How to Revise a Messy First Draft with Shelby Holt

The Editor Who Thinks Like a Marketer: Craft, Positioning, and Strategy from Draft to Launch with Claire Coffey

Episode Overview In Episode 5 of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with editor, book coach, and founder of The Coffey Edit, Claire Coffey, for a conversation about the intersection of storytelling craft, author branding, and strategic positioning in today’s publishing landscape. With a professional background in public relations and communications, Claire brings a unique “dual lens” to the editorial world—helping writers strengthen not only the quality of their manuscripts, but also the way they communicate and position their work for readers and the market. Together, Julie and Claire explore why marketing should begin long before launch day, how authors can think strategically from the very first draft, and what it really means to build a book and author brand that resonates. From developmental editing and book coaching to author platforms and messaging, this episode offers practical guidance for writers at every stage of the publishing journey. Whether you’re writing your debut novel or refining your long-term author strategy, this conversation will help you think beyond the manuscript—and approach your writing career with greater clarity and intention. What You'll Hear in this Episode Claire shares her transition from PR and communications into editorial work and how The Coffey Edit evolved into a business focused on both storytelling and strategy. How Claire’s background in communications shapes the way she approaches developmental editing, author messaging, and positioning in a competitive publishing landscape. Julie and Claire discuss why authors should stop viewing marketing as something that happens after a book is finished—and how positioning can begin during the drafting stage. Claire breaks down one of the most common missteps writers make when trying to market their work—and how to avoid it. An inside look at developmental editing, how it differs from other forms of editing, and why it can transform a manuscript at the structural level. What book coaching looks like for first-time authors, where writers tend to struggle most, and how guided support can help them move forward with confidence. Many writers struggle to pitch or summarize their own work. Claire explains how authors can better articulate their story, audience, and unique value in ways that attract the right readers. The strongest author careers are built when craft and communication work together. Writing the book is only part of the journey—learning how to position and advocate for your work matters, too. Key Takeaways for Writers * Marketing and positioning should begin long before a book launches. * Developmental editing focuses on strengthening structure, pacing, character arcs, and overall story cohesion. * Writers benefit from thinking strategically about audience and branding early in the drafting process. * Author platforms are most effective when they reflect authenticity and clarity. * Learning to confidently talk about your book is a critical professional skill. * Editing is both a creative and emotional process—and collaboration matters. * Strong storytelling and strong communication go hand in hand in today’s publishing industry. Claire Coffey Claire Coffey is the founder of The Coffey Edit, where she specializes in developmental editing, book coaching, and editorial strategy for romance, romantasy, and memoir authors. Drawing from her background in public relations and communications, Claire helps writers strengthen not only their manuscripts, but also the way they position and communicate their stories in the marketplace. Her work centers on helping authors create books with both emotional impact and strategic clarity—bridging the gap between compelling storytelling and sustainable author branding. Connect with Claire The Coffey Edit: thecoffeyeditor.com [http://thecoffeyeditor.com/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clairecbookediting [https://www.tiktok.com/@clairecbookediting]  Free Download: https://the-coffey-edit.kit.com/28955644d0 [https://the-coffey-edit.kit.com/28955644d0]

Finding the Right Angle: Character Development and 21st-Century Storytelling with Lisa Angle

Episode Overview In Episode 4 of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with award-winning author Lisa Angle, founder of Ninety Degrees Media, to explore the art and strategy behind compelling character development in modern storytelling. Together, they unpack what it really means to create characters readers connect with—and why strong character work is often the difference between a story that’s simply read and one that’s deeply felt. From crafting meaningful dialogue to using point of view with intention, Julie and Lisa break down how today’s writers can build emotionally resonant stories that stand out in a fast-moving, digital-first landscape. Whether you’re drafting your first manuscript or revising a completed one, this conversation offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to develop characters that stay with readers long after the final page. * Lisa’s Origin Story * Why Character Matters * Character Development in Modern Storytelling * Building Characters Readers Care About * Dialogue with Purpose * POV and Emotional Connection * Balancing Pacing and Character Growth * The One Takeaway Key Takeaways: * Memorable characters are the foundation of emotionally impactful storytelling. * Strong dialogue should always serve a purpose—revealing character, advancing plot, or deepening tension. * Point of view is a strategic tool that shapes reader connection. * Pacing and character development must work together—not compete. * Effective self-editing starts by evaluating character motivation, consistency, and growth. * Storytelling extends beyond the page in today’s digital landscape. Lisa Angle is an award-winning author and the founder of Ninety Degrees Media, where she helps writers develop, refine, and share their stories. Through developmental editing, strategic guidance, and author platform support, Lisa works with writers to strengthen both their craft and their connection with readers. Her approach centers on helping authors find the right angle for their story—ensuring their characters, voice, and message resonate in today’s evolving storytelling landscape. Ninety Degrees Media: https://www.ninetydegreesmedia.com/ [https://www.ninetydegreesmedia.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angleonwriting/ [https://www.instagram.com/angleonwriting/] Download: Top Ten Tips for Writing Your Story: https://www.ninetydegreesmedia.com/contact/ [https://www.ninetydegreesmedia.com/contact/]  Just Write Julie is the podcast where writing meets strategy and creativity meets clarity. Each episode helps writers strengthen their work on the page while learning how to position, communicate, and advocate for their stories with confidence. Follow and subscribe to Just Write Julie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If this episode helped you think differently about your characters, share it with a writer who’s ready to deepen their storytelling. For more tools, templates, and behind-the-scenes lessons, visit authorjulienavickas.com and connect with Julie on social media. Until next time: just write—and don’t be afraid to be strategic about it.

Doing the Next Write Thing: How Authors Make Real Progress with Lenora Henson

Episode Overview In Episode 3 of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with Lenora Henson, founder of Poppy & Oak Creative, author strategist, and virtual assistant for writers navigating the business side of publishing. Together, they explore what it really means to “do the next write thing”—a philosophy that encourages authors to focus on intentional progress rather than chasing every new trend in the publishing world. Julie and Lenora discuss how writers can build strong foundations for sustainable careers, why patience is often the missing ingredient in author success, and how small strategic steps—like building an email newsletter—can create long-term momentum. Whether you’re finishing your first manuscript or figuring out what comes after publication, this episode offers a clear reminder: progress in publishing doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing the next write thing. * Julie and Lenora share the story of how their professional relationship began and how it evolved into a strategic collaboration around author platforms, publishing strategy, and sustainable career growth. * Lenora explains the philosophy behind the phrase she often shares with authors: instead of trying to solve every publishing problem at once, focus on the next clear step that moves your writing career forward. * Publishing moves slowly—but that doesn’t mean authors aren’t making progress. Julie and Lenora discuss why patience is essential for long-term success and where writers most often struggle with unrealistic expectations. * Before investing heavily in marketing and launches, authors need the right foundational pieces in place. Lenora outlines the core elements every writer should establish to support long-term visibility and connection with readers. * While social media platforms come and go, email lists remain one of the most powerful tools an author can build. Lenora explains why newsletters are essential—and how writers can begin growing one even if they’re starting from zero. * Writing is both an art and a profession. Julie and Lenora discuss what happens when authors lean too heavily toward either creativity or business—and how finding balance allows both to thrive. * For writers feeling burned out by algorithms and constant content creation, Lenora offers alternative ways to build connection, visibility, and reader relationships outside of social media platforms. * Publishing can be emotionally demanding. Lenora shares how she supports writers not just strategically, but also through the uncertainty, self-doubt, and isolation that can accompany the creative process. * If listeners walk away remembering just one thing from this conversation, it’s this: progress in publishing doesn’t require perfection—it requires patience and clarity about your next step. Main Takeaways: * Progress in publishing comes from consistent next steps—not trying to do everything at once. * Patience is a strategic advantage in an industry that moves slowly. * A strong author foundation should come before aggressive marketing efforts. * Email newsletters remain one of the most valuable long-term tools for connecting with readers. * Trends come and go, but alignment with your goals and strengths creates sustainable momentum. About Lenora Lenora Henson is the founder of Poppy & Oak Creative, where she helps authors build strategic foundations for their publishing careers. With more than a decade of experience in the publishing space, Lenora works with writers to develop sustainable systems for newsletters, reader communication, and long-term career growth. Her philosophy centers on helping authors focus on the next clear step—allowing them to make meaningful progress without becoming overwhelmed by the constantly shifting publishing landscape. Poppy & Oak Creative – https://poppyandoakcreative.comInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/poppyandoakcreative/ Explore the 7-Day Author Newsletter Blueprint to begin building your email list and reader community.

Self-Editing, Feedback & Editing Strategy with Allison Buehner

Episode Overview In Episode 2 of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with Allison Buehner, founder of Golden Editorial and creator of The Complete Guide to Book Editing, for a strategic deep dive into what happens after you type “The End.” Together, they unpack the difference between self-editing and perfectionism, how to build a smart feedback ecosystem, and why clarity—not more opinions—is the real key to confident revision. Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing or building an indie career, this conversation will help you approach editing as a series of intentional decisions instead of an overwhelming blur of red ink. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * How Julie & Allison First Connected * What Editing Actually Is (And What It’s Not) * Self-Editing as a Strategic Filter * Craft Rules vs. Craft Judgment * Traditional vs. Indie Editing Mindsets * Understanding the Feedback Ecosystem * Avoiding Feedback Overload * Building a Smart Feedback Team on a Budget * The One Question That Creates Clarity Key Takeaways for Writers * Editing is a decision-making process—not a perfection contest. * Not all feedback serves the same purpose. Timing matters. * Conflicting opinions don’t mean your book is broken—they mean you need clarity on your goals. * Your publishing path determines your editing strategy. * Confidence grows when you understand why you’re making revisions—not just what to change. Guest Spotlight: Allison Buehner Allison Buehner is the founder of Golden Editorial and the creator of The Complete Guide to Book Editing. She works with authors across publishing paths to help them approach editing with clarity, structure, and confidence. Her work focuses on empowering writers to make informed craft decisions while building sustainable publishing strategies. Connect with Allison: * Golden Editorial – https://www.thegoldeneditorial.com/ [https://www.thegoldeneditorial.com/] * Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thegoldeneditorial/ [https://www.instagram.com/thegoldeneditorial/]  * TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonbuehner [https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonbuehner]  * Get the Complete Guide to Book Editing: https://www.thegoldeneditorial.com/store/p19/book-editing-a-complete-guide.html [https://www.thegoldeneditorial.com/store/p19/book-editing-a-complete-guide.html] About the Show Just Write Julie is the writing podcast where craft meets strategy, and creativity meets clarity. Each episode helps writers strengthen the work on the page—and learn how to position it, communicate about it, and advocate for it with confidence.Listen & Subscribe Follow and subscribe to Just Write Julie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If this episode helped you think differently about editing, share it with a writer friend who’s staring at a draft wondering, “Now what?” For tools, templates, and behind-the-scenes lessons, visit authorjulienavickas.com and connect with Julie on social media. Until next time: just write—and don’t be afraid to be strategic about it.

How to Revise a Messy First Draft with Shelby Holt

In the very first episode of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with TV and film casting associate Shelby Holt for a candid, encouraging conversation about what it really takes to move a story from a messy first draft to a polished manuscript. Together, they unpack the power of persistence, the importance of finding the right critique partner, and how the publishing industry—and a writer’s mindset within it—has evolved over time. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * How creative partnerships are built Julie and Shelby share how they first connected and how their relationship evolved into a daily critique partnership—and why consistent, trusted feedback can be transformative for writers. * Shelby’s path into TV & film casting From film school to finding her footing in casting, Shelby explains how working behind the scenes in Hollywood sharpened her understanding of story, character, and voice. * What casting teaches writers about the page Shelby discusses how evaluating scripts and performances informs her writing—especially when it comes to character clarity, authenticity, and market awareness. * Inside The Bones of December Shelby offers a snapshot of her latest project, where it’s currently sitting in the querying process, and how the manuscript evolved through revision. * Revising the messy middle A practical, honest discussion about what it takes to reshape a first draft: patience, distance, iteration, and the willingness to keep showing up even when the process feels slow. * A mindset shift about publishing Reflecting on the past five years, Shelby shares how her understanding of publishing—and of herself as a writer—has changed through lived experience. Key Takeaways for Writers * Persistence matters more than perfection. * Revision is not failure—it’s where the story becomes what it’s meant to be. * A strong critique partner can accelerate growth and keep you accountable. * You can’t fully understand the industry—or your voice—until you’re actively in the work. Guest Spotlight: Shelby Holt Shelby Holt is a TV and film casting associate with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Her professional experience evaluating scripts and performances gives her a unique lens on writing craft, character development, and revision. She is currently querying her novel The Bones of December. Connect with Shelby: Follow her on Instagram at @shelbay9 About the Show Just Write Julie is the writing podcast where craft meets strategy, and creativity meets clarity. Each episode helps writers strengthen the work on the page—and learn how to position it, communicate about it, and advocate for it with confidence.Listen & Subscribe Follow and subscribe to Just Write Julie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.If this episode helped you, leave a review or share it with a writer friend who’s deep in the messy middle. For tools, templates, and behind-the-scenes lessons, visit authorjulienavickas.com and connect with Julie on social. Until next time: just write—and don’t be afraid to be strategic about it.