Shows
The Written Word PodcastFrom First Book to Sustainable SalesYour first book didn't become a bestseller overnight? You're actually right on track. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down one of the most important patterns we see year after year in our reader surveys: authors with bigger catalogs earn significantly more money. But it's not just about writing more books—it's about understanding how your backlist creates sustainable income. Whether you're a one-book author wondering what's next or a seasoned writer looking to understand the business better, this episode will help you think strategically about your author career and the power of your growing catalog.
2026-02-1731 minThe Written Word PodcastWhat 3,000 Readers Want Indie Authors to KnowIn this data-packed episode, Ricci and Ferol dive into the results of Written Word Media's brand-new reader survey with nearly 3,000 responses from across all five brands. This isn't recycled industry advice or third-party reports - it's fresh, empirical data straight from the voracious readers who matter most to indie authors. Together, they unpack surprising stats about reader volume, discovery channels, and what readers genuinely want from the authors they love. From the shocking percentage of readers consuming 100+ books per year to the personal details readers crave (hint: pets came up a lot!), this episode delivers actionable insights that will...
2026-02-0330 minThe Written Word PodcastTop Author Trends in 2026 (Part II)Ricci and Ferol wrap up their 2026 book industry trends analysis by diving into the final two themes: discovery and sovereignty. They explore how book discovery is shifting from algorithm-driven feeds to trusted channels—think celebrity book clubs (Reese Witherspoon, Oprah), BookTok influencers, indie bookstores, and curated newsletters. The conversation highlights how word-of-mouth remains the #1 way readers find books, but the channels amplifying that word-of-mouth are evolving rapidly. Ricci and Ferol then tackle author sovereignty, celebrating the growing control authors have over their publishing journey. From innovative formats (like murder mysteries delivered as weekly letters!) to direct selling and flexible pu...
2026-01-2035 minThe Written Word PodcastTop Author Trends in 2026 (Part 1)It's December which means it’s also trends season – you’ve probably received your Spotify wrapped as well as a wrapped from almost every other app you have! With that spirit, Ferol and Ricci kick off their annual predictions episode by diving into the first three of five major themes that will shape the publishing landscape in 2026. Drawing from industry insights, customer feedback, and broader cultural trends, they explore how trust, reader experience, and connection will define the coming year for authors. This is Part 1 of a two-part series covering 2026 trends for indie authors and you’ll be sure to walk...
2025-12-3040 minThe Written Word PodcastHow to Avoid Scams: What Authors Need to KnowIn this essential PSA-style episode, Ricci and Ferol break down the growing wave of scams targeting authors — and how to protect yourself. From “too good to be true” book club invitations to fake Amazon warnings designed to spark panic, today’s scammers are using AI to craft convincing, personalized outreach. The hosts walk through the psychology behind these tactics, why even savvy authors can get caught off guard, and a simple checklist to help you identify red flags before you click or pay. They also share reputable resources authors can use to stay safe and stay informed. Whether you’ve receive...
2025-12-1623 minThe Written Word Podcast2025 Author Survey ResultsRicci and Ferol break down the newest Written Word Media Author Survey, sharing what more than 1,300 authors revealed about income, catalog size, marketing tactics, and where book sales are really coming from in 2025. They discuss the continued importance of email lists, how packaging influences sales, the realities of KDP Select vs. going wide, and why more authors are exploring direct sales. The episode wraps with a look at overall author sentiment heading into the new year and the communities supporting indie writers along the way.You'll learn:Income brackets and what influences author earningsEmail list effectiveness...
2025-12-021h 00The Written Word PodcastHow to Build Courage and Silence Self-Doubt as an AuthorIn this inspiring episode, Ferol sits down with Jonathan Graham, founder of Daily Courage, to explore how creatives can turn fear into fuel. Jonathan shares his journey from Silicon Valley to launching a mission-driven business dedicated to helping people remove fear as a barrier to their potential.Together, they unpack practical tools like the “fear log,” the F.A.C.T.S. framework for fact-checking fear, and the “soup list” for building confidence. Jonathan’s message is clear and empowering: courage isn’t the absence of fear - it’s the willingness to act in spite of it.You...
2025-11-0433 minThe Written Word PodcastThe Future of Indie Publishing: Real Talk with James BlatchThe indie publishing world is moving fast - and the authors who stay curious are the ones who thrive. In this live-recorded episode from the Novelist Inc. (NINC) Conference, Ferol Vernon sits down with James Blatch, co-founder of Self Publishing Formula, to talk about what's working right now for independent authors.From AI translation tools that help you reach global readers to the surprising comeback of Facebook ads, James shares what he's seeing on the front lines. You'll also hear his take on the ethics of AI narration, voice licensing, and why the authors who embrace new...
2025-10-2122 minThe Written Word PodcastHybrid Publishing Lessons with Erica Rooney: From Writing to LaunchIn this special live-recorded episode from Walk West’s Podcast Marathon, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon sit down with author, speaker, and executive coach Erica Rooney to talk about her journey to publishing Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floors. Erica shares why she chose the hybrid publishing route, how she secured endorsements from big names like Mel Robbins, and what it really takes to market a book once it’s out in the world.You’ll Learn:What “sticky floors” are and how they hold us backHow Erica turned her podcast themes into book chaptersThe realities of hybrid publishing...
2025-10-0729 minThe Written Word PodcastProductivity Hacks Every Author NeedsStaying productive as an author isn’t just about writing more - it’s about creating systems that help you focus, avoid burnout, and actually enjoy the process. In this episode of The Written Word Podcast, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon share their favorite productivity hacks, from planning your week with intention to using the Pomodoro technique and batching tasks.We’ll cover:How to set up an environment that keeps you focusedWhy planning your day (or someone else will) is a game-changerTricks for avoiding distraction and managing your energyThe Pomodoro technique and why short breaks boost...
2025-09-2336 minThe Written Word PodcastHow to Grow Your Author Email List (and Why It Matters More Than Ever)Your email list is one of the most powerful marketing tools you’ll ever build as an author. However, getting from zero to thousands of subscribers can feel overwhelming. In this episode of The Written Word Podcast, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon break down practical, proven strategies to grow your list. From adding your first 15 “friendlies” to using lead magnets, giveaways, and back-of-book signups, you’ll learn step-by-step how to start small and build momentum.We’ll cover:The best places to promote your signup linkWhy the back of your book is prime real estate for growing yo...
2025-09-0929 minThe Written Word PodcastHow to Grow Your Author Platform: The Power of Building an Email ListEmail marketing isn’t dead - in fact, it might just be your most valuable tool as an indie author. In this episode, Ricci and Ferol break down why building and nurturing your email list is still one of the smartest and most effective ways to connect with readers and sell more books.You’ll Learn:Why email offers a stronger ROI than social or paid adsThe difference between “owned” and “rented” marketing channelsWhat makes email more personal and reliable than other platformsHow to get started with email marketing (and what to say in your emails)Tips for bui...
2025-08-2641 minThe Written Word PodcastHow to Promote Your Book on Any Budget (and Other Questions You’re Probably Asking)Want to sell more books without breaking the bank? Curious which promos actually work and how to tell?Ricci Wolman, Ferol Vernon, and Emma Boyer answer the most common (and important) questions we get from authors every day.How to promote with a small budget.How to revive a backlist that’s gone quiet.What to do when Amazon throws you a curveball.You’ll walk away with clear, practical strategies for getting more eyes on your books. Whether you're just starting out or managing a full catalog, this conversation will help you take the next...
2025-08-1236 minThe Written Word PodcastHow Email Promos Actually Work (and Why They Still Sell Books)If you want to sell more books, reach more readers, and spend less time guessing what works, start here.In this episode, Ricci Wolman and Ferol Vernon break down the strategy that helped launch the careers of countless successful indie authors - email promos. They’ll explain what email promos are, when to run them, and why they’re still one of the most effective tools in your book marketing toolkit.You’ll learn:Why email still outperforms social media when it comes to book marketingHow promo sites connect your book to the ri...
2025-07-2932 minThe Written Word PodcastBoost Your Book Sales with the Latest Trends from the Self Publishing Show (SPS) LondonEmma Boyer is back from London and joins Ferol and Ricci to share her key takeaways from the Self Publishing Show (SPS)—Europe’s biggest indie author conference. In this episode, the team breaks down what they saw, heard, and felt at SPS and what it means for indie authors in 2025.You’ll Learn:Emerging trends in streaming vs. subscription audiobook platformsHow Written Word Media supports authors exploring direct sales and new revenue streamsHow Subscriber Surge Giveaways (SSG) can grow your email list fastTips on budgeting for book promotions that actually move the needleFeat...
2025-07-2940 minThe Written Word PodcastHow Free Promos Can Grow Your Author BusinessWelcome to the very first episode of The Written Word Podcast.This show is for people who write stories—and want them to be read. Authors. Indie or traditional. Aspiring or ten books deep.Each week, we dive into the business of being an author—marketing strategies, growing your audience, and selling more books. What’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next.In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most controversial strategies out there: Giving your book away for free.Sounds risky? It might be...
2025-07-2930 min
The Self-Publishing with Dale PodcastScam that Protects Authors from Scams?! | Self-Publishing News (Feb. 10, 2025)Writer Beware discovered a new company that is so supposed to protect authors from scams, but some things are not quite right. Amazon is offering refunds on unused Kindle Vella tokens in March. KDP upgraded their virtual voice software. And, the US Copyright Office released the second part of a report on registering a copyright of a publication created by AI. All that and more in the self-publishing news! Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp...
2025-02-1119 min
Proud to BUCombining a Love for Literature and Technology | Ferol Vernon (CAS’03)The moment an author gets published, they need to start thinking about how they’re going to promote their work. Enter Ferol Vernon (CAS’03), who built an online platform to help authors and publishers get the most eyes on their work as possible. From computer science to classical civilizations, Ferol Vernon’s path to success as an entrepreneur is anything but ordinary. Today, Ferol combines his love of literature with his passion for technology as the Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Written Word Media. His company is focused on connecting readers with their next great book and providing a high...
2023-11-0926 min
The Entrepreneur Next Door 🏡[33] Ferol Vernon: "Hey Dad, we're out of gas."Vernon grew up in an entrepreneurial family: His father ran a hotel, and his mother was an artist. His introduction to running a business started when his father told him, "I'm done mowing the lawn; it's your job now." Vernon and his wife "bet the farm" and took the plunge into entrepreneurship. They own a media company that helps authors and publishers to connect with more readers, a tough problem in a challenging industry. Their mission was to offer authors an effective, reliable channel for book marketing at a time when other book promoters often "took advantage of...
2023-03-091h 01
Entrepreneur with Diane MouraFrom The Founders: Ferol Vernon On Scaling With A SystemIn this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ferol Vernon, Co-Founder and COO of Written Word Media, a tech-enabled platform that helps readers find their next book and authors find more readers. He's spent much of his career working with ventures that democratize writing and music, including ReverbNation and BandLab.Connect with Ferol on LinkedIn.Visit https://getmymarketingplan.com/?utm_source=podcast and schedule your call today. We want to get to know you, understand your goals, and help your business get found by the people searching for you.
2023-01-1041 min
Invest In Yourself: The Digital Entrepreneur PodcastDigital Entrepreneur Ferol Vernon talks about Written Word MediaIn this episode, we have Ferol from Written Word Media.
We have a conversation about I can talk about any topics related to entrepreneurship. My favourites are discussing family businesses, managing people, and pushing forward with optimism.
Ferol shares their journey with you so you can start yours today! Check out their links below and share if you enjoyed the episode with a friend.
Always Remember to Invest In Yourself
Phil BetterHave a question or feedback about Invest In Yourself: The Digital Entrepreneur Podcast. Record an audio message https...
2022-10-1721 min
The Kuderna Podcast#92- Ferol Vernon of Written Word Media-Archived ContentFerol Vernon is the Co-Founder and COO of Written Word Media, a tech-enabled platform connecting authors to millions of readers. Vernon has an MBA from Duke University and since 2009 has been using software to empower Creatives. His entrepreneurial journey includes helping lead startups like ReverbNation to founding Written Word in 2014 with his wife, Ricci Wolman. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS or Guardian. This material contains the current opinions of the speakers but not necessarily those of PAS, Guardian or its subsidiaries and su...
2022-09-0958 min
50/50 Accelerator PodcastEpisode 371: What is Entrepreneurial Operating System in your business and how to transform it?Join Ferol M Vernon from Written World Media as we talk about the difference between a book marketer and a media company that markets books. This episode will show you how is it important to have EOS and it will give you insight into empowering authors and publishers to reach their audience and help readers find their next great book.
2022-09-0225 min
That Entrepreneur ShowUsing Tech to Serve Over 35,000 AuthorsIf you are in or have interest in the world of tech, writing, and/ or music, this is the show for you! This week’s spotlight story will feature Garfield Cartoonist, Jim Davis.Today, we welcome the Co-Founder and COO of Written Word Media, Ferol Vernon.Written Word Media is a media company focused on connecting readers with their next great read and providing the premier ad platform for authors and publishers, serving over 35,000 authors. It’s basically like an online “matching” service for authors and readers and is nearing 10 years in business. It operates multiple...
2022-08-1222 min
Allobee RadioEp. 66 - A Chat With Ferol Vernon on Mission Aligned CompaniesFerol is the COO of Written Word Media and runs a variety of brands to help readers find the next book to read. He works to sell advertising to authors, largely independent authors. They do email, social media and primarily support the authors by giving them access to advertising for readers. Allobee has helped support Ferol by helping them with their new program, Reader Reach. Allobee helped with the marketing and setting up of the campaign and getting working out the kinks.Ferol got his start at a non-profit research lab that built medical simulators. There he...
2021-09-2642 min
Writers Journey PodcastGuests - Ferol Vernon of Written Word MediaToday I’m talking to Ferol Vernon of Written Word Media. And what an interview – there’s so many great nuggets of information in the episode for those who need to get more eyes on their books – i.e. every author!!! Written Word Media work with both major publishers and indie authors, with a simple way […]
2018-02-1828 min[Ferol Vernon] In which we sell books and gain readers<
The Publishing Profits Podcast Show | Writing | Marketing | Books | eBooks | Audiobooks | Authors | Entrepreneurs70: Ebook Promotion Sites and Pricing Analysis with Ferol VernonFerol Vernon is the COO of Written Word Media. The company helps connect readers with their next great read and provides a powerful ad platform for authors and publishers. Ferol is a tech genius, and he’s worked on all kinds of technology from medical simulators to web and mobile based products for musicians, authors and artists. Ferol started creating websites at night […]
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2015-10-0123 min