Pros Talking Prose

Ep 4: How Pros Define Quality Writing

Get the skinny on writing a book that will make readers laugh, cry, or reach for the fireplace poker and hide under their blanket. Editors, agents, publishers, and the paying public are looking to be entertained and/or informed. Not only is it important to provide quality content that doesn't ramble like your father on a tirade, but it is vital to write clearly so that you can hold interest. Your job as the writer is to fulfill the job of feeding the information hole, thereby making wishes come true. Maybe that is a bit dramatic, but you get the point. Do you want to know how to write a book, if writing a book will make you money, and how to get better at writing your book, then you have clicked on the right video. 
Book and Writing Professionals, Troy and Stacey, spill the tea on writing a captivating manuscript that will capture the hearts and minds of your readers. Dive into those elements of writing that everyone says, but rarely can define, like "show don't tell" and "watch your pacing."  
Look, you are a writer and want people to read your stuff right? Well, we are here to help you bridge some gaps and learn how to improve your craft. 

If you are looking for a guide as you attempt to cross the ocean of writing and publishing, look no further. Stacey Smekofske is your very own literary GPS. She's not only a freelance full-service editor, but also a publishing coach extraordinaire—think of her as the Gandalf to your fellowship, but without the smoking habit and a better sense of urgency. You can find her wielding her proverbial red pen like Sting at EditsByStacey.com. And yes, she is a Lord of the Rings fan!

Troy Lambert is the plot guy who deconstructs every story he reads! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man is an expert in more roles than Krispy Kreme has donuts. Need to find the hole in your Swiss cheese plot? Troy's your guy. He’s the Sherlock of plotting, finding the problems within your story with nothing but a keyboard and an occasion shot of whisky on a hard day. Dive into TroyLambertWrites.com. 

#PublishingTips #AuthorBusiness #VanityPublishing #HybridPublishing #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #BookContracts #PublishingScams #AuthorBeware

Ep 3: How to Avoid Bad Publishing Deals

Not all publishing paths are created equal—and some will cost you way more than just money. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, industry veterans Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the red flags of vanity and overpriced hybrid publishers.

🚨 Learn what shady contracts look like
📉 Avoid the promises that sound too good to be true
🛠️ Discover how to protect your rights, your wallet, and your future

If you're an author navigating publishing options, don’t sign anything until you listen to this episode. Stacey and Troy will arm you with the knowledge to take control of your author business—and steer clear of costly mistakes.

Your pros:
✍️ Stacey Smekofske – Editor & Publishing Coach at Edits by Stacey
📚 Troy Lambert – Author, Book Coach, Script Doctor, and Publisher

#PublishingTips #AuthorBusiness #VanityPublishing #HybridPublishing #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #BookContracts #PublishingScams #AuthorBeware

Ep 2: 9 Tips for Success As an Author

Think writing a book is the hard part? Try turning it into a full-time gig. In this no-fluff episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the real work of running an author business. These 9 essential tips go beyond the basics, covering mindset, marketing, money, and more. If you're serious about building a lasting author career (and not just hoping your book goes viral), this is the episode you can't afford to skip. What it really takes to go pro Why it’s a business, not a lottery ticket How to make your author life sustainable Hosted by editor & publishing coach Stacey Smekofske of Edits by Stacey and author & book strategist Troy Lambert, this is the industry-insider advice most authors don’t hear until it’s too late. #AuthorLife #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #authorbusiness #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #BookCoach #PublishingTips #FullTimeAuthor

Ep 1: AI Friend or Foe

AI isn’t coming for authors — it’s already here, typing away with suspiciously good grammar. In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and resident AI wrangler Troy Lambert pull back the curtain on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the writing world faster than you can say "Ctrl+Z."

Is it time to welcome your new robot coauthor with a high five? Or start hoarding canned goods and sharpening pencils like medieval weapons? Either way, you need to know what's happening — and how to ride the AI wave without wiping out.

Join us for an honest, hilarious, and slightly alarming conversation about the future of storytelling, creativity, and why your air fryer is probably safe. For now.

Pros Talking Pros Trailer

Ready for real talk about writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author career?
Pros Talking Prose brings you unfiltered advice, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs from industry pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert.
We cover the writing craft, the business side of books, and all the messy realities they don’t tell you about — with practical tips to help you thrive at every stage of your journey.

Hit subscribe and join us for weekly episodes that will fuel your creativity, sharpen your strategy, and remind you why you started this crazy writing adventure in the first place.

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