The Professional Writer
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
85 - Work-for-Hire Freelance Writing, with Tracie Heskett
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hoping to do freelance writing? Want to know what the freelancing life is really like? In episode 85 of The Professional Writer, Tracie Heskett and ...
84 – Blogging for Fun and Money, with Gregory Halpen
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 84 of The Professional Writer podcast is the first in an ongoing series where I chat with people who do interesting things with their writing ...
83 – Get Visibility Through Other People’s Platforms, with Lisa Simone Richards
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want a slew of simple-yet-effective tips to move from "invisible" to "in-demand" by getting featured on blogs, podcasts, magazines, and TV shows? In...
82 – 3 Must-Dos When Setting Up Your Email List
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I answer 3 burning questions people repeatedly ask about email list building: Can I bulk email my contacts through my regular email account? Sinc...
81 – Becoming a Writerpreneur
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You work up your courage and pitch the “book baby” you’ve been laboring over for years to an agent or editor. They respond with, “Tell me abo...
80 - Jump-Start Your Email List (Group Coaching Program)
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I’m doing something different on the podcast today, introducing you to Jump-Start Your Email List, my group coaching program that starts March 15. ...
79 - 4 Strategies for Growing the Know-Like-Trust Factor
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My 4-tiered strategy gives my audience many opportunities to know, like, and trust me: (1) free resources (2) low-cost DIY training (3) affordable do...
78 – When Should I Start Marketing My Book?
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Authors should never separate writing from marketing. They're done in concert, much like a choir in which individual voices blend together to create a...
77 – Protect Your Creative Work: Copyright, Fair Use, LLC, Contracts, with Amy Nesheim
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Protect your creative work! Lawyer Amy Nesheim helps us understand (1) The difference between copyright and trademark; (2) 5 steps you can take if som...
76 – Costs of Marketing and Promoting Your Book, with Amy Connell
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“When budgeting for publishing and marketing your book, build in a 10 percent cushion to allow for unexpected expenses.” As she prepared to publ...
75 - Writers Conferences: The Best Investment an Author Can Make, with Sharon Elliott and Sarah Sundin
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“A writers conference is the place I can find out how to get my book published, because my book is perfect, and everyone needs to read it.” That’...
74 - Strengthen Your Writing and Editing With These 5 Robust Online Tools [Crowdsourced]
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Five online tools to help you become a more powerful writer and editor (recommended by my listeners): ProWritingAid Jarvis AnswerThePublic Pe...
73 - Sensitivity Readers and Subject Matter Experts: Why Authors Need Them
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Your most valuable ability is your credibility. That’s why sensitivity readers, subject matter experts, and fact-checkers are crucial. In episode 73...
72 - Costs of Self-Publishing a Book, with Lisa Baldwin
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“An unknown author wanting to get an unknown manuscript published by a traditional publisher is akin to an 18-year-old showing up in Los Angeles wit...
71 – Things I Spend Money on to Run My Writing Business
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Running a writing-related business costs several thousand dollars per year, even when you’re a frugal DIYer like me. In episode 71, I’ll walk you ...
70 - 5 Quick, Easy, and Free Ways to Gain Visibility as a Writer
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can frugal, penny-pinching entrepreneurs creatively build a business without forking out a ton of money? In episode 70, I’ll show you five basi...
69 - Bookkeeping Tips for Your Biz, with Vanessa Butler
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When I hear the phrase, “business finances,” I shudder. I’m not a numbers person; I'm a word person. That’s why I invited bookkeeping expert,...
68 – Why You Need Contracts
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A contract that clearly and specifically spells out expectations is a must-have for every entrepreneur, whether you’re hiring someone to work for yo...
67 - The Problem with Vanity Numbers, Half-Truths, and Swollen Egos
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We’re exploring five problematic platform-building practices: The “swollen ego” bio Inflated follower counts Platform plugins Bestseller...
66 - Debunking 7 Email Marketing Myths
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Misinformation and horrible advice about email marketing abounds. In episode 66, I’m going to give you some tough love. I’ll bust 7 myths about em...
65 - 13 Tips for Crafting Stellar Social Posts That Link to Your Blog or Podcast
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When crafted thoughtfully, promotional social media posts that link to your blog or podcast really do work. Learn 3 things not to do under any circum...
64 - Writing Books for a Big 5 Publisher, with Susan Meissner
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What’s it like to migrate from writing for the Christian market to writing for a Big 5 general market publisher? Susan Meissner penned 9 novels fo...
63 - Create and Achieve Growth Goals, with Kyrsti Snyder
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let's flip the script on "playing small!" During my frank conversation with mindset coach, Kyrsti Snyder, we discuss (1) why we don’t accomplish our...
62 - How to Submit Stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul Anthologies, with Tracy Crump
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you like to write true, inspirational stories? Consider shopping your stories to an anthology such as Chicken Soup for the Soul. Tracy Crump, auth...
61 - Intentional Business, with Britney Gardner
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When many others offer the same types of services, products, and programs as you, how can you make a name for yourself? Brand strategist, Britney Gard...
60 - How to Get Out of Your Own Way, with Alice Crider
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Shoulding” ourselves – saying, “I should do this or that” – freezes us from making progress. Let’s stop beating ourselves up! Author co...
59 – 4 Traits of a Gritty Writer
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What motivates a writer to have such faith in their project that they persevere for months or even years in the face of countless rejections? Grit. ...
58 - How to Become a Book Reviewer, with Katherine Scott Jones
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Does talking about books put you in your happy place? Do you enjoy influencing readers to pick up good books and steer away from bad ones? You might ...
57 – How to Land a Literary Agent, With Barb Roose
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you seeking a literary agent? Wondering what you can do that’ll help them say “yes” to your pitch? Barb Roose, an agent with Books & Such L...
56 - Writing for Children: Expert Tips from Diane Stortz
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Some people mistakenly assume that writing for children is simple. Multi-published author, Diane Stortz, knows that writing children’s books is ever...
55 - Guest Post Guidelines: What to Include
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Crafting guest post guidelines for your blog requires a lot of thought and decision-making. But guidelines are well worth your time investment. In epi...
54 - 6 Surefire Ways to Guarantee Your Guest Blogging Pitch Gets Instantly Rejected
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I receive bizarre guest post pitches every week. I instantly delete them without opening them. Episode 54 is a guidebook for what NOT to do when pitch...
53 - Editing With a ‘Reader First’ Mindset, with Samantha Hanni
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re writing a book, it’s just you, banging out beautiful words. When you finish the draft, your next step is to invite others to help prep...
52 - Shaping a ‘Reader First’ Mindset, With Samantha Hanni
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Approach writing as if you’re hosting a dinner party. Invite readers to the table with the understanding that they bring life experiences with them ...
51 - Preparing for an eBook Launch, with Dianne Andre
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Should I seek a traditional, royalty publishing house or should I self-publish? It’s a question nearly every author asks themselves. For Dianne An...
50 - A Dozen Ways to Turn Your Social Media Followers into Email Subscribers – Without Buying Ads
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
12 hot tips for turning social media followers into email subscribers. PLUS, discover why inviting people to subscribe must become a routine part of y...
49 – 5 Reasons You Should Focus on Email Marketing Instead of Social Media
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How would you react if every social network suddenly removed all your followers or closed down your account? Would you feel confident that you still h...
48 – Two Ways People Can Subscribe to Your Blog, Vlog, or Podcast
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do I get more people to read my blog? I’ll walk you through two surefire methods that’ll make it easy for people to receive an alert whenever ...
47 - Audiobook Recommendations and Listening Tips, With Katherine Scott Jones
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an audiobook skeptic? If so, my interview with Katherine Scott Jones will change your mind! And if you already love audiobooks, check out Kath...
46 – Trim the Intro: Pointed Tips for Bloggers, Vloggers, and Podcasters
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Avoid TL;DR! In this short episode, I'll help you simplify your introductions to podcast and vlog episodes, e-newsletters, and blog posts.
45 - Rejuvenate Your Writing Through Creative Non-Writing Activities, with Jeanette Hanscome
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Suffering from lockdown slump? If your creative juices have dried up, my interview with Jeanette Hanscome is exactly what you need to dump the slump. ...
44 – Simplify Your Areas of Influence
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m not a “word of the year person.” But this year, the word SIMPLIFY beckoned. In Episode 44 of The Professional Writer podcast, I’ll help yo...
43 - Simple Stretches for Desk Jockeys, with Amy Connell
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been “in the zone” and when you glanced up from your computer, you were shocked that three hours had passed? That happens to me all ...
42 – Analyze Engagement and Adjust Your Social Media Goals
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time to exercise your social media muscles! In the final installment of our 4-part series on the secret to doing social media, you’ll (1) dec...
41 - Efficiently Publish Social Media Content
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Social media marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Let's replace the "sprint" mentality with productive activities that result in the best return on ...
40 - Create Winning Social Media Content
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Consider every piece of social media content you post as part of your business portfolio. That will keep you focused on creating content that builds y...
39 - The Secret to Doing Social Media
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“I don't have time to do social media. My schedule is already packed.” If you’ve ever uttered those words, this episode is for you. I’ll walk...
38 - A Sip of Cold Water to Refresh the Weary Soul, With Grace Fox
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“Are you ever going to write a REAL book?” The first time someone asked Grace Fox that question, she felt slighted. Grace, a popular and accomp...
37 - How to Destroy Your Professional Credibility in One Easy Step
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Are you unintentionally alienating your Facebook friends, turning off agents and editors, and driving away potential clients? In Episode #37, you’ll...
36 - Two Issues That Hold Writers Back, with Ginny L. Yttrup
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“Writing is really hard work for me,” says Ginny L. Yttrup. “In the midst of it I often find myself stymied. Blocked. Confused. Wanting to do an...
35 - 3 Easy Tricks to Help People Discover Your Website and Blog
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been blogging or podcasting consistently for a year or more, chances are that over half the people who visit your website or blog find it vi...
34 - What is “The Cloud?”
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Is "the cloud" a computer in the sky? Um... no. In this 3-minute episode (transcript included if you don't feel like listening), I explain the differe...
33 - Three Power-Ups to Take Your Bio to the Next Level, With Emma Fulenwider
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When a friend reads your website bio, would they be able to identify you if your name was erased? In Episode 33, professional biographer, Emma Fulenwi...
32 - 7 Tips to Create a Memorable Brand Identity
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One of my clients experienced a branding disaster. In Episode #32, I'll reveal how she adjusted on the fly. Plus, you'll learn about risks that can im...
31 - How One Best-Selling Author Pays It Forward (with DiAnn Mills)
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author, DiAnn Mills returns for an inspirational chat about the importance of giving the next generation of writers the best we have to of...
30 - The Secret to Writing Believable Suspense Fiction (with DiAnn Mills)
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What if a killer virus was unleashed on board an international flight? Three years ago, when DiAnn Mills got the idea for a suspense novel plotline sh...
29 - Doorbelling in Hostile Territory: 6 Strategies to Plan Your Brand Campaign
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine you’re running for office. Your goal is to get elected as the best person to represent your brand. You’re doorbelling in a neighborhood wh...
28 - Recipe for An Almost-Perfect Manuscript, With Tisha Martin
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You know your writing project needs editing. But what type of editing does it need? During Episode #28, professional editor, Tisha Martin, helps us ma...
27 - Three Ways a Professional Editor Provides Value, With Tisha Martin
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a “drive-through” mentality of book publishing? If so, you are doing yourself a disservice. During Episode #27, professional editor, T...
26 - Three Tools to Protect the Privacy of Your Business
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The little things do matter. During this 7-minute episode, I’ll acquaint you with three free and low-cost tools I use daily that help me demonstrate...
25 - One Word Makes All the Difference for Susie Crosby
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how “just one word” has guided Susie Crosby’s platform development, proving that sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most powerful....
24 – List Cleaning Gets Rid of Deadbeat Subscribers
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Growing an email list is the #1 way to grow your business – IF your list consists of the right subscribers. In Episode #24 (includes written transcr...
23 – Dealing with Rants, Ridicule, and Crushing Criticism
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It hurts to be on the receiving end of rants, ridicule, complaints, criticism, thoughtless comments, discouraging feedback, or 1-star reviews. How can...
22 - “Don’t write because you want to get published. Write because you enjoy writing.” (with Tessa Afshar)
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After two publishers turned down her manuscript, she stopped writing. But then, something happened that strengthened her resolve to return to writing....
21 - Steps to Take When Your Blog Content Gets Stolen (And How to Legally Share Others’ Content)
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Has someone ever copied an entire blog post you’ve written and pasted it on their own blog? It has happened to me more than once. In episode #21 (wi...
20 - “Get it said. Shut up. Post.” (with Tim Fall)
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
During his 2008 election campaign for Superior Court judge, Tim Fall was diagnosed with generalized anxiety order. Tim explains how his mental health ...
19 - Three Irritants That Pull Readers Out of a Story
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re reading a novel, what pulls you out of the story? In this 7-minute episode, I reveal three irritants that yank me out of a story, and re...
18 - Swag Ideas for Your Book Launch, With Lindsay A. Franklin
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Lindsay A. Franklin joins us again to continue our conversation about writing and marketing Young Adult (YA) fantasy. This week, we discuss how to cre...
17 - The Delicate Dance of Writing YA Fantasy, With Lindsay A. Franklin
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning author, Lindsay A. Franklin, shares what attracted her to writing young adult (YA) fantasy, as well as world-building strategies and sec...
16 – An Easy Way to Show You Mean Business
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There’s one quick and easy – almost no-brainer – way to show people you’re serious about your business. Do you know what it is? In this “Le...
15 – Expert Tips for Your Book Launch, With Kathi Lipp
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A double dose of learning and laughter awaits you in Episode #15. Kathi Lipp, a best-selling author of 20 books, shares tips for a successful book lau...
14 - Everyone’s Favorite Radio Station – Are You Tuned In?
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Have you listened to everyone's favorite radio station? It's WII-FM. In this 5-minute "Learn With Laura" episode, you'll discover why WII-FM is so pop...
13 - Giving Readers Exactly What They Want, With Karen Barnett
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why would anyone read my books? That’s the critical question author Karen Barnett asked herself as she developed her brand. In Episode #13, Karen re...
12 – Setting Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“I’m a writer, not a marketer!” That’s the response many authors have when they learn they’re expected to do most (or all) of their own book...
11 - One Writer’s Secret to Staying Sane and Paying It Forward, with Lisa Bogart
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Growing up as “a good Catholic girl,” Lisa Bogart gave up something during Lent. One year, Lisa was encouraged to add on something, as a 40-day di...
10 - Moving from Self-Focused to Self-Forgetful
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We tend to be self-focused when building our brand, platform, and business. But we don’t have to be overly self-focused. In episode #10, I'll walk y...
9 - Being True to Yourself
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Does the constant “you need to” advice from platform-building experts make you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and stuck? I found a solution! In Epi...
7 - The Secret Life of a New York Times Bestselling Author, with Susy Flory
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I’m trying to picture a baby squirrel wearing a diaper. You will be, too, after you listen to my interview with New York Times bestselling author, S...
6 - Three Ways Writers Can Act Like Grownups During the Pandemic
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the worldwide focus on COVID-19, it’s important that those of us who own writing-related businesses act like grownups during the pandemic. In t...
5 - Is a B-Minus Launch Good Enough?
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As you’re preparing to launch your book or blog or podcast or course or business, is “just okay” good enough? In Episode #5, we'll examine the p...
4 - You're a WHAT? The Problem With Alphabet Soup Acronyms
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How familiar are you with 14 common publishing industry-related acronyms? Take this fun quiz during Episode #4, and then accept today's challenge: cla...
3 - Going ALL IN
04 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to go all in as a writer? In Episode #3, we’ll explore interesting examples from The New Yorker, The Bible, NFL football, historic...
2 - How to Act Like a Professional Writer (Even When You Don’t Feel Like One)
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been writing for fun and are itching to write professionally, check out today’s podcast episode. We’ll talk about three important step...
1 - Do You Have to Write Books to be a REAL Writer? (Introducing The Professional Writer Podcast)
15 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re thinking of launching a writing-related business or you’re retooling the writing you’re currently doing, The Professional Writer ...