Episodes
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Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
An episode that celebrates the joys of writing and never-ending search for inspiration, this laughter-filled chat with the incredibly witty Jane Costello, bestselling author of romantic comedies and women's fiction, also features the prep for the release of her upcoming novel (her fifteenth), It's Getting Hot In Here (Zibby Books, Feb 2025).
Peek behind the curtain into Jane's disciplined yet creative writing world, where structured planning and spontaneous inspiration meet. We reflect on the highs and lows of the publishing world, where timing and market trends often dictate a book's success. Jane's candid reflections on social media book events also bring a fresh perspective on connecting with readers and the creative community.Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Want the insider secrets to creating book events that actually sell books and build superfans? This episode is your masterclass!
I'm joined by the absolutely magnetic Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast and literary event connoisseur, for a conversation that's packed with actionable insights for authors at every stage. If you've ever wondered how to transform your book events from awkward readings to memorable experiences that drive real connection (and sales!), you'll want to grab your notebook for this one.
We dive deep into:
The massive mistakes many authors make at their events (and how to avoid them!)Why the traditional publisher-author relationship is broken (and what to do about it)Traci's genius strategies for building genuine reader relationshipsHow to leverage your unique story and personality to ensure an unforgettable eventsAn author event framework Traci loves for driving book sales and engagementWhether you're launching your debut or working on book #10, this episode delivers a blueprint for creating author events that actually move the needle on your author business.
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Episodes manquant?
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Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Amy Wilson, the brilliant co-host of the "What Fresh Hell" podcast and author of Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser (Jan 2025, Zibby Books), joined me for a fabulous conversation about owning your story through writing.
We dive right into the real stuff—like what it’s actually like to share personal essays (and how to spill your truth without accidentally blowing up your family’s group chat). Amy opens up about her journey from writing the hilarious chaotic When Did I Get Like This? on parenting to exploring deeper themes, like people-pleasing, that resonate with an audience far beyond parents.
And for anyone out there staring down an editing deadline or wondering what in the world the publishing gods are up to—Amy shares some hard-earned wisdom. From her writing routines to her secret recipe for mixing humor with “let’s get real” moments, she provides an inside look at what makes her stories connect with so many people.
So, grab your favorite drink (and maybe one of your new notebooks--I know you have one), and get ready for some relatable insights, laughs, and just the right amount of “you’ve got this” inspiration.
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
What if you could transform a lived experience into a compelling narrative that reads like fiction?
In this episode, I chat with the talented Sarah Gormley, author of The Order of Things. In a candid discussion about "memoir plus," we explore how memoir can deliver powerful messages while engaging readers with its storytelling.
The conversation also turned to the intricacies of publishing. We explored the merits of hybrid publishing versus publishing services, with insights into marketing strategies that can elevate an author's reach.Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
From writing the first chapter of The Undercurrent (Zibby Books, Oct 2024) as a standalone piece to fleshing out a full literary suspense novel I can’t put down, Sarah Sawyer has quickly become one of my new favorite authors.
In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we discussed:
What has most suprised her about the publishing processSarah's view of the editing process (which is one to adopt immediately, if not sooner!)The formidable task of securing blurbs (which even traditionally published authors often have to do themselves)How writing this book has caused her to look at other books and authors differentlyLINKS
Sarah's debut novel, The Undercurrent
Sarah’s website: www.sarahsawyerauthor.com
Sarah’s Instagram: @SarahSawyerAuthorWHAT SARAH’S READING
James by Percival Everett
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
Swift River by Essie ChambersLet's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Amazon ads are one of my favorite tools for indie authors to boost book sales and visibility, but they can feel so complicated that it's easy to avoid using them.
I'm sharing key insights from my 12-week "experiment" with a new campaign for my book, Write the Damn Book Already, including targeting relevant keywords and categories, setting appropriate budgets, and monitoring ad performance to optimize results.
MENTIONED RESOURCES:
Original IG post about ads experimentLink to blog post detailing setup of this ads campaign
Link to Publisher Rocket software
Link to audiobook of Enough: The Simple Path to Everything You Want ($4.99)
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Megan Tady's second novel, Bluebird Day, launches on Dec. 3, 2024 (pre-order now!) In her second appearance on the podcast, we had the most wonderful chat about:
How book launching is like a salmon run (it's such a great analogy). Strategies for best working with an editor while writing Meg's writing process, from first to final draft, and how it evolved from the first to the second bookThe best part of Meg's publishing journeyMeg's strategies for navigating the “wacky and wild” publishing industry and What she wasn’t at all prepared for when it comes to being an authorLINKS
Order your copy of Bluebird Day
Meg's Instagram: @megtady
Meg's website: MeganTady.com
Meg's writing, editing & strategy services: Word Lift
Meg's first WTDBA podcast interview: Episode 36WHAT MEG'S READING NOW
All Fours by Miranda
Big in Sweden by Sally Franson
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna JohnstonBOOKS MENTIONED
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Bummer Camp by Ann GarvinLet's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Emma Grey is the Australian author of the international bestseller, THE LAST LOVE NOTE, which was both a Book of the Month and Target Book Club pick, and was praised in Oprah Daily as “relatable, hilarious and charming".
She’s back this November with her new novel, PICTURES OF YOU — a suspense-filled romance about love and control that explores the way a sparkling relationship can morph into darkness and what might happen with a second chance at first love.
In her second appearance on the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we chatted about Emma's experiences with prologues, her collaborative work with editors (from different countries, no less), and the evolution of her book-writing process. She also reflects on the challenges of writing a second novel after the success of her first, emphasizing the importance of pushing through the "messy first draft."
CONNECT WITH EMMA
Emma's website: www.emmagrey.com.au
Emma's Instagram: instagram.com/emmagreyauthor
Click here to order The Last Love Note
Click here to order Pictures of YouWHAT EMMA'S READING NOW
The Haters by Robyn Harding
Tilda is Visible by Jane Tarda
MY FIRST INTERVIEW WITH EMMA
Click here to listen to my first conversation with Emma about her debut novel, The Last Love Note.Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
In this episode, we explore the critical decision of whether to distribute your ebook "wide"—across multiple platforms—or stay exclusive to Amazon through their KDP Select program.
Going wide means your ebook is available on platforms beyond Amazon, such as Kobo or Google Play, giving you access to a broader audience globally. This approach can increase visibility, particularly in countries where Kindle isn't the dominant e-reading platform.On the other hand, exclusivity with Amazon through KDP Select offers perks like participation in Kindle Unlimited, higher royalties in certain regions, and access to exclusive promotional tools. However, this exclusivity comes with restrictions, including a 90-day lock-in period and the inability to sell your ebook elsewhere, even on your own website.
The right choice depends on your genre, goals, and audience. Romance, mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy often perform well on KDP Select due to the voracious reading habits of their audiences. However, if your readership spans multiple countries or platforms, going wide might be the better option.
What does it mean to go wide or stay exclusive to Amazon for ebook distribution?What are the pros and cons of enrolling in Amazon's KDP Select program versus going wide?How should an author decide which distribution strategy is best for their genre, audience, and goals?
Top questions tackled:
MENTIONED RESOURCES
Ep 90: Creating Audiobooks with Drew LinsalataWrite the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Until somewhat recently, streamlined pre-orders were only possible for traditionally published authors. Now, indie authors can also benefit from pre-orders as well, helping them with:
Building Excitement and Engagement: Pre-orders allow authors to generate buzz and excitement around their upcoming book, encouraging readers to take action before the release date.Community Building: Offering pre-orders helps authors build and nurture a community by gathering email addresses and establishing a direct connection with readers, which can lead to quicker reviews and word-of-mouth promotion.
Data Collection: Through pre-orders, authors can collect valuable reader data (like email addresses) that is otherwise inaccessible when books are sold through platforms like Amazon. This data allows authors to maintain a relationship with their readers post-purchase and make future marketing efforts more effective.
This episode of Write the Damn Book Already discusses not only the benefits and considerations of offering books for pre-order but also the potential hiccups (and how to avoid them!) such as unexpected costs due to Amazon's handling of pre-orders through IngramSpark.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Publish the Damn Book Already self-publishing course - 25% off with code AUTHOR25
Jane Friedman's Hot Sheet bestseller listPre-Order Packages workshop with Mary Belle
Follow Mary Belle on Instagram: @mary.belle.booksJenn Hanson-dePaula's website (author marketing/PR)
Follow Jenn Hanson-dePaula on Instagram: @mixtusmedia
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Many indie authors find the idea of creating a publishing house overwhelming. But with the right steps, it becomes both manageable and highly beneficial. Here’s why setting up a publishing house is essential and how to do it.
First, it’s crucial to understand that forming a publishing house is not about creating a giant company like Amazon. Instead, it's about legally separating your personal and professional assets. This separation is vital as an author, because it protects your personal finances from any potential legal issues that may arise.
While many creatives shy away from the business aspects of publishing, treating your book as a business can help you reach a broader audience. This means embracing some business tasks (even those you might not enjoy, like accounting. Just me?).
Setting up a publishing house may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than it appears. The key is to create a legal entity, like an LLC, to protect your assets, which isn't nearly as complicated or expensive as it used to be. You can often set up an LLC yourself or use services like LegalZoom for additional support.
You don’t need a complex infrastructure to start a publishing house. A simple logo for your book’s spine and a business bank account are sufficient. Today, many online banking options make it easy to set up a no-fee, no-minimum business account without visiting a physical bank. There’s also no need for an elaborate office setup or expensive branding packages.
The challenge often comes when authors overcomplicate this step, perhaps assuming they need an extensive branding package, a physical office space, or expensive accounting software. But none of this is necessary.
It’s a worthwhile investment for protecting your assets and managing your book sales professionally. For a detailed guide on this process, including how to create a logo and manage business essentials, refer to the third module of "Publish the Damn Book Already," which walks you through the necessary steps without overwhelming you with unnecessary details, ensuring you can focus on what you do best: writing.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Episode 1 of publishing series: WTH is an ISBN
Publish the Damn Book Already self-publishing course
Wave accounting: www.waveapps.com/accounting
What's in a (Title) Change? (Why I changed the name of my self-publishing course, aWrite the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
🎙️ Feeling Overwhelmed Writing Your Nonfiction or Memoir? This Episode is For You!
Do you feel like you have multiple books' worth of material? Are you wrestling with imposter syndrome or struggling to organize a mountain of thoughts?
My work with authors typically focuses on two key genres: transformative nonfiction and inspirational memoir (yes, I made up these terms).
Transformative Nonfiction aims to guide the reader through a specific journey. It's infused with personal stories that help the reader relate and feel connected to the author.
Inspirational Memoir, on the other hand, shares the author’s personal experiences to inspire and resonate with readers, but in a way where the author is unattached to how (or when) the reader is inspired (or whether they're inspired at all!).
🚀 Feeling stuck?
Start by identifying your core message and the first step in your journey.
Remember, it’s about sharing the steps of your story, not prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution. By focusing on your unique path and experiences, you can create a relatable and impactful narrative without the pressure of being seen as "the ultimate expert."💡 Tune in to hear my tips on overcoming self-doubt, structuring your content, and finding peace in sharing your personal story. This episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity!
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Click here to check out the Publish A Profitable Book / Publish the Damn Book Already course (currently 25% off with code AUTHOR25).
Click here to access Kindlepreneur's free barcode generator tool.
Understanding the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is crucial for indie authors. But new authors often wonder what the heck it is and feel a bit "silly" asking!
In short, the ISBN is a unique identifier for books, similar to the UPC for products. It allows books to be easily tracked and purchased globally and enables indie authors' work to be more easily discovered by a larger audience, including libraries, bookstores, and online retailers.
But still, new authors are left with questions such as:
1. Why do I have to have an ISBN?
2. Where do I get them (and how much will they cost?)
3. Should use a free one from Amazon/KDP?
4. Do I only need one for each book?
5. Does an ISBN provide copyright protection?
This episode clears your questions up!Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Mary Jones' book, The Goodbye Process (July 30, 2024, Zibby Books), is, in four words, hard to put down. Her raw, vivid descriptions of characters and experiences alike quickly pierced my soul and extended my bedtime!
In this episode, Mary and I discussed her love of the short story form, some (perhaps surprising truths about writing and organizing short stories/essays, thoughts on beta readers, the querying and submission process, and our mutual love of "Days of Our Lives."CONNECT WITH MARY
Book: The Goodbye Process
Instagram: @maryjoneswriter
X: @maryfjjonesThreads: @maryjoneswriter
Website: www.maryjoneswriter.com
WHAT MARY'S READING
All Fours by Miranda July
MENTIONS
I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott
You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
I've recently had a key realization about book writing, especially when it comes to writing memoir and non-fiction.
Many times, people think the writing process will allow them to quickly (and easily) unlock or unravel buried feelings or insights. But this misconception sets an unrealistic expectation and creates potential roadblocks.As is the case with therapy (ask me how I know), there’s no set timeline for completing a book, and the process is often more complex and time-consuming than anticipated.
So here's my $0.02 on how to best navigate the unexpected detours that often arise while writing a book you'll be incredibly proud to release to the world.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK WRITERS COLLECTIVE
***Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Gail Priest is the author of five books (including a trilogy). Her latest, Soul Dancing, was released on April 2024 through Red Adept Publishing.
In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Gail shares her process for writing using techniques like mind mapping to discover new story elements. We also discuss her approach to marketing her books through social media and pitching her work, even though, like so many of us, she sometimes finds outreach daunting.CONNECT WITH GAIL
Instagram: @gailpriest_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGailPriest
Website: gailpriest.com/
GAIL'S BOOKSSoul Dancing
Eastern Shore Shorts
Annie Crow Knoll: The Complete Collection:
WHAT GAIL'S READING NOW
A Very Crowded House by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
Of Lies and Honey by Donna Norman-Carbone
When the World Goes Quiet by Gian Sardar
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Drew Linsalata has been my go-to for years when it comes to audiobooks and podcasts as well as any "How do I get the most bang for my buck?" questions when it comes to tech hardware.
Gear setup (for under $70)The popular mic everyone thinks they should use (but shouldn’t)What device to read your book from for best flow and qualityRecommended audio editing software (that’s free!)The truth about the cost of producing an audiobook as well as expected earnings (advertised numbers are a bit misleading)How to determine if it’s “worth it” to create an audiobook The biggest misconceptions authors have about audiobooks
In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, he helps dissect the why, when, and how of audiobook creation.
Topics include:CONNECT WITH DREW
The Anxious Truth: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Panic, Anxiety, and Agoraphobia
Seven Percent Slower: A Simple Trick for Moving Past Anxiety and Stress: The Anxious Truth: Anxiety Education and Support
An Anxiety Story: How I Recovered from Anxiety, Panic, and Agoraphobia
Drew’s podcast: The Anxious TruthCREATE CAPTIVATING AUDIOBOOKS: A PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN WORKSHOP
Click here to learn more and sign upMENTIONS
Samantha Garcia's audiobook: Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact
Episode 40: How to sell 2589 Books in 30 Hours (with Sam Garcia)
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
In the latest episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Joselyn Takacs and I discussed her first novel, Peace Oysters (Zibby Books, 6/25/2024).
Her writing process (and the system she and her adviser had for keeping her consistent)Free writing versus stream-of-consciousness writing The fun way she’s including the book’s theme in her upcoming book eventsJoselyn's top tricks for getting through writer’s blockHow writing ahead can help authors figure out the book’s trajectory
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT JOSELYNJoselyn Takacs holds a PhD in Creative Writing and Literature from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Fiction from Johns Hopkins University. Her fiction has appeared in Gulf Coast, Narrative, Tin House, Harvard Review, The Rumpus, DIAGRAM, Columbia: A Journal of Art and Literature, and elsewhere.
She has published interviews and book reviews in the Los Angeles Review of Books and Entropy. Joselyn has taught writing at the University of Southern California and Johns Hopkins University.
She lived in New Orleans at the time of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, and in 2015, she received a grant to record the oral histories of Louisiana oyster farmers in the wake of the environmental disaster. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
CONNECT WITH JOSELYNWebsite: www.joselyntakacs.com/about
Instagram: @joselyn_takacs
Purchase a copy of Pearce Oysters
WHAT JOSELYN'S READINGFree Love by Tessa Hadley
BOOK REC OF THE WEEKIn a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tuba
Let's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)MOCKUP SHOTS DEAL
I've used MockUp shots for years to create attention-grabbing images great for social media.
It usually costs $207, but they're offering a 60% discount on lifetime access with lifetime updates. It's a great way to get an unheard-of price on a product that will make you money and that you will end up using all the time.
Click Here for 60% off >>Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Ava Dellaira’s adult debut novel, Exposure, comes out with Zibby Books on September 10th, 2024. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novels In Search of Us and Love Letters to the Dead, which was named Best Book of the Year by Apple, Google, BuzzFeed, the New York Public Library and the Chicago Public Library.
The challenges of writing in identities that aren’t your own (and the risks involved in writing outside your own point of view)Where Ava’s story ideas originate, and what she aimed to tackle through writing ExposureAva’s editing process preferences, including how she views the editing process and ensures she receives feedback most positivelyDifferent approaches for when to start one's next book
She is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she was a Truman Capote Fellow, and the University of Chicago. She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and now lives in Altadena, CA with her husband and their two young children.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTSCONNECT WITH AVA
Website: https://avadellaira.com
Instagram: @ava.dellaira
Exposure (Zibby Books, Sept 2024)
Love Letters to the Dead (Square Fish, 2015)
In Search of Us (Square Fish, 2020)
WHAT AVA'S READING
All Fours by Miranda July
Victim by Andrew Boryga
WHAT ELIZABETH'S READING
The New Menopause by Marie Claire Haver
ELIZABETH'S BOOK REC OF THE WEEK
Cutting for Stone by Abraham VergheseLet's get you published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth -
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
This episode of Write the Damn Book Already features two of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve received (and I've received a lot of writing suggestions over the years!).
BOOK OF THE WEEK
Just Do Nothing by Joanna Hardis
Joanna's Instagram: instagram.com/joannahardisEp 55: How to Write While Feeling Discomfort (with Joanna Hardis)
RESOURCES MENTIONEDAva Dellaira's forthcoming book, Exposure (Zibby Books, Sept 2024)
Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes by Jessica Fein
Episode 22: Writing Breath Taking (A Memoir) with Jessica Fein
Love Buzz and In A Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander
Episode 78: Traditional Publishing Lessons with Neely Tubati AlexanderWrite the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth - Montre plus
