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Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry. Good thing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Pros Talking Prose is your backstage pass to the writing and publishing world, hosted by seasoned pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We’ll help you skip the mistakes, laugh through the chaos, and build the writing career you actually want without the smoke and mirrors. New episodes every week. Therapy not included — but highly encouraged.
Episodes
Saturday Jun 06, 2026
Saturday Jun 06, 2026
Are you measuring author success by the wrong standard?
Too many writers compare themselves to bestselling authors, viral success stories, and household names. But what if that's exactly what's making you miserable?
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske tackle the uncomfortable truth about author success, the publishing industry's "power law," and why so many writers burn themselves out chasing goals they can't control.
We discuss why building a sustainable author career matters more than chasing fame, how to stop comparing yourself to the biggest names in publishing, and what successful authors actually spend their time doing. If you've ever felt behind, frustrated, overwhelmed, or like everyone else is succeeding faster than you, this conversation is for you.
Success doesn't have to mean becoming Stephen King.
Sometimes success means building a loyal readership, creating books you're proud of, and designing an author career that actually fits your life.
In this episode:
• Why most authors are measuring success incorrectly
• The publishing industry's "power law" explained
• Why comparison is killing your motivation
• The difference between fame and a sustainable writing career
• How to build your own author micro-community
• What productive authors focus on (and what they ignore)
• Why burnout is more dangerous than failure
• The three assets every author should be building
• Why writing a great book is necessary—but not enough
• How to define success on your own terms
Resources Mentioned:
Author AI Sentiment Survey
Quietly Into the Night by Vincent Zandri
Alibi Syndicate Press
Plot Dude's Guide to Story
P2P Author Business Harbor Community
If you enjoy honest conversations about writing, publishing, author business, and building a long-term career, make sure to subscribe and join us each week.
#WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #PublishingIndustry #AuthorBusiness #WritingCareer #BookMarketing #AmWriting #AuthorsHelpingAuthors #CreativeEntrepreneur #WritingPodcast #BookTube #AuthorSuccess
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