The Bleeders: about book writing & publishing

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

Today's episode features advice from Halley Sutton, Hannah Howard, Bridgette Bianca, Shelby Hinte, Chelsea Martin, Emmy Olea, and Elle Nash.

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Courtney is teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:

• New Year’s Newsletter & Pitch Party Extravaganza: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching (Use code BLEEDERS for $100 off)
• Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-a-newsletter-to-supercharge-your-platform-network-business-zoom-seminar
• 60-Day Writer's Platform Coaching: https://writingworkshops.com/products/60-day-writers-platform-coaching-with-courtney-kocak
• Creating Your Podcast: https://www.roadmapwriters.com/products/creating-your-podcast-0
• Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns: https://writingworkshops.com/products/land-big-bylines-by-writing-for-columns-zoom-seminar
• Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast: https://writingworkshops.com/products/podcasting-for-writers-how-to-start-sustain-grow-your-podcast-4-week-zoom-workshop
• How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://writingworkshops.com/products/how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminar

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

Today's guest is Laura Cathcart Robbins, author of Stash: My Life in Hiding. Follow Laura on Instagram @lauracathcartrobbins and Twitter @TheOnlyOnePodc1.

>>> Watch the full interview with Laura on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ultBqNG5PkA?si=nxxCwn22ezJF4KOO

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Courtney is teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:

• New Year’s Newsletter & Pitch Party Extravaganza: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching (Use code BLEEDERS for $100 off)
• Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-a-newsletter-to-supercharge-your-platform-network-business-zoom-seminar
• 60-Day Writer's Platform Coaching: https://writingworkshops.com/products/60-day-writers-platform-coaching-with-courtney-kocak
• Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns: https://writingworkshops.com/products/land-big-bylines-by-writing-for-columns-zoom-seminar
• Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast: https://writingworkshops.com/products/podcasting-for-writers-how-to-start-sustain-grow-your-podcast-4-week-zoom-workshop
• How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://writingworkshops.com/products/how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminar

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

Today's guest is Rachel Kramer Bussell, author of How to Write Erotica and editor of over 70 anthologies of erotica. Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelkramerbussel and Twitter @raquelita.

>>> Watch the full interview with Rachel on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b7jf092QHFg?si=4HaQegucDPuIS936

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Courtney is teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:

• New Year’s Newsletter & Pitch Party Extravaganza: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching (Use code BLEEDERS for $100 off)
• Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-a-newsletter-to-supercharge-your-platform-network-business-zoom-seminar
• 60-Day Writer's Platform Coaching: https://writingworkshops.com/products/60-day-writers-platform-coaching-with-courtney-kocak
• Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns: https://writingworkshops.com/products/land-big-bylines-by-writing-for-columns-zoom-seminar
• Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast: https://writingworkshops.com/products/podcasting-for-writers-how-to-start-sustain-grow-your-podcast-4-week-zoom-workshop
• How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://writingworkshops.com/products/how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminar

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

Today's guest is Zachary Zane, author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto. Follow Zachary on Instagram @zacharyzane_ and Twitter @ZacharyZane_.

>>> Watch the full interview with Zach on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7_qeIcK1N7g?si=j7EN2zy3y6dnxCxa 

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Courtney is teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:

• New Year’s Newsletter & Pitch Party Extravaganza: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching (Use code BLEEDERS for $100 off)
• Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-a-newsletter-to-supercharge-your-platform-network-business-zoom-seminar
• 60-Day Writer's Platform Coaching: https://writingworkshops.com/products/60-day-writers-platform-coaching-with-courtney-kocak
• Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns: https://writingworkshops.com/products/land-big-bylines-by-writing-for-columns-zoom-seminar
• Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast: https://writingworkshops.com/products/podcasting-for-writers-how-to-start-sustain-grow-your-podcast-4-week-zoom-workshop
• How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://writingworkshops.com/products/how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminar

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

Today's guest is Eleanor C. Whitney, author of Promote Your Book, Riot Woman, and Quit Your Day Job. Follow Eleanor on Instagram and X/Twitter @killerfemme and check out her website eleanorcwhitney.com.

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on X/Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Courtney is teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:

• New Year’s Newsletter & Pitch Party Extravaganza: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching (Use code BLEEDERS for $100 off)
• Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-a-newsletter-to-supercharge-your-platform-network-business-zoom-seminar
• 60-Day Writer's Platform Coaching: https://writingworkshops.com/products/60-day-writers-platform-coaching-with-courtney-kocak
• Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns: https://writingworkshops.com/products/land-big-bylines-by-writing-for-columns-zoom-seminar
• Podcasting for Writers: How to Start, Sustain & Grow Your Podcast: https://writingworkshops.com/products/podcasting-for-writers-how-to-start-sustain-grow-your-podcast-4-week-zoom-workshop
• How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://writingworkshops.com/products/how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminar

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcast

Today’s guest is Lexi Kent-Monning, who details the five-year journey of revising and submitting her debut novel, The Burden of Joy, which found its home at the small press Rejection Letters. In this episode, Lexi shares how she rediscovered her love of writing at age 33 and took her writing career into her own hands without an MFA. She also explains how her manuscript evolved from memoir to autofiction, giving her more creative freedom, and discusses her DIY approach to book promotion. Follow Lexi on Instagram and Twitter/X @lexicola. Buy Lexi's book, The Burden of Joy.

Work with Courtney:

• Sign up for Courtney's September 21st workshop with Pandemic University, How to Land Big Bylines: Masterclass: https://pandemicuniversity.com/big-bylines/
• Join Courtney's November Newsletter & Pitch Party Extravaganza (use code BLEEDERS to save $100): https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcast

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

This is Jon Small's second interview for The Bleeders podcast. In this episode, Jon delves into the creative process behind his debut book, Write About Now, which is based on his podcast and features inspiring origin stories from his guests. He shares the challenges of obtaining permissions, the decision to self-publish, and the common themes that emerged from these stories. Jon also discusses how this book marks the beginning of his new journey as an indie author and his goals for the future. Follow Jon on Instagram @thejonsmall and Twitter @kidfinesse. Buy Jon's new book, Write About Now.

If you missed Jon's first interview, listen here.

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcast

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Sign up for Courtney's Back to School Pitch Party course taking place during the month of September: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching

This is four-time author Chloe Caldwell's second interview for The Bleeders podcast. In this episode, Chloe shares two submission stories — one a nightmare and one a dream — along with advice for other writers on submission. Follow Chloe on Instagram @chloeeeecaldwell and buy the re-release of her cult classic novella Women. 

If you missed Chloe's first interview, listen here.

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcast

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Sign up for Courtney's Midsummer Pitch Party course taking place during the month of July: https://www.courtneykocak.com/teaching

The new year is upon us, which has got me thinking about my writing-related resolutions, and how to accomplish them. So today’s episode is all about writing practice — the daily grind of it, the unsexy truth about how we manifest our writing goals by showing up and allowing ourselves to get words on the page, however messy they might be at first. I'm bringing back last year's conversation with the perfect guest on this topic: Kellianne Benson, community manager and director of 750words.com. Follow Kellianne on Twitter @kellianne.

In this episode, you’ll learn all about 750words.com — what it is, how it came to be, and how it’s helping writers — plus, Kellianne and I share our 2023 writing and publishing goals. Then I reflect on my 2023 writing accomplishments and failures and share my goals for 2024.

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcast

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Sign up for Courtney's 5-week podcasting course starting January 13th through Roadmap Writers, Creating Your Podcast: https://www.roadmapwriters.com/products/creating-your-podcast-0

Sign up for Courtney's January 21st newsletter workshop with Chill Subs and Write or Die Magazine, Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network & Business: https://www.chillsubs.com/writeordie/workshops/start-a-newsletter

Sign up for Courtney's March 9th workshop with Chill Subs and Write or Die Magazine, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://www.chillsubs.com/writeordie/workshops/how-to-build-writers-platform

Today's guest is Chelsea Martin. I adore indie queens like Chelsea. She has been incredibly prolific thus far in her literary career, and I love her "just do it" approach to publishing. We talk about how to balance perfectionist tendencies with being productive and putting out a lot of work, how to deal with a shitty publisher, the joys of having a good agent, and more. Follow Chelsea on Instagram @chelsea_martin_.

Order Chelsea's new novel Tell Me I'm an Artist and one of my favorite essay collects of all-time, Caca Dolce.

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a new podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW BLEEDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FULL-LENGTH INTERVIEWS. https://www.youtube.com/@bleederspodcast

The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @courtneykocak. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.

Sign up for Courtney's October 14th workshop with Chill Subs and Write or Die Magazine, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://www.chillsubs.com/writeordie/workshops/how-to-build-platform-for