Most authors set goals that feel ambitious but have no measurable teeth. In this episode, Ally and Jenn get specific. Ally walks through how her own book goals have evolved over time and what she now helps authors identify when they’re building a writing or revision plan. Jenn unpacks the strategic framework she uses with authors to set goals that are tied to real capacity, real seasons of life, and real outcomes - not just optimism.
You’ll also watch Ally work through her 2026 goals for both her memoir and her nonfiction book live on air, which means you get to see the messy, iterative process - not just the polished result.
In this episode:
Why “I want to sell a lot of books” is actively working against you
The SMART goal framework applied specifically to book promotion - with a live example
How to align your writing goals and marketing goals so they’re pulling in the same direction
What tracking actually looks like in practice (and why it doesn’t have to be complicated)
How to recalibrate when your goals stop fitting your season without scrapping everything
Tune in to learn how aligned goals can transform your writing and your reach.
Ally Berthiaume is an award-winning author, international memoir coach, and developmental editor. She helps writers transform pain into purpose and build books that matter. Learn more at thewriteplacerighttime.com.
Jenn T. Grace is the founder of Publish Your Purpose and the author of Promote Your Purpose. She helps nonfiction authors turn their ideas into books that create real impact and long-term visibility. Learn more at publishyourpurpose.com.
(Ally) Book a free 30-minute Story Stroll Let’s talk about your book - what it is, what it could be, and where you’re getting stuck. Clarity, momentum, and a sense of fit in one conversation. https://bit.ly/3HPIQkK
(Jenn) Grab the Promote Your Purpose Action Card Deck One clear action per card to keep your goals moving forward on the days when you need a nudge. https://promoteyourpurposebook.com/card-deck
Prior episodes worth revisiting:
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