Thriving Writers Podcast

Embrace your weird! Literary tastemaker and Debutiful founder Adam Vitcavage talks about championing debut authors and working to demystify the cloak and daggers publishing ecosystem. Listen in as we juggle topics like dealing with the pressures of early pitching cycles, the importance of independent booksellers, and the rise of influencer culture. As we hustle for connection in an attention-fract...

Claire Linney shares how a book about Black British history sparked the idea for her series Time Tub Travellers ! Our fun conversation covers topics from self-publishing challenges to marketing strategies on social media. Plus, get tips on how to write children’s books aimed to educate and entertain. Claire Linney Website: https://www.clairelinney.com/ Social: @claire_linney Good Story Company: If...

Jennie Nash started Author Accelerator when she realized there was a need for more personalized, ongoing coaching to assist through the often isolating writing process. In this episode, get answers to common queries: What do writers need to excel? Is my story idea good enough? How can I better position my book in the market? Can AI help me write a book? Learn her keys to effective book coaching, g...

How do you set realistic expectations in publishing? If a book doesn’t sell, how do you cope with rejection? Literary agent and author Kate McKean chats about her latest book Write Through It ! She also shares tips for honing your writer’s intuition, pitching your book, and what queries stand out in the slush pile. Kate McKean Website: https://www.katemckean.com/ Social: @kate_mckean Good Story Co...

From Top Chef to magical cooking school: Food Network personality and chef Marisa Churchill chats about her upcoming YA novel, Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate ! Find out how she pivoted from cookbook to novel writing inspired by her years of culinary experience. Plus, tips on book marketing, fantasy world-building, and school visits. Want to win some of Marisa’s chocolates? From 10/22-11/5 you can...

Alee Anderson and Alice Sullivan are here to celebrate the release of their new book, The Definitive Guide to Ghostwriting ! This highly intensive process often requires 300-500 hours of work per book, including extensive interviews and research. Learn the secrets to building a ghostwriting career, marketing to develop a strong client base, and translating a client’s unique voice and story to the...

Brent Taylor started at Triada US as an 18-year-old intern and has since built a successful career representing children's and adult fiction. Hear his thoughts on what’s booming in the market, what will be hot next year, the rise of romance, tips for querying authors, hybrid publishing and more! Brent Taylor Website: https://www.btaylorbooks.com/ Triada US Good Story Company: If you have a story i...

Author Paul Coccia joins the podcast to chat about Recommended Reading , his YA book developed in partnership with Bittersweet Books! Learn his tricks for character development and interiority, why you should try throwing out your first draft, and how he pulls inspiration from lit theory. We also cover plans for the zombie apocalypse, how true crime is the antithesis to rom-coms, and why that had...

Jessica Faust, President of BookEnds Literary Agency , details her 26-year career as a literary agent, growing the company from a small boutique firm to a large agency representing fiction and nonfiction for adult and children's markets. Listen in as she shares insights on current publishing trends, including the resurgence of romance, the reimagining of the cozy mystery genre, and the challenges...

Author Gloria Chao guides us through her unique journey from dentistry to writing! We also chat about her upcoming adult debut, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club . Listen to our conversation for fun insights on puzzles, coming-of-age YA stories, and learning there’s no “right” way to write. Gloria Chao Website: https://gloriachao.wordpress.com/ Social: @gloriacchao Good Story Company: If you have a st...

Children’s author-illustrator Niña Mata joins the Thriving Writers Podcast to chat about her publishing journey—from illustrating educational materials, working with Olympian athletes, to finally writing her own stories! Listen to hear Niña share some tips on what illustrators gravitate towards in manuscripts and ways writers can make the collaborative process smoother. Plus, get her thoughts on t...

Thrilled to be joined by author and publishing expert Courtney Maum ! She gives us insight behind her terrific book, Before and After the Book Deal , and talks about the highs and lows of the publishing business. Tune in for her knowledgable tidbits about marketing, building an online platform, self-publishing, memoir, and more! Courtney Maum Website: https://www.courtneymaum.com/ Substack: https:...

What’s the secret behind designing a bestselling YA book cover? Are illustrated covers here to stay? Casey Moses , an Assistant Art Director at Penguin Random House, gives us some answers and provides insight into the role of a book cover designer. Listen to our in-depth conversation to learn about designing typography, special edition production, and the unusual methods for achieving perfect phot...

Ready to navigate the publishing landscape and want some practical advice? Mary Kole is joined by writing expert John Matthew Fox to chat about his work helping authors and founding his company, Bookfox. Conversation topics include the different publishing paths available to writers, the benefits and drawbacks of traditional vs. self-publishing, the challenges of effectively marketing one's work,...

Despite the challenges of balancing writing with a day job and parenting, middle grade and YA author Tracy Badua keeps churning out adventurous contemporary fantasy stories. Tracy’s books, all featuring Filipino-American characters, explore themes of cultural identity and family expectations, even drawing inspiration from Filipino superstitions she grew up with. Her stories provide joyful, diverse...

Young adult author Farrah Penn ( Twelve Steps to Normal & Cancelled ) details her publishing journey, from striking out on submission to her newest novel. Listen in to this conversation for thoughts on the young adult genre, using tropes, crafting stakes and curveballs for your characters, and how screenwriting may help when writing a novel.  Farrah Penn Website: https://www.farrahpenn.com/ Social...

Going viral on TikTok can’t be your entire book marketing strategy. So how do new authors go about finding their ideal readers? Jenn Hanson-dePaula guides you through the steps of elevating your book promo! Tune in to hear her take on what marketing is and isn’t, tips for building your social media platform (including valuable advice on what to post), and why you should have a newsletter. Jenn Han...

Mary is joined by NYT bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to chat about his experience in children's publishing. He shares the challenges and gratifications of reaching across different age categories and the importance of illustrations in storytelling. Listen to hear his tips on writing within established franchises (like Star Wars ), how to pivot a picture book idea into a graphi...

Danielle Marietta joins the podcast to discuss her publishing company, Books & Things Publishing, the children’s book sphere, and the importance of promoting diverse authors. Tune in to learn more about Danielle’s writing journey, and her tips on self-publishing, social media marketing, and connecting with your target audience. Danielle Marietta Website: https://www.daniellemariettabooks.com/ Inst...

Romance author Allison Speka joins the pod to discuss her journey into writing and self-publishing. She talks about her love for the romance genre, and shares her experience with self-publishing, including tips on cover design, book marketing, and the value of learning from other indie authors. Allison Speka: Website: https://www.allisonspeka.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spekaallison Good...

Editor and writing coach Katie Wolf joins the pod for an inspiring conversation about getting started in publishing, work-life balance, and writing to market. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health and why self-awareness is key in developing your writing craft. Katie Wolf: Website: https://www.thekatiewolf.com/ Podcast-- Blank Page to Book: https://www.thekatiewolf.com/pod...

Thriller vs. Suspense... what's the difference? Heather Dixon, whose debut novel Burlington hits shelves this week, chats with Mary Kole about getting published and the appeal of suspenseful women's fiction. She also discusses plotting high stakes, developing character arcs, and writing "quiet stories."   Heather Dixon: Website: https://www.heatherdixon.ca/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hdixonwrite...

Rob Kent, author and host of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, joins Mary Kole to talk about his illustrious publishing career and provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring writers. He discusses the importance of managing expectations and success in your writing career, as well as writing for your own personal happiness.   Rob Kent: Website: http://www.middlegradeninja.com Twitter: htt...

You want to write a book? Listen to this and you'll be all set. Dark YA novelist Gretchen McNeil joins Mary Kole in an episode all about recognizing and executing a good story idea. They discuss the shifting young adult book market and embracing diversity, mastering storytelling structure and the importance of shaping the reader's experience, and the controversial subject of IP development. Gretch...

How does a new author start gaining traction? Can you stay authentic while "selling yourself" as a writer? Book Marketer and PR Coach Emily Enger joins Mary to talk about some of the aspects of the writing process that might leave a yucky taste in our mouths. Tune in for actionable tips and insights into a publicist and marketer's side of the publishing world. Good Enough Book Marketing: https://w...