If you've ever wondered what it really takes to become a successful author, this episode is your reality check — and your encouragement.

In this candid and heart-to-heart conversation, New York Times bestselling author S.E. Smith and author business strategist Narelle Todd from Get My Book Out There share the truths, surprises, and lessons they wish someone had told them before starting their author careers.

You'll discover:

• Why today's publishing landscape is harder — and how to stay ahead of constant change
• The hidden challenges of Amazon, KU, and other platforms (and how to protect your business)
• The real emotional cost of editing and perfectionism — and how to beat "analysis paralysis"
• Why mindset matters more than marketing when it comes to long-term success
• How comparison steals your joy and the practical ways to stay focused on your own path
• The rewarding moments that make every challenge worth it

Whether you're an aspiring or established indie author, this episode will remind you why you started, what's possible, and how to keep going — even when the journey gets tough.

🎧 Honest, inspiring, and packed with wisdom for self-published authors building a sustainable creative business.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 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

In this episode, Narelle Todd and New York Times Bestselling author S.E. Smith dive deep into the future of writing, reading, and business for authors in the age of AI. 💡

From the ethics of AI training on authors' works to how writers can harness automation to free up creative time, this is a grounded, eye-opening conversation about how technology is reshaping publishing.

You'll hear both perspectives — the tech optimist and the storyteller — as they explore:

• Whether AI is a threat or a tool for authors
• How to use AI to reduce admin time and grow your business
• The truth about piracy, copyright, and author compensation
• Why adaptability is the new superpower for creatives
• How AI can give authors more freedom, focus, and fun

Narelle and Susan share real-world examples, from using AI agents to handle book promotions to how automations are giving authors their weekends back.

If you've ever wondered how AI will impact your creative career — this conversation will inspire and empower you to adapt without losing your voice.

🎧 Tune in for mindset, marketing, and momentum insights that help you future-proof your author business.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 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

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.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 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 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.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 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.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 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/.