Shelby Leigh is a breakthrough mental health poetry author who has masterfully leveraged social media to transform her writing career from self-published obscurity to traditional publishing success. With over 103,000 Instagram followers and viral TikTok content that reaches millions, Shelby has become a case study in how modern authors can use digital platforms to build authentic connections with readers and drive real book sales. Her poetry focuses on mental health, healing, and personal growth, resonating with a generation seeking authentic voices in literature. Through her brand "Marketing by Shelby," she now helps other authors replicate her social media success.

In this episode:

• From zero followers to 103K: Shelby's complete social media growth strategy
• How mental health poetry found its massive audience through authentic storytelling
• TikTok marketing secrets that create viral BookTok content and drive sales
• Content creation systems that maintain consistency across multiple platforms
• The psychology behind converting social media views into actual book purchases
• Analytics and metrics that matter: tracking what really drives book sales
• Transitioning from self-publishing to traditional deals using social proof
• Building a personal brand that attracts both readers and publishers
• The intersection of vulnerability, poetry, and profitable content creation

Resources mentioned:

• Marketing by Shelby - Shelby's author marketing consultancy: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/
• TikTok Solutions Program - Social media marketing course: https://www.marketingbyshelby.com/marketing-offers
• BookTok community - Poetry and book discovery platform: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/booktok
• Instagram Marketing by Shelby - Visual content strategies: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbyshelby/
• YouTube Channel - Extended marketing tutorials: http://youtube.com/@marketingbyshelby

Book Recommendations for Poetry:

• "I Look to the Mourning Sky" by Liz Newman
• Works by Tristan Mateo - Contemporary poetry
• Nikita Gill - Instagram poetry sensation: https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill/?hl=en

Traditional Poetry Influences:

• Emily Dickinson
• Rupi Kaur - Modern poetry pioneer: https://rupikaur.com/
• Atticus Poetry - https://www.atticuspoetry.com/

Modern Poetry Recommendations:

• "Luster" by Raven Leilani
• "From Sand to Stars" by Shelby Leigh
• Amanda Lovelace - Instagram poetry

Connect with Shelby Leigh:

• Website: https://shelbyleigh.co/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Stuart Grant is the founder of Digital Authors Toolkit, a specialized digital agency that has revolutionized how authors establish their online presence. With over a decade of deep experience in the publishing industry and more than 300 author websites in his portfolio, Stuart has become the go-to expert for writers who want to transform their digital footprint into a powerful marketing tool. His unique approach seamlessly blends technical web development expertise with an intimate understanding of author needs and reader behavior, creating websites that don't just look professional—they convert visitors into loyal fans and customers.

In this episode:

• Why every author needs a professional website and the essential elements that drive results
• Smart website design strategies using your book covers as visual inspiration
• SEO optimization secrets that get your author site discovered by readers
• Proven email list building techniques that turn website visitors into devoted fans
• Traffic generation strategies that bring the right readers to your digital doorstep
• The most common (and costly) website mistakes authors make and how to avoid them
• Technical tools and platforms that simplify author website management
• How to create a website that works as hard as you do to sell your books
• Reader psychology: designing websites that convert browsers into buyers
• 
  

Resources mentioned:

• Wix - https://www.wix.com/
• Book Vault - https://bookvault.app/
• Lulu - https://www.lulu.com/
• Book Funnel - https://bookfunnel.com/
• Digital Authors Toolkit - https://www.digitalauthorstoolkit.com/

Book recommendations:

• "Ted Talks" by Chris Anderson
• "Ultra Processed People" by Chris Van Tulliken
• JD Kirk's Hoon series

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Kevin J. Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author and literary powerhouse with over 24 million books in print worldwide. Best known for his groundbreaking work expanding the Dune universe alongside Brian Herbert and his extensive contributions to the Star Wars expanded universe with 54 novels, comics, and young adult series, Kevin has helped shape two of science fiction's most beloved franchises. His unique career spans both traditional publishing giants and innovative indie approaches, making him one of the most versatile and successful authors in the industry today.

In this episode:

• Behind-the-scenes secrets of writing in legendary universes like Dune and Star Wars
• The strategic transition from traditional publishing to indie freedom and control
• Leveraging Kickstarter and Patreon to build direct fan relationships and fund passion projects
• Insider insights into Hollywood: the film and TV adaptation process revealed
• How dictation technology can dramatically boost your writing productivity
• The networking strategies that build lasting industry connections and opportunities
• Platform-building advice for new authors entering today's competitive landscape
• Balancing franchise work with original creative projects
• The evolution of publishing and what authors need to succeed now

Resources mentioned:

• Wordfire Press (Kevin's publishing company)
• Kickstarter for Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series
• Patreon for exclusive content and fan interaction
• Western Colorado University's graduate program in publishing
• Superstars Writing Seminars
• Mac Whisper for AI transcription

Book recommendations:

• "Death Warmed Over" (first book in the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series)
• "On Being a Dictator" (Kevin's book on dictation for authors)

Connect with Kevin J. Anderson:

• Website: https://wordfire.com/
• Patreon: KevinJAnderson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/75203293463/?fref=nf
• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheKJA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkja/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/