Ep 116: Beta Readers, Plot Twists, and Audiobook Magic with Nanda Reddy
This week, I had a really fun conversation with Nanda Reddy about her journey from "secret writer" to novelist (her debut novel, A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl, just hit the USA Today bestseller list!).
Inside this Episode:
- Writing without being "formally trained" (read: no MFA) and navigating the industry through persistence and determination
- Evolving from a pure "pantser" to incorporating more structure while maintaining creative flexibility
- The way many authors discover the perfect title organically after beta reader feedback
- Suggestions for strategically working with beta readers
- Nanda's great suggestion (first time I've heard this one!) for navigating those "I'm stuck" moments we all encounter
- Collaborating with an audiobook narrator when you need them to authentically represent characters from different backgrounds
About Nanda
Nanda Reddy is a Guyanese-American writer, former teacher, and part of an enormous extended family who mostly live in Florida where she grew up—her father is one of seventeen siblings; her mother is one of nine; she has over fifty first cousins. She currently lives in Reno with her family and enjoys visiting off-the-grid places. Her debut novel, A GIRL WITHIN A GIRL WITHIN A GIRL, features a Guyanese-American protagonist who must come clean about her hidden past. It was released on March 4 to an outpour of positive reviews.
Connect with Nanda
Website: www.nandareddy.com
Instagram: @nandareddyauthor
A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl: Buy at Amazon | Buy at Bookshop.org
What Nanda's Reading
Bright Eyes by Bridey Thelen-Heidel
This is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer
Resources/Books Mentioned
The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez
CritiqueMatch.com (beta reader finder)
Scribophile (beta reader and writing group finder)
Awesome Email Templates for Authors
From communicating with your launch team to building relationships with readers, my customizable templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers.
🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates
Is 2025 the year you start your own podcast? Let's make it simple!
Get 35% off the Podcast Starter Pack with code PODCAST35 at https://publishaprofitablebook.com/podcast101
"I got my podcast launched in 3 days thanks to this great mini-course!"
--Dr. Diana Naranjo, The Characterist podcast host
Want to Stay in the Know?
Sign up to receive the latest book industry news and updates!
NEED HELP WITH YOUR OUTLINE?
This workshop helps you get your thoughts masterfully organized so you can stop overthinking and (finally) write a book readers can't put down.
SELF-PUBLISHING STARTER KIT
Discover the exact steps to focus on (and mistakes to avoid) so you can self-publish an incredible book that's indistinguishable in quality from a New York Times bestseller.
Need Coaching, Accountability & Community?
The Book Writers Collective provides the coaching, support, and writers' community you need to bring your book to life!
Ready to find your crew of avid readers?
Your book is available! Yahoo! Now, you need some (serious) traction. With this course, you'll go from feeling invisible to growing your tribe of loyal, raving readers.
