Pen to Paycheck Authors

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda explain the meaning of the term 'soda can strategies', and how they implement them. Next week Sam and Matilda will delve into their comp authors again, this time looking at how they market their books. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: S C Hunter: https://www.tiktok.com/@schunterrr?lang=en LilyLouTay: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilyloutay?lang=en

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda discuss blurbs, the difficulties, mistakes, and tips to make them as buttery as possible! Next week Sam and Matilda will come together to talk about soda can strategies, a term they invented to talk about book selling! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Leigh Bardugo - Ninth House: https://www.amazon.com/Ninth-House-Leigh-Bardugo/dp/1250751365/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda are talking about writing quotes and marketable lines before writing the book... Next week Sam and Matilda are going to be talking about everyone's favourite part of writing a book... writing THE BLURB! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: The Rebel Author Podcast: https://sachablack.co.uk/2023/12/13/220-how-to-launch-a-successful-series-with-helen-scheuerer/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda discuss the gloriously delicious writing tool that is lovingly called BUTTER, but also known as Universal Fantasy. Next week Sam and Matilda will chat about their writing process and how they feel about writing IN the marketable moments that make books better! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: 7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59014783 Universal Fantasy Discussion Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7figurefiction/?ref=share Universal Fantasy Substack: https://7figurefiction.substack.com/ GoOnWrite book cover designer extraordinaire: http://goonwrite.com/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about everyone's favourite marketing tactic - X meets Y! Next week Sam and Matilda will discuss what Butter is and how, when, and how much should be added to the story mix. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/75532088 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24453082 7 Figure Fiction by T. Taylor: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59014783

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda review the first quarter of the year - what they planned to do, what they managed to do, and what is getting kicked into the next few months. Next week Sam and Matilda will start a new topic: Writing as marketing. The first discussion point will be X meets Y marketing! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Wiser than Me with Julie Louis-Dreyfus: https://lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda discuss rebranding and relaunching. Are they the same thing, or are they different beasts entirely? By next week, Sam and Matilda will have reviewed the first quarter of the year and come together to talk about their wins, their failures, and what they have planned for the next quarter. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Kate Pickford: https://www.youtube.com/@kathrynpickford4705 C.N. Rowan: https://www.facebook.com/cnrowan

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda get personal about pen names and personas. Who is using a pen name? Who wishes they weren't? And what does it mean to use an online persona?! By next week, Sam and Matilda will have given some thought to their plans on any rebranding and relaunching they have on the calendar for this year. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Publishing Rodeo podcast: https://publishingrodeo.wordpress.com/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda look at how consistency can make or break your branding! By next week, Sam and Matilda will be discussing pen names vs personas. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Skye Warren’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/skyewarren/the-branding-myth The Black Heron podcast episode: https://youtu.be/n8ZUvXomrrw?si=vcDQW2R2uwIHOfH- The No Stupid Questions podcast episode: https://youtu.be/7btH7kE_SEg?si=IZu64Nkw3g2o_jLh The Cozy Mystery Clubhouse Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryclubhouse/ Authors mentioned: Lynn Morrison, Benedict Brown, Skye Warren, Tonya Kappes

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda take a look at the way other authors use branding across their platforms and books. By next week, Sam and Matilda will have looked at the importance of branding consistency. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Colour theme from image (Adobe), which IS free: https://color.adobe.com/create/image Rocket Expansion Author Branding Article: rocketexpansion.com/author-branding Palette generator: https://coolors.co/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda had set out to complete their branding manifestos/bibles, but things didn't go quite to plan... By next week, Sam and Matilda are going to look at how other authors use branding, and see if that helps them figure out their own branding plans. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Joffe Books: https://www.joffebooks.com/ How to Build an Author Brand: https://publishdrive.com/how-to-build-an-author-brand.html

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda try to strike the right balance of standing out, and fitting in when it comes to writing in their specific genres. By next week, Sam and Matilda will be diving into their author brand identities. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Fourth Wing tropes https://www.theauthorstack.com/p/fourth-wing-fantasy-eleven-tropes 7 Figure Fiction by T Taylor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FGZQV4D/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda discuss the ever complicated topic of niches. What is a niche, and how does defining it help further your writing career? By next week, Sam and Matilda will have taken a look at their positioning within the author stratosphere so they can discuss standing out & fitting in. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: How to find your niche: https://kobowritinglife.com/2023/04/17/how-to-find-your-niche-and-does-every-writer-need-one/ qARz1pZzia8OaX9de4L3

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about the platforms that support their writing careers, from creating graphics and book covers, to how they format their books. By next week, Sam and Matilda will talk about their niches. What niches ARE, and how they plan on drilling down to find success! Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Spa Girls 429 - How to Create Your Author Business Plan: https://www.selfpublishingauthorspodcast.com/spa-girls-ep-429-how-to-create-your-author-business-plan/ Novel Marketing Podcast - How to Use Goodreads to Promote your Book: https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-promote-books-goodreads/ Bookfunnel: https://bookfunnel.com/ Story Origin: https://storyoriginapp.com/ Prolific Works: https://www.prolificworks.com/ 20BooksTo50k Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/ Mailerlite: https://www.mailerlite.com/ Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/ Draft2Digital: https://www.draft2digital.com/ Books2Read: https://books2read.com/ Vellum: https://vellum.pub/ Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Bookbrush: https://bookbrush.com/ Photopea: https://www.photopea.com/ Publisher Rocket: https://publisherrocket.com/ Dave Chesson’s Kindelpreneur: https://kindlepreneur.com/ Book Report: https://www.getbookreport.com/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ Wordpress: https://wordpress.org/ Bluehost: https://www.bluehost.com/ Joanna Penn website guide: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/website-email-help/ Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/ Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about their money mindset! By next week, Sam and Matilda will have collected information on the platforms they use to self publish, and discuss business plans. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Write to Riches by Renee Rose (also check out her Author Abundance Central group on Facebook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RW43WWS/ Your Journey Into Abundance by H L Savino:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087D4CXT2/ We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rogers (she also has a podcast called Hello Seven): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BYYMZG3/ Become a Fearless Writer by Nina Harrington: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071R9X1JG/ 5 Steps to Author Success by Rachel McLean (turns out it doesn’t have ‘Bestseller’ in the title, but Matilda was close): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MG97Q15/ Six Figure Authors Podcast (worth listening to the backlist and also keeping on your feed as they sometimes add new episodes): https://6figureauthors.com/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda talk about their experience with Facebook ads, what they have already learned from past experience, and what plans they have to gain success in the future. By next week, Sam and Matilda have deep dived into their money mindset, their spending plans, and the dreaded 'budget'. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula Ads for Authors: https://learn.selfpublishingformula.com/p/adsforauthors Mal Cooper’s Help! My Facebook Ads Suck: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YN78GC4 Bryan Cohen: https://bryancohen.com/ Matthew J Holmes: https://www.matthewjholmes.com/ Great Facebook page examples: J M Miller: https://www.facebook.com/j.m.miller.author Jennifer L Armentrout: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda break down their own marketing attempts in 2023, and discuss what worked and what didn't, covering what marketing ideas they have for the next 12 months. By next week, Sam and Matilda will come back together to break down their understanding of Facebook ads; what their experience is with the system, and how they plan on getting results. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show: Matilda’s cover designer for both the new and original Heathervale Mysteries covers: http://goonwrite.com/ The source of much knowledge, especially which promo sites are worthwhile, David Gaughran: https://davidgaughran.com/best-promo-sites-books/ Cozy mystery author extraordinaire, Tonya Kappes: https://tonyakappes.com/ Next Level Authors Podcast: https://www.danielwillcocks.com/podcasts/nextlevelauthors/ Rebel Author Podcast: https://sachablack.co.uk/the-rebel-author-podcast/ Wish I’d Known Then…For Writers: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/ Bookfunnel: https://bookfunnel.com/

In this week’s episode, Samantha and Matilda make their 2024 plans…then remake them to factor in all the different hats self-publishers need to wear. By next week, Sam and Matilda will have completed a marketing audit to as the first step on their plans for 2024. Where to find Sam and Matilda: SAM IG: @sammowrimo Website: www.samantha-cummings.com Book to start with: The Deathless - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathless-Frances-June/dp/B0915V5L6F Most recent book: Curse of the Wild (Moons & Magic Book 1) https://amzn.eu/d/fVXwW3j MATILDA IG: @matildaswiftauthor Website: MatildaSwift.com Book to start with: https://books2read.com/TheSlayoftheLand (book #1 of The Heathervale Mysteries) Most recent book: https://books2read.com/ButterLatethanNever (book #3 of The Slippery Spoon Mysteries) Mentioned on the show Profit First by Mike Michalowicz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/073521414X/ ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors): https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/ Orna Ross: https://ornaross.com/ Join Orna’s patreon, or take part in her weekly check-ins for free here: https://www.patreon.com/OrnaRoss