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The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing

The Edit with Holly Totten Writing, Editing, Publishing

著者： Holly Totten: Books Editing Expert
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Your story deserves to be told in your voice, not someone else's. The Edit is the podcast for writers, entrepreneurs, memoirists, and business owners who want to write a book that sounds unmistakably like them. Hosted by nonfiction editor and writing coach Holly Totten, this show explores the space between first draft and final version—the messy, magical middle where clarity, confidence, and authentic storytelling are shaped. If you have ever worried that working with an editor or following conventional writing advice will strip away your personality, flatten your tone, or turn your unique perspective into something forgettable and generic, you have come to the right place. Holly believes that editing is not about making you sound like everyone else. It is about helping you sound more like you, only clearer, tighter, and more powerful. This podcast is not a grammar lecture. It is not a list of rigid rules or a formula for writing what sells. Instead, each episode blends practical, actionable guidance with honest, unscripted conversations about the real struggles writers face: overwhelm, self-doubt, messy drafts, imposter syndrome, and the fear of putting your work out into the world. You will hear from fellow writers navigating the same challenges, and you will leave with tools you can use immediately. Holly brings years of experience as a nonfiction editor and writing coach, but she does not pretend to have all the answers. What she offers is a philosophy: your voice is not a problem to be fixed. It is the entire point. Editing should uncover what is already brilliant, not sand it down until nothing recognizable remains. Across every episode, The Edit covers topics that matter to real writers, including: How to self-edit without deleting your voice or second-guessing every sentence. The difference between developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading—and which ones you actually need. Memoir writing prompts that actually uncover your story instead of forcing you into someone else's template. Self-publishing versus traditional publishing: how to choose what is right for your book and your goals. Working with an editor as a creative partner and collaborator, not a critic or gatekeeper. Overcoming perfectionism, finishing your messy first draft, and learning to trust your instincts. Protecting vulnerable, honest moments in your writing from the "Should Monster" that tells you to play it safe. Practical strategies for line-level polishing that sharpen your prose without losing your rhythm. How to record yourself reading your work aloud as a voice check—and why that single habit transforms everything. Whether you are writing a memoir about a difficult season of life, a nonfiction business book to grow your authority, a self-published guide to share your hard-won expertise, or simply gathering notes and ideas for a future project, The Edit meets you exactly where you are. Messy first draft? Half-finished chapter? A notebook full of scribbled ideas and no clear path forward? You belong here. This podcast is for anyone who has ever finished an editing session and thought, "That doesn't even sound like me anymore." It is for writers who refuse to sound like a LinkedIn post, a textbook, or a bland bestseller clone. It is for the entrepreneur who knows they have a book inside them but is terrified of losing their authentic voice along the way. Because here is the truth Holly wants you to remember: your story without your voice is only words. But your story with your voice? That is something the world desperately needs. New episodes typically release weekly. Subscribe now and stop writing like someone else. Start writing like you.(C) 2026 Writely Notable アート 文学史・文学批評
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  • Book Publishing, Editing, and Protecting Your Voice

    Book Publishing, Editing, and Protecting Your Voice
    2026/07/21

    "You are the actor or actress in your story... but it's not just for you." — Lesley George

    Last week, bestselling publisher and confidence coach Lesley George reminded us that every person has a story with power, a voice with purpose, and a message that can create movement.

    This week, we continue that conversation by exploring what happens after you decide to write.

    We talk about the publishing journey, the fears many writers carry into the editing process, and why the right publishing team should protect your voice—not replace it.

    One of the most powerful moments in this conversation comes when Lesley shares a childhood experience with a teacher and a red pen that shaped the way she now works with authors. As a former English teacher, I found myself deeply connecting with her story because it reinforces something I have believed for years:

    Editing should never make a writer feel smaller.

    It should help their story become clearer while keeping their voice completely intact.

    We also explore legacy, community, authenticity, and why the stories we choose to share today may impact generations we will never meet.

    Whether you're writing your first book or wondering if your story is worth telling, this conversation is a reminder that your experiences matter—not only for you, but for the people whose lives may be changed because you chose to share them.

    In this episode, we discuss:
    • Common misconceptions about working with a publisher
    • Why your story is already worthy before anyone else reads it
    • Building trust between authors and publishers
    • The danger of self-editing too early
    • What makes a manuscript truly connect with readers
    • The importance of protecting an author's authentic voice
    • Lesley's unforgettable story about the red pen that shaped her philosophy as a publisher
    • Why stories build community and preserve legacy
    • How sharing your perspective can impact people you'll never meet
    • Why your story isn't just for you
    Memorable Quotes

    "Your story is already worthy."

    "Stories are legacy builders."

    "Stories build community."

    "Your perspective is your story."

    "You don't need permission for your perspective."

    "One rock thrown into a lake creates a ripple effect."

    "You are the actor or actress in your story... but it's not just for you."

    Connect with Lesley George

    Lesley George is a bestselling publisher, confidence coach, speaker, author, and founder of Mosaic Publishing.

    Website: https://www.themosaicinc.com

    Social Media Handles: Lesley George

    email: lesley@themosa8inc.com

    She is passionate about helping authors share their stories with confidence while protecting their authentic voices throughout the publishing process.

    You can also listen to her podcast:

    Mosaic Sparks with Lesley George

    If this conversation encouraged you, I'd love for you to follow The Edit, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with another writer who needs the reminder that their story matters.

    And remember...

    Your story without your voice is only words.
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    32 分
  • Authentic Storytelling, Writing Confidence, and Finding Your Voice with Lesley George

    Authentic Storytelling, Writing Confidence, and Finding Your Voice with Lesley George
    2026/07/14

    "Every person has a story with power, a voice with purpose, and a message that can create movement when it is used with courage and clarity." — Lesley George

    What gives us permission to tell our stories?

    For many writers, it isn't a lack of ideas that keeps them stuck—it's a lack of confidence. We question whether our stories matter, whether anyone will care, or whether we're qualified to write the book that's been on our hearts.

    In this first half of my conversation with bestselling publisher, confidence coach, and founder of Mosaic Publishing, Lesley George, we explore the connection between confidence and storytelling, why authentic voice matters more than perfection, and how sharing our stories can create a ripple effect far beyond what we ever imagine.

    Lesley shares the philosophy behind her movement, The BRAGG—Be Responsible for Amplifying God's Gifts—and explains why celebrating the gifts we've been given isn't arrogance at all. It's stewardship.

    We also discuss writing, publishing, authenticity, the role of AI, and why every writer deserves the freedom to tell their story in their own voice.

    Whether you're just beginning your first manuscript or wondering if your story is worth sharing, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters.

    In this episode, we discuss:
    • Why confidence is one of the biggest obstacles writers face
    • The meaning behind Lesley's BRAGG philosophy: Be Responsible for Amplifying God's Gifts
    • Why every person's story has value
    • How authenticity creates deeper connections with readers
    • Why authors should resist sharing early drafts with too many people
    • The difference between confidence and arrogance
    • How AI fits into the writing process—and where authentic voice can never be replaced
    • Why your book should still sound like you when you stand on a stage years later
    • Building a legacy through honest storytelling
    • How writing your story gives others permission to share theirs
    Memorable Quotes

    "Be Responsible for Amplifying God's Gifts."

    "BRAGG has nothing to do with being arrogant. It's about showing up as who God created you to be."

    "Your story needs to come from you."

    "Authentic voice means you can get up anywhere in the world and be yourself."

    "When you write a book, you're leaving a legacy."

    Connect with Lesley George

    Podcast: Mosaic Sparks with Lesley George

    Website: https://www.themosaicinc.com

    Social Media Handles: Lesley George

    email: lesley@themosa8inc.com

    Follow Lesley on social media to learn more about her work as a publisher, confidence coach, speaker, and bestselling author.

    Coming Next Week...

    This conversation was simply too good to fit into one episode.

    In Part Two, Lesley and I continue our discussion by exploring what writers often misunderstand about publishing, why every story is already worthy, how to build a publishing relationship based on trust, and the childhood experience that forever shaped the way she works with authors today.

    You won't want to miss it.

    If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to follow The Edit, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with another writer who needs the reminder that their story matters.

    And remember...

    Your story without your voice is only words.
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    34 分
  • How To Read Your Book Like an Editor

    How To Read Your Book Like an Editor
    2026/07/07
    "Easy reading is damn hard writing." — Nathaniel Hawthorne Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment—but it's not the finish line. It's the beginning of revision. In last week's episode, we celebrated typing The End. This week, we're opening that manuscript again and answering one of the biggest questions every writer eventually asks: "Where do I even start?" The answer may surprise you. Most writers immediately begin fixing grammar, rewriting sentences, and polishing paragraphs. But that's like choosing paint colors before you've decided whether the walls belong where they are. In this episode of The Edit, Holly walks you through a simple five-pass editing process that helps you step back, see your manuscript the way an editor does, and revise with confidence instead of overwhelm. Whether you're writing a memoir, nonfiction book, business book, or novel, these strategies will help you focus on the right things in the right order—saving time, reducing frustration, and creating a stronger book. In This Episode Why most writers start revising in the wrong placeThe "remodeling a house" analogy that changes the way you'll think about editingHow professional editors learn to see the big picture before fixing the detailsWhy trying to edit everything at once leads to overwhelmA practical five-pass revision process you can use with every manuscriptHow to protect your authentic voice throughout revisionWhy clarity is always more powerful than sounding impressiveThe difference between polishing words and strengthening your message The Five Revision Passes Pass One: Read Like a Reader Resist the urge to edit. Simply experience your manuscript as your readers will. Notice what works, what drags, what surprises you, and where your attention begins to wander. Pass Two: Look at the Big Picture Examine the structure of your book. Does every chapter serve a purpose? Is your message clear? Are ideas in the right order? This is where you strengthen the foundation before worrying about the details. Pass Three: Protect Your Voice One of the most important questions you can ask is: "Does this still sound like me?" During revision, it's easy to become more formal, over-explain ideas, or accidentally edit away the personality that makes your writing unique. Your readers connected with your perspective—don't lose it while trying to sound more "writerly." Pass Four: Read Through Your Reader's Eyes Shift your focus from yourself to the person holding your book. Ask: Where might they become confused?Where do they need another example?Where will they feel encouraged?Where are they most engaged?Does every chapter move them forward? Every chapter should take your reader somewhere emotionally, mentally, practically—or all three. Pass Five: Now It's Time to Edit Only after you've strengthened the structure, protected your voice, and improved the reader's experience is it time to polish: GrammarWord choiceSentence flowTransitionsReadabilityFinal proofreading Editing matters—but only after the book itself is solid. A Thought to Remember Revision isn't about making your writing sound smarter. It's about making your writing clearer. Sometimes the strongest revision isn't adding more words—it's removing the ones that don't serve the reader. Simple writing isn't shallow. Simple writing builds trust. Key Takeaways Read before you revise.Fix the big picture before the small details.Protect your authentic voice.Think like your reader.Save grammar and polishing for last.Connection matters more than perfection. Favorite Quote from This Episode "Your first draft proved that you could write the book. Your revisions are where you shape that book into something your readers will remember." Resources If this episode encouraged you, share it with another writer who has just finished a first draft. Chances are, they're asking the same question: "What do I do now?" You don't have to revise perfectly. You just have to know where to begin. Connect with Holly Totten Website: https://www.writelynotable.com https://calendly.com/gatheredwithpurpose/line-editing-30-min Email: writelynotable@gmail.com Podcast: The Edit – Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice If you're enjoying The Edit, please consider following the show, leaving a review, and sharing it with another writer. It helps more storytellers discover the podcast and reminds them that they don't have to navigate the writing journey alone. And remember… Your Story without Your Voice is Only Words.
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    13 分
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