Write the Damn Book Already

Elizabeth Lyons

Want to write, publish, and market your book, but feel overwhelmed by where to start? Write the Damn Book Already breaks down the writing process, self-publishing, and traditional publishing so you can move from idea to finished book with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Elizabeth Lyons—author, book writing coach, book editor, and self-publishing expert—this show untangles the often-confusing world of writing and publishing. From first draft to finished manuscript, indie publishing to traditional publishing, Amazon strategy to long-term book visibility, you’ll get practical guidance and honest conversations about what it really takes to get a book into the world. Through solo episodes and interviews with both traditionally published and indie authors—across fiction and nonfiction—Elizabeth brings a well-rounded, no-hype perspective to the publishing industry. Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a novel, you’ll walk away with clearer next steps and fewer mental roadblocks.

  1. Ep 168: How Reality TV Inspired a Debut Novel (with Amy Mass)

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ep 168: How Reality TV Inspired a Debut Novel (with Amy Mass)

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! If you've ever thought "I could write a book about this" while watching a reality TV show at 10pm, you're going to love this episode!  Amy Mass spent years writing for TV (you might recognize "The Goldbergs" and "Last Man Standing" from her credits), and after relocating from LA to a charming small town outside Atlanta during COVID, she channeled all of that storytelling experience into her debut novel, Reality Bites, out May 12, 2026 from Harper Perennial. In this episode, Amy and I talk about what it actually looked like to make the leap from TV writer to novelist, including writing three books and two movies in four years, going out on submission, shelving her first manuscript, and finally landing a deal with a major publishing house.  We also get into her writing process (she's both a pantser and a plotter), why she writes dialogue first, and how she keeps a running collection of joke scraps and character notes scattered across her phone, her laptop, and random Post-its around the house. We also talk about what it was like getting notes from her agent and her editor, and how to push back on notes without being precious about it. Her phrase "find the note behind the note" is one to hold onto!  And then we get into the part that surprises most authors: how much marketing is still on you. Amy was genuinely caught off guard by how much time, energy, and social media hustle a book launch requires—even with a publicity team in your corner.  🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    37 min
  2. Ep 167: Self-Publishing Surprises with Allie Hill

    6 MAY

    Ep 167: Self-Publishing Surprises with Allie Hill

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Most authors don’t realize that publishing isn’t just about writing a book. Before long, it often becomes a full-on entrepreneurial rollercoaster.  In this episode, I talk with Allie Hill, author of the Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting, about what really happens after you hit "publish." She reveals what surprised her, what flopped, and what secretly skyrocketed her confidence.  This episode is perfect for first-time authors, seasoned writers, or anyone curious about the gritty truth behind that glossy book cover. (And just wait until you hear her book recommendation from the "What I'm Reading Now" segment!)  🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. 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 BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    41 min
  3. Ep 166: Writing the Book That Scares You a Little (with Rachel Beanland)

    29 APR

    Ep 166: Writing the Book That Scares You a Little (with Rachel Beanland)

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Rachel Beanland has written three novels (her newest, The Half Life, releases on July 14, 2026 from Simon & Schuster), and she's still surprised by how much each book teaches her.  In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to challenge yourself as a writer—specifically, her decision to write her latest novel, The Half-Life, in first person for the first time.  (As I've recently learned while working on my own novel, it's harder than it sounds, and Rachel has the perfect explanation as to why.) We also get into how personal history shapes fiction (her first novel grew out of a family tragedy from nearly a century ago), why a strong sense of place isn't optional, and what happens when you trust your instincts even when the process feels messy as hell. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    39 min
  4. Ep 165: How to Write a Memoir That Actually Lands With Rachel Weaver

    22 APR

    Ep 165: How to Write a Memoir That Actually Lands With Rachel Weaver

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Rachel Weaver wrote her memoir Dizzy at a seven-day writing residency in Wyoming where she was, by her own description, "the depressed one in the corner the whole time." The (ultimate) result? A beautifully structured, deeply honest book about chronic illness, power dynamics, and what it takes to keep living the life you want even when your body has other plans. In this conversation, we dig into the craft and business of writing memoir. Rachel talks about why she swore she'd never write one, what finally changed her mind, and the specific structural problem that kept the book feeling like "just a story about me" for years. We also get into the pitch that got her on this podcast (four sentences, total), what it actually means when agents say a genre is "hard to sell," why bringing in outside eyes too early can kill your momentum, and what her writing group friend Erika Kraus said about her early draft that I am going to be repeating for the rest of my life. If you're writing a memoir and you've wondered how to make it about something bigger than yourself without losing your own story in the process, this episode's for you. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. 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 BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    45 min
  5. Ep 164: Why Your Manuscript Stalls (and What Actually Helps)

    15 APR

    Ep 164: Why Your Manuscript Stalls (and What Actually Helps)

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! If your book has been sitting in a half-finished state for longer than you'd like to admit, this episode is for you.  I'm in the middle of writing my seventh book — my first real attempt at fiction — and I'm not even going to pretend it's going smoothly. In this episode, I talk about what keeps stalling the manuscript, what finally got me moving again, and what happened when I locked herself in a hotel room for a weekend to try to power through it (the pool situation was a distraction I did not anticipate). This episode covers the writing retreat reality check. In other words: why booking the coziest hotel might actually work against youwhy having even a loose plan beats having nonewhat it means to "zoom out" and add anchors to your story instead of obsessing over any one scene or chapterI also talk about working with my critique partners (Neely Tubati Alexander and Ann Garvin), why their blunt feedback on a certain Ferris wheel scene was exactly what I needed, and how being too close to your own work is just an unavoidable part of the process. Whether you're writing memoir, nonfiction, or fiction, and whether you've been at it for three months or three years, stalling is not failure. It's writing. And this episode is a reminder that literally every author goes through it. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    28 min
  6. Ep 163: The Truth About Traditional Publishing Nobody Tells First-Time Authors

    8 APR

    Ep 163: The Truth About Traditional Publishing Nobody Tells First-Time Authors

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Lori is a traditionally published author of seven books whose latest novel, Kiss, Marry, Kill, releases April 7th with HarperCollins. Last time she was on the show, we talked about her novel, Romantic Friction. This time? We get into the business of publishing — the stuff most authors don't hear about until they're already in the thick of it. Plus, what Lori does (and questions) when it comes to her own marketing hustle, and why she goes all in every launch season even when she's not sure the return is worth it. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. 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 BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    48 min
  7. Ep 162: From Academic to Fiction Author with Jennifer Brown

    25 MAR

    Ep 162: From Academic to Fiction Author with Jennifer Brown

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Ever wonder what happens when an academic specializing in medieval women’s visions suddenly writes her first novel?  In this episode, Jennifer Brown shares her unexpected leap from dusty manuscripts to publishing with St. Martin’s Press and how a canceled conference sparked her fiction journey—without a soul telling her she should. In this episode: How Jennifer’s fascination with medieval women and their visions inspired her novel, The Lost Book of Elizabeth BartonThe serendipitous week in London that kickstarted her writing processScrapping outlines and embracing the messy, fun process of discoveryThe unexpected ease of her path to publicationInsights into marketing a traditionally published book when the house does some of the heavy lifting (emphases on "some")Her thoughts on the complexity of writing multiple timelines and switching points of viewThe importance of embracing revision as part of the creative process🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    38 min
  8. Ep 161: How to Avoid Getting Banned on Amazon: 5 Essential Tips for Indie Authors

    18 MAR

    Ep 161: How to Avoid Getting Banned on Amazon: 5 Essential Tips for Indie Authors

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Many indie authors lose sleep over the idea of getting banned on Amazon. Honestly? That fear makes sense. It's not possible to guarantee that your account would be suspended or deactivated, but if it is, there are steps you can take to rectify the situation. In this episode, I'm breaking down what actually causes account suspensions (things you can absolutely control), the tactics some authors use to game visibility that end up backfiring spectacularly, and what to do if you find yourself on the wrong end of Amazon's AI-based decisions. We'll cover keyword stuffing, category gaming, review-related red flags, and the not-so-obvious mistakes that put accounts at risk. Plus, what a real appeal process looks like and when it might be worth diversifying your distribution altogether. Because here's the thing: There's almost always a way forward. If you're self-publishing and want to stay legit, steady, and sane, this one's for you. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get 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 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support 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 Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The 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

    33 min

About

Want to write, publish, and market your book, but feel overwhelmed by where to start? Write the Damn Book Already breaks down the writing process, self-publishing, and traditional publishing so you can move from idea to finished book with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Elizabeth Lyons—author, book writing coach, book editor, and self-publishing expert—this show untangles the often-confusing world of writing and publishing. From first draft to finished manuscript, indie publishing to traditional publishing, Amazon strategy to long-term book visibility, you’ll get practical guidance and honest conversations about what it really takes to get a book into the world. Through solo episodes and interviews with both traditionally published and indie authors—across fiction and nonfiction—Elizabeth brings a well-rounded, no-hype perspective to the publishing industry. Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a novel, you’ll walk away with clearer next steps and fewer mental roadblocks.

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