John DeDakis: From CNN to the Writing Business

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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/

Self-Publishing Doesn't Have to Be Painful

If you want to know exactly when your manuscript is ready for the world and how to navigate the complicated steps of publishing without wasting thousands of dollars, this video is for you. In this episode, self-publishing expert Leanne Janzen from FriesenPress breaks down exactly how to transition from a creative writer to a successful project manager who actually sells books. "Hitting publish isn't the end, it's the beginning." — Leanne Janzen If you're a self-published author trying to earn an income from your books, this episode covers the heavy lifting required after you write the final sentence. Learn how to balance your time and money budgets using reliable freelance writing tips and professional writing advice. Leanne shares crucial self-publishing tips that every indie author needs to hear, including why "done is better than perfect" and how an early manuscript evaluation can save you from unnecessary developmental editing costs. "Done is better than perfect because you're never going to get it perfect on your own." — Leanne Janzen We dive deep into the real-world mechanics of book marketing for indie authors. If you've been wondering how to write a book that actually performs well on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, you need to understand that hitting publish is just the beginning. We discuss how to find reputable tools for writers, why standard graphic designers fail at book promotion, and how to build a genuine author business. Whether you are navigating Amazon KDP for beginners or deciding between full-service indie publishing and pulling together an a la carte team, this conversation will help you map out your career. Timestamps: * 0:00 — Intro * 0:35 — Why "Done is Better Than Perfect" for Authors * 2:35 — The Shocking Shift From Creative to Project Manager * 6:10 — How to Spot Reputable Publishing Partners and Avoid Scams * 9:40 — Balancing Your Time Budget vs. Your Financial Budget * 12:45 — Why Street Graphic Designers Cannot Design a Book Cover That Sells * 14:40 — FriesenPress Deep Dive: Manuscript Evaluations & Standalone Services * 18:50 — The Brutal Reality of Book Promotion: Hitting Publish is Just the Start * 21:30 — Author Branding vs. Book Branding * 25:55 — How Introverted Writers Can Master Face-to-Face Networking * 29:46 — Outro Learn more about FriesenPress [https://friesenpress.com⁠] Free Resources: Check out our newly redesigned author tools page. [https://thewritingbiz.com/resources⁠] https://thewritingbiz.com/how-to-self-publish-a-book-without-the-stress/

9. juni 202629 min

John DeDakis: From CNN to the Writing Business

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