The Writing Biz

Struggling to balance a full-time career, family life, and writing your next book? Multi-genre author and attorney Bryan Prosek shares actionable time management techniques and author business strategies to build a thriving writing career without burning out.

FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/the-cost-of-writing-with-a-full-time-job/

#WritingTips #SelfPublishing #WritingPodcast #indieauthor

🤩MY GUEST:

Bryan Prosek, Author & Attorney

Website: www.bryankprosek.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BryanKProsek

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryank.prosek/

X: https://twitter.com/BryanProsek

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bryanprosek

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bryank.prosek

📚BOOKS BY BRYAN PROSEK:

📕The Brighter the Stars (Earth United Book 1)Paperback: https://amzn.to/4wMnYlA Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4xtTh4F 📕The Darker the Skies (Earth United Book 2)Paperback: https://amzn.to/4562l3w Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4562nbE 📕A Measure of SerenityPaperback: https://amzn.to/3RNwce3 Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3RNwce3

📚OTHER MENTIONED BOOKS:

📘Resurrection: A Zombie Novel: Resurrection Book 1EBook: https://amzn.to/4wIv0b7 Paperback: https://amzn.to/45aZupW

📘The Road by Cormac McCarthyPaperback: https://amzn.to/3TFGxsZ Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4fVoshU

📰MENTIONED ARTICLE:

Working to Survive, Too Exhausted to Live by Tabarak Al Nour https://medium.com/write-your-world/working-to-survive-too-exhausted-to-live-b5a9122107db

📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/

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🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ

💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN

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This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

ABOUT THIS VIDEO:

In this episode of The Writing Biz, host Laura Williams sits down with guest Bryan Prosek, a corporate contract attorney, human-trafficking pro-bono legal advocate, and prolific multi-genre author of sci-fi, action thrillers, and cozy mysteries. Bryan breaks down his personal strategies for managing competing life priorities, navigating the shifts between rigid professional writing and creative drafting, and managing the business reality of modern book marketing.

Whether you are balancing a full-time career or looking to refine your publishing strategy, this conversation offers realistic tools to turn your creative hobby into a sustainable author business.

"We accept constant tiredness as normal. We treat stress as a sign of importance, and giving away most of our time is the price of adulthood." - Bryan Prosek

Learn more about Bryan Prosek: https://www.bryankprosek.com/

0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview

1:00 - Working to Survive: Re-evaluating Work-Life Balance

3:04 - Transitioning from a Legal Mindset to Creative Writing

5:00 - Balancing Four Pillars: Work, Pro Bono, Writing, & Family

7:00 - Flexible Scheduling & Giving Yourself Grace

9:03 - Using Calendar Schedules & Handling Inflexibility

11:41 - Moving Across Genres: From Sci-Fi to Murder Mysteries

18:48 - Drafting vs. Outlining: Finding Your Creative Flow

24:35 - The Hardest Lesson in Authorpreneurship: Marketing

26:36 - Hiring Freelance Support vs. Doing It Yourself

31:22 - The Power of Collaborative Marketing for Authors

37:45 - Exploring Bryan Prosek’s Books & Series

52:00 - Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing Insights

56:00 - Closing Remarks & How to Connect

Discover how older authors can navigate an ADHD diagnosis and build a highly productive, sustainable fiction-writing career. Learn actionable strategies for managing focus, establishing custom routines, and completing your books without burning out. FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/the-truth-about-adhd-for-writers/ #selfpublishing #adhdauthors #adhd #writingtips #olderauthors🤩MY GUEST:Julie Rowe, AuthorWEBSITE: http://www.julieroweauthor.com/Get your FREE copy of Men of Action by Julie Rowe https://dl.bookfunnel.com/pji01k4eh9 📚BOOKS BY JULIE ROWE: 📘(Sinners Never Die Series Book 1 of 4)Sinner's SecretPaperback: https://amzn.to/4qkJ6gx EBook: https://amzn.to/4ggOoWF📘(Outbreak Task Force Series Book 1 of 5)Viable ThreatPaperback: https://amzn.to/3THbBZt EBook: https://amzn.to/4xv0HEN📘Biological Rapid Response Team Series Book 1 of 3Deadly StrainPaperback: https://amzn.to/4bAOuWy EBook: https://amzn.to/4fM9fzC📘 The War GirlsPaperback: https://amzn.to/4hexIjF EBook: https://amzn.to/4fHybtt ⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast 📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/⭐FOLLOW US⭐Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz👋🏼What is the single biggest habit or strategy that helps you manage distraction and stay focused while writing? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Laura-Williams--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.ABOUT THIS VIDEO:In this episode of The Writing Biz Podcast, host Laura Williams sits down with author and former medical lab technologist Julie Rowe, who has published 21 novels since 2011 with major publishers like Harlequin and Entangled. Together, they dive into navigating a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, leveraging hyperfocus, overcoming traditional writing rules, and structuring custom workflows to turn neurodivergence into an author business advantage. This channel is dedicated to giving independent authors the practical tools, digital strategies, and business advice needed to build a profitable author brand."That ability to focus and listen well and figure out what the people in my classroom needed is one of the things that I think ADHD allows me to do. So I consider that as a superpower, actually." — Julie Rowe0:00 - Introduction and Managing ADHD Later in Life0:55 - Medication vs. Behavioral Coping Strategies08:45 - Using Hyperfocus as an Author Superpower11:06 - Scheduling, Co-Working Sprints, and Timers16:24 - Crafting, Hands-On Recharging, and Author Swag20:10 - Opening Lines That Instantly Hook Readers25:14 - Evolving Your Writing Process Over Time31:25 - Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing Nuances42:19 - Creative Ideas and ADHD Brain Patterns48:23 - TV Options, Book Adaptations, and Upcoming Releases54:55 - Where to Find Julie Rowe Online

Discover how to overcome writer anxiety, defeat imposter syndrome, and build creative momentum without feeling like a pushy salesperson. 🖊️FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/imposter-syndrome. #selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #anxiety #impostersyndrome #authorpreneur🤩MY GUEST:Amy Bernstein, author, speaker, coachWEBSITE: https://amywrites.live/YOUTUBE:  ⁨@amylbernstein00author⁩  📚BOOKS BY AMY L. BERNSTEIN: Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding InspirationHardcover: https://amzn.to/3TBaMRJEBook: https://amzn.to/4bM6Tj7 Tent City: A NovelPaperback: https://amzn.to/4hzbysl EBook: https://amzn.to/4yC9ZAh ⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast 📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/⭐FOLLOW US⭐Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz👋🏼HI! What is the biggest mental roadblock or doubt monster holding you back from promoting your book right now, and how do you plan to overcome it? Let me know in the comments below!🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Laura-Williams--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.ABOUT THIS VIDEO:In this episode of The Writing Biz, host Laura Williams sits down with acclaimed fiction author, book coach, and author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster, Amy Bernstein, to tackle creative anxiety and imposter syndrome. Together, they explore how authors can coexist with fear, shift from awkward sales tactics to authentic reader engagement, and build supportive creative communities. This conversation provides deep practical insights for every writer looking to establish platform authority and protect their artistic well-being.""Success and failure walk in and out of the same door, and you must be open to both at all times and take big creative risks without pre-judging the outcome."” - Amy L. Bernstein0:00 - Introduction0:50 - Defining Imposter Syndrome vs. Healthy Self-Critique2:13 - The Fear of Marketing and Transitioning from Creating to Promoting6:58 - The Doubt Decoder Quiz and Common Creator Doubt Profiles12:00 - Surrounding Yourself With Creative Allies and Avoiding Isolation14:40 - Amy Bernstein's Current Projects and Speaking Schedule18:53 - One Small Action to Build Instant Creative Momentum25:40 - Where to Find Amy Bernstein and Her WorkEARNINGS & LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All content provided by The Writing Biz is for educational and informational purposes only. The external links provided in this description contain affiliate links, meaning the creator receives a small financial commission if you choose to purchase through them. This channel complies fully with FTC guidelines regarding digital disclosures. Please review official platform rules before implementing publishing strategies.

Discover how to successfully reinvent your life, overcome unexpected career detours, and turn personal challenges into powerful creative fuel with special guest Ray Hartjen 🖊️FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/start-writing-ray-hartjen #selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #authorpreneur #bookmarketing #cancersurvivor #cancerawareness

🤩MY GUEST:

Ray Hartjen, Author 7 MusicianWEBSITE: https://rayhartjen.com/https://rayhartjen.com/https://www.facebook.com/ray.hartjenhttps://twitter.com/RayHartjenhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGz0k3o0dK3g6c0aVJay_Qhttps://www.instagram.com/rayhartjen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayhartjen/https://www.tiktok.com/@rayhartjen5📚

BOOKS BY RAY HARTJEN & OTHERS

Me, Myself, and My Multiple Myeloma by Ray Hartjen –Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pGr6fZ EBook: https://amzn.to/4hx25Sp The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to

Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing by Ray Hartjen –Paperback: https://amzn.to/4gRbjIZ \

The 30 Days in May: The Indy 500 by Hal Higdon – Paperback: https://amzn.to/4wiWBPJ EBook: https://amzn.to/4wpnxO3

⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast

📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/

💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/

‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/

⭐FOLLOW US⭐

Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@ThewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz

👋🏼HI! What unexpected life detour or major pivot forced you to completely rethink your creative path, and how did you find your way forward? Let us know in the comments below!

🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ

💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN

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-This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

ABOUT THIS VIDEO:

In this episode of The Writing Biz, host Laura Williams is joined by Ray Hartjen, a California-based writer, musician, and author of five books with a rich five-decade career across marketing, business, and storytelling. Together, they explore how unexpected life detours—including Ray's diagnosis with multiple myeloma—can become catalysts for profound personal reinvention, core value alignment, and dedicated artistic pursuit. Whether you are looking to pivot your career or build an enduring author platform, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the psychology of change.

0:00 - Introduction1:00 - Navigating Life Pivots and Cancer Diagnosis4:00 - Approaching Hardship with a Growth Mindset6:05 - The Timeline Exercise for Personal Clarity10:00 - Aligning Core Values with Your Career15:40 - Transitioning from Short-Form Writing to Books16:35 - The Inspiration Behind Motorsports Writing24:14 - Exploring Fiction and Espionage Thrillers26:35 - Traditional vs. Self-Publishing Insights30:25 - Engaging Young Readers and Writers36:10 - Final Thoughts and Community SupportEARNINGS & LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All content provided by The Writing Biz is for educational and informational purposes only. The external links provided in this description contain affiliate links, meaning the creator receives a small financial commission if you choose to purchase through them. This channel complies fully with FTC guidelines regarding digital disclosures. Please review official platform rules before implementing publishing strategies.

JD Barker didn't become a New York Times bestselling author by accident. He treated writing like a brand — and built an empire.In this episode, Barker breaks down the business systems behind his international book launches, why his finance background gave him an edge most authors never develop, and the surprising productivity advantage of his Asperger's diagnosis.If you're still treating your writing like a hobby, this one's for you. 🖊️FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/jd-barker-jd-barker-global-branding. #selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #authorpreneur #bookmarketing #jdbarker🤩MY GUEST:JD Barker. AuthorWEBSITE: https://jdbarker.com/INSTAGRAM: @jdbarker_author📚BOOKS BY JD BARKER: The First Scarlet Door - A 4MK Thriller Book 4PRE-ORDER TODAY!Pre-Order Hardcover https://amzn.to/4wjElpy Pre-Order Ebook https://amzn.to/4wjvnZt The Fourth Monkey - A 4MK Thriller Book 1Paperback https://amzn.to/4pSyoO5 Ebook https://amzn.to/4b8c90i The Fifth to Die - A 4MK Thriller Book 2Paperback https://amzn.to/4yA3aio Ebook https://amzn.to/45eUTmzThe Sixth Wicked Child - A 4MK Thriller Book 3Paperback https://amzn.to/3TuI5py Ebook https://amzn.to/4fqX3UW Dracul By JD Barker & Dacre StokerPaperback https://amzn.to/4bYK5wD Ebook https://amzn.to/4fOyC57 ⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast 📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/⭐FOLLOW US⭐Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz👋🏼HI! Are you currently treating your writing as a creative hobby, or have you structuralized it into a formal business brand? Let us know your approach in the comments below!🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Laura-Williams--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.ABOUT THIS VIDEO:In this episode, host Laura Williams sits down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times bestselling suspense thriller author known for the 4MK series, Dracul, and his collaborative novels with James Patterson. Barker shares his transition from working as a ghostwriter and corporate chief compliance officer into running a global publishing brand that handles simultaneous international releases across 150 countries. Learn how to apply corporate branding strategies, protect narrative pacing during translations, and organize your daily writing schedule to achieve long-term commercial success."I tend to think of myself as a brand. I try to get my name as visible in as many places as I possibly can." - JD Barker0:00 - Introduction01:42 - Managing a Global 150-Country Book Launch04:53 - Writing Dracul and Uncovering Bram Stoker's Notes09:56 - Navigating Global Translation and Hollywood Film Rights12:35 - Daily Productivity Routines and treating Authorship as a Brand15:50 - Transitioning from Finance and Ghostwriting to Bestselling Novels18:55 - Embracing Autism as a Creative Superpower20:06 - Co-authoring with James Patterson and Collaborative Writing Mechanics

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Learn the core storytelling principles and creative reinvention strategies needed to level up your self-publishing career later in life. FULL TRANSCRIPT & MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/youre-nobody-in-that-world-richard-sparks-publishing #selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #storystructure #authorpreneur #writingtips 🤩MY GUEST:Richard Sparks, screenwriter & authorWEBSITE: https://richardsparks.com/📚RICHARD SPARKS BOOKS: “Ready Player One meets Lord of the Rings in Disc World.”New Rock, New RolePaperback https://amzn.to/44uEudB Ebook https://amzn.to/4fezzSNNew Rock, New RealmPaperback https://amzn.to/4hbqqwY Ebook https://amzn.to/4w9CjbvNew Rock, New RulesPaperback https://amzn.to/44y9OIo Ebook https://amzn.to/4w0oKuO⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast 📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/⭐FOLLOW US⭐Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Laura-Williams--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.ABOUT THIS VIDEO: In this episode, host Laura Williams sits down with Richard Sparks, a highly versatile writer whose iconic career spans British television comedy, main-stage operas with Placido Domingo, and his debut satirical fantasy novel series, New Rock, New Realm. Richard shares deep insights into moving away from a script editor mindset to master long-form fiction, revealing why an author must establish a clear plot structure and ending before taking creative risks. Discover how his love for online role-playing games transformed into a publishing venture and how tracking your emotional arcs can help turn your passion project into a profitable writing business."Publishers don't want books, they want writers. They want names. They want something that the public knows and something that the publisher can sell." - Richard Sparks0:00 - Introduction to Richard Sparks1:10 - Stepping Into a New Genre Later in Life4:45 - Breaking Into the Script Writing World6:15 - Taking Creative Risks and Avoiding Pigeonholing9:35 - Where Inspiration and Coincidences Intersect11:57 - The Mechanics of Plotting and Story Structure18:05 - How to Outline Your Ending First23:14 - Setup and Payoff Lessons from Game of Thrones25:58 - Turning a Love of Online Gaming into Fantasy Fiction33:31 - Finding Your Ideal Daily Writing Routine36:03 - Applying Plot Mechanics to Your Writing Business39:26 - Overcoming Failure and Handling Professional Disappointment43:12 - How to Download Free Chapters from Richard SparksEARNINGS & LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All content provided by The Writing Biz is for educational and informational purposes only. The external links provided in this description contain affiliate links, meaning the creator receives a small financial commission if you choose to purchase through them. This channel complies fully with FTC guidelines regarding digital disclosures. Please review official platform rules before implementing publishing strategies.

Learn how to build a professional author media kit to secure more podcast interviews, speaking engagements, and book sales. 🖊️FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/author-media-kit-mistakes-costing-you-interviews/ #selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #mediakit #authorbranding #bookmarketing

🤩MY GUEST:

Teri M. Brown, Author

WEBSITE: http://www.terimbrown.com

Facebook.com/TeriMBrownAuthor

x.com/TeriMBrown1

Instagram.com/TeriMBrown_Author

LinkedIn.com/in/TeriMBrown

Goodreads.com/terimbrown

Tiktok.com/@terimbrown_author

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/author/terimbrown

Youtube.com/@TeriMBrown_Author

Bookbub.com/profile/teri-m-brown

📚TERI'S BOOKS: 

Teri’s Books

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

Paperback https://amzn.to/4vMatlj   EBook https://amzn.to/4vFSf4W 

Peg, Unhinged

Paperback https://amzn.to/4y6JwdJ   EBook https://amzn.to/4pnXV1n 

An Enemy Like Me

Paperback https://amzn.to/3Rk8DJt      EBook https://amzn.to/4vP2hRq 

⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here:  @Thewritingbizpodcast  

📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/

💻WORK WTIH ME!

To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/

‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/

⭐FOLLOW US⭐

Website: https://thewritingbiz.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcast

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.social

Facebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbiz

X: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz

👋🏼HI! Do you currently have an online media kit set up for your books, and what is the number one element you struggle to format correctly? Let us know in the comments below!

🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ

💫DIY Book Covers: Book Cover Formatting & Mockups: https://diybookcovers.com/

💫Canva: Graphic Design & Photo Editing Software https://canva.com

💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place:

💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv

--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

ABOUT THIS VIDEO: In this episode, host Laura Williams sits down with award-winning contemporary and historical fiction author Terri M. Brown to pull back the curtain on professional branding for authors. Terri, the author of Peg Unhinged and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, shares her practical strategies for organizing an editable online media kit that makes booking media appearances effortless.

"What you're trying to do is make it easy for other people to access. Have you on their show, to have you come and speak, to talk with you about your book... You want to make it as easy for other people as possible." - Teri M. Brown

🕑TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction to Author Media Kits

1:34 - Why You Should Use Google Docs for Media Kits

2:15 - Must-Have Elements: Contact Info, Bios, and Book Blurbs

4:23 - Adding Speaking Topics and Sample Interview Questions

5:19 - Including Editorial Reviews, Awards, and Past Appearances

7:54 - The Formula for Writing Versatile Author Bios

11:20 - What Makes a Professional Author Headshot

16:55 - Using Canva to Easily Format Your Media Assets

20:00 - Best Practices for 2D and 3D Book Cover Files

21:49 - Designing a Readable Layout and Section Headings

24:41 - Creating General vs. Book-Specific Media Kits

26:43 - Author Website Optimization and AI Discoverability Tips

28:35 - Terri’s Upcoming Historical Fiction Project

31:56 - When to Update Your Media Kit Elements

32:42 - Conclusion and Where to Connect with Teri

Discover how to protect your creative work and prove human authorship in an era dominated by generative AI technology. FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE

#selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #bookcoverdesign #bookformatting #authorpreneur "To say that a story has never been touched by AI in any way is just no longer something that we can say." — Gordon McClellan🤩MY GUEST:Gordon McLellan, founder and CEO of DartFrog BooksWEBSITE: DartFrog BooksTrue Origin Documented Authorship: https://dartfrogbooks.com/manuscript-authorship-protection/⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to the podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast 📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/

🔨MENTIONED TOOLS, BOOKS, ETC.

⁠True Origin Documented Authorship⁠

⁠Grammarly⁠

⁠DartFrog Books⁠

💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/⭐FOLLOW US⭐Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz👋🏼HI! How do you personally balance using AI-powered tools for editing while maintaining your unique human voice in your writing? Let us know in the comments below!🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place.💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.ABOUT THIS VIDEOIn this episode, I sit down with Gordon McLellan, founder and CEO of DartFrog Books, to discuss the critical intersection of human-first storytelling and artificial intelligence. We explore practical ways for authors to protect their intellectual property using blockchain technology and provide actionable advice on identifying legitimate human editorial services in an increasingly automated world."The only way I think that we can know for sure that a person has written is to show the evolution of their thought, edits, rewrites over time." — Gordon McClellan0:00 — Intro0:39 — The Impact of Generative AI on Authors0:4:58 — Drawing the Line: Human Writing vs. AI Tools0:10:41 — Why AI Content Detection Tools Fail0:13:36 — Introducing True Origin Blockchain Stamping0:17:19 — How Human Authors Out-Compete Machine Content0:22:00 — The Em Dash Dilemma and Reader Perception0:27:00 — Red Flags: How to Verify Your Editor is Human0:34:46 — Real Stories of AI Book Scraping and Theft#WritingTips #SelfPublishing #WritingBusiness #Writingcommunity#authors #selfpublishers #AI #AIBooks #AIDetection #TrueOriginEARNINGS & LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All content provided by The Writing Biz is for educational and informational purposes only. The external links provided in this description contain affiliate links, meaning the creator receives a small financial commission if you choose to purchase through them. This channel complies fully with FTC guidelines regarding digital disclosures. Please review official platform rules before implementing publishing strategies.

Discover how to transform your writing business into a diversified intellectual property firm by leveraging multiple income streams for authors beyond just book sales and more writing business ideas. 🖊️FULL TRANSCRIPT AND MORE: https://thewritingbiz.com/the-truth-about-author-income-streams/ #selfpublishing #howtopublishabook #authorpreneur #writingtips #indieauthor #authorplatform #authorrevenue #auhtorincomestream #indieauthorincome🤩MY GUEST:Matty Dalrymple, author and host of The Indy Author PodcastWEBSITE: https://www.mattydalrymple.com/YOUTUBE:  @TheIndyAuthorPodcast  📚BOOKS MENTIONED: From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker by Matty Dalrymple & Michael LaRonn (Book): BUY PAPERBACK: https://amzn.to/4v7bGCQ BUY EBOOK: https://amzn.to/4f326vJThe Podcast Guest Playbook by Matty Dalrymple & Michael LaRonn (Book): BUY PAPERBACK: https://amzn.to/4xNexDh BUY EBOOK: https://amzn.to/4aQQo4Q⭐SUBSCRIBE and listen to The Writing Biz podcast here: @Thewritingbizpodcast 📰SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter. Be the first to know about new episodes! https://thewritingbiz.com/subscribe-to-the-writing-biz-today/💻WORK WTIH ME!To learn more about Laura Williams Pages, and how I can help you build an author brand that sells books visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/‼️To SIGN UP for your FREE Site audit visit: https://laurawilliamspages.com/free-site-audit/⭐FOLLOW US⭐Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thewritingbizpodcastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz👋🏼Hi! What is one non-writing income stream you have implemented in your author business that has provided the most stability or growth, and how did you overcome the initial challenge of launching it?🔨TOOLS FOR YOUR WRITING BIZ💫Sign up for GOOGLE WORKSPACE and organize your business in one place: https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/RNTN💫PodMatch: Helps the right podcast guests & hosts find each other faster and automates administrative work, so you can focus on what matters: recording interviews that serve listeners. Terrific for authorpreneurs!https://www.joinpodmatch.com/thewritingbiz 💫Are you looking for an easy, reliable newsletter service? Check out the one I use and love, BeeHiiv: https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Laura-Williams💫Booklaunchers: https://booklaunchers.com/alk/ref/TheWritingBiz/ Self-Publishing for thought leaders made easy. Build your authority and brand with expert guidance tailored to your non-fiction book success.--This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.ABOUT THIS VIDEO:In this episode, we sit down with Matty Dalrymple, an accomplished indie author known for her Lizzie Ballard thrillers and Anne Kinnear suspense novels, to discuss the critical transition from "writer" to "authorpreneur.""Giving yourself an opportunity to play is sometimes the foundation of real concrete financial benefits." - Matty DalrympleMatty shares her expertise as a member of the International Thriller Writers and Alliance of Independent Authors, providing actionable strategies for nonfiction and fiction authors to diversify income through speaking, consulting, and smart platform building.EARNINGS & LEGAL DISCLAIMER: All content provided by The Writing Biz is for educational and informational purposes only. The external links provided in this description contain affiliate links, meaning the creator receives a small financial commission if you choose to purchase through them. This channel complies fully with FTC guidelines regarding digital disclosures. Please review official platform rules before implementing publishing strategies.

If you're a self-published author trying to earn an income from your books, this episode covers the brutal reality of the modern publishing landscape. Learn how to ditch the broken traditional system and scale your author income using professional self-publishing frameworks and targeted Amazon advertising.

In this episode, prize-winning author and founder of InkLab Editing & Publishing, Michael Totten, breaks down exactly how to navigate the shift from traditional publishing to a highly profitable indie author career.

"You've got a really high bar. You have to be basically perfect in order to get through this gauntlet. Agents just spent six seconds instead of nine seconds on your manuscript, and they didn't realize they actually had a good one." -  Michael Totten

We pull back the curtain on why traditional book advances have cratered—revealing why "$5,000 is the new $50,000"—and why corporate publishers expect you to do all your own book marketing anyway. Michael shares invaluable writing advice on the technical errors that instantly get manuscripts rejected by agents, including the exact dialogue mechanics you can fix in just 45 minutes. You'll learn actionable freelance writing tips on how to invest your marketing budget strategically, why Facebook ads fail for most books while Amazon ads crush it, and how to scale up your self-publishing efforts by treating your work like a real business. If you want to stop waiting for permission from corporate gatekeepers and discover how to make money writing on your own terms, this discussion is for you.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Intro
• 1:05 — Why Traditional Publishing is Broken
• 2:45 — The Reality of Author Platforms & Marketing
• 6:25 — The Nightmare Grid of Finding a Literary Agent
• 10:15 — The 10% vs. 70% Royalty Reality Check
• 12:10 — Professionalizing Indie Publishing: Covers & Editing
• 14:15 — How to Sell Your Book Safely via Amazon Ads
• 19:55 — Why You Can't Edit Your Own Writing
• 24:00 — Hidden Manuscript Flaws: Dialogue Mechanics & Head Hopping
• 34:00 — Using Beta Readers to Fix a Broken Ending
• 43:05 — The InkLab Ecosystem & Finding Professional Editors
• 53:20 — Outro & Resources

Michael Totten's Official Website

InkLab Editing & Publishing

Michael's Best-Selling Book: Write, Edit, Publish: What Every Writer Needs to Know But Only an Editor Will Tell You

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