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What makes a literary agent say “yes” to your book pitch in under 30 seconds?

Allison Lane sits with Sam Hiyate, founder of The Rights Factory, to demystify how to write a compelling query letter, position your book in today’s market, and avoid the most common author mistakes.

If you've been wondering how to land an agent or make your book proposal unskippable, this is your masterclass in reverse engineering your author marketing. Hit play now because the publishing game is changing, and this episode helps you change with it.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to tailor your query letter to grab an agent’s attention fast.
• The role of market positioning, comparables, and agent fit in getting published.
• What makes agents say no and how to avoid that response.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Rights Factory: https://www.therightsfactory.com/
• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhiyate/
• Research Tool: Publishers Marketplace https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/
• Book Recommendation:
  • How to Survive a Bear Attack - A Memoir by Claire Cameron: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781039056350
  • Detective Aunty - A Novel by Uzma Jalaluddin: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780063434875

Timestamps:

• [02:00] What agents scan for in a pitch beyond the writing.
• [06:00] The real purpose of comparables in your proposal.
• [17:00] How to know if an agent relationship is the right fit.
• [26:00] Why your agent is not your marketing director.
• [44:00] The truth about manuscript quality before pitching.

If you enjoyed today’s tips, take a moment to rate and review The Author’s Edge. Your support helps us grow and reach more authors ready to launch their books and share their message.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXNdz1Dh0ms

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

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Your real life is your best marketing plan if you know how to use it.

Allison Lane and award-winning author and physician Dr. Mimi Zieman break down what it really looks like to build your author platform from lived experience … not guesswork.

From treating frozen limbs on Everest to launching her memoir at 60+, Dr. Zieman shares how to stop waiting, start marketing smart, and reframe success on your terms. If you’ve been putting off your book - or second-guessing whether your story is big enough, this conversation is your sign to stop minimizing your journey and start building your legacy.

3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Your Story Is Already Powerful - Why your lived experience is your unfair advantage and how to own it.
2. Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery - Reverse engineer your reader’s journey and reach the right audience without burning out.
3. Visibility Starts with You - The mindset shifts that help women claim space as authors (without waiting for permission).

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Mimi’s Website: mimiziemanmd.com
• Dr. Mimi Zieman’s book Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781493078431
• Book Reco: Life Worth Living - A Guide to What Matters Most https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780593489307

Timestamps:

• [00:04:00] Why you’re more ready than you think.
• [00:10:00] Body wisdom and gut instinct in authorship.
• [00:21:00] Turning risk into writing resilience.
• [00:30:00] Connecting to your real voice as a writer.
• [00:37:00] Taking up space, unapologetically.

Share this episode with someone who’s waiting to be ready. Then remind them: they already are.

And don’t forget to subscribe + leave a review - it helps more people turn their wisdom into legacy-building books.

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
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What if your book doesn’t fly off the shelves just because it’s published?

Allison Lane dives into the truth about book marketing myths with editor and author Terry Whalin. From breaking down publisher expectations to showing you how to reverse-engineer your author strategy, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to stop spinning and start selling.

Whether you’ve just launched your first book or have a shelf full of titles, don’t miss this straight talk on building visibility and making your book work for you.

Listen now and find out how to take charge of your book’s success.

What You’ll Learn:

• The biggest myth authors believe about publishers (and what to do instead).
• How to create book marketing momentum using the Rule of 5.
• What works in 2025 for getting reviews, visibility, and real book sales

Resources Mentioned:

• Terry Whalin’s blog spot: https://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/ | Subscribe: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA
• Terry Whalin’s Book: 10 Publishing Myths by Terry Whalin: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781642794526
• Publishing Offer - Get the book + $200 in bonuses: https://www.marketing4books.com/us-ord
• Connect with Terry on LinkedIn over 19,400 connections: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrywhalin/ | on X 175K followers: https://x.com/terrywhalin
• Join Bestseller Launch School: https://www.lanelit.com/bestseller
• Book recommendation: Kenny’s Bright Red Scooter: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781636981352

Timestamps:

[02:00] – The #1 myth authors believe about publishers
[08:30] – How a children’s book author sold 10,000 copies through the military
[17:00] – Terry’s marketing wake-up call and the power of blogging
[24:00] – Why your book needs reviews—and how to get them
[30:00] – The 11th publishing myth and a free resource you need

Watch here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MKfJB_W0WQ

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
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What if your book launch isn’t over, it’s just getting started?

Allison Lane sits down with digital marketing expert Rich Brooks to unravel the myths around visibility, author platforms, and the outdated tactics holding authors back. Whether you’re writing your book, launching it, or trying to breathe life back into it post-pub, this conversation breaks down the essential steps to get discovered in today’s noisy digital world.

You’ll learn how to reverse-engineer your author marketing strategy and find your readers using tools you already have.

Hit play if you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and market smarter, not harder.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key digital marketing fundamentals authors can’t skip (and why Wix isn’t one of them).
• How to grow your visibility without relying on social media followers.
• A smarter way to use email and video to connect with future readers.

Resources Mentioned:

• Rich Brooks’ website: https://www.takeflyte.com
• Rich Brooks' podcast: The Agents of Change Digital Marketing Podcast: https://www.theagentsofchange.com/podcasts
• Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therichbrooks/
• Book recommendation:
  • CABIN: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781250285706
  • The Gatekeeper: A Thriller by James Byrne: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781250890030

Timestamps:
[04:50] The website mistakes most authors make and how to fix them
[12:40] Why your friends and family aren’t your ideal audience
[16:00] Email marketing truths authors need to hear
[24:10] Real talk on what’s working (and what’s dead) in digital marketing
[36:30] How to shift your message beyond your current bubble

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeJGjBYcPAM

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

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Is your LinkedIn profile helping you get published or quietly holding you back?

Allison Lane sits with LinkedIn expert Brenda Meller to break down the three profile tweaks that instantly boost your visibility and authority online. Whether you're writing your first book, planning a launch, or looking to grow your platform, this episode will show you how to position yourself as a credible expert and attract the right opportunities.

Discover how to make LinkedIn work for you without spending hours on it. Listen now to learn how simple changes can elevate your author marketing and help you get noticed.

What You’ll Learn:

• The three most important updates to make on your LinkedIn profile today.
• How to write a headline that attracts media, readers, and speaking gigs.
• Why your “digital resume” mindset is holding back your book promotion.

Resources Mentioned:

• Brenda Meller's website: https://www.mellermarketing.com
• Brenda Meller’s book: Social Media Pie “How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of the LinkedIn Pie” - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781947345225
• Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/brendameller
• Book Recommendation:
  • Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780735214149
  • Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder for You Than You Did for It! By Mel H. Abraham: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781401979508

Timestamps:

• [00:03:00] Why your outdated profile could be costing you opportunities.
• [00:07:08] How to write a headline that opens doors.
• [00:14:00] The fix that turns visitors into fans.
• [00:25:06] Stop selling in the DMs, start building real connections
• [00:33:36] One simple audit that can transform your presence

Brenda Meller is a LinkedIn strategist, speaker, and Chief Engagement Officer at Meller Marketing. A former corporate marketer, she helps solopreneurs and professionals grow their presence and enjoy a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. She’s the author of Social Media Pie and host of the Enthusiastically Self-Employed podcast.

Catch the full episode to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEz1ZKDX-9w

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
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Is the language on your website or email buttons quietly sabotaging your book sales?

Allison Lane sits down with behavioral marketing expert Nancy Harhut and breaks down exactly why “Submit” doesn’t work and what to say instead. Discover how small tweaks in your button copy can drive real results, boost reader engagement, and increase conversions. If you’re building your author platform, planning a book launch, or writing your sales page, this conversation is a masterclass in persuasive language.

Don’t guess; reverse engineer your marketing with decision science that gets results.

What You’ll Learn:

• What words to avoid and what to use instead, in your call-to-action buttons.
• How to write email and website copy that drives readers to buy.
• Why one powerful word can double your conversions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Nancy Harhut’s Website: https://hbtmktg.com
• Nancy’s Book: Using Behavioral Science in Marketing: Drive Customer Action and Loyalty by Prompting Instinctive Responses: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781398606487
• Nancy’s Book Recommendation:
  • Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World by Mark Schaefer - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9798987245774
  • The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health by Ellen Langer - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780593497944
  • Identity Marketing: How to Create Loyal, Lifelong Fans and a Legendary Brand (No Matter What You Sell or the Size of Your Budget) by Veronica Romney - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9798218556730

Timestamps:

• [05:24] Why “Don’t” doesn’t work: What to say instead.
• [08:15] The biggest marketing mistake new authors make.
• [15:00] How loss aversion drives book sales.
• [26:14] The button copy that gets clicked (and what to stop using).
• [30:19] Use this curiosity tactic to hook your audience instantly.

If this episode gave you a lightbulb moment, take a moment to rate and review The Author’s Edge. It helps us grow and share actionable author marketing insights with more listeners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et3Wxa9yb2M

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
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What if your book could do more than sell copies? Most authors stop at the book launch. But what if your book was the beginning, not the end, of something bigger?

Allison Lane sits down with marketing strategist Ann Carden to uncover how authors can reverse engineer success by building a business around their book. Whether you're writing, launching, or already published, this conversation will shift how you think about book promotion strategies and author visibility. It’s not just about selling more books, it’s about expanding your reach and turning your book into a brand.

Ann Carden is a business strategist and founder of Expert in You®, helping authors and experts scale with high-end strategies and standout positioning.

Press play to learn how to turn your book into a business and reach more of the people you’re meant to serve.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the book launch is just a milestone, not the destination.
• How to create a strategy beyond “just sell the book.”
• The key to positioning yourself as a high-value expert.

Resources Mentioned

• Ann Carden’s website: annlcarden.com
• LinkedIn Learning Course: Think Bigger About Your Career by Allison Lane
• Allison Lane’s tech stack pack and marketing resources: https://www.lanelit.com/tech
• Book Recos:
  • Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781612681139
  • Gap in the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781401964368
  • The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success and Happiness by Jeff Olson - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781626340466
  • 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less by Dan Sullivan with Benjamin Hardy - https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781401969950

Timestamps

• [03:08] Why your book needs a strategy (and what most authors miss).
• [09:26] How to use your book to book paid speaking gigs.
• [14:37] Positioning: The secret to standing out online.
• [20:32] The most effective book marketing strategies right now.
• [30:52] Why getting help is the ultimate fast-track.

Tune in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ef8bZh4uuU

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
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Have you ever told yourself, “I’ll write my book when I feel ready” or “Who am I to write this?” If so, you’re not alone. High achievers often struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, and the fear of putting their ideas into the world, especially when it comes to publishing a book.

Allison Lane sits down with Dr. Tara Cousineau, clinical psychologist and author of "The Perfectionist Dilemma," to discuss how perfectionism holds authors back and what you can do to finally take action. If you’ve been procrastinating on writing, launching, or marketing your book, this conversation will give you the mindset shifts you need.

Press play now and take the first step toward writing with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The biggest mistakes high-achieving authors make when it comes to writing and publishing.
• Why perfectionism sabotages book launches and how to break the cycle.
• The mindset shift that will help you finally start (and finish) your book.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: https://www.taracousineau.com/
• Book Site: https://perfectionistsdilemma.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taracousineau/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_cousineau/
• Dr. Tara’s Substack: https://taracousphd.substack.com/
• The Next Chapter Network: https://www.lanelit.com/nextchapter
• Book Recommendation:
  • Dr. Tara’s Book - The Perfectionist Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781639109463
  • Weyward: A Novel by Emilia Hart: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781250842725

Timestamps:

[00:04:04] – Why high-achieving authors struggle with self-doubt and procrastination?

[00:09:26] – The hidden connection between perfectionism and fear of writing.

[00:17:12] – How to stop waiting for the “perfect time” to write your book.

[00:26:38] – The power of self-compassion in overcoming creative roadblocks.

[00:34:28] – A simple mindset shift to help you finish and launch your book confidently.

Ready to stop overthinking and start writing? Hit play now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axKrnJADWGI

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

🔔 Subscribe for more tips and insights on writing and publishing!
👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!