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Write the Damn Book Already

Elizabeth Lyons
Self-Publishing
Amazon
Publishing
Traditional Publishing
Memoir
Publishing Industry
Books
Cover Design
Book Marketing
Draft2digital
Bookshop.org
Writing and Publishing Process
Jenn Hanson-Depaula
Marketing
Email Marketing
Publish a Profitable Book
Editing
Nonfiction Writing
Meet Me Under the Lights
Reality Bites

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 w... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes174Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipArtsBusinessBooks

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Artwork for Write the Damn Book Already

Latest Episodes

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In this episode, Elizabeth Lyons and Liz Lawson discuss Liz's journey from YA to adult fiction (It Happened One Murder, July 2026), the realities of book launches, and insights into the p... more

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In this episode, Joan F. Smith, author of Your Soulmail is Attached (her debut adult novel), shares her journey through the publishing world, her writing process, and insights into naviga... more

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Liz Lawson
Author transitioning from YA to adult fiction; debut adult It Happened One Murder
Episode: Ep 171: From YA to Adult: Liz Lawson's Publishing Journey
Joan F. Smith
Author and novelist with experience across YA and adult fiction
HarperCollins, Macmillan (imprints discussed)
Episode: Ep 170: Mastering the Art of Outlining with Joan F. Smith
Louise Marburg
Debut novelist discussed in-depth; author of previously published short-story collections
Author
Episode: Ep 169: From Short Stories to a Debut Novel (with Louise Marburg)
Amy Mass
Debut novelist, author of Reality Bites
Harper Perennial (imprint of HarperCollins)
Episode: Ep 168: How Reality TV Inspired a Debut Novel (with Amy Mass)
Allie Hill
Author of The Girlfriend's Guide to Empty Nesting
Episode: Ep 167: Self-Publishing Surprises with Allie Hill
Rachel Beanland
Author (The Half-Life, etc.)
Author
Episode: Ep 166: Writing the Book That Scares You a Little (with Rachel Beanland)
Rachel Weaver
Memoirist and author of Dizzy
West Virginia University Press and Lake Union/Amazon Publishing
Episode: Ep 165: How to Write a Memoir That Actually Lands With Rachel Weaver
Lori Gold
Author of Kiss, Marry, Kill; previously published with HarperCollins; multiple traditional publishers
HarperCollins (and other traditional publishers)
Episode: Ep 163: The Truth About Traditional Publishing Nobody Tells First-Time Authors
Jennifer Brown
Author of The Forthcoming and The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton
Author
Episode: Ep 162: From Academic to Fiction Author with Jennifer Brown

Host

Elizabeth Lyons
Host of Write the Damn Book Already; author, publishing coach, and self-publishing expert

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 32 ratings
  • Real!

    Really enjoyed listening to this episode of Write the Damn Book Already—it felt like a very real, no-fluff look at traditional publishing from the inside. I appreciated how openly it broke down the marketing pressure and launch expectations that most first-time authors don’t see coming. It makes you think differently about what “success” actually looks like in publishing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mary Burruss
    United Statesa month ago
  • Binging this podcast!

    I just found this podcast and am currently BINGING it before I even think about hitting go on my new book. The tips are so practical and so helpful! Thank you for putting out this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BTA_MD
    United States4 months ago
  • Helpful & Inspiring! Practical Tips!

    Thank you, Elizabeth, for adding so much value to the writing community. You’ve inspired and helped me on my nonfiction book journey.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VickiD1031
    United States7 months ago
  • I'm so inspired!

    I just signed up for drum lessons. I’ve been wanting to do it forever, but the school that I really love is over an hour away. And I was just really reluctant to make that drive so, I decided that I would listen to podcasts while I drove instead of my typical music. Life-changing! This podcast has already helped me dramatically in just one day. I’m actually looking forward to any time I get to drive now, so I can listen. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ksteele32
    United Statesa year ago
  • A must for authors

    This podcast is a must for authors or aspiring authors!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ntub123
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners feel inspired and less stuck about publishing timelines and marketing.
Host is knowledgeable, witty, and supportive, making complex publishing topics feel approachable.
Shows are practical and no-fluff, with actionable steps.

Top Books Podcasts

The Book Review
The Book ReviewThe New York Times
Myths and Legends
Myths and LegendsJason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
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The Book ClubGoalhanger
Selected Shorts
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PASSAGES: On Morrison
PASSAGES: On MorrisonNamwali Serpell, Random House

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 143: From Starbucks Barista to Thriller Novelist with Julie Doar
Q: How long did it take to get an agent and what did you learn about the querying process?
It took about a year or so, with a staggered approach to querying. I learned that opening chapters matter most; I adjusted the first chapter and the opening pages based on research and feedback, treating the process like a sales campaign with rejection as a normal part of the journey.
Ep 143: From Starbucks Barista to Thriller Novelist with Julie Doar
Q: How did you come up with the idea for the book and what was your initial process like?
I started with a setting and a premise I loved—finding a body on a family walk in the Hudson Valley—and then drafted repeatedly, letting characters steer the story. I wrote a full draft first to discover where it went, and only later refined structure and plot through several revisions.
Ep 142: Writing, Endings & Publishing Myths with Novelist Turner Gable Kahn
Q: What was the most surprising part of the traditional publishing experience for Turner?
Turner highlights the intense involvement required in promotion and social media, the collaboration with editors and agents, and the learning curve around book marketing and building relationships with readers.
Ep 142: Writing, Endings & Publishing Myths with Novelist Turner Gable Kahn
Q: How did Turner decide between going wide or using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Select for publication?
Turner explains that this was not always clear or within her control, especially as a debut author, and that traditional publishing does involve marketing decisions beyond writing; the guest suggests these choices are context-dependent and influenced by the publisher and the author's goals.
Ep 150: Author & Book Marketing in 2026 with Jenn Hanson-dePaula
Q: How should authors view social media complexity and platform choice?
Prioritize where your audience is and what you enjoy doing. It's better to post consistently on a couple of platforms you like than to spread yourself thin across many. Use storytelling and practical CTAs, and repurpose content rather than chasing every trend.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Write the Damn Book Already

What is Write the Damn Book Already about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show provides practical, no-nonsense guidance on writing, publishing, and marketing books. Across episodes, listeners get insights into traditional vs. indie publishing, AI and distribution realities, pre-orders and launch strategy, book marketing, and craft techniques—from developing memorable characters to navigating agents, editors, and publicity. Noteworthy moments often center on real-world publishing economics, actionable steps for getting a manuscript to market, and the authorpreneur mindset that blends creative work with strategic promotion. The host's experience as a writing coach and publishing educator contributes a grounded, step-by-step approach that's especially helpful for aspiring authors seeking tangible Next Steps and... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Write the Damn Book Already?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Write the Damn Book Already:

1. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
2. The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
3. Fiction Writing Made Easy with Savannah Gilbo | How to Write a Novel & Writing Advice
4. The Oprah Podcast
5. The Mel Robbins Podcast

How many episodes of Write the Damn Book Already are there?

Write the Damn Book Already launched 4 years ago and published 174 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Write the Damn Book Already?

Recent guests on Write the Damn Book Already include:

1. Liz Lawson
2. Joan F. Smith
3. Louise Marburg
4. Amy Mass
5. Allie Hill
6. Rachel Beanland
7. Rachel Weaver
8. Lori Gold

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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