Pros Talking Prose

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Welcome to Pros Talking Prose—where we get real (and a little ridiculous) about writing, publishing, and turning your author dream into a thriving business.

From Lost to Found: Using Genre & Metadata to Skyrocket Book Sales

💸 Taxes for Authors? Don’t Panic — We’ve Got You Covered! 

Cue the dramatic music—it's tax season, and authors everywhere are asking the big questions:

In this laugh-so-you-don’t-cry episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the not-so-glamorous but totally necessary world of taxes for authors. Whether you're self-published, indie, hybrid, or traditionally published, if you're earning income from your writing, this episode is for YOU.

We dive into:

BONUS: Download our free Author Tax Prep Checklist — because nothing says “responsible authorpreneur” like a checklist.

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Want to take your writing biz to the next level?

Buckle up, writers! In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert the Plot Dude spill the literary tea on the worst advice authors keep hearing—and believing. From publishing myths to marketing mayhem and writing rules gone rogue, we’re calling out the cringe, so you don’t have to learn the hard way. 🙈

📚 FREE vs. PAID ISBNs: To buy or not to buy. That is the question 🤺 

Strap in, book nerds—this episode of Pros Talking Prose is bringing the tea, the shade, and the swivel chairs. Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the latest literary landmines: the Romance Writers of America’s bankruptcy spiral, Neil Gaiman’s headline-making drama, the ousting of Ream’s CEO, and more industry shenanigans you didn’t know you needed to know.

But it’s not all gossip and giggles—we’re also dishing out real talk about professionalism, cancel culture, and why being decent still matters (even when everyone’s losing their minds online).

Expect:

Hit play for your weekly dose of honesty, hilarity, and hard truths from the publishing frontlines.

Troy & Stacey have an Epic Rant on AI, Authors, and Art!

Welcome to Pros Talking Prose, where Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske dive headfirst into the wild world of writing, editing, and publishing! In this episode, they tackle the hot topic of AI and its role in the literary universe, among other things.

Troy, the plot dude extraordinaire, is armed with his trusty manuscript-polishing skills, ready to take on any plot twist thrown his way. Meanwhile, Stacey, the publishing guru, is here to guide authors through the publishing maze faster than you can say "bestseller."

Join this dynamic duo as they debunk the myth that AI is the enemy of progress. With Troy's witty one-liners and Stacey's no-nonsense approach, they'll have you laughing and learning in no time.

But that's not all! They also tackle the age-old debate of "art for art's sake." Spoiler alert: they think it's dumb! According to them, every writer's journey is unique, so comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to... well, plot twists!

Learn why you should go to writers' conferences, and especially come to see Troy and Stacey at the IWG writers conference this weekend (April 11 - 13). We will have amazing authors and pros from around the country, including James A. Owen, Becca Syme, Claire Taylor, and J. Thorne. Go to IdahoWritersGuild.org for more information.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and maybe even inspired to write your own epic masterpiece. Don't forget to hit subscribe and join the Pros Talking Prose family today!

📚 Calling all writers! If you're looking to enhance your writing experience, boost productivity, and create exceptional content, Troy and Stacey got your number. In this video, we explore a curated list of must-have tools that every writer should consider incorporating into their creative arsenal. From brainstorming to polishing your final draft, these resources are designed to make your writing journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Ready to conquer the ever-changing landscape of authorship and find a trusty companion for the adventure? Look no more! Meet Stacey Smekofske, your committed literary guide. As a dynamic freelance full-service editor and an outstanding publishing coach, envision her as your guiding force in the world of words. Embark on your writing odyssey with assurance at EditsByStacey.com.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy don't mince words when they discuss the latest tea in the industry. FindawayVoices ticked off everyone when they changed their contract and were caught red-handed. Amazon keeps changing their algorithm and short-sheeting the self-published author. What does this mean for you?

Who are these ranting lunatics who call themselves the pros? 

And who's that dancing a hula in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man makes more magic than Merlin in a tornado. If you need someone to bring your book to life, Troy's your witch doctor. He is like the bookish version of Gandalf in a good mood bringing you to the power of plot building. You can teleport to TroyLambertWrites.com, and get your writing game on.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, you can be the fly on the wall of a thought-provoking discussion. Listen as Troy and Stacey take a side road and discuss the eternal struggle of writers to finish what they start. In this video, we delve into the mindset shift required to transition from a writer to a successful author. Are you ready to take the leap and commit to making writing a part of your everyday life? By the end of this video, you'll have a clearer understanding of what it takes to embrace the determination and discipline needed to become a true author. Are you destined to be a prolific writer or are you content with being a hobbyist? Let's find out together in this eye-opening and witty conversation!

Who are these strange humans who call themselves the pros? 

And who's that dressed as a Star Trek fan in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man plays more parts than Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor, “Hercules, Hercules, Hercules.” Need someone to revive your manuscript? Troy's your fixer. He is like the bookish version of Montgomery Scott capable of repairing the warp drive on your plot by giving it all he’s got, Captain. Beam up to his world at TroyLambertWrites.com, and learn how to be a better writer.