Book Writing & Publishing

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 Fire (January 2024), Daytime Drama (20...

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 add them to my bookshelf!), I hope to further reco...

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 ...

In the world of book writing and publishing, it's critical to distinguish between the role of a publishing house and that of a printer. While they both play important roles in bringing books to life, their functions and responsibilities differ significantly. 

A publishing house is an organization responsible for acquiring, (sometimes) editing, producing, (sometimes) marketing, and distributing books.

Depending on whether you work with a traditional publishing house or a hybrid publishing house, your publisher may or may not edit or actively market your book. Those may be aspects of your publishing journey you need to source separately from your publisher. (And, of course, if you're self-publishing, you're responsible for all of the above. But unless you're printing off copies from your office like Nick and Jess did for The Pepperwood Chronicles in "New Girl", you're the publisher, not the printer.)

The publisher acts as the intermediary between authors and readers, providing compreh...