The BookFunnel Podcast

The official podcast from the team at BookFunnel, hosted by Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, and Emma Alisyn, featuring guest interviews, self-publishing industry discussions, and tips for using BookFunnel to build an author business.

The BookFunnel Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by BookFunnel, with 46 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

BookFunnel hosts The BookFunnel Podcast, a arts show with 46 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #46

  Growing Your Audience with Author Audio Commentary with Dani Collins, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep. 46

  Jul 31, 20261h 39m

  Summary In this episode, Dani Collins shares her journey from traditional publishing to indie success, explores the power of reader magnets, author commentary, and effective marketing strategies for authors. Discover practical tips on building your author platform, leveraging social media, and optimizing pre-orders to grow your readership and sales. In this episode, Dani Collins shares her approach to creating engaging author commentary podcasts, monetization strategies, and content repurposing tips for authors looking to grow their audience and boost book sales. Takeaways Reader magnets are a powerful tool for building an email list and engaging readers. Author commentary and audio content can deepen reader connection and boost discoverability. Start with small, targeted ads and use pattern interrupts to capture attention. A well-crafted pre-order campaign can significantly impact long-term sales. Consistent communication through newsletters keeps your audience engaged and loyal. Diverse tactics, including social media, ads, and reader magnets, complement each other for maximum reach. Building a starter library helps new readers explore your work and find their favorite genre. Authentic, behind-the-scenes content fosters a stronger connection with fans.

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  Episode #44

  BookTok: Love it or Hate it? with Kacie Belk, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep, 44

  Jul 17, 20261h 2m

  Learn More About Our Guest Kacie's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ladybelkreads?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Kacie's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LadyBelkReads Helpful BookFunnel Links Author Knowledge Base https://authors.bookfunnel.com/ Jack’s BookFunnel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jack.bookfunnel BookFunnel Podcast https://bookfunnel.transistor.fm/ BookFunnel Authors Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookFunnelAuthors BookFunnel Promos Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookFunnelBundles/ Webinar Signup https://calendly.com/jack_bookfunnel Summary In this episode, we explore the dynamics of the BookTok community, how authors can engage effectively, and the dos and don'ts of social media marketing for writers. In this episode, we explore the realities of author marketing, the importance of authentic content, and strategies for building a loyal reader base on platforms like TikTok. Our guest shares insights on review manipulation, content creation, and genre-specific marketing tips.

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  Episode #43

  Translating Your Books for Global Readers with Maxwell Zachs, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep 43

  Jul 10, 20261h 18m

  What if your next audience is waiting in another language? In this episode of the BookFunnel Podcast, Jack Shilkaitis and Emma Alisyn sit down with Maxwell Zachs, CEO of Translation Review and a longtime indie author, to explore how authors can bring their books into international markets without sacrificing quality, voice, or reader trust. Max explains how hybrid translation combines the speed and affordability of AI-assisted translation with the judgment, cultural knowledge, and nuance of professional human translators. The conversation goes far beyond simply translating the words on the page, covering everything from genre-specific terminology and localized marketing to foreign-language newsletters, international pricing, cover design, reader expectations, and long-term publishing strategy. Authors will also learn why a translated edition should be treated as a new publishing venture rather than an ancillary product—and why the translation itself is often only the beginning. Key Takeaway Publishing in translation is not simply a matter of converting a manuscript into another language. Each translated edition is a new book entering a new market, complete with its own readers, expectations, marketing opportunities, cultural context, and publishing strategy. Authors who approach translation with research, patience, professional support, and a willingness to engage with readers may discover opportunities well beyond the English-language market. About Maxwell Zachs Maxwell Zachs is the CEO of Translation Review and an independent author with nearly twenty years of publishing experience. After using AI-assisted translation to bring his own backlist into Spanish and other languages, Max recognized the need for professional human review to correct grammatical errors, preserve author voice, localize language, and improve the reader experience. Translation Review now works with a growing team of native-language translators to help authors prepare AI-assisted translations for publication across a wide range of international markets. Learn more about Translation Review and connect with Max through the company’s website. https://translationreview.ai/

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  Episode #41

  Crowdfunding for Authors with Max Salzberg of BackerKit, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep. 41

  Jun 26, 20261h 9m

  In this episode of The BookFunnel Podcast, Damon Courtney sits down with Maxwell Salzberg, CEO of BackerKit, to talk about why crowdfunding has become one of the most exciting opportunities for authors today. Max shares how BackerKit grew from managing the “back of the house” for crowdfunding campaigns into a full crowdfunding platform, and why authors are especially well-positioned to use crowdfunding as part of a long-term publishing career. Damon and Max also discuss the rise of special editions, superfan-driven campaigns, direct reader relationships, and why a successful campaign starts long before launch day. Whether you’re thinking about your first campaign or looking for ways to turn your existing readers into a stronger community, this episode breaks down what authors should understand before they crowdfund. In this episode, we talk about: Why crowdfunding is really another form of direct sales How authors can use crowdfunding to serve their superfans Why your mailing list is the foundation of a successful campaign The importance of “pre-live” campaign building How to reduce the fear of public campaign failure Why special editions, audiobooks, and premium products work well for crowdfunding How smaller authors can think about campaigns without comparing themselves to Brandon Sanderson Why peer collaboration can help authors reach new readers What Bonkers Romance did well with community-driven campaigns How BackerKit’s instant access rewards work with BookFunnel How authors can use back catalog ebooks, audiobooks, bonus material, and samples to build campaign momentum Key takeaways Crowdfunding is not just for massive authors with giant audiences. Max and Damon emphasize that authors can start small by focusing on the next realistic milestone: one fan, ten fans, one hundred fans, and so on. The most successful campaigns are not simply preorders. They become an event, a community experience, and an extension of the author’s world. Authors should not wait until launch day to find out whether people are interested. A pre-live landing page gives authors a quieter, lower-risk way to measure demand, build momentum, and know whether they are ready to launch. Mailing lists matter, but only if authors actually use them. Readers need to hear from authors regularly, not just when there is something to buy. Superfans are the core of a campaign. When authors create something specifically for the readers who love their work most, those fans often help bring the crowd to the crowdfunding campaign. Useful Links: The Author's Guide to Crowdfunding webinar with Bonkers Romance: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/bonkers-romance

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  Episode #40

  Living Your Brand with Main Character Energy with Amanda Traylor, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep. 40

  May 4, 202654 min

  In this episode, Amanda Traylor shares her journey of rebranding as June Patrick, the importance of authentic branding, and practical tips for authors to connect with their audience through in-person events, social media, and unique branding strategies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:52 Amanda Traylor's Journey in Writing and Branding 04:35 The Transformation into June Patrick 07:20 Reinventing the Author Brand 10:08 Embodying the Pen Name 12:41 Connecting with Readers through Branding 15:33 Navigating Goodreads and Author Reviews 18:44 Building a Brand Through Newsletters 26:43 Authenticity in Author Branding 28:36 Understanding Your Audience 35:21 In-Person Engagement and Reader Reactions 39:10 Creative Branding Strategies for Authors 41:10 Unique Promotional Items and Their Impact 44:42 Connecting with Modern Audiences 47:28 Finding Your Authentic Brand Voice 50:38 Navigating Branding in Different Contexts

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