Build your Author Brand Podcast
The build your author brand podcast host
Isabelle Knight
shares her background and experience in the world of PR and publicity that led to her passion for helping authors develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed on a global scale.
Isabelle provides an overview of the tools and strategies she will dive into throughout the remainder of season one and provides directions to help authors get started on defining their unique author brand.
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Season 3, Episode 2
In this episode, J.D. Barker shares his unconventional path from ghostwriting to becoming an international best-selling author. He shares how his path of innovative marketing and out-of-the-box thinking has allowed him to outmaneuver traditional publishing and book marketing routes that can keep authors stuck.
J.D. Barker is an international bestselling American author whose work has been broadly described as suspense thrillers, often incorporating elements of horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural.
Episode Highlights:
• J.D.’s journey from ghostwriting to bestselling author and how he carved his own author path
• How creative and disruptive book marketing can generate buzz and reader engagement for indie authors
• How J.D. created a hybrid approach to traditional vs indie publishing
• Why branding matters, how traditional publishers focus on individual books rather than authors, and how indie authors have a marketing edge
• Why innovation is key to breaking through an industry where millions of books are published annually
Season 3, Episode 1
Season 2, Episode 6
Season 2, Episode 5
Season 2, Episode 3
Season 1, Episode 1
Episode Details
In the first episode of season 3, Isabelle sits down with Siobhan Purcell. Siobhan is an Irish author who has just published her debut novel, A Murderous Affair: The Quay Road Mysteries Book 1. Based in the West of Ireland, Siobhan draws inspiration from the charm and intrigue of village life, weaving stories that blend vivid landscapes, memorable characters, and a touch of suspense.
She is a mom to 4 children who have all successfully reached adulthood, 2 fluffy dogs and has been a serial entrepreneur all her life Siobhan’s second novel will be released on 17th March 2025.
Episode Highlights:
• The benefits of Indie author conferences - from industry knowledge to career-changing connections
• The power of networking – how casual conversations can lead to game-changing advice, friendships, and career growth
• The supportive global writing community – how indie authors collaborate, share insights, and lift each other up rather than compete
• Conferences aren’t just for learning—they’re a chance to contribute knowledge and support fellow authors, even as a beginner
• Information on how you can attend the first annual Ireland’s Publishing show this March 18th – 20th, 2025
In this episode of the Build Your Author Brand podcast, Isabelle sits down with best-selling indie author Ty Hutchinson, who shares his incredible journey from a burned-out advertising career to becoming a successful full-time writer. Ty discusses his path into self-publishing, the importance of embracing failure and experimentation, and how building strong relationships with readers has been key to his success. Whether you're an aspiring author or an established indie writer, Ty’s insights on navigating the changing landscape of indie publishing and building a personal brand are sure to inspire.
Episode Highlights:
• The power of persistence in the face of early struggles in the writing and publishing world.
• Why embracing new opportunities and saying “yes” has been key to Ty’s growth as an author.
• How building a personal connection with readers is just as important as writing great books.
• The importance of being honest with yourself about your author goals.
• Why building a strong, authentic relationship with your audience is key to long-term success.
• The importance of being proactive with your marketing efforts to stay visible in a crowded marketplace.
• Why listening to your readers and adapting based on their feedback is crucial for both improving your craft and building a successful author business.
In this episode, Isabelle sits down with Veronique Moorcroft, a successful multi-genre, traditionally published author known by the pen names Nikki Moore and Ella Allbright. Veronique takes us through her author journey, sharing the highs and lows of her career—from early setbacks to key moments of recognition. She highlights the importance of persistence, the value of supportive writing communities, and the challenges of navigating marketing, publicity, and rejection in the competitive world of publishing.
Episode Highlights:
• The Truth About Traditional Publishing: Veronique dispels the myth that securing a publishing deal is the end of the hard work. She shares how, even after signing with a publisher, authors must hustle to handle their own marketing, publicity, and social media presence.
• Overcoming Health Challenges: Veronique reflects on how overcoming serious health setbacks, including a critical surgery and long recovery, taught her resilience and helped shape her approach to writing and persistence.
• The Power of Community: Veronique emphasizes the importance of being part of a supportive network of writers and how it has helped her stay motivated. She also highlights the inclusive nature of the writing world, where there’s room for every author to thrive.
• Staying True to Your Values: Veronique discusses how staying true to her values and adapting to the evolving publishing landscape has been key to her success. She also talks about trusting your instincts as an author.
• Embracing Rejection: Veronique talks about how rejection is an inevitable part of an author’s journey, and how resilience and persistence are essential for long-term success.
• The Impact of Social Media: Veronique shares how platforms like BookTok and Instagram have reshaped the way authors connect with readers, and how she engages with her audience online to build meaningful relationships.
• Advice for Aspiring Authors: Veronique offers practical advice for emerging writers, including the importance of networking, continuously honing your craft, and staying motivated, even when the journey gets tough.
Season 2, Episode 4
In this episode, Isabelle sits down with Dr. Kathrine McAleese, a speaker, author, and entrepreneur, to discuss how embracing authenticity and thinking outside the box helped her create a successful global book launch. Kathrine’s journey isn’t just about writing a book—it's about building a community and staying true to her personal mission. She shares how her book launch became an immersive, unforgettable experience and how small beginnings led to unexpected opportunities. Kathrine also offers practical advice for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs on creating a launch that resonates with your audience.
Episode Highlights:
• The Power of Authenticity: Kathrine talks about how staying true to her values and being authentic to herself played a pivotal role in her success.
• Small Beginnings, Big Opportunities: Kathrine shares how starting with smaller events and projects helped her build momentum.
• Creating a Movement: We dive into how Kathrine used her book launch to engage her community and turn it into a memorable experience.
• Building a Supportive Network: Kathrine reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong community and how it’s supported her success
• Advice for Aspiring Authors and Entrepreneurs: Kathrine shares her top tips for anyone looking to make an impact—whether through a book, a brand, or a business.
In this episode, Isabelle is joined by award-winning fantasy author Meg Kramer to discuss her remarkable journey as an indie author. Meg, known for her debut novel Amoura Awakened, invites readers to escape reality and discover their power to transform it. She shares her transition from a traditional career to indie publishing, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and authenticity in her writing. Meg explores how personal experiences shape storytelling and offers strategies for overcoming inner criticism and societal pressures.
Episode Highlights:
• Meg's story of transitioning from a traditional career to becoming an indie author, highlighting the motivations and challenges involved
• The significance of self-discovery and authenticity in writing, and how personal experiences shape storytelling
• The impact of inner criticism and societal pressures on creativity, along with strategies for building confidence as an author
• The empowerment and freedom that come with being an indie author, and leveraging past experiences for growth as a creative professional
• Meg’s authentic approach to marketing and writing, recognizing the long-term nature of success in the literary world
• Creative social media strategies for enhancing reader engagement and fostering a sense of connection with characters and stories
In this inaugural episode of the Build Your Author Brand Podcast, host Isabelle Knight shares her experience in the world of PR and publicity that led to her passion for helping authors develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed on a global scale. Isabelle gives an overview of the tools and strategies she will dive into throughout the remainder of season one and provides direction to help authors get started on defining their unique author brand.
Episode 1 highlights:
Introduction to podcast host, Isabelle Knight: her background, expertise, and approach to helping authors maximize their success
Isabelle shares the key to successful publicity and marketing for authors and their brands: the author brand story
Isabelle provides the roadmap to creating an author brand story
Season 1, Episode 2
In this episode Isabelle discusses what the Author Brand Story is and why it's the key to your book's success.
Episode 2 highlights:
What is the purpose of an Author Brand Story?
Learn why your story is just as important for your marketing as the story you've written in your book
How to reach your ideal reader and compel them to read your book
Isabelle provides the 3 questions you need to answer to write your unique Author Brand Story
Season 1, Episode 3
You’ve created your Author Brand Story, well done! Now, how do you use it? In this episode, Isabelle explains how to use your Author Brand Story to reach your ideal audience and maximise the success of your books.
Episode 3 highlights:
Isabelle shares one of the major pitfalls new authors fall into when promoting their books
How your Author Brand Story helps your readers recognize and connect with your unique passions and values
Practical ways to use your Author Brand Story for PR, publicity, and marketing purposes
Tips for finding PR and publicity opportunities as a new author
How to build an author profile that gives you credibility, authenticity and authority in your field of writing or genre
Season 1, Episode 4
In this episode, Isabelle dives into the intricacies of launching products, books, or services with precision and purpose. She shares invaluable insights on crafting a strategic approach that ensures maximum impact and audience engagement.
Episode 4 highlights:
Isabelle outlines the important factors you need to consider for a successful launch: defining objectives and underlying purpose, realistic and achievable goals, and timing that resonates with your target audience
How tailoring your messaging and content to resonate with your audience’s interests and needs enhances engagement and conversion rates
How to leverage data and metrics in your launch strategy
Why strategic use of communication platforms is crucial to fostering engagement and building brand loyalty and action
Tips for developing strategic partnerships to amplify reach and engagement
How to enhance relevance and resonance through timely and relevant brand messaging
Season 1, Episode 5
In this episode, Isabelle guides you through preparing for and maximising your impact as a featured guest on a podcast. From crafting the perfect pitch to ensuring a successful interview, she covers the essential steps to make your guest appearance memorable and beneficial to your promotional goals.
Episode 5 highlights:
How to craft a compelling podcast guest pitch that highlights your unique credibility on a topic
Tips for embracing self-promotion confidently, including how to showcase your expertise, personality, and upcoming projects with ease
How to ensure alignment of the podcast’s promotion with your own marketing plans
Insight into understanding the dynamics of podcast conversations and collaborating with the host for maximum audience engagement
Season 1, Episode 6
In the final episode of season one, Isabelle highlights the crucial PR, publicity, and promotion strategies discussed throughout the podcast's inaugural season.
Episode 6 highlights:
The significance of crafting your Author Brand Story and pinpointing your ideal reader in cultivating a dedicated fan base
The importance of securing valuable media coverage and leveraging third-party platforms across various mediums to transcend the limitations of traditional marketing
Tips for unlocking the full potential of your authorial career by establishing the groundwork for long-term success in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and media
Season 2, Episode 1
Award-winning and best-selling author and writing mentor, Pauline Tait, joins Isabelle to share about her journey expanding her author business into what it is today. Pauline started her author journey writing children’s picture books, later expanding to romantic suspense novels, and now also mentors fellow children’s picture book authors to help ensure their success.
Episode Highlights:
• Pauline shares how taking a leap of faith from writing children’s picture books to adult romantic suspense novels led to greater depth in her author brand
• Pauline explains how having her authentic author brand story has been a crucial piece of not only her best-selling books, but also the successful expansion of her author business
• Pauline emphasizes the importance of authors utilising social media to promote and market their author brand, not just their books
• Tips to help authors feel more comfortable using social media to promote their author brands and businesses
• A conversation on the role of luck in achieving success as an author
Season 2, Episode 2
In this episode, Isabelle chats with J.A. Crawshaw, an author whose journey into writing is as inspiring as it is unconventional. John shares his transformative experiences, from struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia to publishing multiple novels and a memoir. He discusses the importance of branding for authors, the challenges of marketing, and his innovative approach to connecting with readers and building a loyal fanbase.
Episode Highlights:
John shares his unique author journey and how it shaped his fluid writing style
How understanding his brand message shaped his author identity
The challenges of marketing and the effectiveness of face-to-face interactions at live events
The value of nurturing reader relationships and incorporating their feedback into his writing
Insights into the conflicting marketing strategies for authors and the importance of finding what works for you
Differences between traditional and indie publishing, emphasizing the freedoms of being an indie author
The feedback loop with readers and how their insights influence John’s storytelling
Practical tips for aspiring self-published authors
Season 3, Episode 3
In this episode, Nicola Washington joins Isabelle to explore the world of social media marketing and PR for authors, discussing how to effectively connect with readers and build an engaging online presence. Nicola is an Instagram educator and strategist specializing in working with writers and authors. During this episode, she shares invaluable insights on crafting content that resonates with the right audience, overcoming the overwhelm of social media platforms like Instagram, and creating a sustainable posting strategy. Whether you're a fiction or nonfiction writer, traditionally published or self-published, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you grow your platform and promote your book successfully.
Episode Highlights:
• The foundation of effective book marketing is understanding your ideal reader and crafting content that captures their interest
• How to navigate Instagram’s ever-evolving features without feeling overwhelmed, and how to start where you are—whether you're a beginner or an experienced user
• Tips for discovering the right posting frequency based on your goals—whether you're just starting out, maintaining engagement, or actively growing your audience
• The power of observing successful authors in your niche, understanding what works, and using that as inspiration for your own content