Whether you're writing your first book or scaling your author career, The At Home Author Podcast gives you the tools, tips, and tough love you need to succeed—without the stress. Hosted by Vicky Weber, a former teacher turned bestselling author, literary agent, and founder of At Home Author, this show breaks down everything you actually need to know about writing, publishing, and marketing your book in a crowded market. Expect no-fluff advice, practical strategies, and transparent conversations about what works (and what doesn't) in today's publishing world—both traditional and self-publishing. From mastering Amazon SEO to building a platform, improving your craft to negotiating contracts, this podcast is your honest, supportive, and strategic guide through the business of being an author. Subscribe now so you never miss an update—and let's build your writing career together.
To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme? The Definitive Answer for Authors
"Should I write my children's book in rhyme?" It’s a question Vicky Weber hears at every conference, and the answer is rooted in science, not just preference. In this episode, Vicky pulls from industry data and cognitive studies to explain why rhyme can either be your book’s greatest strength or the reason it fails to connect with readers.
You’ll discover the surprising reason why our brains process beat and musicality before language—and why that matters for your manuscript. Vicky explains why rhyming books are often a "win" for board books and baby exposure, but a "pass" for publishers looking for educational content or stories with a clear moral message. If you want your readers to remember the story, not just the rhythm, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to determine if your project is a fit for rhyme or if a prose pivot is the strategy you actually need to sell.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com (http://www.athomeauthor.com) to learn more or join our coaching program.
16 Mar 2026
The 5 Revenue Streams Most KidLit Authors Ignore
One of the biggest myths in the publishing world is that an author’s income only comes from book sales. While royalties are great, the truth is that most full-time children's book authors build sustainable careers by "stacking" different income streams. If you want to move beyond the feast-or-famine cycle of a single book launch, you need to start treating your writing like a creative business.
In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber pulls back the curtain on the five revenue streams authors often overlook. From maximizing the "school visit ecosystem" to the power of licensing and backlist monetization, Vicky explains how to turn your intellectual property into a long-term career. Whether you’re interested in teaching, building a community, or exploring subrights, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for stabilizing your income and thriving in the KidLit industry.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com (http://www.athomeauthor.com) to learn more or join our coaching program.
2 Mar 2026
Publishing Mistakes: What I’d Never Do Again as an Author
We all want to believe there’s a shortcut to success, but sometimes the fastest way to grow is to stop making the mistakes that are holding you back. Looking back on her journey as both a writer and an agent, Vicky Weber is getting honest about the choices she made early on—so you don't have to.
In this episode, Vicky unpacks the critical lessons she learned the hard way, from the dangers of "fear spending" on marketing packages to the mistake of rushing a book to publication before it’s truly ready. You’ll discover why building your platform should happen while you're writing, not at launch time, and how adopting a "portfolio mindset" can save you from burnout. Whether you’re struggling with isolation or feeling overwhelmed by the business side of writing, this episode offers a roadmap for what not to do. It’s a candid look at how to protect your time, your money, and your passion for storytelling.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com (http://www.athomeauthor.com) to learn more or join our coaching program.
19 Feb 2026
What Coaching Hundreds of Authors Taught Me About Who Succeeds
What actually separates a successful author from one who stays stuck? You might think it’s raw talent or luck, but after coaching hundreds of writers, Vicky Weber has seen that the real difference lies in learnable habits and a specific mindset. Talent matters, but it is rarely the deciding factor in building a sustainable career.
In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky breaks down the patterns of success she’s observed from the front lines of the industry. From the power of staying in "beginner mode" longer than is comfortable to the necessity of separating your identity from your output, she shares how you can shift from a hobbyist approach to a professional career level. You'll learn why successful authors are decisive, emotionally resilient, and proactive about asking for help. If you’ve ever wondered why some authors seem to move faster than others, this episode will show you how to build the foundation needed to reach the finish line.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com (http://www.athomeauthor.com) to learn more or join our coaching program.
6 Oct 2025
Why You’re Already an Author
So many writers hold back from calling themselves “authors” until someone else validates them—an agent offer, a book deal, a published book in hand. But the truth is, the title doesn’t come from external approval. It comes from you.
In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber unpacks why labels matter, how mindset shapes your confidence, and why you don’t need permission to call yourself an author. Drawing from her own journey as both a writer and an agent, she shares how taking your work seriously from the start changes not just how others see you—but how you see yourself.
If you’ve ever stumbled when introducing yourself, or wondered “Am I really an author yet?”, this episode is your reminder that the title is already yours.
www.athomeauthor.com
23 Sept 2025
Writing on Your Own Timeline: Letting Go of Comparison
So many writers look around and feel like they’re late—that everyone else is signing agents, publishing books, or moving faster. But what if the timeline you’re on is exactly the right one?
In this episode of The At Home Author Podcast, Vicky Weber explores what it means to release comparison and reimagine progress on your own terms. Drawing on her experiences as a teacher, author, and agent, she shares stories and insights that remind us creativity doesn’t have a clock.
If you’ve ever worried that you’re “behind,” this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and the reassurance that your journey is unfolding in its own time.
www.athomeauthor.com
6 Aug 2025
When a Book Flops: Why It’s Not the End
So your book didn’t sell like you hoped. Maybe the launch flopped, the reviews never came, or the algorithm ghosted you. It hurts—but it doesn’t mean you’re done. In this episode, Vicky Weber gets real about what happens when a book doesn’t meet expectations and why that moment doesn’t define your future as an author. Drawing from personal experience and industry insight, she unpacks the difference between failure and feedback—and how to pivot with purpose. If you want to be an author, you can be. You just need a strategy. Whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more or join our coaching program (https://profitablepicturebooks.com/).
2 Jul 2025
Why Chasing Virality Hurt My Writing Career
Host ERIN BLACKWOOD discusses how pursuing viral content negatively impacted her writing career, mental well-being, and publishing objectives, emphasizing the importance of intention and strategy over fleeting online fame in this episode.
10 Jun 2025
How to Survive the Query Trenches (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Literary agent Vicky Weber discusses her experiences in the querying trenches as both an agent and a previously querying author, providing actionable tips and insights for authors to persevere through rejections in this interview with the host.
3 Jun 2025
“But I’m Not an Artist!”: How Picture Book Illustrations Actually Work
Vicky Weber explains the function of illustrations in picture books for both traditional and self-publishing, clarifying common misconceptions about the publishing process.
5 Jul 2024
Which Publishing Route is BEST?
I get asked this question a lot. In this episode, I'm sharing some pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing to determine which route may be the best fit for you as an author.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more or join our coaching program (https://profitablepicturebooks.com/).
7 Jun 2024
How I had My First 5-Figure Book Launch
Bestselling author Vicky Weber answers the burning question: what did she do differently to go from struggling author to a 5-figure book launch?
Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more or join our coaching program (https://profitablepicturebooks.com/).
24 May 2024
What It REALLY Takes To Become a Children's Book Author
In this episode, bestselling author Vicky Weber shares what actually takes to get your book published. Hint: it's not writing experience or industry connections.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more or join our coaching program (https://profitablepicturebooks.com/).
24 May 2024
What It REALLY Takes To Become a Children's Book Author
In this episode, bestselling author Vicky Weber shares what actually takes to get your book published. Hint: it's not writing experience or industry connections.
Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more or join our coaching program (https://profitablepicturebooks.com/).
5 Oct 2023
Traditional Publishing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them!
In this episode, Vicky, Brittany, and Chelsea share the most common mistakes that aspiring authors make when pursuing traditional publishing. Visit www.athomeauthor.com to learn more.
How to Find a Publisher: https://www.athomeauthor.com/post/how-to-find-a-publisher
How to Illustrate a Children's Book When You're Not an Artist: https://www.athomeauthor.com/post/how-to-illustrate-a-childrens-book
13 Feb 2023
Common Mistakes in Self Publishing (Part 2)
In the second part of this two-part series, Brittany & Vicky will continue sharing their experiences to teach you about the most common mistakes that authors make when self-publishing. Visit www.athomeauthor.com (https://www.athomeauthor.com) to learn more.
2 Ways to Self Publish a Children's Book: https://www.athomeauthor.com/post/self-publish-a-childrens-book
How to Illustrate a Children's Book When You're Not an Artist: https://www.athomeauthor.com/post/how-to-illustrate-a-childrens-book
13 Feb 2023
Common Mistakes in Self Publishing (Part 1)
On this episode of the At Home Author Podcast, Brittany & Vicky discuss the most common mistakes authors make when self-publishing. They will share stories from their own experience to help you learn and get off on the right foot. Learn more at www.athomeauthor.com (https://www.athomeauthor.com)
2 Ways to Self Publish a Children's Book: https://www.athomeauthor.com/post/self-publish-a-childrens-book
How to Illustrate a Children's Book When You're Not an Artist: https://www.athomeauthor.com/post/how-to-illustrate-a-childrens-book
17 Nov 2021
Meet Your Hosts
In the very first episode of the At Home Author Podcast, you'll meet Vicky & Brittany - two teacher turned bestselling, award-winning children's book authors on a mission to help you get published too!
Connect with Vicky Weber: vickyweber.com
Connect with Brittany Plumeri: brittanyplumeri.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
253,004
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
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