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Write the Damn Book Already

Write the Damn Book Already

Written by: Elizabeth Lyons
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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.

© 2026 Elizabeth Lyons LLC Art Careers Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • Ep 177: There Are No Rules (Except the Oxford Comma) -- with Eric Garcia

    Ep 177: There Are No Rules (Except the Oxford Comma) -- with Eric Garcia
    Jul 15 2026

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

    TV writer, screenwriter, and author Eric Garcia has published six books (so far). He sold three of them to Hollywood and somehow still managed to write his latest novel entirely by accident. He set out to write a short story. Then it got longer. Then it was a novella. Then it was 80,000 words and he had to admit he'd written a whole book, mostly at night, while still juggling film and TV work.

    We also talk about what's changed in publishing since his Random House days (Hint: mid-list used to mean stable; now everyone's terrified of it), why chasing trends is a losing game when a book takes years to reach shelves, and why there are no rules for how long a chapter should be, except the one that matters: Don't make me want to stop reading.

    We also bond hard over the Oxford comma as well as the correct use of "less" and "fewer." I nearly combust with joy over our shared grammar rage.

    🧭 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

    Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

    *episode sponsor

    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
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Ep 176: How to Publish A Children's Book with Erin Thorburn

    Ep 176: How to Publish A Children's Book with Erin Thorburn
    Jul 7 2026

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

    In this episode, I chat with children's book author and illustrator Erin Thorburn. (She also happens to be my best friend.) We wax not so poetic on book writing, publishing, marketing children's books (her lane, not mine), and navigating the creative industry with humor and properly set expectations.

    CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Challenges of publishing (and marketing) children's books
    • Marketing strategies for authors
    • The myths (and, of course, truths) of our experiences building both confidence and community
    • How to navigate industry egos and rejection without making it mean you should quit (or just plain quitting)

    🧭 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

    Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

    *episode sponsor

    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
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Ep 175: How Consistency Fuels Creativity (with Nadia Hashimi)

    Ep 175: How Consistency Fuels Creativity (with Nadia Hashimi)
    Jul 1 2026

    Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

    Nadia Hashimi's newest novel (her seventh published book), City of Widows (William Morrow), releases in July 2026.

    She's already published four books for adults: The Pearl that Broke Its Shell (which is an international bestseller), When the Moon in Low, A House Without Windows, and Sparks Like Stars, as well as two middle grade novels, One Half from the East and The Sky at Our Feet.

    Our conversation was both fascinating and enlightening as we talked about Afghan culture, the importance of discipline in creative work, and Nadia's writing process. As a mom of four and pediatrician, her schedule most certainly doesn't allow for "easy" writing blocks, and her encouraging, honest words will no doubt reassure new and seasoned authors alike.


    🧭 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

    Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

    *episode sponsor

    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
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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