Learn how to treat your book as a product and build a sustainable career by creating a strategic author business plan.

"The book is a product, and that product has its own business plan." — Nina Amir

In this episode, Nina Amir breaks down exactly how to move from "aspiring author" to successful business owner. Whether you are looking for self-publishing tips or planning a traditional book launch, having a clear business roadmap is the most effective way to ensure your book finds its audience.

"The publisher becomes your venture capital partner... they're not just backing the project, they're backing you." — Nina Amir

Nina shares actionable writing advice on why you shouldn't just dive into drafting without a plan, how to identify your unique place in the market, and why your book needs to be built on a foundation of professional planning. We also discuss how to overcome imposter syndrome, navigate neurodivergence in the creative process, and why hiring a developmental editor is the best investment you can make in your writing. If you want to learn how to make money writing and finally get your work in the hands of readers, this conversation is for you.

Timestamps:

0:00 — Intro

0:34 — Why you need an author business plan

6:28 — Diversifying income streams

13:51 — Overcoming writing blocks & imposter syndrome

26:19 — Writing with ADHD & neurodivergence

33:35 — The value of developmental editing

38:07 — Final thoughts & resources

Resources:

Visit NinaAmir.com

Nonfiction Writers University

The Inspired Creator Community

FULL TRANSCRIPT

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In this episode of The Writing Biz, host Laura Williams sits down with author and environmental researcher Luna Westish to explore the intricate intersection of neurodiversity, the self-publishing industry, and sustainable business practices.

Luna pulls back the curtain on her winding journey from writing non-fiction climate reports and childhood cult essays to publishing her debut novel, Meet Me At The Ruins. She shares invaluable, practical strategies for authors navigating the administrative hurdles of self-publishing with an ADHD brain, emphasizing the importance of building personalized environments, honoring productivity swings, and rejecting rigid, standard industry advice that harms creative flow.

The conversation also shifts into a vital, eye-opening discussion on the ethics of modern authorship. Luna shares her perspective on the heavy environmental tolls of generative AI and digital workflows, challenging creators to build localized economies and adopt eco-friendly habits within their indie author businesses.

• Throw Out the Rules: Why the standard "write 15 minutes every morning" rule can freeze an ADHD writer, and how to design your own executive-functioning scaffolding.

• The Business Inertia: Practical insights into overcoming the overwhelming administrative "next hundred steps" of formatting, marketing, and self-publishing.

• Listen to Your Productivity Swings: Navigating medication shifts, managing chronic illness flares, and shedding the capitalist shame of low-energy days.

• The Eco-Conscious Author: Unpacking the hidden environmental impacts of generative AI, email storage, and data usage.

Treating your writing workspace, schedule, and business as an unfolding experiment rather than a static goal.

Learn more about Luna: lunawestish.com

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Brandon Janous, founder of Blue Hat Publishing, explains how authors can maintain 100% ownership of their rights and royalties while navigating the modern publishing landscape. Discover why the "Just Do" mindset is essential for any writer looking to turn their story into a professional book without the "shady" hurdles of the industry.

In this episode, Brandon Janous joins Laura Williams to discuss the gap between finishing a manuscript and getting it into the hands of readers. Brandon shares his personal story of writing as therapy following his late wife's cancer diagnosis, a journey that eventually led to his book Just Do and the founding of Blue Hat Publishing.

We explore the "service-based" publishing model where authors keep their royalties, own their Amazon accounts, and maintain complete creative control. Brandon also provides a reality check on book marketing, reminding authors that they are always their own best advocates. Beyond the business, we talk about "whole face" presence—the vital practice of setting strict boundaries to ensure your writing business never comes at the cost of your family.

Whether you are exploring traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a hybrid service model, Brandon’s insights will help you identify your goals and protect your creative property. Learn how to find a "book friend" to walk you through the process so you never have to write alone.

Learn more about Blue Hat Publishing

Order “Just Do” by Brandon Janous

BLOG POST & TRANSCRIPT

#WritingBiz #BlueHatPublishing #AuthorRights #SelfPublishing #JustDo #WritingCommunity #AuthorTips #BookBusiness

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Scale your author career with Michael La Ronn, who has published over 100 books while working a full-time job. Learn how to leverage "Learning Equity" and navigate the 2026 AI landscape to reach more readers.

In this episode of The Writing Biz, host Laura Williams talks with prolific author Michael La Ronn about the concept of "Learning Equity"—the value of the knowledge you acquire to run your business effectively. Michael breaks down how he achieved competence without the grueling 10,000-hour rule by identifying knowledge gaps and avoiding the "Writer Lobotomy".

We dive deep into the reality of publishing in 2026, discussing the "AI Layer" that now sits between creators and consumers. Michael shares how understanding these tools is essential to remaining visible in a crowded market. Whether you are a beginner focusing on your first book cover or a veteran looking to automate your business with AI agents, this episode provides a roadmap for sustainable, high-volume production.

Master your craft and your business by bridging the gap between being a consumer and a creator. Put your learning equity to work and build a writing portfolio you can be proud of.

Learn more about Michael La Ronn: https://www.michaellaronn.com/

Michael’s Podcast, The Writer’s Journey: https://www.michaellaronn.com/podcast/

FULL BLOG POST AND TRANSCRIPT: https://thewritingbiz.com/building-learning-equity-michael-la-ronn

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Stop treating your book like a hobby and start building a brand. In this episode, author and business coach Lee Pound shares the storytelling secrets he learned from the legendary Sol Stein.

Lee Pound explains why writing is fundamentally a business and why authors must master marketing to succeed. He breaks down his unique PCOR framework (Problem, Conflict, Opportunity, Resolution) which helps both fiction and nonfiction writers create compelling narratives. We also dive into Lee's background as a corporate CFO and how those "details-first" skills translate into a successful publishing career. Whether you are struggling with a first draft or wondering how to sell more books through public speaking, Lee’s insights provide a roadmap for the modern author.

Don't let your masterpiece stay hidden on a hard drive. Learn how to combine the art of storytelling with the grit of business strategy to reach your target audience.

Learn more about Lee Pound: http://leepound.com/

Read the blog post, includes full transcript: https://thewritingbiz.com/storytelling-authority-for-authors

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Struggling to land a literary agent in 2026? Guest Gabrielle Harbowy joins The Writing Biz to demystify the query process and explain why your "professional vibes" matter just as much as your manuscript.

In this episode, we dive deep into the mechanics of the traditional publishing industry. Gabrielle explains that while the ability to sell a book is an agent's first priority, they are also looking for long-term partners who treat writing like a career. We break down the essential components of a query letter—including the "credibility factor"—and why sending a prologue might actually be making your job harder. (Check out her special offer below!)

"I’m your collaborator in this process... I'm just making sure that you don't have to take your whole career on by yourself either."

Gabrielle also shares her unique approach as an editorial agent, explaining how her background in editing helps her polish a manuscript before it ever hits an editor's desk. You’ll learn practical self-editing strategies, such as using the Chicago Manual of Style and the benefit of having your work read aloud by someone else to catch awkward dialogue. Finally, we tackle the "AI vs. Human" debate in writing, proving why messy, human character voices will always beat an algorithm.

Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned writer, this episode provides the "insider" knowledge needed to navigate the 2026 publishing landscape with professionalism and heart.

BLOG POST WITH TRANSCRIPT: https://thewritingbiz.com/agent-author-relationship

Website: gabrielleharbowy.com

Clarion West online class on Comparison Titles, May 19th: https://secure.clarionwest.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F33870

Manuscript Wish List: https://www.corvisieroagency.com/gabrielle-harbowy.html (Go here before querying!!)

***If you are interested in sending a query to Gabrielle, send the request to thewritingbizshow@gmail.com, and I will forward her query inbox link to you! In the subject line put “Query Link” Let’s see if we can make any magic happen! ***

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Former CNN Senior Copy Editor John DeDakis turned a legacy of journalism into a thriving multi-stream writing business and mystery series. This interview uncovers the "subconscious straw" method for storytelling and the brutal reality of the 2026 publishing landscape.

In this episode of The Writing Biz, Laura Williams sits down with John DeDakis to discuss the transition from high-stakes journalism to mystery suspense. John details his journey querying 39 agents over 10 years and why "personal authenticity" is the most critical tool in a writer's arsenal. We dive deep into the mechanics of the editor-writer relationship, the value of moving "toward the pain" in your prose, and how to build a sustainable business through coaching, teaching, and keynote speaking.

Whether you are a novelist struggling with your first draft or an established author looking for new revenue streams, John’s "slow learner" success strategy provides a roadmap for long-term career growth.

Learn more at https://johndedakis.com

Full blog post with transcript: https://thewritingbiz.com/john-dedakis-from-cnn-to-the-writing-business/

This episode is all about the "Book Shepherd & Soul Shepherd". In this deeply moving conversation on The Writing Biz, host Laura Williams sits down with Wendy Carrick and Derek Hadinger to explore how the act of publishing a book can be a profound journey of emotional and spiritual healing.

Wendy Carrick, acting as a Book Shepherd, explains her role in coaching authors through the technical "bookmaking process" and navigating the hurdles of Indie publishing. Derek Hadinger, a nurse and author, shares his perspective as a Soul Shepherd, discussing how he uses his experiences with suffering and faith to help others use writing and music as a form of therapy.

Learn why writer's block is often just fear in disguise and how to let your stories "burst out" of you when the time is right. If you've ever felt that a story was "clogging" your system, this episode will give you the inspiration to pick up a pen and start your own healing journey.

Check out cawpublishing.com

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Wendy & Derek's podcast Create a Way Today

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