The official podcast from the team at BookFunnel, hosted by Jack Shilkaitis, Kelli Tanzi, and Emma Alisyn, featuring guest interviews, self-publishing industry discussions, and tips for using BookFunnel to build an author business.
A Fresh Take on Selling Books In-Person with Jack Shilkaitis, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep 48
BookFunnel CEO Damon Courtney interviews author and BookFunnel author support specialist Jack Shilkaitis to discuss the economics and practicalities of selling books in person, including Jack’s mall kiosk. They cover how local TikTok promotion creates repeat visits, why direct reader relationships and series sales can compound beyond an initial purchase, and how to price and prepare for events without taking on unnecessary costs.
16 Oct 2026
Sales Are Down, But Direct Sales Are Up: What 172 Authors Told Us, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep 47
Summary
In this episode, Jack and Christina discuss the evolving landscape of direct sales for authors, sharing recent survey data, platform insights, and practical tips for building a successful direct sales strategy amidst industry changes.
Key Topics
The rise of direct sales and its impact on authors
Survey data on author sales strategies and industry trends
Platform integrations and tools for in-person and online sales
The importance of authentic engagement and face-to-face events
Overcoming challenges like AI and platform changes
Practical tips for signing books and bundling content
The role of social media and personal branding in sales
31 Jul 2026
Growing Your Audience with Author Audio Commentary with Dani Collins, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep. 46
Summary
In this episode, Dani Collins shares her journey from traditional publishing to indie success, explores the power of reader magnets, author commentary, and effective marketing strategies for authors. Discover practical tips on building your author platform, leveraging social media, and optimizing pre-orders to grow your readership and sales. In this episode, Dani Collins shares her approach to creating engaging author commentary podcasts, monetization strategies, and content repurposing tips for authors looking to grow their audience and boost book sales.
Takeaways
Reader magnets are a powerful tool for building an email list and engaging readers.
Author commentary and audio content can deepen reader connection and boost discoverability.
Start with small, targeted ads and use pattern interrupts to capture attention.
A well-crafted pre-order campaign can significantly impact long-term sales.
Consistent communication through newsletters keeps your audience engaged and loyal.
Diverse tactics, including social media, ads, and reader magnets, complement each other for maximum reach.
Building a starter library helps new readers explore your work and find their favorite genre.
Authentic, behind-the-scenes content fosters a stronger connection with fans.
Who has been a guest on The BookFunnel Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Marvin
Michael Evans
Sacha Black
Oliver Evensen
Becca Syme
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.2 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
75
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact The BookFunnel Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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