The latest episode of the Audiobook Lovin' Podcast was a little different and filled with important information for the whole community.
This episode was originally recorded during a TikTok LIVE on Friday, 7/31/26 shortly after returning from Villains & Vixens 2026. What started as a casual conversation quickly evolved into a discussion about several topics that I believe deserve more attention within the publishing and audiobook community.
From reflecting on the event itself to discussing audiobook marketing at in person events and the importance of respecting narrator privacy, this episode is filled with conversations that I hope encourage both authors and narrators to think a little differently.
Villains & Vixens 2026 Recap
Villains & Vixens was FANTASTIC! This is year two and you'd think they have been doing this for ions based on how smoothly everything was run and all the great things! Lots of attendees as well as authors and narrators raved about the event last year which was a huge accomplishment! Especially how we have all heard of other events that simply were not good/well run/managed (however you want to put it). As last year was their first year, I opted to wait to attend and see how it did and look into it more for myself and my clients. When they announced they were hosting the 2026 event in Orlando I was like YES!!!!!!! I live here so that would help with reducing the cost of attending. When a few of my clients shared that they wer attending as signing narrators, I opted to go as their assistant.
Communication with the signing authors and narrators was timely and they provided all the information that you essentially didn't have any questions. And if/when you did, they were timely in their responses!
Fast forward to the event itself and Villains and Vixens, continues to be one of those events where the book community truly comes together. It was wonderful catching up with familiar faces, meeting new readers, connecting with authors and narrators, and experiencing the excitement that comes from being surrounded by people who love books.
One thing that just made my heart sigh with relief and love was how they SAW those attending regardless of signing authors/narrators or exhibitor... our community is made up of so many different individuals and they made sure everyone was acknowledge and seen ... by this I mean their ADA Accommodations!! They not only did the decent (aka bare minimum everyone should be doing) but they went far above setting new standards that should be mirrored at every event. From ADA priority line, ensuring the convention space is wheelchair accessible, all the events being on one level, wide aisles, lots of seating options, accessible restroom, service animals relief areas and very CLEAR/EASY TO SEE ADA signage! If you are planning to attend their 2027 event and need ADA accommodations, please take few minutes to fill out their form. They also had a quiet room and a mother's room!!!
The organizer and her team have officially (technically unofficial as they don't know this ...yet...lol) become my example for all things events on how it should be done!! And that is saying A LOT!!! Especially since I've been in their shoes and know all of the behinds the scenes things it takes to successfully run/manage/host an event! They were also everywhere!! Seriously.... on the floor, checking in on authors, vendors and the attendees!! They were kind! Nice! Attentive and if something came up... it was taken care of immediately! Like magic!
Not pictured - Ashley’s Moms and Husband Chris who help with all the things from exhibitor check-in, heavy lifting to decorating.
Events like these are more than opportunities to sell books, they're opportunities to build relationships, strengthen communities, and introduce readers to new ways of enjoying stories. Villains and Vixens truly embraced this and provided the space for it!
One thing I always appreciate is seeing the passion authors have when talking about their books. That excitement is contagious, and it's one of the reasons in-person events continue to be so valuable for both readers and creators.
If you have never attended a book event and want to pop your cherry, I HIGHLY recommend doing so at Villains and Vixens. If you've been to events and looking for which event to attend in 2027... GO TO VILLAINS AND VIXENS!!
Tickets go on sale August 7th, 2026 at 6pm CST/7pm EST/4pm PST!!
Connect and follow Villains & Vixens!
Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
Marketing Audiobooks at In-Person Events
One topic that came up during the live conversation was something I've noticed at many author events, not just Villains & Vixens.
Authors do an incredible job showcasing their paperbacks, hardcovers, special editions, and ebooks, but the audiobook edition is often missing from the conversation entirely.
If your book is available in audio, let readers know.
Many attendees may never think to ask if an audiobook exists. Others may exclusively listen to audiobooks because of busy schedules, accessibility needs, or simply because that's how they enjoy stories. If they don't know your title is available in audio, you may unintentionally miss connecting with an entirely different audience.
Marketing your audiobook doesn't have to be complicated. Consider adding:
- "Available in Audiobook" signage at your table.
- QR codes that link directly to your audiobook retailers.
- Graphics that showcase your audiobook alongside your paperback, hardcover, and ebook editions.
- Information about your narrator in your promotional materials.
- A simple mention during conversations with readers that your title is also available in audio.
Audiobooks shouldn't be treated as an afterthought. They're another edition of your book and deserve to be marketed right alongside every other format.
Narrators can also be part of that conversation by promoting the audiobooks they've narrated when attending events. Together, authors and narrators can help readers discover stories in the format that works best for them.
Respecting Narrator Pseudonyms
The final topic from the episode centers around something incredibly important: respecting narrator pseudonyms.
Many audiobook narrators work under professional names. Some separate genres under different brands. Others protect their privacy, maintain professional boundaries, or simply prefer to keep their legal identity separate from their public career.
Whatever the reason, that choice belongs to them.
Revealing or sharing a narrator's legal name without their permission, whether online, during livestreams, in Facebook groups, or at events, is not appropriate. Even if you know their legal name, that doesn't make it yours to share.
As an industry, we should normalize introducing, tagging, and referring to narrators by the professional name they've chosen to use.
Respecting those boundaries creates a safer, more welcoming community for everyone.
Let's Keep the Conversation Going
One of my favorite parts of creating the Audiobook Lovin' Podcast is having conversations that educate, encourage discussion, and help strengthen our industry.
If you host a podcast, YouTube channel, Instagram Live, TikTok Live, Facebook Live, virtual event, conference, or other bookish show, I'd love to join you as a guest.
I'm available to discuss topics including:
- Audiobooks and the audiobook industry
- Marketing and branding for authors and narrators
- Reader engagement and community building
- In-person events and conventions
- Audiobook production and promotion
- Narrator advocacy
- Trends within the publishing industry
If you're interested in having me on your show, please send me an email with details about your audience, topic, and preferred recording timeframe. I'd love the opportunity to continue these conversations with your community.
Listen to the Episode
Whether you're an author, narrator, publisher, content creator, or audiobook lover, I hope this episode offers new ideas and encourages meaningful conversations within our industry.
I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen. How do you think authors can better market their audiobook editions at in-person events? What are some ways we can continue fostering a respectful and supportive audiobook community?
Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode of the Audiobook Lovin' Podcast.
Until Next Time.....
Happy listening!
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`·-*Viviana*
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