Pros Talking Prose

Your Publisher is Out of Business: Now What?

Part 1: Reclaiming Your Power When the Publisher Pulls the Plug
What do you do when your publisher suddenly closes its doors?
In this special mini-episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down what every author needs to know when the press that published your book goes belly-up.

From the first “don’t panic” moment to the step-by-step checklist for reclaiming your rights, files, and future, this quick chat is packed with insider tips and industry-savvy advice that could save your author career.

You’ll learn:
What to do immediately when a publisher shuts down
How to get your rights, royalties, and cover files back
Why a reversion letter is non-negotiable
When to republish, recover, or rebrand your book
How to turn a publishing loss into an indie rebirth

Whether you were signed with a small press like #DownAndOutPublishing or any other traditional house, this episode will help you pivot with confidence and take control of your IP like a pro.

Tune in, take notes, and remember: it’s not the end of your story—it’s just a new chapter.

#DownAndOutPublishing #ProsTalkingProse #AuthorRights #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishingTips #AuthorBusiness #WritingCommunity #PublishingAdvice #SmallPress #BookPublishing #PrintToPro #InPrintAcademy #AuthorEducation #WritersLife 

Every Book is Marketable: If you Know How to Package it.

Why do brilliant books sometimes flop while mediocre ones soar? In this candid episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack the real difference between a “good book” and a marketable one. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about writing skill — it’s about packaging, positioning, and understanding your reader.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why craft alone won’t sell your book — and what actually will.
The 3 pillars of a marketable book: craft, packaging, and positioning.
How to turn casual readers into true fans (and stop the churn).
What your cover, blurb, and metadata say about your book — before anyone reads a word.

Whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or just planning your debut, this episode will help you bridge the gap between writing a great story and selling a great product.

Mentioned in this episode:
Explore the incredible author community at Author Nation — resources, networking, and education for indie authors:
https://www.authornation.live/

#IndieAuthorTips #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #AuthorBusiness #ProsTalkingProse #PublishingPodcast #AuthorNation #BookCoversThatSell #AuthorBranding #PrintToPro

Tide Pods, Alien Probes, & Author Marketing: A Totally Normal Conversation

It's every author’s nightmare: you’ve written a book, hit “publish,” and… crickets.
No sales, no clicks, no clue what to do next.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) blow up the myth that there’s a magic formula to selling books.

If you’ve ever:
Spent more on ads than you made in royalties
Felt personally victimized by the word “algorithm”
Wondered why no one is finding your book on Amazon
Tried to “build your brand” without knowing what that even means
…this episode is your intervention.

Stacey and Troy break down the painful truth every author needs to hear—marketing isn’t a one-time event, it’s an ongoing relationship (and no, running Facebook ads isn’t a personality).

Get ready for laughs, reality checks, and the occasional alien abduction as they unpack:
Why you’re not selling books (and why it’s not Amazon’s fault)
How to turn your “author brand” from nonexistent to unforgettable
The difference between strategy and shiny-object syndrome
Why throwing money at ads is not a business plan
The single most valuable marketing tool you actually own (hint: it’s your email list)

By the end, you’ll stop Googling “how to market my book” and start actually doing it—with fewer tears, less Tide, and zero probing.

#BookMarketing #AuthorProblems #IndieAuthorLife #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #BookPromotion #AuthorBranding #IndiePublishing #AmWriting #WritersLife #MarketingForAuthors #BookBusiness #WritingTips #PublishingAdvice #ProsTalkingProse

Stop Googling Your Career: Strategy vs. Tactics That Actually Work

Stop Googling your career and actually build one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) tackle the biggest trap authors fall into: confusing tactics with strategy. Should you go wide or stay exclusive with KDP Select? Redo your book cover or launch a special edition? Chase the NaNoWriMo word count or slow down to actually hit your long-term goals? We break it all down—without the fluff Google keeps feeding you.

Tune in for:
Why tactics won’t save a broken strategy
How to set author goals that actually move the needle
The real talk on algorithms, genre fit, and audience targeting
Where AI tools help (and where they’re just lazy)
Why Dr. Pepper marketing makes sense (yes, we went there)

Whether you’re indie, hybrid, or still figuring out your lane, this episode will help you stop spinning your wheels and start steering your author career with intention.

Subscribe for weekly no-nonsense author business insights.
Drop your questions in the comments—we might roast them (lovingly) in the next episode.

#indieauthor #selfpublishing #indiepublishing #bookmarketing #authorgoals #writingtips #bookstrategy #writingpodcast #prostalkingprose #writinghelp #writingadvice

The Publishing Team That Could Make or Break You: How to Choose Wisely

Building a book is bigger than just writing—it’s about choosing the right team to bring your story to life.  Buckle up, this is a long one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) pull back the curtain on what really matters when hiring editors, designers, and other key publishing professionals.

Learn how to spot red flags in editors before they derail your book.
Understand the different types of editing (developmental, copy, line, proofreading) and what you really need.
Discover how to vet your publishing team so your book is market-ready.
Hear insider stories from the trenches—good, bad, and hilariously ugly.
Get practical advice that saves you time, money, and heartbreak.

Whether you’re a first-time indie author or a seasoned pro, your publishing team determines whether your book soars or sinks. Don’t gamble with your story—tune in and learn how to choose wisely.

Subscribe for more episodes of Pros Talking Prose, where we talk publishing secrets, writing craft, author business, and everything in between.

#SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor #BookEditing #WritingCommunity #ProsTalkingProse #AuthorTips #PublishingTeam

The Author's Responsibility in a Divided World

In the wake of recent events, free speech is once again under fire. But what does that mean for authors? In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive deep into the role writers play in shaping conversations, protecting humanity, and telling stories that challenge perspectives without silencing voices.

We’ll tackle:

• Why free speech and book banning are inseparable from the author’s mission.

• How outrage culture and algorithms trap us in echo chambers.

• The difference between harmful speech and the critical conversations we need.

• What authors can learn from villains, conflict, and empathy in storytelling.

• Why stories—more than slogans—are what move people and protect our shared humanity.

Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in the middle, one truth remains: authors have a responsibility to write bravely, think critically, and connect deeply.

Because stories don’t just entertain—they build bridges, break barriers, and keep the human spirit alive. 

Subscribe for more author insights: writing craft, publishing truths, and the business behind the books.

#FreeSpeech #Authors #Storytelling #BookBanning #ProsTalkingProse #IndieAuthors #WritingCommunity

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Anthropic Settlement Shocker: Why Most Authors Won’t See a Dime (Unless You Did THIS)

Anthropic Settlement Shocker!  The motion for settlement in the Anthropic lawsuit has the author world buzzing—but here’s the truth no one’s telling you: most authors won’t see a dime unless they took the right steps before their books were pirated by AI.

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert break down what the settlement actually means, how it sets a precedent for future lawsuits, and why things like purchasing your own ISBNs, registering your copyright, and distributing through legitimate channels are non-negotiable if you want “teeth in the game.”

Plus, Troy finally concedes Stacey was right about ISBNs (cue the victory music).

Tune in to learn:
What the Anthropic case really decided (and what it didn’t).
Why free ISBNs = zero claim in court.
How and why to protect your work with copyright registration.
Why this case is a “win”… but not the windfall many authors think.
The next steps every serious indie author should take to secure their rights.
Whether you’re wide, exclusive, or still drafting your first book, this episode is a wake-up call: AI isn’t going away, but your rights still matter—if you claim them.

Resources mentioned: Authors Alliance, Writers Guild, Copyright.gov
Listen now and stay ahead of the publishing curve.
Referral: Hawley Troxell Bradlee Frazer
Disclaimer: Stacey and Troy are not attorneys or legal professionals. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, and the application of law depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified intellectual property or copyright attorney for advice specific to your situation. Neither the hosts nor Pros Talking Prose are liable for any actions taken or not taken based on the information discussed in this episode.

#Anthropic #AISettlement #AuthorsRights #ISBN #Copyright #writerslife #authorproblems #authorsofyoutube #indiepublishing #SelfPublishing #ProsTalkingProse #IndieAuthors

From Spark to Wildfire: Crafting Irresistible First Chapters

"It was a pleasure to burn."
Your first chapter can make or break your book, so why not learn from one of the greatest? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy crack open Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 to show exactly why its opening pages are unforgettable and how you can steal those techniques for your own writing.

We’ll break down:
The blazing first line that hooks readers instantly
How to introduce a protagonist without info-dumping
Setting the tone, genre, and stakes in just a few pages
Why Bradbury’s world-building feels timeless (and what that means for today’s authors)
The subtle tricks that make readers need to turn the page

Whether you’re writing speculative fiction, romance, thrillers, or nonfiction, if your first chapter doesn’t spark curiosity, readers won’t stick around. This episode is your blueprint to creating an irresistible opening that ignites your story and keeps the fire burning.

Writers, don’t let your book fizzle out on page one. Tune in, take notes, and learn how to craft a first chapter that shines.

FREE RESOURCE:
https://printtopro.com/tools-and-resources/
You can find the FREE "Craft an Irresistible First Chapter" in the Writer's Toolbox 

#WritingTips #FirstChapters #AuthorLife #AmWriting #SpecFic #Fahrenheit451 #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #NovelWriting #SelfPublishing #IndieAuthor