Write the Damn Book Already
Writing and publishing a phenomenal book doesn’t have to be ridiculously complicated or mind-numbingly overwhelming. From myths and misconceptions to practical tips and sound strategies, Elizabeth Lyons (author, book writing coach, book editor, and founder of Finn-Phyllis Press), helps writers feel more in control of and comfortable with the business of book publishing. Her interviews with fellow authors discussing their writing processes and publishing journeys aim to help you untangle YOUR process so you can finally get your story into the world.
Episodes
100 episodes since 2023
Ep 99: The Novel AFTER a Bestseller, with Emma Grey
Emma Grey is the Australian author of the international bestseller, THE LAST LOVE NOTE, which was both a Book of the Month and Target Book Club pick, and was praised in Oprah Daily as “relatable, hilarious and charming". She’s back this...
September 04, 2024
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48:08
Ep 98: Wide vs. Amazon Exclusive: Understanding eBook Distribution Strategies
In this episode, we explore the critical decision of whether to distribute your ebook "wide"—across multiple platforms—or stay exclusive to Amazon through their KDP Select program. Going wide means your ebook is available on platfo...
August 28, 2024
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22:56
Ep 97: Offering Pre-Orders as a Self-Published Author
Until somewhat recently, streamlined pre-orders were only possible for traditionally published authors. Now, indie authors can also benefit from pre-orders as well, helping them with:Building Excitement and Engagement: Pre-orders...
August 14, 2024
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29:29
Ep 96: How to (Easily) Form a Publishing House
Many indie authors find the idea of creating a publishing house overwhelming. But with the right steps, it becomes both manageable and highly beneficial. Here’s why setting up a publishing house is essential and how to do it.First, it’s ...
August 07, 2024
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23:16
Ep 95: Conquering Nonfiction and Memoir Chaos
🎙️ Feeling Overwhelmed Writing Your Nonfiction or Memoir? This Episode is For You!Do you feel like you have multiple books' worth of material? Are you wrestling with imposter syndrome or struggling to organize a mountain of though...
July 31, 2024
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38:10
Ep 94: WTH is an ISBN?
Click here to check out the Publish A Profitable Book / Publish the Damn Book Already course (currently 25% off with code AUTHOR25).
July 24, 2024
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21:24
Ep 93: The Art of Short Stories with Mary Jones
Mary Jones' book, The Goodbye Process (July 30, 2024, Zibby Books), is, in four words, hard to put down. Her raw, vivid descriptions of characters and experiences alike quickly pierced my ...
July 17, 2024
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38:23
Ep 92: How to Navigate Writing Detours
I've recently had a key realization about book writing, especially when it comes to writing memoir and non-fiction. Many times, people think the writing process will allow them to quickly (and easily) unlock or unravel buried feeli...
July 10, 2024
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19:00
Ep 91: From Playwright to Novelist with Gail Priest
Gail Priest is the author of five books (including a trilogy). Her latest, Soul Dancing, was released on April 2024 through Red Adept Publishing. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Gail shares her process for ...
June 19, 2024
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44:41
Ep 90: Creating Audiobooks with Drew Linsalata
Drew Linsalata has been my go-to for years when it comes to audiobooks and podcasts as well as any "How do I get the most bang for my buck?" questions when it comes to tech hardware. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, ...
June 12, 2024
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1:07:24
Ep 89: When Fiction Incorporates History with Joselyn Takacs
In the latest episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Joselyn Takacs and I discussed her first novel, Peace Oysters (Zibby Books, 6/25/2024). EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSHer writing process (and the system she and her ...
June 05, 2024
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46:19
Ep 88: Writing From Multiple POVs with Ava Dellaira
Ava Dellaira’s adult debut novel, Exposure, comes out with Zibby Books on September 10th, 2024. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novels In Search of Us and Love Letters to the Dead, which...
May 29, 2024
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30:37
Ep 87: Best Writing Advice (from Published Authors)
This episode of Write the Damn Book Already features two of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve received (and I've received a lot of writing suggestions over the years!). BOOK OF THE WEEK
May 15, 2024
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17:46
Ep 86: Understanding Indie Publishing Options
With the rise of available options for indie authors, authors are more curious than ever about how to navigate so many options without being overwhelmed or disappointed (simply because they didn't know what questions to ask!).
May 08, 2024
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36:48
Ep 85: Book Marketing Tips from Publicist and Industry Expert Kathleen Schmidt
Kathleen Schmidt is a well-respected voice in book publishing with in-depth experience in all aspects of the industry.She has worked on 50 New York Times bestsellers, and her clients have continuously appeared in top-tier national print,...
May 01, 2024
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55:30
Ep 84: Releasing the Sophomore Novel with Donna Norman Carbone
Donna Norman-Carbone's second novel, Of Lies and Honey, just launched (April 24, 2024, Red Adept Publishing), and it was wonderful to have her on as a repeat guest. Her first novel, All That Is Sacred, came out less th...
April 24, 2024
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41:56
Ep 83: Self-Publishing Cookbooks and Children's Books
The time has come! We're finally able to move on from the days of traditional offset printing to print-on-demand options when it comes to children's books and cookbooks. Whether you're contemplating watercolor illustrations for a children's boo...
April 16, 2024
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44:15
EP 82: On Submission with Diana Naranjo (Memoir)
The story is always unfolding...In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I spoke with Diana Naranjo about her memoir (which is currently on submission). She recounts a pivotal moment where a professional connection with author Ab...
April 10, 2024
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1:00:11
Ep 81: The Short Chapter on Permission
This solo episode discusses the pressure authors face to follow specific strategies and approaches when writing and promoting their books. I share my observations about the conflicting advice authors receive about book writing, publishing, and ...
April 03, 2024
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20:39
Ep 80: How to Avoid Copyright Infringement (and Other Listener Questions)
In this solo episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I respond to listener's questions, including:How do I make sure I'm not infringing on someone else's copyright by referencing their advice, book, or insights in my book?
March 20, 2024
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23:17
Ep 79: Querying Literary Agents with Lauren Kay
Lauren Kay's young adult debut novel, We Ship It, was a dream come true, but it wasn't easy to get there. Now, she helps other writers achieve the same joy, minus the roadblocks. Having secured eight agent offers in a month,&n...
March 13, 2024
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50:31
Ep 78: Traditional Publishing Lessons with Neely Tubati Alexander
Neely Tubati Alexander's second novel, In a Not So Perfect World (March 2024, Harper Perennial), was noted a "Best Romance to Read in 2024" by Cosmopolitan and received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus....
March 06, 2024
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47:02
Ep 77: Indie Publishing with Fiction Author Kathryn Biel
Armed with quick wit, relatable characters, themes of resilience, and always a happy ending, award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author Kathryn R. Biel writes comfort reads. In the most recent episode of Write the Damn Book...
February 28, 2024
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49:40
Ep 76: When Going Viral Goes Very (Very) Wrong
These days, almost everyone dreams of having a post or reel go viral. That is, until they do. At that point, they realize it doesn't often have the "magic bullet" benefits we're led to believe. At best, it has a neutral impact, and at w...
February 21, 2024
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44:26