Behind 'More Than Human': S.E. Smith's Shapeshifter World & Kickstarter Journey
Release Date: 08/10/2024
94 Top Lessons Every New Author Needs to Hear!
Get My Book Out There Podcast
If youāve ever wondered what it really takes to become a successful author, this episode is your reality check ā and your encouragement. In this candid and heart-to-heart conversation, New York Times bestselling author S.E. Smith and author business strategist Narelle Todd from Get My Book Out There share the truths, surprises, and lessons they wish someone had told them before starting their author careers. Youāll discover: Why todayās publishing landscape is harder ā and how to stay ahead of constant change The hidden challenges of Amazon, KU, and other platforms (and how to...
info_outline
93 The Future of Writing and Reading: How AI Is Changing the Author World
Get My Book Out There Podcast
In this episode, Narelle Todd and New York Times Bestselling author S.E. Smith dive deep into the future of writing, reading, and business for authors in the age of AI. š” From the ethics of AI training on authorsā works to how writers can harness automation to free up creative time, this is a grounded, eye-opening conversation about how technology is reshaping publishing. Youāll hear both perspectives ā the tech optimist and the storyteller ā as they explore: Whether AI is a threat or a tool for authors How to use AI to reduce admin time and grow your business The truth about...
info_outline
92 Beyond the Free Book: Creative Ways to Grow Your Email List and Reader Loyalty
Get My Book Out There Podcast
Giving away a free book has long been the go-to strategy for authors building their email listsābut does it still work? In this episode, Narelle Todd and New York Times bestselling author S.E. Smith dive into why the traditional freebie model is losing steam and explore innovative ways to attractāand keepāyour ideal readers. From music playlists and personality quizzes to love letters from your characters, youāll discover fresh, fun, and meaningful ways to connect with readers beyond the free book. Learn how to create an experience your readers will rememberāand why understanding...
info_outline
91 Branding, Outliers, and Following Your Creative Instincts as an Author
Get My Book Out There Podcast
What do you do when a story wonāt leave you aloneāeven if it doesnāt fit into any of your current series? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith explore the challenges and opportunities of writing āoutlierā books that fall outside your established brand. Susan shares how she created her S.E. Smith Signature Romance line to give standalones a home without diluting her brandāand why she chose not to use a pen name. Together, Narelle and Susan discuss the difference between branding worlds versus branding your name, why tone and message matter more than logos and colors, and how...
info_outline
90 When Amazon Cancels Your Book Days Before Launch: How We Turned a Disaster into Determination
Get My Book Out There Podcast
What do you do when Amazon cancels your book just days before releaseāwithout warning? In this powerful and surprisingly funny episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith share the behind-the-scenes chaos of Pets in Space 10, the 10th-anniversary sci-fi romance anthology that Amazon accidentally deleted right before launch. They talk candidly about the shock, the scramble, and the emotional tollābut also the lessons in resilience, communication, and grace under fire. From finding creative ways to vent to turning mistakes into marketing moments, this episode is equal parts therapy session and...
info_outline
89 To Change or Not to Change: The Truth About Updating Your Book Covers
Get My Book Out There Podcast
Should you update your book coversāor leave them as they are? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack the realities of recovering a series, from the artistic struggle of letting go of covers you love to the marketing and financial considerations that come with change. Susan shares her experience updating her Cosmos Gateway series after 15 years, including the unexpected can of worms: dealing with paperbacks, audiobooks, foreign editions, marketing assets, and confused readers. Narelle offers strategies for turning āfugly coversā into a marketing advantage and why sometimes...
info_outline
88 Foundations for a Sustainable Author Business
Get My Book Out There Podcast
Are you writing the books of your heart and wondering how to turn them into a long-term, successful author business? Join Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith as they dive into the three foundational pillars every author needs to create stability, confidence, and consistent growth. Whether youāre writing passion projects or dreaming of full-time authorship, youāll discover practical strategies to build a sustainable business without chasing trends. From mindset to systems to marketing clarity, this conversation blends real-world experience with heartfelt encouragement. If youāre ready to...
info_outline
87 Back From Hiatus: Self-Care, Resilience, and Running an Author Business Through Lifeās Curveballs
Get My Book Out There Podcast
After a much-needed break, weāre backāand weāre getting real about why we pressed pause and how to come back stronger. Narelle shares her parotid cancer journey, radiation, and a scary post-treatment blood clot, plus what recovery taught her about letting go of control and living in the present. Susan talks about burnout, dog-sledding in Svalbard, an Iceland blizzard rescue, and why stepping away actually made her writing better. Together, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack practical self-care for authors: deciding where to spend your limited energy, embracing seasons in business, and...
info_outline
86 Adapting to Change
Get My Book Out There Podcast
In this episode, we explore how self-published authors can adapt to new technologies and innovative marketing strategies to boost book sales and build a community of dedicated readers. šāØ š Key Takeaways: Embracing Change: Learn how Susan and Narelle navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape to stay ahead in book marketing. Kickstarter Success: Discover the step-by-step process behind launching a successful Kickstarter campaign. Gut Instincts & Decision Making: Understand the role of intuition in making business decisions. Diversifying Income Streams: Explore the benefits of...
info_outline
83 Mastering Diversity in Romance Writing: Book Marketing Strategies for Self-Published Authors
Get My Book Out There Podcast
Join Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith in this enlightening episode of "The Get My Book Out There Podcast." Today, we dive deep into the heart of diversity in romance writing. šš Narelle and Susan discuss the importance of authentically representing different cultures and experiences in your stories. We share practical tips on how to create diverse characters that resonate with readers, whether you're writing about dragon shifters or Middle Eastern warriors. šš©š¾āš¤āš©š¼ Key Points Covered: Authentic Representation: Why diversity enriches your storytelling and how to portray...
info_outlineWelcome to a personal journey into the world of More Than Human! In this podcast, Susan (S.E. Smith) shares the inspiration behind creating this thrilling series and why she offered it as a Kickstarter.
The series all began with a question: What if humans were believed extinct in a world dominated by shifters? This idea sparked a creative fire that led to the development of the More Than Human series.
Join us as we dive into the themes of love, survival, and acceptance that drive the story. Discover how Susan's passion for storytelling and exploring unique worlds has shaped Ella and Ty's journey and set the stage for Mitchell and Jayden's adventures. Learn how Susan's experiences and imagination intertwine to bring these captivating characters and their world to life. And gain an understanding of why Susan's passion for immersing her readers in her worlds inspired her to launch her two new books in the More Than Human series on Kickstarter.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
š Key Takeaways:
-
Inspiration and World-Building:
S.E. Smith shares how the concept of humans being extinct in a shifter-dominated world inspired the thrilling and immersive More Than Human series.
-
Captivating Characters and Themes:
The series introduces unforgettable characters like Ella, Ty, Mitchell, and Jayden, weaving themes of love, survival, and unity with intense romance and high-stakes action.
-
Stunning Artwork and Visual Storytelling:
The More Than Human series features breathtaking artwork that enriches the story and offers readers a visually immersive experience.
-
Exciting Kickstarter Rewards and Community:
Supporting the Kickstarter grants access to exclusive rewards and connects you with a community passionate about bringing this series to life.
-
Reader Experience and Emotional Journey:
Readers are transported into a world of complex relationships and adventure, offering a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience.
š” Highlights:
- The creative process behind developing the "More Than Human" series.
- How to make your Kickstarter campaign stand out.
- Balancing creativity and business in the self-publishing world.
- The importance of reader engagement and offering unique experiences.
Subscribe to our channel for more expert tips on book marketing and self-publishing successā¦ and low points! Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Visit https://www.getmybookoutthere.com for more resources and join our community of thriving self-published authors.