Pros Talking Prose

Stacey Smekofske
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Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry. Good thing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Pros Talking Prose is your backstage pass to the writing and publishing world, hosted by seasoned pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We’ll help you skip the mistakes, laugh through the chaos, and build the writing career you actually want without the smoke and mirrors. New episodes every week. Therapy not included — but highly encouraged.

  1. 2d ago

    The Author Success Formula Is a Lie

    Every author wants the formula. The perfect story structure. The guaranteed marketing strategy. The business system that promises more readers, more sales, and a six-figure author career. But the author success formula is a lie. That does not mean business advice, writing frameworks, or marketing strategies are useless. It means someone else’s formula was built around their skills, resources, audience, timing, failures, and opportunities. You can learn from the principles inside it, but copying the steps will not guarantee the same result. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey discuss the dangerous appeal of author success formulas, the reality behind impressive revenue claims, and why sustainable growth requires more than following somebody else’s blueprint. They also share an honest behind-the-scenes story about a manuscript that went through more than a year of revisions, book doctoring, formatting changes, last-minute edits, expedited printing—and one typo that still made it into 200 printed books. Once the presses were running, there was nothing left to do but embrace the happy accident. In this conversation: • Why gross revenue is not the same as author income • The truth behind “six-figure author” claims • Why there is no magic solution for selling books • What authors can learn from business experts without blindly copying them • Why story structures should be tools, not rigid formulas • The hidden failures behind successful businesses • Why scaling requires trust, delegation, and relinquishing control • How perfectionism can steal the joy from writing • Why your definition of author success should belong to you • How one missing letter became a lesson in accepting imperfection Your author career will have mistakes, disappointing launches, failed ideas, unexpected expenses, and plans that do not work the way you hoped. Those moments do not mean you are failing. They are part of the work. They are part of your growth. They are part of your story. Stop waiting for the perfect formula, the perfect manuscript, the perfect launch, or the perfect time. Learn what you can. Protect the joy of storytelling. Keep doing the work. And embrace the happy accidents. CHAPTERS 00:00 – The rabbit hole that started the conversation 02:16 – Why Pros Talking Prose is not chasing monetization 05:23 – Scaling a creative business without sacrificing quality 08:17 – How authors can realistically grow their income 11:04 – The truth behind author earnings and six-figure claims 17:33 – Why business success formulas are incomplete 24:15 – Story structure should be a tool, not a rule 29:15 – Authors are searching for a magic solution 34:21 – Stacey’s $10,000 lesson about business formulas 40:21 – Some businesses cannot scale forever 43:15 – What happens when success does not create happiness 46:09 – Protecting the joy that made you want to write 51:30 – Why an author’s story matters beyond book sales 54:13 – The grind, the work, and the value of finishing 01:00:54 – Finding joy in failure 01:04:11 – The manuscript that nearly broke everyone 01:08:58 – Eighty-seven last-minute changes 01:11:28 – The typo discovered after the presses started 01:13:41 – How “Meazu” became a shirt and a philosophy 01:17:25 – Progress over perfection 01:21:19 – Wayfinder Summit and upcoming author events RESOURCES AND REFERENCES MENTIONED Watch our episode about the power-law distribution of author income https://youtu.be/crAhcufcMmg?si=4sAdbZ25G9LRJTca Watch Stacey’s Red Ink episode about Harper Lee and extraordinary debut-novel success [Insert episode link] Get the “Meazu” shirt and embrace the typo https://print-to-pro-shop.fourthwall.com/products/measue-tee-find-peace-in-the-journey Join the Wayfinder Summit Less Distraction. More Direction. www.WayfinderSummmit.com Learn more about Print to Pro www.PrintToPro.com Subscribe to Pros Talking Prose for honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, and building a sustainable author career—without the hype, shortcuts, or magic formulas. #AuthorSuccess #AuthorBusiness #IndiePublishing #SelfPublishing #WritingAdvice #BookMarketing #Authorpreneur #WritingCommunity #WritingCareer #ProsTalkingProse

  2. Aug 1

    Authors Don't Trust AI... So Why Are They Using It?

    For the past year, it has felt like everyone has an opinion about AI. But what do authors actually think? We surveyed over 200 authors to better understand how writers really feel about artificial intelligence, not just how they use it, but how they view its impact on creativity, publishing, copyright, trust, and the future of storytelling. The results surprised us. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down the survey results, discuss what the numbers actually mean, challenge some common assumptions, and share why we believe the future of publishing depends less on technology, and more on authors working together as professionals. Whether you embrace AI, avoid it completely, or are still trying to decide where you stand, this conversation is designed to help you think critically rather than emotionally. Download the complete Author AI Survey Report: https://printtopro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AI_Survey_Findings_Report_Nuetral.pdf Referenced in this episode: Copyright & AI episode with Copyright Attorney: https://youtu.be/7jdWJCFDmqE Register for the Wayfinder Summit: https://wayfindersummit.com/ Join the free Print to Pro Author Business Harbor Community: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about If you enjoyed this discussion, we'd love to hear from you. What surprised you most about these survey results? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. We read every one. #AIForAuthors #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #AuthorLife #Publishing #BookMarketing #ArtificialIntelligence #WritingTips #ProsTalkingProse

  3. Jul 25

    Christopher Nolan Reminded Us of One Truth About Storytelling

    Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reminded us of one of the most important truths about storytelling: once your story is released into the world, it no longer belongs only to you. Every reader brings their own experiences, beliefs, emotions, and perspective to your work. That's not a flaw in storytelling; it's the very thing that makes stories endure. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske discuss what they learned after watching The Odyssey (without spoilers) and how it applies to every author trying to create meaningful fiction. They explore why perfection is impossible, why criticism doesn't define your talent, why editors should challenge you instead of praising you, and how great stories invite readers to complete them with their own imagination. Whether you're struggling with negative reviews, afraid to publish, or wondering if your manuscript is "good enough," this conversation will help you let go of perfection and focus on writing stories that truly connect. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why every reader experiences your story differently • How to stop chasing the "perfect" book • Why developmental editing makes stories stronger • The relationship between author intent and reader interpretation • Why criticism isn't the enemy of great storytelling • How timeless stories continue to resonate for generations Resource Free Author Resources https://printtopro.com Character Archetype Worksheet https://printtopro.com/tools-and-resources/ Wayfinder Summit https://wayfindersummit.com If you're serious about becoming a stronger storyteller, subscribe for weekly conversations about writing craft, publishing, editing, and building a sustainable author career. Like the video if it helped. We'd love to hear from you in the comments: Has a book or movie ever meant something completely different to you after revisiting it years later? #writing #storytelling #authors #amwriting #writingcommunity #creativewriting #bookediting #developmentalediting #writingtips #fictionwriting #christophernolan #theodyssey #indieauthor #publishing #printtopro Chapters 00:00 Why Perfection Is the Enemy of Creativity 01:42 Our (Spoiler-Free) Thoughts on The Odyssey 07:26 Where Stories Really End 13:20 Why Your Book Isn't for Everyone 19:05 The Danger of Revising Forever 24:40 What Great Editors Actually Do 31:27 Knowing When to Let Your Story Go 36:02 Why Art Is Always Subjective 43:59 The Secret Behind Stories People Can't Put Down 49:02 Why Every Story Deserves to Be Told 53:05 Your Story Belongs to the Reader 57:17 Resources for Authors & Upcoming Events

  4. Jul 18

    Would Your Book Survive an Acquisitions Editor?

    Every author wants to believe their book is ready. But would it survive the first ten minutes on an acquisitions editor's desk? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske pull back the curtain on what professional editors and publishers actually look for when evaluating a manuscript. From unforgettable opening chapters and compelling characters to author voice, pacing, structure, and commercial viability, you'll learn how to stop reading your book like its creator—and start evaluating it like the professionals do. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing or publishing independently, these principles can help you identify weaknesses before your readers do. Because every page has one job: Earn the next page. Resources Mentioned Acquisitions Editor Manuscript Checklist: https://learning.printtopro.com/acquisitions-checklist/ RECOMMENDED BOOKS:  Story Genius by Lisa Cron The Story Equation by Susan May Warren Previous Episodes:  You Don't Want an Editor, You Want Validation   Why Readers Walk Away After Reading Your Blurb The Creative Penn Podcast with Joanna Penn Author Voice Mastery with J. Daniel Sawyer  https://youtu.be/aQO0E_52sRY?si=3sdtkDRWKgg_VlhQ If this episode helped you see your manuscript from a new perspective, we'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us: What's one thing you're going to evaluate differently in your own book? And if you found this helpful, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with another writer. It helps us reach more authors who are serious about improving their craft. #WritingCommunity #WritingTips #AmWriting #BookEditing #IndieAuthor #TraditionalPublishing #StoryStructure #AuthorLife #WritingCraft #SelfPublishing

  5. Jul 11

    Why Readers Walk Away After Reading Your Blurb

    You spent months (or years) writing your book... ...and then gave yourself fifteen minutes to write the blurb. We see it all the time. Authors pour everything into their manuscript, only to rush through the one piece of sales copy that convinces readers to pick it up, or put it back on the shelf. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we're breaking down what actually makes a great book blurb, why AI-generated blurbs usually land somewhere between "fine" and "forgettable," and how to edit them into something that truly sells your story. A book blurb is not a summary. It's not your query letter. And it's definitely not the place to explain every twist in your plot. It's a promise to your reader. Join us as we walk through the five essential elements of a compelling blurb, the biggest mistakes authors make, and practical ways to test whether your blurb is encouraging readers to click Buy Now... or quietly walk away. Resources Mentioned Build a Brilliant Blurb Worksheet (Free) https://learning.printtopro.com/build-a-brilliant-blurb/ Bryan Cohen – Amazon Ads & Book Blurb Resources  (no we don't have any affiliate links with Bryan. We just think he is a swell individual) https://selling-for-authors.teachable.com/p/author-ad-school-unlimited Join our author community on Skool - The P2P Author Business Harbor https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about If you're serious about publishing professionally, building a sustainable author business, and creating books readers can't wait to recommend, you're in the right place. Like, subscribe, and join us every week as we talk writing, publishing, and everything in between. #BookBlurb #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #AuthorMarketing #BookDescription #AIWriting #PublishingAdvice #ProsTalkingProse

  6. Jul 4

    The AI Witch Hunt Is Hurting Authors

    The AI conversation has reached a point where authors are accusing authors, readers are accusing writers, and trust is beginning to erode throughout the publishing industry. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we step away from the usual "AI is good" versus "AI is bad" debate and tackle something much bigger: What happens when suspicion replaces evidence? Whether you're excited about AI, completely opposed to it, or still trying to figure out where you stand, this conversation isn't about telling you what to believe. It's about preserving professionalism, encouraging transparency, and asking whether our community is fighting the wrong battle. We discuss: • Why the current AI "witch hunt" is dividing authors • Confirmation bias and why everyone suddenly seems guilty • Where AI belongs (and where it doesn't) • Why transparency matters more than outrage • The difference between using tools and outsourcing creativity • The real challenges facing authors that deserve our attention Publishing has always been built on trust. If we lose that, we've lost something much bigger than an argument over technology. We'd genuinely love to hear your perspective in the comments—but please remember what we ask throughout the episode: disagree respectfully. Productive conversations move the industry forward. Personal attacks do not. Resources Mentioned Join our FREE Author Business Harbor Community: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about Learn more about Print to Pro: https://PrintToPro.com #WritingCommunity #WritingLife #Authors #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #BookTube #Publishing #WritingAdvice #AuthorBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeWriting #PrintToPro

  7. Jun 27

    Everyone Wants Fewer Gatekeepers… Until They Read the Books

    Everyone says publishing needs fewer gatekeepers… until they have to sort through thousands of low-quality books. We know this episode may ruffle a few feathers. As lifelong advocates for independent authors, we believe writers should retain their rights, their royalties, and control over their careers. But that doesn't mean every barrier in publishing is a bad thing. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we're tackling one of the most controversial questions in publishing today: Has removing every gatekeeper actually made publishing better? We discuss why editorial standards still matter, how readers are losing trust in books, the impact AI-generated content is having on discoverability, why professional publishing isn't about keeping people out—it's about protecting readers—and how indie authors can meet (or exceed) traditional publishing standards without giving up creative control. If you've ever wondered why some books rise above the noise while others disappear, this conversation is for you. We know some people will disagree with our perspective—and that's okay. We'd genuinely like to hear your thoughts. After watching the episode, tell us: Should anyone be able to publish a book, or does publishing still need standards? Let's have the conversation. Mentioned in this episode Macmillan CEO interview on the future of publishing: The Future of Publishing – Macmillan CEO Interview by David Perell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcSbQU0g8hw&t=4098s AI Sentiment Survey for Authors printtopro.com/author-a-i-sentiment-survey/ Fjeldheim Writers Retreat https://fjeldheimwritersretreat.com/ Join our free Print to Pro Author Business Harbor community: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about   Subscribe:  If you're serious about building a sustainable author career—not just publishing a book, subscribe for weekly conversations about writing, publishing, marketing, and the business of being an author. New episodes every week. #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #Publishing #BookMarketing #AuthorBusiness #WritingTips #BookPublishing #Authors #ArtificialIntelligence #WritingLife #PrintToPro

  8. Jun 20

    The Cost of Playing it Safe

    How much is caution costing your author career? Most writers don't think fear is influencing their decisions. They think they're being practical. Responsible. Patient. Careful, but sometimes playing it safe comes with a hidden cost. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske explore how fear affects the decisions authors make every day, like finishing manuscripts and investing in professional help to attending conferences, publishing books, and building a long-term writing career. You'll learn why writers freeze, how fear disguises itself as logic, and how to recognize the difference between making a smart decision and making a fearful one. The greatest risk to your writing career may be standing still. Whether you're struggling with publishing decisions, perfectionism, fear of criticism, fear of AI, analysis paralysis, or simply taking the next step, this episode will help you evaluate what playing it safe is really costing you. Why writers freeze and stop making progress Fear vs. reasonable caution Analysis paralysis in publishing The psychology behind author decision-making Fear of finishing your manuscript Fear of investing in your author business Publishing scams and fear-based marketing tactics AI anxiety and industry uncertainty How to evaluate risk without panic Why successful authors keep moving forward despite uncertainty   #AuthorBusiness #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AmWriting #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #AuthorLife #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingCareer #ProsTalkingProse

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About

Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry. Good thing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Pros Talking Prose is your backstage pass to the writing and publishing world, hosted by seasoned pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We’ll help you skip the mistakes, laugh through the chaos, and build the writing career you actually want without the smoke and mirrors. New episodes every week. Therapy not included — but highly encouraged.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacey Smekofske
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Pros Talking Prose