Podcasts about publish

This is the how-to book you need right now, the one with “am I ready to query” and “what does my platform need to look like” and “what if no one buys my book” and “what happens if someone buys my book”. We have a great episode, talking about creating this book, writing this book and living this book—because Kate McKean is not only a very experienced agent, she has also lived the answer to all those questions and that's part of what makes it special. Follow: Kate McKean Agents and Books Also find her at agentsandbooks.com And buy this book! Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life#AmReadingKate: Madeleine Roux, A Girl Walks into the Forest (Dark, feminist and rage-y)KJ: Francesca Segal, Welcome to Glorious Tuga (not any of those above things) Alison Espach, Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance (somewhere in between)Writers and readers! KJ, here. If you love #AmWriting—and I know you do—and especially if you love the regular segment at the end of most episodes where we talk about what we've been reading, you will also love my weekly #AmReading— find it at kjdellantonia.com or kjda.substack.com or by clicking on my name on Substack, if you do that kind of thing. Your #tbr won't be sorry.Transcript below!EPISODE 453 - TRANSCRIPTKJ Dell'AntoniaWriters and readers, KJ here, if you love Hashtag AmWriting, and I know you do, and especially if you love the regular segment at the end of most episodes where we talk about what we've been reading, you will also love my weekly Hashtag AmReading email. Is it about what I've been reading and loving? It is. And if you like what I write, you'll like what I read. But it is also about everything else I've been hashtag am doing, sleeping, buying clothes and returning them, launching a spelling bee habit, reading other people's weekly emails. Let's just say it's kind of the email about not getting the work done, which I mean that's important too, right? We can't work all the time. It's also free, and I think you'll really like it. So you can find it at kjdellantonia.com or kjda.substack.com or by clicking on my name on Substack, if you do that kind of thing. Or, of course, in the show notes for this podcast, come hang out with me. You won't be sorry.Multiple Speakers:Is it recording? Now it's recording. Yay! Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. Try to 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.KJ Dell'AntoniaHey, I'm KJ Dell'Antonia, and this is Hashtag AmWriting the weekly podcast about writing all the things, short things, long things, pitches, proposals. This is the podcast about sitting down and getting your work done. And I interviewed someone last week, who told me that they did not realize I did the introduction live, to which I was like, "Wait, does it sound the same to you every time?" Because I don't know, in my mind, I go off on a tangent every single time. So I am KJ Dell'Antonia, as you probably know, author of three novels and a couple of nonfiction books, and former editor at the New York Times, and, gosh, I have, I have done a bunch of things, but I'm not going to tell you about them right now, because I am really excited about my guest today, who is Kate McKean, and she is the creator of Agents and Books, which is a Substack slash, an email newsletter. For those of you that are not Substack users, you don't have to know what that is to get this, but I'm telling you fundamentally that if you're listening to my words right now, you should be signed up for that, and you're probably going to need the book that we're talking about, which is called Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life. It is excellent. It is all the books that I relied on deeply when I got into this industry, rolled up in one book, which doesn't mean you won't buy all the others, because we're writers, and that's what we do. We buy books about writing. We're supposed to right? But I feel like sometimes that's what we do, we buy books about writing, anyway. All right, I'm done introducing, Kate I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for coming.Kate McKeanI'm really happy to be here. I'm excited to chat.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, this is going to be good. So this is, this is the book that anyone who is considering traditional publishing needs as both an encouraging guide to how hard it is going to be to get to all the points that you need to get to be ready to even try to traditionally publishing, and then to the process of traditionally publishing. This is how do you know when you're finished? This is how do you know when to pitch? This is how do you pitch. This is how do you deal with the inevitable rejections when you are pitched, this is what happens next. This is the good news and the bad news and the other news and all the news. And the blurb on the front is that it is a wildly generous guide. It is from Sarah Knight, who I adore, and it is! That is, that is most accurate...Kate McKeanThank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaBlurb that I have ever read, I think, or...Kate McKeanSarah was so kind to read. I know she reads the newsletter too, and we know each other from way back when she was an editor at Simon Schuster. And I could not be more grateful that she said the kind words she did.KJ Dell'AntoniaShe's amazing, and they are and you this is a generous book. So I do have questions, but first I just have to gush for a while. So...Kate McKeanI'll take it.KJ Dell'AntoniaI have kind of an unspoken policy of being very judicious in taking writing advice of any kind from someone who has not published. And there are 100% exceptions to that. I have an amazing freelance editor who she reads and she edits and wow. But there are also people who write books about writing from a place of having written things, and that's about it. And. And you know that truly, I mean, first of all, you're, you're an agent, you've, you know, you've been in this industry, you've got masses of experience. And secondly, although this is your first published book, it is not your first finished book, it is not...Kate McKeanNot at all.KJ Dell'AntoniaEven your first pitched book. It's not the book that got you an agent. And you are so generous in sharing those experiences with people, and they're going to help.Kate McKeanI hope so. I mean, it's not lost on me that the first published book I have about writing and publishing books, and I even say it in the book. You know, I've tried to sell several picture books and several novels, and maybe I'm just not a great fiction writer. You know, it's very possible that is true. We'll find out. I don't know. I do have a picture book coming out in 2026, so one of them did eventually work. It's coming out with Sourcebooks, and I'm very excited. It's, you know, I know that people probably think, Oh, well, you're just, you're an agent. You could just, like, walk into a publisher and get a book deal like my friend. I am sorry that it's not true. If it had been true, I would have written 50,000 books by now, because I actually really, I mean, it's my job, but I also like doing it myself, but I'm not. I'm not special, you know, like I'm special and privileged because I know all the ins and outs, but I'm not. Nobody's just like rolling out the red carpet and handing me 1000's, billions of dollars to write a book.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, what I have said about about my fiction writing experience was, and I feel quite certain it was true for you as well. The thing that I had, and I will own it, is that I knew the people that I was sending my query to would look at it, because they knew who I was. That actually just meant it had to be awfully good, because it also means they're going to remember who you are. And if it sucks, they'll remember that next time. Whereas, if you don't have that particular thing and you send out a query that that sucks, the agent is not going to remember your name. So the next time you roll around and you send a better query, it's going to be fine, but the next time that writer rolls around and sends a better query. People are going to be like, well, yeah, I don't know.Kate McKeanYikes!KJ Dell'AntoniaThis was not so great.Kate McKeanYep!KJ Dell'AntoniaYikes! I got to do this again. I got to send another tactful rejection to this person that I so they're coming into it with... So it's good...Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaBecause you know, people read it and it's not the slush pile and yay. And it's bad because people read it.Kate McKeanPeople, people really do think that it's who you know and publishing, and of course, that helps, like you just said.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanBut also, you don't want to send your books to your best friends. Like, Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, who my agent is—Michael Bourret at Dystel Goderich & Bourret. Jim is one of my best friends in the entire world, in my life. Like, I do not want Jim to be my agent, even though he's fantastic, because I prefer Jim as my friend. Michael and I have been friends for more than 20 years. Jim and I are much closer. And it's not like, oh, I could just throw away my friendship with Michael, but we just know each other in a way that would lend us to be able to work together really well. And I... KJ Dell'AntoniaMy agent is my friend...Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaBecause she's my friend, but she was my agent first. But I have a friend, a really good friend, that I have dinner with regularly, that's an agent we ditch about, dish about, and we just have, you know, and I don't want her to be my agent, because then we couldn't talk so much smack about…Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou know, among other things, and yeah. So yeah. I mean, I do like to to start. I like to remind people that it is actually not who you know in this it's faster to get people to read something if you have a way in, we cannot deny that. But people are actually out there looking for great things. You just have to write a great thing, which you know that's hard.Kate McKeanImpossible sometimes.KJ Dell'AntoniaOr impossible sometimes. All right, so how did you decide to do... write through it? Did it seem like kind of the obvious thing? Or did you feel like, oh, that's been done. Like, how, how did you come to this one?Kate McKeanI, I definitely started the newsletter with the idea in the back of my head that maybe this could turn into a book. Because I had, I had turned newsletters and Twitter feeds and Instagrams and all kinds of things like that into books for 20 years. So obviously that was in the back of my head. But I also knew that there are, as you said, tons of other books about writing and publishing out there, and who am I? And what different thing could I bring to the table? And so I started Agents and Books with just a clear goal of, like, writing posts that were like the nuts and bolts of publishing, so that people could have them in this one little place, you know? And it's not the only place in the world you can learn about publishing. But I was like, I want a little place where, you know, if you can click through and find out about option clauses and query letters and, you know, all the little commission rates and royalties and what's earning out and all these things that you could kind of go to one place and click around and see if you could find it, and that was the goal. And then I also ended up talking a lot about the feelings of writing, because they go hand in hand. You know, it's like you're going to write a bad query letter if you are terrified of writing a query letter, and you're going to put agents on these pedestal if you are terrified of agents that you know, like there were these magical beings that can, like, take our magic wands and bestow the power of publishing on you, like we can't... we're just people who like books like, so I wanted to demystify things. I wanted to like, share the nuts and bolts, but, and I wanted to let everybody know that everybody feels this way, like everybody is terrified, everybody hates it. You know, no one is alone and that that felt like the right tack to take in a book, because I guess I hadn't seen that before, or what hadn't, you know, come right out and said it, you know, like, here's how to write query letter, and here's how not to lose your mind while you do it.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanYou know, because the same, that's the same thing, and I thought about it for a long time, you know, to try the right pitch, honestly, for the book.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, no, I can. I mean, one glorious thing that this has going for us at the moment, even besides that, is that it is very timely and immediate. Because I can give you some things about writing query letters that are probably somewhat out. I mean, they're good, but they date quickly. So it has that. But also, you are right. I've not seen that combination of both. Here's how and here's how not to be so terrified that you screw up, and here's how to feel when they start coming back. Or, you know, here's how you're going to feel, because you really don't need me to tell you how to feel. But here's some thoughts on like how to deal with that, and the fact that it has happened to everyone, and also the fact that it has happened to you. Um, I'm that's terrible. I wish you had every single success, but also, since you didn't, I am so grateful that you put that in here.Kate McKean:I mean, my—you know—my beloved book of my heart, literary adult novel, didn't sell. And okay, it did. It didn't. I don't... I can't... I can't magically make it a book. It might be flawed. I don't know. I haven't read it in, like, four years, and I'm fine with that. Um, but I'm going to—I'll just—I'm going to... I'm going to write another one, you know? Because what are the options? Like, I really—I had a moment when my adult novel didn't sell, and I was like, I might—what if I never publish a book? Like, this was my dream. Like, since I was eight years old, I wanted to be a published author. I wanted to see my book on a shelf with my name on it, and what if I don't? Like, what if that just will never happen to me? And it kind of—you know—punched me in the stomach, and... This is telling in so many ways, of the assumptions I was making and the privilege I had and all of these things. But you know that punch in the gut could have made me stop and just be like, "Well, I'm not willing to face that, so let me decide..." Or, if I really want it that bad, I got to go do it again. And just—I'm choosing to do it again. And I cannot control if I publish any more books, except by writing them.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanAnd then that's all I can do. And then I have to hand it over to the other forces in the world to see if anybody likes it. And then, you know—I mean, people got to buy this book, like... but not—I mean, it's not going to be great if nobody buys this book, which, you know... I—it... I can only control so much of that too. But I hope people do.KJ Dell'AntoniaAt least ten people need to be sitting down and clicking right now. It's Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life, Kate McKean— is it Kian or Keen?Kate McKeanKeen.KJ Dell'AntoniaKeen. Kate McKean.Kate McKeanYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaM-C-K... you know, what if you just start with "writer"... I mean, honestly...Kate McKeanThere's only two Kate McKean's in the world on the internet. So I'm one of them.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd I feel like, if you just sort of go "agents," "books," "book," "K," you're going to come up with this. Because...Kate McKeanYep.KJ Dell'Antonia:Yeah. That's what's going to help. And the other thing that I really like about this book is the honesty about all the time that you spent not writing, and I mean, you've already said it, but, and it is true. My number one favorite, well, one of my favorite writing books, which nobody else, as far as I know, has ever read, is it's called something like “87 reasons your book won't sell” [78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might]. It's, you know, and it's in its 80… and 15 why it might and the number one reason, the first reason, chapter one, is because you haven't written it yet. You can't sell that. But, I mean, yeah, proposals, fine. That's but, and that's in here if you're writing nonfiction, it's in here to talk about how to do a proposal. But even that, if you haven't written your way to a good proposal, that's not going to sell either. So...Kate McKeanAnd the fear of being late or too late, or you hang missed the bus is so tied up into that, because I'm going to be 46 this weekend, and I my first ever book will be coming out after I have turned 46 and if you had told me at 26 I would have, like, lied down on the floor and cried. That I had 20 more years to wait to get published, because I thought it was going to happen. You're not, you know, all of the bravado and the ego is you have when you're in your 20s and who's, you know, patted on the head for their whole life and told they were a good writer by every English teacher, you know, bully for me. But like the I didn't write any books, you know, like, I didn't write any books to get published until I was in my 30s, and I couldn't have spent any more time doing that because I was trying to build my career as a literary agent. And that wasn't, that wasn't on purpose. I just had to pay the rent too. So, you know, it was I didn't. I dragged my feet for many, many years, as I write about in the book, and then I had a kid, and then you get... you have so little time that you have to choose so deliberately what you do that it can sometimes make you more productive. And so when I had all the time in the world in my 20s as a single person in New York City, living the life of putting everything on credit cards and being in massive debt and not making any money in publishing, but still having buckets of time. I didn't do any meaningful work, and I didn't write a book in my MFA program. I did write a book's worth of stories and essays, but not anything that could have been published as is, and nothing that I used as a springboard for a longer piece, and that's just what happened. That's fine too.KJ Dell'Antonia:Yeah.Kate McKeanBut I'm not late. This is, this is, I needed to be this person to write this book, and then we'll see what happens next.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. I mean, you know, you can't start any sooner than today if you're starting and but I did. I just I appreciated that this book kind of starts with, go ahead, read this book, but also finish your book. Write what you're writing, like, read it. Get ready, daydream, hope for the best, but also find a time, sit down, get some work done, which is, of course, what we say every week on the podcast, because if you don't do the work, yeah, there's nothing. There's nothing anyone can do for you. Well, I mean, I suppose you could become a famous person and then hire someone else, but that is presumably not anyone trajectory, yeah, that's, that's, that's different. That's, that's not the same thing, all right, so what? What was the hardest bit of writing this? This has got a chapter on pretty much anything anybody could imagine. How to read a book deal, how to query, how to you know, how the editors work, how books are sold, all those things. What was the toughest bit?Kate McKeanThe tough bit, honestly, was the what happens after the book sells. And because I realized that I had, I had a view of it for my seat as a literary agent, and every publisher does it a little bit differently and but I've only seen it through the eyes of the books I have sold. So I had to go and ask a lot of editors. I was like, Okay, this is what I think happens. Is this what happens like, when do you get first pass pages? And, you know, do I get? When does the index gain? You know, like, there were just questions I had. I had to make sure I had a consensus answer instead of the this is what happened to me answer, you know?KJ Dell'AntoniaRight.Kate McKeanOr this is my what I think answer. And so it just was, I had to make sure. I had to do more research about that than I anticipated, because I didn't want to make I wanted to make sure I wasn't wrong. You know? Hey, I had to make sure. But it wasn't a hard the writing process at all wasn't what I would call hard. I I'm a fastidious outliner, and I love an outline. Outline is my roadmap, like I know where I'm going in the morning I makes me happy. I'm happy to change it, if I have to, but I love it. I'm an outliner, not a pantser, and when I get going, I can go, but then there's just every other million things to do with a book, you know, like the nine times I've read, and then I recorded the audio last week, and which was so fun, but hard, very, very hard. But maybe it's a little bit like, you know, like you kind of forget the hard part after a while, but I don't have any, like, real pain points with the creation of this book. It was definitely hard. It is a lot of labor. It is a lot of time. There were many times where I was like, if I read this paragraph one more time, I will scream, but yeah, I'd do it again.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo it sounded as I as I read through it like, like, finding your structure was maybe a little more challenging than you expected it to be, because it seems like it would be pretty obvious, but then it sounds like there were things where you're like, well, maybe this goes here, or maybe it goes here. Did it surprise you how much you had to play with the structure in the editing?Kate McKeanYes, it because everything made sense when it came out of my brain.KJ Dell'AntoniaOf course.Kate McKeanYou know, like I could, it makes sense to me that this linked to that and then get... you have an editor. My editor, Stephanie Hitchcock, was wonderful. She was like, oh, yeah, this part does not make any sense. And I was like, Oh, totally. If you step out of it and look at it through somebody else's eyes, you're like, Yeah, I didn't explain anything about, you know, royalty statements or whatever, right?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, the rule is if somebody else says it doesn't make sense, you have to listen. You don't have to do what they say to do to fix it, but you do have to, you have to... Yeah, because you can't hold the reader by the hand. Say, oh, no, no, no. See what I meant...Kate McKeanYeah, yeah, yeah. And a lot of times the way I wrote the outline was kind of the way it came out of my head and it made sense, but, you know, I'm in a vacuum.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo I'm torn between talking about the writing of Write Through It and talking about, of course, the contents, which are exactly what our listeners are going to be interested in. So tell me what in here to you, sort of answers the most questions that you get as somebody who gets a lot of emailed questions about this process, because you invite them by having, having an email or having, not by having an email address, which is not an invitation to send people questions. People questions, but by having the agents and plus and books email you, you've put yourself out there as a guide for people and there, I mean, I can name only a few agents in the business that do that, and a couple of publicists, and that makes you like, you know, it gives you a certain profile, and people ask questions. So what in here answers the most questions to you?Kate McKeanI think, I personally, I would say the stuff about a platform, about the marketing stuff and platform. Everybody's worried about their platform. Everybody thinks they have to have 1000 followers on Instagram. Everybody was so worried about this. They and it's, it's shifting all the time. I mean, I hope, I hope we don't get 16 new social media platforms in the next month so that this isn't completely out of date, like things are going to change. I mean, Twitter completely changed while I was writing this book, but I but there's a lot about social media in there, yes, but there are so many other things that are your platform that people don't realize and they think that you have to have these numbers before you're allowed to write a book. And that's not how it is. That's not the rule. There isn't this, like, okay, where you get so many on this platform and so many on that add them together, it equals a book deal. Like, no, but it... the reason you need a platform is because you are going to do this marketing for your book, and that is also okay, because you are going to do it better than the publisher. A lot of you know angst about publishers don't market anything anymore, and nothing ever happens. And like they actually do, could they do more? Yes. I wish every book had a billion dollar marketing budget and 17 people to work on it, but that is not the industry we have. So...KJ Dell'AntoniaThere's not really anywhere to do this stuff anymore.Kate McKeanYeah, yeah, there's nowhere to do it.KJ Dell'AntoniaI mean the world... the world has changed.Kate McKeanYeah, there's, yeah, there's no news coverage for books, hardly anymore, you know? And algorithms are horrible, all these things. So, so if you have a way for readers to talk to you directly and get news from you directly, that's your primary marketing outlet. And so that's why you need it, not because the number equals book deal or validation or proof. It's because that's how you sell books. And it's not the only way, and it's not even a great way, but it is a way that readers need, even, I mean nonfiction 100%, it's like one of the most important things when you're writing nonfiction, and it's getting to be more important for fiction. It's just also more it's useful when you're writing fiction, but it's just not as like, don't, don't even try until you've started a TikTok or whatever.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, I just, I just finished a novel that I completely enjoyed, Welcome to Glorious Tuga by — I think her name is Francesca. It's either Sega or Segal [Francesca Segal]. And after I finished it, I thought to myself, you know, I wonder, because, because I'm a writer, readers don't do this, but Is this her first book? You know, does she? Is she somewhere where I can follow her? Because I'm kind of interested in how she did this, I'd like to, and I went to look her up. And fundamentally, this is a person with very little platform that I can see. They turned out to be British. So that is, I think, a little bit different. But there wasn't an email that I could sign up for. There wasn't... I was willing to do all those things. I was kind of jealous.Kate McKeanDefinitely, oh, definitely.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanMy wonderful assistant isn't on social media. And I'm like, Wow, what a life, that's amazing.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, so, I mean, so I there was very little point to that other than that, it's not, apparently required, and yet it's probably required of you. Sorry.Kate McKeanRight, you're not the except…, like, if you don't want to be on a specific platform, then don't do it, because you'll make bad posts.KJ Dell'AntoniaYes!Kate McKeanHate it.KJ Dell'AntoniaYes.Kate McKeanFair game, and also, if your market isn't on there, then don't go on there, or you don't prioritize that.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. But you can still find me on TikTok, and if you would like an example of how to not do something like that. That would be it. Yeah, there's about six things that are pitiful and sad, and I regret them, and I should go take them down, but that would involve looking at them again, and that would be really embarrassing for me. So I'm not going to do it.Kate McKeanI mean, I'm not on TikTok. I do Instagram reels. They're horrible. Reels are like bad Tiktok's from three weeks ago, but doesn't whatever. It's what I have chosen to do. But if, but to the writers out there, if you hate something like you can kind of maybe opt out a specific thing, but that doesn't make you the exception to every rule, right? Like, just because it's hard doesn't mean you get to bail out because everything's hard and you got to do hard things all the time. That's life. Sorry. So yeah. And also, I want to say too, if you are unsafe on a platform. Don't be there, no, but don't that's not a question. No publisher would be like; you should really be on Twitter. And you're like, I'm a trans person. I'm not going to go on Twitter. It is not safe for me. And they'd be like...they're like, yes, cool, cool, yeah, no problem.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah…definitely not. Yeah. So okay, that that doesn't surprise me. I thought you were going to say query letters, but...Kate McKeanI was going to say query letters, but every it's, it's so much, there's always so much query letters.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah and there's others, there's, there's more of an answer to that, like...Kate McKeanYeah, yeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou know, there is a way to do that. There's an accessible, checklist-able, figure out, able, learnable process for that, I would argue that there is not that for social media and platform.Kate McKean100%.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat is a really is a it's constantly changing, and it's different for everyone which query letters really, they do change, but they are not different from everyone. Do not make your quality query letter different from everyone else's. That's a bad idea.Kate McKeanNo. It's so annoying. It's, it's, no one is going to be wowed by the inventiveness of your query letter, and it's like sending a singing telegram to apply for a job. You're like, No, don't. Don't do that. No one wants to hire you, if that's what you're going to do.KJ Dell'AntoniaWhat is… can you... can you give us an example of someone getting creative with a query letter, just for fun that is not going to out the person?Kate McKeanYou know, I would say that. Now, everyone is much more educated about query letters, and so the random stuff doesn't happen as often. The memorable things are people doing. And these are the general examples you'll get too. It's like writing the query letter in the voice of your character, which is like, okay, but I'm not signing your character up. I'm signing you up. I would like to talk to them please, you know? And then there's the inexplicably, inexplicably short ones that are like, here's my book. Thanks. You're like, I need context. Like, even when you go to the store to buy a book, you have context for what you're shopping for you know what section you're in. You know if it's a hardcover, paperback, whatever you have context. And if you do not give me context for a query letter, I don't know what you're talking about. And then the ones that really get me too are the ones that are like, you're probably going to hate this. I'm like, okay, cool. You just made the decision for me. Thank you. I have to make 400 decisions today, and now it's 399 Cool. Thank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah. Okay, so get that one right. But social media, there is no recipe, but at least there is some advice in, in Write Through It. And yeah, I can't, I can't say enough about how much I suspect most of our listeners would really benefit from and love this book. If you have not, yourself, been in the industry for 20 years, and even if you have, you're going to get stuff out of this. What I got out of it, and what I desperately needed was somewhere, I think, towards the end, you talk about how, you know, 20% of the way into a draft, you're going to hate it, and then with 20,000 words to go, you're going to hate it. And I was like, yeah, yeah, I'm there. I'm hating it. We joke around the podcast that we need to create, like, a, like a book growth chart, sort of like for babies, like, oh, you hate your book. You're right on target. Feed it some solid foods next.Kate McKeanYeah, exactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanAnd I get a lot of when you go to write another book, you you're like, wow, yeah. And that's what did I forget. Did I ha, but I did it before. You don't know, you don't know how to write this book. You wrote that book, and it's different every time. And that's like a learning curve that you don't get to until you write your first one, whether it's published or not. But like everybody feels this way, my clients, who are graphic novelists, feel this way. My novelist, my, you know, picture book writers, like every single writer I talked to has been like, oh, how do you do this again? Whoops, I forgot.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah. I like you, and I'm a fan of the outline or the blueprint, or, you know, how, however you do it. And I have just hit a point where I need to go back and redo that and that's hard. I would really much rather just chug along the path that I have set for myself. But sometimes you can't do that.Kate McKeanThat's writing too. It's like, the word count doesn't go up, and that's the metric we all want to use about our productivity. But then you have to stop for a week and do your stupid outline or whatever, and you're like, but I didn't get any work done, but you did, because then the next two weeks you can just write a billion words. And yeah, you know, you built a fire, so...KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd yet, the process is hard and slow, and also hard and slow, and even when it's fast, it's still slow, and even when it feels easy, it'll be hard later. Yeah, and I liked that. That was that that's all in here, but not in a bad way, in a Hello, this is what you have signed up for.Kate McKeanYep.KJ Dell'AntoniaIn a “Welcome” kind of way.Kate McKeanYeah, it's you're in the club. Yeah? Everybody hating writing and not being able to stop.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah.Kate McKeanIt's the thing we love to hate the most.KJ Dell'AntoniaI don't hate it when it's going well, I don't, I don't hate it, but, man, it'd be nice if it were easier and faster and more like, I don't know, walk in the park, okay. But it's not. All right, well, so the book is Write Through this, I'm sorry, Write Through It, and it's wonderful, and I've said that about 56 times. So anything else that people should know about why they should go right out, I would recommend getting it in paper, because I think you're going to want to scribble on it, and I also think you're going to want to go back to it a lot. But you know, y'all do you. It's available in all the formats; apparently it was read out loud, too.Kate McKeanOut loud by me.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah!Kate McKeanI think that it's useful to have as in print. And I did write it thinking that you'd go back and forth and be like, Okay, well, today I'm writing my query letter, I've got to go to chapter three or whatever. And the other thing, the other reason I wrote this book, is that if you are a writer, and the people in your life know it, or if you're an editor or freelancer whatever, and they want to ask you questions about publishing, you can just give them the book like I literally wrote it as like a favor to my friends who are writers and editors, whose uncle corners them at the family reunion and says, ‘So I want to write a kid's book.' And you're like, ‘Okay, I would like to go talk to my cousins, but here, I — here's the book for you.' You know? KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Kate McKeanIt is the service I am providing through this book. And so if you want to avoid having people email you to say, can I pick your brain. Be like, oh goodness, I'm just so busy. But you know what? You should have Kate's book, and just send them a link.KJ Dell'AntoniaI love this. I love this. For all of us, it is absolutely going to fill that need. So maybe you want to have three so you can go and hand one…Kate McKeanI mean, I think good plan, it's a great idea. Just buy a case, stick it in your house.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, maybe put it in the back of your car. You never know when you're going to need this.Kate McKeanNo, I think it's a it makes a great gift for all occasions, even if they're not writers.KJ Dell'AntoniaProbably they'd like to be... everybody. Like, there's some statistic about how many people want to write a book. So, yeah, you could just do it.Kate McKeanWhat the saying? That grads, dads, and there's another one...KJ Dell'AntoniaDads, grads, and...Kate McKeanSomething like...KJ Dell'AntoniaMom! Its Moms, Dads and Grads. I know that doesn't wrap run, but that's the Book Riot podcast that, um, that I will yeah and...Kate McKeanYeah, this is a big book buying season. Is like, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation. So you know what? I think everyone...KJ Dell'AntoniaFor your graduate and your mother and your father who want to write books, I love it, all right. Well, this was fantastic. You can obviously follow Kate on Instagram. We'll throw that in the show notes, but also have multiple links to her agent's, and books, email, slash Substack, depending on how you like to consume these things you should be getting it. Yeah, that's, that's, that's that. Now, the one thing we always like to end a podcast with is asking people what they've been reading and loving lately. So I hope that's not throwing you under the bus because you can't think of anything because you've been doing this, but I bet I am wrong. So it'd be lovely if it's something people can get either now or soon, because I can see you playing out...Kate McKeanI just, I pulled… I just re-read my clients, Madeleine Roux's [inaudible] hard novel called A Girl Walks into the Forest. It is out on the same day that mine go out.KJ Dell'AntoniaOh wow!Kate McKeanI know it's very exciting. And Maddie Roux has written like 25 books. We have been together a long time, and this book is amazing, and it is dark and it is full of feminist rage, and it is has, like, a Baba Yaga character in it.KJ Dell'AntoniaAwesome.Kate McKeanAnd it's just; it's kind of the book we need right now to, like, kind of burn stuff down. So I highly recommend pre ordering it. I loved reading it again all in one place, like I read your earlier draft, but now I can see it again, and, like, I just re- read it as I also wanted to, you know, keep up with my clients work, but I wanted to read it because it was good. Like, it's just good.KJ Dell'AntoniaGreat, amazing.Kate McKeanI'm like, hugging the book right now.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou are. Yeah, no one will see, yeah I know I've been waving your book around this entire time, and no one sees any of it, but it increases our the enthusiasm level in our voice, or something. So that's fantastic. Well, I mentioned Welcome to Glorious Tuga, which is a saga about it's like a bunch of people. I don't even know how to sell it, other than it's kind of like all creatures great and small set on a tiny island where people can only get off and on for half of the year with, you know, lots of animals and lots of fam…, of people interaction and but also one protagonist who sort of brings you through. And I gosh, if I can't come up with, and I love this book, and I have, I'm having trouble coming up with a great way to sell it, but I hope somebody, I hope somebody does it, because it's super fun. So there was that, but I mentioned that in my last podcast. So I also want to add Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach. That was her book before The Wedding People. It is vastly different. It is a single POV, first person narrative of a girl who loses her sister in a car accident at I think, the age of 13, and her ongoing and continual relationship with her sister's boyfriend who was driving at the time, which sounds really awful. But it's not sad. It's weirdly honest. It's a fantastic exploration of not just grief, but like people, and how we think and how we aren't who we think we are should be. But it is not The Wedding People. It's really different, which I found super interesting. So since y'all are writers listening to this, you might find it interesting, too. All right.Kate McKeanExcellent. That sounds great.KJ Dell'AntoniaThank you so much for talking to me and everyone out there who is listening, buy Write through it. And also keep your butt in the chair and your head in the game.Jess LaheyThe Hashtag AmWriting podcast is produced by Andrew Perilla. 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

What if your book isn't the finish line, but the starting point? Publishing isn't just about sharing your ideas; it's about unlocking new opportunities for your business, brand, and network. Your book can lead to speaking gigs, consulting offers, and powerful connections—but only if you approach it with strategy. Every reader is a potential client or collaborator. Every event is a chance to position yourself as a thought leader. The key is staying open to what's possible. I've helped authors turn their books into business assets that generate real momentum. That's why I offer book launch support focused on what happens after you publish. Curious what doors your book could open? Let's talk. Book a 30-minute brainstorming session at www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com. Now, let's welcome our panelists, who will share how their books have led them to exciting and unforeseen opportunities. Ally Berthiaume co-wrote “Do Not Write a Book...Until You Read This One: The Only Guide You Need to Pen, Publish, and Profit from Your Nonfiction Book,”  a no-nonsense, empowering guide that helps aspiring nonfiction authors navigate the publishing process with confidence.  Cornelia Kawann wrote “Change Your Energy - Change Your Life,” an empowering guide that combines science, practical exercises, and transformational insights to help you unlock your energy, embrace new opportunities, and create a more fulfilling, impactful life. Stephanie McAuliffe wrote “The Impact of Silence: Reclaim the Sovereignty of Your Soul,” a powerful exploration of how unspoken trauma shapes our lives—and how reclaiming our voice can lead to profound healing and personal freedom.  Please join me in welcoming Ally, Cornelia, and Stephanie. In this episode, we discuss the following: Links for Ally Berthiaume LinkedIn, Instagram, Instagram, and YouTube. www.ayberthiaume.com and www.thewriteplacerighttime.com  “Do Not Write a Book...Until You Read This One: The Only Guide You Need to Pen, Publish, and Profit from Your Nonfiction Book,”  with co-author Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins “Dear Universe, I Get It Now: Letters on the Art and Journey of Being Brave and Being Me”  Links for Cornelia Kawann LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. www.corneliakawann.com  “Change Your Energy - Change Your Life” Links for Stephanie McAuliffe LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. www.wayofthediamondwarrior.com  “The Impact of Silence: Reclaim the Sovereignty of Your Soul” Robbie's Resources Schedule a complimentary book launch brainstorming session: www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com.  Find all the archived podcast episodes, plus an invitation to free virtual networking events for writers and authors, AND Hub Partners ready to help entrepreneurs become successful authors: www.BizBookPubHub.com Join the waitlist for the next Kindle Cross-Promotion Campaign for business authors: www.BizKindlePromo.com Subscribing (or following) and leaving a rating and review wherever you are listening helps this podcast be discovered.  Biz Book Pub Hub features interviews with experts who help entrepreneurs become successful authors and author panels discussing the ROI of publishing a business book.   Tune in for frank conversations about the ups and downs of the author journey. Find out what common mistakes you can avoid and what resources you can use to ensure your effort leads to business growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With websites covering topics like entertainment (ScreenRant), gaming (Polygon) and automotive (CarBuzz), Valnet caters to users across a wide array of interests.But according to Ji Heon Kim, Valnet's head of monetization, Valnet realized it could create more value for its users by encouraging them to subscribe or authenticate themselves.Maybe a “mass scale” of users wouldn't sign up for their websites, but perhaps 10% would. And, as Kim puts it, that “10% would still be valuable, and we can do a lot with that 10%.”“We created more value to [those] users, more exclusive content and high-quality content,” Kim says. “All of that became an initiative on the content side for us to deliver a premium model and give users an incentive to sign up.”Kim further talked with The Current Podcast about balancing advertiser value, user experience and performance, which he says are “always affecting each other.” Episode TranscriptPlease note, this transcript  may contain minor inconsistencies compared to the episode audio.Damian Fowler (00:00):I'm Damian Fowler, and welcome to The Current Podcast. Today we're talking to one of the biggest digital publishers. You might not know by name, but you've definitely read their stuff. I'm talking about Net. The company behind Screen Rant, the Gamer, Kaleida make use of, and a bunch of other sites that rack up hundreds of millions of sessions every month. Joining me today is Ji Kim Valnet's, head of monetization. Ji'S been leading the charge on everything from supply path optimization to first party data to figuring out how to drive real revenue without compromising the reader experience. We'll get into some of the big shifts they've made in their tech stack and how they're bringing newly acquired brands like Polygon into their ecosystem and what other publishers can learn from their approach.Ji Kim (00:52):At Valnet, I'd like to think of us as a publishing powerhouse. We started very small. Our motto is humble and hungry. We like to remind ourselves that it's always good to keep a humble mindset. I've been at NET for 10 years and we've grown tremendously. We've went through a lot ups and downs, but even as we grow, we like to think that we're small and agile and the publications we range from automotive, gaming, technology, entertainment, but entertainment has always been our flagship, but we've been kind of branching outside of that and trying to expand more and more. And then we have some lifestyle brands as well as sports.Damian Fowler (01:35):Let's talk about a moment that changed the game for Net. Can you walk us through your, I guess we're going to talk about supply path optimization at first anyway, which is a hot topic around these parts and what work you did around supply path optimization, like cutting resellers and boosting direct inventory. Could you talk us through that a little?Ji Kim (01:57):It's an ongoing process. It's certainly, I think most people agree that SPO is not an easy thing to achieve. You can commit to it one shot, but that's much harder to do considering that there will be a revenue impact. So for us, we tried both ways. We took a few sites and we took the direct approach and we saw a pretty decent stability, and then some other sites did not, and then we have to kind of revert back to it. SPO, it was always a topic that was talked about but not well enforced. And tradedesk took a big initiative to push publishers towards it. And then we started working closely with Jounce Media as well, with Chris Kane started kind of talking through some of the ideas, how should we go about it? How do we retain the value and still achieve removing the resale alliance and keep our inventory as clean as possible?(02:51):But initially our outlook of SPO was about making our inventory as clean and transparent as possible. Net considers ourselves as a premium publisher and we want to make sure that the advertisers see that as well. So we were heading in that direction. But ultimately, I think the biggest challenge with SPO was it's impossible to do an AB test because you have one A TXT file and you can't test one setup with the resell alliance, one setup without. So that's been pretty challenging to understand where's the value going, where is it coming from? And even with the Resell Alliance, when you talk to the SSPs with Resell Alliance, they'll go, oh, these are PP deals. These are not just rebroadcasting and all this stuff. So trying to understand the granularity and all that details of what each resale align means was very difficult. But ultimately we know we have to go in that direction, but we know it's not going to happen overnight, so we're kind of just taking a step at a time.Damian Fowler (03:51):That's great. What would you say was the kind of catalyst or moment that sparked that shift?Ji Kim (03:57):We always talked about advertiser value. It is important to yield as much value as possible and get the performance that we need. We always think that advertiser value is important, and when we think about that, it's like you go through stages. You go, okay, viewability needs to be important. Let's get viewability up to above standard, above average, make sure our CTR is good, but it's high quality clicks. It's not just users just clicking on stuff. Then you go through the lines and eventually you get to SPOs. Make sure that advertisers know what inventory they're getting access to, what they're buying, and make sure that they're getting insights. The transparency is there. Then we've increased the value of our inventory.Damian Fowler (04:46):Yeah, I mean that's the key, right, obviously. And speaking of that, having made these changes, are you in a position to be able to see the kind of impact that they've had from a revenueJi Kim (04:58):Perspective? Honestly, I don't think I can everything, especially with these kinds of stuff, what I've learned is it doesn't change overnight. Let's say we remove all the reseller lines yesterday. Today, likely the performance is going to drop initially and maybe things recover over time, but there's so many moving parts that it's hard to associate the value towards SPO, and that's a lot of things that we do in this industry. But I think that's when we like to look at it as, you know what? Ultimately we are improving the quality of our inventory, so we will get rewarded at some point. And that's how you move forward. But with SPO, I think the other side is that it's not just about removing reseller lines. You also have to market yourself and tell the advertisers that, Hey, we have gone in this direction. We have removed the reseller lines. All of our inventory is direct. It's clean. And that part is also hard to do. We haven't spent a lot of time or resources into marketing ourselves, and that's why we talked about, people may not know net, but they know our brands. It's the same thing. It's like we are now making a big push to let people know who Val net is, and that's going to go in hand in hand with this stuff.Damian Fowler (06:21):In terms of that messaging around the surgery as it were you're doing on the supply path, does that land well with advertisers?Ji Kim (06:32):I think it's always positively looked at when you tell them, it's like everybody, it is never negative, but I don't know if actually if it's meaningful for them because at scale, they're buying at scale. So yeah, we're a big publisher, but they're also buying at multiple publishers. Maybe only small portion of their budgets come to us. So it's positive, but I don't know if it's all that meaningful to them. At least that's what I've felt.Damian Fowler (07:04):So in addition to the SPO, what other tweaks or changes are you as head of monetization looking at to basically bring in those ad dollars and keep readers satisfied, I suppose?Ji Kim (07:17):Yeah, so there's three things. So we looked at the advertiser value, but then there's the user experience and then the performance side. So always those three things, there's constantly affecting each other. Ad density is probably one of the biggest part of advertiser value and performance and user experience. So we are constantly trying to reduce our density, and we look at this metric impressions per session and request per session. So we look at that and injections our injections based on content length, a paragraph breaks and all that stuff. So we'll try to work with the content team to create optimal breaks. I'll have a little sit down session with the content team. The leads say, okay, this is how the admin injection works, and how you break out your content really does impact, because we won't break a paragraph in half to inject an ad. So there needs to be natural breaks for the ads to inject. So if you have massive paragraphs, we're going to have less ad injections, which is fine if the content works like that, but they also need to think about how all this stuff works.Damian Fowler (08:26):That's really interesting. I mean, I think that sweet spot between not being the Vegas strip, but also ads have to populate at the right time to have value.Ji Kim (08:35):For net, we've focused mostly on open market programmatic spend. We have a small direct initiative. This is something that we've been trying to grow, but when you don't have huge direct sales initiative and direct spend coming in, you kind of need the density because the CPMs that you get from open market is much lower. So we want to try to move away from that as much as possible. I don't think found that will ever be a publisher where we drive like 50% of the revenue from direct sales, but we want to grow it to maybe 15, 20%. And once we do that, we can yield higher CPMs, which allows us to reduce the density, which would be better for advertiser value, better for user experience, and we'll still get the performance that we need to kind of go forward.Damian Fowler (09:24):So it's a balance.Ji Kim (09:25):Yeah. Yeah. I think if we can drive higher CPMs, we would love to reduce density, but it's always the constant battle between the two of, okay, well we reduced density. Oh, we went too far. Okay, we got to bring it back a little bit.Damian Fowler (09:38):How difficult is it to kind of innovate in ad tech? This is a broader question, I guess given how fast things are changing, especially on the programmatic front,Ji Kim (09:47):It's been very, very difficult. Rapidly changing environment is definitely one of them, and you have to adapt quickly. For example, the video definition of having instream outstream, and then now there's a third definition of accompanying that stuff. When it happened, the enforcement happened quickly, so we had to adapt quickly, and that's difficult. But innovating is, I think, much more difficult than just adapting to the new policies and new rules. So many different ways to innovate pre, for example, you have the open source code, you build that, but there's so many customizations that you can do and even a single customization, you interpret how you should approach that topic and how you should build your tech. So you kind of have to talk to your developers and walk through. And our biggest challenge I would say was bridging the gap between developers and ad ops. I was like, because I am an ad ops guy, I understand programmatic landscape very well, but our developers do not. And I'm not a developer, I'm not a technical guy. Obviously through 10 years I've learned a lot of stuff, but still, if I needed to build something, I'm not going to be able to tell them exactly how to build it. So you need somebody in the middle that understands both sides,(11:03):And that was the most difficult part. And eventually we did find resources that they were able to bridge that gap and were able to build stuff. But ultimately, there's just so many different ways to build your product and you want to make sure that product that you build or tech stack that you build is going to keep that balance that you need between the user experience, the performance, and the density, everything that pertains to page speed as well. If you build it to be too slow, everything gets affected as well, and that's harder to tell. So yeah.Damian Fowler (11:37):So how have some of these technical changes influenced your broad and monetization philosophy?Ji Kim (11:43):Yeah, so I guess one of the things, if we talk about authentication, we talk about cookie deprecation and why authentication became so important to majority of the publishers. And I remember our thought process around authentication was pretty pessimistic, I would say. But eventually we said know what? We can create content or value for the users that's going to want them to sign up and want them to get authenticated. And we said we got to start somewhere. Ultimately, maybe we've become a little bit more realistic about what critical mass of a value would be if we're at, if we're expecting 50% of users will log in, that's not going to happen, but 10% is still very meaningful. So it was about our philosophy was changing, about our expectations changing and still understanding that 10% could be very valuable and we can do a lot with that 10%. So we created more value to the users are more exclusive content, high quality content, high quality videos. All of that stuff became an initiative on the content side for us to deliver the premium model and to give users the incentive to authenticate a sign up on.Damian Fowler (13:03):That's really interesting. I think one of the things that also I'm hearing is that you kind of have different audiences, but you're getting to understand your audiences. I mean, this strategy gives you more insight into who's coming.Ji Kim (13:15):Yeah. We also created what we call threads. They can talk about the article, talk about topics that we're discussing, and that really improved our engagement.Damian Fowler (13:30):As you look to the future, how do you think about, as it were, locking in some of these changes and this value that you see from this audience?Ji Kim (13:40):So I want to go back a little bit about innovating and how difficult it is. So I went through the stages of, okay, what am I focusing on to optimize to yield more value? And initially it was demand. Okay, we want to work with as many high quality as P as possible, but then you do work with all of them. There are going to be going to be one or two that come here and there, but generally speaking, they're not going to create incremental value. They'll just take a piece of pie that was taken by somebody else, not meaningful value. Then you work on ad tech innovation, all that stuff, and that we'll continuously work on that, but that also has lots of limitations, and you eventually reach a plateau point of say, you're not going to find a lot low hanging fruits. So now we come to premium inventory, which we need to learn our users, we need to learn who they are so we can offer these users to our advertisers to grow our PMP programmatic direct, as well as your conventional IO based direct deals that's going to yield as higher CPMs.Damian Fowler (14:53):Yeah, I mean, talk of premium inventories is characteristic of the moment we are in when it comes to programmatic sales for publishers.Ji Kim (15:02):Yeah.Damian Fowler (15:04):Let's draw back and look at the big picture and some of the kind of industry context. I guess think I'm correct in saying Valnet reach has more than 400 million sessions a month across its network. That's correct. And how do you think about that, that kind of scale when every property has its own audience profile and publishing rhythm?Ji Kim (15:30):Yeah, it's sometimes a bit overwhelming how much reach our sites have, but I always try to look at it as our advantage, and this is the opportunity that hasn't been tapped into, is that okay, we're 95% of our inventory is sold in the open market, and we have so much data that we could collect and leverage in order to drive higher value. And it's just looking at it, it's overwhelming, but you start to see the real value that hasn't been tapped into, and that's exciting, but it's also very, very difficult to manage all that information, manage that data, and use it properly. So yeah, I mean it excites me, but also I know how challenging it can be to create value through that. So we're taking one step at a time, even first party data collection. I wouldn't say we're crazy sophisticated, but we're keeping it a level that we know how to manage and understanding it well first and then starting to kind of grow a step-by-step.Damian Fowler (16:45):Yeah, I mean, I suppose the whole back and forth about third party cookies may have provided a spark. I know it lit a fire under the industry. Speaking of first party data, so that is a focus for you?Ji Kim (16:56):Yes, yes. But I believe when it was really a huge focus for the industry was when Google had first announced that they're going to deprecate third party cookies, and we had the initial moment of, oh, you know what? We also need to look into this, but we didn't want to panic. Our outlook was, I'm sure everybody went through the initial panic. We did too, but we didn't want to stay in that moment. And we said, okay, what's realistically going to happen for publishers like us? How much first party data can we collect and really sell because we don't have a huge direct sales initiative? And at that point we had none. And you can't grow direct sales overnight. It's a highly competitive environment, and you're entering that new market. You have to build relationships, you have to have crazy amount of salespeople that are constantly going out there representing balance inventory.(17:55):And we weren't set up for that, and we weren't willing to just fully invest everything into growing that at the time. So we said, well, maybe first party data isn't as important. Collecting first part data isn't as important as just understanding how to go about direct sales. So that's what we worked on. We've hired salespeople, we enter that space. I was very naive about how direct sales worked, and now we have a better understanding. We have good salespeople that understand our values as well. We don't want to just go out and sell anything and everything. We want to understand the creative types that we're also selling isn't going to impact user experience horribly and negatively. The high impact guys, the site scans when they're done, right, it's great user experience, but it could also go the other way. So we wanted to build a baseline first, and that's what we did the last few years. And now we can go after the first party data in a more sustainable way for us.Damian Fowler (18:56):Let's talk about your acquisition of Polygon from Vox Media. Speaking of inventory that expands the real estate, how does that property fit into what you're doing?Ji Kim (19:07):So Polygon, obviously, we go through a lot of due diligences. We look at different opportunities, and Polygon was an easy one to go through because we knew Polygon has great content, it has a great foundation of creating high quality content. But the difference was that Fox has a lot of direct sales. I can't remember the exact number, but it could have been 75%, 80% of their revenue was generated, direct sold inventory, and then 20% was open market. And for us, it would've been the other way around, flipped around even less. Maybe 95% open market, 5% directive. Initially when we acquired it would've been a hundred percent open market, but that's also why it excite us because it's a premium inventory that doesn't get seen in the open market. Open market buyers don't see the bid requests coming from that website as much. So we're super happy, but we knew this was a high quality inventory, high quality website, and we knew that there was a very small chance that it was going to go poorly.Damian Fowler (20:20):Interesting. When you buy a property like that, you're actually buying an audience to a certain extent.Ji Kim (20:25):Yeah, absolutely.Damian Fowler (20:27):Do you think about audiences as discreet to the publications or do you see crossover?Ji Kim (20:34):Crossover? Yeah, lots of crossover.Damian Fowler (20:37):Yeah. Alright. So I guess the big question here is for other publishers looking to upgrade this strategy that we're talking about, especially in this very complex environment, which is something you clearly understand very deeply, what's one piece of advice that you might offer?Ji Kim (20:54):I think you have to think about realistically what you should go after, what opportunities you should go after. So many things that come up right now, I think the big thing is curated media. And on our end, a lot of the SSPs and DSPs are doing the work for us. They going out and curating our inventory for us, and that's fine. But if you were to go after that and trying to grow it, but you don't really have the resources, it's easy to just kind of see everybody, what everyone else is doing, like, oh, I want a piece of that too, but it's not going to yield the value. Same value if you don't have the right resources in place if you're not focused on that opportunity. So my advice would be to understand which opportunities realistically are you able to get and have the right resources who are going to be passionate about that. Take accountability. That's huge, the accountability part. And that's not something you can just kind of force people. You have to believe that this person that's taking on this project can be really passionate and sink their teeth into it. If you got that, then go after those things. But it's too hard to go after every single opportunity there is. Even if seemingly it seems like a low hanging fruit. Nothing is really that simple in this industry.Damian Fowler (22:15):That's for sure. So finally, we're going to wrap this up with some what we call hot seat questions. So what's one thing you're obsessed with figuring out right now?Ji Kim (22:27):How to yield more value? No, no, no. I'll give a better answer than that right now. For me, it's how to grow direct sales sustainably and scale it in a way that we don't get too bloated. Because through acquisitions, one of the most valuable things that I get is insight. I get to see under the hood of a lot of publishers, small to medium to large, how they operate, what is their strategy and direct sales. I've learned some of the big publishers do it extremely well. It's a well-oiled machine, it's not bloated. They generate a ton of revenue, but some have a huge cost, and that's what we were afraid of. And right now it's very hard to do. So you need the right sales team, you need the right operational guys, you need account representation, you need reporting guide and all this stuff. And right now I am trying to find a way to scale it, but without having massive costs, just kind of take over and then expect this to yield value in the next year or two. I want that line to kind of grow together. And that's not an easy thing to do, obviously. And I'm looking for the right resources. I'm looking to build relationships with agencies with limited guys, just hustle through it and offer them our inventory, charm them, whatever it may take. But yeah, that's what I'm currently obsessed.Damian Fowler (24:01):Okay. What's still missing in the ad tech stack that you wish someone would build?Ji Kim (24:07):I don't know if this would fall under their ad tech stack, but I think we could really benefit from a bit more standardization around, it could be reporting and creatives. Maybe I'm speaking out of line because I'm on the inventory side, so I don't know everything that goes on the buy side and the creative side. But what I see is that there's so many different creatives that just either break the page, the creative's broken, it's too heavy, it slows down the page, and it's hard to target those and remove those. It can come through so many different channels. So if there is a bit more standardization around what kind of creatives are acceptable, I'm sure there is some or a standard already, but it needs to be honed in a bit more maybe.Damian Fowler (25:00):What's one thing advertisers misunderstand about monetizing Publish it inventory today?Ji Kim (25:08):So I thought about this and something that it's more of my frustration around advertisers perspective. I understand it, but a bit more frustration because it's hard to create context around it, which is brand safety. I understand the brand side. I advertise side on why they wouldn't want to associate their brand with certain content, but brand safety is police by keyword list and it's very restrictive. And some of the,Damian Fowler (25:37):It's one toolJi Kim (25:38):And it's like, okay, and we have gaming sites that will, a lot of gaming, natural will talk about shooting, but some of the game developers won't want to associate with those articles. And it's like, hang on, hang on. Now you bet you guys also have games that are first person shooter or whatnot. You don't want to associate with those type of articles. There's a bit of a mismatch, and I think it's just hard to manage that. So they go with a broader approach and I get it, but I think it's just there needs to be more about understanding the context of certain articles. And it's like the word shooting can be anything, everything. Right?Damian Fowler (26:22):Yeah, I like that. I've been hearing more about a shift from brand safety to brand suitability, which brings in the concept of context. What's something unexpected you've learned from reader data or behavior recently?Ji Kim (26:39):So I wouldn't say it's recent, but it's something that's surprises me how the smallest change that I, from my perspective is like, is that really going to do anything? But at our scale, the numbers changed so drastically. Recently we were playing around with the video size because our outstream unit will float once the user are scrolling and the size of that unit. Obviously we want to give advertiser value, so we want to make it as big as possible. But then user experience wise, it could be very bothersome because as they're trying to read, there's a video playing. So we want to keep mindful of that. And we're constantly testing the size of that unit and we decreased by 10% and 10%. While it's significant, if you look at the actual size of the unit to the naked eye, you really wouldn't be able to tell what the difference is. But the CTR of that video unit changed drastically. It was cut in half, actually. And that's the thing is like, okay, users are really sensitive to these things. And to me it's not, maybe I'm looking at it too often, but that's always, that boggles my mind and it always catches me by surprise when I see the numbers is like, wow, I did not expect that. I did not expect users to behave this way.Damian Fowler (28:00):That's amazing. The details really matter.Ji Kim (28:02):Yeah, Big time. Damian Fowler (28:03):And that's it for this edition of The Current Podcast. We'll be back next week. The Current Podcast is produced by Molten Hart. A theme is by Love and Caliber, and our associate producer is Sydney Cairns. And remember,Ji Kim (28:21):I like to think of us as a publishing powerhouse. We started very small. Our motto is humble and hungry. We like to remind ourselves that it's always good to keep a humble mindset.Damian Fowler (28:34):I'm Damian, and we'll see you next time.

I sit down with fellow podcaster, small business owner, and newsletter writer Brian Ondrako to talk about our journey to writing newsletters in beehiiv. He started his podcast, Just Get Started, in 2017 and has published over 450 episodes. He's now leveraging his sales expertise to help others through his newsletter. It was great to talk about our creative journeys and get really tactical with how we think about newsletter writing and strategy. Check out this crossover episode on his podcast: https://brianondrako.com/podcast/angela-hollowellI'd love to hear from you!Join our community, Please Hustle Responsibly: https://pleasehustleresponsibly.beehiiv.com/Support the show:Buy The Interview Workbook for Storytellers: https://www.blurb.com/b/11662269-interview-workbook-for-storytellersVisit the website: https://www.honeyandhustle.coConnect with Angela:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaHollowellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelahollowell/Twitter: https://twitter.com/honeyandhustle

Angel Tuccy helps authors, experts, and entrepreneurs turn their message into media — using the power of publishing and podcast interviews to grow their visibility, attract leads, and sell more books.If you've ever felt like your book is the best-kept secret — or like you're constantly chasing visibility — then today's call is going to flip the script for you.In this 20 minute feature for Powerteam Rainmakers, Angel shares a simple 3-part framework called Publish, Pitch, Profit — and show you how to use podcast interviews as your #1 marketing strategy, even if you don't have a big platform or media team.

Send us a textHave you ever felt like you had a book inside you, but just couldn't get started? 81% of North Americans believe they have a book in them—but only a tiny fraction ever see that dream to completion. In this episode, I explore the real reasons people don't write their books, debunk common myths, and share actionable steps to help you finally move from wishing to writing.Timestamp:00:00 Empowering Aspiring Writers05:09 Defining Your Why in Writing06:51 Overcoming Writer's Block Myths09:56 Born to Write PodcastFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review how to publish your book in 7 steps! Check out these resources to help you with each one: 

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!This week, I'm joined by publicist Emily Florence, and we're talking about how to set publicity goals before you start chasing them, why a Today Show appearance might not sell nearly as many books as you think, and how to make your marketing feel less like shouting into the void and more like having conversations that matter.Here's what we get into:Why knowing your goals (career author? credibility? visibility?) makes all the differenceThe surprising truth about big media hits (and what works better)Building an author platform that doesn't rely on hacking the algorithm or pretending to be someone you're notHow to build a real-deal, supportive author community (no fake “collabs” required)

Get every episode of The Dumb Zone by subscribing to the show at DumbZone.com or Patreon.com/TheDumbZoneWe recap our Generic Summer Event from over the weekend, Dan yelled at a lady in the grocery story parking lot, Jared Sandler joins us live from The Mall of America, and we have former Dallas Cowboys getting arrested and current ones releasing videos on their YouTube channels to fix their image damaged by the front office (00:00) - Open: DZ GSE recap/Weekend check (34:21) - Sports: Don Nelson didn't like the Luka trade (50:23) - Jared Sandler: Live from the Mall of America (01:23:16) - Trevon and CeeDee publish their narratives (01:46:01) - News: Former Cowboy arrested (02:08:55) - VM birthdays/Today in History ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The best-selling graphic novels for May, 2025 have been revealed. Image Comics to publish facsimile editions, including Warren Ellis book Fell. Marvel announces new Stormbreakers.SUBSCRIBE ON RSS, APPLE, SPOTIFY, OR THE APP OF YOUR CHOICE. FOLLOW US ON BLUESKY, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, AND FACEBOOK. SUPPORT OUR SHOWS ON PATREON.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AP correspondent Julie Walker reports NIH scientists have published a declaration criticizing Trump's deep cuts in public health research

Ian Fleming Publications has commissioned new novels where a retired James Bond teaches “a new generation of teenage spies,” The Sunday Times reported.

Send us a textIn the world of authorship and digital entrepreneurship, few names carry as much respect as Pat Flynn. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I share the story of my apprenticeship under Pat—a journey rooted in service, vulnerability, and taking fast, decisive action. Our conversation delved deep into the principles at the core of Pat's latest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less, and unpacked how stepping forward before you feel “ready” is often the key to breakthroughs.Timestamp:00:00 Business breakthrough experience unprepared03:43 From apprentice to bestseller collaborator08:18 Adaptability in a fast-changing world12:28 DIY book formatting journey13:01 Collaborative learning & entrepreneurship journey16:34 Embrace change for real growth21:31 Rowing strategy: power 10 technique23:40 Dedicated focus for creative success27:36 Embrace failure for faster success28:37 Overcoming negativity in entrepreneurship32:01 Exploring the traditional publishing path36:52 Writing under pressure: a 10-day challenge40:35 Pursuing bestseller status with passion44:06 Strategic book sale tactics45:24 Intriguing book title strategyFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Notes from James:Most people get stuck at the idea stage. That's why I'm sharing frameworks—so you're not staring at a blank screen. These techniques have helped hundreds of people (including me) go from idea to published book in just 30 days.Episode Descriptions:In Part 5 of my 30-day writing series, I unveil four of the most powerful book-writing frameworks I've ever used or taught—and they've helped hundreds of people write their first book in just a month. These aren't theoretical. They're real-world, repeatable methods that have led to bestsellers, media appearances, consulting gigs, and new careers.From the "101 List Technique" to the "Jesus Diet" method, each framework simplifies your creative process, helps you structure your ideas fast, and shows you how to turn your interests into income. I even share how you can write a book using past podcast interviews or unreadable academic research.If you've ever thought, “I have an idea, but I don't know how to turn it into a book,” this episode gives you the blueprint—four times over.What You'll Learn:The “101 List” format and why people LOVE books with listsHow to turn your podcast (or other content) into a book—step by stepThe “Jesus Diet” method and how to combine timeless concepts with trending topicsWhy academic research papers are gold mines (and how to use them to write your book)How to choose a niche, research efficiently, and find your book's unique angleThe truth about book length—and why shorter can be betterTimestamps00:00 Introduction and Excitement00:17 Bonus Framework: The Podcast Technique04:43 Framework 1: The 101 Technique13:30 Framework 2: The Habits Technique18:30 Framework 3: The Jesus Diet Technique27:37 Framework 4: The Academic Research Technique33:00 Conclusion and EncouragementP.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lotta elephants in the news lately. Getting ready for the big Taste weekend. Sorry for the delay to those of you who read these. I thought I hit PUBLISH, but I didn't, then walked away for several hours.

// GUEST //AI Crash Course: https://substack.com/home/post/p-159807269?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webSubstack: https://henrythe9th.substack.com/X: https://x.com/henrythe9thsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrythe9th // SPONSORS //iCoin: https://icointechnology.com/breedloveNetsuite: https://netsuite.com/whatismoneyCowbolt: https://cowbolt.com/Heart and Soil Supplements (use discount code BREEDLOVE): https://heartandsoil.co/Blockware Solutions: https://mining.blockwaresolutions.com/breedloveIn Wolf's Clothing: https://wolfnyc.com/Onramp: https://onrampbitcoin.com/?grsf=breedloveMindlab Pro: https://www.mindlabpro.com/breedloveCoinbits: https://coinbits.app/breedloveThe Farm at Okefenokee: https://okefarm.com/ // PRODUCTS I ENDORSE //Protect your mobile phone from SIM swap attacks: https://www.efani.com/breedloveLineage Provisions (use discount code BREEDLOVE): https://lineageprovisions.com/?ref=breedlove_22Colorado Craft Beef (use discount code BREEDLOVE): https://coloradocraftbeef.com/Salt of the Earth Electrolytes: http://drinksote.com/breedloveJawzrsize (code RobertBreedlove for 20% off): https://jawzrsize.com // SUBSCRIBE TO THE CLIPS CHANNEL //https://www.youtube.com/@robertbreedloveclips2996/videos // TIMESTAMPS //0:00 - WiM Episode Trailer  1:29 - Henry's Background in Computer Science and AI  13:33 - Falling Down the AI Rabbit Hole  20:22 - The AI Crash Course for Beginners  22:34 - iCoin Bitcoin Wallet  24:04 - NetSuite by Oracle  25:14 - What Is AI? Neural Nets and Context Windows Explained  32:20 - Predictive Power and Depth of Modern Models  35:15 - Crossing the AI Chasm  41:03 - Cowbolt: Settle in Bitcoin  42:18 - Heart and Soil Supplements  43:17 - The “DeepSeek Moment” and What It Means  53:17 - Will Every Business Become an AI Business?  55:26 - Mine Bitcoin with Blockware Solutions  56:52 - Helping Lightning Startups with In Wolf's Clothing  57:44 - Hard-Earned Advice for Tech Founders  1:04:24 - Lean and Scalable AI Business Models  1:12:59 - Onramp Bitcoin Custody  1:14:55 - Mind Lab Pro Supplements  1:16:05 - Using AI to Write and Publish a Book  1:24:34 - Buy Bitcoin with Coinbits  1:26:02 - The Farm at Okefenokee  1:27:12 - Forecasting the Future of AI  1:34:46 - Where to Find Henry Shi // PODCAST //Podcast Website: https://whatismoneypodcast.com/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-what-is-money-show/id1541404400Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/25LPvm8EewBGyfQQ1abIsERSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/MLdpYXYI // SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Bitcoin: 3D1gfxKZKMtfWaD1bkwiR6JsDzu6e9bZQ7Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/breedlove22Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RBreedloveDollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Robert-Breedlove-2 // SOCIAL //Breedlove X: https://x.com/Breedlove22WiM? X: https://x.com/WhatisMoneyShowLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breedlove22/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breedlove_22/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breedlove22Substack: https://breedlove22.substack.com/All My Current Work: https://linktr.ee/robertbreedlove

Have you been dreaming about publishing a book that actually sells?The hard truth is that most authors fail because they jump straight into writing. They spend months writing a book only to find out later they made a key mistake, and nobody wants to buy the book.I've helped thousands of authors go from blank page to profitable launch, and in this week's episode, I'm giving you the roadmap. You'll learn my complete six-step process as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and rookie mistakes.In this episode, you'll discover:The first thing you should do (even before writing chapter one)Which people and tools can help you polish your manuscript (and the right order to use them)How you can get free lifetime access to my course How to Get Published (Only in June!)If you're serious about publishing a book that sells, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.Listen in or read the blog version to learn how to successfully publish a book and avoid common mistakes.https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-is-patron-130533769 Support the show

DC Comics will collect Len Wein's final Swamp Thing comics. Dark Horse will publish an adaptation of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Image Comics will release The Man Who Dreamt The Impossible, a fictionalized look at Jack Kirby.SUBSCRIBE ON RSS, APPLE, SPOTIFY, OR THE APP OF YOUR CHOICE. FOLLOW US ON BLUESKY, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, AND FACEBOOK. SUPPORT OUR SHOWS ON PATREON.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You didn't write your book just to check a box—you wrote it because you have something important to say. Something that will outlast a single post, a single talk, or even a single launch. A book is a legacy-building tool. It crystallizes your expertise, your message, and your unique lens on the world in a way that no other medium can. And when it's done right, it opens doors—not just for your business today, but for the reputation and body of work you'll be known for tomorrow. That's why I support entrepreneurs through their entire author journey—because writing and publishing are only the beginning. When you leverage your book as the foundation for your bigger mission, everything changes. I'd love to help you think long-term about your book's potential. Schedule a complimentary 30-minute book launch brainstorm session at www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com. Today, our panelists are here to share how they've used their books not just as products but to build their platform. Jenn T. Grace is the author of “Publish Your Purpose: A Step-By-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea.” She is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, a hybrid publisher for authors who are thought leaders, experts in their fields, and visionaries paving the way to social change. She's also one of our Biz Book Pub Hub Partners. Nikki Green wrote “Chameleon Mindset: Creative Ways To Embrace Change And Build Mental Resilience To Transform Your Career & Life,” an engaging, research-based guide that helps you adapt with confidence using creative strategies and interactive exercises for lasting personal and professional growth.  Rob Swymer wrote “Surrender to Your Adversity,” a powerful, heartfelt guide to embracing life's challenges with courage and grace. It shows how surrendering to what you can't control can lead to growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. Please join me in welcoming Jenn, Nikki, and Rob. In this episode, we discuss the following:

Health Correspondent, Fergal Bowers reports on a controversy over an internal Children's Health Ireland report into an unnamed consultant. Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, discusses whether or not this CHI report should be published.

Notes from James:Let's be honest: most people who write a book never make money from it. Why? Because they stop at the last page. I want you to go further. In this episode, I show you how I turned my books into speaking gigs, consulting work, investment deals, and more. You don't need a big publisher or a massive budget—just the right strategy.Episode Descriptions:In Part 4 of my 30-day writing series, I tackle one of the biggest questions aspiring authors face: Should you self-publish or go the traditional route? I've done both—some of my books were published by big-name houses, others I put out myself. This episode breaks down the pros, cons, and misconceptions of each approach—and how to make the smartest decision for your goals.You'll also learn exactly what to do after the writing is done. I cover how to market your book, build buzz, land media, grow your audience, and ultimately make your book work for you—financially, professionally, and personally.Whether you're writing your first book or your fifth, this episode lays out the modern publishing roadmap and how to turn your words into real-world results.What You'll Learn:The truth about traditional publishing—what it offers and what it takes awayWhy self-publishing can earn you more money and give you more controlWhat agents, publishers, and bookstore placement actually mean todayHow bestseller lists really work (and why most are just marketing tools)Exactly how to market your book after it's published: newsletters, podcasts, and moreHow to build momentum before your book even comes outTimestamps00:00 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: The Debate Begins00:41 The Evolution of Self-Publishing01:10 Benefits of Traditional Publishing03:17 Challenges with Traditional Publishing06:58 The Power of Self-Publishing15:09 Steps to Professionally Self-Publish16:34 The Importance of Audiobooks21:15 Marketing Your Book: An Overview21:53 Building and Utilizing an Email List24:48 Leveraging Online Platforms for Book Promotion27:08 The Power of Podcasts and Public Speaking32:31 Maximizing Social Media for Book Sales38:47 Final Thoughts on Book MarketingP.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're like me and want to write a book that serves your business clients, I can't wait for you to hear this today's conversation with my new friend, Jodi Brandon.Jodi is author of Write. Publish. Market: From Idea to Published Book: The Entrepreneur's Blueprint. She's also a book publishing coach, an editor, and host of the Write Publish Market podcast.You'll hear her share the difference in writing a book that grows your business vs other nonfiction books, and all her wisdom on how to write publish and market your book.Resources mentioned:Jodi's bookJodi's websiteJodi's podcast☑️ START YOUR AUTHOR PODCAST CHECKLIST

Send us a textAI doesn't replace you—it reflects you. In this masterclass-style episode, I share 10 powerful ways to train ChatGPT to write like YOU—in your tone, style, and energy. Whether you're a coach, author, or content creator, this method will help you keep your voice while speeding up your writing with AI. These are the exact strategies I teach in my VIP Consults and use myself to co-write bestselling books, emails, blogs, and more—without sounding robotic or generic. ✨ What You'll Learn: How to clone your writing voice using ChatGPTStyle analysis + voice training tipsHow to overcome writer's block (without losing your authenticity)Prompts to help ChatGPT write like your twin (or Marie Forleo!)How to edit and refine AI-generated text while sounding real and human

Send us a textMany aspiring authors feel a pull to share their wisdom—especially about something as universal yet challenging as parenting. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Scott Jeffrey Miller offers a refreshingly candid perspective. Miller, an eight-time Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author, recently co-authored "Parenting: Wrong Turns, Right Lessons" with his teenage son, Thatcher. For Miller, writing a parenting book wasn't just inevitable because of his professional background—it was a way to invite his children into “the family business” of authorship.Timestamp:00:00 Life Insights Through Reading  04:39 Author Mindset & Collab Writing  06:49 Public Life & Maturity  10:31 Teenage Son's Raw POV  14:32 Building an Author Platform  17:23 Truth About Publishers  21:13 Self-Publishing Journey  23:21 Self-Belief vs. Self-Promo  27:28 Define Your Publishing Why  31:26 Books as Messages  32:46 Growth Reflections  37:07 Rise of Shorter Books  39:59 Career on Course Wins  43:09 Unfinished Book Ideas  46:05 Real Feedback vs. Friends  48:43 Dad Moves & Parenting  51:57 Writing & Self-Incrimination Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Witness: Dr. Aizik Wolf - brain surgeon who testified about the injuries to John's brain Witness: (from yesterday)Crime lab analyst Christina Hanley finishes her testimony on the broken glass and tail light pieces.Donate: (Thank you for your support! Couldn't do what I love without all y'all) PayPal - paypal.com/paypalme/prettyliesandalibisVenmo - @prettyliesalibisBuy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prettyliesrCash App- PrettyliesandalibisAll links: https://linktr.ee/prettyliesandalibisMerch: prettyliesandalibis.myshopify.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/PrettyLiesAndAlibis(Weekly lives and private message board)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pretty-lies-and-alibis--4447192/support.

Interview with Andrea D. Maderal, MD, author of How to Publish a Research Paper in a High-Impact Dermatology Journal. Hosted by Adewole S. Adamson, MD. Related Content: How to Publish a Research Paper in a High-Impact Dermatology Journal

Interview with Andrea D. Maderal, MD, author of How to Publish a Research Paper in a High-Impact Dermatology Journal. Hosted by Adewole S. Adamson, MD. Related Content: How to Publish a Research Paper in a High-Impact Dermatology Journal

Pitching, writing, publishing, and marketing a cookbook with Erin Clarke from Well Plated by Erin. ----- Welcome to episode 520 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Erin Clarke from Well Plated by Erin. What It Really Takes to Publish a Cookbook with Erin Clarke from Well Plated by Erin In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Erin Clarke (after 9 years!!!) to dive into the behind-the-scenes journey of traditionally publishing a cookbook — from developing the recipes and managing timelines to copy-editing and more. Erin opens up about how she balanced her cookbook projects with her ongoing blog work, as well as the challenges and rewards of publishing a cookbook. Bjork and Erin also chat about the marketing side of cookbook creation — how Erin mapped out the social media strategy for her cookbook promotion, why she crafted all of her captions in advance, and how she documented the entire cookbook process on social media to create excitement and drive sales. Erin emphasizes that cookbook writing shouldn't be motivated by money but by a passion for cookbooks and the long-term brand legitimacy and awareness that these books help build. Three episode takeaways: The cookbook proposal is your blueprint — Erin explains why a compelling cookbook proposal is essential — not only does it help you effectively pitch to publishers, but it also forces you to test your concept (and whether you're up for the challenge!) and clarify your vision before writing begins. Cookbook writing is a long game — Success requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to detail. Erin shares about the challenges of adjusting to the timeline of print publishing and the shift in mindset required to develop a cookbook. How to develop recipes that work — Erin walks through her incredibly detailed approach to recipe development (have you ever counted the kale stalks in a bunch at the grocery store?) and how being methodical when developing and writing recipes from the get-go creates a strong foundation for your future self and sets your readers up for success. Resources: Well Plated by Erin Rebranding Your Blog with Erin Clarke from Well Plated Avery Skinnytaste Ten Speed Rodale Well, Actually…from Erin Clarke of Well Plated The Well Plated Cookbook Well Plated Every Day Follow Erin on Instagram and Facebook Join the Food Blogger Pro Podcast Facebook Group Thank you to our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Yoast. Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

You can have the best-written book in the world—but if the right people never hear about it, it's not going to get the attention it deserves.In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we're digging into the single most overlooked (and most important) part of book publicity: knowing exactly who your reader is before you launch your campaign. Whether you're working with a publicist or flying solo, this episode will help you ground your PR strategy in clarity, not guesswork.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Why audience clarity—not a press release—is the real foundation of effective book publicityA simple three-part framework to define your target reader (demographics, psychographics, and preferred channels)How to tailor your PR approach so it resonates and actually moves the needleActionable ways to research, refine, and realign your message for greater resultsWhether your book is already out or still in the works, it's never too late to dial in your message and amplify your reach. Stick around to the end of the episode for a challenge that will help you refocus your publicity strategy today.Learn more about traditional publishing, self publishing, and hybrid publishing at Juxtabook.com. Join the Author Edge Community and learn how to publish, and market your book and build your brand. Learn MoreLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabkLove the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

A quick heads up that I'm already hard at work on next weeks show. I'm going to be away most of next weekend, so I'm trying to get everything done ahead of time. Fingers crossed that I can get everything done on time (and its looking good) and I can just get home on Sunday evening and hit "Publish". Its been a good week though, having the extra time to myself meant I could listen to more music. While I can do that while working, I'll "lose" time where my attention is 100% on work, and then have to figure out how far back to go to restart. I just wish the weather had been better. I quite enjoy sitting on my balcony with my headphones. Still too windy. Still too rainy. Lucifer's Aid - Coming Back Aesthetische - Selling Fear KY - Off My Meds Exsequor - Forged In Fire eXcubitors - Burning Bridges Aesthetic Perfection - Architecht Die Sexual - Pulse (Hexmaschine) Formato Negativo - Judgement Day (Eleven-FX) http://synthetic.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@RealSyntheticAudio

The list of 15 only contained 5 real books. https://www.lehtoslaw.com

Send us a textAnyone who's ever thought about writing a book knows the feeling: a mix of excitement, hope, and, yes—fear. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive deep into the emotional realm of writing, pulling back the curtain on the ten most common fears that keep writers from taking the next step.Timestamp:00:00 Overcoming book-writing challenges04:23 Organized writing: audience & strategy08:37 Overcoming writing fears10:58 Kaizen: power of small steps15:53 Exclusive podcast for aspiring writers17:09 Join our writing communityFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

FAQ Friday answering the podcasting question of "Do I Still Publish an Episode on Holidays?"Check out the Podcast Growth Collective: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/collectiveThis episode was produced by me, The Podcast Teacher! Contact me at Hello@ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Notes from James:This is where a lot of people quit—but you won't. This episode is about pushing through the dip that comes when writing gets tough. I give you tools I've used across 25+ books to keep going, stay motivated, and write better.Episode Descriptions:This is Part 3 of my 30-day writing series—and we're getting into the real tools that will make your writing not just better, but publishable. If you've ever stared at a blank page and felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to go next, this is the episode that will break that wall down.I walk you through the “6 U's” that every chapter—and especially your book introduction—must follow to grab readers, hook them emotionally, and sell the value of your book. You'll also learn the “Warren Buffett 5/25 Rule” and how it helps you figure out exactly what to write about, plus a little-known editing tool (the Flesch-Kincaid score) that will instantly improve your writing's clarity.If you've hit writer's block, feel stuck mid-draft, or need structure to keep going, you'll find every tool you need right here.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/JAMES and get on your way to being your best self.What You'll Learn:The 6 U's of persuasive writing: Urgency, Unique, Useful, Ultra-Specific, User-Friendly, Unquestionable ProofHow to sell your book in the introduction using sales psychology techniquesWhy Warren Buffett's 5/25 Rule might be the most important tool for picking a topicHow to use the Flesch-Kincaid Score to make your writing clearer and more readableNine real techniques I've used to overcome writer's block—even on my worst daysWhy storytelling isn't just a craft—it's your most important writing toolTimestamps:00:00 Crafting a Compelling Book Introduction01:58 The Six U's of Selling Your Book07:52 Applying the Six U's to Your Writing09:34 The Warren Buffett 5/25 Rule for Focus22:01 The Importance of Readability: Flesch-Kincaid Score28:27 Introduction to Overcoming Writer's Block28:54 Nine Techniques to Overcome Writer's Block36:33 Additional Writing Techniques and Tips47:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Writing51:07 Frameworks for Writing and Publishing Your BookP.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever recorded a guest interview that just didn't make the cut?Maybe it didn't fit your new direction. Maybe it just wasn't quite right. Or maybe… you ghosted because you didn't know what to say.This episode is for you. I'm walking you through what to do after the recording—when the episode won't be aired so you can honor the guest, preserve the relationship, and stay in integrity with your brand.Whether you're a host or a guest who's been left in the dark, you'll find something in here to help you navigate this awkward (and super common) scenario with clarity and grace. Learn ~↳ 3 powerful moves you can make when an interview doesn't go live↳ Why not airing an episode doesn't have to damage the relationship↳ How to find (and repurpose) gold even in unused content↳ A bonus tip to turn a “no-release” into a generous guest giftPodcasting is a business strategy. Get a proven monetization strategy to fix your podcast, monetize faster, and foster trust with your audience. Book your power hour here.

You can find almost anything and anyone in New York, but you'll never find anyone that can dance, dive deep with you into anime, dominate you on the sticks, and take you back in time with 80s music like Kumar. We learn more about his early years, relationships forged from anime, and what exactly is keeping this man from pressing that "PUBLISH" button.RECORDED: 3/10/25HATS: https://lifewithanimepodcast.bigcartel.comMERCH: https://sakugaapparel.com/collections/life-with-anime-podcast/

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)

Send Krystal a Text Message.After 20 years in marketing, I'm sharing exactly what I would do differently if I were starting over today in 2025. These three fundamental strategies will help you stand out in the digital marketing landscape and achieve sustainable success without burning out.• Storytelling is your competitive advantage against AI and other creators, as your unique experiences cannot be replicated• The PREPM method (Plan, Record, Edit, Publish, Market) provides a proven system that scales across all content types• Focus on what matters most to your customers rather than chasing every new trend• Invest in continuous learning, but remember that clarity comes from taking action, not just thinking• Treat marketing like a marathon, not a sprint—be strategic and consistent rather than trying to be everywhere at once• You don't need perfect strategies—you just need to start somewhere and keep improvingLike and subscribe to get more content like this delivered directly to you, and check out our Digital Marketing Tips for Business Owners playlist for additional resources.Click the "Send Krystal a Text Message" link above to send us your questions, comments, and feedback on the show! (Pssst...we'll do giveaways in upcoming episodes so make sure you leave your name & podcast title.)

In this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, Heneka Watkis-Porter sits down with publishing industry veteran Michele DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design. With over 50 years in the book publishing world, Michele brings a wealth of knowledge on how authors can take control of their publishing journey, avoid scams, and profit from their passion. She breaks down the evolution of self-publishing, revealing how independent authors can compete with traditional publishers—and win—by maintaining ownership, setting industry-standard quality, and being smart about their choices. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned author, Michele's guidance provides a blueprint for building a successful, scam-free publishing experience. The Power of Self-Publishing: Profit, Control & Protection Michele is clear: self-publishing isn't just an alternative—it's a business decision. Authors can maintain creative control, keep more of their earnings, and bring their books to market without signing away their rights. But with this freedom comes responsibility. Michele warns against shady hybrid publishers that charge high production fees and still claim a share of your royalties. Her advice? If you're paying for the work, own the outcome—including your files, your ISBNs, and your book's future. Heneka echoes the importance of being informed, noting how many aspiring authors fall victim to scams due to lack of publishing knowledge. Competing With Traditional Publishing: Yes, You Can Michele debunks the myth that self-published books are inferior. With platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, and a focus on professional-quality design, editing, and typesetting, indie authors can match—and often exceed—the quality of traditional publishers. The key? Following industry standards and never cutting corners. “Readers don't care how a book is published,” Michele says, “only that it's well done.” She urges authors to purchase their own ISBNs through Bowker, which allows them to retain full control over the book in all its formats—eBook, paperback, or hardback. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How to avoid scams and bad deals in the publishing industry • Why self-publishing can be more profitable and empowering than traditional routes • How to meet traditional publishing standards on your own • Why owning your ISBNs and production files matters • Smart marketing tactics for positioning your book as a business tool • The truth about bestseller programs—and what really drives book success This episode is a must-listen for any aspiring author ready to publish with confidence, clarity, and control. Tune in, take notes, and share it with someone who dreams of becoming a published writer—without the pitfalls. COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Now it's time for our Community Connection segment! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode or any questions you have for Drewbie or Heneka—email us at heneka@henekawatkisporter.com or WhatsApp us at 876-849-2571. Also, don't forget about the upcoming LeadHerShip Cruise, where leaders like YOU can network and grow aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas! This four-day event combines empowerment with transformative learning against the stunning backdrop of the Bahamas. Contact us at heneka@henekawatkisporter.com or WhatsApp 876-849-2571 for more details! CONTACT Michelle Defilippo: Website: 1106design.com TRENDING NOW: Here's an eye-opening stat: Authors lose over $500 million annually due to predatory publishing scams—and AI-generated books are flooding platforms like Amazon faster than ever before. This makes professional design and marketing more important than ever. If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Visit henekawatkisporter.com to download a free eBook on how to conduct podcast interviews like a pro! AFFIRM WITH ME: I am an empowered author who makes informed decisions about my book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've probably Googled “publishers for my book” and found dozens of lists—but how do you actually know which ones are legit, the right fit, or just a waste of time?In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we're cutting through the noise and diving into how to find credible publishers, research them effectively, and spot the red flags that can derail your publishing journey. Whether you're writing a nonfiction book, memoir, or business book, this episode will help you focus your energy where it matters most.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Where to look for publishers that align with your genre and goalsThe difference between red flags and green lights when evaluating publishersHow to navigate submission guidelines and stay organizedSmart strategies for finding the right publishing partner—not just any one that says “yes”If you've been overwhelmed by all the publishing options out there, this episode will help you simplify the search and take confident next steps.Stay tuned until the end for extra tips on how to network with publishers and learn what editors are really looking for.Join the Author Edge Community. Learn MoreLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabkLove the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Notes from James:The biggest lie about writing is that it takes years. I've written multiple books in less than a month—including bestsellers. With the right system, anyone can do this.In this episode, I break down how to structure your first book and why your life experience, not your grammar, is your superpower. You'll also hear my take on AI writing, and why your personal story is something no algorithm can ever replicate.Episode Highlights:Yes, you really can write and publish a great book in 30 days. In Part 2 of this writing series, I walk you through the actual systems that make it not only possible—but repeatable.You'll learn four powerful “meta-outline” frameworks you can use to organize any non-fiction book quickly and clearly. I'll show you how I wrote Think Like a Billionaire in under 30 days using one of these frameworks, and how authors I know have launched entire careers with similar methods (some even in just three days). I also dive deep into one of the most important—but most overlooked—parts of writing a book: your first sentence. You'll hear legendary first lines from some of the world's best authors and learn why they work.This episode is a blend of process and artistry—because writing a great book requires both.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/JAMES and get on your way to being your best self.What You'll Learn:4 concrete frameworks that will help you write a 20+ chapter book fastThe myth of needing years to write a book (and how to break it)How I turned podcast interviews with billionaires into a full book in less than a monthWhy your first sentence matters more than your title—and how to make it irresistibleHow to write with authenticity, vulnerability, and momentumWhy AI can't replace you—and never will—when it comes to storytellingTimestamps00:00 Introduction: Writing a Book in 30 Days00:54 The Four Frameworks for Writing02:03 Example: Think Like a Billionaire05:10 Overcoming Writing Myths13:14 AI and the Future of Writing20:47 The Power of a Strong First Line23:51 Exploring the Opening Lines of Iconic Novels24:14 Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man: A Civil Rights Era Classic25:04 Jack Kerouac's On the Road: A Journey of Rediscovery27:23 Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude: A Nobel-Winning Masterpiece30:54 Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five: A War Story with a Twist34:20 Jennifer Egan's Welcome to the Goon Squad: A Pulitzer Prize Winner35:25 Charles Bukowski's Post Office: A Tale of Mistakes and Realities38:57 William Gibson's Neuromancer: The Birth of Cyberpunk40:16 The Importance of First Lines in Storytelling42:36 Crafting Relatable and Vulnerable NarrativesP.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Deborah Hammett, author of Salty at 60: Becoming Better Than Retired. Deborah's story is the bold, honest tale of how she left her thirty-three-year career in education in pursuit of a freer, purpose-filled second act—sailing solo aboard her boat and, eventually, writing a book about her experience.Timestamp:00:00 Trading chalkboards for chart plotters05:16 Sailing while teaching online09:22 Sailing adventure in retirement10:30 Sailing into unforeseen roles16:29 Engine troubleshooting at sea19:44 Fiction's purpose and life lessons23:51 Docking and anchoring tips tutorial25:31 Women captains and ocean nomads28:00 Overcoming fears in sailing life32:07 Embracing classroom chaos for growth35:05 Embrace continuous flexibilityFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Notes from James:I've written 25 books—some huge hits, some total flops—and what I've learned is this: anyone can write a book, but not everyone gives themselves permission to start. This episode is the foundation. I break down the mindset, motivation, and structure you need to go from blank page to published book—even if you've never written a word before.So you want to write a book. Where do you even start? In this kickoff to my new series on writing and publishing a book in just 30 days, I walk you through everything you need to know before you ever touch the keyboard.This episode isn't just for aspiring authors—it's for anyone who's ever wanted to turn an idea into something real, something lasting, and maybe even something that launches a new career. I'll tell you exactly why writing a book is more important (and more achievable) than ever, and how your book can become a business card, a personal legacy, and a gateway to new opportunities—even if you're not a “writer.”I also introduce the one structure that every great story (fiction or nonfiction) follows: the arc of the hero. It's the single most powerful tool for crafting stories that actually move people.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/JAMES and get on your way to being your best self.What You'll Learn:The real reasons to write a book (none of them involve fame)Why books have a longer shelf life—and career impact—than blog posts or social mediaThe 3 essential questions to ask before you start writing: “Who are you? Why are you? Why now?”Why your first draft should be messy—and why that's a good thingThe biggest myths that stop new writers (and how to ignore them)How the arc of the hero applies to everything—from Star Wars to tweetsTimestamps00:00 Introduction: The Power of Writing a Book00:37 Why Write a Book?01:18 My Journey as an Author03:39 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'08:46 Common Myths About Writing15:39 The Arc of the Hero in Storytelling19:35 Star Wars: A Hero's Journey22:17 The Timeless Tale of Moses28:16 Walt Disney's Heroic Arc32:52 The Arc of the Hero in Nonfiction35:25 Romance Novels: Love's Heroic JourneyP.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'm pleased to interview one of our Biz Book Pub Hub Partners. Our Hub Partners are experts who support entrepreneurs along their author journey.  Today's guest brings a dynamic blend of publishing know-how and stage presence to the author experience. As the founder of Press 49, an award-winning hybrid publishing company, she supports nonfiction authors—especially entrepreneurs, speakers, and business leaders—in transforming their ideas into high-quality books that open doors and drive revenue. As a professional speaker, consultant, and author, she knows firsthand how powerful a book can be as a business asset. Through Press 49, she offers authors the best of both worlds: the professionalism and polish of traditional publishing paired with the creative control, royalties, and rights retention of independent publishing. Whether she's leading a high-energy presentation or guiding an author through the publishing process, she believes deeply in the value of sharing one's message with the world. Please join me in welcoming Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins.  In this episode, we discuss the following:

Jennifer Whitmore TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson on Transport, discusses driving test wait times as the Road Safety Authority is instructed to publish its plan to reduce wait times next week.

It's Monday, May 12th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Chinese Communists order Christian media to publish propaganda China's only legal church, the Communist Party-controlled Three Self Patriotic Movement, has been ordered to publish more communist propaganda including President Xi Jinping's thoughts and teachings in its so-called “Christian” media, reports Bitter Winter. But Exodus 20:16 warns, “You shall not bear false witness.” Biden denied cognitive decline, claimed voters are sexist for electing Trump Last Thursday, former President Joe Biden, and former First Lady Jill Biden, appeared on ABC's “The View.” Whoopi Goldberg asked about the now famous debate debacle. GOLDBERG: “You know, what freaked everybody out? was that debate. BIDEN: “Yep.” GOLDBERG: “It wasn't a great night. It was a bad night.” BIDEN: “Terrible night.” GOLDBERG: “and everybody lost their mind.” BIDEN: “Yep.” GOLDBERG: “This is what started … BIDEN: “Yep.” GOLDBERG: “… both sides with this, ‘Oh, he can't do this. This needs to stop.' Why do you think that caught fire? Why do you think people bought into it, especially the Democrats?” JOE BIDEN: “The Democratic Party at large didn't buy into it, but the Democratic leadership and some of the very significant contributors did. I'm going to say something outrageous. I've not lost many debates in my life. I've been pretty good at doing that. I was sick. No excuse. I had a bad, bad night.” Alyssa Griffin asked about his mental competence. GRIFFIN:  “Mr. President, since you left office, there have been a number of books that have come out, deeply sourced from Democratic sources, that claim in your final year there was a dramatic decline in your cognitive abilities. What is your response to these allegations? Or are these sources wrong?” JOE BIDEN: “There are wrong. There's nothing to sustain that.” Jill Biden weighed in as well. JILL BIDEN: “The people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us, and they didn't see how hard Joe worked every single day. I mean he'd get up, he'd put in a full day, and then at night, I'd be in bed reading my book, and he was still on the phone, reading his briefings, working with staff. I mean, it was nonstop. Joe worked really hard. I think he was a great president. If you look at things today, give me Joe Biden any time.” GRIFFIN: “Mr. President, just to follow up on this, some of the reporting is that people like your former president, you served under Barack Obama, George Clooney, a long-time supporter of yours -- a major Democratic donor, Chuck Schumer, your dear friend Nancy Pelosi, also had expressed concerns about your ability to do the job for four more years. Can I ask what your relationship is with President Obama and how you address those concerns that they raised?” JOE BIDEN: “The only reason I got out of the race was because I didn't want to have a divided Democratic Party. It's a simple proposition. So that's why I got out of the race. I thought it was better to put the country ahead of my interest, my personal interest.” Sara Haines asked about Kamala's election loss. HAINES: “Why do you think the Vice President lost? And were you surprised?” JOE BIDEN: “I wasn't surprised, not because I didn't think the Vice President's not the most qualified person to be president. She is. She's qualified to be president of the United States of America. I wasn't surprised because they went the route of, the sexist route, all the whole route. I mean, this is a woman. She's this, she's that. Really, I've never seen quite as successful and a consistent campaign undercutting the notion that a woman couldn't lead the country and a woman of mixed race.” And Alyssa Griffin asked about Trump's landslide election to a second term. GRIFFIN: “Well, Mr. President, you had previously said that you thought that you would have won. Since then, Donald Trump won all the battleground states and made inroads with almost every major demographic, from working class voters to Hispanic men to black men. Knowing what you know now, do you think you would have beat him?” JOE BIDEN: “Yeah, he still got 7 million fewer votes. A lot of people didn't show up, number one, Number two: They're very close in those, those toss up states. It wasn't a slam dunk.” Charlotte viewer objects to Biden's Preserve-My-Legacy Tour Jack Acuff of Charlotte, North Carolina, sounded off in a fascinating  Facebook video post. ACUFF: “Somebody tell me:  'Why Jill Biden keeps dragging Joe out for these TV appearances and making a bad situation worse?' “Did you see him on ‘The View' this week? It was sad. It's the Preserve-My-Legacy Tour and the ‘Stick-it-to-Obama-and-George-Clooney-and-Nancy-Pelosi Tour, where he repeats again that he could have won, that Americans only chose not to vote for her because she's a minority and a woman, and we're racist and misogynist, and that he is ready to go at any minute.” Trump fully defunds pro-abortion UN Population Fund The Trump administration has fully implemented the defunding of the United Nations Population Fund, an agency which promotes abortions worldwide, reports LifeNews.com.   Specifically, Trump pulled $335 million in taxpayer funds from the pro-abortion United Nations agency. It's the result of the pro-life executive order Trump signed in January that prohibits American tax dollars from going to groups that promote or provide coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. Connecticut calls for tough new laws on homeschooling And finally, the state of Connecticut is getting tough with homeschoolers, reports WFSB. Using a couple of cases of egregious child abuse, the Connecticut Office of Child Advocate commissioned a report which advocates new legislation.  It's entitled “A Review of Children Withdrawn from School for Equivalent Instruction Elsewhere.” They write, “Currently, parents who wish to withdraw their children from school need do nothing more than assert that they are homeschooling or sending their children to private school. Once a parent does that, there is no further interaction with the public school system required. There is no verification of enrollment in private schools. There is no verification that a child is, in fact, being homeschooled.” The Connecticut Office of Child Advocate says every other New England state requires some form of annual evaluation or assessment.  The report says, “Homeschooling, when done properly, can be a positive experience for children and families. … Nothing in this report is a general criticism of homeschooling nor a suggestion that children should not be homeschooled. Nonetheless, not every parent who withdraws their child for the stated purpose of homeschooling is, in fact, providing their children with an education. Worse, some take advantage of Connecticut's complete lack of oversight to isolate children and abuse them.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, May 12th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

You've poured your heart into your manuscript, polished your proposal, and finally hit submit. Now what?In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we're tackling one of the hardest parts of the publishing process—rejection. Whether you've already received a “thanks, but no thanks” or you're dreading your first, this episode will help you reframe rejection and stay in the game.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:What actually happens after you submit your book to an agent or publisherWhy rejection is often about timing, trends, or editorial fit—not your talentProductive ways to respond to rejection and stay motivatedHow to use feedback, revise your submission, and keep pitchingWhy some authors turn rejection into opportunity through self-publishing or resubmissionIf rejection has made you question your book's future, this episode is your reminder that you're not alone—and you're not out of options.Stay tuned until the end to hear how one bestselling series almost didn't make it—and what you can do today to keep moving forward.Join the Author Edge Community. Learn MoreLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabkLove the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, the powerhouse writing duo behind the riveting thriller Dark Rising. Both veterans with storied pasts—Brian, a former submarine officer with business acumen, and Jeffrey, a trauma surgeon and Navy veteran—found common ground far from the battlefield: at a thriller writing conference.Their partnership, as Jeffrey jokes, was born of “stalking” at the International Thriller Writers' ThrillerFest, where their shared backgrounds and values—family, faith, and service—formed a natural foundation for creative collaboration. But it wasn't instant coauthoring. As Jeffrey explains, “Once we decided that we were gonna do this thing, we went into it knowing we're either gonna become better friends or destroy this friendship forever. Let's see." Thankfully, the outcome was a deeper bond and a writing team that has delivered years of explosive storytelling.Timestamp:00:00 Teamwork in writing: military ethos05:05 Balancing writing with distractions09:39 Inspiration cycles for writers13:14 Embracing pantser writing surprises14:23 Characters' voices shape the story17:11 Curiosity and predictability in writing21:46 Teaching writing to nonfiction leaders26:19 Embrace imperfection in writing27:52 Antagonist's two-week mission33:01 Balancing passion and obligations36:33 Supporting veterans in new ventures38:49 Principled characters in chaotic times40:43 Honoring unsung heroes through fictionFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Send Krystal a Text Message.Ever wonder how some content creators maintain a relentless publishing schedule without burning out? It's not superhuman discipline or mysterious productivity hacks—it's all about systems and workflows. After recording over 1,500 podcast episodes and publishing more than 500 YouTube videos weekly, I've learned that consistency stems from strong organization rather than just motivation. Many podcasters resist creating systems, citing their creativity as a reason, but that's often just a lazy excuse.The key to consistency lies in implementing frameworks like the PREP'M Method (Plan, Record, Edit, Publish, and Market). This five-step process clarifies each stage of content creation. Supporting tools like content calendars, episode templates, and organized files create a foundation that not only smooths day-to-day production but also positions you for sustainable growth. These systems help reduce decision fatigue and make delegation easier, protecting you from the dreaded burnout.You don't need to overhaul your entire workflow at once. Start by pinpointing where you feel the most stress in your content creation process. Even small improvements, like a checklist or an organized folder, can lead to significant changes in quality and consistency. Embrace organization, and you might just uncover the true magic of content creation. What system will you implement today to enhance your podcasting journey?