In this episode of the Books Business and Mindset Podcast, hosted by creativity coach Jen Graybeal, the focus is on the importance of building three distinct teams crucial for any author's success. Jen emphasizes the collaborative nature of the writing process, debunking the myth of the solitary author. She details the need for support during story development, including sprint groups and critique groups. The discussion extends to the publishing team, covering editors, cover designers, and distribution strategies. Jen also highlights the essential role of a marketing team, offering tips on developing a marketing alliance. The episode is rich with practical advice for authors at all stages of their careers.

00:00 Welcome to the Books Business and Mindset Podcast

00:26 The Three Essential Teams for Authors

01:33 Building Your Writing Team

03:56 The Importance of Critique Groups and Beta Readers

09:56 Assembling Your Publishing Team

13:14 Marketing Strategies for Authors

19:29 Influencer Marketing and Media Kits

30:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in the episode

The Ultimate Guide to Book Marketing by Nicholas Erik

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

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In this episode of the Books Business and Mindset Podcast, host Jen Graybeal, a certified creativity coach, discusses effective planning strategies for authors. Jen continues from episode six, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive brain dump to organize and manage tasks. She advocates for personalizing the planning process and using action-oriented language to enhance productivity. The episode introduces a six-step planning system designed to provide clarity and confidence. The discussion also highlights the importance of regular review and self-trust in achieving long-term success.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 Recap of Previous Episode

01:11 Step-by-Step Planning Process

03:15 Organizing Your Tasks

06:45 Using Action-Oriented Language

13:16 Final Steps and Review

23:52 Conclusion and Farewell

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

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In this episode of the Books, Business, and Mindset Podcast, Jen Graybeal, a certified creativity coach, delves into planning and goal setting for authors. She discusses her unique approach to planning that eschews traditional methods like SMART goals and strict schedules, emphasizing flexibility and a personalized system that works for her. Jen introduces her six-step planning system which includes capturing tasks, organizing them, and regularly reviewing progress to reduce anxiety and increase clarity. She touches on the neuroscience behind productivity and offers actionable steps for authors to stay focused and confident in their business and creative pursuits. 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 The Importance of Planning and Goal Setting

01:31 Jen's Unique Approach to Goal Setting

04:05 The Neuroscience Behind Productivity

07:15 Introducing Jen's Six-Step Planning System

09:48 Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Planning System

16:55 Final Thoughts and Homework

28:31 Conclusion and How to Connect

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

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In this episode of the Books, Business, and Mindset Podcast, hosted by certified creativity coach Jen Graybeal, listeners learn about the impact of negative self-talk and how it affects creativity and productivity. Jen explains how the brain's repetition of negative thoughts leads to deeply ingrained beliefs, resulting in struggles with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk, neuroplasticity, and mindfulness in overcoming these challenges. Jen provides practical steps for improving self-talk, normalizing mistakes, and building a supportive community.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 The Power of Self-Talk

02:12 The Science Behind Negative Self-Talk

06:57 Rewiring Your Brain with Positive Self-Talk

08:02 Overcoming Discomfort and Embracing Growth

09:34 Practical Tips for Positive Self-Talk

16:15 Conquering Imposter Syndrome

19:11 Concrete Steps to Improve Self-Talk

Mentioned in the podcast:

The Widow File by S. G. Redling

Flowertown by S. G. Redling

Pour Decisions by Tobi Doyle 

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

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Understanding the Role of Editors in the Publishing Process

In this episode of the Books, Business, and Mindset Podcast, certified creativity coach Jen Graybeal delves into the crucial role that editors play in the publishing process. Jen explains the different types of editors, including developmental, line, copy, and proofreaders, and their specific functions throughout the stages of writing and publishing. She discusses the differences between traditional and self-publishing, providing insights on how to build an effective publishing team tailored to your needs. Jen also shares her personal journey to becoming an editor and offers advice for new authors on finding the right editor, the importance of having supportive relationships with editors, and the significance of editor feedback. Additionally, the episode highlights the value of beta readers and ARC readers in the revision process. 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 Understanding the Role of Editors

02:56 Jen's Journey to Becoming an Editor

13:04 The Editing Process Explained

26:27 Finding the Right Editor for Your Book

34:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authers - Early Bird Price Expires July 31! 

Information, registration, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it 

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

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Creating Effective Change Strategies for Authors

In this episode of the Books, Business, and Mindset Podcast, host Jen Graybeal, a certified creativity coach, delves into the importance of creating a change strategy for authors. Jen offers detailed insights on strategic thinking, including key steps for forming a change framework. She highlights three critical questions to guide authors in their goals, and introduces the three E's (Experiment, Evaluate, Evolve) to navigate their journey. The episode also features a practical breathing exercise for managing frustration and stress. Listeners are encouraged to focus on their personal goals and to stay flexible, accepting that evolution is part of the journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 The Importance of a Change Strategy

03:12 Questions to Guide Your Change Strategy

08:06 Client Testimonials and Program Details

10:47 The Three E's Framework

17:58 Breathing Exercise and Final Thoughts

20:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mapping a Change Strategy Mini-Workbook - Download this FREE resource: https://www.jentheeditor.com/resources

Work It: A 6- Week Coaching Intensive for Authers - Early Bird Price Expires July 31! 

Information, registration, testimonials: https://www.jentheeditor.com/work-it 

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Books, Business, and Mindset podcast, certified creativity coach Jen Graybeal delves into the intricacies of developmental editing. She outlines the different phases of editing—developmental, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading—and emphasizes the importance of investing in a good developmental editor. Jen provides a comprehensive checklist for evaluating stories, discusses the process of diagnosing and solving story issues, and shares strategies for maintaining focus and creativity during the editing process. She also offers practical advice for troubleshooting plot and character development, ensuring emotional engagement, and brainstorming effectively. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you refine your manuscript and elevate your storytelling.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:24 Understanding Developmental Editing

03:33 The Four Phases of Editing

05:38 Focusing on Developmental Editing

07:39 Mindset and Preparation for Editing

12:58 Plot and Structure Insights

22:44 Character Development and Arc

28:58 Troubleshooting and Brainstorming Techniques

36:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Transcript: https://www.jentheeditor.com/s/Ep-02-DIY-Developmental-Editing-Transcript.pdf 

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe

How Neuroscience and Creativity Intersect to Solve Story Issues

In this episode, Jen explores the roots of story problems and how external factors like life stressors can impact the creative process. She discusses how various neurochemicals affect motivation and frustration. Through practical advice for overcoming writer's block, this episode encourages writers to reframe negative thoughts and builds on the importance of both mental rest and productive problem-solving techniques.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:23 Understanding Story Problems Through Neuroscience
03:02 The Creative Process and Emotional Challenges
10:25 Building and Maintaining Creative Muscles
13:33 Practical Tips for Overcoming Creative Blocks
18:06 Filling the Creative Well
25:48 The Importance of Rest and Reflection
26:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links to stuff Jen talked about...

Tobi Doyle: https://tobidoyle.com/

Pre-Order Pour Decisions by Tobi Doyle: https://amzn.to/40LjRbl

The Rules of a Rebound by Julie Carver: https://amzn.to/46ub7Ks

Filling the Well Workbook: https://www.jentheeditor.com/s/Filling-the-Well-a-workbook-for-creative-professionals.pdf 

Transcript: https://www.jentheeditor.com/s/Ep-01-Facing-our-Story-Issues-Transcript.pdf 

Where to find Jen

Website: https://www.jentheeditor.com/
All the socials: @jentheeditor

Subscribe to Jen's newsletter for Author Marketing and Mental Health tips

https://www.jentheeditor.com/subscribe