The Page & Podium Podcast with Dr. Amanda Nell Edgar

"Building Platform" can feel like a dreaded, insurmountable task for writers (especially ones that tend towards introversion or hate social media) but it doesn't have to be. The concept and process of building a platform is often misunderstood. It's not just social media statistics! This week, we're breaking down how to shift your mindset regarding building your platform away from imagined benchmarks and uncomfortable exposure to finding genuine ways to form real connections with your audience centered on your story, expertise, and message.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

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Timestamps:

0:00-Intro

4:08 - What do we mean by platform?

7:51 - 3 Different Examples of Successfully Leveraging Platform

16:01 - Platform as Message

18:19 - What can building a platform do?

20:12 - Building direct connection with audience

28:06 - First tip: Own your Unique Expertise

31:48 - Second tip: Embrace Growth

33:42 - Third tip: Name and Face Your Fear

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Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Landing a traditional book deal with a large publishing house is a dream for many writers. While we've said many times on this channel that all publishing paths are valid, we also want to encourage anyone aiming at that Big-5 Book Deal to go for it. Landing one of those deals is a long process (and comes with no guarantees), but this week we break down the process into five milestone steps to set your expectations and ensure you've given your book project its best shot at getting that deal.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

0:00-Intro

5:16 - All Publishing Paths are valid

5:22 - What constitutes a "book deal"?

15:10 - First step: Build a Platform

19:25 - Second Step: Write the Book

22:18 - Third step: Prepare your Pitch

29:15 - Fourth step: Query Agents

34:57- Fifth step: Go out on sub

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Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Many times on this channel we've talked about the importance of the often-underestimated development or "prewriting" step, which includes brainstorming and outlining the structure and key focus points of your narrative. However, that process can be difficult to dive into when you're not ready.

How do you know you're ready?

This week, we're reviewing four questions to ask yourself and tips for that stage even before prewriting begins.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

0:00-Intro

4:11- Find your ONE story

9:56- Secure your mental health support

11:14- Find the "end" of your story

19:37- Honestly reflect on whether you can present the events fairly

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We want to stay informed and be aware of all that is happening in the world, but these days that can become overwhelming fast. That constant intake of bad news and conflict can fill our minds and make us feel many things—angry, hopeless, even guilty about our limited ability to help—but our creative impulses are drowning. Putting aside your creativity when the world feels like it’s on fire is not the way to help others or ourselves. Today we’re talking about why protecting your creativity is so important, especially when times are dark.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

0:00 Doomscrolling

13:29- What Overconsumption of Media does to your brain

19:40- Creating without pressure

20:58- Creating with joy

23:00- Create with purpose

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

We're coming up on the season where our desire to make progress on our books rises...exactly as the time we have to write it somehow goes up in smoke. Planning a writing retreat, either during the holidays or sometime in in early 2026, can be an amazing chance to make headway on your book and be energized for the coming year. Watch for our we at Page & Podium set up our writing retreat to be a success.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

2:00- The value of a retreat

6:00-Logistics

12:00- Itinerary

18:45- Goals & Celebration

👉 **Follow Us:**

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

After years of ghostwriting and coaching others through crafting their memoirs and non-fiction books, it's time for me to dive into a more personal project. In doing so, I am reminded of the challenges of applying the elements of craft to very personal content and how freeing and transformative working through that process can be. This week, I'm sharing what I've learned from applying the methods and process we've developed for helping others through ghostwriting, one-on-one coaching and our Memoir Method group program to tell my personal story of leaving the academy.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

Intro: 0:00

3:00- Moving from Ghosting writing to personal writing

6:30- Navigating Tension between audience and the self

9:00- Using message as guidance

10:30- Worrying about reactions

14:30- The personal and first person

17:00- Honestly presenting negative experiences

19:30- Outlining thinner and thicker chapters

21:30- Emotional distance

25:00- Structure is freeing

26:30- Outlining takes time

29:30- Process is supportive

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Over and over on this channel, we have emphasized that the whole concept of "the lone author" is a widely held myth. Most books are written with some form of support, whether its technical, editorial, or just moral. In the past several years, the term "book coach" has emerged more on the publishing scene. But what exactly is a book coach, who needs one, and what benefits can you really expect?

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

Intro:1:05

2:47 5 things book coaches do

3:02 What a book coaching session is like

9:05 1st benefit --(accountability)

13:18 2nd benefit-- training and education

20:00 3rd benefit-- community

23:07 4th benefit-- clarity

28:39: last benefit--sense of encouragement and support

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

The term "vanity press" is generally used as an insult or by authors to describe what they for sure don't want to do. The image of a "vanity" press is one that will slap a cover on every manuscript that crosses their desk without regard to quality or content at the direct cost of the author. A traditional publisher, in contrast, is one that pays author for their work and takes on all the funds the costs of publishing. But this binary black-and-white thinking isn't an accurate reflection of the current market and the options available. While endeavoring to avoid a "vanity press" at all costs, you might be thumbing your nose at genuine opportunities through other publishing paths.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

👉 **Follow Us:**

- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)

- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)

- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

So many--so, so many--deserving stories go unfinished. It's understandable, as this writing process isn't easy and it's often not straightforward. We hear every week from authors who are trying to revitalize stories that they've shoved in a drawer five, ten, even thirty years ago. From working with these women, we see a clear pattern--there are five main reasons women abandon their memoirs. The good news? Every single one of them is something you can overcome.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

1:08 intro

2:07 The Real Problem

11:32 First reason- No plan or structure

11:41 2nd reason- Rigidity in thinking and process

18:28 third reason- Lack of investment

24:05 4th reason -Externalization of writing pressure

26:43 5th reason- Skill set not up to their own standards

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Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Writers love a writerly accessory or two, but we all know deep down that having exactly the right notebook, keyboard, glasses chain, tea mug, color-coded post-its (I'm now just naming things on my desk, but you get the idea.) doesn't actually make or break your writing project. In fact, the real things you really must have for to make your writing project successful aren't things you add-to-cart. Today we talk about the five things we find essential for finishing that memoir.

Part of the process of becoming a writer is learning how to read like a writer--to see the bones of structure and past the words to what choices the author is making and why they are (or aren't) working in the interest of the story. That's why Page and Podium is excited to announce our upcoming new Memoir Method Book Club, where each month we will be reading and examining a memoir with a writer's eye to learn more about what we can apply (or avoid) in our own work.

📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!

Timestamps:

Intro - 1:07

2:12: 1st memoir must have- clear message

3:05 Topic vs message

6:34- A defined audience

11:29- A working outline

16:22- Accountability

19:53- Community

👉 **Follow Us:**

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- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)

- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)

🎵 Music I Use: Bensound

License code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAES

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!

Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal