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In this episode of The Author’s Edge, Allison Lane dives into the burning question every aspiring author has: When is the right time to query agents? She tackles common misconceptions about timing, shares why waiting for the "perfect" moment may hurt your chances, and explains how to ensure your book proposal is ready to impress.

What you'll learn:

• Why literary agents are always on the lookout for standout proposals.
• The truth about querying during holidays and weekends.
• How to stand out in a surge of January submissions.
• Key tips for refining your marketing plan before pitching.

Mentioned in this episode:

• 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Allison’s LinkedIn Learning course: How to Think Bigger About Your Career
• Free resources in the show notes to help you prepare your pitch.

Take action now, and don’t wait for the “right time.” Your book deserves to be seen.

Get Allison’s LinkedIn Learning course “How to Think Bigger About Your Career” - dm her on LinkedIn:

• LinkedIn: Allison Lane Lit

Time Stamps:

00:00 Setting Big Goals and Dreams

00:42 Welcome to the Author's Edge

01:19 The Importance of Community and Guidance

01:57 Querying Literary Agents: Timing and Tips

04:49 The Power of a Captivating Proposal

06:28 Marketing Yourself and Your Book

07:11 Book Recommendation: 10x is Easier than 2x

08:21 Final Thoughts and LinkedIn Learning Course

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2025 is fast approaching, and big goals need clear roadmaps. In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane dives into a proven framework for setting and achieving your biggest aspirations. Learn how to set measurable goals, prioritize your time, and avoid common mistakes that derail progress. Whether you're aiming for a book deal, building your platform, or taking on new challenges, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay focused and make the new year your most productive yet.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your goals should be specific, measurable, and action-oriented.
• How to break down big goals into quarterly priorities.
• The 3 biggest mistakes to avoid when pursuing a book deal.
• Tips for reducing distractions and staying on track.
• How a book proposal can double as your ultimate author branding guide.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Steps to Get a Book Deal (Free Cheat Sheet): https://www.lanelit.com/book-deal

Rate and Review:
If you loved this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with a friend who needs a roadmap for 2025.

🚨 Announcement! I'm re-launching my updated book proposal course for 2025 to help women craft standout proposals for agents and publishers. The kicker: 10 early enrollment spots are 50% OFF in exchange for feedback. This future $1997 course is yours for just $998 for a limited time. 👉 Enroll here today, just CLICK Hurry! These spots close November 30 or when filled!

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In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane dives into a common question from authors: how to arrange book events at bookstores and other venues without prior in-person connections. Allison answers Leslie's question about organizing book events while living abroad, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and planning. She provides actionable steps including emailing, following up with phone calls, and preparing comprehensive event plans to ensure bookstore buy-in. Allison also encourages authors to support each other by sharing helpful resources and staying informed. Listen in to get invaluable tips on hosting successful book events.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Bookstore's Role

00:38 Welcome to The Author's Edge

00:48 Diving into the Mailbag

01:04 Leslie's Question: Hosting Book Events

02:26 Tips for Planning Your Book Event

05:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

05:47 Podcast Sharing and Conclusion

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Launch Plan: https://www.lanelit.com/launch
• Get a free Critique: https://www.lanelit.com/cc

@allisonlanelit
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Facebook @allisonlanelit

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In this special episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane addresses the common question from aspiring authors: how to write a book when you're not quote/unquote "a writer." Allison talks with celebrated memoir coach and author Marion Roach Smith about the significance of personal storytelling in nonfiction, the differences between memoir and autobiography, and actionable steps for starting and structuring a memoir. Marion encourages emerging authors to embrace their stories and integrate their personal experiences to create compelling narratives. The episode includes practical advice for writing memoirs, tackling common fears, and understanding the market for memoirs. It also touches on the importance of crafting engaging titles and building a presence through essays and opinion pieces. Allison and Marion emphasize the need for courage in memoir writing and provide insights into querying agents and marketing one's work.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Memoir

00:43 Addressing Common Questions About Writing

01:05 The Importance of Personal Storytelling

01:17 Interview with Marion Roach Smith

02:13 Starting Your Memoir: Tips and Insights

04:18 Understanding Memoir vs. Autobiography

06:13 Writing with Authority and Expertise

08:15 Crafting a Compelling Memoir

10:56 Engaging Your Audience with Personal Stories

14:37 Querying Agents and Publishing Tips

24:00 Think Like a Marketer: Audience Segmentation

25:59 The Power of Courage in Writing

27:51 Crafting a Compelling Memoir

31:13 The Market for Memoir: Myths and Realities

34:49 Creating a Standout Title

38:14 Building Your Writing Portfolio

44:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Marion Roach Smith: https://marionroach.com
• The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life

https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9780446584845

• Take Marion’s Memoir Classes: https://marionroach.com/learn-to-write-memoir-in-4-online-memoir-classes-with-marion-roach-smith/
• Qwerty podcast: https://marionroach.com/category/qwerty-podcast/
• I Don’t Know How You Do It podcast by Jessica Fein: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-dont-know-how-you-do-it/id1668168226
• The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards by Jessica Waite https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781668044858
• Breathtaking: a Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes by Jessica Fein https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9781681151106

Get a free Critique: https://www.lanelit.com/cc

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Mastering Your Book Pitch: Insights from the Publishing World

In this episode of the Author's Edge, Allison Lane discusses how to position your book to make it appealing to publishers and agents. Allison addresses a question from Bill, an author who received positive feedback from editors but faced rejections based on market fit. She advises against citing declined editors' feedback and instead recommends using their positive comments to strengthen your query. Allison underscores the importance of making your book sound like a must-have product while customizing your pitch for each editor or agent. She also encourages listeners to ask questions and share the podcast with others.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Selling Your Book

00:31 Welcome to The Author's Edge

00:50 Building Your Visibility

01:11 Question from Bill: Positive Feedback Dilemma

01:59 Handling Positive Feedback in Queries

03:35 Making Your Book a Must-Have

05:44 Final Tips and Encouragement

06:20 Sharing and Supporting Others

07:09 Conclusion and Farewell

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Got a question for Allison? Send her an email at allison@lanelit.com. Remember, if you don't ask, you don't get.

If you’re thinking… "I love Allison and Author’s Edge,” then please Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-edge/id1757016628

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In this episode of the Author's Edge, host Allison Lane encourages viewers to overcome fears and seek collaboration rather than competition. She highlights the significance of asking for help, reaching out for opportunities, and leveraging available resources like the free 'Compassionate Critique Events' and the 'Publishing Lane' Facebook community. Allison shares actionable steps to connect with others, elevate your visibility, and ultimately bring your book and your message to a broader audience. This episode is filled with practical advice and a reminder to think bigger about the ripple effect you create in the world.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

00:29 Understanding Competition in Academia and Corporate

01:37 Shifting from Competitor to Collaborator

03:58 The Importance of Asking for Help

06:28 Resources and Community Support

09:54 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Get a free Critique: https://www.lanelit.com/cc
• Join the Publishing Lane community on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepublishinglane
• Book a Bestseller Consultation Call with Allison: https://calendly.com/allisonlanelit/bestseller

@allisonlanelit
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Facebook @allisonlanelit

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In this episode of the Author's Edge, host Allison Lane dives into the critical steps for aspiring authors to overcome self-doubt and peer approval barriers. Learn how to move forward with confidence by understanding the publishing process and creating a successful book proposal. Allison shares actionable steps for pitching your book, including crafting detailed tables of contents, chapter summaries, and sample chapters. For fiction and memoir authors, she stresses the importance of writing the entire book. Gain insights, clarity, and the support you need to get your work published and make your dreams a reality.

00:00 Embrace Your Unique Voice

01:12 Overcoming Self-Doubt

03:24 Breaking Free from Peer Approval

05:50 Your Perspective Matters

07:10 Debunking Publishing Myths

08:31 Understanding Nonfiction Book Deals

08:54 Crafting a Winning Book Proposal

09:53 Essential Elements of a Book Proposal

11:52 Overcoming Barriers to Publishing

12:22 Taking Action: Your First Steps

📚 Resources Mentioned:

How to Get a Book Deal: https://www.lanelit.com/book-deal

@allisonlanelit
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In this episode of The Author's Edge, host Allison Lane delves into the importance of building a consistent and recognizable author brand. She emphasizes how your professional identity extends beyond your book to include articles, social platforms, and speaking engagements, making you stand out in the publishing market. From defining your themes to maintaining visibility, Allison shares vital steps for authors at any stage of their journey. Learn about the critical role of your author brand in attracting publishers, agents, and readers, and get practical advice on focusing your themes for better marketability. Ready to build your brand? Join Allison's Author Branding and Bestseller School starting Thursday, October 3rd, for hands-on guidance.

00:00 Introduction to Author Branding

00:19 The Importance of Consistency

01:15 Defining Your Author Brand

02:02 Building Your Brand

02:23 Engaging with Your Audience

05:09 Practical Tips for Author Branding

07:22 Case Studies and Examples

09:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Author Brand + Bestseller School: https://www.lanelit.com/bestseller

@allisonlanelit
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