Elizabeth Conte is an author with a passion for bringing 19th-century literature to the 21st-century reader. She is the author of Finding Jane, a time travel historical novel, and Chosen Mistress, a scintillating story set in Victorian England. Elizabeth is the founder of Jane Writes Press, a hybrid publishing house for writers who don't fit into traditional publishing boxes.
In the latest episode of the Make Meaning Podcast, host Lynne Golodner interviews Elizabeth about her debut novel, Finding Jane, her inspiration for the book and the challenges she faced while writing and editing it. Elizabeth also talks about her marketing strategies and the success she has achieved as an indie author. She introduces her next book, Chosen Mistress, which explores the dark side of Victorian life and women's roles during that time. She also explains her decision to self-publish and her vision for her imprint, Jane Writes Press.
In this episode, Lynne and Elizabeth discuss:
The story behind Finding Jane, an homage to Pride and Prejudice
Making 19th century literature more accessible
What it means to "do really well" with book sales
Book marketing strategies
The importance of consistent marketing efforts
Pitching media outlets for author interviews
The purpose of writing & target audience
Perspectives on adverbs – listen to a fierce debate on adjectives & adverbs around the 10-minute mark!
The indie author’s journey
Frustrations with fitting into traditional publishing categories
Starting a publishing house
The importance of professional editing
Creating a new category called Literary Romance
What is the purpose of your writing & how do you want people to know you?
Links and Resources:
Pride and Prejudice
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Writing Coaching
Woman of Valor
The Los Angeles Times article about Elizabeth Conte
Lynne’s class, Demystifying Show, Don’t Tell
Find Elizabeth Conte:
Website
TikTok
Blog
If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll like these other Make Meaning Podcast episodes:
Episode 152 – Ami Irmen – Character-Driven Narratives
Episode 146 – Barbara Stark-Nemon – Tracing the Path of Historical Fiction
Episode 136 – Tammy Pasterick – Writing & Publishing Your Way
Episode 129 – Rosina Lippi – Author of the Wilderness Series
Episode 128 – Becky Robinson – Building Reach for Books
Episode 84 - Andrew Meloche - How to make every student in a high school feel special & noticed
Episode 83 - Adrian Tonon - How to build a night-life culture in America's greatest cities
Episode 82 - Jessica McCormick - Envisioning a new type of Jewish community
Episode 81 - John Hartig - How to inspire future generations to care about conservation
Episode 80 - Iris Lee Underwood
Episode 79 - Laura Munson - How to find refuge in writing
Episode 78 - Dr. Sibrina Collins - How to build interest in STEM subjects among girls, women, and BIPOC communities
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Episode 76 - Lynne Golodner and Kirstin Karoub - How to find purpose through volunteering
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Episode 73 - Jim Reese - Why teaching writing in prisons helps everyone
Episode 72 - Monica Mae Leibson - How to build lasting health through acupuncture and Chinese medicine
Episode 71 - Adri Smith - How to create floral arrangements for the perfect wedding
Episode 70 - Elena Reads - How to stoke a love of reading in kids
Episode 69 – Philomena Mantella - How to be the first woman president of a Midwestern university
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Episode 67 – Clay Carnill - How to podcast
Episode 66 – Aaron Dworkin - How to elevate and share musical talent from underserved communities
Episode 65 – Reyanne Mustafa - How to reduce food waste
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