🎙️ Amra's Armchair Anecdotes is turning the mic toward conversations—starting with a powerful first guest: author Fikret Pajalić.

In this episode, Fikret shares how his journey from refugee to award-winning writer began with confronting trauma, finding catharsis in storytelling, and discovering a literary voice shaped by lived experience.

✍️ “Every time I wrote something, I got hurt again... But I kept writing.”
From the Department of Justice to literary journals like Meanjin and Overland, Fikret’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and transformation.
​
🎧 Tune in to hear how writing became a lifeline—and how he turned pain into art.

Listen on your favourite podcasting platform and find episode shownotes including short story journals

https://www.amrapajalic.com/fikret-pajalic.html​

To find more episodes:
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https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html

Time Kneels Between Mountains is now available for early review on NetGalley!
 
In a town where survival is a daily battle, there are those who seek justice...

Srebrenica, 1992, in a town besieged by the enemy, and torn apart by corruption, Seka fights for survival and seeks justice for those who are at the mercy of unscrupulous profiteers.
 
This is my PhD book inspired by real life events and based on my research into the siege of Srebrenica which ended in the biggest massacre on European soil since World War II.
 
This is your chance to read the book before it launches on 1 November, and all I ask in return is your honest review.
 
📖 How to request a free review copy:
1. Go to NetGalley
2. Create a free account (if you don’t already have one)
3. Search for Time Kneels Between Mountains by Amra Pajalić
4. Click “Request” – and I’ll be thrilled to see your name pop up!
 
Your review—whether on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, or your blog—helps amplify this story and spread the word about a novel that took seven years to bring to life.
 
Thank you for your support. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
 
Link in bio or below.
 
Or use this link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/660020
 

Steps to Self-Publish with Amra Pajalić
Saturday 20 September 2025 at 1:00PM
Sandringham Library

All Ages
Cost $10

Come along to learn about the entire self-publishing process, from manuscript preparation to choosing distribution platforms. Learn to edit, format, and design your book, whether as an ebook, print, or audiobook. Explore financial aspects, including pricing, royalties, and revenue streams like audiobooks. You’ll also master marketing strategies and understand the business side, such as registering as a publishing company and meeting legal obligations in Australia.

Amra Pajalić is the owner and publisher of Pishukin Press, an independent press that publishes underrepresented authors. Drawing on her experience as an award-winning author, an editor and educator, Pishukin Press is dedicated to accessibility and titles are published in ebooks, paperbacks, hardbacks, large print, dyslexic font and audiobook.

This workshop will give you an overview of the publishing industry, including rights and agreements, and will cover:

· Steps to Self-Publish
· Preparing Your Manuscript: Editing, Formatting, and Cover Design
· Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform or Service
· The ways you can self publish
· Uploading and Distributing Your Book: eBook, Print, and Audiobook Options
· Setting Pricing and Royalties
· The ways you can publish an audiobook
· Marketing
· Building Your Author Platform
· Adopting a Business Mentality for Self-Publishing
· Other revenue sources as an author
· Australian obligation for national deposit


Book via link below 
https://bayside.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=151399

From mastering metadata to creating eye-catching social graphics, discover actionable advice for both indie and traditionally published authors, straight from Episode 10 of Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes.

Embracing Book Marketing as Storytelling
For many authors, the word “marketing” can feel intimidating, even antithetical to the craft of writing. But as discussed in Episode 10 of *Amra’s Armchair Anecdotes*, host Amra Pajalic reframes marketing as a natural extension of storytelling. Instead of trying to be everywhere at once, focus on connecting your story with readers who’ll cherish it most. Think of marketing as an act of sharing and connection, which can transform it from a chore into a source of joy.

Setting the Stage: The Power of Metadata
Especially crucial for indie authors, metadata is the foundation of discoverability. Metadata encompasses every piece of information about your book—visible (title, cover, descriptions) and invisible (keywords, categories, ISBN). Amra recommends preparing a comprehensive spreadsheet before publication, containing not only the basics but also various versions of your book’s description (one-liner, short, and full-blurb). This not only expedites the uploading process across platforms but also minimizes the risk of mistakes and mismatches.

She provides a downloadable metadata template, which keeps everything—from retailer links to review landing pages—organised and just a click away.

Crafting Your Core Marketing Assets: Title, Blurb, and Cover
Choosing a Distinctive Title
Your book’s title is your first hook. Search thoroughly to make sure your chosen title isn’t already crowding your genre, unless you want to risk confusion with existing books. Amra recounted her own experience with a duplicated title, underscoring the importance of uniqueness and timing.

The Blurb: Your Book’s Promise
The blurb is the heart of your pitch, whether on the back of a paperback or an online listing. Amra advises crafting multiple versions and using online tools (or even AI like ChatGPT) to refine your blurbs. Look at successful books in your genre for inspiration on structure and emotional stakes.

Cover Design: Meeting Genre Expectations
Tempting as it may be, your cover isn’t the place to break every mold. Research top covers in your genre and ensure yours speaks the right visual language—especially at thumbnail size. Use reputable, royalty-free image sources and, if you DIY, secure the appropriate font licenses. For collaborations with designers, always get a contract clarifying image licensing rights.

Going Public: Media Kits and Universal Links
Prepare for publicity by writing press releases tailored to both general and genre-specific outlets. Amra insists on hosting your media kit (author photo, bio, book cover, downloadable assets) on your website—without paywalls or hurdles—to make journalists’ jobs effortless.

Create a dedicated web page for every book you publish, complete with SEO-friendly content, answers to common questions, and a universal purchase link (try Draft2Digital or Genius Links). This way, potential readers can land on their favorite retailer with ease.

Social Media and Content Creation: Finding Your Happy Place
Social media is Amra’s marketing playground. Whether it’s quote graphics, video reels, or carousel posts, she recommends batching and scheduling content in advance. Use social schedulers, and rotate a mix of evergreen content—like reviews and impactful quotes. Create unique hashtags for your books and series to centralize discussions and encourage others to join in. Don’t forget behind-the-scenes posts or character-driven content to pique curiosity.

Platforms like Goodreads offer further engagement opportunities—sync your blog, run giveaways, and join genre groups to boost visibility.

Building Buzz: Advance Reviews and Launch Strategies
Early reviews are gold. Use platforms like NetGalley, Book Sirens, or your own “street team” to secure advance praise. Harness newsletter teasers, cover reveals, and sneak peeks to build anticipation. For launch week, amplify your publicity blitz with virtual launch parties, readings, or collaborations with other authors and retailers.

Metrics, Mindset, and Marathons—not Sprints
Marketing is an ongoing process. Track your metrics, celebrate every positive review, and stay open to experimentation. Amra encourages authors to embrace discomfort, learn new tools like AI, and have fun with inventive ideas like merch or collector cards. Most importantly, remember that every book you publish is a fresh chance to share your voice and connect with new readers.

Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Download Amra’s metadata template and start turning your stories into lifelong connections.

https://www.amrapajalic.com/podcast.html