Wednesdays for the win

You already know Wednesdays are for leveling up. Now here’s your backstage pass to what’s coming next in the Indie Author Training Speaker Series. Expert insights, live Q&As, and even a few perks—here’s what’s headed your way this coming Wednesday…

How to Run a Book Cover Contest

Turn a swarm of concepts into a cover that sells. In this hands-on session, Kristin Johnson will share the playbook she used to run a 99designs contest that produced a professional cover—and helped sell 13,000+ copies of her middle grade book.

You’ll learn how to:

Write a brief that attracts top designers (genre cues, comps, must-avoid elements)
Set up your contest for quality: budget, timeline, blind vs open, guarantees
Give feedback like a pro—clear, constructive, and creative without micromanaging
Manage rounds: shortlist fast, run reader polls, and iterate to a winning design
Judge with data: thumbnail test, retailer mockups, series and audio considerations
Lock down deliverables: source files, licensing, rights, and print/ebook specs
Dodge common pitfalls: vague direction, scope creep, stock lookalikes, too many cooks

Leave with templates, checklists, and the confidence to run a contest that lands a standout, sales-driving cover. Bring your questions!

What’s coming next…?

Identity Crisis—When Your Online Presence Doesn't Match Your Books

Fix your brand disconnect. Learn how to align your online image with your books to build trust, boost sales, and nail your direct sales strategy.

Building Your Author Platform—The Basics

New to author life or need a refresher? Learn, step-by-step, how to build your platform, grow visibility, and reach readers before or after you publish.

Are You Ready to Record? Preparing Your Manuscript, Preparing your Voice

Want to narrate your audiobook? Learn how to prep your text and voice for a pro-sounding recording—plus get live coaching with a producer!

Help! My Ads Are Costing Me Too Much!

Learn book marketing from Janet Margot, Amazon ads veteran and founder of Book Geeks Media, who helps indie authors grow on and off Amazon.

The Unspoken Rules of Publishing You Need to Know

Publishing myths, rights, and red flags—get real-world tips to protect your books, your royalties, and your sanity in this no-fluff session.

Cover to Cover: Designing book covers that sell

Make a cover that stops the scroll, signals genre, and sells. Pro + DIY tips, trends, pitfalls, and a checklist to turn browsers into buyers.

Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 11am CDT

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/cover-to-cover-designing-book-covers-that-sell/

Beyond the Hook

Go beyond flashy hooks: ground readers, build care for your hero, and learn three craft keys + a prompt and Q&A to keep readers turning pages.

Memoir Magic: It's Your Life and You Deserve to Tell It Well

You don’t need a degree to write your life story—just the right tools. Learn how to find your theme and craft a memoir readers will love.

It’s Not the Price—It’s the Perception: Make Higher Prices a No‑Brainer

Why do readers balk at $5.99 books? It’s all about perception. Learn to build brand loyalty through omnichannel marketing and reader experience.

Design a Writing Career That Fits

This webinar will help you to craft an author career that best fits you—science-backed moves to cut burnout, boost momentum, and energize your writing life.

Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 1am CDT

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/design-a-writing-career-that-fits/

Are you blocking your success?

Mindset makeover for authors so you can ditch the guesswork. Aryn Van Dyke’s webinar will teach you shifts for realistic launches, doable marketing, and sales momentum.

Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 11am CDT

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/are-you-blocking-your-success/

Bring your questions, and I look forward to seeing you on the next call!

Karen Guyler

Indie Author Training