Episodes

  • Episode 10: How Authors and Illustrators Can Build a Website and Grow an Email Newsletter

    Episode 10: How Authors and Illustrators Can Build a Website and Grow an Email Newsletter
    Jun 23 2026
    Learn how authors and illustrators can build a website, grow an email newsletter, and use AI tools to market their books. Episode 10 of the Publishing Cousins podcast.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 9: Social Media for Authors and Illustrators: How to Build an Authentic Brand and Grow Your Following

    Episode 9: Social Media for Authors and Illustrators: How to Build an Authentic Brand and Grow Your Following
    Jun 9 2026
    In Episode 9 of Publishing Cousins, illustrator Nikki Boetger shares her proven social media strategy for authors and illustrators — including Instagram tips, the #kidletartpostcard hashtag, LinkedIn for client growth, and why consistency beats going viral every time.
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    31 mins
  • Episode 8: How to Find Your Most Productive Hours, Master Batch Working, and Protect Your Time as an Author or Illustrator

    Episode 8: How to Find Your Most Productive Hours, Master Batch Working, and Protect Your Time as an Author or Illustrator
    May 26 2026
    In Episode 8 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, Melissa and Nikki share how to identify your most productive hours, implement batch working strategies, and use time blocking to make consistent progress on your writing or illustration career. Whether you're juggling a full-time job, a family, or just a packed schedule, this episode delivers practical tools to protect your creative time and keep your publishing goals moving forward.
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    18 mins
  • Episode 7: How to Overcome Publishing Roadblocks: Rejection, Excuses, Time Management & Juggling Projects

    Episode 7: How to Overcome Publishing Roadblocks: Rejection, Excuses, Time Management & Juggling Projects
    May 12 2026
    Feeling stuck in your author or illustrator career? In Episode 7 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, Melissa and Nikki tackle the most common publishing roadblocks head-on. They share honest, actionable advice on handling rejection letters, beating the excuse habit, managing your time like a professional, and juggling multiple creative projects at once. Whether you're an indie author, a children's book illustrator, or just starting your publishing journey, this episode delivers practical strategies you can use today. Listen now and start making real progress toward your publishing goals.
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    20 mins
  • Episode 6: How Critique Groups Work for Authors and Illustrators: What to Expect and How to Thrive

    Episode 6: How Critique Groups Work for Authors and Illustrators: What to Expect and How to Thrive
    Apr 28 2026
    Learn how critique groups work for authors and illustrators. Tips on submitting work, giving feedback, and growing your craft. Publishing Cousins Ep. 6.
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    18 mins
  • Episode 5: How to Build Your Author-Illustrator Community, Find Publishing Conference, and Discover Go-To Experts in Publishing

    Episode 5: How to Build Your Author-Illustrator Community, Find Publishing Conference, and Discover Go-To Experts in Publishing
    Apr 14 2026
    In Episode 5 of the Publishing Cousins podcast, author Melissa Lasher and illustrator Nikki Becker share practical strategies for building your author-illustrator community, finding the best writing and illustration conferences, and identifying go-to experts for your publishing journey. Learn how to create your own critique group, discover resources like SCBWI, ACFW, the Highlights Foundation, and the Authors Conservatory, and find out why embracing slow growth in publishing may be the key to long-term success. Perfect for aspiring and established children's book writers and illustrators.
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    19 mins
  • Episode 4: How Authors and Illustrators Learn from Failure — Building Your Platform, Handling Rejection & Growing Your Creative Career

    Episode 4: How Authors and Illustrators Learn from Failure — Building Your Platform, Handling Rejection & Growing Your Creative Career
    Mar 31 2026
    26 mins
  • What We Learned From Our First Published Projects (And What We'd Do Differently) | Publishing Cousins Ep. 3

    What We Learned From Our First Published Projects (And What We'd Do Differently) | Publishing Cousins Ep. 3
    Mar 17 2026
    41 mins