Write the Damn Book Already

Elizabeth Lyons

Want to write, publish, and market your book, but feel overwhelmed by where to start? Write the Damn Book Already breaks down the writing process, self-publishing, and traditional publishing so you can move from idea to finished book with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Elizabeth Lyons—author, book writing coach, book editor, and self-publishing expert—this show untangles the often-confusing world of writing and publishing. From first draft to finished manuscript, indie publishing to traditional publishing, Amazon strategy to long-term book visibility, you’ll get practical guidance and honest conversations about what it really takes to get a book into the world. Through solo episodes and interviews with both traditionally published and indie authors—across fiction and nonfiction—Elizabeth brings a well-rounded, no-hype perspective to the publishing industry. Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a novel, you’ll walk away with clearer next steps and fewer mental roadblocks.

  1. Ep 163: The Truth About Traditional Publishing Nobody Tells First-Time Authors

    1D AGO

    Ep 163: The Truth About Traditional Publishing Nobody Tells First-Time Authors

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Lori is a traditionally published author of seven books whose latest novel, Kiss, Marry, Kill, releases April 7th with HarperCollins. Last time she was on the show, we talked about her novel, Romantic Friction. This time? We get into the business of publishing — the stuff most authors don't hear about until they're already in the thick of it. Plus, what Lori does (and questions) when it comes to her own marketing hustle, and why she goes all in every launch season even when she's not sure the return is worth it. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)? The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy.  👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    48 min
  2. Ep 162: From Academic to Fiction Author with Jennifer Brown

    MAR 25

    Ep 162: From Academic to Fiction Author with Jennifer Brown

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Ever wonder what happens when an academic specializing in medieval women’s visions suddenly writes her first novel?  In this episode, Jennifer Brown shares her unexpected leap from dusty manuscripts to publishing with St. Martin’s Press and how a canceled conference sparked her fiction journey—without a soul telling her she should. In this episode: How Jennifer’s fascination with medieval women and their visions inspired her novel, The Lost Book of Elizabeth BartonThe serendipitous week in London that kickstarted her writing processScrapping outlines and embracing the messy, fun process of discoveryThe unexpected ease of her path to publicationInsights into marketing a traditionally published book when the house does some of the heavy lifting (emphases on "some")Her thoughts on the complexity of writing multiple timelines and switching points of viewThe importance of embracing revision as part of the creative process🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Your back cover isn't just your back cover. It's your Amazon description. It's what a stranger reads at 11pm deciding whether to buy your book or go to sleep. The Back Cover Blueprint gives you templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    38 min
  3. Ep 161: How to Avoid Getting Banned on Amazon: 5 Essential Tips for Indie Authors

    MAR 18

    Ep 161: How to Avoid Getting Banned on Amazon: 5 Essential Tips for Indie Authors

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Many indie authors lose sleep over the idea of getting banned on Amazon. Honestly? That fear makes sense. It's not possible to guarantee that your account would be suspended or deactivated, but if it is, there are steps you can take to rectify the situation. In this episode, I'm breaking down what actually causes account suspensions (things you can absolutely control), the tactics some authors use to game visibility that end up backfiring spectacularly, and what to do if you find yourself on the wrong end of Amazon's AI-based decisions. We'll cover keyword stuffing, category gaming, review-related red flags, and the not-so-obvious mistakes that put accounts at risk. Plus, what a real appeal process looks like and when it might be worth diversifying your distribution altogether. Because here's the thing: There's almost always a way forward. If you're self-publishing and want to stay legit, steady, and sane, this one's for you. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    33 min
  4. Ep 160: The Hidden Struggles of TV and Book Success with Liz Astrof

    MAR 11

    Ep 160: The Hidden Struggles of TV and Book Success with Liz Astrof

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Creative careers look glamorous from the outside. The inside is usually…a little messier. In episode 160, I sit down with Liz Astrof, TV writer ("Stumble," "King of Queens," "Pivoting," etc.) and author of Stay-At-Work Mom, to talk about the real mechanics of building a career in entertainment and publishing. Not the highlight reel. The actual process. Liz shares what it’s like to write for television while also stepping into the world of books. Different mediums. Different pressures. Same core truth: Good work takes time to find its footing. We talk about the long stretch between idea and green light. The pitches that don’t land. The projects that stall. And why collaboration is both the magic and the madness of working in TV (and being an author!). She also shares a candid look at her version of resilience. Not the motivational-poster version but the practical version, where you keep showing up, keep refining, and keep creating—even when the timeline isn’t cooperating (which, let's face it, is the one constant). If y 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Your back cover isn't just your back cover. It's your Amazon description. It's what a stranger reads at 11pm deciding whether to buy your book or go to sleep. The Back Cover Blueprint gives you templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)? The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy.  👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    1h 21m
  5. Ep 159: Start at the End with Emma Grey

    MAR 4

    Ep 159: Start at the End with Emma Grey

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Grey, whose newest novel, Start at the End, publishes on April 7, 2026. We talk about writing brave stories and building a creative life that can withstand rejection. Emma shares how vulnerability fuels her fiction. Not for shock value, but how honest emotions earn their place on the page. We talk about how she approaches structure, how she stays grounded in character, and why the process of storytelling keeps evolving right alongside the writer. We also get into rejection. The real kind, the kind that stings. Emma’s take? It’s part of the path, and it's not a verdict on your talent. And then there’s what’s next for Emma—TV adaptation plans and the shift from prose to screen. What changes? What stays? And how do you protect the emotional core of a story when new collaborators step in? If you’re writing something that feels personal—or wondering whether you’re resilient enough to keep going—this conversation is a must-listen.  ***** 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)? The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy.  👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    49 min
  6. Ep 158: Inside Alexandra Potter's Writing Process

    FEB 25

    Ep 158: Inside Alexandra Potter's Writing Process

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode, I’m joined by U.K.-based bestselling author Alexandra Potter, known for Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k-Up and her newest release, So, I Met This Guy... We talk about her writing journey, the freedom (and risk) of genre versatility, and why she refuses to be boxed in (as should you!). Alexandra shares how she develops characters with depth and momentum. A friend calls her the “cork board queen,” and once you hear her plotting process, you’ll understand why.  We also dive into the heartbeat of her current books: female friendships. The kind that carry you through heartbreak, reinvention, and the messy middle of midlife. She makes a strong case for why we need a female equivalent of the word “bromance.” (I've been contemplating an appropriate term ever since!) We touch on the role of timing, the importance of community, and the ever-unpredictable path to bestseller status.  *************************************************************** 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)? The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy.  👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    44 min
  7. Ep 157: The Challenge of Anonymity in Memoir Writing

    FEB 18

    Ep 157: The Challenge of Anonymity in Memoir Writing

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Can you write a memoir without putting your name on it? In this episode, I tackle two of the most common questions I hear from aspiring memoirists: Can I stay anonymous? and What makes a book successful?  I break down why selling a memoir without a personal identity attached is tough. Readers connect to people, not just stories. And when the story is personal, anonymity adds a level of friction you can’t ignore. I also share why the best memoirs often read like fiction. Strong scenes. Real tension. Clean narrative arc. Which is why, if anonymity feels non-negotiable, writing the story as fiction might actually be the smarter move. Then there’s the success question. Is it bestseller lists? Revenue? Or simply finishing a draft you once thought you couldn’t write? If you’ve been circling your story but stuck on fear, privacy, or what “counts” as success, this conversation will help you ground your next step. 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    23 min
  8. Ep 156: New Ebook Strategies for Indie Authors (2026)

    FEB 11

    Ep 156: New Ebook Strategies for Indie Authors (2026)

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! It's critical to understand the dynamics of book distribution, the advantages of ebooks, and strategies for increasing sales, especially as an indie author. So in this conversation, I discuss recent updates in the self-publishing world, focusing on distribution platforms for authors, particularly the new option for ebook distribution through Bookshop.org.  The conversation also touches on the challenges indie authors face in getting their books into physical bookstores and how I suggest indie authors best utilize various distribution platforms for maximum effectiveness. RESOURCES MENTIONED Video: How to Update Your Fonts if KDP Rejects Your Manuscript Episode 98: Going Wide Vs. Amazon Exclusivity (KDP Select)  Getting Your Self-Published Book Into Bookstores  Author Email Toolkit: 30+ Templates for Building Buzz, Selling More Books, and Growing Your Reader List 🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers.  🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint 🔑 BOOK FORMATTING SOFTWARE FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io. ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time).  👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook Support the show ****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Let's Connect! Instagram Website Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

    28 min
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Want to write, publish, and market your book, but feel overwhelmed by where to start? Write the Damn Book Already breaks down the writing process, self-publishing, and traditional publishing so you can move from idea to finished book with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Elizabeth Lyons—author, book writing coach, book editor, and self-publishing expert—this show untangles the often-confusing world of writing and publishing. From first draft to finished manuscript, indie publishing to traditional publishing, Amazon strategy to long-term book visibility, you’ll get practical guidance and honest conversations about what it really takes to get a book into the world. Through solo episodes and interviews with both traditionally published and indie authors—across fiction and nonfiction—Elizabeth brings a well-rounded, no-hype perspective to the publishing industry. Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a novel, you’ll walk away with clearer next steps and fewer mental roadblocks.

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