Is AI the villain in the author’s downfall—or are readers, publishers, and even fellow writers part of the problem? In this fiery episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey unpack the emotional, ethical, and legal minefield of AI-generated content in publishing. From TikTok's “100% Human” trend to copyright battles and the philosophical death of the author, we ask the hard questions: What is authorship in the age of machines? Can a bot tell a human story—or just mimic one? And what happens when you can’t tell the difference?

Prepare to get fired up, challenged, and maybe just a little uncomfortable.

This isn’t just about AI. It’s about what readers demand, what creators surrender, and where the soul of storytelling really lives.

#Author #HumanCreated #DeathOfTheAuthor #PublishingEthics #BookTokDebate #SelfPublishing #WritersLife #ProsTalkingProse

Think your book is getting picked up for a Netflix deal out of the blue? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive headfirst into the glittery garbage fire of scams targeting indie authors. From fake PR packages and “guaranteed” bestsellers to shady Netflix pitches and vanity publishers masquerading as the real deal, we’re calling B.S. on the most common traps in your inbox.

What We Cover:

How scammers find your author info (hint: it’s not witchcraft, it’s public databases) Why “Congratulations! You’ve been selected…” should send you running Red flags in marketing, awards, publishing contracts, and pay-to-play podcasts The truth behind those $20,000 “promo packages” (spoiler: we’ve seen what’s inside) How to protect your privacy without becoming a hermit with no brand

This episode is part cautionary tale, part scam-swatting workshop, and full of hard-earned insights that could save you thousands. Whether you're a newbie author or a seasoned pro, this one’s required listening if you want to market your book without getting mugged on Main Street.

Mentioned tools & tips: PO boxes, reCAPTCHA, double opt-ins The ALLi Self-Publishing Watchdog list: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/self-publishing-services-watchdog/

Why authors should Google everything and trust nothing that starts with “Dear Author…” Listen in, laugh a little, and get scam-savvy. Your author dreams deserve more than snake oil and empty promises.

Subscribe and check out more at: PrintToPro.com ThePlotAbides.com

#AuthorScams #SelfPublishingTips #BookMarketingFails #VanityPress #PublishingScams #WritingPodcast #AuthorMarketing #IndieAuthorHelp #ProsTalkingProse #Scambaiting #authorbusiness #authorproblems

Haters gonna hate, and trolls gonna troll—but what does that mean for authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the dark, weird, and sometimes hilarious world of negative reviews, trolls, hate mail, and DM drama. From a grandma’s unexpected 3-star critique to a one-star reviewer who can’t spell "plagiarism," they share real-life stories (some absurd, some serious) and offer seasoned advice on how to handle criticism without spiraling.

You’ll hear: How to respond (or not!) to negative reviews The difference between trolling and constructive criticism Why not all bad reviews are actually bad When to take feedback seriously—and when to laugh it off The importance of separating your author persona from your private life How to protect your mental health and boundaries as a public-facing creative

Whether you're a debut novelist or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you build thicker skin, spot toxic feedback, and use real reader insight to become a better writer.

👉 Like, subscribe, and drop your weirdest review or troll story in the comments—we might feature it in a future episode!

#WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #BookReviews #TrollsBeGone #NegativeReviews #IndieAuthorTips #SelfPublishing #AuthorAdvice #WritersOfYouTube #ProsTalkingProse