Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Alix Strauss recently reissued The Joy of Funerals, 20 years after its initial release (with St. Martin's Press). This fascinated me, as so often I hear authors wonder, "Can I still promote my book? It's been out for a year!"

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we chatted about:

• what compelled her to reissue the book
• what she's doing differently this time around
• how being a frequent contributor to the NYT informs her confidence about being a "good" writer
• what she loves most about the writing community
• how she summons and nurtures unflinching belief in her book. 

I had to sit quite far from the mic for the majority of the interview so it didn't pick up my near-constant laughter; the woman is hysterical!

ABOUT ALIX

Alix Strauss is a trend, culture, and lifestyle journalist; an award-winning, four-time published author; speaker; and frequent contributor to The New York Times. 

Her books include: The Joy of Funerals (St. Martin’s Press & Palagram Press), Based Upon Availability (Harper Collins), and Death Becomes Them: Unearthing the Suicides of the Brilliant, the Famous and the Notorious (Harper Collins).  She is also the editor of Have I Got a Guy for You (Simon & Schuster), an anthology of mother-coordinated dating horror stories. Her work has been optioned for several TV and film projects. 

A media-savvy social satirist, she has been a featured lifestyle, travel, and trend writer on national morning and talk shows including ABC, CBS, CNN, and the Today Show. During the past 25 years, she has written over 1500 articles. Her articles have appeared in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Conde Nast Traveler, the Financial Times, Time Magazine, and Departures, among others, and cover a range of topics from trends in beauty, travel, and food to celebrity interviews. 

The Joy of Funerals is an Ingram Award winner and was named Best Debut Novel by The New York Resident. Alix was the inaugural “First Chapters” pick, Cosmopolitan Magazine’s new launchpad of fiction excerpts, giving readers exclusive sneak peeks of gripping new work. Her essays and short fiction have appeared in the Primavera Literary Journal, Hampton Shorts Literary Journal, The Idaho Review, Quality Women's Fiction, The Blue Moon Café III, Sex, Drugs & Gefilte Fish: The Heeb Storytelling Collection and A Kudzu Christmas. Her short story, “Shrinking Away”, won the David Dornstein Creative Writing Award. She is the recipient of several awards and fellowships from programs such as the Wesleyan Writers Conference, the Skidmore College Writerʼs Institute, the Sarah Lawrence Summer Program, and the Squaw Valleyʼs Screenwritersʼ Summer Program.

Alix lectures extensively and has been a keynote speaker, moderator, or panelist at over 200 conferences, symposiums, seminars, and summits, including The Southern Festival of Books, The Northwest Bookfest, The New England’s Writer’s Conference, Wesleyan Writer’s conference, The 92nd Street Y, New York University, Center for Communications, University of Connecticut, and Columbia University. She was chosen to speak at the National Jewish Book Festival and is on the National Speakers Bureau for Israeli Bonds.  

CONNECT WITH ALIX

Website: www.alixstrauss.com

Instagram: instagram.com/alixstrauss

Facebook: facebook.com/alixstrauss

BUY THE BOOK:

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

I love a good string of lessons learned. Given the popularity of my post detailing the 9 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Sooner on Instagram, I thought I'd expand upon a few of them (and add one more!).

It's been a wild and wonderful 19+ years in this space, and while I wouldn't change a thing, knowing some of this earlier on would certainly have saved me some late-night anxiety runs to the ice cream section of the grocery store!

While I'll always support late-night ice cream runs, my hope is that this list will help you make them from a calm, happy space!

MENTIONED RESOURCES

Creating Captivating Audiobooks workshop with Drew Linsalata

Carly Watters' Instagram post about author visibility challenges

The Book Writers Collective (monthly membership)

Holy Sh*t…I’m Having Twins! The Definitive Guide to Remaining Calm When You're Twice as Freaked Out (still my top-selling book, even after 19 years!)

Podcast Episode 9: What Makes a Book a Bestseller?

WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER ON YOUR BOOK

BOOK EDITING

For all the details on my book editing services, click here

 

WRITE THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY

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 powerful nonfiction or memoir (and avoid common, unnecessary mistakes along the way) 

✍️ Crave support, knowledgeable guidance, and compassionate ass-kicking when 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)

✍️ Group coaching/masterminding with Elizabeth every other week to help you navigate roadblocks so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud to release into the world

 Learn more >> 

 

PUBLISH A PROFITABLE BOOK

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

This is for you if you:

📚 Want no-fluff, step-by-step directions to publishing a top-quality book on your terms and timeline

📚 Want to retain all rights, creative control, and earnings so you can start building a lucrative career as an author

📚 Want access to a patient, committed (fun!) six-time author every two weeks to guide you through questions and areas of confusion (we all have them!)

 Learn More >> 

 

FROM MANUSCRIPT TO MARKET

A step-by-step program that helps you launch (or re-launch) your book so you can sell more copies while b

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

I was thrilled to get the opportunity to speak with Kristen McGuiness, 2x author and founder of both Rise Books and Ascent Publishing, in the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast.

Kristen shares the incredibly relatable rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that come with navigating the book publishing realm as well as the process of finding the right fit for your manuscript, whether it's a big-name, boutique publisher, or hybrid publisher. 

 

ABOUT KRISTEN

Kristen McGuiness is the founder of Storyboxing, which provides content, coaching and courses for people looking to write the good fight. In addition, she is a co-founder, Vice President, and Editor-at-Large of Row House, a disruptive publishing imprint at the intersection of wellness + social justice, founded by best-selling author Rebekah Borucki.

Kristen is also the bestselling author of 51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life, which was optioned by Original Films/CBS Cable with Alison Brie attached to star. She has over twenty years’ experience in book development, writing, and editorial, working with such authors as Dr. Phil McGraw, Dr. Stephen Covey, Chris Matthews, Leon Logothetis, Joe Gorga, Darren Prince, Rebekah Borucki, and more.

She began her career working in publicity for St. Martin's Press before joining the editorial departments of Simon & Schuster, Free Press, and Judith Regan at Harper Collins. Since then, Kristen has also worked in non-profit fundraising as a strategic grants and marketing director, helping to raise millions for local and international non-profits.

Kristen has appeared on the “TODAY Show,” in USA Today, and in Marie Claire, and has written for numerous publications, including Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Psychology Today, Salon and The Fix. Kristen is currently finishing her debut novel, Live Through This, and has written and co-written multiple film and TV projects (and one very weird play). 

 

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN

Website: kristenmcguiness.com

Kristen's Instagram: instagram.com/kristenmcguiness

Rise Books: www.risebooks.com

Rise Writers: risewriters.com

Ascend Publishing: risebooks.com/ascend-publishing

Kristen's first book: 51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life

Kristen's newest book: Live Through This

 

LET'S WORK TOGETHER ON YOUR BOOK!

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

 

 

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

When seeking a publisher, it can feel downright impossible to know who to trust and where to invest should you decide to pursue hybrid publishing. Of course you want to do everything possible to ensure that you're getting exactly what you sign up (and pay) for. 

Reputable hybrid publishing houses are wonderful! They're providing an important service by helping so many amazing books make their way into the world and supporting their authors along the way. 

But just like every industry, there are some "bad players" (and the number seems to be increasing).

So in this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I break down the GREEN flags (as in, these guys are good!), the yellow flags, and even an orange flag or two when it comes to working with a hybrid publisher so you can filter the good from the not-so-good and more quickly be on your way to an incredible author experience.  

 WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER ON YOUR BOOK

BOOK EDITING

For all the details on my book editing services, click here

 

WRITE THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY

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 powerful nonfiction or memoir (and avoid common, unnecessary mistakes along the way) 

✍️ Crave support, knowledgeable guidance, and compassionate ass-kicking when 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)

✍️ Want to be part of a community of authors who provide accountability, feedback, creative suggestions, and inspiration (not to mention a spot-on meme here and there!)

 and

✍️ Group coaching/masterminding with Elizabeth every other week to help you navigate roadblocks so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud to release into the world

 Learn more >> 

 

PUBLISH A PROFITABLE BOOK

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

This is for you if you:

📚 Want no-fluff, step-by-step directions to publishing a top-quality book on your terms and timeline

📚 Want to retain all rights, creative control, and earnings so you can start building a lucrative career as an author

📚 Want access to a patient, committed (fun!) six-time author every two weeks to guide you through questions and areas of confusion (we all have them!)

 Learn More >> 

 

FROM MANUSCRIPT TO MARKET

A step-by-step program that helps you launch (or re-lau

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

What happens after the book is published is often not what authors expect. We expect the inevitable "dip" in sales. We expect to spend time coming up with new strategies for getting the book in front of new readers.

But we often don't expect a post-publication "funk." 

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I dive into this reality of book publishing and what authors can do to mitigate it. 

 WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER ON YOUR BOOK

BOOK EDITING

For all the details on my book editing services, click here

 

WRITE THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY

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 powerful nonfiction or memoir (and avoid common, unnecessary mistakes along the way) 

✍️ Crave support, knowledgeable guidance, and compassionate ass-kicking when 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)

✍️ Want to be part of a community of authors who provide accountability, feedback, creative suggestions, and inspiration (not to mention a spot-on meme here and there!)

 and

✍️ Group coaching/masterminding with Elizabeth every other week to help you navigate roadblocks so you can get to the finish line of writing a book you're immensely proud to release into the world

 Learn more >> 

 

PUBLISH A PROFITABLE BOOK

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

This is for you if you:

📚 Want no-fluff, step-by-step directions to publishing a top-quality book on your terms and timeline

📚 Want to retain all rights, creative control, and earnings so you can start building a lucrative career as an author

📚 Want access to a patient, committed (fun!) six-time author every two weeks to guide you through questions and areas of confusion (we all have them!)

 Learn More >> 

 

FROM MANUSCRIPT TO MARKET

A step-by-step program that helps you launch (or re-launch) your book so you can sell more copies while building a tribe of loyal, raving readers

This is for you if you:

🚀 Will soon publish (or have already published) and feel sick whenever you think about book marketing. 

🚀 Want to get your book in the hands of as many people as possible without feeling like a 2am telemarketer

🚀 Want someone to give you easy-to-customize templates and graphics so you don't h

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

Every time I tell Joanna Hardis how much her book, Just Do Nothing: A Paradoxical Guide to Getting Out of Your Way, has impacted me, her jaw drops. She truly can’t seem to believe how deeply her unique approach and perspective to getting out of one’s way is resonating with readers.

Join us for this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast as Joanna shares her incredible journey from self-doubt to powerful author. Discover how her unique perspective on overcoming obstacles can inspire you to write your own damn book. Plus, learn from her experiences as a therapist-turned-author, and find out how she tackles the challenges of writing and marketing with wisdom and insight that will resonate with every aspiring writer. 

WHAT JOANNA'S READING

Outline by Rachel Cusk

The Guest by Emma Cline 

 

CONNECT WITH JOANNA

Instagram: instagram.com/joannahardis

Website: joannahardis.com

Book: Just Do Nothing: A Paradoxical Guide to Getting Out of Your Way

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Book Outlines Made Simple: A Pay-What-You-Can Workshop

The Anxious Truth Podcast episode Joanna recently appeared on (Episode 272)

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

In the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, debut novelist Mary Belle and I talked about her going all in on her writing career (while raising a 3-year-old).

Mary knew exactly what she needed from her first beta readers (and it wasn't just critique), and with her background in social media marketing and event planning, her creative marketing strategy will inspire you. She's implemented an approach that, among other things, involves setting up curated events with local retailers that perfectly align with the theme of her book and selling directly to readers, which cuts out the middleman and lets her connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. 

If you're ready to take exciting risks, set your own deadlines (and sticking to them), and find creative ways to market your work (and have fun doing it), this episode is for you! 

 

ABOUT MARY BELLE

Mary Belle is a first-time self-published contemporary romance author with a background in digital marketing. She writes relatable love stories with equal parts spice and humor. Her debut steamy rom-com Vivi il Momento has, to date, sold 500+ copies with 50+ five-star reviews in just under two months since it’s been released. She is a work from home toddler mom, and lives with her husband and daughter in New York. Currently, she’s working on the sequel to Vivi il Momento.

 RESOURCES MENTIONED

 

Upcoming workshop: Pre-order incentives and bundle packages for authors

Self-publishing course: Publish A Profitable Book

Book marketing course: From Manuscript to Market

Pierre Jeantry, poet

RH Sin

Otis Craft Collective - Lafayette, Colorado

 

CONNECT WITH MARY

 

Website: www.marybellebooks.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mary.belle.books

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mary.belle.books

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mary.belle.books

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mary.belle.books

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/40773108.Mary_Belle

Purchase Vivi Il Momento: https://amzn.to/45A4Ppk

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we simplify the sometimes complicated landscape of book editing, clarifying the various editing stages. 

From developmental editing that shapes the overarching structure to line editing that refines prose to copyediting that makes sure grammar and syntax are correct, you'll discover the important roles each phase plays in refining a manuscript's clarity and impact.

You'll also hear my tips for creating an effective editor-author partnership (not to mention how and where to find a great editor to begin with!). 

 

 RESOURCES MENTIONED

Joanna Hardis's new book: Just Do Nothing: A Paradoxical Guide to Getting Out of Your Way

Blog post: What a Good Book Editor REALLY Does

Source for book editors: Reedsy.com

Source for book editors: Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

Blog post on average editing rates

(Another) blog post on average editing rates

 

ELIZABETH'S EDITING OPENINGS

I continue to be incredibly passionate about partnering with authors as their editor, and I accept new editing clients as my schedule permits. I typically work on fiction (rom-com, women's fiction, contemporary romance), entrepreneurship, self-help, memoir, and business. 

To discuss available openings, please email me at [email protected]. 

To see a sample of the books I've edited and learn more about my process and rates, click here. 

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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!

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number)---it's one of the lesser-understood components of book publishing, but it's incredibly important to understand (especially if you're an indie author). 

In the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I simplify exactly why the ISBN is important, why you need it one (likely more than one), and why the way you acquire it (and from whom) is more important than ever.

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Bowker Identifier Services

How AI-Generated Books Could Hurt Self-Published Authors by Jane Friedman

 

MY STEP-BY-STEP SELF-PUBLISHING COURSE

"This course is worth every penny. I'd be lost without it." 

-Mary Belle, author of Vivi Il Momento

Publish A Profitable Book 

Publish A Profitable Book shows you step-by-step how to self-publish a book that's indistinguishable in quality from any New York Times bestseller (while retaining your rights, maximizing your profits, and shortening your time to market.

Learn more >>

 

 

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

Support the show

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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!

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 away at the little desk in her bedroom writing, you can find her at some kiddo activity (so many activities), drinking wine, or watching reality TV, usually the last two together.

 

FOLLOW NEELY

Instagram: @neelyalexander

Website: neelytubatialexander.com

Love Buzz (debut novel): https://amzn.to/45N6Luz

 

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED

Carly Watters: @carlywatters

Cece Lyra: @cecelyra

Bianca Marais: @biancamarais

 WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER!Book Outlines Made Simple (outlining workshop)

Through this pay-what-you-can on--demand workshop, you'll discover the 5 components of all bestselling books, learn how to zero in on your core message, and get access to the outlining spreadsheet I've used to write six books (and help countless authors write theirs) so you can masterfully organize your thoughts, perspectives, and insights. 

Learn more >>

 

Write the Damn Book Already! (memoir/nonfiction writing program)

A program for writing powerful nonfiction or memoir that readers can't put down. it's time to sha

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 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