The Pen to Published Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury
A podcast for authors and self-publishers. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.
In the final episode of series 8, the two Alexas have the privilege of chatting with best-selling author and author coach, Sophie Hannah. As well as writing her many contemporary crime novels, Sophie was also commissioned by the Agatha Christie family to write a new series featuring Christie's famous detective, Hercule Poirot.
And when it comes to mindset for authors, Sophie is a goldmine crammed with nuggets of wisdom on how to think and the steps to take to make your writing dreams become a reality. So grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy her brilliance.
Whether you call them narrative techniques or literary devices, this is a big, big subject. There are so many of these devices, and understanding what they are and how to use them is crucial to your fiction writing. In the penultimate episode of series 7, Alexas 1 and 2 run through a handful of better-known techniques that will help elevate your writing and immerse your readers.
In this episode, the two Alexas talk more about writing craft and delve into character arcs: the journey authors take their characters on through their novel. Successes and failures are all a part of that journey, and they help readers to engage and identify with protagonists. Ultimately, strong character arcs will make a reader care about those characters, and want to keep reading.
There's an art to writing brilliant dialogue in a novel - dialogue that truly brings your characters and your story to life. In episode 5, the two Alexas help you understand the craft of creating snappy dialogue that zips along with flare.
You've started your book with a bang. You've got the middle bit under control. But what about the ending? How will you finish your story in a way that satisfies the reader? Whether you're aiming for a happy, sad, neat or even ambiguous final act, the two Alexas have advice for writing an ending that works.
The hardest and most challenging section of your book to write is likely to be the middle. It's the longest section within the three-act structure and it has to work for the reader in multiple ways. This week, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 share advice to help you tackle that messy middle bit.
You've got the idea for your book. You've made some kind of a story plan. You're at the computer or clutching your pen ready to start writing ... But how do you begin a book in the most captivating way? In this second episode of the new series, the two Alexas talk about the three-act structure of a book and what an author needs to think about in the crucial first act to engage readers so they want to read on.
In the first of a brand-new series, the two Alexas chat about the maxim that 'stories are everywhere'. Are they really? Can inspiration be found in just about anything? The answer is YES! But, of course, a single idea doesn't make a whole story. So what's the next step in exploring the possibility of turning an idea into a book?
The Pen to Published Podcast is back for 2025 with lots of juiciness for your writerly ears. Here's the line-up for series 7 and 8. So much goodness to help you on your writing journey!
SERIES 6 EPISODE 8: JUICY BITS FOR WRITERS ROUND-UP
In this final episode of series 6, Alexas 1 and 2 offer a round-up of the juicy nuggets covered by all the wonderful guests they've chatted to. For invaluable tips on the mechanics of writing, creating a brand, blog tours, marketing a self-published book and understanding contract terminology in traditional publishing, this episode points you to the guests to listen to.
SERIES 6 EPISODE 7: INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR PAULA FOWLER
In the penultimate episode of series 6, children's author, Paula Fowler, talks to the Alexas about how a stage 4 cancer diagnosis took her from working in a bank to writing a series of children's books based on characters created by her father-in-law. Paula's desire is to leave a legacy for her family and, through her stories, this legacy can be spread even wider.
SERIES 6 EPISODE 5: INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE HARNBY, FICTION EDITOR, AUTHOR AND PROLIFIC CONTENT CREATOR
In a bumper episode, the two Alexas chat to the amazing editor and author, Louise Harnby. With her in-depth knowledge of writing craft and her experience within her own editorial business, Louise packs this episode with invaluable tips for fiction authors on how to produce first-class writing.
SERIES 6 EPISODE 5: INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA COLE, AUTHOR AND SENSORY SEWER
Rebecca Cole is late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD. As a lifelong sewer, she has worked on the production team for Channel 4's Unique Boutique and was assistant sewing producer on series 8 the BBC's Great British Sewing Bee. In this episode, Rebecca talks to the two Alexas about her passion for an inclusive and accessible world, and how this passion inspired her to write All Access Sewing, a book to help make the craft of sewing - and clothes themselves - accessible to everyone.
SERIES 6 EPISODE 4: INTERVIEW WITH ANN BALL, AWARD-WINNING THERAPIST, TEACHER AND AUTHOR
Guest author, Ann Ball, talks to the two Alexas about her experiences with self-publishing, funding opportunities for authors, what prompted her to write her popular book, How To Set Up Women's Circles, and how the book is helping her in her complementary therapy business.
SERIES 6 EPISODE 3: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST SUE KITTOW
Are you interested in setting up a blog tour to help publicise your book? In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 talk to author and journalist, Sue Kittow, about her writing and how she organised a blog tour for her book to help raise its profile.
SERIES 6 EPISODE 2: INTERVIEW WITH PUBLISHING CONSULTANT, EDITOR AND CONTRACTS NEGOTIATOR, JANEY BURTON
This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world. Guest, the highly knowledgeable Janey Burton, has her brains well and truly picked by the two Alexas on the various types of publishing houses, terms to look out for in publishing contracts, whether or not to negotiate royalties, and the value (or not) of non-disclosure agreements between authors and editors. It's a packed one!
SERIES 6 EPISODE 1: INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR LAURA MACLENNAN
The two Alexas return with a brand-new series of their podcast for authors. This series comprises interviews with authors and other industry professionals. In episode 1, they chat to the wonderful Laura Maclennan about the ideas behind her rhyming children's books, creating other income streams from published work - and good old imposter syndrome.
MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS IN ADULT FICTION
In another bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas discuss whether maps and other illustrations are a good idea in adult fiction or whether they should be kept for children's books.
BEWARE OF OVERUSE IN YOUR WRITING
When we're in the full flow of writing, it's easy to get carried away and include too many of certain elements. In this bonus petit pod, the two Alexas explain why, although exclamation marks, italics, adverbs and adjectives all have their place, being sparing with them creates tighter, more enjoyable prose.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR SELF-EDITING
In this third bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas chat through things to think about when working on the second, third etc drafts of your book, and how to tackle self-editing.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 8: MARKETING YOURSELF AND YOUR BOOK - WITH AUTHOR/EDITOR RACHEL ROWLANDS
In her second wonderful appearance on The Pen to Published Podcast, author, editor and publishing expert, Rachel Rowlands chats to the two Alexas about her own self-publishing journey and how to make the most of social media for book marketing.
DOS AND DON'TS FOR CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATORS
In another bonus Petit Pod, Alexa Whitten offers tips to help children's book illustrators get to grips with the job.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 7: HOW TO SELL YOUR BOOK
If you've self-published, making sales isn't just about getting your book and yourself as the author seen, it's about showing up in the right places. This episode offers ideas for where to list and sell your book so you can start to get a return on your investment.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 6: SELLING YOUR BOOK - GETTING THE PRICE RIGHT
No matter what it is, pricing your own product is never easy. But when you're making this decision about your book, there are some important things to bear in mind. Here, the two Alexas discuss how to find a price point that works for you and your readers.
PUNCTUATING SPEECH AND USING SPEECH TAGS
In this bonus Petit Pod (a mini episode of The Pen to Published Podcast), the two Alexas give some guidelines on how to punctuate speech, and the correct use of speech tags.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 5: OTHER FORMATS FOR DISTRIBUTING YOUR BOOK
Publishing these days isn't all about print. Technology means there are other ways to get your book in front of your readers. In this episode, the Alexas discuss alternative formats and what they involve, including ebooks, audio books and even podcasts.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 4: PRINTING OPTIONS FOR YOUR BOOK
Once your book has been edited, typeset and proofread, the next step is to get it produced into a physical form - which is an exciting stage of becoming an author. In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 discuss what you need to consider - for example, soft back or hardback; book binding; paper type. Decisions, decisions!
SERIES 5 EPISODE 3: SO YOU'VE FINISHED YOUR BOOK... WHAT'S NEXT?
If you've finished writing your book, it's been edited and proofread and is now ready to go out into the world - congratulations! But what next? Here, the two Alexas chat through next steps, from finding appropriate agents to submit your manuscript to, to preparing the all-important submission letter.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2: ISBNs AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR BOOK
The ISBN in a book is a thing of magic. Today, the two Alexas delve into what ISBNs are, what they mean for your publication, where to get them, and your legal obligations.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 1: WHAT PUBLISHING MEANS
And the two Alexas are back with a brand-new series of their podcast for authors. This episode focuses on what it actually means to publish a book, and how publishing traditionally compares with self-publishing.
EPISODE 8: TRADITIONAL VERSUS SELF-PUBLISHING - WITH GUEST RACHEL ROWLANDS
For the final episode of series 4, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 chat to author and editor, Rachel Rowlands, who offers a wealth of valuable information on traditional publishing and self-publishing. If you're wondering about the best way forward for you and your book, you'll find what you need to know here to help you weigh up the pros and cons of each publication route.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 7: INTERVIEW WITH EDITOR YASMIN YARWOOD
In the penultimate episode of series 4, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 chat with editor Yasmin Yarwood to get her perspectives on the editing process, that vital component in producing a book that sings on every page.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 6: USEFUL TERMS TO KNOW IN EDITING AND TYPESETTING
Have you ever wondered what a folio is? Or a running head? And what about back matter and front matter? In this episode, the two Alexas run through the terms you'll need to know if you want to publish a book.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 5: YOUR WRITING AND PUBLISHING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In this episode, the two Alexas answer common questions on the writing and publishing process. So if you've ever asked: 'How long does it take to write a book?'; 'How do you go about writing a second draft?'; 'Where do you get ideas for a story?' - then this episode is for you.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 4: RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND BLOGS ON THE ART OF WRITING
There's a wealth of resources out there for writers wanting to learn how to write well and to hone their craft. Here, the Alexas reveal some of their top picks from what's available.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 3: WRITING AND EDITING ORGANISATIONS TO SUPPORT YOUR WRITER/EDITOR LIFE
There's a perception that the writer's (and the freelance editor's) life can be a lonely one. But in episode 3, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 introduce some fantastic writing and editing organisations and groups that can support, advise and encourage. Editing organisations are also the best places for authors to find excellent editors.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 2: UNDERSTANDING HEADING HIERARCHIES, CALLS TO ACTION AND THOSE LITTLE ISBN BOXES
For a book that's visually highly polished, fantastic book design really matters. In episode 2, the two Alexas explain the importance of internal-page heading hierarchies, and how even the way you present the ISBN on the cover can add that extra bit of professionalism. And when it comes to encouraging readers to engage with you and what you can offer, your 'call to action' is a must.
SERIES 4 EPISODE 1: HOW TO CREATE GREAT BOOK TITLES AND STRAPLINES, BLURBS AND AUTHOR BIOS
Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury return for a fourth series of their popular podcast for authors. In episode 1, the focus is on creating compelling titles, straplines, blurbs and author bios. These can be trickier to put together than some writers realise, but getting them right is vital if you want to entice potential readers to buy your books.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 8: INTERVIEW WITH LUCILLE OSSAI
In this final episode of series three, the two Alexas talk to Lucille Ossai, author, communications trainer, advisor, speaker and multi-award-winning blogger. Having both worked on Lucille's book, Influence & Thrive, they were keen to chat with her about her vision for the final product, and the importance of great book design in achieving it.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 7: ALL THINGS IMAGES
The topic for this week’s episode is images and what you need to know when getting your book ready for print. Even if your book contains no images, there’s still the cover to think about, so it’s vital to understand the technicalities.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 6: GETTING YOUR BOOK COVER RIGHT
This episode is all about covers: what you need and what works well for different genres. The cover is the all-important 'shop window' for your book so it really does pay to get it just right.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 5: THE INGREDIENTS OF A BOOK
There are key ingredients to books. Alexas 1 and 2 explore the various elements that make up a book, in addition to the main content – for example, forewords and introductions, acknowledgements and references. What does your book need?
SERIES 3 EPISODE 4: TYPESETTING - PET PEEVES
What are the most common mistakes in typography? The two Alexas give the lowdown and explain how poor typesetting can really affect the ultimate finish of your book.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 3 - PART 2: TYPEFACES - UNDERSTANDING THE DETAIL
Episode 3 is a second delve into typefaces and this time, the two Alexas explain the two main styles in use and the differences between them. They also chat about how to use different typefaces within a book to create elements that contrast with the body text, such as pull quotes, headings and sub-headings.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 2 - PART 1: TYPEFACES - THE DOS AND DON'TS
The typeface you choose for the pages of your book is a huge part of its personality. Getting it right for the cover is vital too. Continuing their dig into typesetting, this episode sees Alexas 1 and 2 chatting about the importance of understanding typefaces when handing your book over to a designer.
SERIES 3 EPISODE 1: TYPESETTING - THE BASICS
In this brand-new series of The Pen to Published Podcast, the two Alexas are back and the topic of conversation is typesetting. This episode delves into what typesetting is, why choosing the correct typeface really matters in relation to your target audience, as well as a few dos and don'ts when it comes to the typesetting of your book.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 8: INTERVIEW WITH ACTOR AND WRITER JOSEPH MILLSON
In the series 2 finale, the two Alexas chat to actor and writer, Joseph Millson, whose first book, Work ... and other four-letter words(a memoir about his first ten years in the acting profession), hit the Amazon #1 best-seller list. Joseph talks about his new-found passion for writing, and about his first experience of the editing process and how it helped him. An episode packed full of fantastic tips for writers!
Please be aware that there is some mild swearing in this episode.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 7: FIVE EDITING MYTHS TO RETHINK
Throughout series 2 of the podcast, the two Alexas have emphasised the importance of having your book professionally edited and proofread, and what those services can do for your final product. But if you still need convincing, in this episode, they run through five editing myths in need of a serious debunk.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 6: WRITING AND EDITING RHYMING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
Rhyming books aren't an easy option for authors wanting to write for children, but used well, rhymes can create beautiful, memorable books. In this episode, the two Alexas talk about the pros and cons of writing in rhyme, and what to look out for to make sure your manuscript is the best it can be before submitting it to an editor.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 5: FINDING THE RIGHT EDITOR FOR YOUR BOOK AND FOR YOU
Editing may seem all much of a muchness, but to get the most out of the editing process, authors do need to find the right editor for their book. In this episode of The Pen to Published Podcast, the two Alexas give tips and advice on finding the best-fit editor for a project.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 4: STYLE SHEETS AND WHY WRITERS NEED THEM
So what is a style sheet and what's it got to do with writing a book? This episode explains all, from why style sheets are so important for writers to the details you can include on them. Do join the two Alexas for more lively editing and writing chat.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 3: PROOFREADING MATTERS
After the editing of a book comes the all-important proofreading. The two Alexas explain what proofreading involves and why it's a vital stage in the production of a polished publication.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 2: EDITING: THE VARIOUS LEVELS
Editing is a staged process. Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 introduce the various levels, or types, of editing, explaining why each one is important and how, together, they work to craft your writing.
SERIES 2 EPISODE 1: PREPPING YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR AN EDITOR
Welcome to series 2 of the podcast, in which the two Alexas chat about the editing side of the self-publishing process. In this episode, you'll learn the dos and don'ts of preparing your manuscript to send to an editor.
EPISODE 8: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR KYLIE DIXON
In the last episode of series 1, the two Alexas talk to an author they've both worked with, Kylie Dixon, about her wonderful debut children's book, Inkcap and the Nethers. A fascinating insight into what it's really like not just to have an idea for a book but to actually bring it out into the world.
EPISODE 7: KICKING WRITER'S BLOCK
Writer's block: what is it? Why does it happen? What can you do to help overcome it? In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 dig into the causes of creative block and discuss various ideas to bring breakthrough.
EPISODE 6: GETTING INTO THE WRITING HABIT
This week, the two Alexas talk about how to get your book written. Managing your time can be a real issue but to achieve your writing goals, writing needs to become a regular habit - and this episode offers plenty of tips to help.
EPISODE 5: THE WRITING PROCESS - PART TWO
To plan or not to plan? This episode is all about planning your fiction or non-fiction book, where to begin, and how to nail your plan so that you have a rock-solid platform from which to start writing.
EPISODE 4: THE WRITING PROCESS - PART ONE
Have you ever asked the question, 'Just where do writers get their ideas?' In episode 4, the two Alexas give some guidance on where to start in the hunt for a great storyline, and explain why knowing what's trending in various genres really matters.
EPISODE 3: WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
It's vital to understand the age category you're aiming to write for. This affects word count, vocabulary, plot, characterisation, sentence structure and book design. The two Alexas explain the categories and discuss what's required when writing within each one.
EPISODE 2: ALL ABOUT THE WHO
Identifying your target audience: as a writer, this is crucial. In this episode, the two Alexas discuss why knowing your audience is so important before you begin to write, and how you can start to identify your potential readers.
In this first episode, Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury introduce themselves and talk about what to expect from The Pen to Published Podcast, and why writers and self-publishers will benefit from listening.