The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing

Holly Totten: Books Editing Expert
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Education
  • Semiweekly

Your story deserves to be told in your voice, not someone else's. The Edit is the podcast for writers, entrepreneurs, memoirists, and business owners who want to write a book that sounds unmistakably like them. Hosted by nonfiction editor and writing coach Holly Totten, this show explores the space between first draft and final version—the messy, magical middle where clarity, confidence, and authentic storytelling are shaped. If you have ever worried that working with an editor or following conventional writing advice will strip away your personality, flatten your tone, or turn your unique perspective into something forgettable and generic, you have come to the right place. Holly believes that editing is not about making you sound like everyone else. It is about helping you sound more like you, only clearer, tighter, and more powerful. This podcast is not a grammar lecture. It is not a list of rigid rules or a formula for writing what sells. Instead, each episode blends practical, actionable guidance with honest, unscripted conversations about the real struggles writers face: overwhelm, self-doubt, messy drafts, imposter syndrome, and the fear of putting your work out into the world. You will hear from fellow writers navigating the same challenges, and you will leave with tools you can use immediately. Holly brings years of experience as a nonfiction editor and writing coach, but she does not pretend to have all the answers. What she offers is a philosophy: your voice is not a problem to be fixed. It is the entire point. Editing should uncover what is already brilliant, not sand it down until nothing recognizable remains. Across every episode, The Edit covers topics that matter to real writers, including: How to self-edit without deleting your voice or second-guessing every sentence. The difference between developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading—and which ones you actually need. Memoir writing prompts that actually uncover your story instead of forcing you into someone else's template. Self-publishing versus traditional publishing: how to choose what is right for your book and your goals. Working with an editor as a creative partner and collaborator, not a critic or gatekeeper. Overcoming perfectionism, finishing your messy first draft, and learning to trust your instincts. Protecting vulnerable, honest moments in your writing from the "Should Monster" that tells you to play it safe. Practical strategies for line-level polishing that sharpen your prose without losing your rhythm. How to record yourself reading your work aloud as a voice check—and why that single habit transforms everything. Whether you are writing a memoir about a difficult season of life, a nonfiction business book to grow your authority, a self-published guide to share your hard-won expertise, or simply gathering notes and ideas for a future project, The Edit meets you exactly where you are. Messy first draft? Half-finished chapter? A notebook full of scribbled ideas and no clear path forward? You belong here. This podcast is for anyone who has ever finished an editing session and thought, "That doesn't even sound like me anymore." It is for writers who refuse to sound like a LinkedIn post, a textbook, or a bland bestseller clone. It is for the entrepreneur who knows they have a book inside them but is terrified of losing their authentic voice along the way. Because here is the truth Holly wants you to remember: your story without your voice is only words. But your story with your voice? That is something the world desperately needs. New episodes typically release weekly. Subscribe now and stop writing like someone else. Start writing like you.

  1. 3d ago

    What's in a Name? A Story of Faith, Identity, and Finding Your Worth with Tina Eliana

    What if something as simple as a missing last name could tell the story of a lifetime? When Tina Eliana received a Bible for Christmas in 1985, her mother had chosen to engrave only her first and middle names on the cover. At the time, it seemed like a small decision. But for a little girl who had grown up without knowing her biological father, that blank space came to represent something much bigger. In this episode of The Story Stand, Tina shares the deeply personal journey behind her name, her faith, and the realization that her identity was never defined by the people who walked away or the titles others placed upon her. Tina is an author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of Tina Presents. Despite her many accomplishments and credentials, she believes that leadership doesn't require a title and that who we are matters far more than what we're called. Through a story that spans decades, Tina reminds us that our past doesn't have to determine our worth, that faith can carry us through difficult seasons, and that sometimes the smallest details hold the greatest meaning. Because sometimes the most important part of our story isn't the name we're given, but the person we become. Connect with Tina Eliana: Website: https://tinapresents.com Podcast: Jam Sessions with Tina Eliana Check her out on YouTube - Jam Sessions with Tina Eliana About The Story Stand The Story Stand is a special storytelling edition of The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, where ordinary moments, personal experiences, and the stories that shape us take center stage. Pull up a chair. There's always another story waiting to be told.

    What's in a Name? A Story of Faith, Identity, and Finding Your Worth with Tina Eliana

  2. 5d ago

    Grammar Rules That Aren't Really Rules: 7 Writing Myths Explained

    The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing

    Grammar Rules That Aren't Really Rules: 7 Writing Myths Explained

  3. Oct 29

    The Story Stand 11-11-11 The Day That Everything Changed

    Some dates stay with us forever. For me, that date is November 11, 2011—11-11-11. That was the day I heard three words that changed my life: "You have cancer." In this deeply personal episode, I'm introducing The Story Stand, a new Thursday feature on The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, where I'll share real stories about real life—some mine, some from others. Stories that make us laugh, cry, think, and sometimes see life a little differently. I'm kicking things off with the story of my breast cancer diagnosis, a dropped phone call at the worst possible moment, an unexpected stop at the town's only liquor store, and a Friday night at the theatre when I was there in body but certainly not in mind. Along the way, I'll share what it was like to hear a diagnosis I had somehow already suspected, how my eternal optimism helped me face the uncertainty, and the words my husband said that have stayed with me for almost fifteen years. This isn't a story about medical treatments or statistics. It's about the moments we remember, the ones we forget, and the people who stand beside us when life changes in an instant. So pull up a chair and welcome to The Story Stand, where stories don't have to be perfect. They just have to be worth telling.

    The Story Stand 11-11-11 The Day That Everything Changed

  4. Oct 27

    For All Intensive Purposes and Other Things We Think We Are Saying

    Have you ever said something your entire life, only to discover you've been saying it wrong? Maybe you've been taking things "for granite," nipping problems "in the butt," or wondering what happened to Chester's drawers! In Episode 23 of The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, we're having a little fun with the English language, commonly misused phrases, and those song lyrics we've been confidently singing wrong for years. It all started when I came across the phrase "for all intensive purposes" while editing a client's article. Sure, I could have simply corrected it to "for all intents and purposes." But as an editor, I wanted to know something first. Was it a mistake, or was there a story behind those words? Because sometimes the words we get wrong are the very words that make a story worth telling. In this episode, we're talking about: Commonly misused phrases and what they actually mean. Why our brains sometimes hear words differently than they're spoken. Hilarious misheard song lyrics (and why we keep singing them anyway). The difference between correcting a mistake and preserving someone's voice. Why good editing involves asking questions, not just making corrections. How to recognize when an unusual expression belongs in your writing. We'll laugh a little, learn a little, and maybe discover that we've been saying a few things wrong ourselves. But underneath all the fun is something I believe strongly: Good editing shouldn't erase the personality, memories, or voice behind the words. FREE WRITING RESOURCE Want to discover more expressions you might be getting wrong? Visit https://theeditwithhollytotten.com for my free guide, Wait, That's Not Right! 25 Commonly Misused Phrases Every Writer Should Know. And I'd love to hear from you! What's an expression you've been saying wrong for years? Or a song lyric you discovered you'd been singing incorrectly? Send your favorites to theeditwithhollytotten@gmail.com. Thanks for listening, and remember: Your story matters. Your voice matters. And sometimes the best thing an editor can do is ask one more question. Your story without your voice is only words. The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing Writing, editing, publishing, and the stories behind the words.

    For All Intensive Purposes and Other Things We Think We Are Saying

  5. Oct 21

    From Celebrity Interviews to First Time Author with Adam Rothenberg Part 2

    The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing

    From Celebrity Interviews to First Time Author with Adam Rothenberg Part 2

  6. Oct 14

    Finding Your Voice and Following Your Dreams with Celebrity Interviewer Adam Rothenberg | Part 1

    What happens when you know what you want to do with your life, but the road to getting there looks nothing like you imagined? In this episode of The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, I'm joined by my friend, author, and celebrity interviewer Adam Rothenberg, founder of Call Me Adam. Adam has spent 17 years interviewing celebrities from film, television, theater, and music, conducting more than 2,300 interviews along the way. But his journey into entertainment wasn't a straight line. From growing up with a learning disability and being discouraged by a teacher to trying his hand at acting, radio, and stand-up comedy, Adam kept pursuing his love of entertainment until he found where he belonged. We talk about the influence Dolly Parton had on his career, the lessons he's learned from interviewing celebrities, and why building trust and making people comfortable can lead to more meaningful conversations. Adam also shares some memorable interviewing mistakes and what those experiences taught him. This conversation is about finding your own path, staying true to yourself, learning from mistakes, and recognizing that sometimes your dreams come true in ways you never expected. In Part 2, Adam and I will talk about writing his debut book, Behind the Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned, and Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities, including the challenges of writing, editing, and keeping his authentic voice on the page. Connect with Adam: Website: https://callmeadam.com Podcast: Baring It All with Call Me Adam Social media: @callmeadamnyc Purchase Adam's book here: https://a.co/d/04z5flL8 Connect with Holly: Website: https://theeditwithhollytotten.com theeditwithhollytotten@gmail.com The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing is a podcast about writing, editing, publishing, and sharing your story without losing your voice.

    Finding Your Voice and Following Your Dreams with Celebrity Interviewer Adam Rothenberg | Part 1

  7. Oct 7

    How To Turn Your Stories Into A Book

    You have the stories. You've started getting them on the page. You've thought about what your story is really about, why it matters, and which pieces actually belong. Now what? In this final episode of my series on getting started writing your story, we're bringing everything together and talking about how those individual memories, experiences, and ideas can begin taking shape as a book. I'll walk you through a simple, practical process for gathering what you've written, looking for connections and common threads, grouping stories that belong together, identifying missing pieces, and creating a working map for your book. And no, I'm not talking about creating a complicated outline or figuring out every chapter before you write another word. Your working map is just that—working. It should give you direction without taking away your freedom to discover your story as you write. In this episode, we talk about: • How to gather everything you've written and see what you actually have • Finding the connections and threads between your stories • Thinking about your book in terms of a beginning, middle, and end • Why "What does my reader need to know next?" is different from "What happened next?" • How to identify the missing pieces in your story • Creating a flexible working map for your book • Why you don't have to write your book in order • How planning can become another form of procrastination • What to do next so you keep writing instead of getting stuck in the planning stage We also come full circle to Jackson, the listener whose question started this entire series. He wanted to tell his story but couldn't figure out how to get anything on the page. That question became a series because I knew he wasn't the only one. If you've followed along, I hope you've learned something even more important than how to plan a book: You know how to begin. And before this episode ends, I have a big announcement about what's coming next for The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing. I'm introducing a brand-new segment called No Editing Required—real people sharing real stories in their own words. Because your story doesn't have to be polished to matter. Keep writing. Keep telling your stories. And most importantly, remember: Your story without your voice is only words. Connect with Holly at writelynotable@gmail.com https://www.writelynotable.com

    How To Turn Your Stories Into A Book

  8. Sep 30

    How To Decide What Belongs In Your Book (and What Doesn't)

    How do you decide which stories belong in your book—and which ones don't? When you're writing your own story, everything can start to feel important. The people. The memories. The conversations. The backstory. But your life is bigger than your book, and not every meaningful memory belongs in the story you're telling. In this episode of The Edit With Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing, Holly shares practical ways to decide what stays, what goes, and what might simply belong somewhere else. You'll learn how to: • Give every story or scene a "job" • Decide whether a memory moves your story forward or takes your reader deeper • Separate necessary information from everything you know • Recognize when backstory is helping—or taking over • Use the "thread test" to decide whether something belongs • Create a "Not This Book" file for stories you aren't ready to use • Understand the difference between writing something and deciding to publish it Most importantly, you'll learn why leaving something out doesn't mean the story doesn't matter. You aren't trying to tell everything. You're trying to tell the right things well. And sometimes, one of the most important decisions a writer makes is knowing what not to include. Connect with Holly at  https://www.writelynotable.com  writelynotable@gmail.com

    How To Decide What Belongs In Your Book (and What Doesn't)
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About

Your story deserves to be told in your voice, not someone else's. The Edit is the podcast for writers, entrepreneurs, memoirists, and business owners who want to write a book that sounds unmistakably like them. Hosted by nonfiction editor and writing coach Holly Totten, this show explores the space between first draft and final version—the messy, magical middle where clarity, confidence, and authentic storytelling are shaped. If you have ever worried that working with an editor or following conventional writing advice will strip away your personality, flatten your tone, or turn your unique perspective into something forgettable and generic, you have come to the right place. Holly believes that editing is not about making you sound like everyone else. It is about helping you sound more like you, only clearer, tighter, and more powerful. This podcast is not a grammar lecture. It is not a list of rigid rules or a formula for writing what sells. Instead, each episode blends practical, actionable guidance with honest, unscripted conversations about the real struggles writers face: overwhelm, self-doubt, messy drafts, imposter syndrome, and the fear of putting your work out into the world. You will hear from fellow writers navigating the same challenges, and you will leave with tools you can use immediately. Holly brings years of experience as a nonfiction editor and writing coach, but she does not pretend to have all the answers. What she offers is a philosophy: your voice is not a problem to be fixed. It is the entire point. Editing should uncover what is already brilliant, not sand it down until nothing recognizable remains. Across every episode, The Edit covers topics that matter to real writers, including: How to self-edit without deleting your voice or second-guessing every sentence. The difference between developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading—and which ones you actually need. Memoir writing prompts that actually uncover your story instead of forcing you into someone else's template. Self-publishing versus traditional publishing: how to choose what is right for your book and your goals. Working with an editor as a creative partner and collaborator, not a critic or gatekeeper. Overcoming perfectionism, finishing your messy first draft, and learning to trust your instincts. Protecting vulnerable, honest moments in your writing from the "Should Monster" that tells you to play it safe. Practical strategies for line-level polishing that sharpen your prose without losing your rhythm. How to record yourself reading your work aloud as a voice check—and why that single habit transforms everything. Whether you are writing a memoir about a difficult season of life, a nonfiction business book to grow your authority, a self-published guide to share your hard-won expertise, or simply gathering notes and ideas for a future project, The Edit meets you exactly where you are. Messy first draft? Half-finished chapter? A notebook full of scribbled ideas and no clear path forward? You belong here. This podcast is for anyone who has ever finished an editing session and thought, "That doesn't even sound like me anymore." It is for writers who refuse to sound like a LinkedIn post, a textbook, or a bland bestseller clone. It is for the entrepreneur who knows they have a book inside them but is terrified of losing their authentic voice along the way. Because here is the truth Holly wants you to remember: your story without your voice is only words. But your story with your voice? That is something the world desperately needs. New episodes typically release weekly. Subscribe now and stop writing like someone else. Start writing like you.

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