Ep 74: First comes publisher, then comes agent, with Julie Chavez

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!In the latest episode of  Write the Damn Book Already, I spoke with Julie Chavez, author of the incredibly well-received memoir, Everyone But Myself   (January 2024, Zibby Books).After Julie's life experience turned into a book idea,  she wrote 30,000 words and thought that surely it was a complete, publishable book. Newsflash: It wasn’t. But she stuck with it, and within a few weeks of launch, it became a USA Today Bestseller.INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTSWhy being naive is the greatest gift for authors sharing vulnerable stories Thoughts on why aspiring authors don’t understand the challenges involved in book writing (it's one of the things this podcast hopes to rectify!)Metrics authors use to determine “success” (including Julie's) + an exploration of the “machine” side versus the human side of writingHow to trust when you've healed "enough” to write about challengesThe lesser-known benefits of having an agent (beyond getting a book deal)ABOUT JULIEJulie Chavez is an elementary school librarian in Northern California. Her writing has been featured in Real Simple, the New York Post, and Zibby Mag, and she is the author of the USA TODAY bestselling memoir, Everyone But Myself. Julie lives with her husband and two tall teenagers in a house where she arranges her books by color.CONNECT WITH JULIEWebsite: juliewriteswords.comInstagram: @juliewriteswordsBuy Everyone But Myself while supporting indie bookstores!  WHAT JULIE’S READING NOWThe Sicilian Inheritance by Jo PiazzaHappiness Falls by Angie KimMrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia FordDarling Girls by Sally HepworthYou’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna WallaceRESOURCES MENTIONEDPodcast episode with Kristen McGuinessLemme Focus Concentration GummiesJulie’s episode on The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******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 PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe 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