Write the Damn Book Already

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Publishing a book requires long-term strategy, patience, and flexibility, not magic bullets or gimmicky shortcuts. The long game is the shortcut when it comes to building a sustainable author career. In this episode, I answer some of the questions that have come my way recently via email and Instagram DMs, including:  ✅ Why does one&ap...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! If the thought of asking for Amazon reviews makes you break out in hives, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: reviews are gold for indie authors. They help boost visibility, credibility, and—most importantly—book sales. The good news? You don’t have to beg, bribe, or feel weird about it. In this episode, we’re breaking down how indi...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Keywords: they either fascinate you or they're the bane of your existence.  For me, it's the second.  Which is why I'm so excited to bring you this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast with guest Dave Chesson, founder of Kindlepreneur, where we do an in-depth exploration of the significance of keywords and c...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! One can easily overlook that little piece of the Amazon upload process where you specify 7 keywords related to your title. After all, who wants to filter through the millions of options to find 7 that are most likely to ensure your book is seen by the readers actively looking for it?  It might not sound fun, but it's a step you don...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Navigating hybrid publishing can feel overwhelming, but understanding the unique way it helps indie authors grow their author career helps authors make informed decisions. This episode covers fundamentals of hybrid publishing, identifies potential red flags, and highlights critical questions to ask publishers before signing any agreemen...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This episode explores the critical role ISBNs play in the self-publishing journey. It's not the most glamorous part of publishing, but understanding the role of the ISBN is critical when it comes to managing book sales and metadata ownership. Topics covered: • The importance of ISBNs for indie and self-published authors • Differenc...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! What happens when a seasoned television writer known for his work on irreverent comedies such as Beavis & Butthead, Just Shoot Me, and King of the Hill takes a leap into the author world? In this episode, Michael Jamin reveals the more personal and vulnerable side of his writing through his release of A Paper Orchestra . From naviga...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Have you ever imagined trading a stable career for the unpredictability of writing and publishing? That's exactly what Patti Hall did, transitioning from urban design to becoming a full-time writer and publishing strategist.  Patti and I dive deep into the kind of personal transformation that makes most people's comfort zones...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode, I speak with the legendary Jenn Hanson-dePaula about strategies authors are using today to promote their books.  Learn how to create content that resonates with your target readers and get greater clarity on the vital role of empathy in crafting messages that engage readers across genres—from fiction to nonfiction to po...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! An episode that celebrates the joys of writing and never-ending search for inspiration, this laughter-filled chat with the incredibly witty Jane Costello, bestselling author of romantic comedies and women's fiction, also features the prep for the release of her upcoming novel (her fifteenth), It's Getting Hot In Here (Zibby Bo...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Want the insider secrets to creating book events that actually sell books and build superfans? This episode is your masterclass! I'm joined by the absolutely magnetic Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast and literary event connoisseur, for a conversation that's packed with actionable insights for authors at every stage. If...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Amy Wilson, the brilliant co-host of the "What Fresh Hell" podcast and author of Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser (Jan 2025, Zibby Books), joined me for a fabulous conversation about owning your story through writing. We dive right into the real stuff—like what it’s actually like to share personal essays (and how...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 plus," we explore how memoir can deliver powerful messages while engaging readers with its storytelling...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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.  In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we discussed:  What has most suprised her about the publishing...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 for my book, Write the Damn Book Already, including targeting relevant keywords a...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 about:  How book launching is like a salmon run (it's such a great analogy).  Strategies for best working with an editor while writing  Meg's writing process, from f...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 November with her new novel, PICTURES OF YOU — a suspense-filled romance about love and control...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 platforms beyond Amazon, such as Kobo or Google Play, giving you access to a broader audience globally...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 allow authors to generate buzz and excitement around their upcoming book, encouraging readers to take acti...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 crucial to understand that forming a publishing house is not about creating a giant company like Ama...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 🎙️ 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 thoughts?  My work with authors typically focuses on two key genres: transformative nonfiction and inspirati...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Click here to check out the Publish A Profitable Book / Publish the Damn Book Already course (currently 25% off with code AUTHOR25). Click here to access Kindlepreneur's free barcode generator tool. Understanding the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is crucial for indie authors. But new authors often wonder what the heck i...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 soul and extended my bedtime!   In this episode, Mary and I discussed her love of the short story form, some (perhaps surprising truths about wri...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 feelings or insights. But this misconception sets an unrealistic expectation and creates potential roadblo...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! 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 writing using techniques like mind mapping to discover new story elements. We also discuss her approach to marketi...