The Publishing Performance Show

Nick Thacker is a bestselling author of over 45 books across multiple genres, including the 16-book Harvey Bennett thriller series. What makes Nick's story unique is that he never wanted to be a writer—he hated writing in school and only started his first book as a Christmas gift for his father. After working in marketing and web design, Nick applied business principles to his author career and was able to quit his full-time job in 2017. Today, he runs Book Career in a Year, where he teaches authors how to build sustainable writing careers through strategic marketing, email list building, an...

Ellen Erikson is a publisher with over 30 books in her catalog, including both self-authored titles and public domain editions. She specializes in helping authors understand how to legally republish classic works by adding value through professional formatting, contemporary cover design, and thoughtful annotations. Ellen teaches other publishers how to navigate the complexities of copyright law, Amazon's content guidelines, and competitive research to create profitable public domain book businesses while keeping literary classics accessible to modern readers.

In this episode:

What public domain books are and how copyright expiration works across different...

Oriana Leckert is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, a public benefit corporation dedicated to bringing creative projects to life through crowdfunding. As both a writer and publishing industry expert, Oriana oversees one of Kickstarter's most dynamic categories, working with authors ranging from emerging indie writers to major bestselling authors who have raised millions of dollars. She has helped guide campaigns that have generated hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars in funding, and she's passionate about connecting authors directly with their most dedicated readers.

In this episode:

How Kickstarter's...

Audrey Hughey is a planner creator, author, and productivity expert who specializes in helping writers stay organized and achieve their publishing goals. After struggling to balance writing with raising toddlers, attending school, and freelance work, she created comprehensive author planners that have become essential tools for thousands of writers. Her planners are known for being ADHD-friendly and providing "monthly coaching" through structured goal-setting and review processes. Audrey combines principles from project management, entrepreneurship, and productivity science to create systems that help authors plan their entire year holistically—integrating writing goals with life commitments, energy cycles, and personal well-being.

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Christina Graves is a writer, artist, and horror film addict living in the Deep South, where scary stories and history wander hand in hand. She writes horror and thriller stories that explore the darker side of human nature. Her debut novel, a psychological thriller entitled "Still, Dark Places," is available everywhere books are sold and launched Horrorsmith Publishing's thriller imprint, Thrill Forge. Christina is currently working on her second novel, "What We Do In Secret," a twisty domestic thriller set to release on May 27, 2025.

In this episode:

Christina's journey from aspiring writer to...

Cathy Lewis is the president of C.S. Lewis Publicists, a boutique publicity firm that has been specializing in nonfiction book promotion for 26 years. With seven years of prior experience in traditional publishing, Cathy brings deep industry knowledge to helping authors navigate the dramatically changed media landscape. Her firm has worked with bestselling authors like John Perkins ("Confessions of an Economic Hit Man") and Judith Orloff, generating millions in book sales through strategic media outreach. As a small team of five specialists, C.S. Lewis Publicists provides personalized, one-on-one service that focuses on building thought leadership and author brands...

Gillian Harvey is a successful author of women's fiction with nine published books, including the bestselling "The Year in the French Farmhouse" and "The Bordeaux Book Club." Living in France for many years before recently returning to the UK, she brings authentic French culture and experiences to her novels. Her latest book "The Little Provence Bookshop" combines elements of mystery, humor, and magical realism in a French setting.

In this episode:

Journey from teaching to full-time writingExperience of moving to and living in FranceWriting process and plotting techniques using 40-point story outlinesNaturally incorporating...

Dave Cohen is a veteran comedy writer, performer, and author with an impressive career spanning BBC sitcoms, radio comedy, and children's television. His writing credits include iconic shows like "My Family," "Not Going Out," "Have I Got News For You," and "Spitting Image." Dave is perhaps best known for writing nearly 100 comedy songs for the BAFTA-winning children's series "Horrible Histories," which brilliantly combines education with entertainment. As a former stand-up comedian and co-host of the "Sitcom Geeks" podcast, Dave brings decades of practical comedy writing experience to his educational work. His books, including "The Complete Comedy Writer" and the...

Mark Leslie Lefebvre is a multi-faceted author, publishing industry consultant, and book industry veteran who has significantly shaped the indie publishing landscape. As one of the key architects behind Kobo Writing Life, the self-publishing platform for Kobo (Amazon's primary competitor), Mark helped create what many consider the most user-friendly author dashboard in the industry. His diverse writing portfolio spans horror fiction, urban fantasy, true ghost stories, and essential guides for writers including "Wide for the Win" and "Kill It on Kobo." With over 40 years of writing experience and deep expertise in both traditional and independent publishing, Mark provides invaluable...

Mike Hourigan is a book marketing expert and representative from Written Word Media, one of the most trusted names in book promotion services. Written Word Media operates several highly effective promotional platforms including Free Booksy, Bargain Booksy, and Red Feather Romance, helping thousands of authors reach new readers and boost sales. With extensive experience in digital book marketing across multiple genres and price points, Mike brings practical, data-driven insights into what actually works in today's competitive book marketplace. His expertise spans both fiction and nonfiction promotion strategies, making him a valuable resource for authors at every stage of their...

James Blatch is a former BBC Defence Reporter and BBFC Film Examiner who has successfully transitioned from journalism to becoming a bestselling author of military aviation thrillers. His extensive reporting career included high-profile assignments aboard HMS Invincible during Operation Desert Fox, coverage from Kuwait's Ali Al Salem allied air base, Arctic Circle reporting, and frontline coverage of the UK air offensive during the Kosovo Conflict in 1999. This unique background provides authentic military expertise that infuses his fiction with genuine realism. As co-founder of the Self Publishing Formula and organizer of the prestigious Self Publishing Show Live conference, James has...

Victoria Gerkin is the Publisher at Podium Entertainment, a leading audiobook publishing company that specializes in transforming independent authors' works into professional audio productions. With over 22 years of experience in traditional publishing, including roles at Penguin Random House, Little Random, and A.A. Knopf, Victoria brings deep industry expertise to the rapidly evolving world of independent audiobook publishing. Her background spans subsidiary rights, publicity, and author services, including co-founding the Knopf Speakers Bureau. At Podium, she oversees the acquisition of audio rights and works closely with authors to bring their stories to life through high-quality audio productions, publishing over 2,600...

Dakota Krout is a pioneering LitRPG author and visionary founder of Mountaindale Press, one of the leading publishing houses specializing in LitRPG, GameLit, and cultivation fiction. With a unique background combining computer science expertise and military communications experience, Dakota brings systematic, logical thinking to both his world-building and his publishing empire. His methodical approach to creating intricate magic systems and character progression has made him a standout voice in the rapidly growing gaming-inspired fiction genre, while his publishing house has become a launching pad for numerous successful authors in these specialized niches.

In this...

Shelby Leigh is a breakthrough mental health poetry author who has masterfully leveraged social media to transform her writing career from self-published obscurity to traditional publishing success. With over 103,000 Instagram followers and viral TikTok content that reaches millions, Shelby has become a case study in how modern authors can use digital platforms to build authentic connections with readers and drive real book sales. Her poetry focuses on mental health, healing, and personal growth, resonating with a generation seeking authentic voices in literature. Through her brand "Marketing by Shelby," she now helps other authors replicate her social media success.

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Stuart Grant is the founder of Digital Authors Toolkit, a specialized digital agency that has revolutionized how authors establish their online presence. With over a decade of deep experience in the publishing industry and more than 300 author websites in his portfolio, Stuart has become the go-to expert for writers who want to transform their digital footprint into a powerful marketing tool. His unique approach seamlessly blends technical web development expertise with an intimate understanding of author needs and reader behavior, creating websites that don't just look professional—they convert visitors into loyal fans and customers.

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Kevin J. Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author and literary powerhouse with over 24 million books in print worldwide. Best known for his groundbreaking work expanding the Dune universe alongside Brian Herbert and his extensive contributions to the Star Wars expanded universe with 54 novels, comics, and young adult series, Kevin has helped shape two of science fiction's most beloved franchises. His unique career spans both traditional publishing giants and innovative indie approaches, making him one of the most versatile and successful authors in the industry today.

In this episode:

Behind-the-scenes secrets of writing in legendary...

Craig Martelle is a powerhouse in the indie publishing world with nearly 200 published works, including over 110 full-length novels. A retired Marine and former lawyer turned bestselling author, Craig is the visionary founder of the 20 Books to 50K community—one of the largest and most supportive author networks in the world. His journey from military service to literary success has made him a sought-after mentor and speaker in the indie author community.

In this episode:

From Marine Corps to literary empire: Craig's incredible transformation storyThe productivity secrets behind writing and publishing multiple books annuallyStrategic bo...

Isabelle Knight is a celebrity publicist turned author branding expert who has worked with literary icons including JK Rowling and major organizations like the BBC. As founder of Build Your Author Brand, she brings insider knowledge from the world of high-profile publicity to help everyday authors develop powerful personal brands, connect with their ideal readers, and dramatically increase book sales. Her unique background bridges traditional PR with modern digital marketing strategies.

In this episode:

The celebrity publicist's approach to author branding that actually worksHow to identify and magnetize your ideal readers (not just...

Dave Chesson is the founder of Kindlepreneur and creator of Publisher Rocket, one of the most trusted keyword research tools in the publishing industry. With years of experience helping authors crack Amazon's discovery algorithm, Dave has become the go-to expert for book marketing and keyword optimization. His platform Kindlepreneur has helped thousands of authors increase their book visibility and sales on Amazon.

In this episode:
* How Dave built Publisher Rocket into the industry's leading keyword tool
* Decoding Amazon's algorithm: What really drives book discovery
* Maximizing your 7 KDP keyword boxes for better...

Kathleen Sweeney is the COO of Book Brush, a comprehensive design platform specifically created for authors since 2018. Book Brush specializes in helping authors create professional marketing graphics, book covers, 3D book mockups, video trailers, and social media content without requiring design expertise. The platform offers over 300 3D book versions, hundreds of cover templates, and access to 4.4 million stock images and videos through Pixabay integration. Kathleen leads the company's mission to make book marketing accessible and stress-free for indie authors, providing tools that help authors create professional-looking promotional materials that align with genre expectations and build author branding across all...

Dan Miller is the founder of The Copy Detectives, a specialized service that helps authors navigate copyright permissions and AI content disclosure requirements. With extensive experience in copyright law and clearance processes, Dan assists authors in understanding when they need permission to use quotes, images, and other content in their books. His expertise has become increasingly important as AI-generated content creates new challenges for copyright registration and protection. Dan works with authors to assess manuscripts for copyright issues, secure necessary permissions, and ensure compliance with both U.S. Copyright Office and Amazon KDP disclosure requirements for AI-generated content.

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Kevin Tumlinson is a bestselling author and Chief Brand Officer for Author Anchor, a service that connects authors with trained virtual assistants from the Philippines. With extensive experience managing multiple business ventures while maintaining his writing career, Kevin understands the challenges authors face in balancing creative work with business operations. Author Anchor specializes in providing budget-friendly VAs at $7.50/hour who are specifically trained in author-related tasks including social media management, Facebook advertising, Amazon ads, graphic design, and platforms like BookBrush, Vellum, and Kickstarter. Kevin advocates for strategic delegation that increases revenue potential rather than just removing unwanted tasks from...

Matty Dalrymple is a bestselling author with two thriller series: the Ann Kinnear Suspense novels and the Lizzy Ballard thrillers. She's also the host of The Indy Author Podcast, which has been running since 2016 with nearly 270 episodes. As a writing consultant and speaker, Matty helps authors navigate both the craft and business sides of publishing. Her expertise in podcasting for authors stems from years of hosting her own show and appearing as a guest on numerous other podcasts, making her a valuable resource for authors looking to leverage audio content for platform building. 

In t...

Hassan Osman is an Amazon bestselling author and the founder of Sidegig Hacks and Writer on the Side. While maintaining a demanding corporate career, Hassan has published over 20 books with 9 Amazon bestsellers reaching over 120,000 readers, plus 17 courses with 430,000+ unique students. His expertise lies in creating short, focused books (10,000-12,000 words) for busy managers and corporate leaders, covering soft skills and leadership development. Hassan advocates for treating books as "business cards on steroids" - tools that generate more revenue from opportunities they create than from direct sales. His systematic approach emphasizes the 80-20 principle, focusing on content repurposing across multiple...

Michael La Ronn is a bestselling author who has published over 100 books while maintaining a full-time corporate job and family life. After a near-death experience in 2012, he transformed from aspiring writer to prolific author, developing systematic approaches to productivity that he shares in his non-fiction books and YouTube channel. Michael writes primarily science fiction and fantasy featuring bold underdogs, and has built a substantial following through his Author Level Up YouTube channel with nearly 50,000 subscribers. His expertise lies in time management, dictation techniques, and maintaining consistent writing output through innovative productivity methods including mobile writing, visualization techniques, and strategic...

Chris Benetti is the founder of Smart Author Media and a book funnel marketing expert who has sold over 55,000 books for his clients. Specializing in self-liquidating book funnels and Facebook advertising, Chris helps authors turn their books into profitable lead generation tools that feed into higher-ticket offers and services. His agency focuses exclusively on the Meta suite (Facebook and Instagram) and has generated over $750,000 in revenue for clients while spending $250,000 on ads. Chris's systematic approach combines detailed funnel strategy, conversion rate optimization, and creative testing to help authors build sustainable book-based businesses rather than just selling individual books.

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Michael Stockham is a trial attorney and bestselling author who has successfully built a self-publishing business around his legal thriller series. Starting with a creative writing background before becoming what he calls an "accidental lawyer," Michael brings authentic courtroom detail to his novels through his 25+ years of trial experience. His debut novel "Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer" has garnered over 3,500 reviews and multiple awards, leading to his Jake Fox legal thriller series. Michael approaches his writing career as a business venture, developing systematic processes for planning, writing, and marketing his books while maintaining his full-time legal practice. He's also...

Tony Lee is a New York Times bestselling author who has successfully reinvented himself multiple times throughout his career. Originally starting as a computer games reviewer at 16, he transitioned through street performing in Covent Garden, writing for Radio 4, newspapers, comics, film and TV, before the pandemic forced him to pivot into self-publishing. Writing under the pen name Jack Gatland, he has achieved remarkable success with his crime thriller series, generating over 277 million pages read on Kindle Unlimited. His unique background spans 30 years in traditional publishing before building a profitable self-publishing business that now outearns his entire previous career combined.<...

William Gasner is the founder and CMO of Stack Influence, an influencer marketing platform that specializes in connecting brands with micro and nano-influencers. With extensive experience in e-commerce and digital marketing, William has helped thousands of brands scale their marketing efforts through authentic influencer partnerships. Stack Influence operates as a marketplace platform where vetted influencers can choose products they genuinely want to promote, creating more authentic and effective campaigns. His expertise in leveraging smaller creators for product seeding campaigns has helped numerous authors and publishers reach new audiences and boost their Amazon rankings through external traffic strategies.

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Eddie Rice is the founder of Eloquent Mind and author of the bestselling book "Toast: Short Speeches, Big Impact." With a background in PR and public relations, Eddie specializes in helping authors transition from invisible to in-demand through strategic podcast appearances and speech writing. His "Your Book, Your Voice" approach focuses on helping authors leverage their written expertise into spoken word opportunities, whether through podcast guesting, keynote speeches, TEDx talks, or virtual speaking engagements. Eddie believes that appearing on 100 episodes of other people's podcasts is far more effective than starting your own podcast with 100 episodes.

In this...

O'Cyrus Ink is a multi-genre author and publisher who specializes in poetry, children's fiction, young adult horror, and middle grade horror. Currently serving in the military while building his publishing career, he founded O'Cyrus Ink Publishing to help authors, particularly teenagers and young adults, navigate the publishing world. His approach focuses on finding the core message behind every story and helping authors connect authentically with their target audience. He also hosts "The Authors Lounge" podcast, dedicated to educating younger generations of writers and creators.

In this episode:

Balancing military service with a growing...

Julie Broad is the founder of Book Launches, a comprehensive service that helps nonfiction authors successfully launch their books to market. She's also the founder of the Future of Book Marketing Summit and creator of the Author Launch Kit software. With extensive experience in book marketing, Julie has helped hundreds of authors navigate the complex world of book launches and platform building, focusing specifically on nonfiction titles that serve as business development tools.

In this episode:

The biggest mistake authors make: thinking about marketing after the book is finishedWhy marketing should start the...

David P. Perlmutter is a bestselling author with 17 published books, including his breakthrough memoir "Wrong Place Wrong Time" which has garnered over 4,000 reviews and achieved bestseller status across multiple Amazon categories. What started as therapeutic blog writing in Portugal became a successful writing career when his editor friend recognized the potential in his raw, honest storytelling. David writes primarily in first person narrative, allowing readers to "walk the journey" with him through his true stories and crime thrillers. Beyond writing, he's actively working to adapt his "Right to Kill" crime thriller series for television, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit needed...

Robert A. Lane is an audiobook producer, coach, and author with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, including 14 years at 20th Century Fox. After his entertainment career ended when Disney acquired Fox, Robert founded Robert Lane Coaching and created the "Your Book, Your Voice" program, which helps nonfiction authors narrate and produce their own audiobooks in just six weeks. With his extensive audio background starting in radio, Robert specializes in helping authors overcome their voice insecurities and create compelling audiobook narrations while handling all the technical editing and publishing aspects.

In this...