Book Writing & Publishing

Transitioning between genres can feel like learning a new dance with the same set of feet. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Zibby Owens shares her experience shifting from memoir (Bookends, July 1, 2022, Little a) to fiction (Blank, March 1, 2024, Little a).

We discuss what it takes to draft a compelling "base layer" for a story. Meanwhile, as the current Goodreads controversy continues to unfold, we chat about the harsh realities of online ratings and the significance of author advocacy in the digital age. Learn how to navigate the murky waters of social media hijacking, and why fortifying a diverse online presence is more important than ever.

 

ABOUT ZIBBY OWENS

Zibby Owens is the creator and host of the award-winning, daily podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books. Zibby is also the founder and CEO of Zibby Media, dubbed “the Zibby-verse” (L.A. Times). It includes publishing house Zibby Books, online magazine Zibby Mag,...

 Writing mistakes, overcoming fear and vulnerability in writing, building a captivating story, and finding your unique voice and messaging. These are four common fears when writing a book that most first-time authors mistakenly don't think anyone one else has.  

But hindsight is so 20/20 (and I'm not referring to the year!). 

Looking back, there are 13 THINGS I really wish someone had told me before I wrote and published my first book (even though it's sold 45,000+ copies since it was first published). 

I'm passing them along to you so you'll be saved from experiencing them (or at least have fair warning)! 

1. Organizing 867 million thoughts and events is challenging. For everyone. Like an initial therapy session, you wonder, “Where do I start?”

Whether you're writing fiction, memoir, or nonfiction, identify your story's pivotal moment. Where were you? How old were you (or your main character)? What feelings did you have that...

With the book publishing industry overflowing with titles vying for attention, I aim to guide aspiring authors through the important steps of writing and publishing high-quality books that get noticed in 2024. 

In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we'll a few reminders every author (including myself) can benefit from hearing (or hearing again), including: 

• The pitfalls of prioritizing speed over substance and the pressures that can lead writers to rush the creative process 
• How to assemble a dream team, even if you're an indie author
• A new strategy for managing overwhelm, one piece at a time

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Lucy E.M. Black - The Brickworks 

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast featuring Lucy E.M. Black 

WTDBA episode with Sarahlyn Bruck

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

Available wherever podcasts are...

Jessica Saunders's debut novel, Love, Me, was released on January 16, 2024 (Union Square & Co.)

In the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Jessica and I chatted about the power of pursuing a literary dream as she discussed her debut with raw and captivating honesty. We also discussed the delicate balance between rigorous careers and the pull of creative passions, the catalysts that drive us to write, and the sacrifices made along the way—including, sometimes, a brief hiatus from all things Netflix! 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• Finalizing the title, from the initial idea to the final decision

• Jessica's writing process, what prompted her to (finally) write the damn book already, and her approach to plotting versus pantsing

• Which writers' workshop helped her get her first draft out

• How she decided between traditional and self-publishing and found her agent, Elizabeth Bewley (Sterling Lord Literalistic)

• Her experience connecting with...

It's easy to get caught up in overthinking when it comes to which publishing approach is best. Should you try to get an agent and get in with a bigger traditional publishing house? Submit to a smaller traditional house that allows un-agented submissions? Hire a hybrid publishing house to help you produce a high-quality book? Or curb upfront costs while building an incredible team in order to self-publish?

Let's stop making this part of the book publishing process so challenging so you can determine which is the best approach for YOU (and please note, that approach may change should you decide to write another book, and that's okay!). 

Use this simple quiz to determine the ideal publishing path for your book. Answer each of the following questions honestly to figure out whether traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing best aligns with your current author goals. 

How much control do you want over the creative aspects of the publishing process (title,...

Even if you haven't heard of The 5-Second Rule, you've likely heard of its author, Mel Robbins, given that she's arguably the highest paid woman on the speaking circuit.

The 5-Second Rule was published in 2017 and went on to sell millions of copies and be translated into 33 languages. 

But did you know...

IT WAS SELF-PUBLISHED (via a hybrid publisher, which is essentially hiring someone to partner with when it comes to the tasks associated with self-publishing. They do the majority of the publishing legwork, providing connections to editors, cover designers, interior formatters, and sometimes marketing partners. This option gives authors the creative and financial benefits of self-publishing along with the expertise and potential distribution channels of a traditional house.

The 5-Second Rule later went on to become the most successful self-published audiobook in history. 

*Note: Today, the book is noted as being published by a division...

The landscape of self-publishing (and book publishing, period) is evolving rapidly, as are the strategies and insights authors need to succeed. While self-publishing offers a wealth of opportunities for authors, it also creates yet another noisy landscape to navigate. Staying up to date on new developments by ingesting information from a small number of on-the-ground sources is the best way to keep yourself underwhelmed and confident in your journey as an author. 

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I detail my 2024 predictions for self-publishing. This episode is a must-listen for any author looking to make an impact this year with their book, whether they're intent on self-publishing or merely considering it. 

The episode details my insights, predictions, and, honestly, hopes when it comes to the following areas:

• Expansion of self-publishing opportunities and greater transparency in...

Have you ever wondered how authors juggle character's voices when writing from multiple perspectives? In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, it's just one aspect of the creative labyrinth I chat through with Sarahlyn Bruck, author of Light of the Fire (Lake Union Publishing, January 2024) as well as Daytime Drama and Designer You.  

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• The evolution of authors' writing processes and the essential practice of breadcrumbing to keep readers hooked.

• The art of writing in multiple POV

• Unforeseen delays and the art of book release timing 

• Personal challenges authors face when weaving their personal threads into the tapestry of fiction and memoir

• Sarahlyn's experience working with a book coach (she still has one!) and the impact of editorial feedback

ABOUT SARAHLYN

Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction and is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the...

A topic always and forever close to my heart: the world of lesser-known yet exceptional books. These hidden gems, whether authored by independent or traditionally published writers, deserve to be brought into the limelight every single week, in my opinion (thank you Jane Friedman for starting a bestseller list that highlights books often overlooked by the formula behind the "big" lists).

As a 6x author, I understand firsthand the dedication, sweat, and some days, excessive swearing that go into crafting a narrative that can transport readers to faraway places, evoke deep-seated emotions, and establish a profound sense of relatability. However, many of these amazing works go unnoticed amidst the glittering allure of blockbuster bestsellers and always-mentioned titles.

So, in this list of Top Books that Should Be Bestsellers of 2023 (as submitted by my social media following because, let's be honest, I want others' suggestions so I can...

Interested in creating a companion journal or workbook to complement your book?

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I dive into the true cost and labor involved in creating a companion guide (don't panic; I have multiple solutions!) as well as the importance of a ready-made audience before heading down this route.

To be clear, creating a companion guide isn't a magic bullet for low book sales (nothing is besides consistent marketing), but it can be a powerful tool if incorporated properly.

To that end, I also explore the world of digital products for authors, from customizable templates to selling on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Plus, you'll discover why printed digital products are rapidly gaining popularity as physical journals. Whether you're a seasoned author or newly published (or soon-to-be-published), this episode will guide you in both creating and marketing your companion journals and workbooks without losing your mind.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Just Leaves...