This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.
Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.
The featured articles cover topics on book marketing and promotion, blogging, social media and self-publishing. (I may even throw in a few inspirational and fun posts, just so that it’s not all work and no play!)
Prime Podcasts
Moving from the ‘early adopter’ crowd to more mainstream listeners, podcasting is fast becoming an indispensable tool for many content producers.
And it’s easy to see why.
With the tremendous popularity of smart phones and other mobile devices, podcast audiences have begun to grow significantly.
You can download a podcast episode at anytime, on any device and listen to it anywhere: on your daily commute, while working out, or–my personal favourite–while walking the dog!
For those of you who have desperately asked, “How can I learn all this marketing stuff, and still find time to write?”
Podcasts just may be the answer.
If you’re a podcast newbie, here are four of my personal favourites to get you addicted started:
Self-Publishing Podcast with Johnny, Sean and Dave. Hosted by three fiction authors, this fun podcast tackles the myriad of questions, obstacles and surprises that face independent authors in today’s publishing world. In Johnny’s words: “Thanks to the revolution in self-publishing, you can now actually, practically, without being Stephen King, make a living as a writer. We’re here to help more people realize that dream.”
The Fizzle Show with Corbett Barr, Chase Reeves and Caleb Wojcik. From the minds behind ThinkTraffic.com comes this engaging–and often hilarious–podcast for online entrepreneurs. The discussions center around why some people can build a thriving, profitable and rewarding business, while others just tend to ‘fizzle’ out. In each episode, they tease out the critical factors for growing your business–and your potential.
Smart Passive Income Podcast with Pat Flynn. With topics ranging from audience building and book marketing to productivity and secrets of successful selling, Pat’s podcasts are in-depth and highly actionable. In fact, many of the podcasts are like mini-courses: loaded with helpful information and super useful resources.
The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes. This podcast combines entrepreneurial and business savvy with the idea of living your dreams on your own terms. Lewis includes interviews and discussions with people that are making things happen, and his podcasts include real, inspirational and practical advice.
Note: Those of you with more delicate sensibilities should stick with Lewis and Pat’s podcasts, which are primarily G rated. Although still providing top quality content, the other two can occasionally require some ‘parental guidance’. 
Now on to this week’s featured articles!
Featured Articles
15 Questions That Will Define Your Book Market from Shari Stauch at Where Writers Win
Shari suggests that no matter how you publish, you can benefit from taking a step back and looking at your book and market through a publisher’s eyes. By answering these 15 questions, you can get a much better understanding of the market for your book.
Do It Because It’s What You’re Here To Do from Jonathan Fields at JonathanFields.com
In this post, Jonathan gives us two scenarios to consider on our road to ‘success’ as a writer. Which path are you on?
The Highly Underrated Gravatar – Why You Need One and How to Get It from Kimberley Grabas at Your Writer Platform
Occasionally it’s a small thing that can end up making a powerful difference in your ability to stand out, get noticed and build your author brand. Find out what you can do in just a few minutes to increase your visibility online.
Ebook Pricing: What’s The Perfect Number? from Molly Greene at Molly Greene: Writer
In this article, Molly looks at some current pricing opinions and data to determine a successful strategy that doesn’t leave money on the table.
Smashwords Ebook Publishing Workshops on Youtube from Mark Coker at Smashwords
Want a ‘smash course’ (get it?) on all things ebook publishing? Mark provides 5 helpful videos in his ebook publishing workshop series.
20 Ways to Be Just Another Mediocre Blogger Nobody Gives a Crap About from Jon Morrow at Boost Blog Traffic
As Jon says, “sometimes you can’t understand what to do until you first understand what NOT to do.” I agree. Sometimes the easiest way to find the right path is to start eliminating the wrong ones.
5 Things You Need to Fix on Your Website to Land Media Coverage from Maggie Patterson at Firepole Marketing
Having trouble getting the attention of your local tv station or other media outlets? Try these fixes to amp up your site’s media attractiveness.
26 Tips For Overcoming Bloggers Block from Debbie Hemley at Social Media Examiner
Stuck for ideas for your blog? Check out this list to get you back on track for producing more valuable content then you can shake a stick at!
Authors Don’t Exist in the Digital Age from Rob Eagar at Digital Book World
Not sure if I’m in agreement with Rob on this, but he does make a good point in that how we define modern authors is changing.
Are Preview Readers’ Ebook Reviews a Fraud? from Carol Tice at Make a Living Writing
Carol shares her take–and experience–on encouraging early reviews prior to book launch by giving readers free draft copies.
Just For Fun
So that’s a wrap for this week; I do hope you enjoyed the links and resources.
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which ones are your favourites?
If not, why not?
Share this with those whom you think will benefit and add your thoughts in the comment section below.
Enjoy your week–you’ve earned it! 
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The post The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up (Issue #21) appeared first on Your Writer Platform.