Kristin McTiernan has been a full-time editor and ghostwriter for close to fifteen years, founding The Nonsense-Free Editor after years of being an underpaid gig worker. She is also the author of paranormal mysteries and time travel dystopias, where her love of the supernatural and the captive woman trope shines through.

In this segment of Iron Age Marketing, host Nicky P is joined by Kristen McTiernan, founder of The Nonsense Free Editor, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of art, business, and marketing. Kristen, originally a fiction author, shares her unique journey from military service to becoming a successful freelance editor and ghostwriter. Her experience highlights the challenges many authors face when transitioning from creative writing to the practicalities of publishing and marketing.

Kristen’s story is particularly relevant for those balancing creative aspirations with the need for financial stability. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the business side of writing, including the role of AI in content creation and the reality of self-publishing. Kristen also discusses her recent non-fiction book, which aims to provide practical advice for authors who want to make extra income without sacrificing their creative passions.

In this segment, Nicky P dives into the modern marketing landscape from an anarcho-capitalist perspective, exploring how intellectual property and patronage models have evolved. He critiques the romanticized views of historical systems and emphasizes the importance of validation and effective marketing for creators in today’s saturated market. Nicky P shares his personal experiences with marketing strategies, including copywriting, social media, and crowdfunding, and offers advice on client acquisition through platforms like Fiverr and YouTube. He also discusses the utility of various online tools and networks for building visibility and attracting clients.

In this segment, Nicky P discusses the challenges of marketing a book effectively, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what makes the book unique rather than leading with the title alone. Drawing from his own experiences and mistakes, Nicky highlights the need to hook potential readers with compelling ideas or themes that resonate with current conversations or issues, such as human trafficking in fiction. He also touches on the risk of burnout for creative professionals, sharing how he managed to balance his workload by hiring additional writers to handle various projects. Nicky advises on the value of pricing services appropriately to reflect one’s expertise and the importance of setting realistic deadlines to avoid overwork. He concludes by discussing the ideal client avatar for copywriting and editing services, emphasizing the need for a strong portfolio and understanding of market rates.