Debut Writers

Debut Writers
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Welcome to Debut Writers, the podcast that takes you on an inspiring journey through the world of writing and publishing. Each series serves as a guide with tips and strategics to help you work toward and achieve your author goals.

  1. 12/10/2025

    Book Coaching and Ghostwriting with Ami Hendrickson

    In this episode, Anne Brooks interviews Amy Hendrickson, an award-winning writer and editor, about the intricacies of book coaching and ghostwriting. They discuss Amy's journey into the industry, the importance of capturing an author's voice, and the emotional aspects of writing, especially when dealing with trauma. The conversation also covers the differences between hiring a ghostwriter and a book coach, the editing process, and the significance of feedback in the publishing journey. Listeners gain insights into the writing process, the role of editors, and the value of accountability in writing.

    40 min

  2. 09/30/2025

    Would a Publisher Say Yes? What Editors Look for in a Manuscript with Ami McConnell

    🎙️ Would a Publisher Say YES to Your Manuscript? | Ami McConnell on Editing, Publishing & WriterFestIn this powerful finale to our Editing Season, we sit down with Ami McConnell, a veteran editor with 20+ years in traditional publishing. From her roles as Senior Acquisitions Editor at HarperCollins to Editor-in-Chief & VP at Simon & Schuster’s Howard Books, Ami has shaped New York Times bestsellers and award-winning books—and today, she’s here to answer the question every aspiring author asks: “Would a publisher say yes to my manuscript?”Ami shares insider insights on:✅ What publishers look for in a debut manuscript✅ How editing really works behind the scenes✅ The biggest mistakes first-time authors make✅ Her journey from corporate publishing to founding WriterFest Nashville and her own literary agency📚 Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or preparing to pitch your book, this episode is packed with must-know advice to help you write, revise, and publish like a pro.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow writers!#AmiMcConnell #DebutWritersPodcast #WriterFest #PublishingTips #BookEditing #ManuscriptTips #HowToGetPublished #WritingAdvice #FirstTimeAuthor #TraditionalPublishing

    43 min

  3. 09/09/2025

    Polish Before You Pitch: Why Editing Matters When Querying Agents with Amy Nielsen

    In this episode, Amy dives into the crucial role of editing those first pages to gain a literary agent's attention. She explains why a polished manuscript isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential—and what level of editorial guidance writers can expect from an agent. You’ll also hear her practical advice for self-editing, assembling a strong submission packet, and getting your work truly ready for agent consideration. If you’re preparing to query—or just wondering how close your manuscript is to being “done”—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s get into it.Amy has some amazing resources on her website for free!

    49 min

  4. 09/02/2025

    What to Expect When Working with an Editor: Inside the Publishing Journey with Deborah Froese

    In this episode of Debut Writers, we're joined by Deborah Froese, Executive Editor at Indigo River Publishing and award-winning author, to demystify the editing process for authors. With over 20 years of experience, Deb shares what writers need to know when hiring or working with an editor—from setting realistic expectations and timelines, to navigating editorial feedback and understanding costs. Whether you're self-publishing or working with a hybrid press, this episode is packed with insights on how to build a strong author-editor relationship and avoid common pitfalls. Deb also shares what she looks for in a manuscript and how authors can make the most of the revision process. 🔹 Topics Covered: The editor's role in publishing How to choose the right editor What to expect during revisions Costs and timelines for editing Tips for a successful author-editor collaboration 🎙️ Plus, Deb talks about her own podcast Write, Writer, Write and her journey mentoring new editors. 👉 Perfect for first-time authors, indie writers, or anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the editing world! #AuthorTips #EditingProcess #IndiePublishing #WritingAdvice #DeborahFroese #DebutWritersPodcast

    37 min

  5. 08/19/2025

    Debut Writers Episode 2, Series #5 Finding that Right Editor as a Debut Writer with Debut Author Kate Hendrickson

    Learn how to find beta readers and editors as a first-time author. Tips for debut writers on getting quality feedback, choosing the right editor, and improving your book before publishing.

    35 min

  6. 08/05/2025

    The Next Step: Editing Your Book After 'The End'

    You’ve typed “The End” — now what? In this episode of Debut Writers, we dive into the crucial next step: editing. From self-edits to working with critique partners and professional editors, we break down what the post-draft process really looks like and how to approach it without getting overwhelmed. If you're wondering how to turn your messy first draft into a manuscript worth publishing, this is where it starts.

    34 min

  7. 12/09/2024

    Author Interview with D.L. Jennings

    Welcome back to Debut Writers! In this series, we’ve been talking about how to structure your book from beginning to end. Today we are joined by DL Jennings, author of the Highglade series, an epic fantasy trilogy of gods and magic. He’s joins us to discuss his process for writing a successful 3 book series. Find DL Jennings on his website and follow him on Instagram! Watch now on our ⁠YouTube Channel ⁠and subscribe to our ⁠Substack Newsletter ⁠so you never miss an episode.

    38 min

  8. 12/06/2024

    Debut Writers: Writing a Book, Start to Finish - Diverse Structures and Stories

    Welcome back to Debut Writers! In this series, we’ve been talking about how to structure your book from beginning to end. We have focused on the 3 Act structure, as outlined in "Save the Cat Writes a Novel" (my personal favorite), but we also want to touch on other story structures out there. This episode, we go through a few of these and discuss which one is best for your genre. Watch now on our YouTube Channel and subscribe to our Substack Newsletter so you never miss an episode.

    29 min
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About

Welcome to Debut Writers, the podcast that takes you on an inspiring journey through the world of writing and publishing. Each series serves as a guide with tips and strategics to help you work toward and achieve your author goals.

Information

  • Creator
    Debut Writers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Debut Writers
  • Show Website
    Debut Writers