Wanted: One audiobook narrator.

Asked on: SOS (Source of Sources… it’s like the new HARO)

Got: Inbox mayhem.

I posted a very clear ask for my podcast, Shelf Made Stories.

Just one thing: "Looking for an audiobook narrator."

Simple, right?

Apparently… not.

Here’s what landed in my inbox:

📬 A woman asked me to send her books to review.
​ → Sweet, but this isn’t a free library.

📬 A press release from a PR firm.
​ → Promoting a guy I’ve never heard of.
Didn’t mention narration. Not once.

📬 An author pitched me their novel.
​ → Also not what I asked for, but A+ for confidence?

At one point, I double-checked my post. Did I accidentally say: "Please ignore the task and just shoot your shot"?

But then…

🎤 She appeared.

A woman with 350+ audiobooks under her belt.

And this? All happened within 60 minutes of going live.

I unleashed chaos.

Please do this instead.

So here’s your friendly reminder if you're ever replying to a callout:

✅ Read the actual request
→ Not just the words you hope are there

✅ Keep it relevant
→ Your life story can wait

✅ Be easy to say yes to
→ Clear, concise, and contextual wins

The subscription box business

She turned cozy crime into a business and now readers wait impatiently at their mailboxes every month.

Lou Emerson cracked the code… literally.

She didn’t just read (and write) mystery novels.

She turned her love for them into a subscription box that’s part story, part surprise, and full-on brilliant.

It’s like Christmas… but with clues. And, she runs the whole thing from home.

When we talked on Shelf Made Stories, she spilled the secrets behind the sleuthing.

Want to build something people obsess over? Here’s what Lou nailed:

✅ Pick a niche you’re obsessed with
→ Obsession keeps you going (and makes you stand out)

✅ Build suspense before the sale
→ Curiosity is your best marketing tool

✅ Make the experience unforgettable
→ The smallest touches leave the biggest impact

If you love a smart business pivot (or a cozy whodunnit)...

Listen to our full convo or watch it now on YouTube.

​

The book I’m writing

Remember when I told you I’m writing a thriller novel?

Since last week, I’ve outlined all the chapters for my mentor to review.

There is a lot more pre-work, formulas, and reasoning behind certain things happening at certain times than I thought!

Christina

Current read: Just for the Summer (OMG, Abby Jimenez is so good!)

Last read: One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston ⭐️⭐️

PS - Did I tell you that while I'm posting about books, my 5-year-old son playing hangman went viral on Instagram? I swear, I don't get social media.