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BookTrib is proud to present to our readers the Writers, Ink podcast, a show about the business of writing. Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.

Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business — editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.

Check back every Monday for a new episode!

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In this monthly Q & A session, the guys answer listener questions.

Have one you’re dying to ask? Join us on Patreon and ask your question LIVE on the podcast!

Questions answered in today’s episode:

  • Dialogue-only first drafts: I know J. has tried doing a dialogue-only first draft, and I’d love to know what you think now. Will this be part of your normal process going forward? I’m trying it myself now, after a conversation with Jeff Elkins. I can definitely see the benefit, but it’s taking me a lot longer. Any tips to share? Thank you!
  • When to start using paid advertising: I will be releasing the final book in a trilogy soon, and I’m thinking about whether to start some paid advertising. I’d start with services like BookBub or The Fussy Librarian to test the waters. Since the trilogy will be complete and I can get read-through, is this a good idea? Or should I wait until I have a few more books out? Thanks!
  • What aspect of the writing process have you recently changed or tweaked?
  • How to serialize your fiction: My question is about chapters/episodes in serialized fiction. I have a space opera trilogy almost ready to go and have decided to release it in a serialized version first as an experiment (on Substack instead of Vella because I’m Canadian). Is a chapter a chapter regardless of how it’s released? Or should I reconsider the arc of my chapters for each format?
  • What’s the best way to get started offering author services?
  • Where might you be able to cut corners on editing?
  • What writing achievement would you like to be remembered for?

LINKS

Show Credits
Host: J. D. Barker
Host: J. Thorn
Host: Zach Bohannon
Music: Nicorus
Voice Over: Rick Ganley (recorded at Mill Pond Studio)

In This Episode
Story Rubric
Nonfic Rubric
The Career Author Summit 2021

Proudly Sponsored By
Kobo Writing Life

Contact Writers, Ink

*Full disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links.

Writers, Ink

Writers, Ink is a podcast about the business of writing hosted by J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, JP Rindfleisch, Kevin Tumlinson and Patrick O’Donnell.

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