Shows
The Second ChapterCover Designs: Episode 8In which we take a look at three cover designs for Andrew's upcoming noir novel, Dig Two Graves. We discuss his process for researching comparable titles (comps), both for marketing and cover design purposes, as well as how covers fit into an author's overall "branding" scheme. 2025-07-2730 minThe Second ChapterQuerying, and Staying Motivated while "in the trenches."We discuss Wendy's current approach to querying agents, how Andrew queried and landed his agent, use of QueryTracker and agents' manuscript wish lists, and staying motivated in the querying "trenches." 2025-07-1328 minThe Second ChapterPlanning, Plotting, & PantsingIn which we discuss planning and plotting a new novel--which Wendy is presently doing--including plotting vs “pantsing,” Word vs Scrivener, external arcs vs internal arcs, single POV vs multiple POVs, first person vs third person, and whether our ideas tend to grow out of character, plot, setting, or something else entirely. There’s a lot to consider before starting out!2025-07-0630 minThe Second ChapterFinding Your Platform, Finding Your BalanceIn which we discuss finding your social media platform, and finding your balance in terms of time spent creating “content” for the socials while also carving out time for writing and editing; the importance of adopting the mindset of a producer rather than a consumer to avoid getting sucked into the social media vortex; matching up your ideal reader with your ideal viewer; as well as lessons and best practices we’ve learned so far from our experiences on social media.Wendy's Books: https://amzn.to/3ThcRipAndrew's Books: https://amzn.to/4nFLD34Andrew...2025-06-2926 minThe Second ChapterEpisode 4: Genre and Your Personal BrandWendy has published police procedurals and a rom-com, and is presently shopping another rom-com. Andrew has published an action-adventure and a fantasy, and is planning on publishing a noir thriller soon. But is this smart when it comes to building a readership, or a "personal brand"? What is a personal brand, and how do you go about building one in the era of social media? How do you use your personal brand when it comes to marketing your books?2025-06-2227 minThe Second ChapterSelf-Pub Marketing & Advertising--ARCs, Reader Review sites, Bookbub, and advertising on Amazon and FacebookIt's a hard business, getting your books into the hands of the right readers! Join authors Wendy Coffman and Andrew Hallman as we discuss our experiences with ARCs, BookSirens, NetGalley, Voracious Readers, BookBub, Publisher Rocket, Amazon & Facebook ads, as well as Wendy's first steps on Instagram and Andrew's first steps with Weekend Publisher, a company that helps authors develop a marketing & advertising plan.2025-06-1529 minThe Second ChapterEpisode 2: Self-Publishing Perils & PitfallsWe discuss writers groups we’re involved with, and their usefulness when it comes to developing and critiquing novel-length works. Wendy shares a funny story about a crazy coincidence between her and a literary agent based in Philadelphia. Then we dig into Wendy’s experiences publishing with Amazon, KDP, IngramSpark, and BookBaby, as well as editorial services, formatting, and cover design, and we explore the perils and pitfalls of self-publishing vs traditional publishing.Wendy's books (Amazon page):https://amzn.to/4kyepk8Andrew's books (Amazon page):https://amzn.to/4n6aH...2025-06-0831 minThe Second ChapterMid-life Meets Mid-list:Episode 1, discussing where we are in our writing lives, where we want to go, and how we're planning on getting thereAndrew Hallman is the author of two novels: Amba, an action-adventure about the rewilding of Siberian tiger cubs in the Russian Far East, published by Rough Edges Press in 2022, and Mirrenwood, a fantasy about the hunt for a unicorn, published by Crossroad Press also in 2022. His books can be found here: https://amzn.to/3Hvs9NIWendy Coffman is the author of three mysteries featuring Detective Leanna Walker: The Sentinel's Calling (2022), A Mind Too Far Gone (2022), and Unleashing a Predator (2023), as well as the cozy mystery with a touch of romance, Chasing a Gem (2021). Her books can...2025-05-3032 min