Killer Prose

Earlier this month, Meta announced and update in the way businesses interact with the platform. They not only want to charge businesses for posting external links, they tried to add some pretty shady stuff to the terms of service.

I also talk about the update to KU and the rebrand to Kindle+.

Connect with the show at:

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tanner.rutledge2
• email me: [email protected]

Getting booted from KDP sucks, and it's happening to a lot of authors. Today, I sit down with Ali Toothman author of Libby Lives to talk about her experience and her place moving forward.

Connect with Ali at

• Author Website: https://alitoothmanauthor.bigcartel.com/
• Ali's Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/alitoothman

Links discussed in the episode:

• Novel Marketing Podcast: https://www.authormedia.com/why-amazon-is-terminating-innocent-authors/
• Draft 2 Digital: https://draft2digital.com/

Connect with the show at:

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

In today's episode, I talk about my plans for distribution and my thought process for choosing between being exclusive to KU or Going wide with my Ebooks. I also update you on the progress with Dangerous Whispers as we approach launch date.

Links discussed in the episode:

• Novel Marketing Podcast: https://www.authormedia.com/should-you-leave-kindle-unlimited-in-2026/
• Draft 2 Digital: https://draft2digital.com/

Connect with the show at:

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

In this episode I talk to author Andrew Najberg about balancing the art of writing with the business of publishing. I ask what's changed in his process since stepping into his new Role at Wicked House Publishing. We also talk about his new book Eat the Light.

Connect with Andrew at:

• www.Andrewnajberg.com
• www.wickedhouse.com

Meet Andrew at:

• https://acrosstheblackveil.bigcartel.com/
• https://www.dragoncon.org/

Connect with the show at:

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

Intro Music: Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In today's episode, I interview award winning audiobook narrator, Alice Sockett. We talk about what it's like to work with a professional narrator, how to find the right voice, and mistakes to avoid so you get the most out of your audiobook.

Connect with Alice:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/?hl=en

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• ACX: https://www.acx.com
• Audible: https://www.audible.com/
• SAG Aftra: https://www.sagaftra.org/
• Speaks and Squeaks: Subscribe on IG - https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/?hl=en

Connect with the show

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

In the episode, I talk to author Brad Ricks about his series, The Night Crew. We chat about what it's like to write a series vs. a stand-alone, writing a monster/case of the week format while weaving in overarching plot points, and the importance of strong, relatable characters.

Connect with Brad and his books at

• https://bradricks.com
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2YGMYG?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
• Join Brad's FB Group: http://facebook.com/groups/bradricksbookcrypt

Connect with the show

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

Word selection in fiction writing profoundly influences the narrative's tone and atmosphere, guiding the reader's emotional experience. Specificity in language allows for deeper insights into character. In this episode, I dig into word choice and how it can help you craft vivid worlds that keep your readers connected.

Connect with me:

• Join the Discord Community for live Writing Sprints: https://discord.gg/xkm9TPMzzb
• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

In this episode, I talk about the crucial role coaching has played in my voice acting and audiobook narration journey, and the importance of investing in the same professional guidance for writing. I look back on my six-year journey as a writer and how my initial focus on craft (while important) didn't help me with the business side of publishing, which is essential for success.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Voice Acting Academy: https://learnvoiceacting.com/
• Speaks and Squeaks: https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/?hl=en
• Self Publishing Show: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/podcast-sps-audio
• Learn Self Publishing/Self Publishing Launchpad Class: https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/
• AutoCrit Novel 90: https://www.autocrit.com/novel-90-writing-challenge-summer-g/?gc_id=23224406104&h_ad_id=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23215107735&gbraid=0AAAAABeZvfwnP34TEf9M-MRmdoWdm_6S1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0o3SBhBVEiwAh28-jehMSFfpHhmYmiMzlNSNT-I7N0b1URj0SCJCegGSQ4mtxldR8zgvERoCobAQAvD_BwE

Connect with me:

• Killer Prose Podcast: https://www.killerprose.com/
• Tanner Rutledge: https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KillerProse6645
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/?hl=en
• Narration IG: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/?hl=en
• email me: [email protected]

In this episode, Tanner talks about how seeking out feedback has helped him bcome a better writer and audiobook narrator.

Connect with the show at https://www.killerprose.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/9ZnxYbJj

Email me at [email protected]

Follow my work at https://www.tannerrutledgebooks.com

Holly's Writing Classes: https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/

Autocrit: https://www.autocrit.com/

Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/

Speaks and Squeaks Audiobook Narration / Alice Sockett Audio IG: https://www.instagram.com/alicesockettaudio/reels/

Find Philip Tetlock's book at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=expert+political+judgment&adgrpid=185084504103&hvadid=792698172367&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9013250&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=10890679551762733175--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10890679551762733175&hvtargid=kwd-302029149257&hydadcr=4574_13551743_2437509&mcid=9f8838a2178930258d8c92023f0a3c14&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_w7oyl1kqk_e

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner shares his one-year journey into audiobook narration. He details his initial struggles with recording quality and his gradual shift from podcasting to high-quality VO work. Tanner gets into the technical and financial aspects of setting up a professional recording environment, debunking myths about costly setups. He offers practical advice on equipment, room treatment, and skill development, explaining how he created a professional VO booth on a budget. Tanner also discusses the benefits of producing audio-first content, allowing for a direct connection with audiences and bypassing traditional publishing channels.

00:00 Introduction to Audiobook Narration

00:58 Setting Up a Professional Recording Studio

02:05 Differences Between Podcasting and Audiobook Narration

03:11 Building a Home Studio on a Budget

09:16 Improving Your Voice Acting Skills

10:39 Embracing Audio-First Content

13:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.com

Connect with me and sign up for my newsletter at https://tannerrutledgebooks.com/

Email me at: [email protected]

Connect with me on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/writingfright

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerprosepodcast/

VO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannerrutledgevo/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1HGx45K7dwaYIRJg_VcYQ?themeRefresh=1

Joe Zieja's Voice Acting Academy: https://learnvoiceacting.com/