Behind the Scenes of The Small and the Mighty, Episode 3

In today's podcast episode, the hosts humorously explored various book covers that failed to intrigue them. They reflected on bizarre design choices, like a recurring figure of a lady on an eagle and oddly unhappy characters from old photos. Despite attempts to engage readers, the results were quite peculiar, often evoking laughter instead of genuine interest. The creative process behind these covers revealed a struggle to capture the essence of the book, leading to both amusing and confusing presentations. Ultimately, they emphasized the importance of compelling visuals in attracting readers and questioned whether anyone would want to buy such curious cover designs, especially in an airport bookstore. This highlights how critical first impressions are in the publishing world and the effect of visuals on audience engagement.

Creating a book involves many important steps beyond just writing the content. After finalizing a manuscript and choosing a cover, it moves into the copy editing stage, focusing on grammar and style. This is crucial for ensuring accuracy and professionalism. The editor checks for punctuation and corrects any issues. Meanwhile, the layout of the book must be designed, with justified text and appropriate citations. Endnotes enhance the book's credibility, showing that it is well-researched. All these elements come together to create a polished final product designed to engage and inform readers. In essence, even a small detail like capitalizing a breed name can evoke considerable debate, indicating the importance of attention to detail within the publishing process.

Creating an audiobook involves detailed steps, including recording in a studio with an audio producer and a director who ensures that the text is read accurately. After recording, the author transitions to marketing the book, which includes sharing it on social media, sending advanced copies to reviewers, and discussing it in interviews, ensuring the right audience knows about the book and its content.

Successful book marketing requires multifaceted efforts like guest appearances, op-eds, and securing blurbs from well-known authors. These blurbs are important endorsements that can significantly enhance a book’s appeal. However, getting these endorsements is challenging, as many prominent authors may decline. Additionally, the process of publishing and marketing a book moves slowly, contrasting sharply with the fast pace of social media. Aspiring authors must also navigate competitive markets, as lists such as the New York Times bestseller list prioritize relative sales compared to other books, making timing and competition critical to success. Even established authors face hurdles, as their release dates can clash with high-profile names, impacting their chances of hitting these coveted lists.

To be recognized on the New York Times bestseller list, it's not just about having high sales numbers. Their editors look for diversity in sales across various retailers and markets to ensure genuine interest. Additionally, launching a successful book tour involves more than just signing at local bookstores; it requires a well-organized effort to engage audiences, often in larger venues with exciting presentations. This includes planning logistics, trip itineraries, and incorporating entertainment, which makes the events more unique and memorable.

Preparing for a live show involves many logistics that the host doesn't have to worry about. They leave everything to their tour manager, ensuring that all necessary equipment, like a ring light for better pictures, arrives on time. The host is excited to finally meet their audience in person after years of mainly being visible through screens. They're eager to connect with attendees who genuinely want to be there, creating a lively and positive atmosphere. Being in the same room with their fans for the first time is a thrilling experience, different from previous events where attendees were obligated to participate. Overall, it’s a celebration of togetherness and the joy of shared moments after a long time apart.

Preparing for a big event involves careful planning and organization, especially when it comes to outfits. It’s essential to consider different occasions, from evening performances to media appearances, and select the right clothing and accessories for each. Additionally, aspiring writers should remember that their unique perspective matters; they don't need to compare themselves to famous authors. Writing is a process that begins with putting words on the page, regardless of how those initial drafts may look. It’s easier to improve something that’s already written than to start from scratch. Embrace mistakes as part of the journey, and prioritize getting words down to pave the way for revision and improvement later.

Starting with writing is essential, as it allows you to revise and refine your ideas. It's better to have something on the page, even if it changes, than to face a blank slate. Setting small, achievable goals can help maintain momentum. Techniques like stopping mid-sentence can spark creativity, making it easier to continue writing the next day. When seeking a book, support independent bookstores or shop online at places like bookshop.org. However, mainstream retailers like Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble also stock it, making it easily accessible. The excitement of sharing your work with readers can motivate the writing process, so take those first steps and see where they lead.

In this episode of 'Here's Where It Gets Interesting,' host Sharon McMahon shared exciting updates about her upcoming book tour, encouraging listeners to check out the cities and ticket links provided. She also emphasized that her book, 'Small and Mighty,' is available at various retailers. McMahon expressed her gratitude to listeners, inviting them to support the podcast by sharing episodes or subscribing. She highlighted the contributions of her team, which includes supervising producer Melanie Buckparks and audio producer Craig Thompson, ensuring a well-crafted listening experience. The overall message was one of appreciation and a reminder to stay connected through the podcast, reinforcing the importance of community in enjoying enriching content. McMahon's acknowledgment of her team further emphasized the collaborative effort behind the podcast, making it clear that every episode is a result of collective dedication.