Podcast appearances and mentions of Jane Friedman

Jess here. Sarina and I discuss audiobook narration this week and explain how narrators get hired, paid, and dish some inside baseball on audiobook production. Transcript Below!Your subscription = good podcast karma. Sign up now to support the Podcast!SPONSORSHIP MESSAGEHey, listeners, did you know that we review first pages sent in by supporters every month on the pod? It's just one more reason you should be supporting Hashtag AmWriting, which is always free for listeners and ad free too. Please note that we will never pitch you the latest in writer supplements or comfy clothes for lap-topping. The good news is we're open for First Page submissions right now. If you've got a work in progress and you'd like to submit the first page for consideration for a Booklabs First Pages episode, just hit the support button in the show notes and you'll get an email telling you all the details. Want to hear a Booklabs episode. Current ones are for supporters only but roll your pod player back to September 2024 and there they'll be.EPISODE TRANSCRIPTIs it recording? Now it's recording—yay. Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. I don't remember what I'm supposed to be doing. All right, let's start over. Awkward pause. I'm going to rustle some papers. Okay, now—one, two, three.Jess LaheyHey, welcome to the Hashtag AmWriting Podcast. I'm your host, Jess Lahey, and this is the podcast about getting all the words done, writing all the things, writing, short things, long things, proposals, queries, poetry, all the things. But today, Jess and Sarina are bringing you the book nerdery stuff, the best stuff. This is The Publishing Nerd Corner. I love this new segment. I'm super excited about it, but first, my name is Jess Lahey. I am the author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation. You can find my journalism out there various places, including The New York Times. And you can find my newsletter at jesslahey.substack.com.Sarina BowenAnd I'm Sarina Bowen, the author of many contemporary novels. My new one is called Thrown for a Loop, and it drops on November 4, and it also will be published that same day as an audio book.Jess LaheyWhoo so...Sarina BowenAnd that is what...Jess LaheyYeah, we're going to talk about audiobooks today, because Sarina knows so much about this—because she has to, like, hire her own narrator sometimes and stuff like that. All I know is, I narrated my own audiobook, and it was super fun, and I loved it. But we want to talk about all the aspects of how audiobooks work—all of it. There's lots of fun stuff to talk about. Where would you like to start, Sarina?Sarina BowenThat is a good question. So, most of the time, if you are selling your book to a big publisher, audio rights will be included in your contract, and your publisher is therefore responsible for making the audiobook. You might be consulted about the choice of narrators, and that audio will magically appear finished on your publication date. But if you are a self-published author, then the existence or not of your audiobook is completely under your control. Audio has been the shining star of publishing for the last decade in that it is the growth story. I'm not sure how that has worked the last couple of years, but audio was one of the only areas of traditional publishing that demonstrated double-digit growth for much of the last decade. A lot of that has to do with the popularity and availability of streaming as a way that people listen to these books. Obviously, the technology shift made a huge difference, but so did things like cellular networks that work well and buffer easily. So...Jess LaheyCan I add one little, tiny thing? There's been another reason that I think that audio has done so well, and that's the acceptance within the education world—thanks to researchers like, for example, Dan Willingham and other people who study the brain and how we process and learn—that audiobooks are reading. From a processing perspective, from a learning perspective, listening to audiobooks is reading, and anyone who is telling you otherwise is not looking at the science. And so, this has been an incredible way—when you look at kids, for example, neurodivergent kids, dyslexic kids, kids who need another way to take in the information. It used to be that audio was like, “Oh no, that's cheating,” and it is absolutely not cheating. So, I think that acceptance within the education world has been so great. And, you know, yes, it is a small part of the growth, but I do want to put that plug in there.Sarina BowenYeah. So, the way that, traditionally, audiobooks have been made is that a narrator goes into a booth and reads the book after having prepped it a bit in terms of maybe reading the whole book, maybe reading parts of the book, understanding what they're going to bring to the table. If it's fiction, then they'll be looking to see what are the major voices, because audio narrators change their delivery to indicate voices. And one thing that's interesting about the trend where we are in audio right now is that it's very trendy for a nonfiction author to read their own work if they're comfortable with it. That is widely done in nonfiction.Jess LaheyAnd it was one of my favorite parts of my process. And I have to say, nothing affected me more on an emotional level. I cried at the end of narrating both books. I had to pause at the very end—at the last couple, the last paragraph. It was such a moving experience for me to narrate my own book. And I have to say, it wasn't a slam dunk that they were going to let me do that. I, you know, I worked really hard to be able to do that, because for some people, that's just not their bag—it's not something that comes naturally to them. But it was, for me anyway, my favorite part of the process.Sarina BowenYeah, so if you had written a novel, though, we wouldn't be—Jess LaheyNo.Sarina Bowen—having that same conversation.Jess LaheyI'm not an actor. I don't have the chops for that.Sarina BowenWell, a lot of authors of novels don't understand this. It's not that they don't understand how their own book should sound and be delivered—it's that what they don't understand is that the way that novel audio sounds in 2025 is a specific trend in the way that readers want their books delivered. The books are very much acted. It wasn't always this way. There were times when audio really sounded more like somebody just reading—and that's okay. Like, there's lots of room for style in terms of the way that audio fiction works. But right now, the trend in audio fiction is very much a performance. And one way that you can see this—and it continues to expand as a trend—is the trend toward something called duet audio, which means, for example, in romance, if there's a male hero and a female heroine—and the way that most of my books work is that if the chapter is in the POV of a man, then the male narrator reads it. But of course, when he comes to a line of dialogue delivered in the heroine's voice, he softens his tone a bit to indicate that she's speaking, but he reads the whole chapter.Jess LaheyThey're always amazing—that's amazing to me when readers can do that. I mean, Davina Porter is the one that comes to mind—like, in the Outlander books, when she switches whose voice she's reading. She switches whose voice—it's down to the accent—and you don't for a second think, “Oh, that's the same person reading all of this.” And some of the narrators you use, Sarina, in your books—the same thing. My brain absolutely believes that I'm hearing a female voice versus a male voice. It's a really incredible talent.Sarina BowenYeah. In fact, if this is of interest to you, there is a book called Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan.Jess LaheyIt's so good!Sarina BowenWho is one of the few who's been very successful as both an author and a narrator, and her book is a little bit of inside baseball about narrators. And it's a delight.Jess LaheyIt's fun. It's really fun.Sarina BowenOkay, so what I was just describing, though—where he reads a chapter and then she reads a chapter—we refer to that as dual narration (D-U-A-L). But there's a new trend called duet, whereby in the same book, he would read the chapter, but if there was a line of dialogue from a woman, the female narrator would read that line.Jess LaheyWhich is more similar to me in terms of how it feels with, like, ensemble narration. Like, for example, Lincoln in the Bardo had a full cast of many characters, and every part was someone different, and those actors would chime in with their parts. So, same—similar idea.Sarina BowenWell, sometimes, sometimes a “full cast” audiobook just means that there are lots of very short chapters or segments. But to have every single line of dialogue cut in is really different than just saying a book has a full cast.Jess LaheyThat's true. Actually, that's true.Sarina BowenSo the thing about duet specifically is that the engineering part of it—the post-production—is really expensive because the engineer has to cut together this script, and actually preparing the script is also a lot of work. So it's a pretty big deal to make a duet book. It's more expensive. The cost of making a one-POV narrator book or a dual book is between, let's say, $300 and $600 per finished hour.Jess LaheyWhat do you mean by that, Sarina?Sarina BowenSo, if you look at Audible right now, you can see the lengths of all of my audiobooks down to the minute. So it might say eight hours and thirty minutes. That means the finished length of that book is eight hours and thirty minutes. And the cost of making that book will be 8.5 times some number between $300 and $600. But if I did that book as duet, then it might be $1,000.Jess LaheyOkay, all right.Sarina BowenSo, every audiobook I've ever made cost between, like, three grand and seven grand. And if I were doing duet, then I would be hitting numbers more like $10,000.Jess LaheyAnd make no mistake—there are stars in the audiobook world who, like celebrities in films, can earn more per finished hour for their books. And that demand is really important because they have a vibe. There are fans of particular narrators who will listen to anything that narrator reads.Sarina BowenYeah, like my kids and I used to listen to audio narrated by Meryl Streep, and I'm sure she broke the curve for how much that cost per finished hour. But you should also know that the finished hour is not the same as how long it takes the narrator to do the job. So, if I'm paying a narrator $350 a finished hour, he is spending more time on that book, and his actual pay per hour is lower—like 150 bucks or whatever. It depends on his ratio of how fast he can narrate a book. And also, narrators' voices get tired. They can't narrate forty hours a week—although, actually, some of them probably do—but, you know, it's a hard job. So, if you're thinking, “I'm not going to pay someone $350 an hour to narrate my book,” you should know that it doesn't really work that way, and that really is the price for a reason.Jess LaheyAnd they're fun—just for some fun inside baseball things. Like, for both of my books, narration hours when we worked—our starting time in the morning was pushed up a little bit because no one wants to get an audiobook narrator right after they woke up. Your voice is not primed. Your voice has gunk in it. So, we would start later. You really could only go—you know, with my first book, I think we went until, like, three in the afternoon or something. You have to take a break for lunch, and then after you eat lunch, you get all these weird secretions, and it takes time to get back into it. There's just some weird stuff that I didn't count on—like it was better for me to be hungry (except then my stomach would make noises, which the microphones would pick up) than to stop and eat and have to get back in the groove. Because when you're in the groove, you kind of don't want to stop. There was just so much more to it than I ever anticipated. It was a blast, but it took me almost a whole week. We had scheduled five days for The Gift of Failure—it's like 78,000, 80,000 words, or something like that. We scheduled five full days; we ended up taking four. And I didn't have pickups for that book, but I did have pickups for The Addiction Inoculation. There was a lot more scientific language in that book that we had to do some pickups for. So, yeah, it's—Sarina BowenPickups means edit.Jess LaheyYeah. So, there were a couple days where I came in—and so I actually did The Addiction Inoculation during COVID. I was at a studio here locally in Vermont with my director, the producer of the audio in one ear of my headphones, and my producer from Harper in my other ear, in New York or wherever she was. We were working in a sound booth in Vermont. And, you know, in the evening, that producer would go over the audio and make sure that all of the words were pronounced correctly and everything was good. And then the next day, we would do pickups along with the new work as well.Sarina BowenRight. So, the editing that happens is really down to the word. Like, the engineer will sit there and, you know, go right into that space between the two words that you said and put the new thing in. And when a professional narrator is in the booth, they operate in a way that's called punch and roll, which means that they will stop when they make an error, go back—looking at that visual sine wave of the audio on their screen—find the pause between the words, go right to that spot, and then roll forward by hitting record again and then speaking the word that they meant to say.Jess LaheySome audiobook narrators use a clicker too. It's a way of being able to see on the wave where you, you know, might need to go back and figure something out.Sarina BowenYeah. So, um, there's a lot that goes into this. Humans make a lot of noises that we're trying not to hear. Like, some engineers will go in and dampen the breath sounds.Jess LaheyYeah. Yep.Sarina BowenYou know, they'll go in and take out the “heeeeh.”Jess LaheyActually, I had to change my clothes. My sweater was making too much noise. It turns out when I narrate, I use my arms a lot—so I actually had to learn how to narrate with my arms resting on the armrests but only using my lower arms. So, I look like the robot in Lost in Space with my little—my little—and also, my hair had to be up because my hair made noise too. And you can't wear jewelry, you know, like bracelets and things like that also make noise.Sarina BowenYep. And narrators all have stories like, “I can't eat Indian food before I narrate,” or “When I go in the booth after lunch, I strap pillows around my midsection.” Like all this stuff to make sure that the sound quality works. So, that brings us to a difficult topic in how audiobooks are made, which is that a lot of books are flooding the market with AI voices. And everybody's heard AI voices before—for example, if you've ever been on TikTok and you hear that weird, artificial female voice reading the—I don't even know how to explain it—but that's primarily why I never go on TikTok, because I cannot stand that artificial voice.Jess LaheyI listened to—I listened to an article yesterday with The New York Times that was AI-generated that was better than those awful TikTok voices, but still, you know—still AI.Sarina BowenYeah. So, I am not going to spend our time discussing whether those voices are good or not, but it has really gotten messy. At the beginning of AI narration, some platforms said, “No way, no how. We will never have one.” And then a lot of platforms suddenly allowed for it. So, there's lots of AI narration in the world, and it's causing real havoc, especially among people whose livelihoods are being affected by a drop in audio work. I really believe that the readers of my books care very much about the delivery, and it's hard for me to think that an AI voice could carry the kind of emotion that romance readers are looking for in an audiobook. So, I hope—I hope that audio listeners continue to demand quality, because it's a big deal.Jess LaheyAt least right now, your listeners—you know, they love Teddy Hamilton. Or, you know, there are audiobook narrators who are very specifically—people get excited when they see a particular narrator's voice attached to your work. And I think—and again, in Thank You for Listening, there's that good—she goes into great detail on that whole inside baseball of narrator fans. And like, Teddy Hamilton has fans—has a fan base. And I hope that persists, because I think there's real value in that. I hope there's real value in that, and I hope people continue to value it.Sarina BowenYeah, and I don't think that's going away anytime soon. People really aren't clamoring to see AI Meryl Streep on the screen at the movies—and, you know, paying a movie ticket price for that. And I believe that in narration land, yeah, it's the people coming up that will suffer the most—the newer narrators who don't have a fan base yet and are struggling to get work. So, yeah—anyway, that is one thing. And we could talk about how to get your book done in AI production now, but I think we won't, because...Jess LaheyYeah.Sarina BowenBecause that's, you know, not—you can figure that out yourself if that's interesting to you. But, um, I believe that humans are still the way to go here.Jess LaheyThere was an interesting note. So, when I said that I worked really hard to get the chops to narrate my own audiobook—I mean, I went to go work for Vermont Public Radio. I recorded these commentaries. And these commentaries that my producer taught me how to record—there was a really interesting note she gave me, which is that these commentaries are really short, like just a couple of minutes—less than three minutes. And one of the things she taught me is that when I'm reading these commentaries, if at the end I look up at my producer and smile and make eye contact with my producer that it makes the narrator be even more connected to the listener. And she's absolutely right. You could hear a difference in the commentary when I was making eye contact with my producer, and I find that fascinating and intangible and magic. There is a magic in that that I hope we do not lose with AI.Sarina BowenYes, absolutely—and that is a fantastic place to close this episode.Jess LaheyAbsolutely.Sarina BowenLet's not lose that magic.Jess LaheyIf there are things you would like us to talk about when it comes to the nerdery of publishing—in the Publishing Nerd Corner—if you're a huge fan of publishing nerdery, I also would love to recommend that you go over and follow Jane Friedman immediately, because she is such a great writer about the nerdery stuff in publishing. But we will continue to talk about it. If there are things you would like to know about, please let us know.But until next week, keep your butt in the chair and your head in the game.NarratorThe Hashtag AmWriting Podcast is produced by Andrew Perrella. Our intro music, aptly titled Unemployed Monday, was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output—because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

Struggle to believe your work is good enough? Yeh. Me too. We all do. Ever wonder what it takes to write in a language that isn't your first—and still sound like you?In this episode, I sit down with writer and book coach Karmen Spiljak to talk about what it really means to write without borders. Karmen shares her journey from Slovenia to indie publishing in English, and the mindset shifts that helped her move past perfectionism, comparison, and imposter syndrome to find joy and freedom on the page.We talk about giving yourself permission, learning to trust your gut as a writer, embracing the messy drafts that lead to growth, and practical ways to keep your creative fire alive—like writing a letter to yourself about why you write and keeping a “Nice Things” folder for those encouraging words we all need to revisit sometimes.If you've ever doubted your voice or wrestled with the question, “Am I good enough?”—this conversation will remind you that progress matters more than perfection, and writing what you love is always worth it!Timestamps: 00:00 Starting the Journey: Writing Without Borders14:59 Challenges of Writing in English15:42 Mindset Shifts and Comparisons18:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome21:26 Writing for Yourself and Reconnecting with Joy24:31 Tools and Resources for Writers28:40 Final Thoughts and AdviceHow to Connect with KarmenShort Story Blueprint (I've created it for the podcast listeners): https://storyallegiance.com/short/ author website https://karmenspiljak.comOther Links Mentioned:Karmen has also published articles on Jane Friedman's blog, including how to use food as a character development tool and how to navigate writing in a second language.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

I'm thrilled to welcome Jane Friedman to the show! Jane has spent her entire career in the publishing industry, and I've been following her work for close to a decade. In this conversation, I ask Jane about the major shifts she's witnessed in publishing over the past ten years. We explore:the explosive growth of audiobooksthe new tools and platforms available to writers today the rise of the creator economy and its impact on authorsthe emergence of AI in writing and publishingJane brings her signature practical wisdom and market intelligence to help writers understand and navigate this transformed landscape. Tune in for more.

There are new forms of ecommerce popping up every day, on every website from Instagram and Tiktok to Pinterest. Is selling online through Tiktok right for your books?This week, Jane Friedman of the Bottom Line is back to talk to Joe and Elly about the growing popularity of TIktok Shop, and if she thinks it's worth a publisher's time.************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.If you've ever ended a writing day with sore wrists, tight shoulders, and a brain that feels like mush, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer—author of 19 books and the creator of two signature programs: Fiction Writing: American Indians (for writing authentic stories that honor Native history and culture) and the Dictation Bootcamp for authors. You may know Sarah from Joanna Penn's The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman's blog, or Writer's Digest. She's generous, practical, and wildly encouraging about helping writers write more comfortably and consistently.Sarah didn't become a “natural” dictator overnight. In fact, she tried and failed multiple times—starting back in 2013 with Dragon Anywhere—before finding a simple routine that stuck. The turning point? A kitchen-sink moment when a full backstory scene arrived in her head and she spoke it into her phone while doing the dishes. Twenty minutes later she had ~1,500 words that would have otherwise vanished. That one experiment led her to dictate an entire novel, and since then she's dictated 14 books (11 already published, with more on the way). Her writing speed doubled, but more importantly, she built a healthier, more sustainable practice.In this episode, you'll hear about:Why dictation isn't just about speed—it's about sustainability, creativity, and capturing scenes before they disappear.Practical ways to dictate (curled up on the couch, during a morning routine, on a walk, or at your desk).How to start messy on purpose so your brain learns the new skill without shutting down.The three biggest beginner mistakes—and how to avoid them.About the Dictation Bootcamp: Sarah's four-day Bootcamp is intentionally beginner-friendly. We start with a casual “pre-party,” then three days of step-by-step training. Day 1 is simply getting your existing device to work (no fancy setup required). Day 2 builds confidence with an easy, low-pressure exercise. Day 3 guides you into dictating your first scene of fiction. There's community support for device quirks (PC, Mac, Android, iPhone) and simple workflows into your writing software (e.g., Scrivener or Atticus). The goal isn't to finish a novel in a weekend—it's to lower the bar so you can take your first real steps.Join Me! I'm signing up for Sarah's Dictation Bootcamp, and I'd love for you to come with me. Even if you decide it's not your forever tool, you'll finish knowing exactly how to make dictation work for your writing life. Click the link above and let's try this together.

Julie Artz helps status quo busting writers slay their doubt demons and get their stories reader-ready. She is an Author Accelerator-certified Founding Book Coach and a sought-after writing instructor and speaker. She regularly contributes to Jane Friedman and Writers Helping Writers, and is an instructor for AuthorsPublish. A consummate social justice minded story geek, Julie lives by an enchanted river in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, two naughty furry familiars, and two college-aged children who occasionally manifest. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@julieartz Substack: https://julieartz.substack.com Is Your Story Reader-Ready? Take the quiz to find out: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/68599ba553e03200150eff41  This month, I'm running my FREE critique parnter matching service, CP Meet Cute. Join the fun at https://www.julieartz.com/cp-meet-cute by October 24 and get paired with like-minded writers before the year is out!

Can publishers tell if you submit work with A.I.? Does it matter if they can't even tell? Jane Friedman of "The Bottom Line" joins Joe and Elly this week to talk about what publishers mean with A.I. disclosures, what presses are looking out for, and how authors can communicate with their publishers about it.Check out Jane's articles here: https://janefriedman.com/************Thank you for catching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

What did you think of this episode?How good are you at speaking your story? Have you considered dictation? Today's guest is gonna rock your writing world!Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, you'll learn about … Dictating your story. This is speaking instead of typing.My industry expert is… Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. Sarah is an author and writing instructor. She has appeared on Joanna Penn's The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman's blog, Writer's Digest magazine, and more. Sarah also hosts The Confident Fiction Author podcast, which encourages authors to pursue their best creative lifestyles.Linda - Alright, let's head into our content for today… Dictating Your Story.1.    How did you personally get started with dictation, and what was your learning curve like?2.    What kind of impact has dictation had on your writing output?3.    What exactly is dictation, and how does it work for writers?Listener giveaway... a live Dictation Bootcamp for Authors coming up on October 14, 2025. The link isn't live yet, but you can share: https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation Learn about the Dictation Bootcamp Learn About Morning Pages Mini-courseYou can find out more at https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation, https://fictioncourses.substack.com, https://www.choctawspirit.com, https://www.fictioncourses.com/   Visit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

KDP has quietly confirmed a huge change to the Select program, and we've got the update. Plus, big audiobook news from ElevenLabs, a lifetime discount on Authorbase, and a special report from Jane Friedman on the past decade of publishing. All that and more in the Self-Publishing News for September 9, 2025. The Final 3: Your Publishing Playbook, Rewritten - https://DaleLinks.com/Kickstarter Email Marketing for Books - https://DaleLinks.com/EmailBook  Sources: KDP: How to enroll in KDP Select - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GD9PMU58BV24QFZ7#enroll Kindlepreneur: ghost categories. - https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category/ Publisher Rocket - https://DaleLinks.com/Rocket (affiliate link)  Amazon Ads - https://advertising.amazon.com Writer Beware: If Your Publisher Promised to Register Your Copyright, Check Your Registration Now - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/29/if-your-publisher-promised-to-register-your-copyright-check-your-registration-now Jane Friedman: How Publishing Has Changed Since 2015 - https://janefriedman.com/how-publishing-has-changed-since-2015/  GeniusLink - https://DaleLinks.com/Genius (affiliate link) ALLi's 2025 Author Income Survey - https://allianceindependentauthors.org/survey (deadline September 17, 2025) MailerLite: Free plan update: What you need to know - https://www.mailerlite.com/help/free-plan-update-faq MailerLite - https://dalelinks.com/mailerlite (affiliate link) Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link)  ElevenReader - https://elevenreader.io/ AuthorBase - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorBase (affiliate link) Lock in 20% off for life till September 30th.  September 2025: Creating Multiple Income Streams from Your Book - https://twinflamesstudios.com/monetize?partnerid=r1397 (affiliate link) Draft2Digital's Self-Publishing Insider: Catching Up with Dale Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/WRG4SfnhDKg?si=JY2_3R4oSxEeCSlv Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp  Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

People who write business books - at least, business books worth reading - tend to think a little differently. This ‘Best Bits' episode features a formidable line-up of disruptors, each of whom brings a very personal toolkit for unsettling the status quo, in work and in life. Challenging the system often starts by asking awkward questions and you'll find lots of those here. What you WON'T find are excuses. Think you're not creative or confident enough to be an author? This is for you.  Listen, enjoy, but don't expect to leave with your assumptions undisturbed. Hear from:  Charlotte Otter on why we need new leaders (and how to get them);  Hilary Cottam on reimagining work; Lesie Grandy on creative velocity; Mike Porteous on redefining confidence;  Todd Sattersten on books - and publishing models - that turn things upside down;  Jane Friedman on why you should consider NOT writing a book;  Georgia Kirke on how AI can help unleash the missing voices;  Kerry Tottingham on how to launch a book differently.  Let's keep shaking things up, brilliantly.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Jane Friedman about MIDLIST SUCCESS, including how traditional publishers are shifting focus to support mid-list authors over a longer timeframe, what indie authors have long done to keep backlist titles selling, why building a sustainable career can be more effective than chasing a breakout bestseller, and practical steps authors can take to strengthen their marketing and reader connections.   Interview video at https://tinyurl.com/TIA303YT Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/episodes-all   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Jane Friedman has spent her entire career working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Bottom Line, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER, SECOND EDITION (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with author Deesha Philyaw about the new writing resource she created with graphic designer Diamonde Williamson, Writer Beware. The 20 page infographic takes a look at the distinctions among different publishing paths in order to dispel misinformation and help writers avoid predatory publishers. The resource is a compliment to Jane Friedman's, Key Book Publishing Paths chart which breaks down all the avenues writers can take to publication. Mentioned in this episode:The Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.Mahogany BooksRate & ReviewThanks for listening, family! Please do us a solid and take a quick moment to rate and/or leave a review for this podcast. It will go a long way to making sure content featuring our stories and perspectives are seen on this platform

Ah, AI. We're hearing about it constantly, and it's not going anywhere any time soon. From "fair use" in recent court cases to bad advice from Anthropic, Jane Friedman of The Bottom Line is back to talk with Joe and Elly about AI, especially in the publishing world. Is it useful? WE haven't found anything that AI does well, have you? Let us know!Note: There are a few hops, skips, and jumps in the video do to some connection issues. It shouldn't be too noticeable, but we are aware of it!************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  Get the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/0EABB2040D281C9CFind us on social mediaFacebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingTwitter: http://twitter.com/microcosmmmInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Authors are buzzing over a new discovery in Audible's terms—and it could mean major changes to royalties and transparency. From audiobooks and AI tools to record-breaking sales and hidden fine print, this week's news covers it all. Don't miss your chance to act on limited-time offers and stay ahead of the curve. One overlooked line in KDP could explain everything. Sources: My Kickstarter Campaign - https://dalelinks.com/thefinal3 Daniel Greene: Nail in Audible's coffin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BJIZA_OpDw&list=PLXCkkWHluK4Cr5gtRbFDrnkix22aFLwQI&index=1&t=2s Convince Audible to revise it's New Royalty Model - https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-it-s-new-royalty-model Jane Friedman's The Bottom Line - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/ Voices by INAudio - https://www.voicesbyinaudio.com/ Fast Company: Spotify just redesigned the way you'll ‘listen' to audiobooks - https://www.fastcompany.com/91383062/spotify-follow-along Spoken - https://ihave.spoken.press/ Writer Beware: Author Complaints, Conflicts of Interest at Fortis Publishing - https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/22/author-complaints-conflicts-of-interest-at-fortis-publishing/ ALLi News Podcast: AI-Generated Fake Books Resurface on Amazon - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-ai-generated-fake-books/ Latest Smashwords Sale Breaks Records - https://www.smashwords.com/about/updates  Tax updates for books sold in Brazil and Romania. - Apple Books for Authors - https://authors.apple.com ALLi: Why Amazon Book Launches Fall Flat—and What to Do Instead: Publishing for Profit with Joe Solari - https://selfpublishingadvice.org/podcast-amazon-book-launches/  Author Nation – https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) ProWritingAid Storyteller's Sale - https://DaleLinks.com/ProWritingAid offer good through August 28, 2025 (affiliate link) Dibbly Summer Sale - https://DaleLinks.com/Dibbly - use SUMMERSALE12 for 12% off - good until September 8, 2025 (affiliate link) Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://GetAuthenticBookReviews.com - $1 sale is good ONLY in August 2025 Booklinker: Fix Your Book Description in Four Steps - https://booklinker.mykajabi.com/Book-description Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@dalelroberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee.  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publishing world. Jane shares her best tips for getting started, what to write about, and how to get new subscribers — offering advice that can help any writer create a platform that lasts.This episode was originally a bonus episode released in May for people who support the show, the Grammarpaloozians. If you'd like to support the show, and get ad-free podcasts and bonuses right away, visit quickanddirtytips.com/bonus for more information. Jane Friedman's website Jane's book, "The Business of Being a Writer"

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.In this solo episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, Rhonda dives into one of the most common struggles writers face—imposter syndrome. If you've ever heard that insidious voice whisper, “Who do you think you are?” or “Your writing isn't good enough,” this episode is your reminder that you're not alone—and that voice is lying.Drawing on thousands of weekly check-ins from writers inside her First Book Finish program, Rhonda unpacks why imposter syndrome shows up (especially for those working on their first book), and how to move through it without letting it derail your progress.Rhonda shares personal stories and writing truths, including:Why even published and award-winning writers still struggle with imposter syndromeHow our brains look for “proof” that we can't do something when we're learning new skillsThe dangerous myth of a “magical moment” when you'll finally feel good enough to writeShe also explores how our culture reinforces the idea that you're not a “real writer” until you've published something big, and how that messaging gets internalized—especially if you haven't yet finished your first book.But here's the heart of the message: Writing is a skill you can learn. Just like you once learned to cook, lift weights, or drive a car, you can also learn how to write compelling dialogue, structure scenes, or move your story across timelines.Rhonda encourages writers to trade perfectionism for progress, and comparison for compassion. She offers a powerful mantra that has helped her and many of her students silence that inner critic:

Matty Dalrymple talks with David Wogahn about PRINT STRATEGIES FOR INDIES, including the pros and cons of using platforms like IngramSpark and KDP for print-on-demand services, sharing insights on costs, logistics, and strategies for maximizing print book sales. David highlights the technical challenges of producing high-quality print books and the dynamics of managing discounts and pricing. The conversation covers the complexities of print runs, hardcover editions, large print books, and the importance of aligning one's distribution strategy with specific goals and budget.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   David Wogahn is the founder and president of AuthorImprints, which is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), and has taught self-publishing classes for Writer's Digest University, Jane Friedman, ALLi, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, among other publishing professional organizations. David is the author of six books about self-publishing, including the Countdown to Book Launch® series. In 2012, he became the author of the first LinkedIn Learning course on the topic of self-publishing.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Jane Friedman has been analyzing and reporting on the publishing business for more than 25 years. Her latest book is the second edition of The Business of Being a Writer. Show notes: Jane Friedman (https://janefriedman.com/) The Business of Being a Writer (https://businessofwriting.org/) The School of Life: How to Reform Capitalism (https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/tsol-press-how-to-reform-capitalism-book/) Learn more about Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview), and check out the ebook Take Control of Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/store). If you like the podcast, please follow it on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-now-with-scrivener/id1568550068) or your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review, and tell your friends. And check out past episodes of Write Now with Scrivener (https://podcast.scrivenerapp.com).

So you've got your company. You've got your book. You've got an idea. But how do you get it out into the world?Releasing the first book as a press can be a lot like making the first pancake—you learn a lot in the process. There are a lot of traps and pitfalls presses can fall into, and Jane Friedman of the Hot Sheet is back to talk to Joe and Elly about how a press can get their first book out there.************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Amazon just made a major update that could reshape how your books perform on the platform. In this news segment, we break down what's happening, how it could affect rankings, and what indie authors should keep in mind moving forward. Plus, important updates from Kobo, MailerLite, AppSumo, and more. YouTube for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeBook Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. Sources:  The Amazon Algorithm Change You NEED to Know About - https://youtu.be/vfiArlO2UkQ?si=gPFLjwCs8W7pdr6y  KDP: Sales Ranking - https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G201648140 Kobo and AI: Making Reading and Publishing Even Better, Together - https://kobowritinglife.com/2025/05/29/kobo-and-ai/ Amazon Ads: AI-powered Video generator - https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/whats-new/create-high-quality-ai-generated-videos-in-minutes The Bottom Line by Jane Friedman: 8th Note Press closing? - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/ (subscription required) THE AUDIO PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SURVEY SHOWS AUDIOBOOK SALES GROW TO 2.22 BILLION DOLLARS - https://www.audiopub.org/surveys NYT: The Times and Amazon Announce an A.I. Licensing Deal - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/business/media/new-york-times-amazon-ai-licensing.html Get Authentic Book Reviews - https://getauthenticbookreviews.com You may have received a fake email impersonating MailerLite - https://www.mailerlite.com/help/phishing-in-email-marketing Publisher Rocket Lifetime Deal (...still available???) - https://DaleLinks.com/RocketDeal  (affiliate link) AppSumo presents Sumo Day - https://DaleLinks.com/AppSumo (affiliate link) AppSumo LTD: DepositPhotos - https://dalelinks.com/depositphotos (affiliate link) AppSumo LTD: Video to Blog - https://dalelinks.com/videotoblog (affiliate link) AppSumo LTD: PressRanger - https://dalelinks.com/pressranger (affiliate link) StoryOrigin: Amazon Ads Made Simple - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CGTlyE84Txyf16VGfT8hmA#/registration  Written Word Media: The Youtube Author Blueprint - https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/speaker-series/ Book Launchers: The Future of Non-Fiction Book Marketing - https://dalelinks.com/authorlaunchkit (affiliate link) Author Nation - https://DaleLinks.com/AuthorNation (affiliate link) YouTube for Authors - https://DaleLinks.com/YouTubeBook  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

What does it take to craft a pitch that truly grabs attention in today's publishing world? In this conversation, Jane Friedman—publishing industry expert and author of The Business of Being a Writer shares her journey into the publishing world and she shares her advice for writers looking to perfect their submission materials and navigate the ever-changing publishing landscape.We discuss:How to craft a compelling pitch that stands outThe balance between art and business for writersCommon myths about pitching and the publishing industrySelf-publishing vs. traditional publishing: What to knowProtecting your writing in the age of AIHow to adapt to the evolving publishing landscape and stay realistic about successUnderstanding the real costs and considerations of hybrid publishing*Resources and Links:

1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to newsletters and hybrid publishing—and offers grounded, practical advice for navigating the business of writing in 2025 and beyond.Jane Friedman is the author of "The Business of Being a Writer."

Does author marketing have an impact on sales? Can you move the needle yourself, or do you need to rely on your publisher for all of your marketing and outreach? There is a lot of conflicting information out there, and Jane Friedman of the Hot Sheet is back on the pod this week to talk it out with us.************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

200 To celebrate 200 episodes and to honor the publication of Jane's new book, we're bringing back this listener-favorite episode!Writing guru Jane Friedman answers all your burning questions about the business of being a writer (which also happens to be the title of her latest book). Covered in this episode:-How the pandemic changed the publishing industry (for the better)-How to have an honest outlook about getting published and still have hope-How to give yourself yourself grace when you're burnt out-Marketing approaches that actually work-How to write newsletters that people want to read-The best writing advice books-The best writing advice given and receivedAbout Jane:Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing. Learn more at JaneFriedman.comTwitter: @janefriedmanInstagram handle: @janefriedmanYouTube: http://youtube.com/@janefriedmanJane's upcoming newsletter classAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!In this no-fluff episode, publishing powerhouse Jane Friedman speaks to the aspects of writing and publishing that every aspiring author needs to hear about. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT: The myth of the full-time writer dream—and why your day job might be your secret weaponHow to build an author platform without selling your soul The hard truth about bookstore distribution and hybrid publishing How sponsorships can turn your author newsletter into a profitable platform—and why subscriptions might not be the moveWhat nobody tells you about post-publication anxiety (spoiler: publishing a book doesn't magically fix your inner critic)

In today's episode, Becky is joined by Jane Friedman—book publishing industry expert, author, and returning guest—who delves into the evolving landscape of the publishing industry, explaining how authors have taken responsibility for the marketing of their books and the impact of AI on discoverability. Jane provides listeners with her seasoned perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing authors and offers actionable insights for navigating the modern publishing landscape effectively.During the episode, you'll learn: About Jane and her work in the world.What surprised Jane the most as she worked on the second edition of her book, The Business of Being a Writer.What Jane decided to remove completely from the first edition of the book as she revised it. Insights on how the role of authors is evolving in today's publishing ecosystem and how marketing is evolving as well. The value of having an email list that you own. Some of the trends Jane is seeing in book marketing right now that authors should keep an eye out for, particularly related to AI developments.About Jane's own book marketing journey. Common misconceptions that authors have about the publishing industry.Jane's greatest wish for the new edition of her book.Don't forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

'The foundations of how authors build visibility, build a readership... while the tools change, the principles don't.' Jane Friedman has been commentating on the business of books for many years, and her classic The Business of Being a Writer has demystified the industry for thousands of authors. So on the release of its second edition it seems a good time to ask: what has changed over the seven years since the first edition? It turns out that while the specifics of platforms and tech tools have moved on, the principles of writing and promoting a good book are pretty much as they always were: the fundamental challenge of persuading people to care about your writing still remains, and it's arguably harder than ever in the face of what Jane calls 'the tremendous fragmentation of attention across so many different channels'. And as a writer you need to engage with those channels, in fact you should even be asking if you should be focusing there instead of on a book.  But in any case, one channel that remains powerful for authors, and which Jane herself uses brilliantly, is the newsletter: we talk about how to write a good one, and how and when to migrate to paid subscription. She also shares her own systems and processes for writing, including how she's integrated AI tools. It's part reality check, part masterclass, and it's wholly worth your time.

A new Craftwork conversation about the business of being a writer with Jane Friedman. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, is now available in an updated second edition from the University of Chicago Press. Friedman has spent 25+ years working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Established in 2015, her newsletter The Bottom Line provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals; in 2023, she was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World. Jane's expertise regularly features in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, The Today Show, Wired, The Guardian, Fox News, and BBC. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Subscribe to Brad Listi's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram  TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff talks to Jane Friedman about the new edition of her book, The Business of Being a Writer. She has been writing about the publishing industry for years (and Jeff has been reading her work for years as well), and this book is a guide for writers who don't just want to write, they want to try to make a living. It's a tremendous resource for early-career writers especially, but also has application and relevance for later-stage writers, creatives of all kinds, and people who are interested in how publishing works. The Business of Being a Writer (Second Edition) is out now. Subscribe to First Edition via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. For episode extras, subscribe to the First Edition Substack. Links and Resources: The Spring 2025 First Edition Giveaway The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman Jane's website And please do email me with feedback here: firstedition (at) bookriot (dot)com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you market your press? It's not just social media and newsletters. Everything from your cover design, format choices,  to who is on your marketing team tells the story of your publisher. Jane Friedman is back to talk to Joe and Elly about staying true to your brand and representing your press.************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosm

Matty Dalrymple talks with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about TRAINING THE BRAIN FOR FICTION DICTATION, including the differences in approach for fiction versus nonfiction. Sarah describes the challenges authors face when transitioning to dictating fiction and offers practical advice for overcoming mental blocks. Sarah also highlights the flexibility of dictation, allowing authors to work in different environments and in shorter time blocks. And she discusses how dictation can improve other audio assets and can engage audiences in new ways.   Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist  Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html    If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is an author and writing instructor who takes authors struggling to master the tools and knowledge of their author journey and helps them become confident in writing their books. She has been featured on Joanna Penn's The Creative Penn podcast, Jane Friedman's blog, Writer's Digest magazine, and more. She's published 19 books, 11 of which she wrote solely by dictation. Sarah is also host of The Confident Fiction Author podcast which empowers authors to live their best creative lifestyle. Her Fictation Digital Course takes authors through the exact process of mastering dictation to write fiction.   Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine and "Indie Author Magazine." She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.  

Hi #AmWriting listeners, Jennie here! Today, I'm talking to Jane Friedman, who is one of the most trusted voices in the world of publishing.She has advised and served organizations such as Writers Digest, The Chicago Manual of Style, The Editorial Freelancers Association, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and the National Endowment for the Arts, among others. She writes two must-read newsletters for industry professionals. One is her personal newsletter, and the other is The Bottom Line (previously called The Hot Sheet), where she provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry professionals. The reason I wanted to speak with Jane on the podcast today is that she has just released an updated version of her book, The Business of Being a Writer, which digs into the nuts and bolts of the writing life, including the work of getting published and choosing how to do that, and the work of making money. It is one of those must-read books for writers who are serious about making a mark.Jane offers so much information, some tough love, and also a reason for hope, and I'm so excited I'm talking to Jane about her own writing process, and her advice for writers.Links from the PodJane's Trademark situation via Writer's DigestJane's The Bottom Line Newsletter The Author's Guild (for AI info)Simon Willison's Things We Learned About LLMs in 2024 (via Substack)Make Art Make Money, Elizabeth Hyde StevensHow to Reform Capitalism, Alain de BottonThe Gift, Lewis Hyde Dana GioiaAlan Watt's Out of Your MindFind Jane via her website: www.janefriendman.com, or on Instagram at @janefriedman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

Amazon is rolling out multiple AI-powered features, from recap generators on Kindle to Rufus, their new conversational shopping tool. Plus, they've launched a generative AI tool for sellers and announced a new reading sample update for eBook pre-orders. Meanwhile, copyright lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft are heating up, and Spotify is now accepting audiobook submissions. Get the latest on how AI is disrupting publishing and what it means for indie authors. Book Award Pro - https://DaleLinks.com/BookAwardPro (affiliate link) Subscribe to The Self-Publishing Hub - https://TheSelfPublishingHub.com Subscribe to my email newsletter - https://DaleLinks.com/SignUp Join Channel Memberships - https://DaleLinks.com/Memberships Join Me on Discord - https://DaleLinks.com/Discord Check out my main YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DaleLRoberts My Books - https://DaleLinks.com/MyBooks Wanna tip me? Visit https://dalelroberts.gumroad.com/coffee. News Sources: eBook pre-orders will soon show a reading sample on Amazon - https://www.kdpcommunity.com/s/article/eBook-pre-orders-will-soon-show-a-reading-sample-on-Amazon?language=en_US Finding Publishing Opportunities in an Era of AI Disruption: Q&A with CEO Keith Riegert (paid subscription required) - https://janefriedman.com/publishing-opportuities-ai-keith-riegert Amazon launches generative AI to help sellers write product descriptions - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/small-business/amazon-sellers-generative-ai-tool  Amazon announces Rufus, a new generative AI-powered conversational shopping experience - https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-rufus?mc_cid=731c56011d&mc_eid=433332c881 Amazon Kindle's new feature uses AI to generate recaps for books in a series - https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/03/amazon-kindles-new-feature-uses-ai-to-generate-recaps-for-books-in-a-series/ Submit to Spotify Audiobooks Publishing - https://sites.google.com/spotify.com/short-form-audiobooks/make-a-submission Copyright cases against OpenAI and Microsoft consolidated in New York court - https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/INREOpenAIIncCopyrightInfringementLitigationDocketNo3143USJPMLDec/3?doc_id=X10L562HT9O9VHRKA8D1VE5I4TK&mc_cid=731c56011d&mc_eid=433332c881 $5 billion class action suit over Apple's ebook licensing is based on false premises - https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/04/02/5-billion-class-action-suit-over-apples-ebook-licensing-is-based-on-false-premises ProWritingAid Online Beta Reader - https://dalelinks.com/betareader (affiliate link) Spoken Beta V0.8.6a: Personal Voice and Emotional Cueing - https://www.spoken.press/the-spoken-chronicle/v086a-release-notes-482025-personal-voice-and-emotional-cueing  Manuscript Report - https://dalelinks.com/manuscriptreport (affiliate link) Audiobook Creation Key Concepts Mini Course - https://www.fleischmannmedia.com/audiobook-creation-key-concepts-free-mini-course  Author Nation 2025 Speaker Announcement Webinar - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NaVOwm-_TeOzDd5nQCUIuw?kuid=6ccf76e9-1bd6-49ba-9ba3-af46294ada6b-1744145713&lid=31108&kref=lniru4bBV7rK#/registration Space and Time Spring/Summer #148 - https://dalelinks.com/spaceandtime148 (affiliate link) Credit: The Bottom Line by Jane Friedman - https://janefriedman.com/the-bottom-line-janes-publishing-industry-newsletter/ Laterpress - https://www.laterpress.com/ Miblart - https://miblart.com/  Where noted, some outbound links financially benefit the channel through affiliate programs. I only endorse programs, products, or services I use and can stand confidently behind. These links do not affect your purchase price and greatly helps to building and growing this channel. Thanks in advance for understanding! - Dale L. Roberts

Print-on-demand books have been called cheap, low quality, and the publishing equivalent of fast fashion. But is that true? What are the upsides of publishers using POD? How do publishers know if POD is the right call? Jane Friedman of The Hot Sheet is back to talk about it!************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Jane Friedman has spent 25 years working in the publishing industry, with a focus on business reporting and author education. Her book, The Business of Being a Writer, received a starred review from Library Journal and is used as a classroom text by many writing and publishing degree programs. Jane joins us to share her insights on the latest industry trends with her understanding of writing as a business.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

How do you handle negative book reviews? *Should* you even handle them? What kinds of criticism do you engage with, and what's the best way to go about it? Jane Friedman of The Hot Sheet to chat with Joe and Elly about the pros and cons of critical feedback.************Thank you for watching the People's Guide to Publishing vlogcast!  We post new episodes every Thursday about publishing, authors, and the book industry. You can also listen via your preferred podcast app, or by visiting linktree.com/microcosmGet the book: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/3663Get the workbook: https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/10031More from Microcosm: http://microcosmpublishing.comMore by Joe Biel: http://joebiel.netMore by Elly Blue: http://takingthelane.comSubscribe to our monthly email newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gIXT6vFind us on social media:Facebook: http://facebook.com/microcosmpublishingBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/microcosm.bsky.socialInstagram: http://instagram.com/microcosm_pub************

Tiffany Yates Martin always brings the real talk and also the kind talk. Here we go deep on how to get out of being stuck and not burning out while honoring exactly what we want to do. Tiffany Yates Martin has spent her entire career as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers. She is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial (named one of Writer's Digest's Best Websites for Authors) and author of Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing and her latest, The Intuitive Author: How to Grow & Sustain a Happier Writing Career. She is a regular contributor to writers' outlets like Writer's Digest, Jane Friedman, and Writer Unboxed, and a frequent presenter and keynote speaker for writers' organizations around the country. Under her pen name, Phoebe Fox, she is the author of six novels. Visit her at www.foxprinteditorial.com.❤️ Adventure 52 - Patreon

If you want to get traditionally published, you'll need a literary agent first. This episode contains answers to my most commonly asked questions about querying, the process of trying to find an agent to represent you. ------ - Click here for ways to work with me + a free character profile template: www.thekatiewolf.com/info   - The last Tuesday of the month is a Q&A episode! Submit your questions for me HERE and I'll answer them on the podcast.  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katiewolfwrites - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiewolfwrites   Mentioned in this episode: Janet Reid's blog Query Shark (the article on querying after self-publishing is from 2015, so take it with a grain of salt): https://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2015/09/how-to-talk-about-self-published-novel.html   Jane Friedman: https://janefriedman.com/land-agent-self-published-book/  

NBN host Hollay Ghadery interviews Toronto author Caroline Topperman about her new book, Your Roots Cast a Shadow: One Family's Search Across History for Belonging (HCI, December 17, 2024). Your Roots Cast a Shadow explores where personal history intersects with global events to shape a family's identity. From the bustling markets of Baghdad to the quiet streets of Stockholm, Topperman navigates the murky waters of history as she toggles between present and past, investigating the relationship between migration, politics, identity, and home. Her family stories bring history into the present as her paternal grandmother becomes the first woman allowed to buy groceries at her local Afghan market while her husband is tasked with building the road from Kabul to Jalalabad. Topperman's Jewish grandfather, a rising star in the Communist Party, flees Poland at the start of WWII one step ahead of the Nazis, returning later only to be another Jew rejected by the Party. Topperman herself struggles with new cultural expectations and reconciling with estranged relatives. A study in social acceptance, Topperman contends with what one can learn about an adopted culture while trying to retain the familiar, the challenges of learning new languages and traditions even as she examines the responsibilities of migrants to their new culture, as well as that society's responsibility to them. More about Caroline Topperman: Caroline Topperman is a European-Canadian writer, entrepreneur, and world traveller. Born in Sweden, raised in Canada with a recent stint of living in Poland, she holds a BFA in screenwriting. She is a co-founder of Mountain Ash Press and KW Writers Alliance, and currently runs Migrations Review, and Write, They Said. Her book, Tell Me What You See, serves as a toolkit for her writing workshops. She has written articles for Huffington Post Canada, Jane Friedman's blog, was the Beauty Editor for British MODE Magazine, and served as managing editor for NonBinary Review. Her hybrid memoir, Your Roots Cast a Shadow, explores explosive intergenerational histories that link war zones and foreign shores with questions of identity and belonging. Her next book, The Road to Tang-e Gharu, integrates Afghan folktales and family memories with the story of one of the greatest roads ever built. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, is due out with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is the host of the 105.5 FM Bookclub, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets and a co-chair of the League's BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

NBN host Hollay Ghadery interviews Toronto author Caroline Topperman about her new book, Your Roots Cast a Shadow: One Family's Search Across History for Belonging (HCI, December 17, 2024). Your Roots Cast a Shadow explores where personal history intersects with global events to shape a family's identity. From the bustling markets of Baghdad to the quiet streets of Stockholm, Topperman navigates the murky waters of history as she toggles between present and past, investigating the relationship between migration, politics, identity, and home. Her family stories bring history into the present as her paternal grandmother becomes the first woman allowed to buy groceries at her local Afghan market while her husband is tasked with building the road from Kabul to Jalalabad. Topperman's Jewish grandfather, a rising star in the Communist Party, flees Poland at the start of WWII one step ahead of the Nazis, returning later only to be another Jew rejected by the Party. Topperman herself struggles with new cultural expectations and reconciling with estranged relatives. A study in social acceptance, Topperman contends with what one can learn about an adopted culture while trying to retain the familiar, the challenges of learning new languages and traditions even as she examines the responsibilities of migrants to their new culture, as well as that society's responsibility to them. More about Caroline Topperman: Caroline Topperman is a European-Canadian writer, entrepreneur, and world traveller. Born in Sweden, raised in Canada with a recent stint of living in Poland, she holds a BFA in screenwriting. She is a co-founder of Mountain Ash Press and KW Writers Alliance, and currently runs Migrations Review, and Write, They Said. Her book, Tell Me What You See, serves as a toolkit for her writing workshops. She has written articles for Huffington Post Canada, Jane Friedman's blog, was the Beauty Editor for British MODE Magazine, and served as managing editor for NonBinary Review. Her hybrid memoir, Your Roots Cast a Shadow, explores explosive intergenerational histories that link war zones and foreign shores with questions of identity and belonging. Her next book, The Road to Tang-e Gharu, integrates Afghan folktales and family memories with the story of one of the greatest roads ever built. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, is due out with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is the host of the 105.5 FM Bookclub, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets and a co-chair of the League's BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

NBN host Hollay Ghadery interviews Toronto author Caroline Topperman about her new book, Your Roots Cast a Shadow: One Family's Search Across History for Belonging (HCI, December 17, 2024). Your Roots Cast a Shadow explores where personal history intersects with global events to shape a family's identity. From the bustling markets of Baghdad to the quiet streets of Stockholm, Topperman navigates the murky waters of history as she toggles between present and past, investigating the relationship between migration, politics, identity, and home. Her family stories bring history into the present as her paternal grandmother becomes the first woman allowed to buy groceries at her local Afghan market while her husband is tasked with building the road from Kabul to Jalalabad. Topperman's Jewish grandfather, a rising star in the Communist Party, flees Poland at the start of WWII one step ahead of the Nazis, returning later only to be another Jew rejected by the Party. Topperman herself struggles with new cultural expectations and reconciling with estranged relatives. A study in social acceptance, Topperman contends with what one can learn about an adopted culture while trying to retain the familiar, the challenges of learning new languages and traditions even as she examines the responsibilities of migrants to their new culture, as well as that society's responsibility to them. More about Caroline Topperman: Caroline Topperman is a European-Canadian writer, entrepreneur, and world traveller. Born in Sweden, raised in Canada with a recent stint of living in Poland, she holds a BFA in screenwriting. She is a co-founder of Mountain Ash Press and KW Writers Alliance, and currently runs Migrations Review, and Write, They Said. Her book, Tell Me What You See, serves as a toolkit for her writing workshops. She has written articles for Huffington Post Canada, Jane Friedman's blog, was the Beauty Editor for British MODE Magazine, and served as managing editor for NonBinary Review. Her hybrid memoir, Your Roots Cast a Shadow, explores explosive intergenerational histories that link war zones and foreign shores with questions of identity and belonging. Her next book, The Road to Tang-e Gharu, integrates Afghan folktales and family memories with the story of one of the greatest roads ever built. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian multi-genre writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. She has her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity and mental health, was released by Guernica Editions in 2021 and won the 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award for Nonfiction/Memoir. Her collection of poetry, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her collection of short fiction, Widow Fantasies, was released with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Her debut novel, The Unraveling of Ou, is due out with Palimpsest Press in 2026, and her children's book, Being with the Birds, with Guernica Editions in 2027. Hollay is the host of the 105.5 FM Bookclub, as well as a co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is also a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets and a co-chair of the League's BIPOC committee, as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. Learn more about Hollay at www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

Publishing industry expert Jane Friedman discusses James Daunt's transformation of Barnes & Noble, and the threats and opportunities the future holds for traditional booksellers.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Movers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting https://wondery.com/links/business-movers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matty Dalrymple talks with Tiffany Yates Martin about TAPPING INTO YOUR AUTHOR VOICE, including how many writers mistakenly view voice as an external element they need to find or impose on their work. Instead, she believes that true voice comes from genuinely accessing and expressing one's internal truths, a process that can feel quite daunting. Tiffany emphasizes that an authentic voice is not about adopting a façade but rather about tapping into what is true to the author and allowing it to emerge naturally in their writing. Interview video at https://bit.ly/TIAPYTPlaylist Show notes at https://www.theindyauthor.com/podcast.html   If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple   Tiffany Yates Martin has spent nearly thirty years as an editor in the publishing industry, working with major publishers and New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning authors as well as indie and newer writers. She is the founder of FoxPrint Editorial (named one of Writer's Digest's Best Websites for Authors) and author of Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing and the recently released The Intuitive Author: How to Grow & Sustain a Happier Writing Career. She is a regular contributor to writers' outlets like Writer's Digest, Jane Friedman, and Writer Unboxed, and a frequent presenter and keynote speaker for writers' organizations around the country. Under her pen name, Phoebe Fox, she is the author of six novels. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine. She serves as the Campaigns Manager for the Alliance of Independent Authors.  

Are you curious about the hidden structures that turn ordinary manuscripts into irresistible page-turning stories? Wondering how to shape your characters, scenes, and chapters so readers can't put your book down? Kristen Tate shares her tips. In the intro, key book publishing paths [Jane Friedman]; sub-rights and why it's important to understand how many ways […] The post Writing Tips: Craft, Structure, and Voice With Kristen Tate first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Join hosts J.D. Barker, Jena Brown, and Kevin Tumlinson as they discuss the week's entertainment news, including stories about coloring books, Tracy Wolff, and finance. Then, stick around for a chat with Jane Friedman! Jane Friedman: "I've been working in book publishing since the 1990s, but my views are not from the 1990s. Amidst rapid change in the industry, writers need honest and unbiased guidance to make the best decisions for their careers. I hope to offer you a signal amidst the noise." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writersink/support

On Black Friday of 2024, Taylor Swift released "The Eras Tour Book" exclusively through Target. But is it a book? What's the appeal? Who is the audience? Was it unfair to cut out indie bookstores from one of the biggest releases of the year? Jane Friedman of "The Hot Sheet" is back with Joe and Elly to give her thoughts on book-shaped objects.Note: This episode was recorded before the book actually released. Joe's post-release comment— "Since even diehard fans were unhappy with the quality of the book, it's hard to Bielieve the think pieces claiming that celebrities don't need publishers anymore."

We're thrilled to share with you one of our most insightful episodes yet on The Writing Community Chat Show!We had the privilege of hosting Jane Friedman, a true authority in the publishing world with over 25 years of experience. Jane has made it her mission to help authors navigate the often daunting landscape of book publishing, offering them the honest and unbiased guidance they need to thrive.In this special episode, we took a deep dive into Jane's journey and her wealth of knowledge through three exciting rounds:Round 1: The Road to Writing – Jane shared her incredible journey, from her early days in the publishing industry to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the field today. It was fascinating to hear about the experiences that shaped her career and how she's stayed ahead in an ever-changing industry.Round 2: What's the Story? – We then shifted gears to discuss Jane's acclaimed book, The Business of Being a Writer. This essential resource for authors explores the crucial business principles that are often overlooked in the world of writing. Jane's insights here are invaluable for anyone looking to turn their writing passion into a sustainable career. She also gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated second edition of her book.Round 3: Community Questions – Finally, we opened the floor to our live audience, who asked some truly brilliant questions. From navigating the impact of AI on publishing to strategies for building a successful author platform, Jane offered practical and empowering advice that every writer can benefit from.This episode is a must-watch for any author—whether you're just starting out or are well into your writing career. Jane's practical advice, coupled with her deep understanding of the industry, will leave you feeling more confident and prepared to navigate the business side of writing.We'd also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who tuned in live and participated. Your questions brought a whole new level of depth to the conversation. A special shoutout to our paid members—your support helps us continue to bring valuable content to our community. If you're not yet a member, consider joining to get exclusive access to future episodes, early releases, and more.Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/JELEP8PxzwY?feature=shareSubscribe to our Substack to gain exclusive access and to join our lives here: https://t.co/YccCgmAt9lBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

In this episode of the Biz Book Broadcast, we have Kathryn Goldman as our expert guest. She's a true whiz in intellectual property and internet law. Kathryn understands the legal pitfalls that writers and artists stumble into, from tricky contracts to the murky waters of defamation and publicity rights.  We discussed Jane Friedman's book ‘The Business of Being a Writer'. Our talk was packed with real-world advice on protecting your work without getting lost in legal jargon. Kathryn's down-to-earth style made even the scariest topics feel manageable. I walked away with a ton of insights, and I think you'll find her tips refreshing too. Look for more episodes in this "Your Biz Needs a Book" strand. Books discussed in this episode: The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman Kathryn's Website: creativelawcenter.com ==== If you'd like my help with your Business go to www.lizscully.com/endlessClients ==== And don't forget to get your reading list of the 10 essential reads for every successful biz owner - these are the books Liz recommends almost on the daily to her strategy + Mastermind clients. This isn't your usual list of biz books, these answer the challenges you've actually got coming up right now. Helpful, quick to read and very timely. Click here lizscully.com/reading to get your book list

Hey writers! I'm Jennie Nash — and this is the #amwriting podcast, the place where we talk about writing all the things: short things, long things, fiction, non-fiction, pitches and proposals. Today, we're going to dig into a part of the writing process that comes WAY before you write anything — which is giving yourself permission to write in the first place. So many writers are shut down by teachers, people who love them, critique partners, well-meaning editors and book coaches, perhaps the entire culture– and the impact of that shutting down can last for decades, if not entire lifetimes. In my Blueprint framework – a method of inquiry for starting a project -- the first question is why write this book? Why do you want to do this? It's amazing to me the number of times that the deep level why has to do with reclaiming a voice that was shut down. My colleague and friend Julie Artz was shut down when she was 25 and 20 years later she is finally grappling with what happened – and feeling a creative spaciousness that eluded her until now. She's been on the show before, but I invited her back to talk about this important topic. About Julie:Julie Artz is an Author Accelerator-certified Founding Book Coach, a sought-after speaker and writing instructor, and a regular contributor to Jane Friedman, Writers Helping Writers, AuthorsPublish, IWWG, ProWritingAid and more. Her work as a Pitch Wars and Teen Pit mentor, a former SCBWI Regional Advisor (WWA), and her memberships in The EFA, the WFWA, AWP, and the Authors Guild keep her industry knowledge sharp. She's built a thriving book coaching business based on her values, her editing chops, and her knowledge of story. Connect with her on Instagram @JulieArtz and download her freebie on giving yourself permission. https://pages.julieartz.com/giveyourselfpermission It's hard to believe the summer is almost over, and in the next few weeks, we will be wrapping up our special Blueprint Challenge that we did here at the #AmWriting podcast. As a part of that challenge, anyone who signed up for and completed it will be getting a list of exclusive offers from Author Accelerator book coaches to help them with their blueprints.But if, as the summer closes, you're at a point where you feel like you could use some help from a book coach, we suggest you check out Author Accelerator's book coach directory. They've certified more than 260 book coaches in fiction, nonfiction and memoir, and one of them may be the perfect person to help you get your book back on track. Head to https://www.authoraccelerator.com/matchme to find the book coach that's right for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

What are the pros and cons of selling direct and building an ecommerce business for your books? How can you use click testing on Meta to help refine your creative and book marketing ideas? Steve Pieper explains in this interview. In the intro, The Hotsheet with Jane Friedman; 20 ways you should be using AI […] The post Click Testing Ideas And Selling Direct With Steve Pieper first appeared on The Creative Penn.