Giving away a free book has long been the go-to strategy for authors building their email lists—but does it still work? In this episode, Narelle Todd and New York Times bestselling author S.E. Smith dive into why the traditional freebie model is losing steam and explore innovative ways to attract—and keep—your ideal readers. From music playlists and personality quizzes to love letters from your characters, you’ll discover fresh, fun, and meaningful ways to connect with readers beyond the free book.

Learn how to create an experience your readers will remember—and why understanding your reader avatar is the secret ingredient behind every successful giveaway.

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👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com

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What do you do when a story won't leave you alone—even if it doesn't fit into any of your current series? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith explore the challenges and opportunities of writing "outlier" books that fall outside your established brand. Susan shares how she created her S.E. Smith Signature Romance line to give standalones a home without diluting her brand—and why she chose not to use a pen name. Together, Narelle and Susan discuss the difference between branding worlds versus branding your name, why tone and message matter more than logos and colors, and how giving yourself permission to follow creative sparks keeps your writing fresh. They also offer encouragement for authors struggling between "conventional wisdom" and what their creative heart is demanding. If you've ever wondered how to balance branding, reader expectations, and passion projects, this episode will inspire you to believe in your voice.

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👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/
✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/narelletodd/

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com
✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sesmithfl

What do you do when Amazon cancels your book just days before release—without warning? In this powerful and surprisingly funny episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith share the behind-the-scenes chaos of Pets in Space 10, the 10th-anniversary sci-fi romance anthology that Amazon accidentally deleted right before launch.

They talk candidly about the shock, the scramble, and the emotional toll—but also the lessons in resilience, communication, and grace under fire. From finding creative ways to vent to turning mistakes into marketing moments, this episode is equal parts therapy session and masterclass in calm crisis management.

💫 Whether you're an author, entrepreneur, or just someone who's ever had a big plan derailed, this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to stay professional, protect your energy, and rally your community when things go wrong.

👉 Let us know in the comments if you've ever faced a "Zon-sized" setback.

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A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Carol Van Natta — the incredible editor, organizer, and author who kept Pets in Space 10 flying through chaos. Carol, you did an extraordinary job organizing everything and everyone, and we're so grateful for your calm leadership through such a dreadful experience.

And an equally big shout-out to S.E. Smith's amazing fellow authors who rallied together to restart preorders and rebuild momentum: E.G. Manetti, Honey Phillips, Michelle Howard, Pauline Baird Jones, S.J. Pajonas, S.E. Smith, Skye MacKinnon, and Veronica Scott.

Pets in Space 10 is available for a limited time at: https://books2read.com/PISA-10

Nine Interstellar Tales. Nine Unforgettable Romances. Nineteen Adorably Badass Pets.

In this tenth-anniversary edition of PETS IN SPACE®, you'll find smart-mouthed birds, cyber armadillos, tiny dragons, and alien creatures who steal the show — and sometimes save it. Across distant planets, space stations, and magical realms, unlikely heroes and heroines are drawn together by danger, fate... and the meddling of their pet sidekicks. These stories blend swoon-worthy romance with thrilling sci-fi adventure in a way only PETS IN SPACE can deliver.

🐾 Don't miss your chance to escape into the stars with nine sizzling sci-fi romances — each with a pet who will steal your heart and a hero or heroine who will make it race. Grab PETS IN SPACE 10 and get ready to binge beyond the stars!

Pets in Space authors are proud supporters of Hero Dogs, a charity that raises and trains service dogs for disabled veterans and first-responders. 10% of the initial sales go to this excellent nonprofit organization. 🐕

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✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes with Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith, where we talk about the real business of being an author—without the fluff.

👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com

Should you update your book covers—or leave them as they are? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack the realities of recovering a series, from the artistic struggle of letting go of covers you love to the marketing and financial considerations that come with change. Susan shares her experience updating her Cosmos Gateway series after 15 years, including the unexpected can of worms: dealing with paperbacks, audiobooks, foreign editions, marketing assets, and confused readers. Narelle offers strategies for turning "fugly covers" into a marketing advantage and why sometimes standing out matters more than blending in. If you've ever wondered whether new covers will boost your sales—or just create more headaches—this candid conversation is for you.

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👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com

Are you writing the books of your heart and wondering how to turn them into a long-term, successful author business? Join Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith as they dive into the three foundational pillars every author needs to create stability, confidence, and consistent growth. Whether you're writing passion projects or dreaming of full-time authorship, you'll discover practical strategies to build a sustainable business without chasing trends. From mindset to systems to marketing clarity, this conversation blends real-world experience with heartfelt encouragement. If you're ready to future-proof your author career, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more authors on their journey!

L E T ' S C O N N E C T 📱💻

👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/.

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.combookouthere

After a much-needed break, we're back—and we're getting real about why we pressed pause and how to come back stronger. Narelle shares her parotid cancer journey, radiation, and a scary post-treatment blood clot, plus what recovery taught her about letting go of control and living in the present. Susan talks about burnout, dog-sledding in Svalbard, an Iceland blizzard rescue, and why stepping away actually made her writing better. Together, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack practical self-care for authors: deciding where to spend your limited energy, embracing seasons in business, and using mindset tools to navigate tough times. We also discuss Narelle's book, It's All Good (Except When It's Not): Practical Mindset Tools for Navigating Life's Challenges, and how authors can apply it day to day. If you've felt guilty about slowing down—or you're rebuilding after a curveball—this episode will encourage and equip you.

Like and subscribe, and if you're ready to scale your author business, work with Narelle at https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/.

In this episode, we explore how self-published authors can adapt to new technologies and innovative marketing strategies to boost book sales and build a community of dedicated readers. 📚✨

🔍 Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Change: Learn how Susan and Narelle navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape to stay ahead in book marketing.
2. Kickstarter Success: Discover the step-by-step process behind launching a successful Kickstarter campaign.
3. Gut Instincts & Decision Making: Understand the role of intuition in making business decisions.
4. Diversifying Income Streams: Explore the benefits of memberships and subscription boxes for authors.
5. Balancing Innovation & Practicality: Get tips on when to adopt new tech and how to manage ongoing maintenance.

Subscribe to our channel for more expert tips on book marketing and self-publishing success! Don't forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Visit our website for more resources and join our community of thriving self-published authors.

Join Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith in this enlightening episode of "The Get My Book Out There Podcast." Today, we dive deep into the heart of diversity in romance writing. 🌍💖

Narelle and Susan discuss the importance of authentically representing different cultures and experiences in your stories. We share practical tips on how to create diverse characters that resonate with readers, whether you're writing about dragon shifters or Middle Eastern warriors. 🐉👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏼

Key Points Covered:

1. Authentic Representation: Why diversity enriches your storytelling and how to portray different cultures with respect.
2. Research Tips: How to conduct thorough research to accurately represent various cultures, languages, and experiences.
3. Avoiding Stereotypes: The pitfalls of stereotypical characters and how to create nuanced, believable personas.
4. Personal Insights: S.E. Smith's personal experiences in writing diverse characters and how her background has influenced her storytelling.
5. Engaging Younger Audiences: Techniques to write convincingly about characters of different ages and backgrounds.

We'd love to hear your thoughts! How do you handle diversity in your writing? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below or send us an email. Also, as a reader, do you enjoy more diverse characters and worlds in your books? Let us know!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes.

If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with your fellow authors and help us spread the word about the power of diversity in storytelling.