222: Jennifer S. Wilkov on Getting Your Book Published

Your Book Could Be Your Hook

Wondering how to publish a book that actually establishes your authority and grows your business? You’re not alone. Most aspiring authors don’t realize that writing the book is only 10% of the journey—the other 90% involves editing, publishing strategy, and marketing. That’s where having the right guide makes all the difference.

In episode 222 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with my friend Jennifer Wilkov, known as The Literary Agent Matchmaker™, who has spent nearly two decades helping writers become bestselling authors. Jennifer shares the truth about traditional versus self-publishing, why you need a team (yes, even as a solopreneur author), and how to actually make your book a bestseller.

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book to establish your authority, expand your business, or share your story, this conversation is packed with insider insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Meet Jennifer S. Wilkov

Jennifer S. Wilkov is the 2024 International Association of Top Professionals Motivational Speaker, Business Consultant, and Bestselling Author of the Year. As a seasoned author and book consultant, she has helped writers become bestsellers for nearly two decades.

Jennifer offers guidance to first-time and experienced writers, assisting with project development, platform building, and pitch refinement for books, television, film, or theater projects. Known as The Literary Agent Matchmaker™, her expertise in identifying marketable stories is valued by both literary industry insiders and Hollywood.

She’s not just about getting books published—she’s about helping writers create quality work that resonates with readers and opens doors to new opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

• The truth about traditional publishing: Why publishers and literary agents don’t market your book (and what you need to do instead)
• How to become a bestseller: The strategic steps Jennifer uses to help authors hit bestseller lists on Amazon
• Why you need a publishing team: Even as a solopreneur, writing isn’t a solo sport—learn who needs to be on your team
• The difference between plotters and pantsers: Two distinct writing styles and how to work with your natural approach
• How to pitch literary agents: Why personalizing query letters matters and what agents are really looking for
• The five ways to publish: From traditional publishing to self-publishing, audiobooks, and electronic publishing
• Why quality control matters: How professional editing can make or break your book’s success
• Marketing strategies for different book types: Why a children’s book author markets differently than a non-fiction expert
• The 10/90 rule: Writing is 10% of the work; the other 90% is everything else that makes your book successful

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00: Introduction & Recognition
• 05:00: Role & Approach
• 10:00: Writing Methods & Queries
• 15:00: Unique Stories & Social Media
• 20:00: Crystal Book & Marketing
• 25:00: Successful Authors & Examples
• 30:00: Traditional vs. Self-publishing
• 35:00: Helping Counselor & Publishing Team
• 40:00: Editing & Unique Storytelling
• 45:00: Supportive Environment & Dedication
• 50:00: Publishing Team Importance & Additional Content
• 55:00: Professional Editing & Quality Control
• 60:00: Tailored Marketing & Gratitude

Connect with Jennifer S. Wilkov

• Website: YourBookIsYourHook.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferwilkov
• Instagram: @YourBookIsYourHook
• Facebook: facebook.com/YourBookIsYourHook
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/YourBookIsYourHook
• The Make It Happen Room™: Thursday Night Writer’s Room for accountability and support
• 177: Jennifer S. Wilkov on Surviving Stage 4 Cancer By Breaking One Rule

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.

Also Mentioned

• Jennifer’s Times Square NASDAQ Photo: View on LinkedIn
• Susanne White Interview: Radical Self-Care for Caregivers
• A Hero Movie: on IMDB
• Filled Up and Overflowing by Helle Brisson and Stephanie Shalofsky: What to do When Life Events, Chronic Disorganization, or Hoarding Go Overboard
• Connecting with Crystals by Laurelle Rethke: Crystal Wisdom and Stone Healing for Body, Mind, and Spirit
• Rasmoose the Christmas Moose by Helle Brisson: Award-winning children’s book
• Parenting Children with Diabetes by Jeff Hitchcock: A guide to understanding and managing the issues for families navigating type 1 diabetes
• Episode Sponsor: Super Patch Company
• Resources and Networking Events for podcast guests: Get Booked

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