The Pen to Profit Podcast: Fiction Writing Tips

By: Ray Evans| Proofreader Copyeditor Writing Coach
  • Summary

  • From drafts to dollars: learn the secrets to writing, editing, publishing, and marketing to turn your fiction writing into a profitable business. Are you a fiction writer? Does having to write, edit, do cover design, keep up on market trends, research, get reviews, etc leave you feeling overwhelmed? Is marketing your book so confusing that you feel like you’re just throwing money into a shredder to make confetti? Are you a great writer but struggle with grammar, long and winding sentences, clarity, and punctuation? As an independent author, the success of your book is all in your hands. I’m Ray Evans. I’m an editor and writing consultant for indie fiction authors. The Pen to Profit Podcast is going to give you advice on: Writing: Tips to help improve your book structure, pacing, and narrative to keep readers hooked. Like a personal trainer for your novel, we’ll whip your plot and characters into shape so they can carry the weight of your story. Editing: Would you go out for a hot date dressed like a hobo? No! You want to put your best foot forward. You’ll learn how to make sure your sentences are crisp and clear, your characters are consistent, and your plot makes sense. Grammar: Readers should be immersed in your world and falling in love with your characters, not tripping over typos. You’ll get tips to avoid the most common mistakes so readers can fully appreciate and enjoy your work. Marketing: You put your blood, sweat, and tears into this book: do you want it to sell like hotcakes or be as lonely as a single sock in the dryer? Of course not! You’ll learn tips, secrets, and tactics to get more people buying and talking about your book. The more people who see your book, the more likely it is to sell and get reviews. You’ll learn exactly how to give your book a fighting chance to get seen by the world. Learn: www.rayevansproofreader.com Connect: ray@getproofreading.com Instagram:@proofreaderray
    Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
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Episodes
  • Ep 53: Navigating a Life in Words: Joe Caputo’s Creative Journey and Lessons for Writers
    Oct 1 2024
    Navigating a Life in Words: Joe Caputo’s Creative Journey & Lessons for Writers

    In this episode, we sit down with Joe Caputo, a seasoned disc jockey and TV broadcaster with a profound story that intertwines resilience, creativity, and the unexpected twists of life. From accidental careers to late-in-life novel writing, Joe's journey offers insights that resonate with anyone who believes it's never too late to start anew.

    Why You Should Tune In:

    • Learn how unexpected life events can lead to new, fulfilling paths.
    • Discover the therapeutic power of writing, especially later in life.
    • Gain insights into handling life's serious challenges with optimism.
    Problems/Challenges Addressed:
    • Overcoming the inertia of starting something new in later years.
    • Dealing with significant personal loss and health challenges.
    • Navigating the complexities of self-publishing and maintaining creative control.
    Key Takeaways:
    1. Unexpected Beginnings: How an accident led Joe from being a mechanic to a broadcasting career.
    2. Writing as a Second Act: Starting a successful writing career post-retirement.
    3. Historical Fiction: Balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling.
    4. Resilience in Adversity: Managing life's curveballs, including serious health diagnoses, with a positive outlook.
    5. Creative Process: Joe’s approach to writing without a strict plan, letting the story unfold naturally.

    🎧 Subscribe to the Pen to Profit Podcast to ensure you never miss an episode full of inspiring stories and practical tips. Love the show?

    Leave us a five-star review on your favorite listening platform!

    If you’ve got an episode idea or a question that you’d like me answer in a future episode, shoot me an email at ray@rayevansproofreader.com!

    Discover More:

    Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html

    Joe’s Website: https://authorjoerobertscaputo.com/

    - Ray's Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips

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    44 mins
  • Ep 52: Writing, Wandering, and Winning: Lessons from Amy Suto’s Self-Publishing Journey
    Sep 24 2024
    Writing, Wandering, and Winning: Lessons from Amy Suto’s Self-Publishing Journey

    In this riveting episode, we dive into the adventurous world of Amy Suto, a Hollywood TV writer turned digital nomad and author.

    We discuss Amy's transition from the high-paced TV industry to crafting her own path as a nomadic writer, shedding light on the challenges and exhilarations of living and working remotely. From her debut fiction, "The Nomad Detective," to her insights on building a sustainable writing career, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for writers and wanderers alike.

    Why Listen 🤔

    - Gain insider knowledge on transitioning from traditional employment to a digital nomad lifestyle.

    - Learn practical tips on self-publishing and marketing your own books.

    - Discover how to maintain productivity and creativity while traveling the world.

    Problems Solved:

    - Navigating the shift from a traditional career to freelance and remote work.

    - Overcoming the challenges of self-publishing and effectively marketing your books.

    - Balancing travel and work without sacrificing productivity.

    Key Takeaways:
    1. 🌍 Embracing Nomadic Life: How Amy transitioned to a digital nomad lifestyle and the freedoms and challenges it entails.
    2. 📚 Self-Publishing Insights: Strategies Amy uses for marketing her books and engaging with her audience through innovative platforms like Substack.
    3. 📝 Writing Tips: Amy shares her approach to overcoming writer's block and maintaining a consistent writing routine amidst travels.
    4. 🎒 Digital Nomad Community: Leveraging community support for book launches and reader engagement.
    5. 🔗 Utilizing Technology: How digital tools and social platforms can enhance connectivity and productivity for writers on the move.

    Don’t forget to subscribe to the Pen to Profit Podcast on your favorite platform!

    🌟 Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a five-star review and share your favorite moments. Your reviews help us bring more fantastic content your way!

    Discover More:

    Check out The Nomad Detective Vol 1 : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5CD8B5N?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100&dplnkId=89a06272-3621-4067-b0c1-328708a87bc9&nodl=1

    Learn more about Amy, and find her books, here: https://www.amysuto.com/

    Renee Puuvada’s Substack, Smokin’ Hot Book Funnels: https://smokinhotbookfunnels.substack.com/

    Episode 44: Email Secrets for Indie Authors with Carla King!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-44-email-secrets-for-indie-authors-with-carla-king/id1706933833?i=1000661653352

    For more info on Substack: https://substack.com/signup

    - Ray's Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips

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    49 mins
  • Ep 51: Balancing Fact and Fiction: Insights from Award-Winning Author Roni Robbins
    Sep 17 2024
    🎙️ Ep 51: Balancing Fact and Fiction: Insights from Award-Winning Author Roni Robbins 🎙️

    Welcome back to the "Pen to Profit Podcast: Fiction Writing Tips"!

    In this milestone episode, we celebrate our first anniversary 🎉—no cupcakes, just great content.

    Today's special guest is the awardwinning author Roni Robbins, who brings a treasure trove of experiences from her 36-year writing career.

    📚 What This Episode Covers:

    Roni dives deep into her latest book, "Hands of Gold," a novel inspired by the dramatic and poignant life stories captured on her grandfather’s cassette tapes. From the depths of historical tragedies to personal triumphs, Roni’s tale spans continents and decades, exploring themes of survival, family legacy, and the enduring power of storytelling.

    🤔 Why You Should Care:

    For anyone interested in the blend of personal history with fiction, or for those who are looking to understand the intricacies of writing historical narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences, this episode offers valuable insights. Plus, it's a celebration of persistence and passion in the writing craft.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:
    1. The Power of Personal History: Transforming personal or family stories into compelling literary works.
    2. Historical Accuracy in Fiction: Balancing factual research with creative storytelling.
    3. Navigating Publishing and Promotion: Insights into the challenges and strategies of bringing a historical novel to the public.
    4. Awards and Recognition: The role of literary awards in an author’s career.
    5. Engagement Tips: Utilizing platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for effective book marketing.

    🔔 Hit that subscribe button to not miss out on future episodes.

    ⭐ If you’re loving the content, please leave us a fivestar review. It helps more than you know!

    🎉 Bonus: Celebrate with us by engaging with the episode online—share your thoughts and spread the word!

    Discover More:

    Need editing or proofreading for your next masterpiece? Request a sample edit: http://www.rayevansproofreader.com/request-a-sample-edit.html

    Roni’s Website: https://ronirobbins.com/

    Roni’s X profile: https://x.com/ronirobbins

    Roni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronirobbins/

    TikTok for Roni’s book, “Hands of Gold:: https://www.tiktok.com/@handsofgoldnovel

    - Ray's Medium Blogs: https://medium.com/@edtingandwritingtips

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    50 mins

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