Write Effing Now! - Writing, Publishing, Marketing, and Everything in Between One Byte At A Time

Hilary Jastram
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Master writing, book marketing, publishing, and everything in between with the Book Lady, the Word Nerd, the shameless Writing Addict - Hilary Jastram. Hil knows that writing, whether crafting a book, a blog, an ad, an article, copy, or anything else, can overwhelm anyone. Write Effing Now will fill you with the information and inspiration you need to meet all your writing challenges. Get all the major tea learned from writing her own books and coaching 130+ authors through the creation of theirs. If writing is your passion, let's talk shop ... Write Effing Now!

  1. 2d ago

    Write Effing Now! EP 89- The Foundations of Writing Success with Ashley Peterson

    Writing a book is not enough these days and like everything in this world, there's a system and process to exposing or sharing information on a massive scale. This requires a special skillset, and proven track record of consistency of success. It's a process of refinement and talent required to bring 1% of the messages to the masses. This week, Hilary introduces you to Ashley Peterson, Veteran Formatter and Distributor for authors sharing their works via Amazon and other popular platforms. What You'll Learn: How Royalty rates are configured The pros and cons of Amazon KDP VS Self-publishingHow to get published in Books-A-Million and Barnes and NobleGetting Published in Airports and Local Bookstores Why it's important to build an audience for both self and traditional publishingThe top 3 things authors should do after a launchThe importance of digital marketing, versus gorilla marketing, versus outside-the-box thinking Other Topics Discussed: Unique ways to market your bookThe Pros and cons of using ISBNs from Amazon vs your ownThe importance of owning your ISBN numbersQuick tips in dealing with big companies that distribute booksAI Generated worksHow authors are creating workbooks Amazon's weak plagiarism detectionUnethical ways and standards some authors are using to launch books In this world of modern publishing, it's important keep up with trends, especially as technology and its application progress. Currently, Ashley is working to find a more natural way to get published on the New York Times Best seller list without spending a dime. This episode is jam-packed with information that will allow you to find a more pronounced strategy for becoming the most authentic author according to the rankings of the algorithm. Connect With Hilary Follow Hilary for weekly conversations designed to help you write with confidence, publish with purpose, and finally cross the finish line. ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ About Write Effing Now! is the podcast for writers who are ready to transform ideas into finished books. Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, each episode provides practical advice on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and everything authors need to successfully navigate today's publishing world. Whether you're writing your first book or building your author career, you'll find inspiration, education, and actionable strategies to help you write with confidence and publish with purpose. Learn more at⁠⁠ ⁠BookMarkPub⁠

  2. Aug 31

    Write Effing Now! EP 88: The Power of Audiobooks with Danny Galvez

    Description In life, we have many points of convergence where we are matched with the exact circumstances and people who help us along the way. Sometimes they meet and repel only to come back together in harmony and unison. This is where true transformation and impact begins. In this episode of Write Effing Now!, Hilary Jastram introduces one of her long-time friends, Danny Galvez. He's an author, emcee, and master audiobook producer. Danny started his career in radio as a DJ at 21 years of age, and has since transformed his collective experiences into a tapestry that has prepared him best for the modern days we live in. Danny has over 100 titles under his belt that he's narrated, produced, and produced for other authors. This episode bring s you a quick-study guide on how to take your book from manuscript to the ears of the masses simply and easily. What You'll Learn: One revelation Danny had one night while at collegeHow Hilary and Danny came to work together How to take your written work into audiobook formatThe processes by which you can start producing your audiobook todayThe best way to save money Why it is best for an author to narrate their own books How Danny was able to parlay his lifelong experience and weave each skillset and connection into a fulfilling life Other Topics Discussed Romance narrationAudiobook productionNetworking Building a brandProcesses of narrating audiobooks Quick tips on how to best record with ease Production, proofing, mastering, and distribution of your books Connect with Danny: MediaSprinkles Connect With Hilary Follow Hilary for weekly conversations designed to help you write with confidence, publish with purpose, and finally cross the finish line. ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ About Write Effing Now! is the podcast for writers who are ready to transform ideas into finished books. Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, each episode provides practical advice on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and everything authors need to successfully navigate today's publishing world. Whether you're writing your first book or building your author career, you'll find inspiration, education, and actionable strategies to help you write with confidence and publish with purpose. Learn more at⁠ ⁠BookMarkPub

  3. Aug 24

    Write Effing Now! EP 87: Fiction Writing: Keeping Your Story Real, Clear, and Reader-Centered

    Description Writing fiction is supposed to be fun. But getting a reader to stay with you takes more than a good story. In this episode of Write Effing Now!, Hilary Jastram continues her deep dive into fiction editing. She covers co-authors, romantic scenes, dialogue tags, human emotion, character development, reader expectations, story hooks, foreshadowing, and the importance of keeping your writing clear. Hilary also talks about something every writer needs to hear: you are not writing for yourself. You are writing for the reader. And that means your job is to make the story easy to follow, hard to put down, and worth remembering. How to handle co-author relationships and shared narration. When romantic scenes need content warnings. Why simple dialogue tags often work best. How real human emotions can make characters believable. Why reader-centric writing matters. How genre formulas help readers know what to expect. Why book hooks and chapter hooks matter. How foreshadowing and “breadcrumbs” keep readers turning pages. Why readers sometimes need reminders about characters. How to make scenes and fictional worlds easy to follow. How to write about real people while protecting their identity. Why you should let your characters surprise you. How to get past “writer’s judgment.” Why your writing style should remain your own. This episode covers a lot of ground. Hilary starts with co-authors and the different ways two or more people can share a book. She explains how to handle authorship, point of view, and disclaimers when the writing represents more than one person’s experience. Then things get interesting. Hilary talks about romantic scenes and content warnings. She also explains why dialogue tags should support the conversation instead of stealing attention from it. Sometimes “said” and “asked” are all you need. One of the strongest parts of the episode focuses on human emotion. Grief, joy, fear, and disappointment do not follow a neat formula. Your characters shouldn't either. Let them react like real people. Let them surprise you. Hilary also gets into book hooks, chapter hooks, foreshadowing, and the little “breadcrumbs” that give readers clues without giving away the ending. These tools help create the feeling of, “Okay, I have to know what happens next.” And through it all, Hilary keeps coming back to the reader. Who are you writing for? That question should guide the entire process. Favorite Quote “You are the writer. Your word choice should be preserved. Your style should be preserved.” Other Topics Discussed Fiction Editing • Co-Authors • Romantic Scenes • Content Warnings • Dialogue Tags • Character Development • Human Emotion • Reader-Centric Writing • Genre • Book Hooks • Chapter Hooks • Foreshadowing • Storytelling • Character Reminders • Scene Clarity • Writing Real People • Character Arcs • Writer’s Judgment • Fiction Length • Author Voice • Editing • Publishing Connect With Hilary Follow Hilary for weekly conversations designed to help you write with confidence, publish with purpose, and finally cross the finish line. ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ About Write Effing Now! is the podcast for writers who are ready to transform ideas into finished books. Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, each episode provides practical advice on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and everything authors need to successfully navigate today's publishing world. Whether you're writing your first book or building your author career, you'll find inspiration, education, and actionable strategies to help you write with confidence and publish with purpose. Learn more at ⁠BookMarkPub

  4. Aug 17

    Write Effing Now! EP 86: Fiction Editing: How to Keep Readers Hooked

    Description Anybody can have a great idea for a story. The real work is making sure your reader actually wants to stick around long enough to finish it. In Episode 86 of Write Effing Now, Hilary Jastram gets into the nuts and bolts of fiction editing—and there’s a whole lot more to it than fixing commas and running spellcheck. We’re talking story structure, protagonists, antagonists, backstory, dialogue, character development, continuity, beta readers, and all those little details that make the difference between “I can’t put this down” and a reader closing the book for good. At the center of it all is one simple idea: you have to write for the reader. What You'll Learn: How to create tension between your protagonist and antagonist.Why characters need clear goals and believable motivations.How to weave in backstory without dumping information on the reader.Why understanding genre expectations matters before breaking the rules.How scene-setting, dialogue, and internal thoughts bring characters to life.Why “show, don’t tell” still matters.How continuity mistakes can pull readers out of your story.Why plausibility matters—even in fiction.How to get better, more useful feedback from beta readers.Why character arcs and likability matter—even when writing the bad guy.How authors and editors can set realistic expectations and timelines.Why sometimes the best thing you can do for your story is walk away and let it breathe.Hilary kicks things off with diagramming your story and making sure your protagonist and antagonist aren’t just randomly bouncing around inside your manuscript. What one character does should affect the other. That creates tension—and tension keeps people reading. Then there’s backstory. Your reader needs to understand why your characters behave the way they do, but that doesn’t mean stopping the story so somebody can explain their entire childhood. Hilary explains how to sprinkle those details throughout the book so readers naturally discover what makes your characters tick. She also breaks down three important storytelling tools: setting the scene, believable dialogue, and internal thoughts. Throw in body language, sensory details, character arcs, pacing, plausibility, and continuity, and those characters start feeling like actual people instead of names sitting on a page. Hilary also gets into the author-editor relationship and why feedback isn’t an attack on your ability to write. If your editor says something doesn’t make sense, there’s a pretty good chance your reader might have the same problem. And that’s the point. A great editor isn’t trying to hijack your story. They’re trying to help you tell it better. Favorite Quote: “You’re the captain. I’m the navigator.” Got a question about writing, editing, publishing, or something you’d like Hilary to cover on a future episode? Email books@bookmarkpub.com and keep following Write Effing Now! for real conversations about what it takes to turn the idea in your head into a book people actually want to read. About The Podcast Write Effing Now! is for writers who are ready to stop talking about writing the damn book and actually do it. Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, the show dives into the real-world side of writing, editing, storytelling, publishing, and everything that happens between “I’ve got an idea” and “Holy crap, I published a book.” Connect With Hilary Follow Hilary for weekly insights on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, and building a successful author career. ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ Write Effing Now! is the podcast for writers who want to write smarter, publish confidently, and share stories that make an impact. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or preparing to publish your next book, you'll find actionable strategies, professional insight, and honest conversations designed to help you cross the finish line. Learn more at ⁠BookMarkPublishing

  5. Aug 10

    Write Effing Now! EP 85- Using Fiction Strategies to Create Powerful Non-Fiction

    Description Great nonfiction doesn't just educate—it captivates. In Episode 85 of Write Effing Now, Hilary Jastram explores how authors can borrow proven storytelling techniques from fiction to make nonfiction books more engaging, memorable, and emotionally impactful. From setting vivid scenes and writing authentic dialogue to mastering pacing, clarity, and reader engagement, Hilary explains why the best nonfiction books feel like stories while still delivering valuable information. Whether you're writing a business book, memoir, self-help guide, or educational resource, this episode will help you create content readers won't want to put down. Why storytelling creates stronger emotional connections with readers.How to use scene-setting and descriptive writing without overwhelming your audience.The difference between showing and telling—and why it matters.How dialogue and internal thoughts strengthen both fiction and nonfiction.Why pacing is critical to keeping readers engaged.Practical editing strategies that improve clarity and readability.How reflective questions and calls to action deepen reader engagement.Why Microsoft Word and Track Changes remain the publishing industry's editing standard. Compelling nonfiction is built on the same storytelling principles that make great novels impossible to put down. Hilary explains how techniques like descriptive scene-setting, authentic dialogue, pacing, and emotional connection help readers relate to both the message and the author. Rather than simply presenting information, she encourages writers to create experiences that invite readers into the story and make lessons unforgettable. Throughout the episode, Hilary discusses practical editing techniques that strengthen every manuscript, including varying sentence structure, eliminating unnecessary words, writing with clarity, and maintaining an active voice. She also shares how reflective questions, case studies, credible sources, and thoughtful calls to action transform a book from information delivery into a meaningful conversation with the reader. The episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the professional editing process, including style guides, Track Changes, manuscript organization, and why editing is ultimately about serving the reader—not the writer's ego. Hilary reminds listeners that authentic writing, supported by careful editing, is what separates memorable books from forgettable ones. Favorite Quote: "Everything ties back to the reader." Other Topics Discussed: StorytellingNonfiction Writing Fiction TechniquesDialogueShowing vs. TellingPacingReader EngagementEditingActive VoiceCase StudiesWriting ClarityChicago Manual of StyleTrack ChangesMicrosoft WordStyle GuidesBook StructurePublishingAuthor DevelopmentReady to stop overthinking and finally start writing? Whether you're outlining your first book or working through your tenth revision, Write Effing Now delivers practical guidance, publishing insights, and real-world encouragement to help you become the writer you're meant to be. Connect With Hilary Follow Hilary for weekly conversations designed to help you write with confidence, publish with purpose, and finally cross the finish line. ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ About Write Effing Now is the podcast for writers who are ready to transform ideas into finished books. Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, each episode provides practical advice on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and everything authors need to successfully navigate today's publishing world. Whether you're writing your first book or building your author career, you'll find inspiration, education, and actionable strategies to help you write with confidence and publish with purpose. Learn more at ⁠BookMarkPub

  6. Aug 3

    Write Effing Now! EP 84: The Non-Fiction Editing Process; From Idea to Published Book

    Description Writing a nonfiction book is about much more than putting words on a page—it's about creating a reader experience that informs, inspires, and delivers lasting value. In this episode of Write Effing Now, Hilary Jastram takes a deep dive into the nonfiction editing process, guiding authors through the essential decisions that shape a successful book. From choosing the right structure and organizing an effective outline to crafting compelling stories and meaningful calls to action, Hilary explains how professional editing transforms an idea into a polished manuscript. She also discusses how nonfiction books can become powerful business tools, why your book should support a larger marketing strategy, and how thoughtful editing helps readers connect with both your message and your brand. Whether you're writing your first nonfiction book or refining your publishing process, this episode offers practical strategies that will help you write with purpose and publish with confidence. What You'll Learn: Why a nonfiction book should support your larger business or brand.How to choose the best structure for your nonfiction manuscript.The four most effective nonfiction book formats.Why storytelling is one of the most powerful teaching tools.How outlines evolve throughout the writing process.The importance of reader-focused writing and strategic calls to action.What belongs in your book's front matter, back matter, and author bio.Best practices for chapter length, organization, and preparing your manuscript for publication.Every successful nonfiction book begins with a clear purpose. Hilary explains that authors should think beyond book sales alone and instead view their book as a tool that builds credibility, supports higher-value products or services, and creates lasting relationships with readers. She emphasizes that great nonfiction doesn't simply share information—it guides readers toward meaningful transformation through clear structure, relatable stories, and actionable insights. Throughout the episode, Hilary introduces several proven nonfiction formats, including story-driven books, memoir hybrids, chronological narratives, and blockbuster openings that immediately capture a reader's attention. She also explains why flexibility during outlining is essential, how strong chapter objectives keep readers engaged, and why every call to action should naturally support the reader's next step. Hilary gives practical publishing advice on introductions, forewords, author bios, copyright, disclaimers, chapter length, and manuscript organization. Favorite Quote: "Think of your book as a lead magnet—not just a product." Other Topics Discussed: Nonfiction WritingDevelopmental EditingBook OutliningStorytellingReader-Centric WritingMarketing StrategyLead MagnetsCalls to ActionAuthor BrandingCopyrightDisclaimers Book StructureFront Matter & Back MatterChapter OrganizationTraditional PublishingSelf-PublishingBook MarketingConnect with Hilary Jastram If you're ready to write your book, improve your manuscript, or finally publish your story, subscribe to Write Effing Now so you never miss an episode packed with practical writing advice, publishing strategies, and conversations designed to help you move from idea to finished book. Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Facebook About the Podcast Write Effing Now is the podcast for writers who want to write smarter, publish confidently, and share stories that make an impact. Hilary Jastram, is an author, publisher, and editor who delivers practical instruction on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and the business of becoming a successful author. If you're a new author, or a literary veteran and are ready to align with a winning publishing team, it's time to get connected. Learn more at BookMarkPublishing

  7. Jul 27

    Write Effing Now! EP 83: The Different Types of Book Editing

    Description Editing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the publishing process—but it's also one of the most important. In this episode of Write Effing Now, Hilary Jastram breaks down the different types of editing every author should understand before publishing a book. From proofreading and line editing to comprehensive developmental editing, she explains what each service includes, why they're necessary, and how they help transform a rough manuscript into a polished, professional book. Hilary also shares insights into the author-editor relationship, discusses the pros and cons of online versus offline editing tools, and offers practical advice on receiving constructive feedback without losing confidence. Whether you're writing your first book or considering a career in editing, this episode provides an inside look at the editing process and why it's one of the most valuable investments an author can make. The differences between proofreading, line editing, and developmental editing. What each level of editing includes—and when you need it. Why developmental editing focuses on structure, storytelling, and clarity. How professional editors provide feedback that strengthens your manuscript. Why Microsoft Word remains the preferred platform for editing long-form content. The advantages and limitations of Google Docs and other online editing tools. What traditional publishers expect before reviewing a manuscript. How to choose an editor who is experienced, knowledgeable, and invested in your success. Editing is much more than correcting grammar and punctuation—it's about helping writers communicate their ideas as clearly and effectively as possible. Hilary begins by explaining the three primary levels of editing: proofreading, line editing, and developmental editing. She walks listeners through each stage, illustrating how every level builds upon the previous one to improve clarity, organization, storytelling, and the overall reader experience. She emphasizes that developmental editing goes beyond sentence-level corrections by evaluating structure, pacing, character development, and logical flow to ensure a manuscript is engaging from beginning to end. The conversation then shifts to the relationship between authors and editors. Hilary discusses the importance of constructive feedback, encouraging writers to view editing as collaboration rather than criticism. She shares why great editors balance honesty with encouragement, helping authors improve while preserving their unique voice and creative vision. Favorite Quote "You write. I edit... unless we've agreed otherwise." Proofreading Line Editing Developmental Editing Ghostwriting Manuscript Structure Storytelling Book Coaching Traditional Publishing Self-Publishing Microsoft Word Google Docs OneDrive Constructive Feedback Editing Workflow Writing Clarity Author Coaching Track Changes Book Formatting Editorial Ethics Publishing Preparation Whether you're writing your first book, refining your manuscript, or learning the craft of editing, Write Effing Now is your trusted resource for practical publishing advice and professional writing guidance. Follow Hilary for weekly insights on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, and building a successful author career. Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Facebook Write Effing Now is the podcast for writers who want to write smarter, publish confidently, and share stories that make an impact. Hilary Jastram, delivers practical instruction on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and the business of becoming a successful author. Whether you're just beginning your writing journey or preparing to publish your next book, you'll find actionable strategies, professional insight, and honest conversations designed to help you cross the finish line. Learn more at BookMarkPublishing

    Write Effing Now! EP 83: The Different Types of Book Editing

  8. Jul 20

    Write Effing Now EP 82: Preparing to Write: Building The Mindset Before the First Word

    Description Every great book begins long before the first sentence is written. In this episode of Write Effing Now, Hilary Jastram explores one of the most overlooked parts of the writing journey—preparing yourself mentally and emotionally before you ever sit down to write. From overcoming imposter syndrome and silencing negative self-talk to creating a writing routine that works for your personality, Hilary shares practical strategies that help writers move beyond fear and into action. She also discusses why your first draft should never be perfect, how reading and music can strengthen your creativity, and why outlining your book before you begin can save countless hours later. If you've ever struggled with procrastination, perfectionism, or simply knowing where to start, this episode offers the encouragement and practical advice you need to finally begin writing with confidence. Why successful writing begins with the right mindset.How to overcome imposter syndrome and negative self-talk.Why your first draft should never be perfect.Practical ways to stop comparing yourself to other writers.How reading, music, and your environment can improve your creativity.Why outlining your book before writing saves time and frustration.How to discover the writing routine that fits your personality.Why progress—not perfection—is the real goal of every writer.Before a writer ever types a single word, there's important work happening behind the scenes. Hilary explains that writing isn't simply a creative exercise—it's an emotional one. Building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to silence the inner critic are just as important as mastering grammar or storytelling. Rather than striving for perfection, she encourages writers to embrace imperfect first drafts as a necessary part of the creative process and to give themselves permission to learn as they go. Hilary shares practical techniques for creating a productive writing environment, developing a routine that matches your lifestyle, and using tools like reading, music, outlining, and content repurposing to keep momentum moving forward. She reminds listeners that every writer's process is different and that success comes from consistency—not comparison. Ultimately, this episode is about learning to trust yourself. By letting go of perfectionism, embracing your unique voice, and taking one step at a time, you'll be far more likely to finish the book you've always wanted to write. Favorite Quote: "Your first draft shouldn't be a masterpiece... it isn't supposed to be." Other Topics Discussed: Writer's MindsetImposter SyndromeWriter's Judgment vs. Writer's BlockSelf-ConfidenceSelf-PublishingBook PlanningOutliningContent RepurposingReading for InspirationWriting HabitsCreative ConfidenceStory DevelopmentBook FormattingVoice CoachingProductivity for Writers Ready to stop overthinking and finally start writing? Whether you're outlining your first book or working through your tenth revision, Write Effing Now delivers practical guidance, publishing insights, and real-world encouragement to help you become the writer you're meant to be. Connect With Hilary Follow Hilary for weekly conversations designed to help you write with confidence, publish with purpose, and finally cross the finish line. Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Facebook About Write Effing Now is the podcast for writers who are ready to transform ideas into finished books. Hosted by editor, publisher, and author Hilary Jastram, each episode provides practical advice on writing, editing, publishing, storytelling, marketing, audiobooks, artificial intelligence, and everything authors need to successfully navigate today's publishing world. Whether you're writing your first book or building your author career, you'll find inspiration, education, and actionable strategies to help you write with confidence and publish with purpose. Learn more at BookMarkPub

    Write Effing Now EP 82: Preparing to Write: Building The Mindset Before the First Word
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Master writing, book marketing, publishing, and everything in between with the Book Lady, the Word Nerd, the shameless Writing Addict - Hilary Jastram. Hil knows that writing, whether crafting a book, a blog, an ad, an article, copy, or anything else, can overwhelm anyone. Write Effing Now will fill you with the information and inspiration you need to meet all your writing challenges. Get all the major tea learned from writing her own books and coaching 130+ authors through the creation of theirs. If writing is your passion, let's talk shop ... Write Effing Now!

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