Writing Off Social: The Podcast | Build Your Platform and Grow Your Email List Without Social Media

Any writer considering leaving social media will wrestle with fears and questions: How will you stay in the loop? How will you connect with other writers or with your readers? How will you sell your books? What if it doesn’t work? Today’s guest chose to face her fears and grappled with each of those questions. Join us as she shares how she overcame them. Gabe Cox is an online business and goals strategist, a podcaster, and the author of three books. Through her company, Red Hot Mindset, she encourages women to grow their business without social media. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/38

Last week in EP36, podcast host and industry expert, Thomas Umstattd, Jr, unequivocally affirmed that social media is no longer working for authors. Today, in Part 2, Thomas shares three things you can do instead of social media, what marketing strategies are working well for indie authors in 2024, and where he sees the publishing industry headed in the coming years. For show notes, click here.

In the early days of social media, a writer could speak directly to her reader and even go viral. Today, however, neither of those things are possible. In the first of a 2-part conversation, Thomas Umstaddt Jr. explains the rise and fall of social media and why the publishing industry still clings to a metric that is no longer valid. Click here for show notes. 

As a writer, you are inundated with information on improving your craft and building your business. Whether through a writing group or a mastermind, a course or industry-related newsletters, books, or even podcasts, information overload is real and its effects on your ability to focus and create can be profound. In this week’s episode, we discuss information overload: why it’s a problem, and 4 ways you can manage it. Listen in! For show notes click here.

If you are writing a book proposal and do NOT have a social media presence, you may be tempted to neglect the mention of "platform" altogether. But even without impressive numbers, you can still show an editor that you are on a growth trajectory. Today Will Parker Anderson, Senior Book Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah (the Christian imprint of Penguin Random House, the largest publisher in the world) will tell you how! This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. For Part 1, listen to EP33. For show notes, go to writingoffsocial.com/34

How has social media changed the landscape of the publishing industry and what does that mean for you? This week we’re continuing our series of conversations with industry experts by talking to Will Anderson, Senior Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah and founder of The Writer’s Circle. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. For show notes, go to writingoffsocial.com/33.

Last week in Part 1/EP31, author and literary agent, Mary DeMuth candidly discussed her frustrations surrounding social media. Today, we’re continuing our conversation, as Mary openly shares what she considers a viable email list and open rate numbers, what other metrics outside of social medial are attractive to her as a literary agent, and what she would say to an author like you who doesn’t want to use social media, but still wants to pursue traditional publishing. We were blown away by Mary’s sharp insights and deep encouragement. And we have a hunch you will be, too. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. Click here for show notes. The Course Lite is now available!

By now you know we firmly believe that writers can choose to leave the life-sucking toxicity of social media platforms and find alternative pathways to grow and nurture their audience. But how does that sentiment stack up against the realities of publishing? To answer that question, we’ve lined up a series of conversations with a variety of industry insiders. First up on the docket, we have well-known author-turned-literary agent, Mary DeMuth, who graciously offered us the candid conversation we’ve all been craving. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Click here for show notes.

We are BACK for Season 3! Does concentration feel like an uphill battle for you? Do you regularly suffer with brain fog or the inability to pay attention? If that’s you, take heart: this is not a personal failure on your part. Turns out, there is much you can do to reclaim your focus if you’re willing to fight for it.   Click here for show notes.

As creatives, opportunities and ideas are never in short supply; unfortunately, time often is. And so we are forced to choose: which opportunities will we pursue? In which ideas we will invest? Each new year provides us with a chance to reconsider what we ‘yes’ to, and as we do so, it’s crucial to remember that for every ‘yes’ we give, we’re automatically saying ‘no’ to something else. In this final episode of Season Two, we are sharing what we are saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to in 2024 regarding our writing lives and Writing Off Social. For show notes click here. 

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! 

Research shows an intrinsic and powerful connection between social media usage and your mental health. Reputable studies conclude that social media causes depression and anxiety, especially in women. If you are a female author who experiences anxiety every time you try to build your platform on Instagram, our guest is here to offer you hope. Today we are talking to Kimberlee Ireton. She’s a multi-published author of non-fiction and fiction books, including her latest: A Yellow Wood and Other Stories. After multiple attempts at using Instagram left her feeling anxious and hopeless, she’s now confidently building her platform and selling her books off social media.  For show notes, click here.

LAST CHANCE! EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR THE COURSE ENDS 12/17/23

Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to writer and dietician Jane Curry Weber. Jane’s mission is to help moms bring peace to their table by sharing words of nourishment for body and soul. While Jane was fully committed to this calling, building a platform on social media felt like a mountain-sized barrier that kept her from living it out. But not anymore!

While participating in Writing Off Social: The Course, Jane was introduced to Substack and dove headfirst into the platform! Listen in to hear how much she loves posting for cheerleaders on Substack rather than critics on social media.

For show notes, click here.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD PRICING AND BONUSES FOR THE COURSE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

You’ve been told that to grow your audience and reach your reader, building a large, engaged following on Instagram is your only option. So you spend all your time taking beautiful photos, writing catchy captions, and adding all the hashtags. And that leaves you with no time to actually… write. Today we’re talking to Cara Dyck. She’s a writer and homeschooling mom to 4 young boys and a graduate of Writing Off Social: The Course. Today she’s sharing how she was on the cusp of going all in on Instagram (after a 3 year break) when someone shared a link to this podcast. And what she found as a result was friendship, validation, and relief that she could write off social for good. Listen in. For show notes, click here.

EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE 

Are you overwhelmed with the sheer number of activities you “should be doing” to become a successful writer? What if the key wasn’t doing all the things, but simply doing the right things for you? Today, we’re speaking with a friend whose writing life was transformed when she found the freedom to be selective, as she's choosing new pathways off social media.  For show notes, click here.

EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW AVAILABLE FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE!

What do you do when you’ve been writing on line for 10 years and everything becomes stagnant? Your Instagram feed is nothing but the same 20 writers and business gurus plus some random skincare ads. Your email list stops growing. And you have no idea where to find your reader in real life? Find out how one distracted and discouraged writer is discovering all the places her reader hangs out. Click here for show notes

REGISTRATION FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE IS NOW OPEN! SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD PRICING AND BONUSES. 

We know how frustrating it can be to narrow down your message and find your niche. Today  we welcome Spiritual Life and Health Coach, Regina Sanchez who pushed through this difficult task of niching down and found clarity and results on the other side.

Regina was one of the participants in our first-ever Writing Off Social: The Course. In this episode, we’re going to chat with Regina about what has changed in her work since she left social media and since she completed the course. Listen in! Click here show notes.

So, you’ve found a literary agent who believes in your book idea and a publisher interested in publishing your entire book series! You have a solid email list and a loyal following on social media. Except…you’re ready to ditch social media altogether. Is it okay to leave social media now? Or is this the worst idea ever? In today's episode, we answer this listener question by offering 5 questions we'd ask ourselves if we were in this position. Listen in! For show notes, click here. 

Most of us joined social media with innocent motives- we were eager to engage with our friends, follow some interesting accounts, and share our words with the world. But over time, the tables turned, and what was once felt like a playground now feels like a prison. So what do you do when you feel trapped by social media? Join us today for a vulnerable conversation with podcaster and entrepreneur, Stefanie Gass about what it took for her to finally break free from social media.

Today we’re sharing a pre-recorded conversation between Sandy and Stef. It originally aired in 2022 on Sandy’s personal podcast, the Balanced Momcast. So don’t be thrown when you hear different music- you’re still listening to Writing off Social! Also, stay tuned until the end of this episode when we (Sandy and Mary K) discuss our closing thoughts about Stef’s interview. For show notes, click here.

The key to leaving social media without regret is finding alternate ways to achieve your writing goals outside of social media. This means locating your reader in real life and reaching her there. It also means thinking outside the box and taking some risks.

This week we continue to flesh out what the writing life actually looks like off social media, and we are shining the spotlight on our very own Mary K Tiller as she shares an exciting and effective way she’s locating and reaching her ideal reader...in the carpool line! You may want to grab a pen and a notebook for this episode because it’s inspiring, tactical, and packed with goodness. Listen in! For show notes, click here.

Leaving social media as a writer sounds amazing in theory. But how does it work in practice? Listen in for the final installment of Sandy’s conversation with two-time traditionally published author, Kate Merrick where they ask and answer that question. In Part 3 of this 3-part conversation, Kate and Sandy speak directly to moms who write and run their businesses online but feel trapped by social media. As an author of two traditionally published books, Kate has a lot to share about how and why you should consider publishing your book without social media. She shares what factors contributed to her getting a book deal, as well as where she stood her ground and what concessions she chose to make. Be sure to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 before listening to this. Click here for show notes.

What is the cost of being on social media? What are you giving away? What are you gaining? If FOMO is the issue, then shouldn’t we consider what it is we’re really missing out on? If every ‘yes’ to one thing is a ‘no’ to another, then what could you say ‘yes’ to if you chose to say ‘no’ to social media? This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation that first aired on The Balanced MomCast in 2022.  Click here for show notes.

Many of you have emailed us thanking us for blazing a trail for writers to leave social media. But we are only widening a trail that others had blazed for us. In today’s episode, Sandy sits down with author Kate Merrick, who was one such trailblazer. Join us to hear why Kate decided to live off the grid and how it’s impacted her life, her business, and her writing career. This is a special episode--a replay of an interview that first aired in 2022 on The Balanced MomCast. It is Part 1 of a 3-part conversation. Click here for show notes. 

As a writer in the Hustle Culture, we are inundated with endless options of what we could do and what we should do to be successful. But in the Kingdom Culture, we have a loving Father who is actively pruning our lives so that the fruit we produce is sweet, abundant, and remains forever. If you are tired of adding tasks to your plate that leave you feeling distracted, drained, and depleted, this episode is for you.  Click here for show notes.

We live in a culture that values constant and increasing growth. There is a sense that to take a step backward or slow down at all, is to risk everything you’re building. But Kingdom Culture offers us another way. If you’re feeling burdened or burnt out by seasons of over production and growth, this episode is for you. Click here for show notes

Hustle culture is the mentality that says if you work hard enough, you will become successful. And the more successful you are, the more powerful you are. And the more successful and powerful you are, the happier you will be. But hustle culture is failing us--compromising our health, our relationships, and our peace. What’s the alternative? And what does it have to do with social media? Find out in this episode! Click here for show notes.

You’ve listened to every episode of Season One and you’re sold– social media isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Whether you’re ready to ditch it all together, or take a short break to gain some perspective- this episode is for you. That’s right, friend, we are back and  kicking off a brand new season! Click here for show notes

Social media provides a peek behind the curtain of your lives and the lives of those you follow. You get to see the inside of their homes, where they go on vacation, what awards their 5th grader won at school, and what they had for dinner. So, when you leave social media, how will you share all that behind-the-scenes content for your readers? Or should you be sharing it at all? This concludes Season One! JOIN WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE BY JUNE 2, 2023, AND SPEND THE SUMMER WITH SANDY AND MARY K.! For show notes: https://writingoffsocial.com/12

Have you ever reached the point in your writing career when it all just felt like too much? Have you ever been tempted to shut the whole thing down? That, my friend, is overwhelm. And today we're going to help you tackle it! ENTER TO WIN 50% OFF WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE!

Is it possible to build a platform without social media AND without a podcast? How do you promote a podcast without social media? Are podcasts the new social media? How do I lead my Facebook group to another (not-social media) platform? What books do you recommend about social media? How do I subscribe to your podcast? Is being a Christian a prerequisite to being here or taking your course? Today we are diving back into the listener mail bag and answering YOUR questions! For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/10  WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE BEGINS 6/5/23! SIGN UP TODAY!

Is Pinterest a Social Media Platform? How do you define Social Media? How will I keep up with my groups if I leave Facebook? What is a friendless Facebook account? Do I need a website to take your course? When are the Zoom calls for the course? Is your course only for non-fiction writers? You guys send us some of the best questions; today, we’re taking time to answer them. For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/9 Writing Off Social: The Course begins 6/5/23!

One of the scariest things about leaving social media as a writer is the thought of losing connection with people. When the average person leaves social media, they can simply meet their neighbors or find moms at the park or at the kids’ baseball practice or get into a small group at church. But for the WRITER, this problem cannot be easily solved in the bleachers at baseball practice.

We understand the fear and concern of losing community as a writer. And that’s why we have been incredibly intentional about finding and building community outside of social media. Today we will tell you some ways we have not only replaced that community we lost on SM but actually found richer, more authentic connections. For a community of other writers, join Writing Off Social: The Course-beginning June 5, 2023. For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/8

Building your platform on social media is risky business. As “rented” space, you could lose everything you’ve built in the blink of an eye. So how do you build a robust platform on a solid foundation? Today, we’re discussing the answer and so much more. You will want to grab a pen and a piece of paper because this short episode is packed with information. Early Bird Pricing for Writing Off Social: The Course ends May 1, 2023! For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/7

Leaving social media as a writer is an emotional decision. You’re probably asking yourself, “How will people find me? Will I fade into obscurity? Is it irresponsible of me to even consider shutting this down? What if I leave and then regret it?”  We get it! If you are scared of leaving social media as a writer, you won’t be by the end of this episode, where we discuss the key to leaving social media without regret. Listen in! Early Bird Pricing for Writing Off Social: The Course ends May 1, 2023! For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/6

So many of the choices we make begin with the thoughts that we think. And how you think about social media and the role it plays in your life and work will absolutely determine the choices you make surrounding it. This week Sandy and Mary K. are sharing some of the pivotal mindset shifts writers can make as they prepare to leave social media. For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/5

Leaving social media is complicated. While you can ditch the algorithm and the addiction, you also in a very real way lose connection and community.  Today Mary K and Sandy have an honest conversation about what they miss about social media and what has gotten better since they left. For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/4

You’ve felt the negative effects of social media, but have you ever studied them? If you feel you need to do a little more research before you pull the plug on social media, then this episode is for you. Last summer Sandy did a deep dive trying to learn the impact of social media on herself, her followers, her children, and society as a whole. Today we are sharing five books, one documentary, one podcast, and one writer to follow. For show notes where we share a link to our complete resource page, visit https://writingoffsocial.com/3. 

Despite the fact that you've been told that you MUST use social media to reach your reader, share your writing, and sell your books, it does NOT work for most of you. You already know it's not working. But today we give you three reasons why. (Spoiler: it's not because you're doing it wrong!) For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/2.

Today we share our stories of joining, using, struggling with, and ultimately leaving social media as writers. For show notes, visit https://writingoffsocial.com/1. 

Today's takeaways:

1. If you choose to remain on social media, WE GET IT! We are not here to judge or condemn you for staying. It took us years to make this decision.
2.  Currently in the writing industry, "platform" is mostly synonymous with "social media following." But you can discover other more sustainable, life-giving pathways outside of social media to build your writer's platform.
3. Social media left both of us feeling like we were playing a losing game. If you feel the same way, we understand. We are excited to share with you everything we are learning.

Be sure to stick around for the bloopers at the end. :)

Welcome to Writing Off Social: The brand new podcast for female Christian writers who want to grow and nurture their audience without social media. To learn about Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/

We know you’re tired of chasing the algorithm. Using social media to build your platform has left you feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unfruitful…maybe even trapped.

You want to be free to build a sustainable, profitable, and God-honoring writing career.

We see you and we get it!

Our vision is to empower you to confidently reject life-sucking and ineffective methods of platform growth and instead pursue purposeful strategies that play to your strengths and yield a better ROI.

Leaving social media as a writer can feel lonely and scary. The thought of being disconnected and isolated from your only network is terrifying. Not only that, but leaving social media can feel like committing career suicide–especially if your goal is traditional publication. 

We want you to know that you are not alone and you do not need to be afraid! Currently, we are a small but mighty group of writers who are finding our readers, sharing our work, growing our following, and selling our books WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA! 

Our goal–our dream–is to become a movement for all writers who no longer desire to build their platforms on the sinking sand of social media--a powerful, peaceful, and well-respected force that the writing and publishing industry cannot ignore. 

Here’s what you can expect when you tune in to Writing Off Social :

Compelling reasons social media is not working for you as a writer and alternative strategies to try

Tips and methods for making social media as small as possible personally and professionally

Creative ideas for finding your ideal reader in real life

Insightful interviews with writers and creators who are choosing to work without social media

Fun and informative conversations to challenge and inspire you (we are so fun!)

Biblical encouragement and mindset shifts for all aspects of your writing life.

Episodes that are short and sweet, straight to the point, and packed with value.

We will be a voice of refreshment and peace to those who come to us. In a world that demands constant hustle and progress, we will extend grace to walk at the pace of Jesus. We will have fun, share generously, and inspire passion.

If you want to learn more about Writing Off Social, check out our website:https://writingoffsocial.com/