Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing book formats—and if you're planning to produce one, this interview is your roadmap. Sharissa sits down with Mary Catherine Jones, executive producer of The Audiobook Experience, to unpack exactly what goes into creating a professional audiobook.

Mary Catherine has worked with dozens of authors to bring their books to life through audio. Whether you're narrating your own memoir or hiring a voice actor for your novel, she shares everything you need to know to get your project off the ground—and avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] What an author should know before reaching out to an audiobook producer
• [00:02:30] Who should narrate your book—and when to hire a professional voice actor
• [00:03:40] Production timelines, pricing by the "finished hour," and how to calculate cost
• [00:05:00] Planning your launch and why authors should think months ahead
• [00:07:50] What makes scheduling so complex—and why early planning saves you stress
• [00:10:00] Why you should submit your audiobook at least 4 weeks before your launch date
• [00:12:00] Essential author prep: covers, ISBNs, distribution accounts, narrator guidelines
• [00:16:00] Special considerations for memoirs, fantasy fiction, and books with hard-to-pronounce names
• [00:18:30] How to handle charts, graphs, and supplemental material in nonfiction audiobooks
• [00:20:00] Red flags when hiring producers or studios—and how to know they're not audiobook-ready
• [00:23:00] The difference between music studios and audiobook studios (it matters!)
• [00:26:00] Why studio environment impacts your voice—and how to choose a space that supports you
• [00:28:00] Why you must require audition samples using your own book's words
• [00:31:00] Encouragement for first-time audiobook authors and Mary Catherine's love for memoirs

Ways to connect with Mary Catherine Jones:

Website: https://voiceoververmont.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaudiobookexperience/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycatherinecarletonjones/

You can also find her in the Project Seed Money Directory: https://projectseedmoney.com/directory/

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/jAG97a0r7pc

Guest: Brooke Black

Host: Sharissa Bradley

In this eye-opening conversation, editor and founder of Black Bear Communications, Brooke Black, shares her unique approach to editing and author support. Brooke has built an empowering space for writers through her editing business and the Hive Collective—a collaborative author support community offering editing, coaching, marketing, and more.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] Brooke's journey from English major to grant editor to business owner
• [00:04:06] When authors should reach out to an editor (hint: it's earlier than you think!)
• [00:06:00] Overview of the Hive Collective and its fully customizable support system
• [00:09:00] How a Zoom support group created unexpected community for older authors
• [00:12:00] Language shifts that foster collaboration, not competition, in publishing
• [00:14:00] Red flags to watch out for when hiring an editor
• [00:18:45] The most important questions to ask during your first call with an editor
• [00:22:00] Brooke's heartfelt encouragement for anyone afraid to begin their writing journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about the Hive Collective at blackbearcomms.net
• Contact Brooke directly: [email protected]
• Follow Brooke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbearcomms
• Brooke on the Project Seed Money Directory: https://projectseedmoney.com/directory/

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6wlGYpf_6og

Guest: Erika Steeves

Host: Sharissa Bradley

Episode Summary: In this industry-deep dive, editor Erika Steeves joins Sharissa to demystify the editing process for authors at every stage. From booking timelines and payment standards to red flags to avoid, Erika shares expert advice to help you navigate the editing journey with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] How to approach an editor and what to expect from the initial onboarding process
• [00:04:30] Editing timelines by service type: copyediting, developmental, and proofreading
• [00:07:20] What happens between first and second passes and ideal author turnaround time
• [00:09:00] How Erika manages her editing workload and why she only takes 1–2 projects at a time
• [00:11:00] Questions every author should ask before signing with an editor
• [00:13:00] Red flags to look for: rushed timelines, no contract, prices too low to be true
• [00:17:00] Payment terms: what's standard and what's a red flag
• [00:20:00] When is your manuscript ready for editing? How to prepare for professional services
• [00:22:00] Erika's words of encouragement to writers afraid of the editing process

Resources Mentioned:

• Erika's Website: www.erikasteeves.com
• Instagram: @erika.steeves.edits
• Project Seed Money Community: https://www.projectseedmoney.com
• Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/liJMx67ePtI

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Host: Sharissa Bradley

Guest: Heather Wilde of Hezzie Mae Books

In this soul-deep episode of Project Seed Money, we sit down with Heather Wilde, publisher and author of Tumbled, to explore how writing her memoir became one of the most powerful healing experiences of her life.

Heather shares how she felt called to write her story after a lifetime of holding it in—and how every edit, every paragraph, helped her release something she didn't even know she was carrying. From the moment she enrolled in a writing program to the first time she held her book in her hands, Heather's story is a masterclass in what it means to reclaim your voice.

In this episode, we cover:

• The exact moment Heather knew it was time to write her book
• How writing helped her move trauma out of her body
• What it felt like to publish her story for the world to read
• Her message to women who feel afraid to share their truth

Connect with Heather:

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Books: https://hezziemae.com/books/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.wilde.1975

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernwilde/

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v5qMo8iYJ8U

Guest: Loretta Graham Host: Sharissa Bradley

In this episode, we explore:

• How Loretta's caregiving journey sparked her first published book

• Lessons on balancing life's sacrifices with personal creativity

• The importance of continuing to dream, no matter your age

• Writing children's books, memoirs, and healing stories from the heart

• Faith, trust, grief, and growing into a new life after loss

Resources Mentioned:

• The ABZs of Sanity by Loretta Graham (2013)

• Project Seed Money Directory

Connect with Loretta:

Substack: https://substack.com/@lorettagraham

Medium: https://medium.com/@deaygraham

CashAPP: https://cash.app/$LorettaGraham

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorettagraham226

Facebook: https://facebook.com/iamlorettagraham

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g6Y2siw6sFE

Guest: Gina Ramsey Host: Sharissa Bradley

Gina Ramsey didn't plan to become a writer—but life (and a burnt glove box) had other ideas. In this episode of Project Seed Money, Gina shares how decades of chaotic mishaps, journaling on paper towels, and a spark from NaNoWriMo led to the hilarious Burnt Gloveboxes series. She talks about writing through doubt, building community, and launching an anthology to help others do the same.

What We Talk About:

• The true story behind Burnt Gloveboxes
• Why it took 20 years—and how everything aligned at the right moment
• Using humor as a healing tool and connector
• Navigating fear, vulnerability, and imposter syndrome
• The surprising power of writing your stories down—even on paper towels
• Her new Murphy's Law–inspired anthology series (and how you can submit!)

Links & Resources:

• Gina's books: https://www.ginaramseyauthor.com/shop
• Writing coach: https://www.leslieleylandfields.com
• Gina's Publisher: https://highlanderpressbooks.com

🔗 Connect with Gina Ramsey

• Website: https://www.ginaramseyauthor.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginaramsey429

• Tic Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@booklady45

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@ginaramsey429

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaramsey

Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/0jQbJ_PrGTY

You can check out our directory here: https://projectseedmoney.com/directory/

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode. Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

In this heartfelt interview, author Elizabeth Wilson dives deep into her memoir writing process, the emotional rewrites, and the reason she continues to push forward: to reach the women who need her story most.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Elizabeth rewrote her memoir three times

• Using journaling to capture raw emotion and fact-check life events

• How her divorce reshaped the narrative she was telling

• Her strategy for using cut content in a monthly email teaser series

• Balancing bravery with caution when sharing deeply personal stories

• How writing in community and body doubling helps neurodivergent writers

• The importance of showing up consistently and taking the very next step

Resources Mentioned:

• Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks

• Save the Cat! story structure method

• Elizabeth's memoir writing program

• Inspired Writer Collect Podcast

🔗 Connect with Elizabeth:

Podcast: https://inspiredwritercollectivepodcast.buzzsprout.com

Memoir Writing Course: https://www.elizabethcwilson.com/write

Blog: https://www.elizabethcwilson.com

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewilsonwrites/

💌 Subscribe to the Project Seed Money newsletter for more author interviews, publishing tips, and inspiration: https://projectseedmoney.com/newsletter/

Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/gIZC8_UqpQo

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

In this episode, host Sharissa Bradley interviews Australian author Jaimee Mayne. They discuss common challenges women face in translating their internal stories into written works and offer insights into overcoming these blocks. Jaimee shares her personal journey, touching on her early love of storytelling, her struggles with self-criticism, and her path to self-publishing. She highlights the importance of writing as a healing process and offers practical advice for aspiring writers, including the significance of establishing a routine and understanding the creative process. The episode aims to inspire and motivate women to share their stories and navigate the hurdles in their writing journey. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:32 Overcoming Writing Blocks 03:22 Jaimee's Writing Journey 06:25 Healing Through Writing 07:53 Publishing Process Insights 11:38 Balancing Life and Writing 27:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 30:37 Closing Remarks Connect with Jaimee more on her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeekateaustralia/ Pick up a copy of her book: https://amzn.to/421gMoO *affiliate link

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dp7OW6QDrCw

In this episode, host Sharissa Bradley interviews Vivianna Severance, an author and store owner from Terrell, Texas. Vivianna shares her journey of discovering a passion for writing, publishing her first book collection, and creating a unique tarot workbook. The discussion delves into her process of developing intuitive tarot reading, transforming her online course into a published workbook, and the challenges and triumphs of becoming a published author. Vivianna offers valuable advice to aspiring authors and details where she can be found online and in person. Join Sharissa and Vivianna to learn about tapping into intuition and the rewarding path to authorship. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Vivianna's Writing Journey 01:59 The Birth of the Tarot Workbook 04:12 Publishing Challenges and Triumphs 10:48 Advice for Aspiring Authors 14:38 Where to Find Vivianna and Her Work 15:40 Closing Remarks Connect with Vivianna on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_wildraven_/ Her website: https://wildravensnest.com Buy her books: https://wildravensnest.com/products/tarot-alchemy-bundle?_pos=5&_sid=7187ab1d6&_ss=r

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/7TXsgx40iF8

In this episode, host Sharissa Bradley interviews author Toby Dorr. They discuss the importance of storytelling, especially for women, and how each person's unique way of telling their story can impact others. Toby shares her journey to becoming a published author, the challenges of writing and editing a memoir, and offers practical advice for aspiring writers. She emphasizes the need for perseverance, the importance of professional editing, and using technology to refine one's work. The conversation also highlights the therapeutic and communal benefits of memoir writing. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 The Importance of Telling Your Story 01:35 Toby Dorr's Writing Journey 02:54 Publishing and Editing Insights 11:08 The Emotional Challenges of Writing a Memoir 12:44 Encouragement for Aspiring Memoir Writers 19:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell Find more about Toby Dorr: Website: https://tobydorr.com Book: https://tobydorr.com/living-with-conviction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobydorr/ Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit www.projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode. Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/ Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/YiUYNaT0O6I