310 / AI is getting better at producing words, audio, and even video, which raises the question for authors: how do readers know there’s a real person behind the book?

In this episode, we talk about how writers can stand out in a sea of AI content through leaning harder into trust, voice, and real connection. We share concrete ways to signal “I’m a real person” without forcing yourself to overshare or turn your life into content.

✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates

• Why authenticity and connection matter more as AI output scales—and what history tells us about tech panic cycles
• How parasocial relationships work, where they go sideways, and how real-world interaction cuts through the noise
• Practical ways to show your humanity: imperfection, process sharing, physical objects, and curation
• Protecting your author voice and using credibility signals to build lasting reader trust

📌 Get a PDF download of all the ideas: Real, Not AI: 20 Ways Authors Signal Humanity and Build Reader Trust

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⚡Links:

• Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates
• Patty McGree on using grammar as your paintbox:
• https://pod.link/1495247798/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC0xODY2MDEzOA
• Joanna Penn and The Creative Penn Podcast: https://pod.link/309426367
• Thanks to long-time supporter Parker Finch: https://parkerfinch.com/

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📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

309 / Lona McCombie, social media marketer for authors, unpacks essential strategies for authors looking to promote their work, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates

• Starting out in social media marketing
• Promo strategies for book releases
• Best practices for TikTok marketing
• Cross-posting content on social platforms
• Results of paid promo vs. organic reach
• Trends in book promo content

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💙 Thank you to long-time supporter Kathleen Bailey: https://kathleenbaileyauthor.com

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

308 / Serial fiction expert, Kimboo York, joins us to discuss building long-term reader relationships, letting go of perfectionism and fan fiction, including insights on transitioning fan fiction to original works. We also talk about balancing productivity with kindness and allowing room for mistakes to set yourself up to have a resilient author career.

✨ This week’s sponsor is: Reedsy https://reedsy.com/studio and https://reedsy.com/studio/templates

• Serial fiction business models
• Transitioning from fanfiction to original fiction
• Productivity and project management advice
• Community and discoverability on Substack
• Monetization methods for serials
• Legal concerns with fanfiction writing

🚨 Win a paperback copy of Trope Thesaurus: Mystery and Thriller by yours truly (Sara) and Jennifer Hilt. Comment on this episode on Substack with your favorite trope to write to be entered in the random drawing. Open until March 17, 2026.

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⚡Links:

• houseofyork.info
• serial-nation.com
• scriptorium.kimbooyork.ne
• houseofyork.info
• scriptorium.kimbooyork.net
• https://newsletterninja.net/solutions/email-storytelling-pantry/
• Ingram Launches New Digital Catalog, DRC, and Ordering Platform: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/99760-ingram-targets-edelweiss-with-new-catalog-drc-and-ordering-platform.html
• Thanks to long-time supporter Christa Bakker https://christabakker.com/
• Archive of Our Own https://archiveofourown.org
• FOOTLOOSE! https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Footloose%20(1984)/works

📥 Send us a Text Message

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast