Episode 051 / Contemporary romance author Zoe York joins us to talk about aligning your current projects with your long-term goals. Plus we dive into author branding and business models and Zoe’s tips for writing a series. This episode is packed with so much good info for writers! 

Intro links:

Happy 2021! 

How to Outline a Cozy Mystery sale

Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.

In this podcast episode, you’ll discover:

  • How Zoe discovered the joy of ereaders
  • Why goals are often a moving target
  • The benefits of anthologies
  • Why real enthusiasm and passion is so important for success
  • Breaking the rules of plot structure and starting with the black moment
  • Order of operations for writing and marketing
  • Assumptions about growth and how it’s not always cumulative
  • Getting to the next level if you plateau
  • Branding: an oak tree versus a field of poplars
  • Series within a series
  • Series names and how they impact reader expectations
  • Zoe’s tips for writing a series
  • First draft mistakes on a Book One in a series
  • Different business models for authors and matching your goals to them
  • Goal setting: think 5 years in the future then align current project to that goal
  • TikTok and authors
  • Regions of discoverability

Genre discussed is contemporary romance.

Links: 

Zoe York’s website

Twitter: @zoeyorkwrites

Instagram: @zoeyorkwrites

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/zoeyorkwrites

Zoe’s book on writing a series and branding: Romance Your Brand 

Becca Syme’s Write Better Faster

 The Heroine’s Journey

Sarah Cannon HB90

Sara’s book on writing a series: How to Write a Series

Regions of Discoverability

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes