Write the Damn Book Already
Elizabeth Lyons
Writing and publishing a phenomenal book doesn’t have to be ridiculously complicated or mind-numbingly overwhelming. From myths and misconceptions to practical tips and sound strategies, Elizabeth Lyons (author, book writing coach, book editor, and founder of Finn-Phyllis Press), helps writers feel more in control of and comfortable with the business of book publishing. Her interviews with fellow authors discussing their writing processes and publishing journeys aim to help you untangle YOUR process so you can finally get your story into the world.
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Top 10 Write the Damn Book Already Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Write the Damn Book Already episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Write the Damn Book Already for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Write the Damn Book Already episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Ep 40: How to Sell 2589 Books in 30 Hours (guest: Sam Garcia)
Write the Damn Book Already
06/01/23 • 63 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Sam Garcia's first book, Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact made quite a (quiet but impactful) splash right out of the gate.
It sold 2,589 copies in its first 30 hours on the market and hit #1 on several (large and relevant) Amazon lists, including Women in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Environmentalism.
It also hit #72 in the entire Kindle store (which boasts millions of titles), and when I checked it was #949 in the entire paperback store.
These are big accomplishments, without doubt.
But did it all happen with nary a plan? Absolutely not.
In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Sam and I chatted about exactly what led to this incredible launch (and how she's planning to keep the momentum going!).
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
💥 The REAL reason she was able to hit all t
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
Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
From cover design to interior formatting to ISBN registration and properly loading your book to distributors, whether you need help with parts of the process or the whole darn thing, I’ve got you covered.
Visit www.publishaprofitablebook.com/self-publishing-services to learn more.
Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 39: Interview with Neely Alexander, author of Love Buzz
Write the Damn Book Already
05/17/23 • 37 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
If you love hearing other authors' experiences when it comes to querying, agent selection, and the publisher selection process, this episode is one to listen to!
Neely Tubati-Alexander's debut novel, Love Buzz, released on May 2, 2023. (It's so good, grab a copy through links below!).
In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Neely and I talked about:
- Finding her creative outlet in the midst of Covid, and why she started writing (then stopped) another book entirely, felt amazing about it, then trashed it
- Neely's experience identifying which agents to query and how she ultimately select hers (she has great tips on how to find agents in your genre)
- How she managed the mindf*ck of getting requests for partial or full manuscripts while also hearing “no thank you” from agents
- The most beneficial way to respond to an agent’s or editor's request for plot modifications
- Why she passed on the first agent who offered to represent her book (even though she loved her)
- How she ultimately selected her publisher (Harper Perennial) after her book went to auction and she received multiple offers
- How “asking for forgiveness” helped her get her dream agent
- The “reality” of the advance for nonfiction versus fiction with a traditional publishing deal (plus, the lesser-talked about benefit of a smaller advance and a smaller publisher)
- The important role of diversity in publishing
- The value of writing groups (and how to get connected with one)
- How Neely got Emily Giffin, q
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 72: Simple (and Essential) Reminders for Authors
Write the Damn Book Already
01/24/24 • 27 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
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 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
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 67: What Authors Will Need Most in 2024
Write the Damn Book Already
12/13/23 • 29 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Are you ready for an honest conversation about what skill authors will most require in 2024?
In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I tackle the sometimes harsh realities of the creative industry while stressing the importance of patience and persistence.
No author's success is an overnight miracle. Instead, it’s akin to the restaurant business, demanding hard work and time. Together, let's redraw your mental map of the author journey, equipping you with a realistic and resilient mindset to conquer 2024 as a published author.
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 62: Writing Through Grief with Emma Grey
Write the Damn Book Already
11/01/23 • 55 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
When The Last Love Note by Emma Grey showed up on my doorstep, I knew we had a problem. A book with a cover that good had to have a story even better within its pages. And I wasn't wrong!
I could've talked to Emma for hours (if not days), and in the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed:
⭐️ The backstory behind the book and how it came to be, a bit unexpectedly.
⭐️ How long it took Emma to write while “wrangling grief.”
⭐️ Where Emma started writing her book and how that moment it came full circle when Zibby Books offered to be her US publisher
⭐️ Emma's writing process, including how long it took to get her skeleton draft (65K words) and how many drafts she went through before sending it to first publisher in Australia.
⭐️ Knowing when chapters don’t propel the story forward (and how to handle it when you're advised to cut 30K words)
⭐️ Her agent's advice on how quickly to write the first draft
⭐️ Emma's perspective on alpha readers, beta readers, prologues, and chasing 100 rejections
**WARNING: The revelation at the 41:40 mark about what happened with the acquisition of her book will shock you!
ABOUT EMMA
Emma Grey is a novelist, feature writer, photographer, professional s
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
Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
From cover design to interior formatting to ISBN registration and properly loading your book to distributors, whether you need help with parts of the process or the whole darn thing, I’ve got you covered.
Visit www.publishaprofitablebook.com/self-publishing-services to learn more.
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 61: Living Out Your Book's Message with Bethany Clemenson
Write the Damn Book Already
10/25/23 • 51 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
A little over a decade ago, Bethany Clemenson, author of Ditching the Dream: How to Live Life on Your Terms (Finn-Phyllis Press, 2022), found herself in a place where, on the outside, it looked like she was killing it. But on the inside, it was killing her.
She had climbed the corporate ladder and was an award-winning leader in the company. She and her husband had built their dream home. They had two healthy children. And they were financially healthy.
But behind the scenes, Bethany worked 80-plus hours a week, was on-call 24/7, and traveled regularly. She and her family were disconnected, and she felt exhausted, unfulfilled, resentful, and frustrated.
She began thinking about what she really wanted and started saying no to everything that didn't align. She found that all the pressure she felt was her own doing, and that she was both the problem and the solution.
As a result, she left her corporate role, she and her family sold everything and traveled the US in a motorhome, and she's been (jubilantly) living life on her terms ever since.
In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we chatted about:
🎙️ Other people navigating your book and their role in it (even when you’ve b
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
Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
From cover design to interior formatting to ISBN registration and properly loading your book to distributors, whether you need help with parts of the process or the whole darn thing, I’ve got you covered.
Visit www.publishaprofitablebook.com/self-publishing-services to learn more.
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 60: The Art of Reissuing a Book with Alix Strauss
Write the Damn Book Already
10/11/23 • 63 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Alix Strauss recently reissued The Joy of Funerals, 20 years after its initial release (with St. Martin's Press). This fascinated me, as so often I hear authors wonder, "Can I still promote my book? It's been out for a year!"
In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we chatted about:
- what compelled her to reissue the book
- what she's doing differently this time around
- how being a frequent contributor to the NYT informs her confidence about being a "good" writer
- what she loves most about the writing community
- how she summons and nurtures unflinching belief in her book.
I had to sit quite far from the mic for the majority of the interview so it didn't pick up my near-constant laughter; the woman is hysterical!
ABOUT ALIX
Alix Strauss is a trend, culture, and lifestyle journalist; an award-winning, four-time published author; speaker; and frequent contributor to The New York Times.
Her books include: The Joy of Funerals (St. Martin’s Press & Palagram Press), Based Upon
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
Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
From cover design to interior formatting to ISBN registration and properly loading your book to distributors, whether you need help with parts of the process or the whole darn thing, I’ve got you covered.
Visit www.publishaprofitablebook.com/self-publishing-services to learn more.
Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published!
PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 59: After 6 books, what I wish I'd known sooner...
Write the Damn Book Already
10/04/23 • 33 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
I love a good string of lessons learned. Given the popularity of my post detailing the 9 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Sooner on Instagram, I thought I'd expand upon a few of them (and add one more!).
It's been a wild and wonderful 19+ years in this space, and while I wouldn't change a thing, knowing some of this earlier on would certainly have saved me some late-night anxiety runs to the ice cream section of the grocery store!
While I'll always support late-night ice cream runs, my hope is that this list will help you make them from a calm, happy space!
MENTIONED RESOURCES
Creating Captivating Audiobooks workshop with Drew Linsalata
Carly Watters' Instagram post about author visibility challenges
The Book Writers Collective (monthly membership)
Holy Sh*t...I’m Having Twins! The Definitive Guide to Remaining Calm When You're Twice as Freaked Out (still my top-selling book, even after 19 years!)
Podcast Episode 9: What Makes a Book a Bestseller?
WAYS WE CAN WORK TOGETHER ON YOUR BOOK
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 55: How to Write While Feeling Discomfort with Joanna Hardis
Write the Damn Book Already
09/13/23 • 46 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
Every time I tell Joanna Hardis how much her book, Just Do Nothing: A Paradoxical Guide to Getting Out of Your Way, has impacted me, her jaw drops. She truly can’t seem to believe how deeply her unique approach and perspective to getting out of one’s way is resonating with readers.
Join us for this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast as Joanna shares her incredible journey from self-doubt to powerful author. Discover how her unique perspective on overcoming obstacles can inspire you to write your own damn book. Plus, learn from her experiences as a therapist-turned-author, and find out how she tackles the challenges of writing and marketing with wisdom and insight that will resonate with every aspiring writer.
WHAT JOANNA'S READING
CONNECT WITH JOANNA
Instagram: instagram.com/joannahardis
Website: joannahardis.com
Book: Just Do Nothing: A Paradoxical Guide to Getting Out of Your Way
RESOURCES MENTIONED
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
Dreaming of seeing your book in print but dreading the process?
From cover design to interior formatting to ISBN registration and properly loading your book to distributors, whether you need help with parts of the process or the whole darn thing, I’ve got you covered.
Visit www.publishaprofitablebook.com/self-publishing-services to learn more.
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
Ep 95: Conquering Nonfiction and Memoir Chaos
Write the Damn Book Already
07/31/24 • 39 min
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!
🎙️ 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 your unique path and experiences, you can create a relatable and impactful narrative without the pressure of being seen as "the ultimate expert."
💡 Tune in to hear my tips on overcoming self-doubt, structuring your content, and finding peace in sharing your personal story. This episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity!
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
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:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube
Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website
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
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FAQ
How many episodes does Write the Damn Book Already have?
Write the Damn Book Already currently has 119 episodes available.
What topics does Write the Damn Book Already cover?
The podcast is about Publishing, Entrepreneurship, Writers, Podcasts, Books, Arts, Business, Book Writing and Authors.
What is the most popular episode on Write the Damn Book Already?
The episode title 'Ep 76: When Going Viral Goes Very (Very) Wrong' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Write the Damn Book Already?
The average episode length on Write the Damn Book Already is 41 minutes.
How often are episodes of Write the Damn Book Already released?
Episodes of Write the Damn Book Already are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Write the Damn Book Already?
The first episode of Write the Damn Book Already was released on Mar 25, 2022.
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