Talking Book Publishing with Kathleen & Adanna

Adanna Moriarty
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

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 How Book Proposals Land Publishing Deals

    May 22

    On How Book Proposals Land Publishing Deals

    Send us Fan Mail What do literary agents look for in a book proposal? Do nonfiction authors need a finished manuscript before approaching publishers? And how important are comp titles and author platforms when it comes to landing a traditional publishing deal? In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen Kaiser and Adanna Moriarty welcome book proposal expert Debra Eckerling to demystify the proposal process. Debra shares her Three C's framework—Concept, Context, and Content—and explains why a book proposal is far more than a publishing requirement. It's a sales and marketing document that helps agents, publishers, and editorial boards evaluate both the book and the author. The conversation explores what makes a nonfiction book marketable, how authors can strengthen their platforms, why comp titles are critical to positioning a book, and the opportunities available to writers pursuing traditional publishing. Debra also shares insights from her own publishing journey and discusses the growing category of "memoir-plus" books that combine personal stories with actionable guidance. Key Takeaways  A successful book proposal is built around Concept, Context, and Content.  The overview, audience analysis, and comp titles are among the most important sections of a proposal.  Most nonfiction books do not need to be completed before they are pitched to agents or publishers.  Comp titles help prove market demand while demonstrating how your book fills a unique need.  Publishers evaluate the author as much as the book itself.  An author platform includes both online visibility and real-world credibility.  Time spent waiting on submissions can be used to strengthen your platform and visibility.  Memoir-plus books often have broader market appeal because they combine storytelling with practical takeaways.Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

    45 min
  2. On AI, Authorship, and the Future of Publishing

    Apr 24

    On AI, Authorship, and the Future of Publishing

    Send us Fan Mail AI is one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—tools in publishing right now. In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, we sit down with Julie Trelstad to explore how authors can use AI as a creative partner, not a replacement. From writing workflows to marketing strategy and author rights, this conversation breaks down what’s actually useful—and what to avoid. Julie shares how she uses AI in her own process, why strategy matters more than tools, and what’s coming next as AI reshapes the publishing landscape. In this episode, we cover: How to use AI as a writing assistant without losing your voiceWhy most authors struggle with discovery—not writingThe difference between ethical and unethical AI useHow AI can streamline book marketing (if you know what you’re doing)Why authors need a strategy before toolsA new system that could allow authors to protect and monetize their work in AIIf you’re writing, publishing, or marketing a book right now, this episode will help you understand where AI actually fits—and how to use it to your advantage. Connect With Us Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

    51 min
  3. On Querying Literary Agents the Right Way with QueryTracker

    Apr 8

    On Querying Literary Agents the Right Way with QueryTracker

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the querying process—you’re not alone. In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen and Adanna sit down with Patrick McDonald, the creator of QueryTracker—the platform that has become the gold standard for querying literary agents. What started as one writer trying to organize his own submissions has grown into one of the most trusted tools in the publishing industry today.  This conversation pulls back the curtain on the business side of writing—what’s really happening when you hit “send” on that query, and how authors can approach the process more strategically instead of just guessing. In this episode, we cover:  How QueryTracker became an essential tool for authors  What data can tell you about agent behavior and response times  Why querying feels so difficult (and how to make it more manageable)  The biggest mistakes authors make with query letters and comp titles  How QT Critique is helping writers get real, honest feedback  Why persistence—and patience—matter more than you think Patrick also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Modern Guide to Querying Literary Agents, built from 20 years of answering authors’ most common questions. 🎧 Listen now and take the guesswork out of querying. Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

    39 min
  4. On How AI Is Transforming Book Publishing with Thad McIlroy

    Mar 13

    On How AI Is Transforming Book Publishing with Thad McIlroy

    Send us Fan Mail Are authors about to be replaced by AI — or empowered by it? Publishing technology expert Thad McIlroy joins Talking Book Publishing to explain how artificial intelligence is already reshaping the publishing industry — and why authors who understand these tools now may have a major advantage. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the publishing industry — from writing and editing to marketing, translation, and audiobook production. Kathleen and Adanna chat with publishing technology expert Thad McIlroy about how AI tools are influencing the way books are created, marketed, and distributed. Key Takeaways in This Episode: How AI is transforming publishing workflowsWhy authors should spend 10 hours learning AI tools (even if they choose not to use them) How AI helps with book marketing and discoverability The ethics of AI in publishing Whether AI threatens authors or helps themTimestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:40 Why AI exploded in publishing 14:20 Using AI for book marketing 28:10 AI for book design and translation 41:30 Is AI a threat to authors? Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

    42 min
  5. 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 us Fan Mail 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 Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

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

    10/24/2025

    On Building a Sustainable Marketing Plan for Indie Authors

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

    1h 2m
  7. 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 us Fan Mail 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. Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

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

    06/26/2025

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Connect With Us Kathleen: kathleenkasier.com Adanna: abmoriarty.com Podcast listeners receive a special 20% off all ProBookLaunch products. Use code TBPLISTENER20 at checkout. Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today Join the conversation on Instagram: @writerspubsnet

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 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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