Shows
BookboundWhen a Mantra Becomes a Manuscript with Carla OndrasikWhat does it take to turn a lifelong mantra into a published book?In this episode of Book Bound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser talk with Carla Ondrasik, former music publishing executive and author of Stop Trying!. Carla shares how her obsession with the language of “trying” led her from scribbled notes to a book deal with Simon & Schuster’s Post Hill Press. She opens up about choosing the right agent, the steep learning curve of crafting a proposal, and the discipline it required to transform her idea into a compelling pitch.Carla also r...
2026-02-1026 minBookboundHow to Go Viral as Yourself with Dr. Erin NanceHow do you turn 200 million TikTok views into a bestselling memoir?In this episode of Book Bound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser talk with Dr. Erin Nance, orthopedic surgeon, bestselling author of Little Miss Diagnosed, and founder of the FeelBetr app, about building a platform rooted in authenticity. Erin shares how a single chapter shared with a stranger sparked her writing journey, why she started storytelling on TikTok, and how her viral content helped land a two-book deal.She gets real about writing without a ghostwriter, pitching while her content was going viral, and navigating...
2026-01-2738 minBookboundFinding Your Light and Building Community in the Writing Process with Cecily MakWhen your first manuscript doesn’t land with publishers, how do you transform that draft into the foundation for a book that does?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Cecily Mak, attorney, co-founder of Wisdom Ventures, and author of Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits. Cecily talks about the long, non-linear path to her debut, revealing how she spent years writing a 300-page memoir that will likely never be published, but became the essential groundwork for Undimmed. She shares how a breast cancer diagnosis ju...
2026-01-1331 minBookboundHow to Find Your High-Contrast Book Title with Jill SirianniWhat does it take to turn a podcast into a book?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Jill Sirianni, licensed clinical social worker, podcaster, and co-author of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, to talk about the journey from podcast host to traditionally published author.Jill shares how six years of podcasting laid the foundation for her book, what she learned from shaping a proposal, and how she and her co-author landed an agent and ultimately went to auction with multiple...
2025-12-3036 minBookboundWhy Persistence Matters More Than Perfection with Agent Kate McKeanWhat really happens when a literary agent becomes an author?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Kate McKean, literary agent, Substack writer, and author of Write Through It, to talk about the long road from aspiring novelist to publishing her first nonfiction book.Kate opens up about the seven years it took to land her book deal, what she’s learned from failed projects, and why persistence often matters more than perfection. She shares the insider truths about query letters, proposals, and fi...
2025-12-1632 minBookboundFinding Your Narrative North Star with Sophie ElmhirstIn this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Sophie Elmhirst, award-winning journalist and author of A Marriage at Sea (published in the UK as Maurice and Maralyn). Sophie shares how she moved from years of failed fiction attempts and abandoned nonfiction concepts to finding the singular story that became her debut book.She explains why trusting one compelling narrative can be more powerful than building around a “big idea,” how she navigated proposal writing despite being a “pantser,” and what ultimately helped her land an agent and publisher. Sophie also opens up...
2025-12-0232 minBookboundFrom a Movement to a Manuscript with Neha RuchWhat does it take to publish a book that sparks a cultural shift?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Neha Ruch, founder, CEO, and author of The Power Pause, about how she translated nearly a decade of grassroots advocacy into a bestselling book.Neha shares how she went from blog to book deal, the surprising pressure of platform growth, and what it really takes to land a Big Five publishing contract for a nuanced topic. She explains how her meetings with publishers mirrored...
2025-11-1845 minBookboundRewriting (and Rewriting!) Until You Find Your Framework with Melody WildingHow do you reshape a book in progress into something unforgettable?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Melody Wilding, executive coach, author of Trust Yourself and Managing Up, about the twists, rewrites, and lessons behind her second book.Melody shares how reader feedback shifted her entire framework, why prescriptive nonfiction demands a clear and actionable structure, and how to lean into your strongest platform strengths, even if that’s not social media. She also reveals her approach to building media credibility through Help A...
2025-11-0436 minBookboundHow to Be a Bestseller with a Modest Platform with Daria BurkeHow do you navigate the tension between telling your truth and building a platform that sells books?In this episode of Book Bound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser sit down with Daria Burke, bestselling author of Of My Own Making, award-winning business leader, and former CMO, for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to bring a memoir to life.Daria shares her story from quietly carrying the weight of her Detroit upbringing to feeling a “cosmic tap” that it was time to write. She talks about the long journey from the first idea to a...
2025-10-2128 minBookboundThe Passionate, Imperfect, Very Human Temple of Books with Haley Cohen GillilandHow do you bring a deeply researched, historical story to life?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Haley Cohen Gilliland, journalist and author of A Flower Traveled in My Blood, to discuss the process of turning an urgent, emotional story into a compelling book.Haley shares how her experience living in Argentina sparked the idea for her debut book, the long process of research and writing, and the challenges of navigating the auction process. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of promoting a book about such...
2025-10-0746 minBookboundOn The Precipice Of Your Publishing Dreams with Natalie NixonHow can you take the leap from the precipice of not knowing what’s next and into making your publishing dreams come true? Even when that means turning rejection into momentum for your next big book?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Natalie Nixon, PhD, Creativity Strategist, keynote speaker, and CEO of Figure 8 Thinking, about the winding path to her latest book, Move, Think, Rest.Natalie shares how she went from 18 months of rejections on her first solely authored book to signing with a...
2025-09-2336 minBookboundLosing the Book Deal, but Finding the Story with Ruthie AckermanHow do you turn a personal story into a publishable memoir?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Ruthie Ackerman, a journalist, book coach, and author of The Mother Code, about the journey from personal storytelling to completing a book.Ruthie shares how her Modern Love essay helped reveal the through line for her memoir, what she learned from losing a major book deal, and how she rebuilt her path to publication. She also discusses the power of micro-communities over social media when building a platform, and the emotional ROI...
2025-09-0939 minBookboundPublishing is an Emotional Rollercoaster with Samhita MukhopadhyayWhat happens when a seasoned editor turns the lens inward and pens her own deeply personal narrative?In this episode of Bookbound, Bethany Saltman and Fran Hauser sit down with Samhita Mukhopadhyay, former executive editor of Teen Vogue and current editorial director at The Meteor, to discuss her powerful new book The Myth of Making It.Drawing from her extensive career in media, Samhita offers a compelling critique of workplace culture, addressing women’s ambition and the societal pressures intensified by hustle culture. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of writing the book, from maintaining a...
2025-01-1443 minBookboundThat Big Idea that Finally Sells with Lisa MarchianoWhat does it take to turn an idea into a published book?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman sit down with Lisa Marchiano, Jungian analyst and co-host of This Jungian Life podcast, to explore the journey of writing, publishing, and building an author platform.Lisa shares how her simple yet powerful daily practice of writing 300 words a day helped her complete two books, including her upcoming book Dream Wise: Unlocking the Meaning of Your Dreams, which she co-authored with her podcast co-hosts. She also explains the importance of crafting a...
2024-12-3139 minBookboundWhen to Just Keep Going with Amy ShoenthalEver wondered how a chaotic writing process can transform into a bestselling book? In this episode of Bookbound, Amy Shoenthal, author of The Setback Cycle, shares her journey from journalism to book writing, inspired by her interviews with business leaders and entrepreneurs during the pandemic. Amy reflects on the importance of setbacks in professional and personal growth, detailing how her own experience as a mother shaped her perspective. She also discusses the process of creating her framework, the "four E's," and the challenges of getting her book published, offering valuable insights into book proposal writing, marketing strategies...
2024-12-1738 minBookboundPackage Your Personal Experience with Ruth WhippmanWhat happens when a cultural critic and mother of boys decides to tackle the complexities of masculinity in modern society? In this episode of Bookbound, Ruth Whippman, author of Boy: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity, talks about her motivation behind crafting a book that embraces uncertainty and chaos, shedding light on her experiences parenting during the #MeToo movement.Ruth shares her journey from conception to publication, navigating the intricacies of proposal writing, and balancing authenticity with market appeal. She also reflects on the significance of the book's title and...
2024-12-0336 minBookboundDiscovering Your Book’s Structure with Carrie SunEver wondered how the competitive world of finance could be critiqued through a deeply personal lens? In this episode of Bookbound, Carrie Sun talks about her journey in writing her first book and memoir, Private Equity, which has garnered significant acclaim. Carrie shares her journey from an MFA student to a celebrated author, highlighting how her experiences influenced her narrative approach. She discusses the initial challenge of balancing personal and professional themes and ultimately finding a voice that resonates universally. The conversation also touches on valuable insights and restructuring advice from her agent Mel, which tr...
2024-11-1937 minBookboundDIY Book Marketing with Julie SatowEver wondered what really goes on behind the glossy covers and catchy titles of your favorite books?In this episode of Bookbound, award-winning author and journalist Julie Satow shares the secrets behind the success of her latest book, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion. She discusses her unique approach to digital marketing, revealing how leveraging social media significantly enhanced her book's visibility and sales. Julie walks us through the nitty-gritty, surprising influence of sales teams on book covers and titles, sharing her own experience o...
2024-11-0531 minBookboundWriting is a Team Sport with Elaine Lin HeringWhat does it take to transform a persistent idea (over many years) into a published book? On this episode of Bookbound, executive leadership consultant Elaine Lin Hering joins us to explore the nine-year journey behind her book, Unlearning Silence. Elaine shares her insights on overcoming self-doubt, navigating the challenges of writing a long-form piece, and the pivotal moment she decided to build a team to bring her vision to life. From her decision to work with a literary agent to the delicate balancing act of positioning her book for both business and we...
2024-10-2237 minBookboundWhat’s Better Than a Big Platform? A Great Idea! With Rachel SomersteinWhat happens when a professor discovers that her real strength lies in her journalism skills and academic experience?For Rachel Somerstein, it’s a critically acclaimed book. Rachel is an associate professor of journalism at SUNY New Paltz and author of "Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section." We sat down with her to talk all about her author journey.From platform building to time management challenges as a busy professor and parent and the dedication required to see a book through to completion, Rachel shares her struggles and tips fo...
2024-10-0837 minBookboundOphi Edut’s 21-Book Strategy for Bestseller SuccessCan astrology help you gain a competitive edge in your career or business? We’re sitting down with Ophi Edut, renowned astrologer and author, to dive into her journey of publishing her book, The Astrology Advantage, and how astrology played its part in her own success. She discusses her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing, and the development of her book, which makes astrology accessible through a framework involving innovator, maven, and entrepreneur personality types. We also talked about the importance of finding your signature thing, creating binge-able content, and using different pla...
2024-09-2437 minBookboundFrom Dating Nightmare to “Jaw-Dropping” Memoir with Anna AkbariWhat happens when a woman discovers that the man she's been interacting with online isn't who he says he is?On this episode of Bookbound, we sit down with Anna Akbari, author of the “jaw-dropping” (according to the New York Times) memoir There is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America’s Biggest Catfish.Anna shares her journey of transforming a harrowing experience with an internet predator into her engaging and impactful memoir. She reveals the behind-the-scenes struggles with the publishing industry, the significance of storytelling, and how her ordeal resonated with many w...
2024-09-1041 minBookboundNavigating the Publishing World with Astrology and Authenticity with Ophira EdutHave you ever wondered how astrology could help you gain a competitive edge in your career or business? On this episode of Bookbound, we sit down with Ophira Edut, a renowned astrologer and author.Ophira shares her insights on the changing landscape of the publishing industry and how she uses astrology to help people discover their unique personalities. She discusses her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing, and the development of her book "The Astrology Advantage," which makes astrology accessible through a framework involving innovator, maven, and entrepreneur personality types. We also t...
2024-08-2438 minBookboundWrite This Way to Business Success with Bola SokunbiWhat does it take to write four bestselling books in just as many years while juggling the demands of running a successful business and raising young twins?In this episode of Bookbound, we dive into the incredibly inspiring journey of Bola Sokubi, a finance expert, keynote speaker, and the founder of Clever Girl Finance.Bola shares her tips for authors on aligning goals with personal happiness, the nuances between writing and business, and the strategic moves she made to seal her first book deal—all without an agent! You’ll also learn how she...
2024-06-2529 minBookboundGetting to YES! and Taking Control of Your Author Journey with Gabrielle HartleyWhat if the secret to resolving conflict and getting along is simpler than you think?Gabrielle Hartley, divorce lawyer turned author, joins us on this episode, and her transformative experiences have culminated in her latest book, The Secret to Getting Along: And Why It's Easier Than You Think.Gabrielle shares what she’s learned along her publishing journey—from manifesting an endorsement by Gwyneth Paltrow to navigating publishers with no prior connection. Through the ups and downs, her path illustrates the power of persistence and belief in oneself.She also shares her unique YES...
2024-06-1121 minBookboundHow a Blog Turned Into a Cookbook (and Then Some!) with Vasudha ViswanathWhat does it take to transform a personal health journey into a bestselling cookbook?Here to walk us down that path is Vasudha Viswanath, cookbook author and founder of the community-centered initiative "We Ate Well." After a career on Wall Street and a life-changing Prediabetes diagnosis, Vasudha shifted gears dramatically. She embraced her roots in vegetarian cooking but with a fresh, low-carb twist that flew in the face of traditional plant-based diets heavy in processed options.In this episode, we dive into her challenges and wins in creating her cookbook, "The Vegetarian Reset," navigating the...
2024-05-2828 minBookboundThe Makings of a NYT Bestselling Author: Marisa Meltzer's GlossyWhat does it take to transform a potent idea into a best-selling book?In this episode of BOOKBOUND, we jump into the art of authorship with Marisa Meltzer, whose New York Times bestseller, "Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier”, provides an inside look at the rise of the beauty company Glossier and its founder, Emily Weiss.Marisa shares her journey from initial concept to explosive publication. You’ll hear insights into her process—from passion project to book idea, to handling the pressures and unpredictability of the publishing world, to navig...
2024-05-1422 minBookboundThe Makings of a NYT Bestselling Author: Marisa Meltzer's GlossyWhat does it take to transform a potent idea into a best-selling book?In this episode of BOOKBOUND, we jump into the art of authorship with Marisa Meltzer, whose New York Times bestseller, "Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier”, provides an inside look at the rise of the beauty company Glossier and its founder, Emily Weiss.Marisa shares her journey from initial concept to explosive publication. You’ll hear insights into her process—from passion project to book idea, to handling the pressures and unpredictability of the publishi...
2024-05-1422 minBookboundA Love Letter to Your Imperfect Self: How to Write Bravely with L’Oreal Thompson PaytonHave you ever felt paralyzed by the pursuit of perfection? You’re in good company.L'Oreal Thompson Payton is an award-winning journalist, experienced communications executive, motivational speaker, and author of “Stop Waiting for Perfect”. She joins us on the BOOKBOUND podcast to share her very relatable author journey.In this very special episode with this very special writer, you’ll learn how L’Oreal harnessed all the pressures she’s felt on herself as a young black women in today's society into a successful career. You’ll learn how she has found hope in owning her fears and...
2024-04-3029 min
BookboundTiny Marketing for Authors with Expert Author and Entrepreneur Pam SlimWhat does it take to transform your book marketing from a solo sprint to a community-powered marathon?In this episode, award-winning author, speaker, and small business guru Pam Slim joins us to talk about some of her experiences and tips for successful book writing, launching, and marketing. Pam introduces her groundbreaking concepts of "watering holes" and "tiny marketing actions" from her book The Widest Net, which guides authors in cultivating strategic and authentic connections within their own unique ecosystems. Pam's emphasis on reciprocity, community, and adding real value forms the cornerstone of any effective book marketing...
2024-04-1648 minBookboundFrom Blog to Bookshelf: Julie Chavez's Memoir JourneyDoes the road to publishing your book feel like an impossible maze of stats and gatekeepers?Meet Julie Chavez. Her writing has been featured in the New York Post and Zibby Mag, and she is the author of USA Today bestselling book, “Everyone But Myself: A Memoir”. She writes to explore the joys and impossibilities of mothering and modern womanhood and her story of getting her book published will inspire you to keep going, even when roadblocks seem like the rule.Julie sits down with us to share her journey from blogging, to succ...
2024-04-0238 minBookboundYour Doubts are Your Friend: Maggie Jackson on Writing in UncertaintyOn this episode of BOOKBOUND, we’re joined by the brilliant and insightful Maggie Jackson, award-winning 3x author and journalist. Her latest book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, is a Next Big Idea Book and was nominated for a National Book Award and a Library Journal Best Book of 2023.Bringing Maggie’s research and the writing process together, we explore the complexities of uncertainty: a feeling all creatives need to learn to tolerate and learn from. Maggie shares the nuances behind framing a book that challenges conventional thought and builds a counter-intuitive idea, whic...
2024-03-1934 minBookboundFrom Essay to Acclaim: Chloé Cooper Jones’s Author JourneyOne essay—that begins in your journal!—can change your life.On this episode of Bookbound, we explore the inspiring journey of Chloé Cooper Jones, whose memoir, Easy Beauty, began as an essay and turned into a Pulitzer Prize Finalist memoir.As Chloé navigated the publishing world, she came away with some important insights on how to invest in the industry, the power of actually finishing the writing projects you start, and how to find and work with your agent and editor team for maximum success.And all of these pieces make u...
2024-03-0538 minBookboundFrom Platform-Building to Bestseller with Dr. Aliza PressmanAuthenticity over urgency. That’s Dr. Aliza Pressman’s strategy when it comes to driving the marketing of her new book, The Five Principles of Parenting.In this episode of Bookbound, developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman unveils the trials and triumphs behind her journey to authorship, encouraging authenticity over trendy marketing—because her book can and will stand the test of time.Aliza's book journey started with her podcast and social media content. It led her to navigate literary agents, proposals, and editorial guidance, defying convention with a book deal sans proposal. She walks...
2024-02-2039 minBookboundA Book Born from Personal Crisis with Bestselling Author Bonnie WanWhat happens when a personal crisis transforms into a groundbreaking practice that spans a decade?For Bonnie Wan, the answer was a book. How lucky for us!Bonnie is a renowned and awarded Brand Strategist and Partner at Goodby Silverstein & Partners. And despite her accolades, she battled imposter syndrome and doubted whether she was married to the right man as she struggled to meet the demands of her busy life. In our conversation with Bonnie, we invite you to listen in on her very relatable story of going from feeling stuck in the throes...
2024-02-0634 minBookboundFrom 50+ Rejections to Best-Seller with Mita MallickHow many rejections is too many?At what number of “passes” would you give up when it comes to getting an agent or landing a book deal?Just how persistent do you really have to be to bring your book to life?Meet Mita Mallick, a visionary in workplace diversity and a best-selling author. Mita shared her inspiring journey from countless rejections to achieving her dream of impacting future generations through her writing. Her story is a testament to perseverance, the power of personal loss as motivation, and the crucial role of mark...
2024-01-2329 minBookboundIntroducing Bookbound: Fran & Bethany Set the SceneWelcome to Bookbound: The Podcast! In this short episode, your hosts, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman, share their personal experiences and insights from their own publishing journeys. They give the inside scoop on how they published their first books and how it taught them to embrace their own author-ity. And they give you a glimpse into the exciting lineup of woman authors they'll be interviewing.From transforming personal stories into published books to the importance of becoming an authority on your subject, this episode sets the stage for the insider conversations to come. Get ready to...
2024-01-1610 minBookboundWelcome to the Bookbound PodcastWhat’s the story you can’t stop telling? Fran and Bethany are here to help you write, sell, and launch it.Critically acclaimed authors and bestselling book coaches Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman are your hosts of Bookbound, the podcast for aspiring nonfiction authors who want to learn how to transform their ideas, expertise, and obsessions into successful books and publishing deals. Fran and Bethany interview accomplished authors who share the strategies and surprises behind their bookbound journeys. These behind-the-scenes conversations will inspire you to claim your own “author-ity” mindset and turn the story you can’...
2024-01-1201 min