Martyn Ellington and Steven Stiefel are trans-Atlantic writing partners who blend British and American sensibilities in their collaborative works. Through their production company MESS Productions, they create multi-format content spanning novels, TV scripts, and podcasts, with their international bestseller "Tomorrow's Flight" showcasing their ability to craft compelling cross-cultural narratives.

Martyn Ellington is the author of five published novels, including "The End of Everything," "Devolution of a Species," and the "Thirstonfield Halt" series. 

Steven Stiefel is a veteran of script development, having analyzed over 1,500 scripts and books. He's the co-author of "Making Rumours" about Fleetwood Mac's iconic album.

In this episode:

• The dynamics of international co-writing partnerships
• Adapting stories across different mediums (TV, podcasts, novels)
• Managing cultural differences in writing for global audiences
• The process of working with beta readers
• Strategies for successful independent publishing
• Navigating Kindle Unlimited and promotional strategies
• The evolution of traditional vs. independent publishing
• Building a hybrid publishing company

Resources mentioned:

• Tomorrow's Flight: https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrows-Flight-M-Ellington/dp/0578938510
• The Harvesting: https://www.amazon.com/Harvesting-Martyn-Ellington/dp/1907463410
• MESS Publishing Imprint: https://www.mess-books.com/more-information
• Gardner's and Ingram's Distribution: https://www.ingramspark.com/how-it-works/distribute

Book Recommendations:

• The Fog by James Herbert (Martyn's pick): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fog-James-Herbert/dp/1509865454
• The Aspern Papers by Henry James (Steven's pick): https://www.amazon.com/Aspern-Papers-Stories-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199538557

Connect with Martyn & Steven:

• MESS Productions: www.mess-flicks.com
• Tomorrow's Flight: www.tomorrowsflight.com
• Martyn's Website: www.martynellington.com
• Martyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyn-ellington-b4ab22171/
• Martyn’s Twitter: @martynellington 
• Steven’s Twitter: @stevestiefel

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin -

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Nicky Billou is a business coach and author who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and authors maximize their impact through podcast guesting. As the author of "Get Booked and Get Paid" and "Finish Line Thinking," he has appeared on over 1,500 podcast episodes and helps clients generate significant revenue through strategic podcast appearances. Coming from an immigrant background, Nicky's passion for entrepreneurship and helping others stems from his father's example of generosity and business acumen.

In this episode:

• The importance of viewing your book as a branding tool
• How to leverage podcast appearances to generate leads and sales
• Understanding commercial thought leadership
• Strategies for introverted authors to succeed on podcasts
• The power of having a strong intention for podcast appearances
• Creating valuable secondary offers beyond your book
• Technical aspects of being a great podcast guest
• Building a systematic approach to podcast guesting

Resources mentioned:

• Get Booked and Get Paid: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Booked-Paid-Generate-Guesting/dp/B0DDQ1ZYS3
• Finish Line Thinking (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-ThinkingTM-Think-Champion/dp/1492237728
• eCircleAcademy.com/appointment (Free consultation): https://www.ecircleacademy.com/appointment
• Writer MBA workshop program: https://writermba.com/

Book Recommendations:

• The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino/dp/055327757X
• The Greatest Miracle in the World by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Miracle-World-Og-Mandino/dp/0553279726
• Mission Success by Og Mandino: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Success-Og-Mandino/dp/0553265008

Connect with Nicky Billou:

• Website: https://www.ecircleacademy.com/
• Free Business Consultation: https://www.ecircleacademy.com/appointment
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thethoughtleaderrevolution
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nickybillou
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickybillou/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JE

Support the show

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Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author who has successfully navigated both fiction and non-fiction publishing. Starting his career with aspirations in filmmaking, he transitioned to comics and eventually found his way to self-publishing. As the co-founder of Writer MBA, he helps authors build sustainable careers through innovative marketing strategies and business approaches. His expertise spans from successful Kickstarter campaigns to building author ecosystems.

In this episode:

• The evolution from filmmaking to writing comics and books
• How to effectively use Kickstarter as a publishing platform
• Understanding value proposition in book marketing
• The challenges of selling fiction vs. non-fiction
• Strategies for running successful crowdfunding campaigns
• Building an author ecosystem across multiple platforms
• The importance of networking and relationship building in publishing
• Creating sustainable author careers through diverse income streams

Resources mentioned:

• Website: https://www.russellnohelty.com/
• Conference: https://writermba.com/
• Kickstarter Platform: https://www.kickstarter.com/
• Category Pirates: https://www.categorypirates.com/
• Dean Wesley Smith's publishing strategies: https://deanwesleysmith.com/expanding-your-market/

Book Recommendations:

• 100 Places to Visit After You Die by Ken Jennings: https://www.amazon.com/100-Places-See-After-You/dp/1501131583
• Sustaining Your Author Career by Claire Taylor (Focusing on Enneagrams and authorship): https://www.amazon.com/Sustain-Your-Author-Career-connections/dp/1959041096

Connect with Russell:

• Website: https://www.russellnohelty.com/
• Conference: https://writermba.com/
• Blog:https://www.theauthorstack.com/
• Writer MBA Mastermind Program (Application required): https://writermba.com/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

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Dr. Nicole Janz is a social scientist and a book coach with over 20 years of experience as a journalist, academic, and writer. After leaving academia four years ago, she transitioned into creative writing and book coaching. She created The Write Habit Planner, a specialized tool designed to help writers maintain consistency and productivity in their writing journey. As both a writer and coach, Nicole combines her extensive experience to help authors overcome procrastination and develop sustainable writing habits.

In this episode:

• Understanding the deeper psychological aspects of writing procrastination
• Breaking down large writing goals into manageable daily tasks
• The five-step process for starting a book effectively
• Creating outlines and time plans for both fiction and non-fiction writing
• Developing a sustainable writing routine that fits into busy schedules
• The importance of self-reflection and tracking progress beyond word count
• Setting realistic writing goals and maintaining work-life balance
• The transformation from perfectionism to productive writing habits

Resources mentioned:

• Order The Write Habit Planner: http://www.thewritehabitplanner.com/
• Start your Book with this free mini course: https://startyourbookin5days.com/
• Schedule a free consult: https://nicolejanz.com/

Book Recommendations:

• Essentialism by Greg McEwan: https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

• Website - https://nicolejanz.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drnicolejanz/
• Linkedin - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nicolejanz

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Louise Harris is the founder and president of LAST Research and Editing, specializing in comprehensive editing services for authors. With over 30 years of experience in editing and journalism, she has edited numerous manuscripts, authored four novels, and ghost-written multiple books including cookbooks and a book on addiction. Her expertise spans both fiction and non-fiction editing, from developmental work to final proofreading.

In this episode:

• Different types of editing explained
• The importance of developmental editing
• Working with editors at different stages
• Tips for authors on a budget
• Book compilation services
• Common editing mistakes
• Flow and structure techniques

Resources mentioned:

• LAST Research and Editing: https://lastresearchandediting.com/
• Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
• Chicago Manual of Style: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/
• Associated Press Style Guide: https://www.apstylebook.com/
• Print editing techniques

Book recommendations:

• Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss: https://denuccio.net/ohplaces.html

Connect with Louise:

• Website: https://lastresearchandediting.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-harris-2b04bb13/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louise.harris.7315/
• LAST Research FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/lastresearch/
• YouTube: @LouiseHarrisTheLASTWord
• Twitter: @lastredit
• Phone: 480-370-3945
• Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/hanover-md/last-research-and-editing-2

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Nick Thacker is a bestselling author in multiple genres who turned his hobby into a full-time writing career. Having written 45 books, he now helps other authors transition to full-time writing through his Book Career in a Year program.

In this episode:

• The journey from hobby to full-time writing
• Building a sustainable author career
• Creating effective email marketing strategies
• Developing multiple income streams
• Setting realistic author goals
• Marketing strategies for new authors
• Building an author platform from scratch

Resources mentioned:

• Book Career in a Year program: https://www.bookcareerinayear.com/
• Scrivener: https://scrivener.app/
• Email marketing platforms
• Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/
• Facebook advertising platform: https://www.facebook.com/business/ads
• The 12 Week Year book: https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Others-Months/dp/1118509234
• Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS): https://www.eosworldwide.com/

Book recommendations:

• Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain: https://www.amazon.com/Techniques-Selling-Writer-Dwight-Swain/dp/0806111917
• Amazonia by James Rollins: https://www.amazon.com/Amazonia-James-Rollins/dp/0061965839

Connect with Nick:

• Website: https://www.nickthacker.com/
• Book Career in a Year Coaching Program: https://www.bookcareerinayear.com/
• Online courses and training: https://www.bookcareerinayear.com/coaching/
• Books by Nick: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008A2W6XE

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Rebekah Haskell is the owner and lead designer at Vivid Covers, specializing in speculative fiction book covers. With expertise in both illustration and photo manipulation, she helps authors create genre-appropriate covers that connect with their target readers.

In this episode:

• Genre-specific cover design principles
• Differences between traditional and indie publishing covers
• Research methods for effective cover design
• Pre-made vs custom cover options
• Visual tropes and genre expectations
• Working process with authors
• Thumbnail visibility importance

Resources mentioned:

• Vivid Covers: https://www.vividcovers.com/
• Pre-made cover collections: https://www.vividcovers.com/shop/
• "Cover Your Book" by R. Haskell - https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Your-Book-Designer-Maximize/dp/B08Q6NGRSJ/
• Amazon bestseller lists: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Books/zgbs/books

Book recommendations:

• Never Check Email in the Morning by Julie Morgenstern: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Check-Mail-Morning-Unexpected/dp/0743250885
• Mage Errant series by John Bierce: https://www.amazon.com/Mage-Errant-7-book-series/dp/B07PHPLHX5

Connect with Rebekah:

• Website: https://www.vividcovers.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.rebekahhaskell.com/fb-groups/

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/

Sarah Bullen is a multi-published author, writing coach, and literary agent, leading international writing mentorships. She is the author of Write your Book in 100 Days and works with authors as a book coach and agent. Over the last two decades, she has had over 180 books published by writers she has mentored. She has held editorial roles across books, magazines, and literary agencies. Her expertise in writing and publishing provides invaluable guidance to aspiring authors, helping them develop their craft, structure their stories, and navigate the publishing world.

In this episode:

• The insider secrets of literary agent selection
• Differences between fiction and non-fiction manuscript submissions
• How to create a compelling book proposal
• Understanding the publishing industry's inner workings
• Strategies for becoming a successful published author
• The importance of online presence for writers
• Navigating the traditional publishing landscape

Resources mentioned:

• The Writing Room mentorship: https://www.thewritingroom.co.za/author-mentorship
• International writing retreats: https://www.internationalwritingretreats.com/
• Online author platforms
• Book proposal guidelines
• Genre-specific writing conventions
• Publishing industry networking

Book recommendations:

• The Ghost Ship by Colleen Dolan: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Ship-Fire-Colleen-Dolan/dp/1637776365
• The Authority Gap by Marianne Seacart: https://www.maryannsieghart.com/the-authority-gap/

Connect with Sarah:

• Website: http://www.thewritingroom.co.za/
• Alternative Website: https://www.internationalwritingretreats.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahbullenwritingroom/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbullenwritingroom/
• LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/in/sarahbullenwritingcoach

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

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Lucy McCarraher is the Founder of Rethink Press, BookMagic AI, the book-writing app, and the Business Book Awards. She also hosts the ABOO – A Book of One's Own – women writers' network. She is the author of 13 books including three novels, four self-help books and six books on writing books. Lucy mentors non-fiction and fiction authors through planning and writing their books and is the UK's most experienced business book mentor. She recently won a Stevie Award for Women Helping Women in Business; and the Great British Businesswomen's Award for Creative Industries Businesswoman of the Year for her work supporting more women to write and publish their business books.

In this episode:

• The journey from idea to published business book
• Using AI tools to support (not replace) writing
• Creating authentic business books
• Hybrid publishing vs self-publishing
• Book positioning strategies
• Writing habits and routines
• Distribution and marketing approaches

Resources mentioned:

• Book Magic AI: https://bookmagic.ai/
• Rethink Press: http://www.rethinkpress.com/
• KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): https://kdp.amazon.com/
• Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
• Key Person of Influence: https://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/

Book recommendations:

• The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart: https://www.amazon.com/Authority-Gap-women-still-seriously/dp/0857527568

Connect with Lucy:

• Get your Free Trial for Book Magic AI: https://bookmagic.ai/
• Rethink Press: http://www.rethinkpress.com/
• Personal Website: https://www.lucymccarraher.com/
• Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

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Ellen Erikson is a publisher of over 30 books, combining self-authored works and public domain publications. Her expertise lies in identifying, updating, and successfully marketing classic works for modern audiences.

In this episode:

• Understanding public domain books and copyright laws
• Guidelines for publishing on Amazon KDP
• Strategies for standing out in the market
• Finding and selecting profitable titles
• Formatting and production considerations
• Marketing and advertising approaches
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Resources mentioned:

• Project Gutenberg
• Many Books
• Wikipedia copyright tables
• KDP publishing guidelines

Connect with Ellen:

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

Connect with Teddy Smith:

• @teddyagsmith
• Website: https://publishingperformance.com/?ref=ywm3mtc
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/publishingperformance/
• Pinterest - https://nz.pinterest.com/publishingperformance/
• Instagram - https://instagram.com/publishingperformanceinsta
• Youtube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHV6ltaUB4SULkU6JEMhFSw
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/publishing-performance/

Support the show

Discover More with Our Curated Starter Packs: https://teddyagsmith.com/starter-packs/