Pros Talking Prose

Your Book Title is Probably Hurting Sales

Most authors think book titles are just creative decisions. They’re not. Your title is metadata. Your title is marketing. Your title is the FIRST signal readers get about your book, and if it’s confusing, generic, impossible to pronounce, or sounds like every other title in your genre… readers are already moving on. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske break down why so many authors struggle with titling their books, how trends like “shadow/thorn/ash” naming conventions are flooding the market, and what actually makes a title memorable, searchable, clickable, and marketable. We also talk about: • Why readers judge books almost instantly • The biggest title mistakes authors make • Why “clever” often fails • Genre expectations and title psychology • Searchability and discoverability on Amazon • Why your title is part of your metadata strategy • The problem with trendy fantasy naming conventions • Why some titles actively hurt sales • How to test your title BEFORE launch • What authors should know about AI-generated titles and covers • Why readability matters more than authors think Also, we discuss updates surrounding the Anthropic AI lawsuit, Amazon reporting/review delays, and our upcoming AI sentiment survey for authors and readers. If you’re struggling to title your novel, nonfiction book, memoir, thriller, fantasy, romance, or cozy mystery… this episode is for you. 👇 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED Join the FREE P2P Author Business Harbor community on Skool https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor Print to Pro: www.printtopro.com The Plot Abides: www.theplotabides.com AI Publishing Sentiment Survey   If this episode helped you, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another author. Every share genuinely helps us reach more writers trying to navigate publishing professionally. #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing #AmWriting #AuthorTube #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #BookTitles #PublishingTips #Authors #WritersLife #CreativeWriting #BookMarketingTips #ThrillerBooks #AuthorBusiness #Anthropicnews #AIwriting

Some Authors Forgot How to Enjoy Writing

Some authors became so focused on “being professional” that they forgot how to actually enjoy writing. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert tackle burnout, doomscrolling, industry panic, AI fearmongering, and the emotional exhaustion many authors are quietly carrying right now. We talk honestly about: • treating your author career like a hobby (in a healthy way) • why disruption in publishing never lasts forever • protecting your creativity during difficult seasons • how to stop tying your self-worth to book sales • why long-term authors survive by “keeping showing up” • maintaining joy while still taking your business seriously If you’re struggling with motivation, discouraged by slow growth, overwhelmed by social media, or simply trying to reconnect with WHY you started writing in the first place, this conversation is for you. Professional doesn’t have to mean miserable. RESOURCES  Print to Pro Classes & Webinars: https://printtopro.com Fjeldheim Writers Retreat: FjeldheimWritersRetreat.com Bonus Episode with Becca Syme & Roland Denzel: https://youtu.be/CgmV7Dk9Gvc Becca Syme / Better Faster Academy: https://betterfasteracademy.com Join the FREE P2P Author Business Harbor Community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/p2p-author-business-harbor/about #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AuthorLife #SelfPublishing #WritingTips #IndieAuthor #BookWriting #Publishing #WritersOfYouTube #CreativeBurnout #AuthorBusiness #WritersLife #WritingMotivation #ProsTalkingProse

The Healthiest Authors Think Differently About Success

In this special bonus episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske sit down with powerhouse author coaches Becca Syme and Roland Denzel for an honest, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about author burnout, publishing disruption, mental health, creativity, resilience, and what it actually means to build a sustainable writing life. From the realities of traditional publishing and indie pressure to social media overwhelm, writing retreats, productivity myths, and the importance of protecting your creative energy, this episode explores why the healthiest authors often approach success very differently than the industry expects. Whether you're a full-time author, part-time creative, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single “right” way to build a writing career. In This Episode: Why publishing feels unstable for so many writers right now The hidden mental health costs of modern author culture The truth about traditional publishing vs indie publishing Why resilience matters more than certainty How different author brains process creativity Why some writers should absolutely edit as they go The danger of comparing your process to other authors Social media burnout and protecting your creative focus Writing as a business vs writing as a lifelong creative practice Why writing retreats can reignite creativity and momentum If you’re tired of hustle culture, burnout advice, and feeling like you’re “doing publishing wrong,” this conversation might be exactly what you need.   #ProsTalkingProse #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #PublishingIndustry #WritingRetreat #AuthorBurnout #BeccaSyme #RolandDenzel #WritingPodcast #AuthorBusiness #CreativeProcess #BookMarketing #WritingLife #SelfPublishing

The Author Career Myth That’s Burning Writers Out

Most authors are told to obsess over launches, bestseller rankings, and “making it” with their debut novel, but what if that mindset is exactly what’s destroying long-term author careers? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the dangerous publishing myths that are exhausting writers, sabotaging marketing efforts, and creating unrealistic expectations in modern publishing. We dive into: • Why your debut novel is NOT your career • Why viral launches rarely create sustainable success • The real difference between marketing and advertising • Why midlist authors often outlast breakout stars • Building long-term visibility instead of chasing spikes • AI discoverability, metadata, and semantic search changes • Why authors need adaptability to survive today’s industry • Reader promises, branding, direct sales, and superfans • How to stop burning out and start building longevity If you’ve ever felt discouraged because your launch didn’t explode overnight, this episode is for you. Your career is built by continuing to show up, not just on one book. Want more publishing and author business education? Access free webinars and power sessions. Visit Print to Pro: https://printtopro.com Follow Pros Talking Prose for weekly conversations on: • Publishing • Writing craft • Marketing • Author business • Industry news • AI & discoverability • Sustainable author careers #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #AuthorTube #BookMarketing #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #Publishing #AmWriting #AuthorBusiness #WritersLife #BookTube #CreativeBusiness #WritingTips #Metadata #AIsearch

Your Editor Is Protecting Your Feelings (Not Your Sales)

Most authors believe a simple idea: “If my book is good, it will sell.” That belief is costing authors thousands of dollars. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we break down the real reason most books don’t sell—and why your editor may not be telling you the full truth about book sales, publishing expectations, and author profitability.  What we cover: • Why don’t good books sell? • Can editors predict book sales? • Do authors make their money back after editing? • What does it actually take to sell books in today’s market? • What is the difference between writing a good book and building a sellable product? Key takeaways:  • A well-written book is not the same as a marketable book • Editors focus on craft, not sales strategy • Most authors underestimate the business side of publishing • Book sales depend on positioning, packaging, and audience alignment • The publishing industry operates on a power-law distribution (few winners, many low sellers) This episode is for: • Indie authors and self-published writers • Authors preparing to hire an editor • Writers frustrated with low book sales • Anyone building an author business instead of just writing a book The Truth about Publishing is that most authors: • Overspend on editing without a sales strategy • Expect their editor to guide business decisions • Skip critical steps like market positioning and audience targeting Your editor can improve your manuscript, but they cannot guarantee book sales. Resources: If you want to learn how to: • Build a profitable author business • Position your book in the market • Understand metadata, pricing, and discoverability  Visit: https://printtopro.com Join our free Power Sessions & Craft Lab trainings #SelfPublishing #BookMarketing #WritingAdvice #IndieAuthor #AuthorBusiness #PublishingIndustry #AmWriting #WritersLife #BookSales #AuthorTips #CreativeBusiness #WritingCommunity #AuthorTube #AIinPublishing #ContentStrategy