Talking Book Publishing with Kathleen & Adanna

Adanna Moriarty
  • 4.2 (5)
  • BOOKS

This podcast focuses on the business end of the pen. What does that mean? It's getting into the nitty-gritty of the business side of being a writer or publisher. We at Talking Book Publishing will bring in industry experts, Published authors, publishers, agents, and editors for conversations about what tools writers need to be as successful as they can on their publishing journey. 

  1. On the Four Phases of Book Editing for Indie & Traditional Authors

    11/14/2025

    On the Four Phases of Book Editing for Indie & Traditional Authors

    Send a text In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Naomi Kim Eagleson, writer, editor, and founder of The Artful Editor, for a deep dive into the full editing journey—whether you’re self-publishing or going the traditional route. Naomi takes us through her four-phase editing model and explains why many manuscripts spend too long in “line-edit purgatory” when what they really need is a developmental overhaul. We talk manuscript critiques vs. developmental edits vs. line-editing vs. proofreading — Naomi breaks each one down, explains when they belong in your publishing timeline, and shows why waiting too long (or paying too early) can hurt your book. She also shares veteran insights on what agents look for in your first 5–10 pages, why voice matters more than perfect punctuation at query time, and how simple tactics like reading your work aloud or letting Word speak it back can reveal structural problems you’ll miss by eye alone. Whether you're polishing your first draft or prepping your launch, this episode delivers practical, actionable advice to elevate your manuscript and position your book for success. Resources: • Website ArtfulEditor.com • Instagram: @artfuleditor • Facebook: @artfuleditor About our guest: Naomi Kim Eagleson is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor who founded The Artful Editor, an editorial agency dedicated to helping writers of all stripes elevate their manuscripts for publication. Originally from Hawai‘i, Naomi began her career at Manoa, an award-winning literary journal, where she honed her editorial expertise. After earning her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, she moved to California in 2010 and launched her own agency offering full-service editing—developmental edits, copyedits, and query reviews. With more than a decade of experience guiding authors toward their publishing goals, Naomi brings deep respect for craft, clear process, and a compassionate edit-mindset to every project. Related Episodes: • Season 5 | Episode 8 • Kim Dower • Season 5 | Episode 7 • Penny Sansevieri Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    47 min
  2. On Building a Sustainable Marketing Plan for Indie Authors

    10/24/2025

    On Building a Sustainable Marketing Plan for Indie Authors

    Send a text In this insightful episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna welcome Mary Vensel White, author, editor, publisher, and Orange County president of the California Writers Club. Mary shares her multidimensional expertise in publishing and digs into one of the most elusive topics for authors: book marketing. She brings a refreshingly honest and practical perspective on the importance of market research, knowing your genre, identifying comparable titles, and how all of that plays into placing your book in the right hands. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how cover design influences buying decisions, the power of ebook promotions (even free ones!), and why setting a budget and timeline early in the writing process is crucial. Mary and the hosts also explore effective low-budget marketing, the evolving role of social media, and how to reach readers in both digital and physical spaces. Whether you're a debut indie author or a seasoned writer looking to update your strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice that cuts through the noise. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    1h 2m
  3. On Owning the Spotlight: A Guide to Confident, Authentic Book Promotion with Kim Dower

    09/19/2025

    On Owning the Spotlight: A Guide to Confident, Authentic Book Promotion with Kim Dower

    Send a text In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with one of the industry’s most respected voices in author publicity and media coaching: Kim Dower. As the founder of Kim-from-L.A. Literary & Media Services, Kim has spent over 40 years helping writers become not just authors, but compelling public speakers. She’s also an award-winning poet and co-author of Life is a Series of Presentations, the book that introduced the 8 Presentation Practices—essential tools for anyone looking to connect with an audience. Kim dives deep into the heart of media training, sharing why authors must separate the book from how they speak about it. She discusses the power of storytelling, how to overcome the fear of public speaking, and why humor and vulnerability are crucial in every author’s toolkit. Whether you're preparing for a book tour, podcast appearance, or public reading, this episode offers invaluable insight for turning your message into a magnetic presentation. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    51 min
  4. On Winning Amazon: A10, AI & Author Tools with Penny Sansevieri

    06/26/2025

    On Winning Amazon: A10, AI & Author Tools with Penny Sansevieri

    Send a text In this jam-packed episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty sit down with book marketing powerhouse Penny Sansevieri for a revealing discussion on how Amazon's evolving landscape affects authors today. Penny, a longtime expert in Amazon optimization, returns to the podcast with timely insights on her latest release, The Amazon Author Formula Workbook, and the strategic changes every author needs to understand—especially in light of Amazon's algorithm shift from A9 to A10. From navigating AI-generated book scams to optimizing your author presence for visibility, Penny outlines both the opportunities and landmines in today's digital publishing world. Listeners will get actionable advice on platform building, the ethical use of AI for marketing, and how to prepare for Amazon's tightening restrictions on book uploads. Whether you're self-publishing your first book or looking to refresh your Amazon strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    43 min
  5. On Podcasting and Promotion: William Ramsey’s Author Strategy

    06/13/2025

    On Podcasting and Promotion: William Ramsey’s Author Strategy

    Send a text In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty chat with William Ramsey — true crime author, documentary filmmaker, and host of the top-ranked podcast William Ramsey Investigates. With over 1,300 episodes and five books to his name, William knows a thing or two about building a platform. He shares how he turned podcast guest spots into a thriving network, built his own show, and used it all to boost book sales and connect with new readers.  He opens up about what worked (and what didn't), why authors need to be more than just writers, and how embracing new formats like podcasting and video can fuel creativity — not just promotion. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about launching a podcast of your own, this episode is packed with real-world advice, a little tough love, and plenty of inspiration for the hybrid author life. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    42 min
  6. On the Business of Book Reviews: Insights from Ross Rojek of City Book Review

    05/30/2025

    On the Business of Book Reviews: Insights from Ross Rojek of City Book Review

    Send a text In this eye-opening episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Ross Rojek, editor and publisher of City Book Review, to explore the inner workings of the book review industry. Ross shares the journey of launching City Book Review in Sacramento in 2008 and evolving it into a network of review sites across eight U.S. cities, plus a special platform for young reviewers, Kids Book Buzz. With candor and humor, he explains the real work behind publishing honest book reviews, from managing hundreds of reviewers to handling over 1,500 book submissions a month. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the review selection process, the distinction between editorial and reader reviews, and why professional presentation is essential. Ross also offers invaluable advice to authors—especially indie and self-published ones—about treating their writing as a business. From marketing tips to understanding what makes a book stand out to reviewers and libraries, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone in the literary world. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    59 min
  7. On Writing Memoir with Structure and Purpose

    05/16/2025

    On Writing Memoir with Structure and Purpose

    Send a text In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with memoir expert Wendy Dale to explore the art and architecture of writing memoirs. Wendy introduces her transformative approach to storytelling through her "Memoir Engineering System," which emphasizes writing with structure and clarity from the very first draft. Listeners will discover the essential difference between scenes and transitions and how mastering these two components can dramatically improve their storytelling. Wendy shares how emotional truth, rather than a chronological list of life events, makes a memoir compelling. She provides practical insights into the importance of outlining, crafting meaningful scenes, and integrating transitions that emotionally connect moments. With her signature humor and candor, Wendy makes a case for turning your life experiences into a page-turning narrative while staying true to your voice—whether deeply emotional, humorous, or somewhere in between. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    49 min
  8. On Entertainment Law and Hollywood Legends with Attorney Clair Burrill

    03/14/2025

    On Entertainment Law and Hollywood Legends with Attorney Clair Burrill

    Send a text In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with renowned entertainment attorney Clair Burrill, whose new book Attorney to the Stars offers an inside look into his decades-long career representing some of the biggest names in music, film, and television. From his early days as a musician to becoming a top entertainment lawyer, Clair shares captivating stories about his clients, including John Candy, Robin Williams, Waylon Jennings, and The Rolling Stones. Beyond the celebrity encounters, Clair opens up about turning his career and personal experiences into a book. He talks about how storytelling became a passion, the challenges of writing, and why he structured the book the way he did. For aspiring authors, his journey from legal briefs to memoir writing offers valuable lessons. Plus, for a limited time, Attorney to the Stars will be available as a free eBook on Amazon from March 14 for five days—so don't miss your chance to grab a copy! Whether you're a fan of Hollywood history, music industry secrets, or legal drama, this is a packed episode with fascinating anecdotes and invaluable insights. Ready to level up your manuscript? Subscribe to Talking Book Publishing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform—and please leave us a review! Your feedback helps more writers discover these conversations. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

This podcast focuses on the business end of the pen. What does that mean? It's getting into the nitty-gritty of the business side of being a writer or publisher. We at Talking Book Publishing will bring in industry experts, Published authors, publishers, agents, and editors for conversations about what tools writers need to be as successful as they can on their publishing journey. 

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