The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston

After Amin Ahmad lost his agent and his editor, his crime novel series was cut short. But now he’s back in the game with a brand-new thriller called A KILLER IN THE FAMILY. In this episode Amin talks about teaching creative writing, and how he writes his novels the same way he used to design buildings.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonAMIN AHMAD:Website: https://www.aminahmadbooks.com/IG: @aminahmadbooksA KILLER IN THE FAMILY: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9781250394897Show Notes:Writer's Center in DC: https://writer.org/New School in NYCStoryStudio ChicagoGrub Street in BostonCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth Knafo Setton was told there was “no chance” her book would get published, but after parting ways with her agent, she sold the book on her own and won some awards for it along the way!Ruth writes her novels the way a magician creates an illusion, and she combines creative intuition with a regular writing practice, lots of revision, and a healthy dose of tenacity. Her novel Zig Zag Girl, about a sisterhood of female magicians, was released in the UK in the fall of 2025 and in the U.S. in March 2026. It won Grand Prize for ScreenCraft's Most Cinematic Book, and the screenplay for a pilot episode of Zig Zag Girl won 1st prize in the LA Crime & Horror Film Festival. In this episode, we talk about Ruth’s long road to publishing her two novels, her fascinating creative process, and how she fell in love with screenwriting. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonRuth Knafo Setton:Website: www.ruthsetton.com/  Substack: www.ruthsetton.substack.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/rksetton/ Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/list/122004.Ruth_Knafo_SettonZigZag Girl: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/ZigZag-Girl/Ruth-Knafo-Setton/9781917788038Show Notes:Substack article by Vicky Weber: https://vickyweberbooks.substack.com/p/what-nobodys-telling-querying-writersVCCA: https://www.vcca.com/Andrea Bartz's article about Ruth: https://andibartz.substack.com/p/guest-post-being-sawed-in-half-taughtBlack Spring Press's Crime Series: https://blackspringpressgroup.com/collections/black-spring-crime-seriesManuscript Academy: https://manuscriptacademy.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beekeeper and kidlit author Shanna Upchurch got orphaned by her editor and dumped by her agent within a 48-hour period. But she kept things professional and a few weeks later landed a 6-figure deal at auction! Shanna has always taken her writing and publishing career seriously, even during her many (many!) years of rejection. Her debut picture book, The Honeybee Highway, was just released in April 2026, and she has two middle grade novels coming out in 2027 and 2028.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonShanna Upchurch:Website: https://www.shannaupchurch.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdupchurch4/The Honeybee Highway: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-honeybee-highway-shanna-upchurch/7526ed79e126c673?ean=9781368116022&next=tShow Notes:Highlights Foundation (now called Boyds Mills): https://boydsmills.org/SCBWI: https://www.scbwi.org/The Manuscript Academy: https://manuscriptacademy.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darien Gee experienced many years of ups and downs with writing and publishing novels before getting her MFA (at the age of 50) and discovering a love for micro-prose, poetry, and narrative nonfiction. In this episode we talk about Darien’s journey through the publishing world with sales numbers “trending down” and selling a book at auction. We also talk about the magic of micro-prose, how she used micro-prose to transform a novel into an award-winning chapbook, and her two Substack newsletters for writers. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonDarien Gee:Website: https://www.dariengee.comSubstack: https://writerish.substack.com Substack: https://draftsdealsdetours.substack.comShow Notes:Object Lessons: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/discover/bloomsbury-academic/object-lessons/Rainier Writing Workshop: https://www.plu.edu/academic-programs/program/mfa-rainier-writing/Shout-outs to Patricia Smith, Rigoberto Gonzales, Lauren Groff, and others!Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casey Sciezka runs the Spruceton Inn, a Catskills Bed & Bar, as well as its annual Artist Residency that hosts world-renowned painters and bestselling and award-winning authors. Now on her third agent (who happens to be my agent as well!), she has finally published her debut novel, The Fountain, which is pitched as Tuck Everlasting for adults.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonCasey Scieszka:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprucetoninn/Substack: https://sprucetoninn.substack.comWebsite: https://www.caseyscieszka.comThe Fountain: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-fountain-casey-scieszkaShow Notes:Spruceton Inn & Artist Residency Website: https://www.sprucetoninn.comJami Attenberg and #1000WordsofSummer: https://1000wordsofsummer.substack.com/aboutCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wendy Tokunaga has weathered bad book sales and agent break-ups. She’s published with a Big 5 publisher and self-published, and in this episode she makes a strong case for why most writers should at least TRY for the traditional book deal. She was the oldest person in her MFA program, and her latest novel, Brenda Barker’s Next Chapter, features a 64-year-old aspiring author as the protagonist.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonWendy Tokunaga:Website: https://www.wendytokunaga.com/Bluesky: @wendytokunaga.bsky.socialTwitter: @Wendy_Tokunaga Buy Brenda Barker’s Next Chapter: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9798218774769Show Notes:Eva's article on Jane Friedman's Blog: https://janefriedman.com/after-my-second-book-died-on-submission-i-took-these-4-crucial-steps/Stanford's Novel Writing Certificate Program: https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/writing-certificate/overviewMaiden, Mother, Crone Substack Article: https://substack.com/home/post/p-185776582Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USA Today bestselling suspense author Marisa Walz uses her intuition when making writing and publishing decisions. After many manuscripts she “just knew” Good Intentions would be the one to finally get published. In this episode we talk about Marisa’s drafting process, how she broke up with her first agents, and a tarot card reader who predicted a major moment in Marisa’s author career.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonMarisa Walz:Website:  https://www.marisawalz.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisacwalz/GOOD INTENTIONS: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/good-intentions-9781250397409/Show Notes:Instagram post that made me want to interview Marisa: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT_tfMMjabq/?img_index=1The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast: https://www.theshitaboutwriting.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When traditional publishers didn’t think there was a market for historical fiction featuring black female leads, Vanessa Riley bet on herself, and won big! After finding success with self-publishing, she is now traditionally publishing her historical fiction, romance, and mystery books with the Big 5 Publishers.Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author of over twenty-nine novels including Island Queen (a GMA buzz pick), Queen of Exiles (ABC’s The View’s Lit Pic), and the Lady Worthing Mystery Series (which won the 2024 Georgia Author of the Year for Mystery). With a doctorate from Stanford University and other engineering degrees from Penn State, Vanessa brings a research-oriented approach to her inclusive storytelling which spotlights hidden narratives of Black women and women of color, emphasizing power, sisterhoods, and family sagas across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonVanessa Riley:Website: Vanessariley.comFire Sword & Sea: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9780063271043Show Notes:Eva Rutland: https://romancehistory.com/2022/04/05/eva-rutland-1917-2012/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Maryk has had a long career in acting and sketch-writing, and her debut novel, The Found Object Society, was just been released from Disney Hyperion. Michelle and I discuss how her acting background informs her writing, how she got hooked on writing conferences, and, of course, her writing and publishing journey.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go hereFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonMichelle Maryk:Website: https://www.michellemaryk.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemmaryk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellemmaryk/The Found Object Society: https://oblongbooks.com/michellemarykhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/803997/the-found-object-society-by-michelle-maryk/Show Notes:Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.comConferences mentioned: AWP, Thrillerfest, Bouchercon, Hampton’s Whodunit, Murder by the BookAuthors mentioned: Fiona Davis, Ashley Winstead, Danielle Girard, Angie Kim, Jean Kwok, Rebecca Makkai, Georgina Cross, Claire McIntosh, Vera Kurian, Laura McHugh, Kathleen Barber, Jennifer McMahon, Jennifer Fawcett, Jason AllisonAudiobook narrator mentioned: Saskia MaarleveldPublicist mentioned: Kathleen CarterCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karin Gillespie has had FIVE literary agents and has published in all the ways: Big 5, small indie press, & self-publishing. With 20+ years of experience in publishing, she knows how to pitch a novel and what it takes to sell a book. She is the author of the popular southern fiction Bottom Dollar Girls series, and her most recent novel, The Pitch Queen, is a satire of the publishing industry.*Please note that many of Karin's books are NOT found on my bookshop shop, but you can find them here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCVXHY?ingress=0&visitId=f635e3bd-82e6-4b1d-8801-59eef6329175&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&ccs_id=2b2e06d5-a67a-4cf7-970c-147eb9b2e948The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonKarin Gillespie:Website: https://karingillespieauthor.comSubstack: https://pitchyournovel.substack.comShow Notes:Joanna Penn: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/Kindlepreneur: https://kindlepreneur.com/Cynthia Swanson’s episode: https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/694afa4009314afbec4973bcWomen's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA): https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Lincoln Michel talks about teaching, freelancing, being a lit mag editor, and writing his popular Substack newsletter, Counter Craft. We also discuss short story collections, AI in publishing, and why authors should write weird things. Lincoln's latest genre-blending novel is METALLIC REALMS, and he is the author of THE BODY SCOUT, which was named one of the 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2021 by The New York Times and one of the 75 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time by Esquire. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonLincoln Michel:Website: https://lincolnmichel.com/Substack: https://countercraft.substack.com/ METALLIC REALMS at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/88357/9781668058671Show Notes:Electric Literature: https://electricliterature.com/Tony Tulathimutte's book, REJECTION: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9780063337886The Substack Article about "The Golden Age of Weird" : https://www.hapitalist.com/p/the-golden-age-of-weird-is-here?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=440539&post_id=179456650&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1bdoot&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raidah Shah Idil’s middle grade fantasy novel, HOW TO FREE A JINN, was first published in Australia before being picked up by a U.S. Big 5 publisher. Raidah and I talk about writing and publishing, and bond over being writer-moms with Type A personalities. Australian author Raidah Shah Idil was born in Singapore, grew up in Sydney, worked in Jordan, and now lives in Malaysia with her husband, three children and mother-in-law. Raidah earned her BA in English and BS in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, and her Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Raidah's debut middle grade fantasy novel, How To Free A Jinn, was highly commended by the Victorian Literary Premier Awards and won the Readings Children's Prize in 2025. Salaam Reads (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) has published and distributed the book in the US, Canada & the UK. Raidah loves ginger tea and noodle soup, and dreams of uninterrupted sleep.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonRaidah Shah Idil:Website: www.raidahshahidil.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/raidahwritesHOW TO FREE A JINN: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Free-a-Jinn/Raidah-Shah-Idil/9781665982627Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cynthia Swanson’s Harper Collins debut, The Bookseller, was a NYT bestseller with a film option from Julia Roberts. Less than a decade later, after struggling to find a publisher for her third book, Cynthia decided to self-publish her psychological suspense novel Anyone But Her and was named Indie Author of the Year. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonCynthia Swanson:Website:https://cynthiaswansonauthor.com/Substack: https://thewhatifjournal.substack.com/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cynswanauthor.bsky.socialANYONE BUT HER: https://bookshop.org/p/books/anyone-but-her-cynthia-swanson/974d6c0c0e31c3ecShow Notes: Jane Friedman article: https://janefriedman.com/self-publishing-after-a-bestseller/The Author’s Guild: https://authorsguild.org/Indie Author Project: https://indieauthorproject.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special end-of-year episode, Eva reflects on the first 16 episodes of The Long Road to Publishing, hints at what's to come on the podcast in 2026, and awards some "superlatives" to a few of the episodes and guests. She also talks about her podcast goals and how listeners can qualify to win a free copy of Courtney Maum's book: BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL!The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonShow Notes:Link to Superlatives post:Link to index post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSnBFL8lRir/?img_index=1Link to information about the book giveaway contest: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSp67pxicQf/?img_index=1Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darlene P. Campos is the author of a YA novel, two middle grade novels, and a picture book. Earlier this year, only a month before the release of her middle grade historical novel, she suffered “the worst rejection of her life.” In this episode we learn about Darlene’s publishing journey, as well as this shocking rejection and how she survived it.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonDarlene P. Campos:Website: https://www.darlenepcampos.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenepcampos/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarlenePCamposBuy The Center of the Earth: Bookshop: https://tinyurl.com/bduf9avr or Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-center-of-the-earth-darlene-p-campos/1147493966?ean=9781955058285Shownotes:Eva's essay on the Brevity blog: https://brevity.wordpress.com/2025/08/04/long-road-to-publishing/Darlene's essay on the Brevity blog: https://brevity.wordpress.com/2025/03/19/rejection-is-a-piece-of-cake/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsey Goldstein got serious about her writing career at the age of 40, and her debut novel Gap Year is a middle-age coming-of-age story. Lindsey talks about revising Gap Year many, many times, parting ways with an agent who wasn’t a good fit, and signing with a small, indie publisher. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston-Unfortunately Lindsey's book Gap Year is currently unavailable on bookshop, but you can order it here: https://egretlakebooks.com/gap-year-a-novel/Lindsey Goldstein:Website:www.lindseygoldsteinauthor.com, IG: @goldsteinlindsey Substack newsletter: lindseygoldstein.substack.com TikTok:@lindseygoldsteinauthorPreorder GAP YEAR: https://egretlakebooks.com/gap-year-a-novel/Shownotes:Lindsey mentions the following: Pitch to Published (P2P): https://www.facebook.com/groups/pitchtopublished/JoyPitch: https://joypitch.wordpress.com/Women's Fiction Writers Association: https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/Writer's Digest Online workshops: https://writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Thorne is the instant USA Today, Indie, and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Tomes & Tea series. She started out pursuing traditional publishing for many years. With great strategy and timing, she ended up finding huge success with self-publishing… then the traditional publishers came a-knocking! She now has two series being re-published with the Big Five imprint Tor.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonRebecca Thorne:Website: https://rebeccathorne.net/This Gilded Abyss: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9781250422125Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccathornewrites/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Broad published ten romance novels with Entangled (and wrote a LOT of books that didn’t sell) before publishing GREENWICH, her literary debut, with St. Martin’s Press. Kate's publishing journey is WILD and she has so much great advice to share about writing and publishing.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonKate Broad:Website: katebroad.comInstagram: instagram.com/katebroadbooksSubstack: https://katebroad.substack.com/Buy Greenwich: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250363046/greenwich/ Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Lane Williams always knew he wanted to be two things: a cop and a writer. He started out writing excellent police reports before publishing two nonfiction books. And now, after many detours, his debut novel, Carousel Grift, is out in the world. David’s path to publication has more twists and turns than an amusement park ride, from going to film school, to finding himself on the board of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association!The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonDavid Lane Williams:Website: https://www.davidlanewilliams.com/Order CAROUSEL GRIFT: https://bookshop.org/p/books/carousel-grift/187efb12ab80f6fc?ean=9781685136666&next=tCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Middle grade author Sarah Allen checks a lot of boxes when it comes to bumps in the road to publishing: a long querying journey, parting ways with her first agent, and being orphaned by her editor. But she’s also gotten to check a lot of the good boxes, too: heartfelt letters from readers, a school visit involving a limo ride, and two two-book deals with Macmillion Children’s. Learn about her path to publishing her four middle grade novels (so far!), including her two most recent “spooky” books, Monster Tree and The Nightmare House. And hear her advice on how kidlit authors can connect with teachers and plan great school visits.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonSarah Allen:Website: https://www.sarahallenbooks.com/ Newsletter: https://sarahallen.substack.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Fawcett landed her agent somewhat easily but got stuck in a never-ending cycle of revisions and submissions before finally selling her debut horror novel, Beneath the Stairs. We also discuss her work as a playwright and her new thriller novel, Keep This for Me.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonJennifer Fawcett:Website: https://jenniferfawcettauthor.com/Order Keep This for Me: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Keep-This-for-Me/Jennifer-Fawcett/9781668050644Instagram: @JenniferFawcett_AuthorTikTok: tiktok.com/@jenniferfawcett_authorSubstack: https://jenniferfawcett.substack.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robyn Ryle has pivoted many times in her career, publishing in multiple genres and by multiple methods: traditional publishing with an agent, self-publishing, and publishing with a small, brand-new indie press. Her novel-in-stories, Sex of the Midwest, is being published by Galiot Press and recently earned a starred review from Kirkus!Robyn Ryle is the author of two award-winning nonfiction books: She/He/They/Me and Throw Like a Girl Cheer Like a Boy. Her short story collection, Sex of the Midwest, is forthcoming from Galiot Press in October 2025. Her essays and stories have appeared in CNN, Newsweek, BELT Magazine, StorySouth and CALYX Journal, among others.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonRobyn Ryle:Website: https://robynryle.com/Substack: https://robynryle.substack.com/Buy Robyn’s Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/RobynsbooksKirkus Review of Sex of the Midwest: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/robyn-ryle/sex-of-the-midwest/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat Lewis thought her book had died on submission. She was so burned out on revisions and rejections that she announced she was quitting writing… But then a fairy-god-editor made her book deal dream come true. Now, after a ten year journey, she has finally sold her debut novel, Good People, to Simon & Schuster. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] Lewis:Website: https://www.katjolewis.com/Substack: https://katjolewis.substack.com/Self-paced Craft Courses: https://craftwithkat.thinkific.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katjolewis/Show Notes:Kat mentions Austin Kleon's book Show Your Work: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9780761178972Eva mentions Mary Kole’s newsletter post, The One Trick to Getting Published That Gatekeepers Don’t Want You to Know. Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode with Esperanza Hope Snyder and Marines Alvarez! Esperanza is an accomplished poet and the author of the novel Orange Wine. Marines is a popular book influencer and the tastemaker at the head of Mareas, the imprint at Bindery Books that acquired Esperanza’s novel. We chat about the new publishing model at Bindery Books, how Marines built her following as a book influencer on YouTube and TikTok, and, of course, Esperanza’s twenty-year journey to publishing Orange Wine (which releases September 30, 2025!).The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] Hope Snyder:Website: http://esperanzahopesnyder.comPreorder Orange Wine from bookshop, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/orange-wine-esperanza-hope-snyder/1146776940?ean=9781964721347Instagram: esperanza_hope_snyder Marines Alvarez:http://mareas.binderybooks.comInstagram:@mynameismarinesYouTube: @mynameismarinesCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lacey N. Dunham’s debut novel, The Belles, is coming out very soon, so we discuss the intense emotions and anxieties that are common to feel before your book releases (and why maybe all writers need a therapist). Lacey also shares her intentional and highly-successful querying strategy, as well as what it was like getting into the publishing world having come from a rural, lower-class background.  The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] N. Dunham:Website: https://www.laceyndunham.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/lndhopThreads: www.threads.com/@lndhopBluesky: bookbent.bsky.socialPreorder The Belles: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Belles/Lacey-N-Dunham/9781668084861Show Notes:We mentioned: Evelyn Skye's post on why preorders matter a lot.My interview with Courtney MaumCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the query trenches and on submission, thriller author Jessica Payne went from piles of rejections to multiple offers from agents and publishers.How? She reflected on her rejections and learned to pivot.Plus, we discuss her experience with digital publisher Bookouture, and how she got her latest two-book deal with Penguin Random House.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonJessica Payne:Website: www.jessicapayne.netSubstack: https://jessicapayneauthor.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicapayne.writer/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessicapayne.bsky.socialShow Notes:We mentioned: Jane FriedmanCourtney Maum’s book Before and After the Book DealAgent Rachelle Gardner’s explanation of why so many books die on submission: https://www.threads.net/@rachelle_literary_agent/post/DHi4X0Rs1vAhttps://goodstoryco.substack.com/p/the-one-trick-to-getting-publishedGotham Ghost WritersCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evelyn Skye, a bestselling author of books for teens and adults, has now published TEN novels. But her publishing career hasn’t been as easy as she makes it look. With a cheerful smile, Evelyn talks about how she weathered hundreds of agent rejections and many (many!) manuscripts that died on submission. In this episode we discuss Evelyn’s tenth novel, The Incredible Kindness of Paper, and the moment years ago when she almost gave up on writing (and what made her keep trying!).The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] Skye:Website: creativeinspiredhappy.comSubstack: https://www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/The Incredible Kindness of Paper: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9781668081907Credits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YA and MG author Kern Carter talks about self-publishing, publishing with an independent press, and signing deals with Scholastic and Penguin Random House. We also discuss his unique book launch events, the surprising ways he found his agents, and what happened when his book didn’t make it past the acquisitions board.Kern Carter:Website: www.kerncarter.comSubstack: https://writersaresuperstars.substack.com/The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonCredits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times Instant Bestseller, Julia Bartz, talks about her publishing journey, from her first attempt at writing a novel, to parting ways with her first agent, to overcoming her fear of public speaking in preparation for the launch of her debut thriller novel, The Writing Retreat. She also talks about her latest novel, The Last Session.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at [email protected] books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonJulia Bartz:THE LAST SESSIONTHE WRITING RETREATJulia's websiteFind Julia on Instagram and XShow Notes:Eva recommended Jennifer McMahon's books!Julia recommended Pleasure Activism and Rest is ResistanceCredits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an early near-miss, Courtney’s debut novel came out 10 years later, with a different publisher, editor, agent, and title. (Not to mention, completely re-written!) And her publishing journey didn’t end there! She’s now published with both Big Five and indie publishers, and in a variety of genres: novels, a memoir, and her popular nonfiction how-to book, Before and After the Book Deal.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonCourtney Maum:-Website: (info on books and classes and retreats): https://www.courtneymaum.com-Substack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/welcomeShow Notes: More here about Courtney's upcoming novel, Alan Opts Out.Credits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this intro episode YA author Bethany Alcott will help me answer questions about imprints and Big 5 publishers, the difference between traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid-publishing, querying agents, dying on submission, and many more!The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at [email protected] Alcott: -Follow her on Substack or subscribe to her newsletter, Writer Fully Alive-Find her on Instagram-Find out more about Whimsical PublishingSHOW NOTES: Things we mentioned: Jane Friedman’s blogJane Friedman’s book, The Business of Being a Writer, 2nd EditionKarin Gillespie’s series of posts exploring the three modes of publishing: 1. traditional publishing (big), 2. trad publishing (medium to small) and 3. self-publishing and hybridRachelle Gardner’s threads postHow to Write a Stand-Out Query LetterHow to Find the Right Literary AgentWhat I Learned from 90 Queries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.