The Writing Biz

Brandon Janous on "Just Do" & The Author Life

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 [⁠https://bluehatpublishing.com/⁠] Order “Just Do” by Brandon Janous [⁠https://a.co/d/03cYjjJ3⁠] BLOG POST & TRANSCRIPT [https://thewritingbiz.com/?p=224257] #WritingBiz #BlueHatPublishing #AuthorRights #SelfPublishing #JustDo #WritingCommunity #AuthorTips #BookBusiness FOLLOW THE WRITING BIZ: Website [https://thewritingbiz.com] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Thewritingbizpodccast] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.social] X [https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/onthewritingbiz] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thewritingbizpodcast/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lwilliams.author]

Building Learning Equity in Your Writing Business

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/ [https://www.michaellaronn.com/] Michael’s Podcast, The Writer’s Journey: https://www.michaellaronn.com/podcast/ [https://www.michaellaronn.com/podcast/] FULL BLOG POST AND TRANSCRIPT: https://thewritingbiz.com/building-learning-equity-michael-la-ronn [https://thewritingbiz.com/?p=224237] FOLLOW US:Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThewritingbizpodccastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBizFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewritingbiz

Storytelling & Authority for Authors with Lee Pound

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 FOLLOW THE WRITING BIZ: Website [https://thewritingbiz.com] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Thewritingbizpodccast] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.social] X [https://x.com/OnTheWritingBiz] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/onthewritingbiz] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thewritingbizpodcast/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lwilliams.author]

The Truth About Author-Agent Relations

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 [https://thewritingbiz.com/agent-author-relationship] Website: gabrielleharbowy.com [http://gabrielleharbowy.com] Clarion West online class on Comparison Titles, May 19th: https://secure.clarionwest.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F33870 [https://secure.clarionwest.org/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F33870] Manuscript Wish List: https://www.corvisieroagency.com/gabrielle-harbowy.html [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! *** FOLLOW THE WRITING BIZ:Website: https://thewritingbiz.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThewritingbizpodccastBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/onthewritingbiz.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewritingbizX: https://x.com/OnTheWritingBizFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewritingbiz

John DeDakis: From CNN to the Writing Business

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/