Bestseller: A Self-Publishing Podcast by Reedsy: Recent Episodes
Reedsy
Taking a book the whole nine yards is easier said than done. But itโs also easier than youโd think. From Reedsy, this is Bestseller, a podcast for aspiring authors, demystifying the process self-publishing a book, one chapter at a time.
๐ Discover how you can use Save the Cat to freak out your readers with the help of horror screenwriter, Jamie Nash๐ Find the highlights for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/save-the-cat-horror/
๐ Book marketer Joel Pitney reveals his technique for securing (and leveraging) great endorsements from the people who really matter๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/get-amazing-endorsements-book/
๐ Author and expert book marketer Bryan Cohen rewrites author-submitted book descriptions.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/5-essential-โฆarketing-tactics/
๐ Award-winning food and travel writer Joanna Pruess explains the basics of creating a compelling cookbook from your family recipes๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/family-recipes/
๐ Learn the three simple questions that will get your book into gear and save you years of frustration
๐ Non-fiction authors: learn about the business you're really in, how to start correctly, grow systematically, and scale to profitability
๐ Editor Laura Mae Isaacman shares her top tips for writing cracking short stories๐ Find a full transcript for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/write-short-story-live-training/
๐Editor and publisher Allister Thompson reveals his top five things to avoid when you're writing mystery fiction๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/mistakes-in-writing-mystery/
๐ Learn about the most essential document of a nonfiction author's career from bestselling author Dr Noah Charney๐ Find the highlights for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/book-proposals-101/
๐ Discover the essential elements behind all impactful scenes in this episode with Oksana Marafioti, a seasoned author and editor ๐ Find the highlights for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/anatomy-of-a-great-scene/
๐ Author Paul Bradley Carr reveals his top tips for creating a memoir that appeals to a wider audience๐ Find the full transcript for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/how-to-write-a-memoir-with-commercial-appeal/
๐ Former Hachette and DC Comics editor Jim Spivey shows author what classic mistakes to avoid when writing a genre fiction series๐ Find a full transcript for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/writing-genre-series/
๐ Find out how to turn your book into a gripping screenplay for film or TV๐ Find a set of written highlights for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/book-to-screenplay/
๐ Former literary agent Rachel Stout reveals her tips for researching agents and personalizing query letters๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/personalizing-your-query-letters/
๐ New York Times bestselling author Caroline Leavitt talks about her approach to story structure
๐ Story consultant Jeff Lyons reveals his cookie-cutter formula for crafting a winning logline, and shares some of his own examples๐ Find a full transcript for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/logline/
๐ Editor and children's author Tracy Gold discusses rhyming in picture books โ is it needed, and how can you do it well?๐ Find a full transcript for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/rhyming-picture-books/
๐ Get the ball rolling on your page-turning romance book in this episode with editor and romance extraordinaire Bryn Donovan๐ Find the highlights for this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/plot-romance-novel/
๐ Learn how to write a thought leadership book with author and keynote speaker, Stacy Ennis
๐ Learn how poetry can elevate your novels, short stories, and non-fiction books with poet Emma Murf
๐ Learn to write a compelling memoir with editor Jodi Fodor๐ You can find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/memoir-fodor/
๐ Learn to write the non-fiction book of your dreams with bestselling author Joanna Penn๐ You can find a written summary of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/write-non-fiction-book-in-2025/
๐ Author Tom Bromley shows you how to build your own story factory๐ Find the highlights of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/generate-story-ideas/
๐ Editors Parul Bavishi and Rebecca Monterusso discuss the art of writing YA fiction that appeals to both teens and adults๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/traits-of-successful-ya-novels/
๐ Editor Alyssa Matesic shares the biggest and most common pitfalls that she's encountered in suspense manuscripts๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/suspense-pitfalls/
๐ Editors Caroline Leavitt and Gina Sorell discuss their processes for creating believable characters๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/creating-believable-characters/
๐ Author Paul Bradley Carr reveals his reasons for switching from traditional to self-publishing๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/self-trad-paul-bradley-carr/
๐ Join Reedsy's head of learning for an open Q&A session๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:blog.reedsy.com/live/novel-writing-QA/
๐ Learn how to plan complex stories from the story's conception to its final execution from the perspective of a writer with ADHD๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/planning-complex-stories/
๐ Discover the key to creating useful books your readers will want to share.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/recommendable-non-fiction/
๐ Discover award-winning book marketer Eleanor Picher's insights into social media and influencer marketing๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/social-media-pilcher/
๐ Discover how novelist Jennifer L. Armentrout went from being an indie darling to one of the biggest names in publishing today.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/jennifer-armentrout/
๐ Author Oksana Marafioti shares her top tips for beginning a story๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/how-to-start-a-story/
๐ Bestselling author SJ Watson shows you how to find those rare ideas with the potential to be novels. ๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/is-your-story-idea-any-good-with-sj-watson/
๐ Editor Adina Edelman reveals her top tips for crafting dialogue๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/writing-dialogue-adina-edelman/
๐ TEDx speaker, author, and founder of DIY MFA Gabriela Pereira talks about the importance of understanding the "voice" of your writing๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/refining-voice/
๐ Join Reedsy's head of learning for an open Q&A session๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:https://blog.reedsy.com/live/novel-writing-QA/
๐ Editor Tracy Gold reveals her top 5 tips for writing with multiple POVs, with a bit of help from George R.R. Martin๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:blog.reedsy.com/live/how-to-write-multiple-povs-the-game-of-thrones-way/
๐ Literary agent Jon Darga reveals the 5 key elements you should include to make people read past the first 10 pages of your manuscript๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/agent-read-your-entire-manuscript/
๐ Author Harry Freedman shows how storytelling principles are at the heart of all good nonfiction writing๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/storytelling-in-nonfiction/
๐ How can we create irresistibly flawed characters? Join editors Parul Bavishi and Randall Surles as they explore the world of anti-heroes and anti-heroines๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/anti-heroes-webinar/
๐ Learn about the difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, what you โcan and can'tโ write in Middle Grade, and how to market your book.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/middle-grade/
๐ Bestselling author Caroline Leavitt reveals what lies ahead for those looking to publish their book๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/getting-published-caroline-leavitt/
๐ Editor Anna Bierhaus shows you how to improve your writing's pacing, creating compulsively readable stories every time๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/pacing-anna-bierhaus/
๐ Discover the most tried-and-true marketing tactics you can use to sell your book with the senior marketing manager of Written Word Media๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/5-essential-marketing-tactics/
๐ Authors Caroline Leavitt and Gina Sorell have a chat about how first-time authors get themselves published๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/getting-published-debut/
๐ Writer Dionne McCulloch shows you how to find the perfect editor.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/how-to-find-the-right-book-editor/
๐ Bestselling author Oksana Marafioti shares tips on how to bring your characters to life on the page๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/engaging-characters/
๐ Author and editor Cara Stevens shares 20 questions to help you write your very own picture book๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/picture-book-20-questions/
๐ Literary agent Max Sinsheimer talks about querying nonfiction books and how to make a positive first impression๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/query-non-fiction-sinsheimer/
๐ Author, editor, and writing coach Michelle Hazen reveals some key craft elements that make for a well-written, unputdownable romance novel.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/romance-writing-michelle-hazen/
- Get 10% off Reedsy's premium How to Write a Novel course with the code MAY24 at checkout. Exclusive to our podcast listeners and valid until May 20, 2024!*๐ Author and bestselling ghostwriter Tom Bromley talks about the "Five Ps" of preparing to draft a novel๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/preparing-to-write-a-novel-5-keys-to-success
๐ Reedsy editor Julie Artz talks about assessing your own manuscript to determine whether it's ready to be seen by editors and readers.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/self-audit-julie-artz/
๐ The productivity coaches behind Prolifiko share their tips on building a productive writing habit๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/productive-writing-habit/
๐ NYT bestselling author Caroline Leavitt talks about how beginnings and endings can make a good novel great.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/how-to-crack-your-novel-s-beginning-and-ending/
๐ Learn the secret code behind all well-plotted novels from the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: blog.reedsy.com/live/save-the-cat-writes-a-novel/
๐ Editor and author Tracy Gold reveals the biggest mistakes new writers make when writing dialogue.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/dialogue-mistakes/
๐ Author and Reedsy ghostwriter Michelle Schusterman shows you how to take your book idea and get busy writing its first draft.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/how-to-start-writing-a-book/
๐ Former literary agent Rachel Stout reveals her tips for researching agents and personalizing query letters.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/personalizing-your-query-letters/
๐ Join award-winning author, ghostwriter, and book coach Amanda Edgar as she shows you how to make your memoir read like a bestselling novel.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:blog.reedsy.com/live/memoir-amanda-edgar
๐ Join bestselling author SJ Watson as he shows you how to activate editor mode.๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here:ย https://blog.reedsy.com/live/watson-editor-mode/
๐ Kickstarter's head of publishing gives you the inside scoop on crowdfunding your next book on their platform๐ Find a full transcript of this podcast episode here: https://blog.reedsy.com/live/kickstarter/
These days, everyone wants to be the next overnight viral sensation. But, as it turns out, there's nothing overnight about it.
How do you learn to see your creative work from other's perspectives? The answer is the same thing it's been for centuries: pick up a book.
The Hero's Journey is an excellent metaphor for any creative process. But when it comes to self publishing a nonfiction book, the line between fact and fiction is anything but metaphorical.
What do the Greek Gods, Walt Disney, and indie author slash creativity professor Tim Cigelske all have common? Apparently, everything.
As the Hero's Journey starts up again, Tim has to put his own creativity advice to the test.
Move too fast and, instead of working around your obstacles, you might just crash into them โย in romance, in writing, and in writing romance.
When your story isn't a popular one, how do you get people to listen? According to I.L. Cruz, it helps to disguise it as a story everyone knows already.
It's one thing to turn a great book into a bestseller. But how do you learn to write a great book in the first place?
~~~
Additional Reading: https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/ https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-exercises/
Behind every professional, there are many amateur hours. Behind every success story, there are many more that go untold.
In the era of the eBook, why are some authors still selling paperbacks from their front doors?
Paperback books have historically been derided as cheap, brief entertainment. So, in the era of the eBook, why would you print them at all?
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Additional Reading: https://blog.reedsy.com/standard-book-sizes/ https://blog.reedsy.com/print-on-demand-books/
Kids can be picky, especially when it comes to what they prefer to read. So why not give it to them?
How do you insult your audience without insulting their sensibilities... or their intelligence? When writing for a juvenile audience, finding the right balance is more important than ever.
When it comes to writing a bestseller, magical worlds work like a charm, right up until they don't.
It's hard enough writing a novel for anyone. When writing for kids aged 12 to 18, it's another challenge altogether.
What comes first, the novel or the genre? A journalist turned novelist, a zeitgeist changing election, and a young adult reading trend might help us to find the answer.
Drawing from your influences is one thing, stealing from them is another. How did Marlow York walk the tricky tightrope of writing with tropes?
How do you market a book that you can barely even describe? Benjamin Davis, author of a so called magical realism poetic memoir, travelled across the world to find the answer.
In this day and age, readers care about your writing if they care about you first. So how do you turn "you" into a marketable brand?
Over the past ten years, self-publishing has become unequivocally common. How can a new author stand out in such a large community?
Before it was a multimillion dollar industry, self-publishing was a new world. But was the (literal) gold rush worth the (figurative) smallpox?
How do you transform "working writer" from a job that's in your dreams to the job of your dreams?
Is ending your story "happily ever after" clichรฉ? Maybe -- but some clichรฉs exist for a reason.
What is the best way to market a book in the Internet age? Technology may have changed, but the answer hasn't -- for over 2,000 years.
How do you turn your first draft into a published book? According to Brett Putter, founder of CultureGene and author of "Culture Decks Decoded," the answer may be unsuitable for print.
In an oversaturated market, how do you make your product stand out? Be it running shoes or books โ the answer is the same.