Book Writing & Publishing

You’ve probably heard the phrase “your book is your business card.” While it sounds cute for a Canva graphic, it totally downplays the blood, sweat, and editing tears that go into creating a book that actually matters. We’re not here for books that gather dust—we’re here for books that make an impact (and, at the very least, pay for lunch).

If you’re dreaming of launching a book that does more than take up space in your trunk, this episode with Naren Aryal, CEO and publisher of Amplify Publishing Group, is for you! 

Inside this episode:

📚 Why the “book as a business card” mindset can actually cost you more than it helps

 💸 What most authors really need in order to turn a profit (hint: it’s more than just book sales)

 🤖 How AI can be a brilliant assistant for your research and marketing; but no, it can’t tell your story for you

 🛒 What you need to know about Amazon ads (yes, they work, but only when you know your niche)

 💃 The truth nobody wants to hear: If you want your book ...

Have you ever imagined trading a stable career for the unpredictability of writing and publishing? That's exactly what Patti Hall did, transitioning from urban design to becoming a full-time writer and publishing strategist. 

Patti and I dive deep into the kind of personal transformation that makes most people's comfort zones quake. Her journey isn't just a career shift—it's a masterclass in resilience, triggered by her son's diagnosis with gigantism and propelled by an unwavering commitment to storytelling that matters.

Our conversation takes a candid look at the realities of traditional publishing. And, as we explore the myths surrounding bestseller status, we underscore the importance of writing with a purpose and focusing on genuine connections with specific communities rather than chasing commercial success. 

Buckle up for an episode that's part hilarious writing room confessional, part vulnerable heart-to-heart. We're talking editing battles, narrative vulnerability, and those ...

🎙️ Feeling Overwhelmed Writing Your Nonfiction or Memoir? This Episode is For You!

Do you feel like you have multiple books' worth of material? Are you wrestling with imposter syndrome or struggling to organize a mountain of thoughts? 

My work with authors typically focuses on two key genres: transformative nonfiction and inspirational memoir (yes, I made up these terms).

Transformative Nonfiction aims to guide the reader through a specific journey. It's infused with personal stories that help the reader relate and feel connected to the author. 

Inspirational Memoir, on the other hand, shares the author’s personal experiences to inspire and resonate with readers, but in a way where the author is unattached to how (or when) the reader is inspired (or whether they're inspired at all!).

Feeling stuck? 

Start by identifying your core message and the first step in your journey.

Remember, it’s about sharing the steps of your story, not prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution. By focusing on...

Click here to check out the Publish A Profitable Book / Publish the Damn Book Already course (currently 25% off with code AUTHOR25).

Click here to access Kindlepreneur's free barcode generator tool.

Understanding the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is crucial for indie authors. But new authors often wonder what the heck it is and feel a bit "silly" asking! 

In short, the ISBN is a unique identifier for books, similar to the UPC for products. It allows books to be easily tracked and purchased globally and enables indie authors' work to be more easily discovered by a larger audience, including libraries, bookstores, and online retailers.

But still, new authors are left with questions such as:

1. Why do I have to have an ISBN?
2. Where do I get them (and how much will they cost?)
3. Should use a free one from Amazon/KDP?
4. Do I only need one for each book?
5. Does an ISBN provide copyright protection? 

This episode clears it right up! 

When it comes to book writing, "I'm waiting for inspiration/motivation" is often code for "I have no idea where this is going and it scares the sh*t out of me so I'll figure it out another day." 

But there are ways around (read: through) this challenge. 

In this episode, I offer some of my favorite tips so that you can get out of "waiting" and into writing!

Looking for more support on this adventure? Check out Write the Damn Book Already or The Book Writers Collective!

WRITE THE DAMN BOOK ALREADY

A program for writing powerful, thought-provoking nonfiction or memoir.

This is for you if you:

✍️ Want to write a powerful book, making sure you're avoiding common (and unnecessary) mistakes along the way 

✍️ Crave the support of a proven book-writing process as well as knowledgeable guidance and compassionate ass-kicking (when necessary) when the adventure feels “sticky” and you begin feeling unsure of what you’re doing, why you started, or whether it’s going to be worth it (hin...

In this solo episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I respond to listener's questions, including:

• How do I make sure I'm not infringing on someone else's copyright by referencing their advice, book, or insights in my book? 
• Why is publishing so complicated?
• Why do I become an insecure mess whenever I sit down to write?

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Cory Goodrich's book, Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA

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 available:
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Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

To clarify, a beta reader is someone who provides feedback on a WIP (work in progress), helping an author refine and improve the story or flow of the message.

Beta readers can be invaluable in helping authors to identify holes, typos, and other issues that can be difficult to spot from the author’s own perspective. They can also provide valuable insight into how readers may react to the content, allowing authors to make changes before publishing. 

When looking for beta readers, it is important to find people who are willing to provide honest feedback, and who are, ideally, the target reader for your book. After all, if your book is about how to feel less anxious day-to-day but you ask someone who has never felt a tinge of anxiety to be a beta reader, she likely won't be terribly interested in the content or able to provide the most valuable feedback. 

I typically recommend having no more than 4 beta readers. Too many cooks in the kitchen can create quite a bit in a hurry as an autho...