Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

When Neely Tubati-Alexander started working on her first novel (Love Buzz; HarperPerennial, May 2023), she wished someone could give her a straightforward understanding of the steps she'd need to take, from writing her first draft to properly querying agents to getting that often-sought-after publishing deal.  

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, she illuminates the path from draft to deal---at least the one she took---so that other aspiring authors have more of an understanding of what to expect, what to avoid, and how to keep going when things seem go awry.

 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• The #1 way to piss off a literary agent (don't worry, it’s easy to avoid).

• Should you have a manuscript edited (and to what degree) before querying a literary agent?

• How to develop a strong query plan (and choose the best agents to query for your book).

• The 3 most important things to know about your book before querying a literary agent.

• What agents and editors look for beyond a great book.

• The submissions process from agent to acquisitions editors.

 

ABOUT NEELY TUBATI-ALEXANDER

Neely is the author of women’s fiction with rom-com feels you can escape into with a smile. And if you like seeing women pursuing love AND careers, you'll love her writing! If she's not tucked a

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Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

AWESOME EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR AUTHORS 

From communicating with your launch team to building incredible relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal fans. 

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Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
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Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

These days, there's more than just one path to getting a book published. 

From traditional publishing to hybrid publishing to self-publishing, every aspiring author has an opportunity to have her voice heard and to make an impact on readers. 

For as many people who hail one approach, there are just as many who eschew it. 

To be sure, there are pros and cons to each. The key is knowing what those pros and cons are so you can make the best decision for your book project (and the decision may very well change from book to book!).

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, you'll gain a more thorough understanding of traditional, hybrid/vanity, and self-publishing.

And while I believe each model has its place, there's one I consistently advise authors to stay (far) away from. I've never heard of an experience with this publishing model ending well. 

 

Resources Mentioned

25 Days of Bold Moves (free challenge)

Episode with Neely Alexander, author of Love Buzz

Episode with Jamie Varon, author of Main Character Energy

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Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

AWESOME EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR AUTHORS 

From communicating with your launch team to building incredible relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal fans. 

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Jamie Varon is an author, designer, digital course creator, and creative consultant living in Calabasas, CA. Her first nonfiction book, Radically Content, was published April 12th, 2022 with Quarto Books. 

Her debut novel, Main Character Energy, (which she wrote in an hour a day, because no, you don't have to devote your entire life to it!) will be published fall 2023 with HarperCollins’ imprint, Park Row.

 

In Episode 49 of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed: 

• How writing a "Novel Zero" can be a game-changer for nonfiction writers.

• The daunting task of transitioning from nonfiction to fiction writing and why it can feel incredibly challenging, even for experienced writers.

• The subjective nature of books and the unique challenges authors face in getting their works written and published.

• Jamie's experience utilizing a book writing coach to overcome obstacles and complete her novel.

• Jamie's unconventional outlining practice and why it differs from traditional methods.

• Tips on finding a great editor who can truly enhance your writing journey.

• What writers can learn from musicians when it comes to the book-writing process.

 

CONNECT WITH JAMIE

Website: 

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Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

AWESOME EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR AUTHORS 

From communicating with your launch team to building incredible relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal fans. 

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Remember Kara Forney’s @BoyMomsBook reel that got 4 million+ views, brought in 13,000+ followers, and sold 70+ books in the first 6 days?

We said we didn’t know how she did it. And we don’t 100% know. Not to the extent that we can now sell you on “the perfect formula to reach IG and life stardom in 27 seconds.”

Yes, it seemed random, and one certainly never knows what will “hit.”

A viral reel is rarely the singular key to "success." But even though Kara's reel wasn't necessarily "intentionally strategic" (meaning that she didn't spend hours concocting the perfect video, verbiage, caption, and hashtags), we did identify four key takeaways EVERY author can benefit from.  

GET TO KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

It’s not just about getting people to follow YOU. You need to know what hooks the types of people you want to attract! 

Boy Moms: Collective Tales of Mothers and Sons launched a year ago. Since then, Kara has been keeping tabs on where her ideal audience is. In other words, who are other Boy Moms are following, and what kinds of posts get traction with that audience?

Put simply, she set out to understand the “Instagram language” of her audience.

She determined the answer to be short, funny, repurposed posts, so that's what she posts a lot of.

 

“When that particular video clip came across my feed,” she told me, “I absolutely recognized I could do something with it ‘my’ segment of the Boy Mom audience would relate to. Did I think it would get 3.5 million views? Definitely not. But I knew that, on some level, Boy Moms would think it was funny.”

 STAY IN YOUR LANE

Kara isn’t a “boy mom coach.” She doesn’t help people become better boy moms. Her book isn’t directive or prescriptive in any way, nor is it meant to be.

She’s an extremely successful corporate consultant. (Remember The Bump? She founded it. It was later acquired by The Knot.)

Her boo

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Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Lauren Eckhardt, author and founder of Burning Soul Collective and Burning Soul Press. We discussed the changing landscape of the publishing industry, the importance of marketing your book in a way that feels authentic, and the therapeutic aspect of book writing.

Lauren shared her insights on different publishing opportunities and paradigms, emphasizing the need to align your values with your chosen approach. She also debunked the idea of being published for free and provided guidance on self- and hybrid publishing, encouraging authors to be more curious about the hidden value of paying someone else to publish their work.

We also discussed how Lauren helps authors overcome imposter syndrome and shared her own strategies for battling "writer's block" and lack of inspiration.

Finally, we explored a new perspective on book launches, an alternative to the traditional "finish line" mentality. Overall, the conversation was filled with valuable insights and practical advice for both aspiring and established authors.

 

ABOUT LAUREN

Lauren is an award-winning and best-selling author and CEO, ghostwriter, and book coach at Burning Soul Press. She’s also the mama to two little guys who are her why that drives her every day. She’s an advocate for determined and passionate writers who listen to their soul’s calling and the number one cheerleader for our authors.  

 

CONNECT WITH LAUREN

Coaching Website:

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Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

AWESOME EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR AUTHORS 

From communicating with your launch team to building incredible relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal fans. 

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Click here to sign up for the Social Media for Authors + Writers Workshop (July 20, replay will be sent if you can't attend live!) 

*******

When it comes to book writing, "I'm waiting for inspiration/motivation" is often code for "I have no idea where this is going and it scares the sh*t out of me so I'll figure it out another day." 

But there are ways around (read: through) this challenge. 

In today's episode, I offer some of my favorite tips so that you can get out of "waiting" and into writing!

***

ELIZABETH'S CORE WRITING & PUBLISHING PROGRAMSBOOK WRITING MADE SIMPLE

A program for writing powerful, thought-provoking nonfiction or memoir so you can grow your business or simply share your story.

This is for you if you:

✍️ Want to write a powerful, top-quality book, making sure you're avoiding common (and unnecessary) mistakes along the way 

✍️ Crave the support of a proven book-writing process as well as knowledgeable guidance and compassionate ass-kicking (when necessary) when the adventure feels “sticky” and you begin feeling unsure of what you’re doing, why you started, or whether it’s going to be worth it (hint: it absolutely will)

✍️ Desire to be part of a community of authors who provide you with accountability, motivation, and support (not to mention a spot-on meme here and there!)

and

✍️ 2x/month group coaching /support/guidance sessions with Elizabeth to help you navigate roadblocks (both tactical and mindset-based) so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud of

Learn more >> 

 

PUBLISH A PROFITABLE BOOK

A complete step-by-step program to help you self-publish a book that's indistinguishable in quality from a New York Times bestseller.

This is for you if you:

📚 Are ready to publish your b

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Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

"Sometimes, the writing comes easy because we have been thinking about it for so long. It has taken years come to fruition, but it is already there. We are writing to explore both what we know and what we don’t know."

-Rick Rubin

Sometimes, content flows easily.

Sometimes, it’s like pulling a rock out of solid concrete with your bare fingers.

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, you'll discover often-overlooked reasons for why the writing sometimes feels "hard" (reasons that will have you both curious and eager to get your butt back in the chair!).

***

READY TO GET YOUR BOOK OUTLINED?

Consider enrolling in my pay-what-you-can Book Outlines Made Simple workshop!

 

***

MORE OF ELIZABETH'S WRITING & PUBLISHING PROGRAMS BOOK WRITING MADE SIMPLE

A program for writing powerful, thought-provoking nonfiction or memoir so you can grow your business or simply share your story.

This is for you if you:

✍️ Want to write a powerful, top-quality book, making sure you're avoiding common (and unnecessary) mistakes along the way 

✍️ Crave the support of a proven book-writing process as well as knowledgeable guidance and compassionate ass-kicking (when necessary) when the adventure feels “sticky” and you begin feeling unsure of what you’re doing, why you started, or whether it’s going to be worth it (hint: it absolutely will)

✍️ Desire to be part of a community of authors who provide you with accountability, motivation, and support (not to mention a spot-on meme here and there!)

and

✍️ 2x/month group coaching /support/guidance sessions with Elizabeth to help you navigate roadblocks (both tactical and mindset-based) so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud of

Learn more >> 

 

🎉 NOW OPEN - AMAZON ADS FOR INDIE AUTHORS!

Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Few people (in my age bracket, anyway) aren't familiar with the perennial bestseller, Tuesdays with Morrie. Published in 2002, the book highlights the lessons passed down from Morrie Schwartz (a college professor) to his student, Mitch Albom.

Morrie passed away before the book was released (before a word of it was written, in fact). And years after his death, Rob discovered a manuscript in the drawer of his father's desk.

That manuscript would become The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully, released April 18, 2023 (Blackstone Publishing). 

On this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Rob and I talked about his discovery of the manuscript, and the decision for him to edit it and seek a publisher who would help continue to spread Morrie's timeless insights. 

 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• How Rob discovered the manuscript (and the surprising condition it was in)
• How "easy" it was to find an agent and then publisher for the book given the success of Tuesdays with Morrie (this will surprise you)
• What Rob most appreciates about his publisher (it's not one of the Big 5!)
• Why “waiting” so many years between discovery and publication might have hurt (and, more importantly, might have helped!) 

 

ABOUT ROB SCHWARTZ

Rob Schwartz

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Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

AWESOME EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR AUTHORS 

From communicating with your launch team to building incredible relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal fans. 

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Donna Norman-Carbone's debut novel, All That is Sacred, released on April 11, 2023 (Red Adept Publishing). 

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed her journey to writing and publishing the novel, which was inspired by true events. 

 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• How Donna got started writing, and the story and characters who inspired her debut novel
• Donna's process of writing through both grief AND difficult conversations to sort through her feelings and thoughts (as a fellow emotional being, this made my ears perk up!)
• How long the book ended up taking to write and be published given all the other things going on in her life
• The details of her unique publishing journey, which started with querying agents and ended with her querying her publisher directly (which isn’t common)
• One of her favorite offerings provided by her publishing house (I think every publishing house should have this for their authors!)
• Within the editing process, a suggestion was made to go from 5 POVs (points of view) to 1 and to write an entirely new first chapter. We talked about how she responded and worked with those suggestions without feeling like she was starting all over.
• A perspective-shifting way to think about where you are in the book-writing process when you send your book to the editor (hint: you’re NOT 95% to the finish line)
• What Donna is most excited about when it comes to promotion (as someone who doesn’t like to speak in front of others, even though she’s a teacher!)

 

ABOUT DONNA

Donna Norman-Carbone’s debut, All That is Sacred, a women’s fiction released on April 11, 2023, is published by Red Adep

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Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Jill Krzyzanowicz writes under the pen name Margo Reilly, which I found fascinating since her first book, When the Apple Falls Far from the Tree, is memoir.

Many people wonder whether they can (or should) write memoir under a pen name, and in all cases (up until speaking with Jill), I advised against it for a variety of reasons that Jill and I spoke about.

But Jill's rationale made perfect sense, and it provides a great additional perspective for anyone considering the same approach. 

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Jill and I had a wonderful time chatting about the book writing, publishing, and marketing processes, as well as her plans for a second book.

 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Why pseudonyms (pen names) can be a real problem when you’re writing memoir, and why Jill chose to use one (plus, her publisher’s surprising direction on her choice of a pen name)
• The conversation with her friend, whose words, “This conversation will help so many more people than it will hurt” moved her to action
• How she (successfully) promotes a book that’s written under a pseudonym
• Jill's fears about whether anyone would be angry after reading her book (and whether anyone did get mad angry)
• How Jill started writing (even though she fell into the “I’m not a writer” club), and why she encourages e

🎉 NOW OPEN - AMAZON ADS FOR INDIE AUTHORS!

Access the first 6 modules of my newest course FOR FREE and see if the full course is right for you right here: 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/freetrial

Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!

...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer. No overwhelm, no confusion. Just simple, actionable steps.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

AWESOME EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR AUTHORS 

From communicating with your launch team to building incredible relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal fans. 

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth