Writing Off Social: The Podcast | Build Your Platform and Grow Your Email List Without Social Media
This is the podcast for female Christian writers who want to grow and nurture their audience without social media. Are you tired of chasing the algorithm? Has social media left you feeling drained, overwhelmed, unfruitful and…trapped?Co-hosts and writers Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller want you to be free to build a sustainable, profitable, and God-honoring writing career. Their vision is to empower you to confidently reject life-sucking and ineffective methods of platform growth and instead pursue purposeful strategies that play to your strengths and yield a better ROI.
104 | Should Christian Writers Use AI? w/ Allen Arnold
If you’re a writer, you’ve probably heard some version of this: AI is here to stay, so you’d better learn to use it—or risk being left behind. But what if the greater risk isn’t refusing to embrace artificial intelligence—but allowing efficiency, convenience, and technology to replace something essential about the way God designed us to create?
This week we’re talking with Allen Arnold—author, creativity coach, fiction publisher of more than 500 novels, and co-host of the Wild at Heart podcast with John Eldredge. We’re talking about AI, social media, creative risk, and...
103 | Morning Rituals for Writers: Start Your Day with God, Purpose, and Creativity w/ Jennifer Dukes Lee
Do you consider yourself a morning person? Because today’s guest says you are—even if you’re convinced you’re not.
Jennifer Dukes Lee studied more than 200 mornings in the Bible and discovered some surprising things about how God meets us at the beginning of our days. And as a writer and a farmer, she has some fascinating wisdom for those of us who are tired of feeling like we have to constantly produce, create, and grow. We talk about what farming can teach us about the seasons of our creative lives, why we might need to rethi...
102 | Growing Your Email List by Hosting a Virtual Event w/ Gabe Cox
Think you need a big email list before you can host your own virtual event? Think again! What if hosting an event is actually how you grow your list?
And what if you could do it without a huge budget, fancy technology, or an established audience? By collaborating with other writers and experts, you can introduce your work to new readers, build meaningful relationships, and grow your email list—all while creating something genuinely valuable for the people you want to serve.
This is episode 102, and this week we are thrilled to welcome back to th...
101 | How Writing for Publications Can Help You Land a Book Deal w/Hannah Miller King
Hannah Miller King didn’t have a huge social media platform when she landed a traditional book deal with InterVarsity Press. Instead, she started small, writing short-form nonfiction for various publications, gradually working her way toward outlets like Christianity Today and The Holy Post. Along the way, she developed her craft, found her voice, built credibility, and ultimately caught the attention of an acquisitions editor. Her first book, Feasting on Hope, is part memoir, part theology, and part spiritual reflection—and it’s proof that there can be more than one way to build a path to publication. For show n...
100 | How to Find the Right Collaborator: The Writing Off Social Origin Story
Recently, during a group coaching call, one of our students told us she’d love to find someone to collaborate with in her business. Then she asked us a question: “How did you two find each other?” Well, the short answer is: It took years. And the long answer? That’s what we’re sharing today.
Because this is our 100th episode!
So we’re taking you all the way back to the beginning—how we met, how our friendship grew, the moment we realized we should start a business together, and what we’ve learned a...
99 | How I Sold My First Book Without Social Media (and plans for my second) w/ Johanna Rojas Vann
When we launched Writing Off Social three years ago, we knew in our heart of hearts that it was possible to be a successful writer and author without social media . . . we just didn’t have the social proof to point to . . . yet. That’s why, over the last several seasons, it has been our joy to invite both fiction and nonfiction authors on to the show to share their publishing journeys with you. And today’s episode, we’re sharing yet another story of success. If you’re a writer on the cusp of leaving social media, but afraid that doing...
98 | Building Genuine Community Beyond Social Media w/ The Story Haven and Jessica DeYoung
Writing can be a lonely endeavor. For years, women gathered in Facebook groups and comment threads to encourage one another. But the algorithms, the arguments, and the feeling of performing for a crowd made it more and more difficult to stay. Jessica DeYoung wanted something different, so she created The Story Haven — a free, invite-only community where Scripture, prayer, and everyday stories of God's faithfulness come first. A private, Christ-centered community for women–where you could connect with other storytellers and creatives and build the kind of community you lose when you step away from social media. For show note...
97 | What We've Learned After 3 Years of Helping Writers Grow Without Social Media (Season 7 Finale)
After nearly 100 podcast episodes, more than 50 guest interviews, and 3 years of coaching writers, we've learned a few things we definitely did NOT know at the beginning. Some of them surprised us. Some challenged our assumptions. And a few have completely changed the way we think about writing, marketing, and platform building. It's our Season 7 Finale and we're discussing the biggest lessons we've learned after 3 years of helping writers grow without social media. Listen in!
For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/97
We're taking a summer podcast break and will be back in the fall w...
96 | How I Built My Readership Outside of Social Media w/Rachel Allord
What would it feel like to stop chasing an audience and start trusting that faithful work in small places is enough? Our guest today, Rachel Allord, has lived that question for over twenty years — through freelance writing, missionary life in London, and eventually a book deal. Her story is a permission slip for every writer who's tired of performing, and a beautiful reminder of the difference between ambition and calling. This week, we're discussing what it looks like to write with a missional mindset and let God grow the audience. Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.co...
95 | Summer Schedules, Planner Fails, and the Best Decision We Made This Year
If you've ever color-coded a brand new planner only to abandon it eleven weeks later, set a boundary around your time and felt like you could finally breathe again, or found yourself trying to figure out how to fit writing time, summer with your kids, and cleaning your own house into the margins of your day — this episode is for you. This week we are pulling back the curtain on our current working rhythms: what's changed, what's working, and what we had to learn the hard way. Listen in. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/95
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94 | How Writing Off Social Helped Me Identify My Pathways and Build Momentum Without Social Media w/Karla Monterrosa
If you've ever felt guilty for not posting enough, or wondered whether you're falling behind because you're not showing up consistently online — this episode is for you. We talk a lot on this show about the freedom that's possible when you step off the social media treadmill, but sometimes what we really need is to hear from someone who's actually done it and come out the other side with more clarity, more confidence, and more momentum than before.
And our guest today is exactly that person — though she'll be the first to tell you she knows the pres...
93 | When to Push Through and When to Press Pause
Lately, we have been having the same conversation over and over again with exhausted writers--women who love writing and feel a holy calling to their work… but who also love their families, their churches, their communities, and the real lives they’ve been called to steward. Women who are trying to create out of bodies, minds, and schedules that already feel stretched thin. Today we want to talk honestly about something many writers are quietly wrestling with: How do you know when to push through the resistance… and when it’s time to press pause? For show notes, go to https...
92 | Using YouTube as an Alternative to Social Media w/Thomas Umstattd, Jr.
If you've ever typed "Should writers be on YouTube?" into a search bar and walked away more confused than when you started — this episode is for you. We've never had much to say about YouTube, but today we're diving deep with someone who has done the work. Thomas Umstattd Jr. joins us for his third time on the show, and we're finally going to tackle the YouTube question — the time, the tech, the payoff, and whether it's actually right for you — or just one more shiny thing pulling you away from the page. Listen in! For show notes go to htt...
91 | What Acquisitions Editors Look for in Children’s Books (and Why It Matters for Every Christian Writer) w/Lauren Groves
Today, we're thrilled to speak with Lauren Groves, an acquisitions editor and children's author with B&H Publishing, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources. Listen in as we discuss what it takes to communicate big ideas in clear, simple language—and what that skill can teach every writer, no matter their genre. Plus, Lauren pulls back the curtain on what makes an acquisitions editor stop scrolling a submission pile and say, I need to read more—and it has nothing to do with your follower count. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/91
90 | How to Maximize Every Opportunity as a Christian Writer (Without Social Media)
Today we’re diving into your questions — specifically, how to make the most of the opportunities right in front of you, whether that’s growing your email list, connecting with readers in real life, or building meaningful relationships in the writing world. We're sharing real stories, and answering your biggest questions so you can stop spinning your wheels — and start making strategic, sustainable progress. Listen in! For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/90
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated collection of business...
89 | How to Get Your Book Published Without Social Media: Insider Advice from an Acquisitions Editor w/ Jane Daly
Today, we welcome author and acquisitions editor with Elk Lake Publishing, Jane Daly, where we pull back the curtain on what really makes an editor lean in instead of move on—from the first three chapters to the subtle signals in your proposal that say, “I understand this industry.” We talk about why following submission guidelines matters more than you think, how to answer “Why this publisher?” without sounding generic, and what a compelling marketing plan looks like when you’re not using social media. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/89
88 | Leaving Social Media Without Losing Your Mind:The OFFLINE Reset for Writers Facing Algorithm Anxiety w/Ashriel Huber
Leaving social media is a huge step that takes a lot of courage. And for many writers, that step can feel less like a strategy shift—and more like a threat to your calling, your identity, and your future as a writer.
This week, we chat with author, podcast host and certified brain coach Ashriel Huber, where we unpack the very real anxiety behind that feeling, what’s happening in your brain when the panic sets in, and how to reset your thoughts and nervous system so you can move forward with clarity, peace, and conf...
87 | Why Guest Posting Still Works (and How to Use It to Grow Your Platform) w/Grace Thomas
What if one of the most effective ways to grow your audience as a writer is something you’ve probably overlooked—or maybe even dismissed as outdated?Before social media took over everything, writers built their platforms by showing up on other people’s platforms, guest posting and contributing.
And guess what. That strategy? It still works!
Grace Thomas is a writer and podcaster who has written for dozens of major publications and Substacks—and this has helped grow her robust email list and her reach–outside of social media. Today, we’re talking about...
86 | Writing and Publishing a Children’s Book Without Social Media w/Laura Wifler
Today, we are thrilled to speak with best-selling, award-winning author, poet, educator, and founder of The KidLit Lab, Laura Wifler, where we dive into all things children’s books. Listen in as we discuss what it looks like to write for one audience while marketing to another, and whether or not it’s possible to market a children’s book without social media. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/86
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated collection of businesses, creati...
85 | 10 Ways to Reach Your Reader Without Social Media (And Which Is Right For You)
What if ditching social media didn't mean starting from scratch — it just meant finding the right pathways for you? Today we're pulling back the curtain on the ten strategies we teach inside our course — what they are, how they work, and the kinds of writers they're the best fit for. And we even brought a quiz to help you find yours. For show notes including the link to that quiz, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/85
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a cura...
84 | How to Find a Good Working Rhythm and What’s Working for Us Right Now
It's our SEASON FINALE! What do you do when the rhythm that used to work… suddenly doesn’t anymore? When life shifts so drastically that your old schedule just won’t hold? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing how we’ve rebuilt our work rhythms from the ground up in two totally different seasons of life.
Today we’re unpacking the real processes we use to shape our schedules, find our focus, and build rhythms that honor our calling. Listen in!
For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/84
Find...
83 | Publishing Without a Platform: Writing Opportunities You Didn’t Know Existed w/Megan Conner
Ever look at your kid’s school books and think, “Who writes all this stuff—and are they getting paid?” Today we’re talking to Megan Conner, an editor, author, writing consultant, and graduate of Writing Off Social: The Course who has built a thriving writing career in places most writers never think to look—educational publishing, work-for-hire projects, devotionals, technical writing, and those “I Can Read”–style books that quietly teach kids everything from phonics to frog ecosystems. She’s contributed to dozens of educational works, earned a steady income from her writing, and done it all without...
82 | Publishing Success Without a Big Platform: How One Writer Attracted Agents and Editors w/Sarah Damoff
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no way I can land a book deal without a massive platform,” this episode is going to mess with that narrative in the very best way.
Our guest, best-selling novelist Sarah Damoff, sold her debut novel, The Bright Years, to Simon & Schuster with no writing background, no industry connections, an Instagram following of about 300 friends and family, and a tiny email list. So if you’ve been quietly disqualifying yourself because of your numbers, today’s guest is living proof that your craft can carry you farther than your follower cou...
81 | How Christian Writers Can Use Email to Build Trust (Without Being Salesy) w/ Cienna Kopischke
What if your email list wasn’t just a marketing tool—but a ministry? In this conversation with business coach Cienna Kopischke, we explore how Christian writers can move away from hustle-driven tactics and instead steward their readers with care through email. Cienna shares how she shifted her business from Instagram-dependence to a Kingdom-centered model rooted in funnels that disciple, not manipulate. You’ll learn the core principles of Kingdom Funnels, why consistency matters more than list size, and simple, practical steps to engage your subscribers in ways that build trust, deepen connection, and ultimately grow book sales.
If...
80 | Using Podcasting to Grow a Coaching Business w/Elizabeth Andreyevskiy
Imagine building a successful, profitable business without posting a single reel, chasing trends, or spending hours trying to trick the algorithm. If this sounds impossible, think again. As an anger management coach and podcaster, Elizabeth Andreyevskiy walked away from social media entirely, and in doing so, built a flourishing coaching practice that not only serves Christian moms all over the world, but also contributes greatly to her household income. Her story is proof that with perseverance, clarity, and obedience, there’s a better, freer way to grow.
For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/80
Fi...
79 | Landing a Book Deal with a Big 5 Publisher and a Tiny Social Media Following w/Lori Melton
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to land a traditional publishing deal without a massive following--or without much of a social media presence at all—today’s episode is for you.
This week, we're celebrating our friend, WOS student, retreat leader, spiritual director, and debut author Lori Melton on the launch of her first book, Journey with a Giant. She shares how she secured a book deal with Ink & Willow, the imprint from WaterBrook & Multnomah (a division of Penguin Random House). And she accomplished all of this without relying on social media.
78 | How to Identify Your Reader’s Pain Points and Solve Them With Your Writing w/Amy Simon
If you’re stepping away from the noise of social platforms, knowing exactly who you’re writing for and what she needs becomes even more essential. Today, writer, podcaster, and writing coach Amy Simon shares how to identify your ideal reader, uncover the problems she’s trying to solve, and use that clarity to shape your message with purpose and confidence.
Whether you’re writing a blog, a book, or a lead magnet, this conversation will help you connect more deeply with the people your words are meant to serve — on or off social media. For show notes go to...
77 | Diversifying Your Writing Income: Mary K.’s Path to Developmental Editing
Today’s episode is a little different… because our very own Mary K. Tiller is stepping out from behind the hosting mic and into the guest chair! That’s right — the woman you know as co-host and co-founder of Writing Off Social is here to spill the beans on her brand-new venture: Tiller Editing.
We’re talking about how she’s building an editing business from the ground up (without social media), what she’s learned along the way, and how you can take your next steps, whether that’s hiring her as your editor or launching a business of you...
76 | How to Launch a Paid Online Community Around Your Writing w/ Angie Baughman
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to build a paid community around my writing… but where would I even start?” you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re sitting down with Angie Baughman, who has walked that road step by messy step. She’s pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to launch and run a membership that actually serves people — from pricing and platforms to beta groups and burnout. And she’s brutally honest about the challenges, surprises, and joys along the way. Whether you’re craving more income, deeper impact, or just a faithful next step...
75 | The Profitable Writer: The First Step to Earning More from Your Words w/Kent Sanders
Is your writing a ministry, a business—or both? Today we sit down with Kent Sanders, ghostwriter, coach, and host of The Profitable Writer Podcast, to explore what it really looks like to merge calling with career. Kent shares how he built a profitable ghostwriting business without relying on social media, why generosity flows best from abundance, and the simple, old-school strategies that still work to grow your audience today. Whether you’ve struggled to charge for your work or wondered how to balance ministry and money, this conversation will challenge your perspective and encourage your next steps as a wr...
74 | Why Time is Your Biggest Writing Challenge and How to Overcome It
God calls us to peace, but most of the writers we know struggle to find time to write, balance writing with other responsibilities, and manage writing and marketing time. If that sounds familiar, take a breath. What if productivity isn’t about doing more but finally knowing what to say yes to? What if the clarity you’ve been craving has been within reach all along? And what if the very thing holding you back is simpler than you think? In this episode, we're uncovering the #1 struggle our listeners face — and the one shift that can change everything. Listen in! Fo...
73 | AI Tools for Authors w/ Thomas Umstattd, Jr.
If you’re a writer, chances are you’ve felt the tension between timeless craft and ever-changing technology. On one hand, your voice and perspective are irreplaceable. On the other hand, new technology is reshaping the way books are written, marketed, and read.
Is AI a threat to creativity or a partner that can free you to do your best work? What role can social media play in this new landscape? And how can you, as an author, stay grounded in your calling while adapting to change?
In today’s conversation with Thomas Umstattd Jr., we’re...
72 | The Social Media Exit Plan for Writers: 7 Steps to Leave Without Losing Your Audience
Are you a writer thinking about leaving social media, but not sure how to do it? Today, we’ll show you the exact steps we took to quit for good while keeping our readers with us. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/72
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated collection of businesses, creatives, and service providers trusted by our community. Every vendor featured here has been personally recommended by members who have actually worked with them and had a great experience.
71 | Listener Survey Results: What You Asked For, What We’re Changing + What’s Coming
We're back from our break with a brand-new podcast season. Today, we’re sharing the key decisions we’ve made based on the wonderful feedback you provided through our 2025 Listener Survey last spring. We’ll tell you what we’re letting go of, what you asked for that we can’t provide, and what’s coming next for Writing Off Social. Listen in! For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/71
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated collection of businesses, creatives, and service providers tr...
70 | How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month w/Susan Neal
It's our SEASON 5 FINALE! And we are thrilled to speak with Susan Neal about her latest book, "How to Sell 1,000 Books a Month: Strategies to Improve Sales." Listen as Susan offers insights on building a strong foundation for book marketing, creating effective lead magnets, the importance of email automation, and the benefits of attending writers' conferences. Our discussion also covers the value of endorsements, securing editorial reviews, and using media interviews to increase book visibility. This episode is packed with practical and effective strategies never discussed before on Writing Off Social! For show notes, go to https...
69 | How to Sell Your Books Using Street Teams w/Kara Swanson
This week, we are speaking with author and cofounder of The Author Conservatory, Kara Swanson. Listen as Kara shares her insights on building and managing a Street Team as an effective book-selling strategy, emphasizing the importance of training, clear communication, and establishing relationships with team members. Kara also discusses strategies for engaging readers, setting expectations, and nurturing a supportive community. It's an inspiring conversation that will have you rethinking launch teams altogether! Listen in. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/69
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors<...
68 | Is it a Ministry or Business? How to Know When to Charge For Your Work
As Christian creatives, navigating the space between ministry and business can be confusing. We want to honor God with our work—but is it okay to charge for it, too? In today’s episode, we’re exploring the intersection of calling, creativity, and income—and how we can faithfully pursue the work we feel led to do, without guilt or hesitation. This week, we've invited our friends and fellow writers, Angie Baughman, Teresa Whiting, and Jenny Zentz, for a candid conversation on how we navigate the often murky waters of ministry and business. Listen in!
For show...
67 | How to Sell Your Book Using Amazon Ads w/ Alana Terry
Do you want an effective marketing strategy that not only targets readers actively looking for books but also provides you with immediate visibility and results? This week, we are speaking with Alana Terry, an award-winning Christian suspense novelist and USA Today bestseller. She is also the co-founder of the Successful Writer Marketplace and a well-known ads coach for authors. Listen as Alana shares her experience with paid advertising, reveals best practices for running Amazon ads, and encourages authors to view advertising as a time investment that can yield long-term benefits. For show notes, go to https:writingoffsocial.com/67
<...66 | How to Sell Your Books on Pinterest w/Debbie Gonzalez
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Debbie Gonzales, an award-winning children's author, career educator, and the founder of Pin Lit Marketing, where she specializes in boosting book visibility and engagement through Pinterest. Debbie's slow and steady system highlights the significance of evergreen content, strategic keyword usage, and a structured approach to building an audience and selling books. This interview has us rethinking our whole aversion to Pinterest as a marketing option and just may have us updating our Pinterest boards! Listen in!
For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/66
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65 | How to Optimize Your Website to Sell More Books
Your website is like your digital home base—especially once you’ve left social media. However, your author website can be much more than just an online business card! If done well, your website can foster that all-important “like-know-trust” factor with your readers and become your book-selling headquarters. Today we tell you how! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/65
Find our Recommended Vendor List at writingoffsocial.com/vendors-- a curated collection of businesses, creatives, and service providers trusted by our community. Every vendor featured here has been per...
