If you think self-editing just means fixing typos and checking your grammar, think again. In this episode, I sit down with editorial agency owner and newly published author Katie Chambers to talk about why self-editing is one of the most powerful things you can do for your manuscript, and for your growth as a writer. Katie shares why most authors know they should self-edit but have no idea how to actually do it well, and how that gap ends up costing them both time and money.

Katie walks us through her four-pass self-editing system, covering content, organization, writing, and technical, and explains why trying to edit for everything at once is the biggest mistake authors make. We also talk about the importance of giving yourself distance from your manuscript, knowing when good enough really is good enough, and how handing your editor a stronger draft means they can take your book so much further. If you have a manuscript sitting on your desk waiting for a polish, this episode is your sign to stop stalling and start editing with purpose.

• Katie Chambers: linkedin.com/in/katie-chambers-62b16bb3

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

What if marketing your book didn't have to feel like a chore? Janine Coombes is a marketing strategist who helps coach-shaped people position their services as obvious must-haves for their ideal clients. She's also the author of "The Easy Yes," a micro book packed with practical wisdom on turning maybes into heartfelt yeses. In this episode, Janine shares the backstory of how a dense workshop became a book, what her live book launch felt like (spoiler: it reminded her of her wedding day), and the Amazon shenanigans that nearly derailed her plans for getting copies into readers' hands.

Janine is also known for bringing humor into everything she does, and her book marketing was no exception. From a now-classic spoof video where she kept "casually" showing off her book on a mock Zoom call to carrying copies in her bag wherever she goes, Janine proves that when you make marketing fun, you actually do more of it. She also opens up about what's next, including a potential second book tackling the Friend Zone from her Easy Yes model. Whether you're about to launch your first book or looking for fresh energy around one that's already out in the world, this conversation will leave you with a smile and a whole new perspective on getting your book noticed.

• Janine Coombes: linkedin.com/in/janinecoombes

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

You said goodbye, the recording stopped, and you're feeling great about your podcast appearance. But here's the thing: the real work is just getting started. In this final episode of the podcast guesting series, Gillian walks you through everything you should be doing once the mic goes off, from thanking your host and being a true co-marketer, to asking for the assets that most guests never think to request. She also shares a candid story about a guest who barely acknowledged their appearance, and why that's not just bad manners, it's a missed marketing opportunity.

Once you've got those files in hand, the content possibilities are enormous. Gillian breaks down how to turn one podcast appearance into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, audiograms, video shorts, slider posts, and even future book content. She shares her favorite tools for transcription and clip creation, explains how to build a Spotify playlist and YouTube channel showcasing your guest appearances, and gives you full permission to promote that episode you did six months ago and never shared. If you've been sitting on podcast gold, this episode will get you moving.

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

What if the language barrier is the only thing standing between you and publishing your book? In this episode, I sit down with Linda Jayne Turner, an academic editor based in Prague who has spent over 25 years helping non-native English speakers get their work published internationally. Born in Yorkshire, educated in Scotland, and now a dual UK/Czech citizen, Linda brings a unique perspective to the conversation about writing and editing across languages and cultures.

We explore the most common fears non-native English speakers face when writing a book in English, and Linda shares practical strategies for overcoming them. From the importance of preserving author voice during the editing process to knowing when to write originally in English versus translating, Linda breaks down what it really takes to turn your expertise into a credible, professional book. I also share my own experience co-authoring "Your Voice Matters" with Tiina Järvet, whose Estonian background created fascinating word choice challenges during editing. If you've been letting language hold you back from writing your book, this episode will show you that your message matters more than perfect English.

• Linda Jayne Turner: linkedin.com/in/lindajayneturner

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

Most authors would rather face a blank page than a room full of strangers. But what if the key to your next big opportunity isn't your book launch strategy or your social media presence, but the person standing next to you in line at the post office? In this episode, Gillian sits down with LinkedIn specialist and first-time author Debbie Wemyss to talk about her new book, "Networking From the Ground Up: Planting Seeds in a Digital Landscape." Debbie shares why real networking has nothing to do with collecting business cards or perfecting your elevator pitch, and everything to do with genuine curiosity, patience, and showing up as a human being first.

From chamber of commerce events to chance encounters on airplanes, Debbie reveals how asking simple questions and listening with real interest has led to paid speaking gigs, lasting professional friendships, and referrals she never saw coming. She also offers practical advice for introverts who dread walking into a room full of strangers, and explains why building your network is something you should never stop doing, whether you're launching your first book or your fifth. If you've ever thought networking isn't for you, this conversation might just change your mind.

•  Debbie Wemyss: linkedin.com/in/debbiewemyss

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

So you've been invited to be a guest on a podcast. Now what? In this solo episode, Gillian walks you through everything you need to know to show up like a pro, from getting your tech sorted out to preparing what you're actually going to talk about. She covers the essentials of webcams, microphones, lighting, and internet, and explains why being "Zoomable plus" is the standard you should aim for. She also shares why you shouldn't panic if the host doesn't send you questions in advance, and how to prepare your talking points, stories, and book sound bites so you're ready for anything.

But being a great podcast guest isn't just about what you say. Gillian digs into the things most people overlook: making eye contact with your webcam (not the screen), using body language to engage with your host, and why checking your phone mid-interview is the podcasting equivalent of looking over someone's shoulder at a party. She also shares a hilarious story involving her dog Max and a stash of emergency dog cookies. Whether this is your first podcast appearance or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make a lasting impression.

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

If you've written a book but freeze at the thought of talking about it in public, this episode is for you. Joyce Feustel is a Distinguished Toastmaster, LinkedIn coach, and podcast guest veteran who has been honing her communication and leadership skills through Toastmasters for nearly 30 years. She knows firsthand what it takes to walk into a room of 150 people and own it, and she's here to show you how to do the same.

Joyce and Gillian dig into why public speaking is a skill any author can learn, how Toastmasters builds confidence through practice and community, and why impromptu speaking is the secret ingredient to nailing any podcast interview or live Q and A. Whether you're preparing for your first speaking engagement or trying to get comfortable on camera, this conversation will give you practical tools and a whole lot of encouragement to show up and be seen.

• Joyce Feustel: linkedin.com/in/joycefeustel-socialmediatrainer

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

Think proofreading ends with your manuscript? Think again. In this eye-opening conversation, professional proofreader and copy editor Jennie Jolly (author of the popular Fowl Language newsletter and co-author of Becoming Unstoppable) reveals why authors need to think beyond the book when it comes to creating a clean, credible author brand. From Amazon descriptions and author pages to social media profiles and websites, your words are working 24/7, and every typo chips away at your credibility. Jennie shares the psychology behind why mistakes matter, the difference between forgivable one-off typos and damaging pattern errors, and why even the best writers can't catch their own mistakes. Spoiler alert: your brain fills in what you meant to say, not what you actually typed.

Whether it's a missing letter on your homepage or a misspelled word in your evergreen email sequence, small errors create friction that pulls readers out of the experience and makes them question your authority. Drawing from her diverse background as a teacher, paralegal, and editorial assistant, Jennie offers practical tips for DIY proofreading, explains when to call in professional help, and reminds authors that while one typo makes you human, repeated mistakes damage trust. If you're serious about building your authority through your book, this episode is a must-listen. Your words deserve to make the best first impression everywhere they appear.

• Fowl Language Newsletter
• Jennie Jolly: linkedin.com/in/jenniejolly

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

Podcast guesting is one of the most underutilized — and completely free — marketing strategies available to authors. But getting booked on the right shows doesn't happen by accident. In this solo episode, Gillian breaks down exactly how to set yourself up as a podcast guest, drawing on her experience from both sides of the mic — as a guest on dozens of shows and as host of nearly 250 episodes across two podcasts.

From her very first appearance on the Marketing Study Lab (landed through a warm introduction, not a cold pitch) to the one time she did pitch cold and never heard back, Gillian shares the real lessons that most people learn the hard way. You'll find out why relationships will always outperform pitching tools, how to find shows where your ideal reader is already listening, and what a ninja tip involving podcast reviews can do for your visibility before you even send a message.

Plus, Gillian puts her host hat on to share the mistakes that guarantee she won't book you — including the ones you probably didn't even know you were making. Your homework is waiting at the end.

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com

Ready to amplify your author voice and reach more readers? In this episode, Shari Biery—bestselling author, keynote speaker, and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach—shares her transformative journey into the world of audiobooks. With over two decades navigating high-demand environments as a military spouse and empowering women through her signature C.A.L.M. Method™, Shari brings a wealth of expertise to the art of authentic communication.

Discover the behind-the-scenes process of turning her book, "It's Your Turn", into a powerful audio experience—from choosing the right production partner to delivering a captivating narration that truly connects with listeners. Whether you're an aspiring or seasoned author, you'll gain eye-opening insights into the importance of professional production quality, maintaining your unique voice while collaborating with editors, and the surprising emotional impact of narrating your own work.

If you've been considering an audiobook to expand your impact as an author, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take that leap. Packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt storytelling, Shari's journey will inspire you to step into the power of your own voice and create an unforgettable audio experience for your readers.

• Shari Biery: linkedin.com/in/shari-biery

• Gillian Whitney: linkedin.com/in/gillianwhitney
• For more information checkout EasyPeasyBooks.com