Podcast: Download (Duration: 55:59 — 45.6MB)

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If you've been running your author business for a while, you can start to feel like you're in a rut, or that you've hit a plateau in terms of sales. So how do you move into a new phase? I discuss this and more with Tara McMullin today.

In the intro, I mention PublishDrive's announcement of a new advertising dashboard for authors that includes Amazon Ads, the new Stephen King Alexa Skill, and the new Masterclass with Neil Gaiman.

Plus, Valley of Dry Bones, an ARKANE thriller, is out now in audiobook. [ Audible US | Audible UK | Google Play | More links]

Are you struggling to find the time to write? Do you want to make the most of your writing time so you can write more words, faster? Are you ready to reset your productivity? If yes, check out my new mini-course, Productivity for Authors, just US$149. You can find all my courses at: www.TheCreativePenn.com/learn

Tara McMullin is an author, professional speaker, and founder of the What Works Network, a social and support network for digital small businesses. She's also the host of the What Works Podcast and her latest book is Subtle: The Small Shifts That Lead To Big Results.

You can listen above or on iTunes or your favorite podcast app or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below.

Show Notes

• Tara’s motivation to write her latest book

• Viewing our non-fiction body of work as part of a journey rather than something set in stone as we all change over time

• How to move out of stagnancy without destroying the past

• What causes plateaus in business, and how to deal with them

• Why systems matter and how they are actually already in place

• Getting away from the launch cycle mentality

• The synergy between physical fitness and business

• Tips for rebranding

You can find Tara McMullin at www.ExploreWhatWorks.com

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Podcast: Download (Duration: 1:04:41 — 52.6MB)

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What if you could scale your revenue without growing your expenses? What if you could make a living with your writing but still remain alone in your writing room? I discuss these questions and more today with Paul Jarvis.

In the intro, I talk about second-hand book sales [Dean Wesley Smith], how the death of poet Mary Oliver can help deepen our writing [listen to her on the On Being Podcast], why ‘sparking joy‘ is so important (referencing Marie Kondo on Netflix), plus the Kickstarter for Intellectual Property Tracking.

Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, where you can get free ebook formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Get your free Author Marketing Guide at www.draft2digital.com/penn

Paul Jarvis is a writer, a designer, a podcaster, an online course teacher, and software creator. His latest book is Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business.

You can listen above or on iTunes or your favorite podcast app or watch the video here, read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below.

Show Notes

• The difference between a company and a solo author

• Why growth isn’t the by-product of success

• On feeding the hungry ghosts

• The importance of paying attention to the audience we already have

• Tips for introverts who are building an email list

• The importance of hiring support when you can afford it

• Setting boundaries to support who you are as an author

• Tips for being resilient in the face of rapid change

• Why smaller companies have an advantage over larger ones, especially when it comes to changing direction

You can find Paul Jarvis at pjrvs.com and on Twitter @pjrvs

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