Pros Talking Prose

Authors spend a lot of time worrying about book sales, reviews, algorithms, trends, AI, bestseller lists, agents, publishers, other authors’ success… and a whole lot of things we can’t control. All that noise can make it very easy to lose your way. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey talk about the difference between the things authors can control, the things they can influence, and the things they may need to simply be aware of… and let go. There is no magic formula for author success. You can control the work you do, the choices you make, and how you show up in your author career. You can influence things like sales, reviews, opportunities, and visibility, but you can’t guarantee the outcome. When authors spend too much energy chasing algorithms, trends, bestseller status, or what everyone else is doing, those things can start controlling them. If you're an indie author, self-published author, traditionally published author, or writer building a sustainable author business, this conversation is for you. RESOURCES Wayfinder Summit — A Virtual Working Retreat for Authors Less Distraction. More Direction. https://wayfindersummit.com Beyond Author Scams: Protect Yourself & Your Author Business Free live class — September 23 https://learning.printtopro.com/beyondauthorscams/ The Author Platform Operating Plan — Power Session Learn how to build and nurture an author platform around the parts you can actually control. https://learning.printtopro.com/p2p-power-session-september-session/ Plot Dude Craft Lab: Character-Driven vs. Plot-Driven Fiction September 22 with Troy Lambert https://learning.printtopro.com/character-driven-vs-plot-driven-fiction/ Better-Faster Academy — Becca Syme Events We mention Becca’s upcoming Boise workshop in October. https://classes.betterfasteracademy.com/courses/23dfb71c-aa32-47e9-bacf-88b7e4eeaa38/salespage Pros Talking Prose is the place where publishing professionals Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert talk shop about writing craft, indie publishing, author business, book marketing, publishing trends, AI for authors, and what it really takes to build a sustainable writing career. No magic formulas. No guaranteed bestseller promises. Just real conversations about writing, publishing, and the business of being an author. If that sounds like your kind of weird, subscribe and join us each Saturday.Keep writing. Be kind. Stay weird. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Mystery Noise We Couldn't Control 03:29 What Authors Can—and Can't—Control 10:01 Why There Is No Formula for Author Success 21:37 Book Sales, Reviews & What Authors Can Influence 27:43 Your Author Reputation Is Something You CAN Control 42:06 When Worry Starts Controlling Your Author Career 48:26 Algorithms, Trends & the Fear of Falling Behind 57:36 AI, Search & the Changing Publishing Industry 1:23:15 Stop Worrying About What Doesn't Matter 1:29:37 Don't Lose Your Way #authorbusiness  #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #AuthorLife #WritingMotivation #Publishing #WritingTips #ProsTalkingProse

Readers aren’t accepting “good enough” books anymore. The quality bar in publishing has moved, and whether you publish independently, traditionally, or somewhere in between, readers are paying attention. In this episode, Stacey and Troy dig into what “professional quality” actually means today. Spoiler: professional means more than editing. A strong book is not just grammatically clean. The story must work. The cover must communicate the right promise. The formatting needs to disappear into the reading experience. Your genre expectations matter. Your presentation matters. And increasingly, readers can tell when an author has skipped the learning, rushed the process, or relied on technology to make decisions they weren’t equipped to evaluate. We also talk about how AI is raising the minimum quality floor without necessarily creating better books. AI can help create something passable, but if an author doesn’t understand story craft, cover design, editing, formatting, or reader expectations, “passable” may be exactly where the book stays. And readers are looking for more than passable. Ultimately, publishing professionally comes down to respecting the person on the other side of the book. Readers are investing their money, but more importantly, they are investing their time. Your job is to make that investment worthwhile. In this episode, we discuss: Why the publishing quality bar keeps rising Why AI can produce mediocrity surprisingly well The difference between copy editing, developmental editing, and manuscript evaluation Why readers notice poor covers and formatting—even when they can’t explain what feels wrong Why learning your craft still matters, regardless of the tools you use How genre expectations create a reader promise Why professional publishing is really about building reader trust The four things a professional book should accomplish As Stacey puts it near the end of the conversation: readers are not obligated to support your writing journey. Your responsibility is to give them an experience worth investing in. RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED Wayfinder Summit — A Virtual Working Retreat for Authors Three days of focused work, community, professional guidance, networking, and practical support for authors who want to make meaningful progress. Registration begins at $30. https://WayfinderSummit.com P2P Author Business Harbor Join the conversation with other writers and publishing professionals inside our author community. https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about Editing Services / Manuscript Evaluations Not sure whether your manuscript needs developmental editing, substantive editing, copy editing, or something else? Stacey breaks down the different editorial services and what each one is designed to accomplish. https://PrintToPro.com Russell Nohelty We reference Russell’s discussion about AI writing and his argument that one of the biggest problems with AI-assisted writing is using the technology before developing the craft and judgment necessary to guide it. https://www.hapitalist.com/cv/ If you enjoy conversations about the realities of writing, publishing, author business, craft, AI, and the constantly changing publishing industry, subscribe and join us each week for Pros Talking Prose. Keep writing. Stay weird. Be kind. #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #BookPublishing #WritingCraft #AuthorBusiness #BookEditing #PublishingTips #AIWriting  

Writing may happen alone, but building an author career doesn’t. After a whirlwind weekend at Killer Nashville, Stacey and Troy came home thinking about something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough in publishing: the people you surround yourself with can fundamentally change the direction of your career. A conversation with a stranger can become a friendship. A friendship can become an introduction. An introduction can lead to an editor, agent, publisher, printer, collaborator, client, or simply another writer who understands exactly what this strange career feels like. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we talk about what healthy professional relationships actually look like in the publishing industry, and where those relationships can go wrong. We get into networking without making it feel transactional, building genuine connections at writers’ conferences, maintaining professional boundaries with editors and clients, following up when someone gives you an opportunity, and why knowing someone should never mean ignoring the proper process. We also talk candidly about the author-editor relationship. Can your editor also be your friend? Absolutely. But friendship can complicate criticism, invoices, boundaries, and those difficult conversations every good editor eventually has to have. And sometimes, the most important relationship you build has nothing to do with what that person can do for your career. Sometimes you simply need people in your corner. Because authors are not competing for one tiny piece of the publishing world. We are colleagues navigating many of the same challenges, and learning how to support, recommend, celebrate, and connect with one another can make this career a whole lot less lonely. Go to https://WayfinderSummit.com to join us at our writers' retreat in October.  Find us at https://printtopro.com You can also go to our community at https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about Chapters 00:00 – Back from Killer Nashville 02:00 – How Important Are Relationships in Publishing? 13:00 – How Relationships Open Doors for Authors 19:00 – Networking, Reputation & Professional Boundaries 28:00 – Publishing Companies, Printers & the Power of Real Connections 43:00 – Should You Be Friends With Your Editor? 1:07:00 – Stop Treating Other Authors Like Competition 1:13:00 – Why Writers Need Community If you’re an indie author, traditionally published author, aspiring writer, editor, publisher, or simply trying to figure out how to build a sustainable author career, subscribe to Pros Talking Prose. Every week, Stacey and Troy talk candidly about writing craft, publishing, book marketing, author business, editing, AI, and what it actually takes to stay in this industry for the long haul. #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #IndieAuthor #Publishing #WritingTips #BookPublishing #AuthorBusiness #WritersConference #BookEditing #ProsTalkingProse

Publishing is changing fast. AI is changing faster. Authors are being told to write more, publish more, build bigger platforms, learn new technology, follow every trend—and somehow keep producing better books while doing it all. No wonder so many writers feel like they’re losing ground. In this episode, Stacey and Troy talk about the pressure authors are putting on themselves, why imposter syndrome becomes so dangerous when it mixes with comparison and fear, and why the constant race to keep up may be hurting both your writing and your author career. We also dig into the growing anxiety surrounding AI, including concerns about AI-generated writing, transparency, Claude and AI watermarking, and the fear some authors have of being “found out” for using these tools. But this conversation isn't really about whether AI is good or bad, instead we think it's about knowing where your line is, being honest about the way you work, and refusing to let someone else's choices (or the latest publishing panic) determine whether you believe you're a legitimate writer. Because there is no race. Writing faster doesn't automatically make you more successful. Publishing more books doesn't automatically make you a better author. And chasing every new tool, strategy, controversy, or algorithm change can pull your attention away from the one thing that still matters: Writing a damn good story. We talk about slowing down, developing your craft, using tools intentionally, finding a writing community that supports you, and why patience and focus may become two of the most valuable skills an author can develop in the next few years. Wayfinder Summit: Our virtual working retreat for authors focused on clarity, community, productivity, and actually making progress on your work. https://WayfinderSummit.com We'd love to hear from you: Do you ever feel like you're falling behind as an author? What exactly makes you feel that way? Tell us in the comments. And if you know another writer who needs to hear this today, send this episode their way. #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #WritingAdvice #ImposterSyndrome #WritingMotivation #AIForAuthors #SelfPublishing #WritingCraft #IndieAuthors #authors   

What happens when your entire travel plan falls apart and you suddenly realize you're living through the exact kind of story structure you teach authors to write? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we do something a little different. After a travel day filled with changing gates, missing pilots, canceled flights, expensive mistakes, unexpected allies, and one very important business conversation, we realized our disastrous trip had accidentally become a near-perfect example of story structure, escalating conflict, try/fail cycles, character change, and the difference between plot and story. So we broke it down. Because one of the most common problems we see in manuscripts is that authors are too nice to their characters. Conflict isn't something you sprinkle into a story to make it exciting. Conflict creates stakes. Failure forces characters to react, change, make decisions, and eventually become capable of doing something they couldn't have done at the beginning of the story, and what your character wants from the journey isn't what they actually need to get from it. We talk about: Why try/fail cycles make stories stronger How escalating conflict keeps readers invested Why the dark moment needs to actually hurt Reactive characters versus proactive characters How minor characters can change the direction of a story Why every scene needs to move the character toward the climax How failure reveals character Why your protagonist should be capable of something at the end that they couldn't do at the beginning The surprisingly important difference between “and then” storytelling and “if/then” storytelling Sometimes the difference between a plot and a story really is only two words, and sometimes failure makes the better story. If you enjoy conversations about writing craft, publishing, author business, and all the strange things that happen along the way, subscribe to Pros Talking Prose and join us each week. And tell us in the comments: Are you making things hard enough for your protagonist, or are you still protecting them? LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED 🧭 Wayfinder Summit WayfinderSummit.com The first 250 registered attendees will receive a Wayfinder Welcome Kit. Learn more about the virtual working retreat for authors and reserve your spot above. Craft Lab: Poisons with Troy Lambert https://theplotabides.com/free-plot-dude-webinars-2026 Power Sessions https://printtopro.com/powersessions-2026 Print to Pro PrintToPro.com We'll be at Killer Nashville this August, so if you're attending, come find us and say hello. #WritingCraft #StoryStructure #WritingTips #NovelWriting #ConflictInFiction #CharacterDevelopment #WritersCommunity #WritingAdvice #Authors #ProsTalkingProse

Every author wants the formula. The perfect story structure. The guaranteed marketing strategy. The business system that promises more readers, more sales, and a six-figure author career. But the author success formula is a lie. That does not mean business advice, writing frameworks, or marketing strategies are useless. It means someone else’s formula was built around their skills, resources, audience, timing, failures, and opportunities. You can learn from the principles inside it, but copying the steps will not guarantee the same result. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey discuss the dangerous appeal of author success formulas, the reality behind impressive revenue claims, and why sustainable growth requires more than following somebody else’s blueprint. They also share an honest behind-the-scenes story about a manuscript that went through more than a year of revisions, book doctoring, formatting changes, last-minute edits, expedited printing—and one typo that still made it into 200 printed books. Once the presses were running, there was nothing left to do but embrace the happy accident. In this conversation: • Why gross revenue is not the same as author income • The truth behind “six-figure author” claims • Why there is no magic solution for selling books • What authors can learn from business experts without blindly copying them • Why story structures should be tools, not rigid formulas • The hidden failures behind successful businesses • Why scaling requires trust, delegation, and relinquishing control • How perfectionism can steal the joy from writing • Why your definition of author success should belong to you • How one missing letter became a lesson in accepting imperfection Your author career will have mistakes, disappointing launches, failed ideas, unexpected expenses, and plans that do not work the way you hoped. Those moments do not mean you are failing. They are part of the work. They are part of your growth. They are part of your story. Stop waiting for the perfect formula, the perfect manuscript, the perfect launch, or the perfect time. Learn what you can. Protect the joy of storytelling. Keep doing the work. And embrace the happy accidents. CHAPTERS 00:00 – The rabbit hole that started the conversation 02:16 – Why Pros Talking Prose is not chasing monetization 05:23 – Scaling a creative business without sacrificing quality 08:17 – How authors can realistically grow their income 11:04 – The truth behind author earnings and six-figure claims 17:33 – Why business success formulas are incomplete 24:15 – Story structure should be a tool, not a rule 29:15 – Authors are searching for a magic solution 34:21 – Stacey’s $10,000 lesson about business formulas 40:21 – Some businesses cannot scale forever 43:15 – What happens when success does not create happiness 46:09 – Protecting the joy that made you want to write 51:30 – Why an author’s story matters beyond book sales 54:13 – The grind, the work, and the value of finishing 01:00:54 – Finding joy in failure 01:04:11 – The manuscript that nearly broke everyone 01:08:58 – Eighty-seven last-minute changes 01:11:28 – The typo discovered after the presses started 01:13:41 – How “Meazu” became a shirt and a philosophy 01:17:25 – Progress over perfection 01:21:19 – Wayfinder Summit and upcoming author events RESOURCES AND REFERENCES MENTIONED Watch our episode about the power-law distribution of author income https://youtu.be/crAhcufcMmg?si=4sAdbZ25G9LRJTca Watch Stacey’s Red Ink episode about Harper Lee and extraordinary debut-novel success [Insert episode link] Get the “Meazu” shirt and embrace the typo https://print-to-pro-shop.fourthwall.com/products/measue-tee-find-peace-in-the-journey Join the Wayfinder Summit Less Distraction. More Direction. www.WayfinderSummmit.com Learn more about Print to Pro www.PrintToPro.com Subscribe to Pros Talking Prose for honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable author career—without the hype, shortcuts, or magic formulas. #AuthorSuccess #AuthorBusiness #IndiePublishing #SelfPublishing #WritingAdvice #BookMarketing #Authorpreneur #WritingCommunity #WritingCareer #ProsTalkingProse

For the past year, it has felt like everyone has an opinion about AI. But what do authors actually think? We surveyed over 200 authors to better understand how writers really feel about artificial intelligence, not just how they use it, but how they view its impact on creativity, publishing, copyright, trust, and the future of storytelling. The results surprised us. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down the survey results, discuss what the numbers actually mean, challenge some common assumptions, and share why we believe the future of publishing depends less on technology, and more on authors working together as professionals. Whether you embrace AI, avoid it completely, or are still trying to decide where you stand, this conversation is designed to help you think critically rather than emotionally. Download the complete Author AI Survey Report: https://printtopro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AI_Survey_Findings_Report_Nuetral.pdf Referenced in this episode: Copyright & AI episode with Copyright Attorney: https://youtu.be/7jdWJCFDmqE Register for the Wayfinder Summit: https://wayfindersummit.com/ Join the free Print to Pro Author Business Harbor Community: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about If you enjoyed this discussion, we'd love to hear from you. What surprised you most about these survey results? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. We read every one. #AIForAuthors #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife #Publishing #BookMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #WritingTips #ProsTalkingProse

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reminded us of one of the most important truths about storytelling: once your story is released into the world, it no longer belongs only to you. Every reader brings their own experiences, beliefs, emotions, and perspective to your work. That's not a flaw in storytelling; it's the very thing that makes stories endure. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske discuss what they learned after watching The Odyssey (without spoilers) and how it applies to every author trying to create meaningful fiction. They explore why perfection is impossible, why criticism doesn't define your talent, why editors should challenge you instead of praising you, and how great stories invite readers to complete them with their own imagination. Whether you're struggling with negative reviews, afraid to publish, or wondering if your manuscript is "good enough," this conversation will help you let go of perfection and focus on writing stories that truly connect. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why every reader experiences your story differently • How to stop chasing the "perfect" book • Why developmental editing makes stories stronger • The relationship between author intent and reader interpretation • Why criticism isn't the enemy of great storytelling • How timeless stories continue to resonate for generations Resource Free Author Resources https://printtopro.com Character Archetype Worksheet https://printtopro.com/tools-and-resources/ Wayfinder Summit https://wayfindersummit.com If you're serious about becoming a stronger storyteller, subscribe for weekly conversations about writing craft, publishing, editing, and building a sustainable author career. Like the video if it helped. We'd love to hear from you in the comments: Has a book or movie ever meant something completely different to you after revisiting it years later? #writing #storytelling #authors #amwriting #writingcommunity #creativewriting #bookediting #developmentalediting #writingtips #fictionwriting #christophernolan #theodyssey #indieauthor #publishing #printtopro Chapters 00:00 Why Perfection Is the Enemy of Creativity 01:42 Our (Spoiler-Free) Thoughts on The Odyssey 07:26 Where Stories Really End 13:20 Why Your Book Isn't for Everyone 19:05 The Danger of Revising Forever 24:40 What Great Editors Actually Do 31:27 Knowing When to Let Your Story Go 36:02 Why Art Is Always Subjective 43:59 The Secret Behind Stories People Can't Put Down 49:02 Why Every Story Deserves to Be Told 53:05 Your Story Belongs to the Reader 57:17 Resources for Authors & Upcoming Events

Every author wants to believe their book is ready. But would it survive the first ten minutes on an acquisitions editor's desk? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske pull back the curtain on what professional editors and publishers actually look for when evaluating a manuscript. From unforgettable opening chapters and compelling characters to author voice, pacing, structure, and commercial viability, you'll learn how to stop reading your book like its creator—and start evaluating it like the professionals do. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or publishing independently, these principles can help you identify weaknesses before your readers do. Because every page has one job: Earn the next page. Resources Mentioned Acquisitions Editor Manuscript Checklist: https://learning.printtopro.com/acquisitions-checklist/ RECOMMENDED BOOKS:  Story Genius by Lisa Cron The Story Equation by Susan May Warren Previous Episodes:  You Don't Want an Editor, You Want Validation   Why Readers Walk Away After Reading Your Blurb The Creative Penn Podcast with Joanna Penn Author Voice Mastery with J. Daniel Sawyer  https://youtu.be/aQO0E_52sRY?si=3sdtkDRWKgg_VlhQ If this episode helped you see your manuscript from a new perspective, we'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us: What's one thing you're going to evaluate differently in your own book? And if you found this helpful, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with another writer. It helps us reach more authors who are serious about improving their craft. #WritingCommunity #WritingTips #AmWriting #BookEditing #IndieAuthor #TraditionalPublishing #StoryStructure #AuthorLife #WritingCraft #SelfPublishing

You spent months (or years) writing your book... ...and then gave yourself fifteen minutes to write the blurb. We see it all the time. Authors pour everything into their manuscript, only to rush through the one piece of sales copy that convinces readers to pick it up, or put it back on the shelf. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we're breaking down what actually makes a great book blurb, why AI-generated blurbs usually land somewhere between "fine" and "forgettable," and how to edit them into something that truly sells your story. A book blurb is not a summary. It's not your query letter. And it's definitely not the place to explain every twist in your plot. It's a promise to your reader. Join us as we walk through the five essential elements of a compelling blurb, the biggest mistakes authors make, and practical ways to test whether your blurb is encouraging readers to click Buy Now... or quietly walk away. Resources Mentioned Build a Brilliant Blurb Worksheet (Free) https://learning.printtopro.com/build-a-brilliant-blurb/ Bryan Cohen – Amazon Ads & Book Blurb Resources  (no we don't have any affiliate links with Bryan. We just think he is a swell individual) https://selling-for-authors.teachable.com/p/author-ad-school-unlimited Join our author community on Skool - The P2P Author Business Harbor https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about If you're serious about publishing professionally, building a sustainable author business, and creating books readers can't wait to recommend, you're in the right place. Like, subscribe, and join us every week as we talk writing, publishing, and everything in between. #BookBlurb #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #AuthorMarketing #BookDescription #AIWriting #PublishingAdvice #ProsTalkingProse    

The AI conversation has reached a point where authors are accusing authors, readers are accusing writers, and trust is beginning to erode throughout the publishing industry. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we step away from the usual "AI is good" versus "AI is bad" debate and tackle something much bigger: What happens when suspicion replaces evidence? Whether you're excited about AI, completely opposed to it, or still trying to figure out where you stand, this conversation isn't about telling you what to believe. It's about preserving professionalism, encouraging transparency, and asking whether our community is fighting the wrong battle. We discuss: • Why the current AI "witch hunt" is dividing authors • Confirmation bias and why everyone suddenly seems guilty • Where AI belongs (and where it doesn't) • Why transparency matters more than outrage • The difference between using tools and outsourcing creativity • The real challenges facing authors that deserve our attention Publishing has always been built on trust. If we lose that, we've lost something much bigger than an argument over technology. We'd genuinely love to hear your perspective in the comments—but please remember what we ask throughout the episode: disagree respectfully. Productive conversations move the industry forward. Personal attacks do not. Resources Mentioned Join our FREE Author Business Harbor Community: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about Learn more about Print to Pro: https://PrintToPro.com #WritingCommunity #WritingLife #Authors #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #BookTube #Publishing #WritingAdvice #AuthorBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeWriting #PrintToPro

Everyone says publishing needs fewer gatekeepers… until they have to sort through thousands of low-quality books. We know this episode may ruffle a few feathers. As lifelong advocates for independent authors, we believe writers should retain their rights, their royalties, and control over their careers. But that doesn't mean every barrier in publishing is a bad thing. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we're tackling one of the most controversial questions in publishing today: Has removing every gatekeeper actually made publishing better? We discuss why editorial standards still matter, how readers are losing trust in books, the impact AI-generated content is having on discoverability, why professional publishing isn't about keeping people out—it's about protecting readers—and how indie authors can meet (or exceed) traditional publishing standards without giving up creative control. If you've ever wondered why some books rise above the noise while others disappear, this conversation is for you. We know some people will disagree with our perspective—and that's okay. We'd genuinely like to hear your thoughts. After watching the episode, tell us: Should anyone be able to publish a book, or does publishing still need standards? Let's have the conversation. Mentioned in this episode Macmillan CEO interview on the future of publishing: The Future of Publishing – Macmillan CEO Interview by David Perell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcSbQU0g8hw&t=4098s AI Sentiment Survey for Authors printtopro.com/author-a-i-sentiment-survey/ Fjeldheim Writers Retreat https://fjeldheimwritersretreat.com/ Join our free Print to Pro Author Business Harbor community: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about   Subscribe:  If you're serious about building a sustainable author career—not just publishing a book, subscribe for weekly conversations about writing, publishing, marketing, and the business of being an author. New episodes every week. #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #Publishing #BookMarketing #AuthorBusiness #WritingTips #BookPublishing #Authors #ArtificialIntelligence #WritingLife #PrintToPro

How much is caution costing your author career? Most writers don't think fear is influencing their decisions. They think they're being practical. Responsible. Patient. Careful, but sometimes playing it safe comes with a hidden cost. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske explore how fear affects the decisions authors make every day, like finishing manuscripts and investing in professional help to attending conferences, publishing books, and building a long-term writing career. You'll learn why writers freeze, how fear disguises itself as logic, and how to recognize the difference between making a smart decision and making a fearful one. The greatest risk to your writing career may be standing still. Whether you're struggling with publishing decisions, perfectionism, fear of criticism, fear of AI, analysis paralysis, or simply taking the next step, this episode will help you evaluate what playing it safe is really costing you. Why writers freeze and stop making progress Fear vs. reasonable caution Analysis paralysis in publishing The psychology behind author decision-making Fear of finishing your manuscript Fear of investing in your author business Publishing scams and fear-based marketing tactics AI anxiety and industry uncertainty How to evaluate risk without panic Why successful authors keep moving forward despite uncertainty   #AuthorBusiness #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AmWriting #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #AuthorLife #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingCareer #ProsTalkingProse

Most authors don't have a writing problem—they have a deadline problem. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey joins us from the California coast while Troy holds down the fort in Idaho to talk about one of the biggest sources of stress, burnout, and frustration in an author's career: unrealistic deadlines. From drafting and editing to cover design, formatting, publishing, and launch planning, we break down what realistic publishing timelines actually look like and why so many authors accidentally create "writer emergencies" that never needed to exist in the first place. When you're preparing your first book or managing a growing backlist, understanding how deadlines affect every member of your publishing team can save you time, money, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress. Most importantly, we discuss why publishing isn't a race and why slowing down may actually help you create a better book. In this episode: • How to set realistic writing deadlines • The difference between soft deadlines and hard deadlines • Why preorders can create pressure you don't need • What editors, designers, and formatters wish authors understood • Common timeline mistakes that delay publication • Why there are no publishing emergencies • How to avoid author burnout during the publishing process • Why celebrating milestones matters more than you think If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or pressured to publish faster, this conversation is for you. RESOURCES & LINKS Author AI Sentiment Survey printtopro.com/Author-a-i-sentiment-survey/ Print to Pro Power Sessions https://learning.printtopro.com/p2p-power-session-june-session/ Craft Lab with the Plot Dude https://learning.printtopro.com/plotter-wanderer-hybrid-mosaic-sculptor/ Join the Author Business Harbor Community https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:09 Writing Deadlines: The Good, The Bad, and The Self-Imposed 11:32 Why Authors Underestimate the Editing Timeline 22:10 Cover Design, Formatting & Publishing Reality 26:10 AI Covers, Artists, and Reader Expectations 32:23 Building a Publishing Timeline That Actually Works 35:12 Uploading, Distribution & Launch Day Myths 41:56 The Proof Copy Stage Most Authors Rush 49:24 Why Perfection Doesn't Exist in Publishing 53:20 Last-Minute Changes and Deadline Disasters 56:13 Celebrating Milestones Instead of Racing Through Them 01:01:24 Why Publishing Isn't a Race 01:07:20 Post-Launch Edits and Managing Expectations 01:12:35 Life Happens: Adjusting Deadlines Without Guilt 01:15:19 Final Thoughts on the Author Journey #WritingCommunity #Authors #SelfPublishing #WritingLife #AuthorBusiness #PublishingTips #AmWriting #BookPublishing #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife

Are you measuring author success by the wrong standard? Too many writers compare themselves to bestselling authors, viral success stories, and household names. But what if that's exactly what's making you miserable? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske tackle the uncomfortable truth about author success, the publishing industry's "power law," and why so many writers burn themselves out chasing goals they can't control. We discuss why building a sustainable author career matters more than chasing fame, how to stop comparing yourself to the biggest names in publishing, and what successful authors actually spend their time doing. If you've ever felt behind, frustrated, overwhelmed, or like everyone else is succeeding faster than you, this conversation is for you. Success doesn't have to mean becoming Stephen King. Sometimes success means building a loyal readership, creating books you're proud of, and designing an author career that actually fits your life. In this episode: • Why most authors are measuring success incorrectly • The publishing industry's "power law" explained • Why comparison is killing your motivation • The difference between fame and a sustainable writing career • How to build your own author micro-community • What productive authors focus on (and what they ignore) • Why burnout is more dangerous than failure • The three assets every author should be building • Why writing a great book is necessary—but not enough • How to define success on your own terms Resources Mentioned: Author AI Sentiment Survey Quietly Into the Night by Vincent Zandri Alibi Syndicate Press Plot Dude's Guide to Story P2P Author Business Harbor Community If you enjoy honest conversations about writing, publishing, author business, and building a long-term career, make sure to subscribe and join us each week. #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #AuthorBusiness #WritingCareer #BookMarketing #AmWriting #AuthorsHelpingAuthors #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingPodcast #BookTube #AuthorSuccess

Is your book really for everyone? One of the biggest mistakes authors make is trying to write, market, and sell their books to everyone. In reality, the most successful authors understand that books succeed when they connect deeply with the right readers, not all readers. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert discuss why trying to appeal to everyone can actually hurt your book marketing, weaken your author brand, and make it harder to build a loyal readership. We explore audience targeting for authors, reader expectations, genre positioning, reader trust, author platforms, and why building a micro community of dedicated fans is more powerful than chasing a massive audience. Whether you're self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, understanding who your book is truly for can dramatically improve your marketing strategy and long-term author career. In This Episode: • Why "my book is for everyone" is a dangerous mindset • How reader expectations affect book sales and reviews • The difference between a mass audience and a micro community • Building superfans instead of chasing followers • Why genre positioning matters • How authors accidentally betray reader trust • Creating an author platform readers actually want to join • The role of authenticity in building a sustainable author business AI Sentiment Survey: https://printtopro.com/author-a-i-sentiment-survey/ P2P Author Business Harbor: Join our community for free https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about   Resources Mentioned: • Story Genius by Lisa Cron If you found this discussion helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with another author who may be trying to market their book to everyone. #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #AuthorPlatform #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #AuthorBusiness #BookPromotion #ReaderEngagement #WritingLife #Authors #BookMarketingStrategy #AuthorBrand #ProsTalkingProse

Most authors think book titles are just creative decisions. They’re not. Your title is metadata. Your title is marketing. Your title is the FIRST signal readers get about your book, and if it’s confusing, generic, impossible to pronounce, or sounds like every other title in your genre… readers are already moving on. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske break down why so many authors struggle with titling their books, how trends like “shadow/thorn/ash” naming conventions are flooding the market, and what actually makes a title memorable, searchable, clickable, and marketable. We also talk about: • Why readers judge books almost instantly • The biggest title mistakes authors make • Why “clever” often fails • Genre expectations and title psychology • Searchability and discoverability on Amazon • Why your title is part of your metadata strategy • The problem with trendy fantasy naming conventions • Why some titles actively hurt sales • How to test your title BEFORE launch • What authors should know about AI-generated titles and covers • Why readability matters more than authors think Also, we discuss updates surrounding the Anthropic AI lawsuit, Amazon reporting/review delays, and our upcoming AI sentiment survey for authors and readers. If you’re struggling to title your novel, nonfiction book, memoir, thriller, fantasy, romance, or cozy mystery… this episode is for you. 👇 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED Join the FREE P2P Author Business Harbor community on Skool https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor Print to Pro: www.printtopro.com The Plot Abides: www.theplotabides.com AI Publishing Sentiment Survey   If this episode helped you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another author. Every share genuinely helps us reach more writers trying to navigate publishing professionally. #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AmWriting #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #BookTitles #PublishingTips #Authors #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #BookMarketingTips #ThrillerBooks #AuthorBusiness #Anthropicnews #AIwriting 

Some authors became so focused on “being professional” that they forgot how to actually enjoy writing. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert tackle burnout, doomscrolling, industry panic, AI fearmongering, and the emotional exhaustion many authors are quietly carrying right now. We talk honestly about: • treating your author career like a hobby (in a healthy way) • why disruption in publishing never lasts forever • protecting your creativity during difficult seasons • how to stop tying your self-worth to book sales • why long-term authors survive by “keeping showing up” • maintaining joy while still taking your business seriously If you’re struggling with motivation, discouraged by slow growth, overwhelmed by social media, or simply trying to reconnect with WHY you started writing in the first place, this conversation is for you. Professional doesn’t have to mean miserable. RESOURCES  Print to Pro Classes & Webinars: https://printtopro.com Fjeldheim Writers Retreat: FjeldheimWritersRetreat.com Bonus Episode with Becca Syme & Roland Denzel: https://youtu.be/CgmV7Dk9Gvc Becca Syme / Better Faster Academy: https://betterfasteracademy.com Join the FREE P2P Author Business Harbor Community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #BookWriting #Publishing #WritersOfYouTube #CreativeBurnout #AuthorBusiness #WritersLife #WritingMotivation #ProsTalkingProse

In this special bonus episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske sit down with powerhouse author coaches Becca Syme and Roland Denzel for an honest, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about author burnout, publishing disruption, mental health, creativity, resilience, and what it actually means to build a sustainable writing life. From the realities of traditional publishing and indie pressure to social media overwhelm, writing retreats, productivity myths, and the importance of protecting your creative energy, this episode explores why the healthiest authors often approach success very differently than the industry expects. Whether you're a full-time author, part-time creative, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single “right” way to build a writing career. In This Episode: Why publishing feels unstable for so many writers right now The hidden mental health costs of modern author culture The truth about traditional publishing vs indie publishing Why resilience matters more than certainty How different author brains process creativity Why some writers should absolutely edit as they go The danger of comparing your process to other authors Social media burnout and protecting your creative focus Writing as a business vs writing as a lifelong creative practice Why writing retreats can reignite creativity and momentum If you’re tired of hustle culture, burnout advice, and feeling like you’re “doing publishing wrong,” this conversation might be exactly what you need.   #ProsTalkingProse #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #PublishingIndustry #WritingRetreat #AuthorBurnout #BeccaSyme #RolandDenzel #WritingPodcast #AuthorBusiness #CreativeProcess #BookMarketing #WritingLife #SelfPublishing

Most authors are told to obsess over launches, bestseller rankings, and “making it” with their debut novel, but what if that mindset is exactly what’s destroying long-term author careers? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the dangerous publishing myths that are exhausting writers, sabotaging marketing efforts, and creating unrealistic expectations in modern publishing. We dive into: • Why your debut novel is NOT your career • Why viral launches rarely create sustainable success • The real difference between marketing and advertising • Why midlist authors often outlast breakout stars • Building long-term visibility instead of chasing spikes • AI discoverability, metadata, and semantic search changes • Why authors need adaptability to survive today’s industry • Reader promises, branding, direct sales, and superfans • How to stop burning out and start building longevity If you’ve ever felt discouraged because your launch didn’t explode overnight, this episode is for you. Your career is built by continuing to show up, not just on one book. Want more publishing and author business education? Access free webinars and power sessions. Visit Print to Pro: https://printtopro.com Follow Pros Talking Prose for weekly conversations on: • Publishing • Writing craft • Marketing • Author business • Industry news • AI & discoverability • Sustainable author careers #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #BookMarketing #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #Publishing #AmWriting #AuthorBusiness #WritersLife #BookTube #CreativeBusiness #WritingTips #Metadata #AIsearch

Most authors believe a simple idea: “If my book is good, it will sell.” That belief is costing authors thousands of dollars. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down the real reason most books don’t sell—and why your editor may not be telling you the full truth about book sales, publishing expectations, and author profitability.  What we cover: • Why don’t good books sell? • Can editors predict book sales? • Do authors make their money back after editing? • What does it actually take to sell books in today’s market? • What is the difference between writing a good book and building a sellable product? Key takeaways:  • A well-written book is not the same as a marketable book • Editors focus on craft, not sales strategy • Most authors underestimate the business side of publishing • Book sales depend on positioning, packaging, and audience alignment • The publishing industry operates on a power-law distribution (few winners, many low sellers) This episode is for: • Indie authors and self-published writers • Authors preparing to hire an editor • Writers frustrated with low book sales • Anyone building an author business instead of just writing a book The Truth about Publishing is that most authors: • Overspend on editing without a sales strategy • Expect their editor to guide business decisions • Skip critical steps like market positioning and audience targeting Your editor can improve your manuscript, but they cannot guarantee book sales. Resources: If you want to learn how to: • Build a profitable author business • Position your book in the market • Understand metadata, pricing, and discoverability  Visit: https://printtopro.com Join our free Power Sessions & Craft Lab trainings #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #AuthorBusiness #PublishingIndustry #AmWriting #WritersLife #BookSales #AuthorTips #CreativeBusiness #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #AIinPublishing #ContentStrategy