Book-A-Go-Go | How to Write, Publish & Market Your Book

Learn how to structure your book like a pro. This episode walks you through the essential building blocks of a complete book—front matter, main content, and back matter. You’ll discover which elements are optional vs. required, how to sequence them, and tips to give your finished book a polished, professional look that meets industry standards.

Blurbs and testimonials can boost your book’s credibility, marketing reach, and discoverability—if you know how to get the right ones. In this episode, we walk you through who to ask, how to ask, when to ask, and what makes a testimonial truly effective. We also cover how to use endorsements beyond the book jacket to enhance your author brand and marketing strategy.

Not sure which publishing path is right for you? This episode breaks down traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid models—explaining how each works, what authors can expect in terms of control, cost, royalties, and distribution, and how to align your publishing choice with your goals, timeline, and budget.

Don’t let legal issues derail your book. In this episode, Jenna and Sara cover what every author should know about legal review, fact-checking, and compliance—from using song lyrics and brand names to referencing real people and places. Learn when to involve a publishing lawyer, how to clear third-party content (including photos and permissions), and how to protect yourself from copyright violations, defamation, and other costly mistakes. Whether you’re self-publishing or going the traditional route, this episode helps you stay legally sound and reader-ready.

A strong book title does more than sound good—it sells your concept, hooks readers, and guides your cover and marketing. In this episode, Jenna and Sara share practical strategies for brainstorming titles, tailoring them to genre and audience expectations, avoiding common pitfalls, and involving your publishing or PR team before locking it in. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, this episode will help you choose a title that resonates.

Not all editors do the same thing—and understanding the differences can save you time, money, and frustration. In this episode, Jenna and Sara demystify the roles of developmental editors, line editors, copyeditors, and proofreaders. You’ll learn who to hire, when to bring them in, what each one does (and doesn’t do), and how they work together to help you create a professional, polished book.

Not every author needs to write their book alone. In this episode, Jenna and Sara unpack the pros and cons of working with a ghostwriter, co-author, or writing coach—or going solo. We cover who gets credit, who owns the rights, typical pricing, and how much time and effort each path requires so you can choose the best option for your goals, schedule, and skill set. Whether you’re time-poor, confidence-shy, or eager to DIY, this episode will help you decide the best path to get your book from idea to finished manuscript.

Blogging is one of the most powerful tools an author can use to build visibility, credibility, and momentum—long before your book is even published. In this episode, Jenna and Sara share tips for getting started, staying consistent, and making your blog work for your long-term publishing goals.

Your author website doesn’t need to be big or fancy—but it does need to exist. In this episode, Jenna and Sara walk you through the key reasons to set up a website early in your publishing journey, what pages it should include, and how to make smart decisions that will grow with you over time.

It’s never too early to start working on your author platform—and that could mean even before you start writing your book. In this episode, Jenna and Sara break down what an author platform is, why it matters, and how to start building one in a way that feels natural—even if you’re not a fan of self-promotion.