Pros Talking Prose

Pros Talking Prose

By Stacey SmekofskeBusinessEntrepreneurshipArtsBooksCareers
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Pros Talking Prose episodes

  • Your Book Is NOT for Everyone (That's Why It Sells)

    Is your book really for everyone?

    One of the biggest mistakes authors make is trying to write, market, and sell their books to everyone. In reality, the most successful authors understand that books succeed when they connect deeply with the right readers, not all readers.

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert discuss why trying to appeal to everyone can actually hurt your book marketing, weaken your author brand, and make it harder to build a loyal readership.

    We explore audience targeting for authors, reader expectations, genre positioning, reader trust, author platforms, and why building a micro community of dedicated fans is more powerful than chasing a massive audience.

    Whether you're self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, understanding who your book is truly for can dramatically improve your marketing strategy and long-term author career.

    In This Episode:

    • Why "my book is for everyone" is a dangerous mindset
    • How reader expectations affect book sales and reviews
    • The difference between a mass audience and a micro community
    • Building superfans instead of chasing followers
    • Why genre positioning matters
    • How authors accidentally betray reader trust
    • Creating an author platform readers actually want to join
    • The role of authenticity in building a sustainable author business

    AI Sentiment Survey: https://printtopro.com/author-a-i-sentiment-survey/

    P2P Author Business Harbor: Join our community for free
    https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about

     

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Story Genius by Lisa Cron


    If you found this discussion helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with another author who may be trying to market their book to everyone.

    #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #AuthorPlatform #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #AuthorBusiness #BookPromotion #ReaderEngagement #WritingLife #Authors #BookMarketingStrategy #AuthorBrand #ProsTalkingProse

    1 hr 16 min
  • Your Book Title is Probably Hurting Sales

    Most authors think book titles are just creative decisions. They’re not.

    Your title is metadata. Your title is marketing. Your title is the FIRST signal readers get about your book, and if it’s confusing, generic, impossible to pronounce, or sounds like every other title in your genre… readers are already moving on.

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske break down why so many authors struggle with titling their books, how trends like “shadow/thorn/ash” naming conventions are flooding the market, and what actually makes a title memorable, searchable, clickable, and marketable.

    We also talk about:

    • Why readers judge books almost instantly
    • The biggest title mistakes authors make
    • Why “clever” often fails
    • Genre expectations and title psychology
    • Searchability and discoverability on Amazon
    • Why your title is part of your metadata strategy
    • The problem with trendy fantasy naming conventions
    • Why some titles actively hurt sales
    • How to test your title BEFORE launch
    • What authors should know about AI-generated titles and covers
    • Why readability matters more than authors think

    Also, we discuss updates surrounding the Anthropic AI lawsuit, Amazon reporting/review delays, and our upcoming AI sentiment survey for authors and readers.

    If you’re struggling to title your novel, nonfiction book, memoir, thriller, fantasy, romance, or cozy mystery… this episode is for you.

    👇 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED

    Join the FREE P2P Author Business Harbor community on Skool

    https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor

    Print to Pro: www.printtopro.com

    The Plot Abides: www.theplotabides.com

    AI Publishing Sentiment Survey

     

    If this episode helped you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another author. Every share genuinely helps us reach more writers trying to navigate publishing professionally.

    #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AmWriting #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #BookTitles #PublishingTips #Authors #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #BookMarketingTips #ThrillerBooks #AuthorBusiness #Anthropicnews #AIwriting 

    1 hr 11 min
  • Some Authors Forgot How to Enjoy Writing

    Some authors became so focused on “being professional” that they forgot how to actually enjoy writing.

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert tackle burnout, doomscrolling, industry panic, AI fearmongering, and the emotional exhaustion many authors are quietly carrying right now.
    We talk honestly about:
    • treating your author career like a hobby (in a healthy way)
    • why disruption in publishing never lasts forever
    • protecting your creativity during difficult seasons
    • how to stop tying your self-worth to book sales
    • why long-term authors survive by “keeping showing up”
    • maintaining joy while still taking your business seriously
    If you’re struggling with motivation, discouraged by slow growth, overwhelmed by social media, or simply trying to reconnect with WHY you started writing in the first place, this conversation is for you.
    Professional doesn’t have to mean miserable.
    RESOURCES 
    Print to Pro Classes & Webinars:
    https://printtopro.com
    Fjeldheim Writers Retreat:
    FjeldheimWritersRetreat.com
    Bonus Episode with Becca Syme & Roland Denzel:
    https://youtu.be/CgmV7Dk9Gvc
    Becca Syme / Better Faster Academy:
    https://betterfasteracademy.com
    Join the FREE P2P Author Business Harbor Community on Skool:
    https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about

    #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #BookWriting #Publishing #WritersOfYouTube #CreativeBurnout #AuthorBusiness #WritersLife #WritingMotivation #ProsTalkingProse

    1 hr 8 min
  • The Healthiest Authors Think Differently About Success

    In this special bonus episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske sit down with powerhouse author coaches Becca Syme and Roland Denzel for an honest, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about author burnout, publishing disruption, mental health, creativity, resilience, and what it actually means to build a sustainable writing life.

    From the realities of traditional publishing and indie pressure to social media overwhelm, writing retreats, productivity myths, and the importance of protecting your creative energy, this episode explores why the healthiest authors often approach success very differently than the industry expects.

    Whether you're a full-time author, part-time creative, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single “right” way to build a writing career.

    In This Episode:

    Why publishing feels unstable for so many writers right now

    The hidden mental health costs of modern author culture

    The truth about traditional publishing vs indie publishing

    Why resilience matters more than certainty

    How different author brains process creativity

    Why some writers should absolutely edit as they go

    The danger of comparing your process to other authors

    Social media burnout and protecting your creative focus

    Writing as a business vs writing as a lifelong creative practice

    Why writing retreats can reignite creativity and momentum

    If you’re tired of hustle culture, burnout advice, and feeling like you’re “doing publishing wrong,” this conversation might be exactly what you need.

     

    #ProsTalkingProse #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #PublishingIndustry #WritingRetreat #AuthorBurnout #BeccaSyme #RolandDenzel #WritingPodcast #AuthorBusiness #CreativeProcess #BookMarketing #WritingLife #SelfPublishing

    1 hr 9 min
  • The Author Career Myth That’s Burning Writers Out

    Most authors are told to obsess over launches, bestseller rankings, and “making it” with their debut novel, but what if that mindset is exactly what’s destroying long-term author careers?

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the dangerous publishing myths that are exhausting writers, sabotaging marketing efforts, and creating unrealistic expectations in modern publishing.
    We dive into:
    • Why your debut novel is NOT your career
    • Why viral launches rarely create sustainable success
    • The real difference between marketing and advertising
    • Why midlist authors often outlast breakout stars
    • Building long-term visibility instead of chasing spikes
    • AI discoverability, metadata, and semantic search changes
    • Why authors need adaptability to survive today’s industry
    • Reader promises, branding, direct sales, and superfans
    • How to stop burning out and start building longevity
    If you’ve ever felt discouraged because your launch didn’t explode overnight, this episode is for you. Your career is built by continuing to show up, not just on one book.
    Want more publishing and author business education? Access free webinars and power sessions.
    Visit Print to Pro: https://printtopro.com
    Follow Pros Talking Prose for weekly conversations on:
    • Publishing
    • Writing craft
    • Marketing
    • Author business
    • Industry news
    • AI & discoverability
    • Sustainable author careers
    #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #BookMarketing #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #Publishing #AmWriting #AuthorBusiness #WritersLife #BookTube #CreativeBusiness #WritingTips #Metadata #AIsearch

    1 hr 23 min
  • Your Editor Is Protecting Your Feelings (Not Your Sales)

    Most authors believe a simple idea: “If my book is good, it will sell.”

    That belief is costing authors thousands of dollars.
    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down the real reason most books don’t sell—and why your editor may not be telling you the full truth about book sales, publishing expectations, and author profitability. 
    What we cover:
    • Why don’t good books sell?
    • Can editors predict book sales?
    • Do authors make their money back after editing?
    • What does it actually take to sell books in today’s market?
    • What is the difference between writing a good book and building a sellable product?
    Key takeaways: 
    • A well-written book is not the same as a marketable book
    • Editors focus on craft, not sales strategy
    • Most authors underestimate the business side of publishing
    • Book sales depend on positioning, packaging, and audience alignment
    • The publishing industry operates on a power-law distribution (few winners, many low sellers)
    This episode is for:
    • Indie authors and self-published writers
    • Authors preparing to hire an editor
    • Writers frustrated with low book sales
    • Anyone building an author business instead of just writing a book
    The Truth about Publishing is that most authors:
    • Overspend on editing without a sales strategy
    • Expect their editor to guide business decisions
    • Skip critical steps like market positioning and audience targeting
    Your editor can improve your manuscript, but they cannot guarantee book sales.
    Resources:
    If you want to learn how to:
    • Build a profitable author business
    • Position your book in the market
    • Understand metadata, pricing, and discoverability
     Visit: https://printtopro.com
    Join our free Power Sessions & Craft Lab trainings

    #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #AuthorBusiness #PublishingIndustry #AmWriting #WritersLife #BookSales #AuthorTips #CreativeBusiness #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #AIinPublishing #ContentStrategy

    1 hr 43 min
  • Why "Just Read More" is Terrible Writing Advice

    Just reading more isn’t making you a better writer, is it? Well, there is a reason. It’s because that is crappy advice. 

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down one of the most common pieces of writing advice out there… and why it’s incomplete at best and misleading at worst. Yes, reading matters. Yes, consuming story matters. But if you’re doing it passively? You’re not improving. So we took a deeper dive from last week’s discussion to really understand how to dig deeper into stories. 
    We dig into:
    • Why most writers don’t really understand story 
    • The difference between consuming vs. analyzing 
    • How to dissect stories with intention 
    • Why AI can’t replace human story instincts 
    • What separates hobby writers from professionals 
    We also get into pacing, structure, character, and why some stories work (and others absolutely don’t). 
    If you’ve ever felt like you’re putting in the time—but not getting better—this episode is for you.
    If you want to level up your story skills, check out Troy’s Plot Dude’s Guide to Story
    https://theplotabides.com/plot-dude-courses/
    You can find more Free resources and training for authors at http://PrintToPro.com

    Pros Talking Prose

    Brutally Honest. Weirdly Helpful. Always Entertaining.

    #WritingAdvice #StoryStructure #WritingTips #HowToWriteBetter #StoryAnalysis #WritingMyths #BadWritingAdvice #AuthorLife #CreativeWriting #WritersOfYouTube #PlotDevelopment #CharacterDevelopment #ProsTalkingProse #IndieAuthorTips #WritingCraft


    1 hr 30 min
  • Authors Are Skipping Research… And It Shows

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re tackling a growing problem in the writing world: authors who want to write books, but don’t want to study the craft, read, or do the research.

    Yes… we said it.
    From viral debates about writers who don’t read to the overreliance on AI as a “research tool,” we break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes, and why it’s showing up in your manuscript.
     Writing isn’t just creativity; instead, you need to understand that it is talent and informed storytelling.
    We hit on some truths, including: 
    Why skipping research leads to flat, amateur writing
    The difference between consuming stories vs. studying them
    How AI is being misused (and where it actually does help)
    What “good research” really looks like for fiction and nonfiction
    Why readers can feel when something is off—even if they can’t explain it
    The “I don’t read” author trend (and why it’s a red flag)
    AI hallucinations and why it’s not a reliable source
    The gap between thinking you understand a story… and actually understanding it

    If you want to write books that sell, connect, and hold up under scrutiny, then this is a conversation you can’t skip. Cutting corners in research will not only show up in your manuscript, but it will also show up later… in your reviews.

    Pros Talking Prose — Brutally Honest. Weirdly Helpful. Always Entertaining.

    #WritingTips #AuthorLife #BookWriting #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #WritingAdvice #AIWriting #Storytelling #Authors #learntowrite #readbookseveryday #bookpublishing 

    1 hr 41 min
  • You Don't Want an Editor, You Want Validation

    Let’s just say the quiet part out loud…

    Most writers say they want honest feedback until they actually get it.

    In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most uncomfortable (and necessary) parts of being an author: criticism. We aren’t talking about the fluffy kind of feedback; we aren’t giving you the “you’re doing amazing, sweetie” kind. We are addressing the real kind. You know, the kind that actually makes your book better.

    Truth is, if feedback makes you angry, it’s probably doing its job.

    We break down:

    • Why authors have BIG, but fragile, egos
    • What’s actually happening when you get defensive over edits
    • The difference between criticism that builds your book and validation that keeps it stuck
    • How AI and “safe spaces” are quietly making writers weaker
    • Why your first draft is not supposed to be good (and never was)
    • What to do when feedback hits hard (without blowing up your editor relationship)

      • We’re also pulling back the curtain on real client experiences and what happens when authors lean in… and what happens when they walk away. Spoiler Alert: One path leads to growth. The other leads to a book that never reaches its potential.

      And yeah… we talk about the ego. A lot. Because at the end of the day, resistance to growth and learning is stunting your progress. So, if you want to be a better writer, not just a published one, this is the conversation you need to hear.

      Some Resources we mention:

      ✔️ Explore InPrint Academy – your full publishing roadmap https://learning.printtopro.com/inprint-academy-discount/

      ✔️ Start with Paper Trail – find your publishing path https://learning.printtopro.com/paper-trail/
      ✔️ Find tools + trainings to help you remove AI voice and strengthen your manuscript at PrintToPro.com

      Join us at Fjeldheim Writers Retreat: https://fjeldheimwritersretreat.com

       

      ABOUT THE PODCAST

      Pros Talking Prose is brutally honest, weirdly helpful, and always entertaining.
      We talk writing, publishing, and the author business, without the fluff.

      #WritingAdvice #AmWriting #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #BookEditing #WritersOfYouTube #AuthorBusiness #CreativeProcess #WritersBlock #AIWriting #IndieAuthors #WritingTips #PublishingTips #Ego #Criticism

      1 hr 13 min
    • AI Isn't the Problem. How You Use It Is.

      Everyone’s arguing about AI in publishing, but they’re missing the point.

      AI isn’t going anywhere. Authors are using it for everything from brainstorming to drafting entire manuscripts, but here’s the reality no one wants to say out loud: You STILL have to do the work.
      I created a tool to help! It's FREE and you can download it HERE: 
      https://learning.printtopro.com/cleaning-ai-from-your-prose/

      In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down what’s actually happening when authors rely on AI and why so many books are starting to feel flat, predictable, and disconnected. More importantly, we walk you through how to use AI without losing your voice, your originality, or your readers.

      We’re not here to tell you to ditch AI, instead, we are showing you how to use it correctly... and what happens when you don’t.

      Inside this episode:

      Why readers can feel AI writing (even if they can’t explain it)
      The biggest mistakes authors make when using AI tools
      What editors are seeing behind the scenes right now
      Why “fixing it with prompts” doesn’t actually work
      How to scrub AI out of your manuscript (the right way)
      What you need to do before you hire an editor (and save yourself money)

      If you’re using AI in your writing (or even thinking about it) this is the conversation you need to hear before you hit publish. 

      #WritingTips #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #AIWriting #AmWriting #IndieAuthors #BookMarketing #WritingCommunity #Editors #PublishingTips

      1 hr 38 min

    About Pros Talking Prose

    From the publisher's feed

    Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry.