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
104 episodes
Ep 103: Memoir Writing with Sarah Gormley
What if you could transform a lived experience into a compelling narrative that reads like fiction? In this episode, I chat with the talented Sarah Gormley, author of The Order of Things. In a candid discussion about "memoir pl...
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52:28
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Ep 102: Literary Suspense with Sarah Sawyer
From writing the first chapter of The Undercurrent (Zibby Books, Oct 2024) as a standalone piece to fleshing out a full literary suspense novel I can’t put down, Sarah Sawyer has quickly become one of my new favorite authors. ...
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43:13
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Ep 101: Amazon Ads for Authors
Amazon ads are one of my favorite tools for indie authors to boost book sales and visibility, but they can feel so complicated that it's easy to avoid using them. I'm sharing key insights from my 12-week "experiment" with a new campaign...
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26:38
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Ep 100: Navigating the Publishing Industry with Megan Tady
Megan Tady's second novel, Bluebird Day, launches on Dec. 3, 2024 (pre-order now!) In her second appearance on the podcast, we had the most wonderful chat abou...
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53:35
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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...
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47:54
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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...
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22:56
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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...
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29:33
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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 ...
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23:16
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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...
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38:13
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).
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21:24
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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 ...
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38:27
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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...
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19:00
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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 ...
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44:28
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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, ...
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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 ...
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46:06
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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...
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30:41
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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
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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!).
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36:51
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,...
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55:17
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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...
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41:42
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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...
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44:02
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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...
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59:58
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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 ...
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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?
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23:17
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