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. Sep 8

    The First Book: Navigating the Path to Publication with Debut Author Patricia Shanae Smith

    What does it really take to go from aspiring writer to published author? In this episode of Debut Writers, host Anne Brooks sits down with debut author Patricia Shanae Smith to talk about the journey behind publishing her first book—the challenges, lessons, unexpected moments, and decisions that helped turn her manuscript into a published work. Patricia shares an inside look at what she learned while navigating the path to publication and offers encouragement for writers who are still working toward seeing their own book on the shelf. In this episode, we talk about: 📚 The journey from writing a first book to publication✍️ Lessons learned as a debut author📝 Navigating the publishing process for the first time💡 What Patricia wishes she had known earlier❤️ Staying committed to your story through the ups and downs📖 Advice for writers hoping to become published authors Whether you're drafting your first manuscript, preparing to publish, or simply wondering what happens between “I wrote a book” and “I’m a published author,” this conversation offers an honest look at the debut-author experience. 🎙️ Debut Writers brings together debut authors and publishing industry professionals to share the stories, strategies, and real-world advice writers need to navigate the publishing world. Subscribe to Debut Writers for more conversations with authors, agents, editors, publishers, and other industry professionals. #DebutWriters #PatriciaShanaeSmith #DebutAuthor #WritingCommunity #WritingTips #Publishing #HowToGetPublished #FirstTimeAuthor #AuthorInterview

  2. Sep 1

    From Editor to Bestselling Author; Jennifer Moorman on Traditional Publishing

    What does it really take to turn writing into a successful publishing career?In this BONUS episode of Debut Writers, Anne Brooks sits down with USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Moorman, whose career has taken her from editor to independently published author to traditionally published bestseller.Drawing on her experience as a former senior editor at HarperCollins and now a full-time author, Jennifer pulls back the curtain on what writers need to know before pursuing publication. We talk about the realities of traditional vs. self-publishing, how polished your manuscript should be before querying, what publishers actually do for authors, and why writers need to take an active role in building their careers.In this episode, you'll learn:✨ What publishers can—and can't—do for authors✨ Why you should ask questions instead of making assumptions✨ How to prepare your manuscript before querying an agent✨ The differences between traditional and self-publishing✨ Why knowing your genre and industry standards matters✨ How Jennifer turned self-publishing success into a traditional book deal✨ Why authors need to keep marketing their books long after release dayJennifer's biggest lesson? Write the book. Learn the business. Build the career.Whether you're preparing to query, deciding how to publish, or trying to build a sustainable author career, this conversation offers an insider's look at publishing from someone who has experienced it from both sides of the desk.🎙️ Debut Writers BONUS Episode: From Editor to Bestselling Author: Jennifer Moorman on Traditional Publishing, Craft, and Creative Magic

  3. Apr 28

    Debut Writers Episode #4, Series 6 The Future of Publishing: Understanding Publishing Paths with Morgan James Founder David Hancock

    What’s the best way to publish your book in today’s market? 📚 In this episode of Debut Writers, we sit down with David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing and often called the father of hybrid publishing, to break down the three main publishing paths every writer should understand: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. We discuss the pros and cons of each route, why author ownership matters, how publishing has changed over the years, and what writers need to know before signing any deal. If you’ve ever wondered which publishing path is right for you, this episode is a must-watch. ✨ Whether you're writing your first book or preparing to publish your next one, this conversation will help you make smarter publishing decisions. 👇 Tell us in the comments: Which publishing path are you considering? #DebutWriters #PublishingTips #HybridPublishing #SelfPublishing #TraditionalPublishing #AuthorLife #WritersCommunity #BookPublishing #AspiringAuthor #WritingPodcast #IndieAuthor #MorganJamesPublishing #BookWriting #AuthorTips #WritingJourney

  4. Apr 7

    Debut Writers Episode #3, Series 6: The Truth About Traditional Publishing: What It Takes—and What No One Tells You with Ami McConnell

    What does it really take to land a traditional publishing deal—and is it worth it? In this episode of Debut Writers, Anne sits down with publishing expert Ami McConnell to break down the traditional publishing path from start to finish. From securing a literary agent to understanding advances, royalties, and contracts, this conversation uncovers the realities most authors don’t see until they’re already in the process. You’ll learn the true role of agents, why publishing is first and foremost a business, and how to determine whether traditional publishing aligns with your personal goals as an author. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering the traditional route—or questioning if it’s the right fit. #traditionalpublishing #writingpodcast #amwriting #authors #publishing #bookwriting #debutwriters #writinglife #authorjourney #publishingtips

  5. Mar 31

    Debut Writers Episode #2, Series 6: The Query That Gets a “Yes”–How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Attention with Amy Nielsen

    Debut Writers Episode #2, Series 6: The Query That Gets a “Yes”–How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Attention with Amy NielsenIf you’ve ever sent a query letter into the void and wondered why it’s getting ignored—or only earning form rejections—this episode is for you. Anne sits down with literary agent Amy Nielsen to break down the query letter line by line, revealing exactly what agents look for, the biggest mistakes writers make, and how small changes can turn a pass into a request.This is a real, behind-the-scenes look at how agents read submissions—from the first hook to the final decision. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to sharpen your pitch, strengthen your story positioning, and approach querying with clarity and confidence.🎧 In this episode:1. What happens after you hit “send” on a query2. The #1 must-have in every successful query letter3. Common mistakes that lead to instant rejections4. What makes an agent excited to request pages5. The role of comps and positioning your bookWhether you’re querying now or preparing to, grab your query letter and follow along—because by the end of this episode, you’ll see it in a completely new way. #queryletter #publishing #writingcommunity #publishingtips #querytips #literaryagent

  6. Mar 24

    Debut Writers Season 6 Episode #1: Finding the Perfect Fit: Building Your Writing Support Team with Annalisa Summea

    Debut Writers – Season 6, Episode 1Finding the Perfect Fit: Building Your Writing Support Team with Annalisa Summea What does it really take to go from a finished manuscript to a publishable book—and who do you actually need in your corner to make it happen? In this season premiere of Debut Writers, we’re diving into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of a writing career: building the right support team. I’m joined by Annalisa Summea to break down how writers can find, evaluate, and collaborate with the professionals who shape their work and their path to publication. From editors and agents to coaches and early readers, we talk about how to identify the right fit for your goals—and how the wrong fit can hold you back. In this episode, we cover: What a strong writing support team really looks like at different stages How to know when you’re ready for an editor, coach, or agent Red flags to watch for when hiring publishing professionals The difference between developmental support and industry access How to advocate for your vision while still growing your craft Whether you’re just starting your first draft or preparing to query, this conversation will help you make smarter, more confident decisions about who you bring into your writing journey. 🎙️ If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need help—and if so, from who?”—this episode is for you. — Listen, follow, and share with a writer who’s ready to take the next step.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Debut Writers
  • Show Website
    Debut Writers

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