Bookbound

When a Mantra Becomes a Manuscript with Carla Ondrasik

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 reflects on publishing her debut in her sixties, the lessons she learned from working with a developmental editor, and the importance of building the right support system for both writing and promotion. From deadlines that stretched her creativity to the challenges of marketing in today’s landscape, she offers a candid look at the perseverance and adaptability it takes to bring a book into the world.

Resources:
Connect with Carla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaondrasik/

Follow Carla on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlaondrasik

Check out Carla’s website: https://www.carlaondrasik.com/

Check out Carla’s book: https://a.co/d/f0mYAl0
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

(00:00) - Introduction to Book Bound Podcast
(00:55) - Meet Carla Ondrasik: From Music Executive to Author
(01:17) - The Emotional Journey of Writing a Book
(04:08) - Finding the Right Agent and Proposal Challenges
(07:35) - Developing the Book Proposal
(14:04) - The Pitch Process and Securing a Deal
(21:27) - Preparing for Book Launch and Marketing Strategies
(25:00) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How to Go Viral as Yourself with Dr. Erin Nance

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

How 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 the publishing process as a first-time author. From skipping blurbs to embracing the “authenticity economy,” Erin’s approach challenges the traditional playbook and offers a new way to think about platform, story, and what it takes to connect with readers.

Resources:
Connect with Dr. Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinnancemd/
Find Dr. Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorerinnance/
Find Dr. Erin on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemissdiagnosed?lang=en
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Finding Your Light and Building Community in the Writing Process with Cecily Mak

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

When 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 just as she left her tech executive career reshaped both her timeline and her clarity of purpose.

Cecily also deconstructs the nuts and bolts of the publishing process: finding the right agent, rewriting her proposal around a prescriptive framework, and selling her book at auction. She opens up about the role rituals played in sustaining her writing practice, why feedback from agents was invaluable, and how building community through Substack and Instagram fed both her process and her book’s message.

Connect with Cecily on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearlifejourney/

Connect with Cecily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilymak/

Check out Cecily’s book Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses for Freedom from Unwanted Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Undimmed-Awarenesses-Freedom-Unwanted-Habits/dp/1250385180

Check out the ClearLife Substack: https://cecilymak.substack.com/

Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How to Find Your High-Contrast Book Title with Jill Sirianni

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 publishers. She reveals the challenges of finding a cohesive throughline, why opposing forces make the strongest titles, and how she and her team navigated everything from cover design to editorial input. Jill also opens up about the marketing side: launching a podcast tour, building a street team, and leveraging her platform to get her book on airport shelves across the country.

Resources:

Connect with Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliansirianni/?hl=en

Connect with Jill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilliansirianni/

Check out Buy What You Love Without Going Broke: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/order-buy-what-you-love-without-going-broke/

Listen to the Frugal Friends Podcast: https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Why Persistence Matters More Than Perfection with Agent Kate McKean

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 finding an agent, while also revealing how her newsletter, Agents and Books, helped her discover the audience she was meant to serve. Along the way, Kate offers advice on editing smarter, managing expectations, and keeping your passion alive in the often slow and messy process of publishing.

Resources:

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemckean/
Connect with Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_mckean/

Follow Kate on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/katemckean.bsky.social

Check out Kate’s website: https://www.katemckean.com/

Subscribe to Kate’s newsletter Agents and Books: https://www.agentsandbooks.com/

Check out Kate’s book Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life: https://bookshop.org/p/books/write-through-it-an-insider-s-guide-to-publishing-and-the-creative-life-kate-mckean/21872839

Check out Publisher’s Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

(00:00) - BB-Video-Kate McKean-V2
(00:00) - Introduction to the Book Bound Podcast
(01:13) - Meet Kate McKean: Literary Agent and Author
(02:25) - Kate's Journey to Becoming an Author
(04:09) - The Writing Process: Fiction vs. Nonfiction
(07:17) - Finding the Right Literary Agent
(17:32) - The Importance of a Book Proposal
(18:19) - The Importance of a Strong Ending in Fiction
(19:05) - From Proposal to Manuscript: The Writing Journey
(21:08) - Editing and Revising: Key Strategies
(22:53) - Marketing the Book: Strategies and Experiences
(24:23) - Substack: A Platform for Writers
(29:00) - Advice for Aspiring Authors
(31:29) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Finding Your Narrative North Star with Sophie Elmhirst

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In 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 about her decision to avoid social media, the role of journalism in building her platform, and the unpredictable path from UK publication to US bestseller. This episode offers an honest look at persistence, process, and the winding road to a first book deal.

Visit Sophie’s official website: https://www.sophieelmhirst.com/

Check out A Marriage at Sea: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771662/a-marriage-at-sea-by-sophie-elmhirst/

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

From a Movement to a Manuscript with Neha Ruch

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 VC pitches, why her proposal phase included interviews and commissioned research, and how she balanced motherhood with building a movement. She also offers key insight into proposal writing, working with developmental editors, and managing the marketing marathon before and after launch.

Resources:
Connect with Neha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neha_ruch

Connect with Neha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehaleelaruch

Learn more about The Power Pause: https://www.thepowerpause.com

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Rewriting (and Rewriting!) Until You Find Your Framework with Melody Wilding

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

How 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 Reporter Out, running creative pre-order campaigns, and securing bulk book sales through corporate partnerships.

Resources:
Connect with Melody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/

Visit Melody’s website: https://melodywilding.com
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

How to Be a Bestseller with a Modest Platform with Daria Burke

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How 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 finished proposal, how she found the right agent, and why she insisted on blending science with lived experience in her book. Daria also shares about the realities of pitching without a huge platform, the strategies behind her marketing plan, and the importance of showing up for her book—on tour, in the media, and online.

Resources:
Connect with Daria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariaburke/
Find Daria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariaburke/
Discover Daria’s work: https://dariaburke.com/
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

The Passionate, Imperfect, Very Human Temple of Books with Haley Cohen Gilliland

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How 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 a deeply personal and painful history, and how she managed the vulnerability of sharing others’ stories with the world.

Resources:
Connect with Haley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleycohengilliland/
Connect with Haley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-cohen-bb91061a/
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

On The Precipice Of Your Publishing Dreams with Natalie Nixon

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How 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 major publisher, and why she completely reworked her second proposal midstream. She reveals how building a “publishing dream team” of agents, editors, and assistants changed her writing process, and how movement, thought, and rest became both her subject matter and her creative method. She also discusses the business side of publishing, from strategic partnerships, pre-order campaigns, and why asking for help is one of the most powerful tools in an author’s toolkit.

Connect with Natalie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natwnixon

Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienixonphd/

Check out Natalie’s latest book, Move, Think, Rest: https://www.figure8thinking.com/move-think-rest/

Learn more about Figure 8 Thinking: https://www.figure8thinking.com/

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Losing the Book Deal, but Finding the Story with Ruthie Ackerman

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How 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 of showing up in person through book tours and community events.

Resources:
Connect with Ruthie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruackerman

Connect with Ruthie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthieackerman/
Connect with Ruthie in Substack: https://ruthieackerman.substack.com/
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club
Download Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-book

Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

Publishing is an Emotional Rollercoaster with Samhita Mukhopadhyay

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 1,000-word-per-day writing routine to her fears about exposing her vulnerabilities.

Resources:
Connect with Samhita here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhita-mukhopadhyay/
Check out Samhita’s work here: https://www.samhitamukhopadhyay.com/
Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

That Big Idea that Finally Sells with Lisa Marchiano

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 focused book proposal and how she built an author platform that caught the attention of publishers.

Resources:
Check out Lisa’s work here: https://lisamarchiano.com/

Check out Lisa’s podcast here: https://thisjungianlife.com/

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

When to Just Keep Going with Amy Shoenthal

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Ever 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, and navigating rejection.

Resources:
Connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoenthal/
Check out Amy’s work here: https://www.amyshoenthal.com

Subscribe to Bethany & Fran’s Substack here: https://bookswithbethanyandfran.substack.com/

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Package Your Personal Experience with Ruth Whippman

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 its reception, touching on its broader appeal beyond parents of boys.

Resources:
Connect with Ruth here: https://www.instagram.com/ruthwhippman/?hl=en
Check out Ruth’s work here: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/
Check out Ruth’s Substack here: https://ruthwhippman.substack.com/

Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Discovering Your Book’s Structure with Carrie Sun

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Ever 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 transformed her book from an experimental format to a compelling chronological structure. Carrie reveals the cathartic process of writing her book during the pandemic, the importance of editorial feedback, and the heartfelt message about understanding one’s relationship with money and work.

Resources:
Connect with Carrie here: https://www.instagram.com/carrieyisun/?hl=en
Check out Carrie’s work here: https://www.carriesun.com/

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

DIY Book Marketing with Julie Satow

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Ever 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 of a rejected fashion illustration cover and a title change from Garment Queens to a title more related to the theme of the book.

If you’re a writer interested in a behind-the-scenes look at what brings a book and a book launch to life, check out this episode!

Resources:
Connect with Julie and check out her work here: https://juliesatow.com/

Subscribe to Bethany & Fran’s Substack here: https://bookswithbethanyandfran.substack.com/

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Writing is a Team Sport with Elaine Lin Hering

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 wellness markets, Elaine's insights are both inspiring and practical to the aspiring author or the author with many books under their belt!

Resources:
Connect with Elaine here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainelinhering
Check out Elaine’s work here: https://elainelinhering.com/

Join Bethany and Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

What’s Better Than a Big Platform? A Great Idea! With Rachel Somerstein

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 for those navigating the writing and publishing of a book. She provides an inside look at the publishing process, like securing an agent through the CLMP conference’s “speed dating” event and navigating deadlines and legal reads. Her insights are pure gold if you’re about to embark on your own author journey.

Resources:
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-somerstein-1aab2610/

Connect with Rachel on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelesomerstein/

Connect with Rachel on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/rachesomerstein?lang=en
Check out Rachel’s work here: https://www.rachelsomerstein.com/

Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Ophi Edut’s 21-Book Strategy for Bestseller Success

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Can 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 platforms to promote your work.

Resources:
Connect with Ophi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astrotwins/
Check out Ophi’s work here: https://astrostyle.com/

Join Bethany and Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

From Dating Nightmare to “Jaw-Dropping” Memoir with Anna Akbari

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 women facing toxic relationships and online dating exhaustion. We also explore the broader topics of the current trend of audiobooks and the strategy behind great book titles and covers.

Join us for an episode filled with advice for aspiring authors and a fascinating look at the journey from real-life experience to published memoir.

Resources:
Connect with Anna and check out her work here: https://www.annaakbari.com/

Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/club

Produced by Share Your Genius https://shareyourgenius.com/

Write This Way to Business Success with Bola Sokunbi

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 masterfully markets her work, viewing each book as an "amplifier" of her brand.

Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned professional, this episode is a goldmine of practical advice and motivation. Tune in to explore how passion, resilience, and clever strategies can help transform your writing dreams into thriving realities.

Resources:
To connect with, follow Bola, or read her books, go to https://www.bolasokunbi.com/
Apply for Fran & Bethany’s BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

Getting to YES! and Taking Control of Your Author Journey with Gabrielle Hartley

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 method—a powerful tool for unraveling arguments at their emotional core, promoting mutual understanding and resolution. This episode isn't just about writing; it's about reframing your approach to challenges and turning obstacles into opportunities. We hope you can carry some of her tools and inspiration into your own journey.

Resources: Connect with Gabrielle: https://gabriellehartley.com/
Apply for Fran & Bethany’s Fall 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

How a Blog Turned Into a Cookbook (and Then Some!) with Vasudha Viswanath

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 world of publishing, and building a thriving community around healthy eating. From the deep dives into recipe development and personal trials to marketing strategies and career pivots, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to turn their passion into a tangible product.

Resources: Follow Vasudha: https://www.instagram.com/v8well/
Subscribe to Vasudha’s newsletter, V8Well: https://www.v8well.com/
Apply for Fran & Bethany’s BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

The Makings of a NYT Bestselling Author: Marisa Meltzer's Glossy

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 14 May 2024 09:16:49 -0400

What 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 navigating promotional efforts. She shares her strategies for handling publicity, her decision-making in storytelling, and the dynamics of the publishing industry.

Marisa offers invaluable lessons for both budding and established writers alike. Tune in to uncover how personal obsessions can turn into compelling books that captivate readers and shape cultural conversations.

Resources:
Follow Marisa and check out her book: https://www.marisameltzer.com/
Apply for Fran & Bethany’s Fall 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.
Produced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

A Love Letter to Your Imperfect Self: How to Write Bravely with L’Oreal Thompson Payton

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Have 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 doubts, in both growing online community and her bookbound journey. Finally, she shares all the details on how she has battled imposter syndrome—by writing about it!

Tune in to discover how to turn your perfectionism around and turn the story you can’t stop telling into a book the world needs to read.

Resources: To connect with L’Oreal and check out her work, click here.
Apply for Fran & Bethany’s Fall 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.
Produced by Share Your Genius

Tiny Marketing for Authors with Expert Author and Entrepreneur Pam Slim

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What 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 plan.

Listen in as Pam shares her author journey from her blog writing days to her next big book idea. This episode is chock-full of actionable tips for authors who are looking for ways to connect with their communities.

Resources:
Check out Pam’s book here: https://pamelaslim.com/books/
Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaslim/

Apply for Fran & Bethany’s 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

From Blog to Bookshelf: Julie Chavez's Memoir Journey

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Does 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 successfully navigating the publishing world. This is THE episode for peeling back the layers of the traditional, boutique, and hybrid publishing types, underscoring the financial and creative implications of each.

We’re extra excited because we got to sit down with Julie even before Everyone But Myself was set to launch in January of 2023. Our discussion about the march toward her launch event and the emotional toll of publicly sharing one's art is extra juicy because her book so quickly became a USA Today Bestseller!

Join us as Julie outlines her winning strategies—from impactful newsletter engagement to storytelling through essays and a novel. This episode is a masterclass for new writers ready to make that first book happen.

Resources:
Check out Julie’s work and follow her here.
BOOKBOUND Spring Accelerator with Fran & Bethany

Produced by Share Your Genius

Your Doubts are Your Friend: Maggie Jackson on Writing in Uncertainty

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

On 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, which is—by the way—the formula behind every successful book.

So tune in for wisdom that transcends the mess of the writing and the insecurity of the publishing process so that you can take the next step toward sharing the story you can’t stop telling.

Resources:
Connect with Maggie
Read Maggie’s books

BOOKBOUND Spring Accelerator with Fran & Bethany

Produced by Share Your Genius

From Essay to Acclaim: Chloé Cooper Jones’s Author Journey

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

One 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 up the magic (not luck!) that is publishing a book that makes you a better artist and person.

Don't miss this juicy conversation about embracing imperfections, fostering genuine collaboration, and the magic of assembling a stellar team. (Plus, you just might catch a sneak peek into Chloé's upcoming second book!)

Resources:

Easy Beauty by Chloé Cooper Jones
Follow Chloé Cooper Jones

Apply for Fran & Bethany’s Spring 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

From Platform-Building to Bestseller with Dr. Aliza Pressman

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Authenticity 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 us through the importance her platform has played in finding her audience and guiding her writing, in addition to helping her navigate selling the book with authenticity in the launch process.

Throughout our conversation, Aliza talks about maintaining a heartfelt dedication to service, sharing how she wrote with the real-life needs of parent groups in mind. Her tale is sprinkled with valuable lessons, from the misfires of email mix-ups to the delicate art of pitching. The episode includes insights on the evolution of maternal caregiving, using platforms to foster connection, leveraging personal networks, and embracing the challenges women face in self-promotion, all underscored by Aliza's warm approach as she nears her twin celebrations: a 50th birthday and a 'book birthday' for her labor of love, The Five Principles of Parenting.

Resources:
Follow Aliza, buy her book, or listen to her podcast here.
Apply for Fran & Bethany’s Spring 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

A Book Born from Personal Crisis with Bestselling Author Bonnie Wan

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What 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 of life's challenges to knowing who she is and what she wants.

In just ten minutes a day, Bonnie was able to distill what she was learning into a very accessible book that gets the essence of what it means to live a life of true “self-centerdness,” as in living in service to ourselves.

And now this book—her first—is a bestseller.

Talk about inspiring.

Dive into Bonnie’s bookbound journey as she learned how to transform crisis into clarity and mine self-doubt, strategically.

You won’t want to miss this one.

For more insights and stories like Bonnie’s, subscribe to Bookbound and connect with our hosts, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman at bookboundpodcast.com.

Resources:
Connect with Bonnie
The Life Brief by Bonnie Wan

Apply for Fran & Bethany’s Spring 2024 BOOKBOUND Accelerator here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

From 50+ Rejections to Best-Seller with Mita Mallick

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

How 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 marketing in the world of books. Her experience emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience, embracing every opportunity, and the resilience needed to overcome setbacks and transform them into triumphs. Every aspiring author and entrepreneur out there, remember: your next rejection could be exactly the redirection you need.

For more insights and stories like Mita's, subscribe to Bookbound and connect with our hosts, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman at bookboundpodcast.com.

Resources:
Connect with Mita Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace by Mita Mallick

Apply for Fran & Bethany’s 2024 Mastermind here.

Produced by Share Your Genius

Introducing Bookbound: Fran & Bethany Set the Scene

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome 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 be both inspired and empowered to turn the story you can’t stop telling into a book the world needs to read.

To connect with the hosts and more, go to www.bookboundpodcast.com/

Welcome to the Bookbound Podcast

Fran Hauser & Bethany Saltman — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 06:40:53 -0500

What’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’t stop telling into a book the world needs to read.

To connect with the hosts and more, go to www.bookboundpodcast.com/