What if your book isn’t failing because of your writing… but because of your strategy?

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with publishing strategist and former Simon & Schuster editor Ally Machate to break down what most authors get wrong before they ever hit publish.

If you’ve ever wondered:

•  Why some books actually grow a business… and others don’t 
•  Whether you’re writing the right book 
•  Why marketing feels so hard after publishing 

This conversation will change how you think about the entire process.

Ally shares her 4-step framework: Guide → Develop → Publish → Grow and explains why skipping the early stages leads to wasted time, money, and frustration.

What You’ll Learn

•  Why writing a book without a clear goal almost guarantees it won’t sell 
•  The difference between developmental editing vs. copy editing (and why it matters) 
•  Why most authors misunderstand marketing, and how to fix it 
•  How to turn your book into a long-term business asset 
•  The truth about “fast publishing” and AI-written books 

Key Takeaway

👉 A book is not just something you publish, it’s something you build with intention to create impact, visibility, and growth.

Free Resource from Ally

Don’t Write the Wrong Book (Free Training)
 https://offers.thewritersally.com/finish-the-damn-book

Connect with Ally Machate

🌐 https://thewritersally.com

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

What if your book wasn’t the finish line, but the beginning of something bigger?

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with publishing strategist and “bee lady” Judy M. Baker, founder of Buzzworthy Books. Judy shares her unique approach to helping authors create meaningful, sustainable visibility by aligning their book with their bigger mission.

From her early days working in Napa Valley wine country to publishing her first book at just 16, Judy’s journey is full of unexpected connections, bold decisions, and powerful insights.

You’ll discover:

•  Why your book should be part of a bigger ecosystem, not a one-and-done project 
•  How “bees for brand” can transform your visibility and audience growth 
•  The importance of consistency, clarity, and connection in your author platform 
•  Why building an email list matters more than chasing social media 
•  The biggest mistake authors make (and how to avoid it) 

If you’re writing—or thinking about writing—a book, this conversation will change how you approach it.

Connect with Judy M. Baker

Website: https://buzzworthybooks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judybaker/

Ready to finish your book and turn it into something bigger?
Book a consultation at FinishTheBookPublishing.com

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

Struggling to finish your book, or feeling like your writing doesn’t sound like you anymore?

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book Podcast, Susie Schaefer sits down with ghostwriter, developmental editor, and writing coach MJ Halberstadt to explore how writers can reconnect to their voice, build momentum, and navigate writing in an AI-driven world.

MJ shares how he moved from copywriting into ghostwriting, and why the label “developmental editing” is often more collaborative, and more powerful than people realize. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to create a book that sounds like you, not like a template.

You’ll also learn a practical system that makes big manuscripts feel possible: six-week writing sprints. These shorter cycles create clear goalposts, realistic deadlines, and the flexibility to pivot when your title, structure, or story needs to evolve.

The conversation goes deeper into what success really looks like for authors today, especially when your book is part of a larger thought leadership ecosystem. MJ shares insights on how a single newsletter can grow into a powerful nonfiction book.

And then, the big question: Will AI replace writers, editors, and ghostwriters?

Susie and MJ break down what AI can support, what it flattens, and why the slow writing process isn’t a flaw, it’s what creates depth, clarity, and transformation. Because writing a book isn’t just about producing pages… it’s about becoming the person who can share them.

You’ll also hear:

•  Why many writers feel disconnected from their voice (and how to fix it) 
•  How breaking your book into smaller phases reduces overwhelm 
•  Why relationships, not algorithms, shape the strongest books 
•  A powerful creative technique using voice memos to unlock emotional, authentic writing 
•  Why the writing journey itself is just as important as the finished book 

If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing yourself, or wondering if your book is even worth finishing, this episode will help you reconnect to what matters and take your next step forward.

Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a writer who needs it.
If this resonated, leave a review to help more writers finish what they started.

Connect with MJ Halberstadt

Want to learn more about MJ’s work or explore his unique approach to voice-driven writing?

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://findthewordswithmj.com

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjhalberstadt

Special Offer:
MJ mentioned a powerful exercise where he creates a voice memo from your “ideal reader” to help unlock deeper, more authentic writing. If that resonates, reach out to him directly to learn more.

 If this episode sparked something for you, MJ is someone who truly helps authors reconnect with their voice. 

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

If you’ve ever felt like your book has to be perfect before you can finish it…
this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Susie Schaefer sits down with author Janelle Strube to unpack the anxiety, pressure, and perfectionism that keep so many writers stuck.

Janelle shares what it really felt like to write her novel Adelaide, Painter of the Revolution, from battling the fear of rejection to navigating the emotional weight of her personal story.

And one of the biggest takeaways?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why anxiety and perfectionism can quietly stall your writing
 • How to stop rewriting and actually finish your book
 • The difference between “good enough” and “never done”
 • What it’s like to work with a hybrid publisher
 • Why writing your book is only the beginning of the journey
 • How to trust your voice (even when you doubt it)
 • The surprising role intuition can play in storytelling

📚 Check out Janelle’s book:

👉 https://a.co/d/0bT737Ko

🔗 Connect with Janelle:

🌐 https://janellstrube.com/

📘 https://www.facebook.com/janell.strube

📸 https://www.instagram.com/janellstrube/

Ready to finish your book?

👉 https://finishthebookpublishing.com

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book, but keep feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start…

This episode is different.

In this special behind-the-scenes conversation, Susie Schaefer joins International Award-Winning Author Coach Susan Crossman inside a live Build-a-Book Community Clinic, where aspiring authors open up about what’s really holding them back.

And what unfolds is something every writer needs to hear.

You’ll hear real questions, real struggles, and real breakthroughs around:

• The fear that keeps people from publishing
 • How to stop rewriting and finally finish your book
 • Why structure actually creates more creativity
 • What authors get wrong about ISBNs, copyright, and ownership
 • How to know when your book is “done enough”
 • When to start marketing your book (hint: earlier than you think)

One of the most powerful moments?
 When a writer admits they’ve rewritten their work over and over, and Susie responds:

This episode isn’t about perfection.
 It’s about momentum.

If you’ve been circling your book… this might be the moment you finally move forward.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

What if your book didn’t just launch a message, but fueled an entire movement?

In this episode, Kimberly Spencer shares the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned her book into the foundation for two thriving companies. From sprint writing in an Airbnb to securing dozens of legal case-study permissions in just days, Kimberly reveals what it really takes to move from idea to impact.

We talk about the balance between intuition and structure, the importance of community when launching a book, and why podcast guesting can become one of the most powerful marketing engines for authors.

Kimberly also opens up about navigating criticism, letting go of perfectionism, and building a long-term roadmap for authors who want their work to create lasting change.

If you’re writing a book, or thinking about launching one, this conversation offers practical insights on how to align your message, business, and platform for real momentum.

In this episode we discuss:

• Aligning your book with clear business and impact goals
 • Breaking a writing deadline with a focused sprint retreat
 • Securing 32 case study releases in just five days
 • Shifting perfectionism toward clarity and consent
 • Turning a book launch from a “me goal” into a “we goal”
• Using podcast guest appearances to drive demand for your book
• Handling criticism while maintaining standards and boundaries
• Balancing faith, intuition, and due diligence in business decisions
• Planning writing and launches seasonally for sustainability
• Building a long-term roadmap of books and ideas
• The concept behind Kimberly’s upcoming book Money Bulimia
• How family, faith, and community can fuel creative work

Continue the conversation with Kimberly at CrownYourself.com and explore more episodes of her podcast.

Interested in learning how guest podcasting can generate serious revenue?
Reserve your spot for the 100K Profit From Guest Podcasting call at CommunicationQueens.com.

If you’re ready to move your book forward, schedule a consultation at
FinishTheBookPublishing.com to explore the next steps in your publishing journey.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

Pam Dwyer joins the Finish the Damn Book Podcast to share how a second-edition memoir evolved into a full podcast production business — and why authors must think beyond the book.

In this episode, we explore how brand clarity, consistent publishing, and smart distribution transform a personal story into a sustainable platform.

We discuss:

• Turning a finished book into a discoverable brand
 • Using Plus One actions to build steady momentum
 • Learning SEO basics and understanding how Google works
 • Treating YouTube as video-first while honoring audio listeners
 • Using AI for structure while protecting your authentic voice
 • Deciding on pen names and timing for disclosure
 • Healing through storytelling — and choosing the right moment
 • Building systems, time-blocking, and measuring ROI
 • Prioritizing listener experience over pure technical polish

Pam is the bestselling author of From the Piney Woods (written as PJ Hamilton) and founder of TPKK Concepts, where she supports authors and entrepreneurs with podcast strategy, editing, and publishing.

Learn more:
 Finish the Book Publishing → https://finishbookpublishing.com

Podcast editing & publishing services → https://www.tpkkconcepts.com/podcast-editing-publishing/

Get From the Piney Woods → https://geni.us/FromThePineyWoods

If this conversation resonates, subscribe to Finish the Damn Book and leave a review. It helps more writers find the show.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

We talk with Dr. Jodi Blinko about finishing her book, rebuilding Zen Leader, and how authenticity, intuition, and simple mantras can carry real weight in business and creative life. A live card reading frames the year’s energy and offers a clear path to build with focus.

• turning Inner Alchemy from idea to finished book
• relaunching Zen Leader to serve holistic and corporate needs
• choosing values over ego and people pleasing
• healing old beliefs and letting go of misaligned roles
• intuition as a daily leadership and hiring tool
• title choice, brand voice, and audience fit
• card reading on receiving, purpose, and building by the book
• programs, masterclass, and how to work with Jodi
• mantras for imposter syndrome and creative stamina

If you're serious about finishing the damn book and want to explore what that can look like for you, your next step is a conversation. You can book a consultation at FinishTheBookPublishing.com and find out what it would take to move your book forward

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

A career doesn’t always start with a plan; sometimes it starts with a nudge you can’t ignore. We sit down with MeiMei Fox—two-time New York Times bestselling author, ghostwriter, and coach—to unpack the real mechanics of writing a book readers finish and share. From a surprise first deal to decades of editorial trenches, MeiMei shows why your brain trusts story more than stats, and how to turn lived experience into pages that move people to action.

We get practical fast. MeiMei breaks down a five-day best-selling book blueprint that helps you shape a clear promise, map chapters with intent, and build momentum with an email list that actually converts. Then we get honest about AI: where it shines (outlines, titles, grammar, keyword strategy) and where it fails (soul, specificity, and voice). The takeaway is empowering—use AI as a collaborator to speed structure and polish, then rely on human nuance to make the work unforgettable.

We also talk money, timelines, and expectations. Big advances are rare, promotion budgets aren’t a windfall, and yet the path to impact is clearer than ever: sharper positioning, tighter edits, and consistent audience building. Beyond tactics, MeiMei shares how memoir became medicine, why writing can rewire your brain, and how following intuition led to love, family, and a new chapter abroad. It’s part craft class, part reality check, and part permission slip to write the scene you’ve been avoiding.

Ready to finish your book with courage and clarity? Follow, share with a writer friend, and leave a quick review to help more authors find the show.

Visit MeiMei Fox online at writeyourbestsellingbook.com 

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

In this episode, ghostwriter and developmental editor Charlie Daly reveals how to write stories that truly matter. He and host Susie Schafer dive into intuition, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and why the deepest truths—messy, imperfect, and human—create the most powerful books. From navigating tough interviews to breaking through a writer’s emotional blocks, Charlie shares how real storytelling happens when authors drop the mask, embrace authenticity, and dare to go deeper.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
 • Writing and revision tips
 • Publishing and self-publishing guidance
 • Book marketing and platform-building
 • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
 • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
 https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/