beliefs and redefining success Lessons learned from the music industry Building authentic connections with readers Managing criticism and unhelpful advice Crafting your own marketing approach ✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: https://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: Vellum: Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish A.B. Williamson: https://www.abjackson.com/ Written Word Podcast about A+ content: https://pod.link/1828995043/episode/Y2QxNDBjZDAtNTI2YS00NGYzLWI5ZjgtY2JmYzU5ZjY0NDM0 📥 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

August 26, 2026Episode 33239 min

Exploring the Action-Adventure Genre and Writing Sensory Details with Luke Richardson

332 / How can you craft vivid, sensory-rich books set in places you’ve never visited while thriving as a modern author? Action-adventure writer Luke Richardson shares insights on transporting readers around the globe and balancing the art and business of writing. Incorporating travel and sensory details into fiction Tips for writing about locations you haven’t visited Deciding how much personal travel experience to include The benefits of slowing down production In-person travel event with readers Podcasting for readers ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: 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: Bookfunnel.com Luke Richardson: https://www.lukerichardsonauthor.com Adventure Story Podcast: https://adventurestorypodcast.com/ Jami’s branding workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops Wish I’d Known Then podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiktpod 📥 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

August 19, 2026Episode 33142 min

Navigating Criticism and Creativity with A.A. Sekhon (New Author Series)

331 / How can you balance craft and criticism? How do you know when to take feedback and when to reject it? A.A. Sekhon shares insights on filtering feedback, writing historical fiction, and staying creative when you don’t feel creative or inspired. Navigating the difference between writing and marketing skillsets The role of constructive vs. destructive criticism Finding your first readers and building review momentum Leveraging an academic background to enrich storytelling Why writing for yourself can unlock creative freedom ✨ 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: A.A. Sekhon: https://assumptionsbook.wordpress.com/purchase/ Book Funnel: BookFunnel.com Indie Author Magazine article about Sara Rosett: https://indieauthormagazine.com/sara-rosett-shares-how-shes-built-a-cozy-career-in-indie-publishing/ 📥 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

August 12, 2026Episode 33042 min

Kickstarter Mastery for Fiction Authors and Expanding Your Book’s IP through Merchandising with Dana Claire

330 / Curious how authors can turn their books and stories into brands and unique products—while actually making the process work for them? Dana Claire shares how she founded The Inkfluence agency and what she’s learned about successful marketing, Kickstarter campaigns, and brand expansion. -From author to founder: Dana’s journey and the birth of The Inkfluence -What authors need to know about overseas book production and special editions -Kickstarter campaign strategies and common mistakes to avoid -Expanding author IP into collectibles, novelties, and mass market retail -The power of tracking, simplifying your marketing, and building the right author mindset ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://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://bookfunnel.com theINKfluence.com INKGames.com Bookmark Bag: https://bycorinemarie.com/ Cover Swap Bag: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dafk15Fs4ji/ Dana Clari DanaClaireBooks.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

August 5, 2026Episode 32944 min

Audiobook Success with Todd Eflin: Should You Narrate Your Own Book?

329 / Have you ever wondered what it takes to narrate or produce an audiobook—and whether you should record your own? Todd Eflin shares insider secrets from his journey as a voice actor, audiobook coach, and narrator, including what authors need to know before jumping into audio. Common misconceptions about audiobook production When to produce an audiobook What authors should consider before narrating their own books Technical setup basics for home audiobook recording The five essentials of recording quality audio for authors ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://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: SPONSOR LINK https://diy-audiobooks.com https://gift.toddeflin.com/wikt https://narratortodd.gumroad.com/l/bibhr diyaudiobooks.substack.com https://buydirectfromauthors.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

July 29, 2026Episode 32841 min

Making Content Work Harder: Repurposing Tips for Indie Authors with Matty Dalrymple

327 / How can you make one piece of content do more for you? What does it take to juggle fiction, nonfiction, and podcasting? Matty Dalrymple shares tips on how she builds an audience on multiple platforms, collaborates on nonfiction projects, and streamlines her business strategies. Streamlining social media to focus on meaningful engagement Leveraging Substack for podcasting and community building Collaboration tips for co-authoring nonfiction The mindset shift from scattered efforts to strategic synergy ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://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://bookfunnel.com https://www.mattydalrymple.com/about https://www.theindyauthor.com/authority Ep 241: Platform Building: Matty Dalrymple & Michael LaRonn on Platform Building for Your Personality Episode 241 Ep 117: Focus on the Writing ttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2121723/episodes/13287805-matty-dalrymple-on-keeping-your-focus-on-the-writing BookFunnel does it all: delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers. They’re in the business of making readers happy. 📥 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

July 22, 2026Episode 32737 min

Damon Courtney on Building Loyal Readers through Personalizing your Author Brand

327 / How do you show you’re human and connect with readers in a digital age? Damon Courtney, creator and CEO of Book Funnel, discusses evolving tools for indie authors and strategies for building strong reader relationships. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://bookfunnel.com Prioritizing ideas for authors with too many stories Personalizing your author brand Luck versus fortune in self publishing Trends in author marketing: newsletters, crowdfunding, direct sales The importance of authenticity, connection, and finding the right marketing tools for each individual author 💙 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: Sponsor: Bookfunnel https://bookfunnel.com Ep 310: I'm a Real Human, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Can Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2121723/episodes/18871647-i-m-a-real-human-not-ai-20-ways-authors-can-signal-humanity-and-build-reader-trust 📥 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

July 15, 2026Episode 32636 min

One-Book-a-Year Success in Historical Fiction while Working the Day Job with Lars D. H. Hedbor

326 / How do you build a writing career while juggling multiple passions, a day job, and changing marketing strategies? Lars Headbore shares his one-book-a-year strategy as a historical fiction author and how he connects with readers at in-person events. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://bookfunnel.com Starting a writing career later in life Defining success beyond sales numbers The power and limitations of in-person book selling Navigating major shifts in social media and advertising Creating unique reader subscriptions and resources for educators 💙 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://bookfunnel.com larsdhhedbor.com https://tfar.us/rar 📥 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

July 8, 2026Episode 32542 min

Summer Catch-up and Slow Release Strategies for Writers

325 / Can a slow writer find success in the current market? We dive into that listener question today and also share a summer catch-up after our June break. Hear about Jami’s book launch and what she wishes she’d known about launching wide and in a new genre. We also answer listener questions about slow release strategies, writing without burnout, and content ideas to share in your newsletters. ✨ This week’s sponsor is Bookfunnel: https://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://bookfunnel.com How to Write a Series by Sara Rosett 📥 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