<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><title><![CDATA[🪶 From Idea to Published]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your self-publishing and author journey <br/><br/><a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/s/from-idea-to-published?utm_medium=podcast">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/s/from-idea-to-published</link><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:45:08 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/8345546/s/357958.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[by Preethi Balasubramanian]]></author><copyright><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[thewonderstoryroom@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:new-feed-url>https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/8345546/s/357958.rss</itunes:new-feed-url><itunes:author>by Preethi Balasubramanian</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Your self-publishing and author journey</itunes:subtitle><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>by Preethi Balasubramanian</itunes:name><itunes:email>thewonderstoryroom@substack.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="Arts"/><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Entrepreneurship"/></itunes:category><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/s/357958/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/><item><title><![CDATA[Audiobooks for Authors: Why Audio is No Longer Optional in Publishing]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Audiobooks are no longer a “nice-to-have” or a luxury add-on for authors—they are becoming a core pillar of modern publishing strategy.</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Explainer</em>, we break down why independent authors can no longer ignore the audio space and how audiobooks have evolved from being seen as a vanity project to becoming a powerful, multi-format business decision.</p><p>If you’re an author, storyteller, or content creator trying to expand your reach and revenue, this episode will help you understand:</p><p>* Why audiobooks are rapidly growing in the publishing ecosystem</p><p>* How audio expands discoverability and audience reach</p><p>* Why multi-format publishing is becoming the new standard</p><p>* What independent authors should consider before entering the audiobook space</p><p>Whether you’re just starting your author journey or scaling an existing catalogue, this conversation will help you rethink how your work lives beyond the page.</p><p>👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into publishing, storytelling, and the evolving creator economy.</p><p>#Audiobooks #SelfPublishing #Authors #PublishingIndustry #ContentStrategy #TheExplainer #IndieAuthors #BookMarketing #Storytelling</p><p><p>Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Wonder Story Room at <a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/p/audiobooks-for-authors-why-audio</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:200532786</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/200532786/312d009b66beceb7dab736185e1d4a15.mp3" length="7221635" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Wonder Story Room</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>451</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/post/200532786/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Publish Your Book Wide: The Strategy Every Author Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to another episode of the podcast!</p><p>Today, we’re stepping beyond writing and into the world of professional publishing strategy.</p><p>Many authors think self-publishing begins and ends with uploading a manuscript to one platform. But successful authors understand that publishing is a business—and every business needs a strong infrastructure.</p><p>In this episode, we explore:</p><p>✔ What “wide distribution” really means✔ Why publishing is more than clicking an upload button✔ The advantages of using Draft2Digital✔ How to distribute your e-book across multiple retailers✔ The benefits and challenges of going wide✔ How to build a resilient publishing ecosystem that supports long-term growth✔ Common mistakes new authors make when expanding beyond Amazon</p><p>Whether you’re publishing your first book or looking to expand your reach, this episode will help you think like a publisher and make strategic decisions for your author business.</p><p>If you’re serious about building a sustainable publishing career, this episode is for you.</p><p>📚 Subscribe for more episodes on:• Self-publishing• Children’s book publishing• Author marketing• Writing and storytelling• Building an author business• Book launches and distribution strategies</p><p>👍 Like this video if you found it helpful.💬 Share your biggest publishing question in the comments.🔔 Subscribe for future episodes.</p><p>#SelfPublishing #Draft2Digital #WidePublishing #AuthorBusiness #IndieAuthor #BookPublishing #SelfPublishedAuthor #PublishingTips #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity</p><p></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Wonder Story Room at <a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/p/how-to-publish-your-book-wide-the</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:200171784</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/200171784/9a4dcd0c4c0504b3cc59491c3c420193.mp3" length="10075879" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Wonder Story Room</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>630</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/post/200171784/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[IngramSpark Book Launch Strategy: Build a Foundation, Not Just a Launch]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Most authors treat their book launch as the finish line—but what if it’s actually just the beginning?</p><p>In this short but powerful episode, we explore a critical shift every author, coach, and creator needs to make: moving from a one-time launch mindset to building long-term infrastructure around your book.</p><p>Because a book isn’t just a product. It can be a platform, a gateway, and a sustainable asset—if you design it that way.</p><p>This episode invites you to pause and ask the question that will define your path forward:</p><p><strong>Are you launching… or are you building?</strong></p><p>🔑<strong> What You’ll Learn</strong></p><p>* Why a book launch alone isn’t enough</p><p>* The difference between a “moment” and sustainable infrastructure</p><p>* How to start thinking of your book as a long-term asset</p><p>* What building beyond the launch actually looks like</p><p>* The one question that can reshape your entire strategy</p><p>💡<strong> Key Takeaway</strong></p><p>A launch creates momentum—but infrastructure creates longevity.If you want your book to keep working for you, you need systems and support that extend far beyond launch day.</p><p>✨ <strong>Call to Action</strong></p><p>If this episode got you thinking, don’t let it end here.</p><p>✔️ Subscribe for more insights on building your work with ease and sustainability✔️ Share this episode with a fellow author or entrepreneur✔️ Reflect on this question: <strong>Are you creating a moment—or building something that lasts?</strong></p><p>🔗 <strong>Stay Connected</strong></p><p>* Follow for more episodes on sustainable success, systems, and support</p><p>* Explore ways to turn your book into a long-term ecosystem (details coming soon)</p><p></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Wonder Story Room at <a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/p/ingramspark-book-launch-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:195258084</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195258084/367ecf7af73298925a7797e1a24c8292.mp3" length="7202827" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Wonder Story Room</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>450</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/post/195258084/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode></item><item><title><![CDATA[KDP for Canadian Authors: Stop Uploading, Start Building a Publishing Business]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Today, we’re diving into one of the most well-known—and often misunderstood—platforms in self-publishing: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).</p><p>For many authors, especially here in Canada, KDP <em>feels</em> like the entire publishing process.You write your book, upload your file, hit publish… and hope for the best.</p><p>But here’s the reality:<strong>If that’s all you’re doing, you’re leaving serious opportunity on the table.</strong></p><p>Because KDP isn’t just a publishing platform.It’s a <strong>powerful business tool</strong>—when you know how to use it strategically.</p><p>In this episode, I unpack:</p><p>* Why KDP and “self-publishing” have become synonymous—and why that’s limiting</p><p>* The difference between being an <em>uploader</em> vs an <strong>author-CEO</strong></p><p>* The hidden opportunities within KDP that most authors overlook</p><p>* How Canadian authors can use KDP to build visibility, credibility, and consistent sales</p><p>This isn’t about doing more.It’s about doing things <strong>with intention</strong>.</p><p>Because when you shift from:</p><p>“I published a book on Amazon”</p><p>to:</p><p>“I’m building a publishing business using KDP as one of my core tools”</p><p>Everything changes—your decisions, your reach, and your results.</p><p>🔑 <strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p><p>KDP is not the destination.It’s the <strong>engine</strong>.</p><p>And the authors who succeed are the ones who learn how to <strong>drive it strategically</strong>, not just turn it on.</p><p>🎯 <strong>Call to Action</strong></p><p>If you’re ready to move beyond guesswork and start building your author ecosystem with clarity and ease, I can support you.</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Wonder Story Room at <a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/p/kdp-for-canadian-authors-stop-uploading</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:193927638</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/193927638/b875dce55690419f4dfa8c5e4f7f1ed1.mp3" length="5999105" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Wonder Story Room</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>375</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/post/193927638/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode></item><item><title><![CDATA[KDP vs IngramSpark vs Draft2Digital? Stop Choosing — Start Using Them Strategically]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>If you’re a Canadian author trying to get your book out into the world, you’ve likely come across platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital.</p><p>And somewhere along the way, you’ve probably wondered:<em>“Which one should I choose?”</em></p><p>Here’s the truth most people don’t tell you:<strong>You’re not supposed to choose just one.</strong></p><p>These platforms are not competitors.They are <strong>specialized tools</strong>—each designed to do a specific job in your publishing ecosystem.</p><p>In this episode, I break down:</p><p>* What each platform actually <em>does</em> (beyond the surface-level features)</p><p>* Where most authors get stuck—and how that slows down their growth</p><p>* How to combine these tools into a <strong>smart, sustainable distribution strategy</strong></p><p>* The difference between “just publishing a book” and <strong>building a professional author business</strong></p><p>Because the goal isn’t just to <em>upload a book.</em>The goal is to <strong>build reach, credibility, and long-term sales channels.</strong></p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Wonder Story Room at <a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/p/kdp-vs-ingramspark-vs-draft2digital</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:193927273</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/193927273/5933ac5ce6b738f10fe43e4d4157d945.mp3" length="5645093" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Wonder Story Room</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>353</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/post/193927273/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Manuscript to Money: Building a Sustainable Author Business in Canada]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>You’ve finished your manuscript—now what?</p><p>In this episode, we break down the critical shift every first-time author needs to make: from simply “publishing a book” to building a long-term, sustainable author business.</p><p>If you’re a Canadian author, you have a unique advantage—free ISBNs. But how you use them is a strategic decision that can impact your control, revenue, and growth for years to come.</p><p>We dive into:</p><p>* Why publishing is more than just clicking “upload”</p><p>* The mindset shift from writer to publisher</p><p>* How to think about ISBNs as a business asset (not just a number)</p><p>* Key decisions inside KDP that affect your long-term success</p><p>* How to build infrastructure that supports a lasting author career</p><p>This isn’t about quick wins or shortcuts. It’s about ownership, strategy, and setting yourself up to grow beyond a single book.</p><p>If you’re ready to stop hoping your book succeeds—and start building a publishing business with intention—this episode is your roadmap.</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Wonder Story Room at <a href="https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/subscribe</a>]]></description><link>https://thewonderstoryroom.substack.com/p/from-manuscript-to-money-building</link><guid isPermaLink="false">substack:post:192981471</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Wonder Story Room]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:18:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/192981471/e9285812f97769d7f73af4f3b9db8126.mp3" length="6037975" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>The Wonder Story Room</itunes:author><itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>377</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/8345546/post/192981471/f15209217002971a5bba30bf00e84ad4.jpg"/><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>