Sign My Book: A Peek Inside the Writer's Mind

About Sign My Book: A Peek Inside the Writer's Mind

If you've ever been curious about the magic that happens between the pages of a book or the unique stories behind the stories, Sign My Book is the podcast for you. Join host Lisa McFadden as she sits down with a diverse range of authors, from best-selling novelists to emerging voices, to uncover the inspirations, challenges, and intricacies that define their writing careers. "Sign My Book" goes beyond the book jacket, offering listeners an intimate look at the personalities and passions of the writers who shape our literary landscape.

Publisher

Lisa McFadden

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Oct 2023

Latest episode

20 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Nov 2025

   Book Marketing for Authors with Jenn DePaula

   In this episode of Sign My Book, I’m talking with book marketing and social media expert Jenn DePaula, who’s been helping authors, musicians, and creatives build their platforms for over 25 years. Jenn started in the music industry just as everything was shifting to digital, and she’s carried those lessons into the publishing world helping authors move beyond “I’ll just run some Facebook ads” into sustainable, long-term marketing that actually sells books. We dig into what really matters for authors today: whether follower count actually impacts your chances of getting traditionally published, how to start marketing before your book is out, and the three “unsexy” foundations every author needs (goal, ideal reader, and clear messaging). Jenn also breaks down the three phases of book marketing: Attraction, Promotion, and Follow-Up, so you can stop guessing and start using a simple, repeatable system that fits your life, not just the algorithm. Topics Discussed in the Episode Why follower count ≠ automatic book sales (and what publishers actually care about) The three phases of book marketing: Attraction, Promotion, and Follow-Up How to define your ideal reader and talk directly to them Messaging, hooks, tropes, and using social media without chasing every trend Visibility vs. conversion: why views aren’t enough and how to turn attention into sales If this episode helped you feel a little less overwhelmed by marketing, I’d love it if you’d follow/subscribe to Sign My Book on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and leave a quick rating and review. It helps more writers and readers discover the show and keeps these conversations coming. Connect with Jenn: Website: https://jenndepaula.com (https://jenndepaula.com) Instagram: @jenndepaulabookmarketing

2. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Kelly & Megan Anelons on Screenwriting Partnerships, BookTok, and Creativity Away From Hollywood

   This week on Sign My Book, I sit down with the hilarious and talented mother–daughter writing duo Kelly and Megan Anelons, an award-winning screenwriting team and Nicholl Fellowship finalists. Megan is a former creative executive turned Booktokker and co-writer, and her mom Kelly co-writer. Together they share how they’ve built a thriving creative partnership that’s as honest as it is funny. We dive into everything from navigating the film industry and writing competitions to leaving Hollywood yet staying connected through newfound creative friendships, and redefining success as women in entertainment. The pair share personal stories about pitching to executives (including a Ron Howard–backed Impact Initiative program), learning to write together as family, and staying inspired in an ever-changing creative landscape. Plus, they give us a glimpse into their upcoming projects, including their hilarious feature script, Best Laid Plans, which they hope to get into the hands of Helen Mirren. Topics Discussed in the Episode: How Megan and Kelly turned a “mental breakdown” into a creative writing partnership Finding creative chemistry and boundaries while co-writing as a mother–daughter team Art vs. commerce: surviving the business side of screenwriting How acting and improv made Kelly a better writer and storyteller BookTok, fandoms, and how viral books are reshaping the publishing and film industries Links & Resources⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/kellyanelons) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@camphalfbitchbooks) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/camphalfbitchbooks) Kelly's personal Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kellyanelons)

3. 

   9 Oct 2025

   S3E5: Jessica Lancaster Talks Creative Writing, Editing, Journalism & Debunking the Rules

   This week on Sign My Book, I sit down with Jessica Lancaster—journalist, editor, writer, and founder of Musings & Company, a boutique studio for freelance editing and book cover design. Jessica shares her path from corporate sales to a newsroom, then into indie publishing—where she now helps authors polish their manuscripts without changing their voice and create genre-accurate covers that sell. We dig into what to look for in an editor (and what to avoid), how anthologies really work, and practical ways to protect your story’s tone from AI “help.” We also get tactical: Jessica explains how to test an editor with a free 1,000-word sample, why tracked changes matter, how to join cozy mystery anthologies, and the nuts and bolts of cover design (from eBook to paperback spines and audiobook squares). Plus—her realistic time strategy while homeschooling, editing, designing, and still writing: 10 minutes a day, voice notes, and week-over-week progress. Topics Discussed in this Episode: From Fortune 500 sales to journalism editor to freelance book editor & cover designer How to choose an editor: free sample edits, tracked changes, fit, and why AI won’t replace humans Getting into anthologies (especially cozy mysteries): submissions, fees, and acceptance Cover design 101: genre comps, Illustrator workflow, premade vs. custom, eBook/paperback/audiobook Real-world time management: 10-minute writing sessions, voice notes, and client time-blocking Links & Resources Musings & Company (Editing + Cover Design): https://musingsandcompany.com (https://musingsandcompany.com) Jessica on Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/writingwithjessica (https://www.instragram.com/writingwithjessica) Writer’s Digest University: https://www.writersdigest.com/university (https://www.writersdigest.com/university) Storymakers Conference: https://storymakersguild.org (https://storymakersguild.org) Jane Friedman (Publishing & business of writing): https://www.janefriedman.com (https://www.janefriedman.com) If you enjoyed this conversation, follow/subscribe to Sign My Book on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—and leave a quick rating & review. It helps other writers discover the show. Share this episode with a friend who’s hunting for the right editor or cover designer!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

46

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.