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The Path of Words Blog

Shea sits in a camping chair under an RV awning, using a laptop in a desert at sunset. Text reads: “The Honest Author: A Video Series. The Strategy Behind the Strategy. The Path of Words.” Shrubs and mountains are in the background.
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The Strategy Behind the Strategy (Ep. 0002)
As I began my author career relaunch, I had to develop a solid strategy. This episode walks through a creative approach to developing a framework to drive my author business.
A smiling man in a wide-brimmed hat stands outdoors by a rock arch. Text reads: “The Honest Author: A Video Series. Introduction. The Path of Words.” Blue sky and rugged landscape are in the background.
Introduction to the Honest Author (Ep. 0001)
Shea Oliver launches Honest Author: a weekly, transparent series showing how he rebuilds an author business—writing, publishing, marketing—sharing tactics, money, wins and failures.
A successful author writes at a desk surrounded by books in a warmly lit library. A glowing laptop, key to your author platform, sends a magical paper trail to a treehouse aglow, blending reality and fantasy in this whimsical, imaginative scene.
Building Your Author Platform: Proven Strategies for Long-Term Success
A clear, no-hype guide to what an author platform really is—and how to build one with authenticity and simple, repeatable steps across email, content, social, and outreach.
Illustration of a laptop displaying a “Welcome” message, surrounded by flying yellow and blue envelopes. A mug labeled “Author Life” sits beside two books. In the background, two people converse while another person walks away. The scene has a warm, creative atmosphere.
Author Giveaway Email Series for Sorting Fans from Freebie Seekers
Giveaways can help you grow your list quickly—but not every subscriber will become a future fan. Discover how a welcome sequence helps filter out freebie seekers and convert curious sign-ups into engaged readers.
A man with glasses writes in a book at a wooden desk with stacked books, gold coins, a set of scales, and a lamp. Charts, price tags, and ghostly figures hint at book pricing strategies and the power of an author platform.
Book Pricing Strategies: Effective Pricing for Authors Seeking Success
Master the art and science of book pricing. Discover strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and find the sweet spot that grows both your readership and your revenue.
An author with raised arms stands before a glowing, upright book shooting light skyward at night—scattered pages float around, capturing the awe of a successful book launch against a starlit sky and swirling clouds.
Launch New Book in 2025: Successful Book Release Ideas and Strategies
Discover step-by-step strategies to launch new book successfully, grow your audience, and keep sales strong long after release day. It’s more than just release day hype!
A woman sits at a desk, smiling while typing on a keyboard and looking at a computer monitor. She is in a cozy room with bookshelves, a mug, and stacked books, warmly lit by a lamp, with a window visible in the background.
How to Create an Author Email Newsletter That Readers Can’t Wait to Receive
Discover how to create an author email newsletter that readers can’t wait to open. Learn strategies for engagement, authenticity, and consistency to grow your platform.
An author wearing glasses and a dark sweater works on a laptop at a wooden desk in a dimly lit room. Bookshelves, framed certificates, a notebook, a pen, and a mug are visible on and around the desk, creating a focused, cozy workspace atmosphere.
Building Your Author Email Marketing List: Why You Need It and How To Do It
Indie authors: why newsletters beat social—and how to build a healthy, high-converting email list with reader magnets, signup pages, group promos, and engagement tips.
The ultimate guide to building a successful author website
The Ultimate Guide to Building a Successful Author Website
Your author website is a key element in becoming a long-term successful author. Dive into our guide to discover how to build an author website.