Kicking Off The New Year! This week, we are kicking off the new year with a double episode! We're looking back at what we accomplished in the year 2025 and also looking forward to what is coming up in the new year of 2026. From some great celebrations like our 2 year anniversary of the show to our future endeavors that we'll be sharing more about in the future, we've been busy helping authors and publishing professionals move ahead. Biz Buzz Taking a Look Back to Review 2025 We kick off the episode with the three of us looking back at what we did both personally and professionally in the last year. From our favorite reads to bug accomplishment at The Author's Voice, we have a lot to celebrate with you! What We're Looking Forward to in 2026 Our second segment of this week's show features us taking a closer look at what's to come in the new year. We talk about exciting adventures in the business and share a few personal goals and ambitions for 2026. Timestamps Biz Buzz Segment 1: Taking a Look Back to Review 2025 () Biz Buzz Segment 2: What We're Looking Forward to In 2026 ()  The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Biz Buzz Memories of Our First Clients The three of us, Peter, Colleen, and CaZ look back at some of our first clients and how e each got into the industry. We cover each of our starts, how we have maneuvered through an ever-changing industry, and how the three of us came to meet.  Timestamps Biz Buzz: Memories of Our First Clients (4:11) The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

All about BookBub This week we begin with a quick overview of our upcoming holiday schedule. We're planning on having a normal schedule until the week of Christmas where we'll release our latest episode of the year on December 23. We're planning to take the next week off and then hop back into the swing of things beginning January 6, 2026(!).  In our Biz Buzz segment this week Peter is joined by CaZ to talk about BookBub and why both readers and authors love the platform.  If you enjoy the show be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you listen!   Biz Buzz Segment Why BookBub Is Beloved  What is BookBub and why is it so beloved? BookBub is a great place for readers to purchase their next book at a discount so why do authors love putting their book on BookBub? Peter and CaZ talk all about BookBub, CaZ from the author's perspective and Peter from the reader's!   Timestamps Biz Buzz: What is Copyright and Why Do I Need It? (3:27) The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Protecting Your Book with Copyright What does it mean to have copyright protection? Copyright protection helps authors (and other creatives and businesses) protect their creations from other people stealing their work. We talk about the true ways authors need to copyright their book to guarantee they can receive the proper protections for their book no and in the future. Biz Buzz Segment What Is Copyright and Why Do I Need It? Copyright is something many first-time authors do not understand. Many believe that simply writing your book provides you protection. Others believe mailing yourself a copy of your manuscript secures a copyright. We take a look at what copyright is and why authors need to register their book with the proper authorities to lock in the protections they need. Timestamps Biz Buzz: What is Copyright and Why Do I Need It? (3:27) The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

What Metrics Should I Know When Marketing? With the upcoming holiday season (literally days away now!), we wanted to talk about the ways authors can maximize their sales and marketing impact. We talk about some of the tactics and metrics you should know in the Biz Buzz segment this week. Then, Colleen and Peter talk with Sarah Rose about the importance of a brand voice for business owners.  Biz Buzz Segment What Metrics Should I Know When Marketing? Authors, we're supposed to write and write and write. But why is it so hard to write our own marketing?  In this week's Biz Buzz, we talk about some of the tactics and metrics writers should know when they market their book. With the right idea of what to look for in the marketing side, you can tailor your time and effort to maximize your results.  Guest Interview Sarah Rose Sarah Rose joins Colleen and Peter to talk about a little writing. Specifically, Sarah Rose works with businesses to create a nd share a proper brand voice. we also talk a little about the use of AI in writing, how we all have a catchphrase and some about her time working with Bark Box!  Timestamps Biz Buzz: What Metrics Should I Know When Marketing? (3:19) Guest Interview: Sarah Rose (35:33) Sarah Rose Links Website - LinkedIn - Instagram  The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Get Paid For Your Book Before You Publish  How can you get paid for your book before you even finish writing it? We talk about crowdfunding options in this week's Biz Buzz segment with a special focus on Kickstarter. Then, Peter talks with author assistant Doreen DeJesus-Harper about the publishing industry, marketing, and how it all ties together.  Plus, Doreen, is one of our first members of The Author's Voice Association, if you are looking for an expert in publishing, check out our online directory of Association members.   Biz Buzz Segment Understanding Crowdfunding This week, we take a deep dive into how authors can use crowdfunding sites to raise money for their writing projects. There are a variety of places authors can begin crowdfunding but we talk about one place in particular - Kickstarter. How can you set up a successful campaign? What do you need in place to reach your funding goal? How can readers support authors in a crowdfunding campaign?   Guest Interview Doreen DeJesus-Harper  Doreen joins Peter to talk about the publishing industry as a whole but in particular how the Author Assistant Training Course fits into the industry. Doreen was part of the first course offered by Jan King and we talk about what has changed and what has stayed the same over her time in the industry.  Timestamps Biz Buzz: Understanding Crowdfunding (2:46) Guest Interview: Doreen DeJesus-Harper (31:16) The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Why Industry Standards Matter What are industry standards? Why do they matter?  Colleen, Peter, and CaZ talk about the importance of standards in any industry but specifically the publishing industry in this week's Biz Buzz segment. Understanding these standards can protect both authors and services providers so everyone is on the same page with a project.   What standards do you use? Let us know!  Timestamps Biz Buzz: Why Industry Standards Matter (4:23) The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Join The Author's Voice Association Apply to join The Author's Voice Association Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Gearing Up For Holiday Sales Don't look now but the holiday season is almost upon us! In this week's episode, Peter, Colleen, and CaZ take a look at the upcoming holiday season and how authors can best capture momentum during this time. From sales pricing to proper planning and everything in between, we make holiday sales easy for anyone to use.   Timestamps Biz Buzz: Capturing Holiday Sale Success (4:36) The Author's Voice Links  Become a Friend of The Show! Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Read our book! NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Stay In Touch With The Author's Voice Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Reminiscing On 2 Years of the Blank Page to Best Seller Podcast! Join us as the three of us, Peter, Colleen, and CaZ reminisce on two years hosting the Blank Page to Best Seller podcast! We talk about everything from our favorite guests to what it is like hosting a show with multiple people.  Plus, we talk a little about our new way for you support the show - becoming a Friend of the Show! And live, on air, I add a special feature for our supporters, I'll read your name off at the end of every episode if you become a Friend of the Show! Timestamps Biz Buzz: Celebrating 2 Years of the Blank Page to Best Seller Podcast (3:49) The Author's Voice Links  External Links Support the Show - Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Celebrating 2 Amazing Years! Come and celebrate our second anniversary with us today! We look back on our best segments of the last 2 years in this week's episode.  What is your favorite episode of the show? Who was your favorite guest? What is something new you learned through the show? Timestamps Top Biz Buzz segment: Our Favorite Memories Working in Publishing (5:55) from Episode 074 Top YouTube Video: The Allure of Fiction (38:42) from Episode 057 Top Interview Segment: Kathleen Gage (49:56) from Episode 051 The Author's Voice Links  External Links Become a Friend of the Show for only $2/month Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Is My Book Ready to Publish? This week, the three of us answer the question, "Is my book ready to publish?"  While the question sounds straight forward, the answer is a little more complicated than yes or no. Deciding on when to hit publish takes into consideration many different aspects like editing, reviews, and marketing. We look at some of the calculus behind the answer so you can make the best decision for you and your book.  Authors need to walk the line between publishing carelessly and being stuck in the search for perfection.  What is your favorite memory of the show? Do you have a favorite memory of the show? We're coming up on the second anniversary of the Blank Page to Bestseller show and want to know your favorite memory! Let us know down in the comments here or through our social media channels and we'll share some of our favorite memories from you on our 2nd anniversary episode in early September.  Timestamps Biz Buzz: Is My Book Ready to Publish? (4:17) The Author's Voice Links  External Links Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

What Are Little Free Libraries? Have you ever wondered what those little colorful boxes are in your neighborhood? Or in the park? Or by the front of a school? Little Free Libraries are are places for people to drop off and pick up free book for their neighbors to read!  We talk all about the Little Free Libraries and what they might mean for readers and authors alike in this week's episode! Timestamps Biz Buzz: What Are Little Free Libraries (1:54) The Author's Voice Links  External Links Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Biz Buzz Memories of Our First Clients The three of us, Peter, Colleen, and CaZ look back at some of our first clients and how e each got into the industry. We cover each of our starts, how we have maneuvered through an ever-changing industry, and how the three of us came to meet.  Guest Interview Janet Kassalen  A look back at a previous episode, we talk with Janet Kassalen one of the first authors Peter worked with and someone whom we speak briefly about in this week's episode. You can listen in and find more information about Janet in the previous episode where she was featured. Listen to Janet's first episode here: How to Become the Next Great Podcaster Timestamps Biz Buzz: Memories of Our First Clients (2:32) Guest Interview: Janet Kassalen (36:44) The Author's Voice Links  Previous Episode Links Our Favorite Reading Memories - Recalling the memories of our love for reading How to Become the Next Great Podcaster - Original Interview with Janet Kassalen External Links Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Your Book Is NOT Your Business Card Biz Buzz Beta Readers v. Street Teams v. Arc Readers What are Beta readers? What about ARC readers? Or a street team? These are all different variations on a theme: how writers can leverage their fans to help their book succeed. But these terms are often misused and have some blurred lines as to their actual usage. So we clarify each of these terms in this week's episode and discuss how these groups interact with and often time lead into each other.  Conversations With Colleen Your Book Is Not A Business Card A few years ago Colleen heard someone talking about how your book is business card - something that everyone has and that you can hand out to others at events. While that might be true, using your book as a business card doesn't do anything to help grow your book sales. Colleen shares some PR tips in this week's segment.   Timestamps Biz Buzz: Beta Readers v. Street Teams v ARC Readers (2:53) Conversations with Colleen: Your Book Is Not Your Business Card (32:43) The Author's Voice Links  External Links Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

A Bit of Reading Fun What are some of your favorite reading memories? Did you stay up late reading way past your bedtime? Did you take a vacation with a backpack overflowing with books? Or maybe you visited to local library every summer afternoon. We each share our favorite reading memory in a fun discussion for this week's show. Let us know what your favorite memory of reading is in the comments!  Biz Buzz  Our Favorite Reading Memories One thing almost every person who works in the publishing industry has in common is a deep love for books and has at least one (but usually many, many more) memory of reading when they were younger. This week Peter, Colleen, and CaZ recall some of our favorite memories of books and reading.  We ask you then, what is your favorite memory of books or reading?  Timestamps Biz Buzz: Our Favorite Reading Memories (2:10)  The Author's Voice Links  External Links Summer Sizzle Sale: Blank Page to Bestseller Course NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

The Importance of Your Author Brand This week's show is all about your author brand and Colleen is main character of this week's show. Colleen begins with her third segment in the Building Your Author Brand series. Miss out on the first two episodes? Check out the links below!  Then, in our Guest Interview segment Colleen talks with designer AK Westerman. AK is a book cover artist and she talks with Colleen about her love of art, the way she works with authors, and much more. Conversations with Colleen Building Your Author Brand Part 3 Colleen continues her series on how authors can build a better brand. This week, Colleen talks about the importance of building your own email list. She talks about how you can begin collecting your reader's emails for future communication. Plus, she talks about some of the features within the many email marketing platform that you should consider when selecting which one to use.  Guest Interview AK Westerman This week, Colleen talks with designer and artist AK Westerman. AK works with authors on creating their book cover. From the initial stages, AK works alongside authors to create a stellar book cover that is the perfect match for their story.    Timestamps Conversations with Colleen: Building Your Author Brand Part 3 (2:13) Guest Interview: AK Westerman (9:34) The Author's Voice Links  Episode Links Building Your Author Brand Part 1 Building Your Author Brand Part 2  AK Westerman Links Website - Instagram - Facebook External Links NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Biz Buzz Segment A Case Study In Publishing - And How To Spot a Fraud Recently, news came out about missed royalty payments from Unbound (now known as Boundless). With the news of the missed payments, there came some great informative articles which took a look at Unbound. On this week's episode, we lay the groundwork for the Unbound (now known as Boundless) saga. In the second part of the segment, we talk about how authors can be on the lookout for potential bad actors and scams.  Check out the links down below for more about the articles we discuss and some of the links mentioned in the show.  Timestamps Biz Buzz: A Case Study In Publishing - And How To Spot a Fraud (3:21) The Author's Voice Links  Episode Links Writer Beware Article Publisher's Weekly Article Reddit Post About The Bookseller Article The Bookseller Article External Links NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Biz Buzz Segment Questions From Around the Industry Each of us answers a question we've heard asked from around the publishing industry. From trusted places to publish to the best type of format for your book and how you can tie it all together with your business.  What questions do you have in the publishing industry? Timestamps Biz Buzz: Questions From Around the Industry (2:28) The Author's Voice Links  Episode Links Interview with Vaugh Fahie Is an E-book E-Enough? Popularity of Print Books Finding the Right Providers External Links NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

Biz Buzz Segment Selling Your Book Online How do authors sell their book online? From Amazon to their own website to book box and more, there are many avenues authors can take to reach readers online. Amazon has recently reworked their royalty rates for print books priced below a certain price and we began by covering that change. We also talk about how authors can sell both hard copies and ebook copies of their book on their own website. Finally, we talk about some of the newer ways that authors can reach new readers such as places like Kickstarter or book boxes. Timestamps Biz Buzz: Selling Your Book Online (1:51) The Author's Voice Links  NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org

How do you sell your book? This week we discuss two separate avenues for book sales - bookstores and audiobooks.  Biz Buzz Segment Bookstores and Authors Peter and CaZ talk about how authors can work with bookstores to sell their book. With a particular focus on brick and mortar stores, and indie bookstores specifically, authors can work with their local bookstores to promote their book. There is no right way to work with bookstores but there are a few ways we share about how you can make it easier to see you book on shelves or collaborate to have a book signing.  Guest Interview w/ Vaughn Fahie The Importance of Audiobooks Colleen and Peter talk with Vaughn Fahie about all things audiobooks! Vaughn believes everyone has their own unique Voice Print and shares why authors, especially non-fiction authors, should work to have their book in audiobook format.  Timestamp Biz Buzz: Bookstores and Authors (3:53) Guest Interview w/ Vaugh Fahie (32:50) Links From the Show The Bookshop Review: What Bookstores Mean to America Vaugh Fahie: Facebook - Website  The Author's Voice Links  NOW ON SALE! - The Write Way: Conversations with Publishing Pros Follow us The Author's Voice on social: Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Threads Watch all of our Biz Buzz segments and more on YouTube Learn more about The Author's Voice on our website: theauthorsvoice.org