Pros Talking Prose

ISBN Debate: Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question

📚 FREE vs. PAID ISBNs: To buy or not to buy. That is the question 🤺 
Pros Talking Prose Podcast
🔥 Self-publishing authors, LISTEN UP! Are free ISBNs a sneaky trap? Or are purchased ISBNs just a money grab from the publishing overlords? Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) and Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) go head-to-head in this spicy debate over one of indie publishing’s most controversial questions. 🤯
💥 Spoiler Alert: The right answer depends on YOUR author goals! Whether you're an indie rebel or a control freak about your publishing empire, we break down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of ISBN decisions.
👉 In this episode, we answer:
✔️ Do you REALLY need to buy your own ISBN, or is the free one good enough?
✔️ Will using a free ISBN secretly sabotage your book’s success? 😱
✔️ What’s the REAL difference between a Bowker ISBN and a KDP-assigned one?
✔️ How much control do you actually lose with a free ISBN? (Hint: More than you think.)
✔️ Does an ISBN affect distribution, royalties, bookstores, and libraries?
😂 We also curse Amazon’s nepotistic ways, and puzzle on Troy’s choice of footwear (JK). 
🔔 Don’t make a rookie mistake! Watch now and drop your ISBN hot takes in the comments! Are you #TeamFreeISBN or #TeamOwnYourISBN? ⬇️
#SelfPublishing #ISBN #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #ProsTalkingProse #EditsByStacey #ThePlotDude #ISBNDebate #BookPublishing #IndiePublishing #AuthorBusiness

Lit Fallout

Strap in, book nerds—this episode of Pros Talking Prose is bringing the tea, the shade, and the swivel chairs. Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the latest literary landmines: the Romance Writers of America’s bankruptcy spiral, Neil Gaiman’s headline-making drama, the ousting of Ream’s CEO, and more industry shenanigans you didn’t know you needed to know.

But it’s not all gossip and giggles—we’re also dishing out real talk about professionalism, cancel culture, and why being decent still matters (even when everyone’s losing their minds online).

Expect:
🔥 Hot takes
📚 Publishing insights
💅 Just enough sass to keep your coffee warm

Hit play for your weekly dose of honesty, hilarity, and hard truths from the publishing frontlines.
#PublishingDrama
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorNews
#RWA2025
#NeilGaiman
#ReamWriting
#CancelCultureDebate
#IndieAuthorLife
#ProsTalkingProse
#PublishingScandals
#WriterSupport
#LitTea
#HotTakesInPublishing
#BookIndustryNews
#AuthorAccountability
#WritersUnite
#AmWriting
#BookishBuzz
#WritingPodcast
#BehindTheBookBiz

An Authors Purpose

Troy & Stacey have an Epic Rant on AI, Authors, and Art!

Welcome to Pros Talking Prose, where Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske dive headfirst into the wild world of writing, editing, and publishing! In this episode, they tackle the hot topic of AI and its role in the literary universe, among other things.

Troy, the plot dude extraordinaire, is armed with his trusty manuscript-polishing skills, ready to take on any plot twist thrown his way. Meanwhile, Stacey, the publishing guru, is here to guide authors through the publishing maze faster than you can say "bestseller."

Join this dynamic duo as they debunk the myth that AI is the enemy of progress. With Troy's witty one-liners and Stacey's no-nonsense approach, they'll have you laughing and learning in no time.

#AIInPublishing
#WritersVsAI
#WritingWithAI
#CreativeProcess
#AuthorJourney
#WritingCommunity
#AmWriting
#WritingDebate
#IndieAuthorLife
#ProsTalkingProse
#WritingPodcast
#BookCoach
#PlotTwistLife
#ArtVsCommerce
#IWGConference
#WritersConference2025
#PublishingIndustry
#StorytellingTools
#AIForWriters
#AuthorSupport

But that's not all! They also tackle the age-old debate of "art for art's sake." Spoiler alert: they think it's dumb! According to them, every writer's journey is unique, so comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to... well, plot twists!

Learn why you should go to writers' conferences, and especially come to see Troy and Stacey at the IWG writers conference this weekend (April 11 - 13). We will have amazing authors and pros from around the country, including James A. Owen, Becca Syme, Claire Taylor, and J. Thorne. Go to IdahoWritersGuild.org for more information.

So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and maybe even inspired to write your own epic masterpiece. Don't forget to hit subscribe and join the Pros Talking Prose family today!

Tools that Help Writers and Editors

📚 Calling all writers! If you're looking to enhance your writing experience, boost productivity, and create exceptional content, Troy and Stacey got your number. In this video, we explore a curated list of must-have tools that every writer should consider incorporating into their creative arsenal. From brainstorming to polishing your final draft, these resources are designed to make your writing journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Ready to conquer the ever-changing landscape of authorship and find a trusty companion for the adventure? Look no more! Meet Stacey Smekofske, your committed literary guide. As a dynamic freelance full-service editor and an outstanding publishing coach, envision her as your guiding force in the world of words. Embark on your writing odyssey with assurance at EditsByStacey.com.
Do you see that whirlwind of furious typing in the corner? Look no further than the one and only Troy Lambert! He's not just an author – he's an editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach extraordinaire. Got a manuscript on life support? Troy's your literary paramedic. Dive headfirst into his realm at TroyLambertWrites.com, and prepare to witness your literary chaos turn into award-worthy brilliance (though, let's be real, results may also include excessive laughter). 
#WritingTools
#WriterProductivity
#WritingLife
#AuthorResources
#AmWriting
#WritingCommunity
#WritersOfInstagram
#AuthorSupport
#SelfPublishingTips
#WritingApps
#WriterHacks
#IndieAuthor
#BookCoach
#PlotDoctor
#CreativeWritingTools
#WritingJourney
#WritingMadeEasy

Publishing Strategies for a Shifting Industry

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy don't mince words when they discuss the latest tea in the industry. FindawayVoices ticked off everyone when they changed their contract and were caught red-handed. Amazon keeps changing their algorithm and short-sheeting the self-published author. What does this mean for you?
Listen as Troy and Stacey talk about the ways authors should pivot in this latest tweak to the publishing industry. PIVOT - PIVOT - PIIIIVOOOOOOTTTTT! IYKYK
Listen to these two friends talk shop and you can learn about changing direction, selling your books directly, bestseller lists, and other outdated strategies and how you should adjust your plans.

Who are these ranting lunatics who call themselves the pros? 
Meet Stacey Smekofske, your very own editor/chihuahua. She is a freelance full-service editor who will bite your kneecaps off if you come between her and her authors. On top of that dog pile, she is also a publishing coach—think of her as the St. Bernard who brings you brandy and gets you out of the avalanche of overwhelm associated with publishing. You can find her chasing her tail at EditsByStacey.com. 

And who's that dancing a hula in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man makes more magic than Merlin in a tornado. If you need someone to bring your book to life, Troy's your witch doctor. He is like the bookish version of Gandalf in a good mood bringing you to the power of plot building. You can teleport to TroyLambertWrites.com, and get your writing game on.
#PublishingNews
#AuthorAlert
#SelfPublishingStruggles
#FindawayVoices
#AmazonAlgorithms
#PublishingPivot
#IndieAuthorLife
#AuthorBusiness
#BookMarketingTips
#DirectSalesForAuthors
#AuthorStrategy
#BestsellerMyths
#ProsTalkingProse
#WritingCommunity
#AmWriting
#WriterLife
#IndiePublishing
#PublishingScamWatch
#PivotDontPanic
#AuthorSupport

The Author Mindset

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, you can be the fly on the wall of a thought-provoking discussion. Listen as Troy and Stacey take a side road and discuss the eternal struggle of writers to finish what they start. In this video, we delve into the mindset shift required to transition from a writer to a successful author. Are you ready to take the leap and commit to making writing a part of your everyday life? By the end of this video, you'll have a clearer understanding of what it takes to embrace the determination and discipline needed to become a true author. Are you destined to be a prolific writer or are you content with being a hobbyist? Let's find out together in this eye-opening and witty conversation!

Who are these strange humans who call themselves the pros? 
Meet Stacey Smekofske, your very own literary sherpa. She's not only a freelance full-service editor, but also a publishing coach—think of her as the Mr. Miyagi to your Karate Kid, but with better grammar. You can find her waxing on and off at EditsByStacey.com. 

And who's that dressed as a Star Trek fan in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man plays more parts than Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor, “Hercules, Hercules, Hercules.” Need someone to revive your manuscript? Troy's your fixer. He is like the bookish version of Montgomery Scott capable of repairing the warp drive on your plot by giving it all he’s got, Captain. Beam up to his world at TroyLambertWrites.com, and learn how to be a better writer.
#WritingTips
#WritersOfInstagram
#IndieAuthors
#UrbanFantasyAuthor
#MilitaryWriters
#WomenWhoWrite
#BookCoachLife
#PlotDoctor
#WritingCommunity
#ScribeSquad
#ProsTalkingProse

Good vs Bad Advice for Authors

In this no-holds-barred edition of Pros Talking Prose, the illustrious Troy Lambert and publishing guru, Stacey from Edits by Stacey, rip apart the laughably outdated advice peddled to unsuspecting authors. They're ripping the curtain down from around the wizard and telling you what actually works.  It's 2024, folks, and these relics have no place in the arsenal of a modern author. If you're fishing for the secret sauce to book-selling riches, perk up your ears because they're spilling the beans on how to be an author in the know. Miss this episode, and you might as well be writing by candlelight.

We discuss the traps of publishing with Independent Publishers which you can learn more about here: 
https://youtu.be/gegFY23FIJM?si=7VEoaSFcIfqIrcc4

And you can learn more about AI and whether it is something to worry about or not here: 
https://youtu.be/bPC-IsYuSNI?si=3gfqKS692y8Ala8i

Looking for a guide as you journey through the wilds of authorship? Fear not! Meet Stacey Smekofske, 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 Yoda to your Luke Skywalker, but with better grammar. You can find her waving her red pen like a lightsaber at EditsByStacey.com.

And who's that typing furiously in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man wears more hats than a milliner at a royal wedding. Need someone to resuscitate your flatlining manuscript? Troy's your guy. He’s like the bookish version of MacGyver, capable of fixing plot holes with nothing but a keyboard and a cup of coffee. Dive into his world at ThePlotAbides.com, and watch as he transforms your literary dilemmas into Pulitzer-worthy prose (results may vary).

Yes, You Can Write Humor

Every scribbler, scribe, and pen-wielder on a quest to jazz up their writings knows that crafting a chuckle is no cakewalk. After all, humor's a slippery eel in the toolbox of literary gizmos – you can't just waggle your eyebrows or nudge your reader in the ribs through the page. Instead, you've got to be a timekeeper and a mind-reader, dishing out giggles with pinpoint precision. Let's face it, when you're aiming for laughter in your magnum opus, you can't afford to have the whoopee cushion go off at the wrong moment.

Looking for a guide as you journey through the wilds of authorship? Fear not! Meet Stacey Smekofske, 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 Yoda to your Luke Skywalker, but with better grammar. You can find her waving her red pen like a lightsaber at EditsByStacey.com.

And who's that typing furiously in the corner? It's Troy Lambert! Author, editor, ghostwriter, publisher, plot doctor, and book coach. This man wears more hats than a milliner at a royal wedding. Need someone to resuscitate your flatlining manuscript? Troy's your guy. He’s like the bookish version of MacGyver, capable of fixing plot holes with nothing but a keyboard and a cup of coffee. Dive into his world at TroyLambertWrites.com, and watch as he transforms your literary dilemmas into Pulitzer-worthy prose (results may vary).

Danielle Parker: Danielle Parker is an Urban Fantasy author obsessed with monsters and writing about them. She is a retired Army Staff Sergeant and super mom. When she’s not at work or writing, you’re most likely to find her at a local pub trying the latest craft brew with the Berts, or practicing martial arts. 

#HumorInWriting
#FunnyAuthors
#WriteFunny
#ComedyWriting
#WritingHumor
#CraftingComedy
#AmWritingFunny
#WittyWriters
#AuthorLife