Have you ever dreamed of creating stunning special editions of your books—foil covers, sprayed edges, custom merch, even plushie characters—but wondered how to fund it all?

In this episode of The Write Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Steffanie Holmes (a.k.a. Steff Green), bestselling author of the Nevermore Bookshop series and a true expert in Kickstarter for authors.

Steff has successfully crowdfunded multiple six-figure campaigns to produce beautiful collector’s editions and build a fiercely loyal reader base. We dive deep into how she uses Kickstarter to create immersive book experiences that fans can’t resist—and the exact steps she takes to plan, promote, and deliver them.

We also talk about:

• How to know if you’re ready to launch a Kickstarter as an author
• What kinds of special edition book ideas attract superfans
• Common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to fulfillment and shipping
• How to grow a fandom through merch, exclusivity, and reader connection
• Behind-the-scenes stories from her record-breaking campaigns

Whether you’re Kickstarter-curious or just looking for ways to deepen reader engagement and monetize your backlist, this episode is packed with gold.📦

Want to see Steff’s latest campaign? Visit nevermorebookshop.co.nz

Want to go deeper? Join me at my next Queenstown Writing Retreat in 2026, where Steff will teach an exclusive virtual masterclass just for our attendees. Details at serenadepublishing.com/retreat-2026

What do publishers really look for in a manuscript? Is it still possible to break into traditional publishing in 2026? And how has BookTok changed the game for authors?

In this special episode of The Write Podcast, I sit down with Sophie Hamley—publisher at Hachette Australia and bestselling author under the name Sophie Green—for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.

We talk about:

- How to pitch your novel to agents and publishers - Whether you really need an agent in today’s market-

Mistakes writers make when submitting

- The rise of self-publishing and where it fits now

- The truth about BookTok, platforms, and building an audience

- What publishers are acquiring in 2026 (romance, kids, fantasy and more)

Whether you're a self-published author hoping to go traditional, or you're just starting to submit, this is one of the most insightful and practical interviews I’ve ever recorded. Sophie’s seen it all, and she doesn’t hold back.

🎓 Want to learn directly from Sophie? She’s teaching a masterclass at my Queenstown Writing Retreat this March! Book your spot now at serenadepublishing.com

This has been my biggest year yet—as an author, a publisher, and a woman. In this deeply personal solo episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of 2025: how I wrote and published Songbird, a novel based on my real-life experience with emotional abuse; how I battled chronic fatigue while building my author business; and how launching The Write Podcast, hosting retreats, and organising the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival helped me grow in more ways than one.

I’ll take you inside the wins, the struggles, and the lessons—including why special editions, translations, and in-person events became game changers, and how hiring a business manager transformed my life. Plus, I’m revealing my word for 2026 and what’s next as I step into my empire-building era—with global signings, a Shopify store, audiobooks, and more.

If you’re an author who’s ready to grow creatively and professionally, I hope this inspires you to take bold steps in the new year. Let’s do this together.

💻 Learn more: serenadepublishing.com

📚 Join Fiction Writing Academy: serenadepublishing.com/academy

📝 Download the free Brainstorming Funsheet: serenadepublishing.com