What do you do when a story won’t leave you alone—even if it doesn’t fit into any of your current series? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith explore the challenges and opportunities of writing “outlier” books that fall outside your established brand. Susan shares how she created her S.E. Smith Signature Romance line to give standalones a home without diluting her brand—and why she chose not to use a pen name. Together, Narelle and Susan discuss the difference between branding worlds versus branding your name, why tone and message matter more than logos and colors, and how giving yourself permission to follow creative sparks keeps your writing fresh. They also offer encouragement for authors struggling between “conventional wisdom” and what their creative heart is demanding. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance branding, reader expectations, and passion projects, this episode will inspire you to believe in your voice.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/
✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/narelletodd/

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com
✨ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sesmithfl

What do you do when Amazon cancels your book just days before release—without warning? In this powerful and surprisingly funny episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith share the behind-the-scenes chaos of Pets in Space 10, the 10th-anniversary sci-fi romance anthology that Amazon accidentally deleted right before launch.

They talk candidly about the shock, the scramble, and the emotional toll—but also the lessons in resilience, communication, and grace under fire. From finding creative ways to vent to turning mistakes into marketing moments, this episode is equal parts therapy session and masterclass in calm crisis management.

💫 Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, or just someone who’s ever had a big plan derailed, this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to stay professional, protect your energy, and rally your community when things go wrong.

👉 Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever faced a “Zon-sized” setback.

====================

A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Carol Van Natta — the incredible editor, organizer, and author who kept Pets in Space 10 flying through chaos. Carol, you did an extraordinary job organizing everything and everyone, and we’re so grateful for your calm leadership through such a dreadful experience.

And an equally big shout-out to S.E. Smith's amazing fellow authors who rallied together to restart preorders and rebuild momentum: E.G. Manetti, Honey Phillips, Michelle Howard, Pauline Baird Jones, S.J. Pajonas, S.E. Smith, Skye MacKinnon, and Veronica Scott.

Pets in Space 10 is available for a limited time at: https://books2read.com/PISA-10

Nine Interstellar Tales. Nine Unforgettable Romances. Nineteen Adorably Badass Pets.

In this tenth-anniversary edition of PETS IN SPACE®, you’ll find smart-mouthed birds, cyber armadillos, tiny dragons, and alien creatures who steal the show — and sometimes save it. Across distant planets, space stations, and magical realms, unlikely heroes and heroines are drawn together by danger, fate... and the meddling of their pet sidekicks. These stories blend swoon-worthy romance with thrilling sci-fi adventure in a way only PETS IN SPACE can deliver.

🐾 Don’t miss your chance to escape into the stars with nine sizzling sci-fi romances — each with a pet who will steal your heart and a hero or heroine who will make it race. Grab PETS IN SPACE 10 and get ready to binge beyond the stars!

Pets in Space authors are proud supporters of Hero Dogs, a charity that raises and trains service dogs for disabled veterans and first-responders. 10% of the initial sales go to this excellent nonprofit organization. 🐕

====================

✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes with Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith, where we talk about the real business of being an author—without the fluff.

👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com

Should you update your book covers—or leave them as they are? In this episode, Narelle Todd and S.E. Smith unpack the realities of recovering a series, from the artistic struggle of letting go of covers you love to the marketing and financial considerations that come with change. Susan shares her experience updating her Cosmos Gateway series after 15 years, including the unexpected can of worms: dealing with paperbacks, audiobooks, foreign editions, marketing assets, and confused readers. Narelle offers strategies for turning “fugly covers” into a marketing advantage and why sometimes standing out matters more than blending in. If you’ve ever wondered whether new covers will boost your sales—or just create more headaches—this candid conversation is for you.

👉 Like and subscribe.

👉 Ready to scale your author business? Work with Narelle: https://www.getmybookoutthere.com/learn/

👉 Looking for an awesome read: https://www.sesmithfl.com