From Anxious Author to Bold Promoter: How Kae Wagner Built a Book Marketing Mindset {ep. 172}

Alexa's Publishing Chat

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Alexa Bigwarfe sits down with Kae Wagner—award-winning author, founder of the Bold Authors Network, and creator of the Bold Author Bootcamp. Kae shares her journey from anxious introvert to confident book promoter, breaking down the mindset shifts and practical strategies that helped her go from giving away books at pickleball games to building a successful fiction series and a supportive author community.

Kae offers vulnerable stories, actionable tips, and the #1 reason authors need to promote their work daily. Whether you're feeling stuck in obscurity or just starting your marketing journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and tools to help you boldly share your book with the world.

In this podcast, Alexa and Kae discuss:

• Why 75% of fiction authors are introverts—and how that affects promotion
• The hidden self-sabotage that keeps authors from marketing
• How shifting your identity from “anxious author” to “bold promoter” changes everything
• Kae’s #1 daily tip for consistent book marketing (hint: always carry your book!)
• The power of free giveaways, bookmarks with QR codes, and Amazon’s real estate
• How Kae’s 4-book series strategy helped her gain traction and algorithm love
• What authors should know about the “Amazon cliff” after a launch
• The importance of having a marketing plan to reduce anxiety
• Why every author should consider speaking as part of their marketing strategy
• The Bold Authors Network: Free Promo Hour, community support, and the upcoming Bold Authors Summit

Kae Wagner is an award-winning author, speaker, and book marketing strategist who helps fiction and nonfiction authors transform from anxious writers into bold, confident promoters. She is the founder of the Bold Authors Network, a supportive community that empowers authors to market their books with purpose and consistency. After years in nonfiction business publishing, Kae made a successful leap to fiction with her Frankie Girls series—landing features like a Times Square jumbotron spot and international book awards. Through her programs like the Bold Author Bootcamp, weekly Promo Hour, and workshops such as Claim Your Amazon Real Estate, she equips authors with the mindset and tools to sell books every day and avoid the dreaded “Amazon cliff.” Kae’s mission is simple: no author left behind.

🔗 URLs & Resources Mentioned

• Bold Authors Network Website & Promo Hour Sign-Up
  https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/boldauthors
  
  
• Free Promo Hour for Authors
  Held every Monday, 4–5 PM Eastern via Zoom. Sign up through the website above to receive access.
  
• Bold Author Bootcamp
  (Details provided via the Bold Authors Network email list—sign up at the main site to be notified about openings.)
  
• Claim Your Amazon Real Estate Workshop
  Occasionally offered via Kae’s email list and through the Bold Authors Network. Stay connected for upcoming sessions.
  
• Kae Wagner on Facebook
  https://www.facebook.com/BoldAuthorsNetwork
  
  
• The Frankie Girls Series (by K.M. Wagner)
  (Available on Amazon ) aff link