Podcasts about book deals

In this final segment, Tara addresses the structural and systemic corruption she perceives within the highest levels of the American judiciary, shifting her focus to Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Prompted by a caller's concerns regarding political ties within the justice system, Tara details what she frames as a cozy network of mutual back-scratching and political maneuvering. She points specifically to Barrett's lucrative $2 million book deal in 2021 with the Javelin literary agency—the same agency representing former FBI Director James Comey—and notes that Barrett's book promotional event was held at the George W. Bush Presidential Center with Bush himself in attendance. Tara argues that these cozy relationships create implicit pressures on justices, suggesting that an independent judiciary cannot truly exist when justices face financial or political fallout, such as the loss of future book deals or establishment support, if they do not rule in alignment with the expectations of political elites. Ultimately, Tara aligns with the sentiment that a stringent code of ethics and more frequent judicial recusals are desperately needed to combat this level of foundational corruption.

Ana Huang spent years living a double life: international relations scholar, Georgetown grad, geopolitical consultant by day, and secret romance novelist by night. She quietly uploaded chapters to Wattpad under a pen name no one in her life knew, and kept writing even as she built a conventional career that would make her immigrant parents proud. On this episode of She Pivots, Ana shares how COVID cracked her life open, how she taught herself TikTok before BookTok was even a thing, and how she built a community of millions one chapter at a time, all while still clocking in at her day job. She talks about the moment she finally told her family the truth, why she said no to major publishers when Twisted Love blew up, and what it means to bet on yourself. Her Twisted series has now sold over 25 million copies, been translated into 34 languages, and is headed to Netflix—and her new book, King of Gluttony, is out now. You can keep up with Ana Huang on her website anahuang.com, as well as on Instagram and TikTok @authoranahuang. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to She Pivots 00:28 - Double Life to Literary Sensation 01:58 - Ana's Childhood and Cultural Identity 05:55 - Early Career and Secret Writing 12:14 - Rediscovering Writing During the Pandemic 13:38 - The Romance Genre and TikTok Success 24:24 - Self-Publishing and Traditional Offers 27:22 - Navigating Fame and Fan Expectations 31:16 - King of Gluttony and Future Plans 33:03 - From Low Point to Launch 34:51 - What Does Success Look Like Now? 36:32 - Do You Think You'll Pivot Again? 37:24 - Reflections on Ana's Writing Evolution 38:11 - Podcast Credits Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iHeart podcast.Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

** Grab tickets for The Energy Game Melbourne launch (29 July, 6:30pm) here and pre-order The Energy Game book here.** Writing a book is hard. But getting a publisher to say yes to your book? That is an entirely different challenge, and one that most aspiring authors know almost nothing about. What actually happens when a proposal lands on a publisher's desk? Who else needs to sign off before an offer is made? And in a world where anyone can ask AI to explain any topic, why has "great content" stopped being enough on its own? This one is a little different from my usual episodes. It's a recording from a live webinar I did with Izzy Yates, head of Penguin Publishing Lab at Penguin Random House Australia, who has published my last three books, including my newest one, The Energy Game. We unpack the full journey of a book, from proposal to bookshelf, including how Penguin's internal acquisitions process works, why pre-orders matter far more than most people realise, what actually gets retailers excited, and whether you can land a deal without a big platform. If you have ever thought about writing a book, or you are in the middle of writing one right now, this is the conversation I wish I had heard before I started. Izzy and I discuss: What made my first book proposal stand out, and the key ingredients Izzy looks for in every strong proposal The formula publishers use to evaluate a book: the quality of the idea multiplied by the size of the author's platform, and why it's more nuanced than it sounds Why authors who weave personal story into their content are having more success than those who rely on expertise alone How Penguin's two-stage internal process works, from publishing meeting to acquisitions meeting, before any offer is made The full editorial journey from first draft to printed book: structural edit, copy edit, and proofread How titles and covers are developed collaboratively, and what the team considers when landing on a final design Why pre-orders matter so much and how they create a virtuous cycle with retailers and chart placement Whether you can get a book deal without an existing audience or platform What topics and themes Izzy sees as most resonant right now, particularly in the health and personal development crossover space Pre-order The Energy Game: https://amzn.to/48ID29M and book your ticket to the Melbourne book launch at the Malthouse Theatre on July 29 with Lisa Leong here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha.substack.com/ Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm excited to bring you this episode—it's a great overview of all the thoughts authors sit with before taking the plunge. After, frankly, an unplanned pause on the podcast in order to get my book out the door, I'm thrilled to say we're back this week with a new episode! This one's a bit different. My pal and Book to Brand co-host Farnoosh Torabi invited me on her award-winning pod So Money, for a collab conversation around books, AI in publishing, the ROI of books, and alllll the dirty details about THE LIST…you know the one. (Ahem, NYT, Ahem) I'm excited to bring this episode to you as the first one back because it's such a great overview of all the thoughts authors sit with before taking the plunge. Head over and listen now!

What does it really cost to go from dreaming about writing a cookbook to signing a book deal? Many aspiring cookbook authors assume they need a large budget, professional photography equipment, or significant upfront investments before they can pursue publication. In this episode, I break down the actual costs of writing and publishing a cookbook with a traditional publisher and explain why the most important investments are often not financial at all. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why many of the key steps in the traditional publishing process, from writing and pitching a proposal to signing a book deal, can cost little to nothing out of pocket. • Which expenses are optional, and how publishers often cover many of these costs. • The real investment behind every successful cookbook project. If you've been wondering whether writing a cookbook is financially out of reach, this episode offers a different perspective. While every publishing journey requires effort and dedication, the path from cookbook dream to book deal may be more accessible than you think. Ready to turn your cookbook idea into a concept publishers will notice? Download my free Cookbook Concept Map and discover how to shape your expertise, recipes, and stories into a compelling cookbook concept. https://www.cookbookwritersacademy.com/conceptmap  

Weird self-publishing takes that appear to be positive, but are truly toxic. What truly works to build a career as an author, having solid goals, and knowing that achieving them will be great, but won't make you happy forever because external validation never does. Also, appreciating the book deal that doesn't seem glam because it furthers those goals.Indie Booksellers! You can buy my indie books direct from me at discount!! Submit a Request for an order hereNew Releases ~Blades, Books, and the BanditLove, Lies, and Ley LinesMAGIC REBORNNever The RosesPreorder ~Among The ThornsThe posture correcting sports bra I love almost more than life itself can be found hereThank you for listening! You all take care. Support the show

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What does it really take to land a traditional book deal in 2026?In this episode, Farnoosh sits down with book proposal strategist Richelle Fredson, founder of Book Proposal Blueprint, to unpack what publishers, agents, and editors are really looking for today. Together, they explore the role of platform-building, the biggest mistakes aspiring authors make, and the truth about landing a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.Richelle, who helped shape Farnoosh's proposal for A Healthy State of Panic, shares practical insights on crafting a standout proposal, attracting the right publishing partners, and turning a book into a bigger opportunity—from growing your business and audience to securing speaking engagements and building a lasting brand.If you're dreaming of writing a book—or already working on one—this conversation offers a clear roadmap for navigating today's publishing landscape.Want to go deeper? Join us at Book to Brand on October 9 in New York, where we'll connect you with agents, publishers, editors, and successful authors for an immersive day of learning and networking. Early bird pricing ends July 1 at booktobrand.co.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Cookbook Love Podcast, Register for the How to Master Cookbook Design and Photography Workshop  If you want to understand what publishers are really looking for before they say yes to a cookbook this is the show for you. In this episode, I share why recipes and beautiful photography are not always the deciding factor in getting a book deal and introduce a special live workshop on cookbook design and photography taught by a senior art director from a major cookbook publisher. If you've ever wondered who handles the visuals, what publishers expect from authors, and how to communicate your creative vision professionally, this episode is for you. During the show, I breaks down the real reasons some cookbook authors land publishing deals while others struggle to get traction. She shares the five things publishers care most about when evaluating cookbook proposals and explains the difference between what publishers want and what readers want in a cookbook. In this episode: The five things publishers look for before investing in a cookbook Why recipes alone rarely sell a cookbook proposal The truth about photography, design, and publisher expectations How to position yourself as a cookbook author that publishers want to work with Register for the How to Master Cookbook Design and Photography Workshop  Baking for Two Episode 345 with Steph Pixley 

Novelist and memoirist Courtney Maum has built a career exploring ambition, identity, creativity, and the strange pressures of modern life. Her previous books include 'Touch,' 'Costalegre,' and the publishing-world favorite 'Before and After the Book Deal.'Her new novel, 'Alan Opts Out,' takes sharp aim at consumer culture and suburban status anxiety. The book follows a successful Connecticut advertising executive who suddenly decides to abandon capitalism after a disastrous pitch meeting — moving into his backyard playhouse to live off the land while his wife fights for social acceptance in elite Greenwich circles. It's funny, pointed, and surprisingly tender.

Then the headlines come in hot: TSA officers at Miami International got caught stealing wallets mid-screening in a coordinated distraction scheme, a nurse wins $300K from Carnival for being over-served tequila over nine hours on a cruise (14 shots, grown adult, still won), Baby Jessica from the Texas well incident grew up and got arrested for domestic assault, a Boca woman crashed into a school bus and asked cops to take her to a church with a pool, and a California man returned Lego boxes filled with dry pasta approximately 70 times before anyone noticed. To close out the season, Rachel announces she's walking in a swimsuit fashion show benefiting BRCA Strong and POST SWIM, a swimwear company for breast cancer survivors (or anyone looking for more coverage and a confidence driven brand, and casually drops that she signed a book deal. Dale achieved a bucket list thing he cannot talk about yet and a new fashion habit he probably should not talk about, and zero regrets. Rachel is thriving with her TJ Maxx egg drawer and wants you to know that is a completely valid place to be in life.Episode Sponsor:Presented by 1-800 Call Lee — South Florida's trusted personal injury team. Learn more at calllee.com.Contact Rachel Sobel:Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.comWebsite: www.whineandcheezits.comFacebook:  Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel   Instagram: @whineandcheezitsTikTok: @rachel.sobel.writesContact Dale McLean:Email: dance715@aol.comWebsite: dalethehost.comInstagram: @UptownDale

This week, we're chatting to Lucy Ashe. Lucy trained at the Royal Ballet school, and now works as a teacher in Brooklyn, whilst writing brilliant books. Her debut, 'Clara and Olivia', was shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger Award. Her follow up, 'The Sleeping Beauties', was also set in the world of ballet. The new novel is 'The Model Patient'. Set in 1960s London, it explores obsession and betrayal. In the quiet hush of her therapists office, Evelyn Westbrook finds herself revealing secrets she'd prefer to stay hidden. When her sessions with the enigmatic Dr. Daley starts to give more questions than answers, she finds her interest in him turn into an obsession. It was inspired by Lucy's own traumatic relationship with a therapist, and it helped her find some control in that strange situation.We talk about Lucy's writing life, after recently having her first child, and how that's changed how much time she thought she'd have to write. Also, hear how a book deal changes how you write... does it add confidence or pressure? And, how it's a slight diversion from her normal historical fiction book - she's found the psychological thriller in this one.Get a copy of the book at uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by IngramSpark. Get 15% off your first 15 books when you use the code ROUTINE15 at ingramspark.comAlso, this week we're supported by the Quick Book Reviews podcast with Philippa Hall. Take a listen wherever you've got this show.Support us at patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutine@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, host Dalene Bickel sits down with publishing veteran Terry Whalin — editor, author, and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing — for an eye-opening conversation about the traditional publishing world. Terry pulls back the curtain on some of the biggest myths and misconceptions that hold authors back, while sharing insider strategies that could completely change the way you approach your publishing journey. If you've ever wondered whether traditional publishing is within your reach, this episode is a must-listen that just might surprise you! Resources Mentioned in This Episode:10 Publishing Myths: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed by Terry Whalin — available for $10 (including shipping) with over $200 worth of free bonuses. Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success by Terry Whalin — available as a free e-book.The 11th Myth (bonus chapter) — available for free.Click here to learn more about Dalene's book coaching.Connect with Dalene:Contact - > info@inkandimpact.comPodcast -＞Ink and ImpactSubstack -＞ Publish with PurposeFB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickelWork with Dalene:Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching What additional topics would you like to learn about?Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

A court clerk's ambition destroyed the most consequential murder conviction in South Carolina history. Becky Hill, the elected Clerk of Court in Colleton County, was writing a book about the Murdaugh trial while simultaneously overseeing the jury. The SC Supreme Court found she told jurors to distrust the defense, urged them to watch the defendant's body language, and inserted herself into the process to steer a guilty verdict that would make a better ending for her book.True Crime Today breaks down how one official's conduct triggered the reversal. The Supreme Court called Hill's behavior unprecedented in South Carolina's judicial history. It found her actions were so egregious they created an automatic presumption that the trial was unfair — a presumption the state couldn't overcome when challenged to prove her interference was harmless.The legal mechanics matter. A lower court initially denied Murdaugh a new trial after finding Hill was not credible but ruling the defense hadn't proven her comments changed the outcome. The Supreme Court flipped that analysis. Under its standard, the state bore the burden of proving the interference didn't matter. It couldn't. That's the distinction that erased two life sentences.Hill pled guilty to four charges including perjury and misconduct and received probation. The justices praised everyone else involved — prosecutors, defense counsel, the trial judge — and placed blame squarely and solely on Hill. Her book was pulled before legitimate publication. Her career is over. And the damage she caused is measured in a retrial that will cost millions, take years, and force families to relive the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. All because one person decided fame mattered more than her oath.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.HASHTAGS#BeckyHill #AlexMurdaugh #MurdaughTrial #JuryTampering #SCSupremeCourt #TrueCrime #ColletonCounty #MurdaughRetrial #HiddenKillers #SouthCarolina

The SC Supreme Court used language it has never applied to a South Carolina court official: unprecedented, breathtaking, disgraceful. All directed at Becky Hill, the elected Clerk of Court in Colleton County who was supposed to protect the integrity of Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial. Instead, she weaponized her authority over the jury to push toward a guilty verdict — because she was writing a book and needed a dramatic conviction to sell it.This episode traces Hill's conduct from the courtroom to the criminal courtroom where she pled guilty. The Supreme Court found she told jurors not to be confused by the defense and urged them to watch Murdaugh's body language. She turned herself into a witness for the prosecution without anyone's knowledge — the interference happened outside the awareness of the judge and both legal teams.The distinction that mattered was legal but its impact was total. The lower court put the burden on the defense to prove Hill's comments changed the verdict. The Supreme Court said her conduct was so severe that the burden shifted to the state to prove it was harmless. The state failed. Two murder convictions, two life sentences — erased.Hill's co-author halted publication after discovering what he characterized as plagiarism. She pled guilty to four criminal charges and got probation. A state ethics panel previously found she had acted improperly dozens of times during her career. The Murdaugh trial wasn't a one-time lapse. It was the biggest stage for a pattern of behavior that finally caught up with her. The families of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh will now endure a second trial because one elected official decided her personal ambitions outweighed her oath of office.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.HASHTAGS#BeckyHill #AlexMurdaugh #MurdaughTrial #JuryTampering #SCSupremeCourt #TrueCrime #ColletonCounty #MurdaughRetrial #HiddenKillers #SouthCarolina

Brendan stops by the Mad House this week to catch up with Maddy! They discuss Brendan's plans to take himself to Disney World once he saves up enough, if there's a god or not, fake book deals, and more! Follow Maddy:https://www.youtube.com/@maddysmithcomedyhttps://www.instagram.com/somaddysmith/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@somaddysmithhttps://maddysmithcomedy.com/Follow Brendan:https://www.instagram.com/brendansagalow/https://www.brendansagalow.com/Subscribe/follow the Mad House Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@madhouse_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/mad_house_podcast/All tour dates: https://punchup.live/maddysmith/ticketsWant more ad-free and uncensored Mad House?!Go to https://gasdigital.com/ to subscribe!Use promo code MAD to save big on your membership :)Get early access to our weekly episodes on Tuesdays, along with EXCLUSIVE episodes on Thursdays.UPCOMING STAND UP DATES:5/16 MORRIS PLAINS, NJ5/21-5/22 IRVINE, CA5/23-5/24 SAN JOSE, CASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shannon Chakaraborty joined me for the second time to talk about The Tapestry of Fate, book two in The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. She is such a wonderfully talented writer. Shannon easily places me in time and gives enough (but not too many) details to fill out Amina's world. Her work is very research driven, but not to the detriment of the story. I loved The Tapestry of Fate and I really hope you will too.You can find Shannon Chakaraborty at sachakraborty.com where you can follow her newsletter, or @sachakrabooks on Instagram. I would normally leave somewhere to buy a signed copy, but I think everywhere is out, so, good luck!

…because what CAN Mayci write about at the ripe age of 30?! Save up to $20 at STORYWORTH.com/rose ! Download Hily Dating App from the App Store or Google Play, or visit hily.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Leyko, host of The Paring Down Podcast, who has built a top-performing show with over one million downloads, a 700,000+ audience across platforms, and a book deal with Penguin Random House releasing in Spring 2027. Shannon shares a refreshingly honest look at what it really takes to grow a podcast into a business asset, without overcomplicating the process. We talk about building momentum from scratch, the long game of consistency, and how strategic visibility can open doors you never expected. If you are a business owner who wants your podcast to do more than just exist, this conversation will show you what is actually possible when you treat it like a growth tool.Key topics covered in this episode:• The mindset shift that separates hobby podcasters from growth-focused CEOs• How her pageant background shaped her confidence, presence, and communication style• What it looked like to create content when no one was watching• The exact moment she realized her podcast had real business potential• How she approached pitching herself before opportunities came to her• What a podcast network actually handles and why it matters• The behind-the-scenes structure required to sustain a high-volume release schedule• The role long-term vision played in turning content into a multi-platform brandLinks & Resources:Listen to Shannon's Podcast: https://shannonleyko.com/paring-down-podcastFollow Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonleyko/Visit Shannon's Website: https://shannonleyko.com/Orzo Recipe: https://www.tiktok.com/@saltandsagenutrition/video/7542966188297456909?_r=1&_t=ZP-95vFBLCYu7zQuince Discount Code: https://www.quince.com/women/best-sellers?utm_source=veritone&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=paringLet's Connect!Apply to join the Podcast Growth Retainer: https://forms.gle/Jvh1p5vbs47omkho7Book Your Podcast Consultation Today: https://www.pivotballchange.com/servicesLaunch Your Podcast with Pivot Ball Change: https://www.pivotballchange.com/servicesFollow Pivot Ball Change on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/Visit Pivot Ball Change's Website: https://www.pivotballchange.com/

Most people think a book happens overnight. Mine took seven years from first idea to pub date — and every single step had a strategy behind it. In this episode, I'm breaking down my complete book journey timeline, starting in 2019 when 7-Figure Educator was just an outline for a Harvard doctoral independent study, all the way to June 16, 2026, when the book officially publishes. This is the hidden curriculum that nobody talks about. Not just writing the book — but the audience-building, the proposal, the agents, the offers, and everything that happens after you sign a deal. What I cover: How I practiced writing a book proposal as a Harvard doctoral student in 2019 Why I spent all of 2023 building my audience before writing a single word of the proposal How my audience grew from 10,000 to 170,000 in three years The 8 months it took me to write the book proposal (January to August 2024) How I pitched agents, signed with my dream agent, and received 3 publishing offers all in the same year Why I chose Hay House and signed my deal at the end of December 2024 The full manuscript process: writing, illustrator, cover designer, copy editing, and audio book recording Pre-order 7-Figure Educator: www.7FEBook.com Subscribe for more book launch strategy, business behind-the-scenes, and the blueprint for building a seven-figure education business. 7-Figure Educator Podcast | Season 5, Episode 4 Most people think a book happens overnight. Mine took seven years from first idea to pub date — and every single step had a strategy behind it. In this episode, I'm breaking down my complete book journey timeline, starting in 2019 when 7-Figure Educator was just an outline for a Harvard doctoral independent study, all the way to June 16, 2026, when the book officially publishes. This is the hidden curriculum that nobody talks about. Not just writing the book — but the audience-building, the proposal, the agents, the offers, and everything that happens after you sign a deal. What I cover: How I practiced writing a book proposal as a Harvard doctoral student in 2019 Why I spent all of 2023 building my audience before writing a single word of the proposal How my audience grew from 10,000 to 170,000 in three years The 8 months it took me to write the book proposal (January to August 2024) How I pitched agents, signed with my dream agent, and received 3 publishing offers all in the same year Why I chose Hay House and signed my deal at the end of December 2024 The full manuscript process: writing, illustrator, cover designer, copy editing, and audio book recording Pre-order 7-Figure Educator: www.7FEBook.com Subscribe for more book launch strategy, business behind-the-scenes, and the blueprint for building a seven-figure education business. 7-Figure Educator Podcast | Season 5, Episode 4

In this illuminating and refreshingly honest conversation, Anna sits down with Richelle Fredson, Book Proposal Coach, publishing aficionado, and former Director of Publicity & Book Marketing at Hay House. With 20+ years of industry experience — including roles in acquisitions, author development, and major launches — Richelle has helped thousands of authors turn their ideas into compelling proposals and land publishing deals.Richelle has worked with powerhouse authors like Farnoosh Torabi, Chrissy King, Jennifer Racioppi, Terri Cole, Jen Winston, and more. But what makes her so unique is her commitment to transparency. She lifts the veil on an industry that often feels opaque, intimidating, and gatekept — and replaces fear with clarity and empowerment.This conversation goes far beyond book deals. It's about visibility, identity, confidence, and what happens inside someone when they decide to put their voice into the world in print.In this episode, we explore:• Why Richelle believes we need more books — especially from mission-driven leaders, creatives, and underrepresented voices• Why the idea that “there are already enough books” is a myth that keeps people silent• The most common fears aspiring authors face (imposter syndrome, pressure to have a perfect platform, fear of rejection) and how she helps them move through it• How the publishing industry actually works — and what most people misunderstand about it• Why a strong book proposal is not just a business document, but a clarity document• The deeper emotional and identity transformation authors experience during the proposal and writing process• How visibility wounds show up when someone starts writing a book — and what it takes to move through them with compassion• Why writing a book is as much about personal evolution as it is about craft, platform, or salesWhether you're already writing, secretly dreaming, or just curious about the world of publishing, this episode gives you both the strategy and the soul of what it takes to bring a book to life. Connect with Richelle Fredson• Website: https://richellefredson.com/• The Book Proposal Assembly: https://richellefredson.com/assembly/• Podcast: Bound and Determined• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richellefredson/ Connect with Anna• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/• Website: https://www.annaholtzman.com/• Free workshop — Let Yourself Be Seen: https://www.annaholtzman.com/beseen

Writing a compelling book proposal, demystifying the financial reality of cookbook publishing, and sharing what publishers are looking for in a cookbook author with Sally Ekus from The Ekus Group. ----- Welcome to episode 567 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Sally Ekus. How to Write a Cookbook Proposal and Land a Book Deal with Sally Ekus Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to get a cookbook deal — and whether your platform is big enough to make it happen? Sally Ekus, a literary agent specializing in the cookbook space, is here to pull back the curtain on the entire process. In this episode, Sally shares exactly what she looks for when evaluating potential cookbook authors, how to build a proposal that stands out, and what a realistic book deal might look like depending on the size of your audience. Whether you're dreaming of a cookbook or just starting to explore the idea, this episode will give you a clear and honest roadmap for what the path forward actually looks like. Three episode takeaways: What publishers are really looking for in a cookbook author — Sally breaks down the four pillars she evaluates in every potential author: platform, concept, voice, and personality. She explains why your social media following matters (and which platforms publishers care most about), why a consistent email newsletter can set you apart, and how to demonstrate that you can actually convert your audience into book buyers. How to write a compelling cookbook proposal — A great proposal goes far beyond a list of recipes. Sally walks through what to include, how to articulate your unique concept, and why aligning your book idea with the stories you already tell in your content is so important. She also shares how a standout proposal can help offset a smaller following — because showing how you reach your audience is just as important as how many people you reach. The financial reality of cookbook publishing — From the structure of a book advance to earning it out, royalties, and what a deal might realistically look like based on your platform size, Sally demystifies the money side of cookbook publishing. She also makes the case for why many creators write cookbooks even knowing most won't earn beyond the advance — brand extension, legacy, and sharing a meaningful message are all powerful reasons to pursue it. Resources: The Ekus Group Not So Secret Agent 391: Behind the Scenes of the Cookbook Publishing Process with Sally Ekus JVNLA Lat14 Karyn Tomlinson Theo of Golden Pinch of Yum Follow Sally on Instagram Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Yoast. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership

Ask and you shall receive! Today I'm departing slightly today from usual decluttering content and instead giving you the full lowdown of how to grow on Instagram, how to make a successful podcast, and how to get a book deal. (At least what worked for me!) I cover: • Best general advice for each topic (social media, book, & podcast) • Specific programs & templates I use • Free resources and experts I've used or followed • My personal story of why and how I got started I hope this not only helps you if you've ever wanted to do anything similar, but offers plenty of lessons on intentional living like: • starting messy • pouring into relationships • consistently doing what matters PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO): Sign up for my newsletter! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The L.E.S.S. Express⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.shannonleyko.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@shannonleyko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@shannon_leyko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@shannonleyko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/shannonleyko.paringdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog & Additional Support (free trial!)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MENTIONED THIS EPISODE Ep 2: My Decluttering Story Best Social Media Marketing Expert: @shannonmckinstrie & Good Content Podcast Best SEO Podcast: Duo on Air (Duo Collective) Book Proposal Template: Michael Hyatt Book Proposal Template Friends I love: Elisabeth Beam: @balancingbeams (decluttering for busy moms)Erin Port: @simplepurposefulliving (tiny tweaks to simplify life) Elena Willits: Encourage Moment Podcast (formerly Kind Organizing) Riverside - podcast recording platform Canva - designing graphics (like YouTube thumbnail) Manychat - autosend DMs when someone comments a trigger word Blue Yeti Mic - popular podcast mic Spotify for Creators - podcast hosting platform Megaphone - podcast hosting platform ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PARING DOWN RESOURCES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (free checklist, hacks, worksheet, & more!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SPONSORS: Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠BornShoes.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠today for a 15% discount plus free ground shipping on all full-price shoes when you use my promo code, PARING Get 10% off your first order of OSEA skincare - sitewide - with code PARING at OSEAMalibu.com 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier when you go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AquaTru.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code PARING 10 Free Meals from Hello Fresh + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.hellofresh.com/paring10fm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Only $2.99 per meal from Every Plate + 10% off for a month: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.everyplate.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - CODE: paring299 Ethical, luxury women's clothing at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/paring⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wayfair.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ $300 off Air Doctor Pro air purifier:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://airdoctorpro.com/ -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code PARING High-quality, eco-friendly activewear at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fabletics.com/PARING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & use code PARING at checkout- sign up as a VIP and get 80% off everything. 50% off MeUndies at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.meundies.com/paring⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - code PARING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Literary agent Juliet Mushens on what makes her offer representation, how she builds bestselling careers from debut to long-term success, and why writers need a life outside of publishing. We discuss Why tension is the single most important quality an agent looks for in any genre of fiction. How personalized feedback from an agent signals you're closer than you think. The editorial conversation that happens when an agent offers representation. What to consider when choosing between multiple agent offers, and why gut matters more than questionnaires. How some of today's biggest bestsellers had their first and second books rejected — and what changed. Why writing for the market rarely produces the best books, and how to hold the tension between passion and positioning. The publishing myths that refuse to die, from social media requirements to green book covers. How agents negotiate contracts and why an escape clause matters. The concept of inconvenience over convenience and what it means for writers in the age of AI. Why building a sense of esteem outside writing is essential to surviving the highs and lows of publishing. Resources & Links

ALL ABOUT ART TURNED 5 in April !!! On April 2nd, 2021, deep in Covid lockdowns, I decided to launch the pod. Now, in 2026, here we are - with a global audience spanning over 115 countries, thousands of downloads and monthly listeners, collaborations with institutions and amazing cultural professionals, and… A BOOK DEAL.I started this podcast because I had no idea what working in the art world actually looked like. My university wasn't telling me, career services wasn't telling me, books weren't telling me, so I started asking people directly and wanted to record it all.To commemorate 5 years of All About Art AND the launch of my book Working in Art: How to build a career in the art world all within the span of a week, in this special episode, I share five lessons drawn from over 130 conversations with museum directors, curators, gallerists, art handlers, auction house specialists, and more.There's also a lot I wish someone had just told me a decade ago when I was starting out in the arts, which is, honestly, the reason the book exists. Working in Art is the first book written specifically for people who want to work in the art world but aren't making art themselves. No equivalent existed when I was starting out, and it should have…. so now, it does

On this week's episode of Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, host & producer George Sirois sits down with author Cheryl Pena. Ever since the age of three, Cheryl has wanted to write and pursue as many different creative endeavors as possible. While others took center stage for various times, writing always stayed back, ready for its time. And now, with various novellas published followed by the first two parts of a trilogy of novels, Cheryl is at the cusp of truly breaking out as an author to follow. This is reflected by her recent five-book deal that she signed with Cloaked Press. Find out more about Cheryl and her new publisher by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

Register for Farnoosh's free webinar on How to Get a Book Deal.In this episode, Farnoosh opens with a candid reflection on media narratives around Iranian identity and addresses a recent editing glitch from a prior interview.From there, the conversation turns to a growing concern on many economists' minds: Are we heading toward a recession in 2026?With oil prices climbing past $100 per barrel and historical data linking energy shocks to economic downturns, Farnoosh breaks down what this could mean for your money—and how to prepare with what she calls a mindset of “healthy panic.”The episode also dives deep into the rising costs of long-term care, why traditional insurance options are becoming less accessible, and what newer hybrid solutions could offer families trying to plan ahead.Plus, a powerful excerpt from Senator Andy Kim, who shares his personal connection to elder care through his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis.Finally, Farnoosh answers listener questions about:Supporting aging parents while still saving for your own futureNavigating financial misalignment in relationships when one partner is giving more to family Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Make Your Message a Movement, host Tiffany Neuman dives into a common yet rarely discussed phase for established business owners: what she calls “The Authority Gap”. This is the "messy middle" where your internal growth, expertise, and vision have evolved, but your external brand (your website, messaging, and offers) is still rooted in a previous version of yourself.Tiffany draws on her 20+ years of experience as a brand strategist for global icons like Adidas and Burt's Bees to explain why talent and credibility aren't enough if your brand isn't "legible" to the market. If you've ever felt embarrassed to send someone to your website or felt like you're "explaining away" the disconnect between your genius and your digital footprint, this episode provides the roadmap to realigning your brand infrastructure with your true level of authority.Key TakeawaysDefining the Authority Gap: It is not a lack of talent or revenue. It occurs when your identity evolves faster than your infrastructure. As your thinking sharpens, your external representation often remains stuck in the season when it was first built.The Importance of Legibility: High-level decision-makers (conference organizers, publishers, strategic partners) make quick judgments based on your digital footprint. If your brand doesn't signal "category leadership," those opportunities will drift to someone with cleaner, more coherent positioning.The Three Pillars of the Gap:Narrow Positioning: Operating as a visionary internally while your brand language still frames you as a service provider or implementer.The "Frankenstein Brand": Layering new offers and changes on top of old ones rather than integrating them into a cohesive ecosystem.Leaking Visibility: Landing features or stages without a system (a Brand OS) designed to compound that attention into sustained growth.Signs You Are in the Gap:You hesitate to share your website link.You have to "compensate" in conversations to explain what you actually do.You feel capable of "higher-tier rooms," but your ecosystem doesn't support the leap.The Solution: Alignment & Infrastructure: Closing the gap isn't about a quick cosmetic fix; it's about architectural alignment. When your brand ecosystem carries your authority for you, you stop chasing opportunities and start attracting them.Self-Assessment QuestionsIf your "next-level" opportunity (a TEDx talk or a major book deal) arrived tomorrow, would your current brand ecosystem support that invitation without you having to explain yourself?Do your homepage and offers communicate one coherent level of thinking, or are they remnants of past iterations layered together?Are you expanding your visibility without recalibrating your brand? (Expansion without recalibration produces friction).Mentioned ResourcesBrand OS Pro Demo: Book a personal one-on-one session with Tiffany to evaluate your brand ecosystem, identify gaps, and discuss opportunities for growth. (Note: Available for a limited time personally with Tiffany).Rate, Review, and Follow on Your Favorite Platform! If you loved this episode, leave us a review. And always make sure you're following the podcast so you never miss an episode. Follow now!

Rachel and Callie start this week with ‘Summer House' and Rachel has questions. Was Bailey's dinner-table comment just a joke? Should Kyle have put money into Soft Bar? And was that Cartier bracelet just a Band-Aid? Next, they unpack the ‘Southern Charm' finale, where Callie's inner “Craig apologist” takes center stage. Finally, they end with the ‘RHOBH' Tuscany trip, dissecting Amanda's rookie season, and all the cult drama that's unfolded so far. Host: Rachel Lindsay Guest: Callie Curry Producers: Belle Roman and Ashleigh Smith Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Visit heytoogoodandco.com to shop now! Source for all photos: Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marvel artist Jacopo Camagni has died at age 48. Jeff Lemire signs a deal with Harper Collins for five adult graphic novels. Gert from I Hate Fairyland takes over Image Comics.SUBSCRIBE ON RSS, APPLE, SPOTIFY, OR THE APP OF YOUR CHOICE. FOLLOW US ON BLUESKY, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, AND FACEBOOK. SUPPORT OUR SHOWS ON PATREON.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do you do after 197 rejections … for the same book?Well, if you're author Carmela Dutra, you keep going.In this episode, Carmela shares the real story behind her debut cozy mystery, A Murder Most Foul—from querying too soon and rewriting extensively to finding the right agent after nearly 200 nos. We talk about saggy middles, tense slips, brutal feedback, and what it takes to rebuild a manuscript from the ground up.If you're struggling with self-doubt, facing a bunch of rejection, and just feeling like maybe it's time to throw in the towel—this conversation will arm you with what you need to keep going and protect your mindset!Timestamps: 04:20 Personalizing cold queries06:12 What A Murder Most Foul is about11:19 Craft struggles: saggy middles & tense slips15:44 Surviving 197 rejections18:11 Ghosting & rock bottom19:48 Finding the right agent21:42 Learning to plot23:10 Imposter syndrome (“Peggy”)28:37 Querying advice30:20 Finding time to write as a momGuest Bio:Carmela Dutra is a writer from the Bay Area who loves food trucks, family, and cozy mysteries. Her debut, A Murder Most Fowl, has been praised by Kirkus Reviews for its “serious set of crimes leavened by plenty of amusing moments,” by Criminal Element for the “juicy reasoning behind the sabotage that was almost as shocking as the murder itself,” and described as “the perfect escapist read, brimming with banter and an extra helping of fun” by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams. She has also been featured in CrimeReads Magazine.To connect with Carmela and purchase her books, visit her website and check her blog series: An Author's Guide to Quering for hot tips!Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here!To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Rebecca N. Thompson, MD joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about life-threatening pregnancy losses and  weaving her own story of navigating a challenging path to parenting with the stories of others, her decade-long collaboration with a remarkable group of women, how healing others helps us heal, imperfect love, not feeling heard, advocating for our own care, humanism in medicine, the cumulative impact of small actions, accepting help to get better, transcribing and processing interviews and forming a narrative, processing as we craft, making stories accessible to a wide audience, the moments that change everything when we least expect it, and her new memoir HELD TOGETHER: A SHARED MEMOIR OF MOTHERHOOD, MEDICINE, AND IMPERFECT LOVE.   Info/Registration for Ronit's 10-Week Memoir Class Memoir Writing: Finding Your Story https://www.pce.uw.edu/courses/memoir-writing-finding-your-story   Also in this episode: -accepting help to get better -portraying others in a positive light -Getting consent from book contributors   Books mentioned in this episode: How to Tell a Story from The Moth  Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano   Rebecca N. Thompson, MD, is a family medicine and public health physician from Portland, Oregon, who specializes in women's and children's health—and the author of HELD TOGETHER: A SHARED MEMOIR OF MOTHERHOOD, MEDICINE, AND IMPERFECT LOVE, published with HarperCollins in Spring 2025. In this innovative book, Dr. Thompson intertwines her personal story of life-threatening pregnancy complications with the stories of twenty-one of her patients, friends, and medical colleagues.   Through profoundly honest first-person narratives created primarily from spoken interviews, Held Together offers a space for connection, bringing comfort and solidarity to anyone touched by challenges in building or sustaining families. At its heart, this collaborative project celebrates the extraordinary moments in the lives of ordinary women, as they navigate the complexities of motherhood, family dynamics, and health and healing across generations.   Connect with Rebecca: www.rebeccanthompson.com – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social

➡ CLICK HERE to send me a text, I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode! Leave your name in the text so I know who it's from! A few weeks ago, Thekla Brumder Ross and I hosted a live panel with last week's guest, Kat Zilka, Founder and Executive Director of Dis/Connect, and two of the high schoolers who are a part of the Dis/Connect movement. It was eye-opening, to say the very least! Today on the podcast, Thekla and I breakdown our three most inspirational takeaways from this conversation. You need not have been present to understand the profundity of what the students had to teach us. Plus, we catch up on what has been happening since our deep dive on attention last May and some exciting news in Thekla's world. (cough, cough, BOOK DEAL, cough, cough, COMING SOON!) Hear more about what this is about and when you can expect to see it on shelves near you! And if you are inspired to reach out to Thekla to connect or share a personal story with her that *could* be included in her book, you can find her on LinkedIn. Also - I would love love LOVE to hear tiny steps YOU'VE been taking (if you have) to notice your own screen time use, or to check yourself, or to keep yourself accountable. I hope to have a short and sweet episode sharing fun ideas we can ALL try to be more present and connected with ourselves! Would you leave me a voice memo HERE? (or just reply to this email if that feels more comfortable!)Support the showI'd love to hear what you think. Drop me a text (linked above) or an email: meagan@meaganschultz.com Or NEW (!) even more fun, drop me a voice memo HERE! Cream City Dreams is now Gather Connect Create! New name, same host

Welcome, writers and book lovers. The Bleeders is a podcast about book writing and publishing. Make sure you subscribe to the companion Substack: https://thebleeders.substack.com/welcomeToday's guest is Courtney Maum—novelist, memoirist, and author of Before and After the Book Deal—and she talks candidly about the reality of a writing career, the myth of the breakout book, and why longevity matters more than literary hype.In this episode, Courtney breaks down what publishing actually looks like across every lane: Big Five launches with national tours, indie presses that nurture your inner “art witch,” and self-publishing born out of necessity. She shares the story behind the book that almost never happened—and how the lowest advance of her career became the one that defined her platform—plus why the industry now expects authors to function as marketers, publicists, event planners, and content creators all at once.We also discuss building an audience in the newsletter era, the limits of social media, and why “a thousand true fans” is a better goal than virality. Courtney explains how writers can protect their mental health in a system built on comparison, what's actually changed since 2020 (AI, proposals, platform pressure), and why readers—not gatekeepers—ultimately determine a book's shelf life. This conversation is essential listening for any writer trying to build a sustainable creative career in today's publishing landscape.Preorder Courtney Maum's latest book Alan Opts Out and preorder Courtney Kocak's debut memoir Girl Gone Wild.Subscribe to Courtney Maum's Substack Before & After The Book Deal. Follow her on Instagram @cbmaum, and buy your copy of Before and After the Book Deal on Bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold!The Bleeders is hosted by Courtney Kocak. Follow her on Instagram @courtneykocak and Bluesky @courtneykocak.bsky.social. For more, check out her website courtneykocak.com.Courtney is teaching some upcoming workshops you might be interested in:Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns: https://writingworkshops.com/products/land-big-bylines-by-writing-for-columns-zoom-seminarSo You Want to Start a Podcast?: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-podcast-workshop-courtney-kocakEdit & Elevate: Revision Intensive: https://writingworkshops.com/products/edit-elevate-revision-intensive-zoom-seminar-with-courtney-kocakHow to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought: https://writingworkshops.com/products/how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminarStart a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network and Business: https://writingworkshops.com/products/start-a-newsletter-to-supercharge-your-platform-network-business-zoom-seminar

The Writers Advice Podcast is bought to you by Booksprout. Booksprout is my go-to platform to share my stories with readers to engage with reviewers before they are launched with the rest of the world. Head to booksprout to increase your online reviews today!This week on the Writers Advice Podcast I am joined by Author, Shailee ThompsonOn this episode Shailee and I talk about:- Her process to writing- Slasher Rom-Com's and bending genres- Balancing Creativity with Business- Her Debut Novel, How To Kill A Guy In 10 Dates- and all of his advice for up and coming writers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BILLIONAIRE ISLAND PAPERBACK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BILLIONAIRE ISLAND KINDLE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get your copy of the Limited-Edition WRITERS JOURNAL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THE WRITING PROMPT CARDS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOIN THE WRITERS ADVICE FACEBOOK GROUP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a part of my ARC TEAM HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join us on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@writersadvicepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Me:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: oliviahillier.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @oliviahillierauthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@oliviahillierauthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Shailee:Instagram: @shaileewrites

In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Pimpin Ken, a former high-level pimp from Chicago and Milwaukee, breaks down the psychology, power dynamics, and realities of the pimping game during its peak in the 1970s–1990s. Ken speaks candidly about how he entered the life as a teenager, the culture of pimping that existed at the time, and how manipulation, control, and desensitization became central to survival. He explains the difference between street-level track work and higher-end strip club and VIP hustles, detailing how money was really made — and why most people misunderstand the game entirely. This interview also dives deep into: -The psychology behind control, power, and influence -How pimping was normalized in certain eras and communities -The role of trauma, abandonment, and emotional conditioning -Why he avoided violence and relied on manipulation instead -The evolution from street hustling to sophisticated financial setups -His thoughts on relationships, marriage, masculinity, and power -How prison, reading, and reflection changed his perspective This is not a glamorization — it's a firsthand account of a brutal system, told by someone who lived it and survived it. Support Ken Books: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/PimpinKen7?srsltid=AfmBOoocrftoIFbUynb_2YpRlVnI7TyfLbkZk6L55Hq6d821w17fi1K5 Audio Book: https://www.audible.com/pd/Pimpology-Audiobook/B0196WKYU8?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp Hip Hop Fraternity: https://www.pimpinken.net/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: The Wellness Company! Power up with RECHARGE! Click https://twc.health/connect and use code CONNECT for 10% Off + Free Shipping on every order

“Sometimes boundaries are messy, but they are rooted in a lot of thought, intention and goodwill.” — Sally EkusThis episode is your invitation to explore how creativity doesn't have to be confined to work, it can flow through conversations, routines, parenting, and the ways we show up for others. I'm joined by Sally Ekus, cookbook literary agent, Substack writer, mother, and improv performer who leads who heart, humor, and honesty.Sally reminds us that creativity can come in many forms: Securing publishing deals for authors she works with, answering questions mid-walk during her “Huff and Puffs,” or performing on the improv stage. She speaks candidly about honoring boundaries, navigating grief, and the gift of community support.We talk about the emotional intensity of writing a book, the importance of doing your homework, and what it means to be in service to both your clients and your own creations. Sally opens up about the tension between consistency and capacity especially, when it comes to writing her Substack, Not So Secret Agent.Whether you're writing a cookbook, considering a Substack, or curious about publishing, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a peek behind the scenes of the literary world. Bonus: If you've ever thought no one cares about your work, let Sally gently prove otherwise.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @sallyekus to share your takeaway from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

Anna Rollins joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about the relationship between evangelical purity culture and diet culture, incorporating research and reporting into personal narrative, the intricate connections between religion, God, and body shame, fearing our own desires, extreme thinking, body dysmorphia, viewing our bodies as suspect, the physical effects of belief systems, writing memoir plus, tying our work to the culture, learning how to pitch and get bylines, the logistics of placing short pieces in large outlets, religion on our own terms, rejecting scripts, and her new memoir Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl. Info/Registration for Ronit's 10-Week Memoir Class Memoir Writing: Finding Your Story https://www.pce.uw.edu/courses/memoir-writing-finding-your-story   This episode is brought to you by Prose Playground. If you've been writing for years but haven't published, have tons of ideas but can't get them on the page, if you have a book coming out, or you're simply curious about writing, join Prose Playground—an active, supportive writing community for writers at every level. Visit www.ProsePlayground.com to sign up free.   Also in this episode: -church hurt -publishing scores of stand alone essays -tuning into the newscycle and calendar to sell our work   Books mentioned in this episode: Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus The Byline Bible by Susan Shapiro The Creative Act by Rick Rubin A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders   Anna Rollins is the author of Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl. Her groundbreaking debut memoir examines the rhyming scripts of diet culture and evangelical purity culture, both of which direct women to fear their own bodies and appetites. Her writing has appeared in outlets like The New York Times, Slate, Electric Literature, Salon, Joyland, and more. She's also written scholarly articles about composition and writing center studies. She's an award-winning instructor who taught English in higher education for nearly 15 years. She is a 2025 West Virginia Creative Network Literary Arts Fellow. A lifelong Appalachian, she lives with her husband in West Virginia where they're raising their three small children.   Connect with Anna: Website: http://annajrollins.com Substack: http://annajrollins.substack.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/annajrollins Book: https://amzn.to/3Lu6uHR   – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social

Joe Biden has secured a $10 million book deal for his presidential memoir. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever wondered whether it's truly possible to land a traditional publishing deal without a massive following--or without much of a social media presence at all—today's episode is for you.This week, we're celebrating our friend, WOS student, retreat leader, spiritual director, and debut author Lori Melton on the launch of her first book, Journey with a Giant. She shares how she secured a book deal with Ink & Willow, the imprint from WaterBrook & Multnomah (a division of Penguin Random House). And she accomplished all of this without relying on social media.We also discuss the importance of choosing a spiritual mentor, navigating the publishing world without a social media presence, and pursuing your writing dreams with confidence in God. It's such a great conversation. Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/79Enrollment for our January cohort of Writing Off Social: The Course is now open. Early bird pricing is available, and we are limiting our spaces to only 4 this time around to give you all the time and attention you need. Don't delay. This cohort will sell out, and this is the lowest price it will ever be. We offer a payment plan and a 100% money-back guarantee. Click here for more information.

Heather Sweeney joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about her quest to find out who she was apart from her life as a military wife, mining 20 years worth of journals, uncovering internal dynamics through writing, knowing where to begin a memoir, managing multiple settings with a chronological timeline, cutting redundancies, retitling a memoir late in the game, killing our darlings, writing about exes, coping strategies, reclaiming identity, being true to our own writing process, and her new memoir Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage.   Also in this episode: -writing when you can -the e-structure -brainstorming for titles Books mentioned in this episode: -Seven Drafts Allison K. Williams -Wild by Cheryl Strayed -On Writing by Stephen King -Bird by Bird by Anne Lammott -Big Magic by Elizabeth GIlbert -Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum -The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr -The Book Bible by Sue Shapiro -A Thousand Words by Jamie Attenberg   Heather Sweeney is the author of the memoir Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage. She writes about divorce, life as a military spouse, parenting, and women's health, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, HuffPost, TODAY.com, Newsweek, Business Insider, Good Housekeeping, Healthline, Grown and Flown, Military.com, and many others. She lives in Virginia with her boyfriend, two college-aged kids, and their geriatric Labrador retriever. Connect with Heather: Website: https://www.heatherlsweeney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writersweeney  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@writersweeney  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heathersweeneywrites  Substack: https://heathersweeney.substack.com/  Amazon: http://posthill.to/B0F316HJTD Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/camouflage-heather-sweeney/1147211233 Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/camouflage-how-i-emerged-from-the-shadows-of-a-military-marriage-heather-sweeney/22522585 Target: https://www.target.com/p/camouflage-by-heather-sweeney-paperback/-/A-1003183204   – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank   Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social   Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers

Last year I became a published author and I've never told the story of how that came to life... some may see it as luck, but I see it as years of strategic action. Tune in to hear exactly what I did to land a deal with one of the UK's biggest publishers.   ON IT 2026 is open!!! Find out more and sign up here - https://www.alicebenham.co.uk/onit _____ Connect with me - Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Weekly Emails

Prince Andrew has been quietly told he’s unwelcome at all future Crown events. “Not even the King’s funeral is guaranteed.” Hugh Jackman’s ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness could “rewrite her narrative.” Kristen Bell’s team is begging her to log off after a wave of social media backlash. “They think she needs to step away before it gets worse,” says one insider, “but she’s not ready to hit delete.” Don't forget to vote in today's poll on Twitter at @naughtynicerob or in our Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reflections After Signing First Book Deal by Ebenezer Endiryas

Welcome back to Book Week! In this behind-the-scenes episode (from the Clubhouse!), I tell you all about: The story of my first book (& why I had to rewrite that story to move forward)Why I decided to write this book (instead of just making more podcast episodes)My process for writing the 15,000 word manuscript in ONE WEEK (a wild choice)How I ended up getting a book offer from my last publisher…And the exact sentence that made me turn that offer down

In this episode, I'm sharing how I landed a 6-figure book deal

How do you turn a personal story into a publishable memoir?In this episode of Bookbound, Fran Hauser and Bethany Saltman talk with Ruthie Ackerman, a journalist, book coach, and author of The Mother Code, about the journey from personal storytelling to completing a book.Ruthie shares how her Modern Love essay helped reveal the through line for her memoir, what she learned from losing a major book deal, and how she rebuilt her path to publication. She also discusses the power of micro-communities over social media when building a platform, and the emotional ROI of showing up in person through book tours and community events.Resources:Connect with Ruthie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruackermanConnect with Ruthie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthieackerman/ Connect with Ruthie in Substack: https://ruthieackerman.substack.com/ Join Bethany & Fran for their Read Like a Writer Book Club here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/clubDownload Bethany & Fran's e-book on how to craft a standout book proposal here: https://www.bookboundpodcast.com/e-bookProduced by Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/

What happens when your art, your business, and your identity all collide? In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on what it's really like to build a brand in real time—while writing a book, scaling a company, and navigating the highs and lows of visibility. If you've ever wondered how to balance authenticity with sustainability in your career, this one's for you. We cover: My behind-the-scenes process of pursuing a traditional book deal Why I see my book (and business) as a “hologram” version of me The dangers of processing trauma in real time online How to protect your nervous system while building an audience Why separating yourself from your brand is essential for longevity Spoiler: Fame doesn't fix your problems—it just shines a light on them. Ready to scale your visibility and step into your own Celebrity Energy? Apply for the How to Be Famous Mastermind

1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who's hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can't replace human storytelling. We also talked about how ghostwriters negotiate royalties, film rights, and what makes a great collaboration work.Find Dan at GothamGhostwriters.com.