Ben and Sara bring marketing guru Judith San Vicente to All About Writing in this episode about marketing. What is a marketing team? How do you hire one, and what should authors expect when doing so? What do marketing professionals do for authors, and how soon one should be brought into the process - the answer is much sooner than one might expect! Learn from Judith's expertise as she offers insider tips on how to make the most of your book promotions.

Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/mM8sDJwX-aI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

This is a way for you to get to know us a little bit away from books. We recorded this around Christmas, and as the New Year hits, we wanted to share not our favorite top five desserts, but the ones we dislike the most, starting from the "ok, it's not the worst" to "the absolute most disgusting". We disagree, drink a bit more wine, and look forward to hearing how everyone either also disagrees or totally agrees with us!

Watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/X97JZYISxeI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara have a little back and forth (it's definitely NOT a disagreement) about where a story truly starts. Is it in the backstory? The moment the real action begins? There's more than one place to start a story, but they boil down to some of the best spots to do so. Ben also divulges some of his editorial and publishing pet peeves about where *not* to start a book!

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Writing is a creative process to be sure, and even some of the other elements around it can be creative - such as dreaming up unique marketing strategies. But in the end, to most book professionals, writing is a business. How can you frame your mind to see the pieces of the industry like the money-making opportunity it may be? Join Ben and Sara as they delve into the business side of books.

To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/GdvFDtF3ikk

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Writers often struggle with their first draft. Should it be perfect? When and how should one go back and edit? What if things aren't working out? What happens if you want to give up? As Ben and Sara discuss--the first draft is typically crap, but you can't fix what isn't built. Join them as they dissect how to barrel through that first draft.

To watch this episode instead, visit: https://youtu.be/W2n9fU9Ok1k

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

When writers hear all about the current book trends, craze, or popular genres and tropes, the question becomes: should I write what I want, or what might sell? Ben and Sara discuss the pros and cons of chasing trends, and how it factors into the publishing timeline for both traditional and indie authors.

To watch this episode instead, check it out at: https://youtu.be/mSLOlycG7vI

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

Ben and Sara welcome guest Michelle Robinson, a prolific book editor, and discuss the pros and cons of handing over your manuscript to a beta reader or editor, and when to know it's the right time to do so. Perfect information for those uncertain about the next steps after their first draft - or drafts - are complete!

To watch this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/vI8GUUJ8mN4

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/

What's the climax of any book - no matter the genre? And where does it belong, how do you properly lead up to it, and what are cardinal rules about delivering a long-awaited "big bang" of a book? Join Ben and Sara as they discuss the most important piece of any novel.

To watch this episode as a video, visit: https://youtu.be/2tfU_IC1mnw

Learn more about Ben at: https://bennettrcoles.com/
Learn more about Sara at: https://saradahmen.com/