Authors Dot Ink

Monika Anna is an astrologer, coach and author of The Astro-Luna Journal.In today's episode she talks about how astrology opened up a world of understanding to her,  and how she now uses the ancient wisdom of the stars alongside her contemporary knowledge of psychology, to help her clients enhance the opportunities found in their every day lives.You can buy Monika's book direct in the UK HEREThe book is also available through Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith and Forbidden PlanetIn the US you can buy through Barnes and Noble HERETo find out more about Cate's work and The Luminous go to https://theluminous.media/ To sign up for updates on Cate's group book writing program go to https://theluminous.media/soulworks/To buy Cate's Book, Soul Story: How to Tell Stories that Call in Your Soul Tribe go to https://theluminous.media/ssbook

You want to write a book to raise your profile, to funnel new leads into your business, grow your credibility and to reach more people with your soulwork.  And also because being an author is a huge dream of yours.But the whole getting a publishing deal thing is SUCH a competitive process, with so many gatekeepers and delays, that you keep on putting it off. Why on earth invest time in writing a book now that might take years to get a deal.You've thought about self publishing but,  isn't that vanity publishing? Will any take you seriously. And can a self-published book really compete on the same playing field as the bestselling authors in your niche?Erm... yes. You absolutely can publish your own successful and bestselling book that does all the things you want it to do. In fact, if you're a business owner with an audience and an existing market, self publishing is a savvy strategy.So what does professionally self publishing your book actually look like, and how can you make sure you don't fall down the common pitfalls many self published authors make?That's what we're talking about in this episode.Press play to find out:- The difference between a bestselling and successful book (they are not necessarily always the same thing)-Why many successful authors choose self publishing first (and many trad authors are going indie)- The true measure of success of a book (and it's not always just numbers of copies sold)- The difference between DIY and professional self-publishing - what are your options?- What the self-publishing process actually looks like - What DIY and what to outsource- Some of the best self-publishing resources to support youTO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY GROUP BOOK WRITING PROGRAM THE SOUL WORKS ATELIER GO HEREHere are links to some of the tools I talk about on the show:https://reedsy.com/https://prowritingaid.com/https://vellum.pub/https://draft2digital.com/

A bit of a new format this week, with a bit more of a magazine round-up style of what I've been diving deeper into this week in terms of content, self-publishing and marketing.In today's episode I'm diving on into two really interesting topics:Following on from last week's episode 60, where we explored whether you can be a successful and bestselling non-fiction author without a book deal, I'm looking deeper into a recent report by the Alliance of Independent Author on self-published author incomes, and asking why is that indie authors are making more money than their traditionally published counterparts? Some of the reasons will hopefully feel familiar!I'm also deep in producing the marketing and publicity module of my  book writing program The Soul Works Atelier which got me thinking about what an over-stretched and underpaid  journalist is looking for when you pitch them to get featured.I also mention the Episode 60 (not 61!) on Can you write a bestselling and successful book without a book deal? You can listen to that episode HEREBuy my book Soul Story: How to Tell Stories that Call in Your Soul Tribe HEREFind out more about my Group Book Writing Program The Soul Works Atelier HERECheck out the Alliance of Independent Authors Incomes Survey HERE

Daniella Blechner is an award-winning author and founder of Conscious Dreams Publishing, through which she's published 170 books and mentored over 200 authors and aspiring authors with their non-fiction and fiction stories.Danni's journey into indie publishing began 8 years ago, when she tried to get her first book, Mr Wrong, published. But failing to get a book deal, she decided she would publisher her her book herself.  Danni went on to successfully publish Mr Wrong under her own publishing house, Conscious Dreams Publishing, for which she garnered national press coverage. Passionate about helping others side-step industry gatekeepers and get their words out into the world, Danni went on to help other aspiring authors follow in her footsteps.We talked about:- Danni's passion for helping diverse and unique voices get their stories heard- Danni's top tips for getting your book featured in the press- How she finds time for her own writing in between being both an entrepreneur and working part time as an English teacher.- Why you don't need a traditional publishing deal to validate your workYou can find out more about Danni and Conscious Dreams Publishing at www.consciousdreamspublishing.com.-----LEARN WITH THE LUMINOUSTo find out more about Cate's 9-month group book coaching program go to www.theluminous.media/soulworks Check out Cate's latest offers at www.theluminous.media/quick-links

You want to write be an author because you know it's a great way to position yourself as an expert, call in new opportunities and attract more clients and customers - but what should your book be about, and if you've got lots of books you could write, which one should you write first?It's such a big decision, and can be the difference between all that time (and possibly money) spent writing your book having incredible ROI or seemingly being a bit of a waste of time...So in this episode I’m going to share with you the 2 questions you need to ask  in order to work out what is the best topic to choose for your book!LINKS & REFERENCESTo find out more about my group book coaching program The Soul Works Atelier go to www.theluminous.media/soulworks Sign up for my FREE MASTERCLASS: AUTHOR YOUR SUCCESS: Writing & publishing a book that will help you grow your brand HEREKEY POINTS[00:07:26] Choosing which book to write (or which to write first) can be challenging for a coach, creative or entrepreneur with so many things to teach. This is how I chose the topic of my first book, Soul Story.[00:10:50] Choosing the right book topic is crucial for a strong premise and focused writing. It can take time to decide and is essential for writing success.[00:14:18] Choosing your goal: If it's revenue, planners and journals are good for repeat purchases, and some authors have their own journals and planners. Another option is to plan to write a series like "Chicken Soup for the Soul" have also done this. But more commonly coaches, creatives and entrepreneurs are going to be writing a book with a goal of driving traffic to other services or products.[00:16:19] Writing to market means creating content for a specific target audience. Authors write books for a dedicated readership and create content to fill gaps in the market. [00:21:33] A book is the most powerful tool in helping to decide if someone's services are right, based on knowing, liking, and trusting them. To determine the right topic for a book, two questions should be asked.[00:27:11] Upcoming free masterclass for authors, landing page to be announced and new cohort for book writing program starting in September.

If you want to turn your knowledge into a book, but keep putting it off and thinking: "Who am I to Write a Book?" this episode is going out to you.You are not alone. So many aspiring authors feel doubtful about whether they're up to writing a book they can feel proud of. Team that with taking a self-publishing route, and the lack of official endorsement or permission is enough to keep that book, your soul works, forever hidden under the proverbial bed.I know exactly what that feels like. And the struggle to overcome self-doubt and fear in order to do the thing I really want to be doing. But I also know what it feels like to be a published author. To have my words out there finally serving.  And with hindsight, there is the one piece of advice you need to hear, to stop you THINKING about writing your book, and finally actually getting it written and out into the world where it can finally start working it's magic.Press Play to see things differently.LINKS & REFERENCESCheck out Cate's latest offers and freebies HERESign up to Cate's Newsletter HERE

Look, some people just feel things more deeply than others. In fact, some people, like me, can feel embarrassed, rejected and hurt from the smallest, tiniest thing that others would have forgotten a milli-second later.And it's nothing to feel ashamed about (although I did feel ashamed about it for a very long time). For some of us, it's just the way our brains are wired.  And when we don't honour this or recognise this, or try to squash these feelings down, it can make showing up in this online space really very hard. When tiny comments, actions and incidents most people would not even notice, or would shrug off, or just take in their stride,  leave you feeling crippled, wounded and frozen, it can make succeeding in this online space feel like one step forward and two steps back. It might even make you think that content marketing is not for you.But it doesn't have to be like that. Yes, the online space can feel like a bit of a brutal emotional battleground for people who are HSPs (highly sensitive people), empaths or who struggle from Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. So there's a danger that you can end up playing small and never fully going for what you really want as a form of protection.If this sounds like you, this podcast episode is here to let you know that there are LOTS of us. You're not alone. And it doesn't have to hold you back.Press play to hear my story, how I was triggered only yesterday, and my top tips for getting visible and showing up in your fullest expression, when you're an HSP.LINKSFREE MASTERCLASS:  Author Your Influence: Write & Publish Your Own Expert Book. Save your seat HERESign up to my Newsletter HERE

I may write for a living, but when it comes to writing my own personal creative projects the resistance is real. This summer I want to focus on a new private writing project that's not directly related to work, but definitely something I'm burning to do, and it got me thinking about how we put off so many  creative projects that are separate to our work, but which could enhance our lives, careers and businesses in so many amazing ways, if only we could overcome our resistance to them.So in this episode I share the two simple questions that will help you find time for the most important uncreated projects on your to-do list. Plus, the 5 simple rules I use every day as a professional writer and creator that will help you get those projects started and finished.----------The Author Your Influence Masterclass: Write & Publish Your Expert Book - SAVE YOUR SEAT HEREFollow me on social media:InstagramFacebookStay in touch via my NEWSLETTER

New episode today of the podcast, and it's all about batching!Batching your content, in other words sitting down and getting a few weeks of content created and scheduled in one go, has been my go-to since 2020, and has allowed me to stay consistently visible and serving in my business, even if I'm on holiday, taking time off to deal with family issues, or just not feeling the whole getting visible vibe.But earlier this year I fell off the batching wagon. With a brand new program to deliver, and big changes at home, I missed my batching window and fell back into the whole weekly content production treadmill. While not much could be done about it at the time, it's given me a whole new appreciation for the freedom and peace of mind that batching gives to you as a business owner.Not only does it give you some breathing space when real life stops you from showing up and serving your audience, but it also frees up so much headspace when you're not dealing with constantly looming deadlines (or the guilt of having let it slip).So, I'm back on the batching train, and in this episode I'm sharing:- How to get started with batching- The 6 phases of the batching process- How to work out your best workflowand I'll be sharing the exact workflow that I go through with this podcast.If you find showing up consistently overwhelming some days and weeks, or that the pressure of the content treadmill is wearing you down and stopping you from showing up, this is one episode you do not want to miss.The episodes I cross reference in this episode are:Episode 3: Plan Your Content Like a Glossy Magazine Part OneEpisode 4: Plan Your Content Like a Glossy Magazine Part TwoEpisode 65: Content Marketing When You're a Highly Sensitive PersonFind more details on my group book coaching program The Soul Works Atelier HEREYou can join my newsletter, The Luminous Letters for more ideas, inspiration and little pep talks and stories HERE.

So,  I got distracted down a whole new social media platform today with the launch of the Threads app (yes, you can follow me on there (www.threads.net/@catebutlerross ) which is more than a little ironic because I had also planned to record this episode today, which is all about not wasting our time down scroll holes and using this mid way point of the year, to tune into our visions for our life and business and planning content that's going to help us get there by the end of 2023.Because that's something that I really think is important to remember. That it's the content that takes a bit longer to create, and maybe even a little longer than that to get set up and in place, that are the most powerful vehicles for working towards our goals in our lives and business.Whether thats:More income streamsLess time in our business more time doing what we loveAuthority buildingCreating a legacy(or anything else).So that's what I'm talking about in today's episode. What pieces of content I've created that have moved me closer towards the life and business on my vision board, what I wish I'd done, what I'm doing now, and how you can make a plan for the next 6 months, that means at least some of the time you spend creating content is going to have at least one, tangible long term result that your future self will thank you for.REFERENCESEpisode 55: Making money through blogging and Pinterest with Jen Stanbrook Listen Here >>Find out more about The Soul Works Atelier, my group book writing program HEREJoin my Create Dot Ink Membership HERE>>Check out my website at www.theluminous.media

Two of my favourite topics - email newsletters and turning your knowledge into a book, all wrapped up in to one super-speedy little episode.Anyone who's ever read a non-fiction, self help or how to book and fallen in love with the author and their way of doing things, knows the power of writing a book as a business card. But if we want our book to give us ROI (of time, money, energy etc), we need to be turning our readers into subscribers.In this episode, we talk about how your best email subscribers are always going to be the ones who've read your book, plus how you actually get them to subscribe to your list (because as you might have guessed, it's not as simple as inviting them to your newsletter or chucking in a random freebie).Episode References and LinksTo find out more about how to publish with The Luminous Press go to www.theluminous.media/publishTo learn more about my group book coaching program The Soul Works Atelier go to www.theluminous.media/soulworks

Welcome to Season 2 where we are going to be fully exploring how content creation isn't just a job or a chore and how it can actually be a really enriching and liberating part of your life and business.  But what is a content creator? Well spoiler alert: most content creators are not millennial instagram influencers. Actually they are the experts, the entrepreneurs, the teachers, the coaches, the healers, the light workers, the rebels...  people doing what they love, earning money to do it, and not being tied down by a boss, a location or a box of any kind. So  can you turn your knowledge and creativity into content that serves your audience, sustains you and your business and creates more freedom and flexibility in your life? That's what we're talking about in this season, and in today's episode we are talking about the creator economy - the facts and figures, and why it's time to step into your role as content creator (whatever job title you have in your bio).SIGN UP TO MY NEWSLETTER FOR MY BEST CONTENT HERECHECK OUT MY FREEBIES & OFFERS HERE

Great content does take time to create, yes! But if you're putting in the time but never really getting any ROI, or it just feels like hard work, when really waxing lyrical about your favourite subject (your soul work) should actually be fun, the chances are you might be making one - or even all - of these 6 common content mistakes.Listen to the Guest Expert episode here KEEP IN TOUCH!If you enjoy this podcast and want to keep in touch, sign up for my newsletter (it's where I share my best content first) HereFIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY BOOK WRITING PROGRAMGet the details about The Soul Works Atelier HERE FREEBIES & OFFERSYou can find all my latest freebies and offers here.

I know what it's like to have this big huge dream to become an author and finally turn your knowledge, wisdom and expertise in to a book, but to never actually ever get around to it.To constantly be 'preparing' to write your book, but it never being the right time. When I realised that the reason I hadn't written my books had nothing to do with not being able to (since I'd successfully ghost written and edited books for other people) I finally got on and finished my first book (with number two close on its heals).The truth is, the real reasons we don't fulfil our author dreams often have nothing to do with not knowing how to do it. And are in fact down to some niggly little obstacles, that pretty much every aspiring author feels.Press play to find out what they are so you can get on and get your book written.Find out more about The Soul Works Atelier, my BOOK WRITING PROGRAM HEREGet my best content first by signing up to my Newsletter hereCheck out my latest FREEBIES & OFFERS HERE

Content is changing, and as online business owners and content marketers, one thing we know for sure is that the playing field we’re on right now is going to look very different this time next year, and probably unrecognisable in two or three.So while it’s tempting to just keep your head down and keep doing what you’re doing (as long as it’s working of course), it’s worth remembering that those creators and entrepreneurs who keep an eye on the trends and adapt, change and tweak accordingly, are the ones who thrive through the changing environment.So what changes do I see afoot for content in 2023 and beyond? And do they affect how we show up as content creators and leaders?Well, with the rise of AI tech moving into communication, I believe one particular type of content is going to thrive - and if you’re not doing it already, it’s time to change how you show up, so you too can get ahead of the curve.Find out more about my ‘how to write your book’ program The Soul Works Atelier HERECheck out my latest FREEBIES & OFFERS HEREGet my best stuff sent directly to your inbox by joining my newsletter Luminous Letters HERE

Sarah Sienkievicz is one of those unique entrepreneurs who is both truly heart-led but also has a very sensible business brain when it comes to growing and scaling an energetically aligned online business.  I never leave a conversation with her without a new little nugget to think about in terms of how I market my business online and she's always so open and generous with what she knows. In today's episode we chat about how to create your own aligned marketing strategy, why and how she leverages her knowledge to set her business up to scale through evergreen content (it's all about creating once and getting paid on repeat); plus we talk visibility blocks and how else you can  diversify your income streams to create more revenue in your business.Find out more about Sarah and buy her My Fulfilled Life Planner https://www.healingbusiness.co.uk/Check out my latest freebies and offers HEREFind out more about my  book writing program  The Soul Works Atelier HERE

Editing your content before you press post, publish or send is so much more than just making sure you don't have any typos. It's about polishing what you've written in a way that truly helps your message to shine.Self-editing is such an important skill for anyone who creates their own written content, whether it's blogs, newsletters or scripts for podcasts. And it's not actually that hard to get into the habit of doing. Inside this episode I'm sharing 7 simple but essential editing steps that I follow every single time I write anything for my business. For more information on my book writing program The Soul Works Atelier Join my newsletter Luminous Letters for my best and most personal contentCheck out my freebies and latest offers

How to tune into that Creatrix energy that gets you flowing with inspired downloads; creating boundaries and trusting in divine timing around your work and creativity; is it ever ok to share from the wound? And how to use discernment and curate a space you want to show up in online. That's what we're talking about in today’s episode with business mentor, channel and founder of New Earth Business, Kelly Vikings.Find out more about kelly’s work at www.kellyvikings.comListen to her podcast The Aligned WayRead Kelly's book Secrets of the Divine Business CodeMore about Cate and The Luminous...Check out my latest offers and freebies HEREJoin The Soul Works Atelier HERESign up to my Luminous Letters HERE

As content creators, it's important we don't spend all our time constantly creating new when we haven't yet fully leveraged valuable content that we've already created.  In today's episode I share how I turned existing content into a membership, then my first course, and later a book, and give you ideas for how you can repurpose or repackage existing content into new revenue streams that will help you scale you offer from one to one, to one to many.Find out more about my CREATE DOT INK MEMBERSHIPCheck out my latest FREEBIES & OFFERSJoin my LUMINOUS LETTERS newsletter

After suffering and healing from Post-Natal Depression following the birth of her son, Awena McCormack knew we needed more education around maternal wellbeing. So despite never having run a business before or even being in the online space,  Awena left her job as an Occupational Therapist and trainer and launched her first online course  Matrescence, garnering lots of media attention. Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and a desire to help mothers find more freedom and joy in their lives,  Awena has since gone on to also teach workshops, courses and retreats, focusing on feminine wellbeing as well as business. In today's episode we talk about her journey, the power of using our gifts and experience to serve in business and the importance of building a community.Connect with AwenaAwena's ETSY SHOP https://mamarocksbusiness.etsy.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/mamarocksbusiness Facebook Awena McCormackGRAB POP & PERSONALITY my free creative writing mini seriesCheck out my latest offers and freebies HERE