Pros Talking Prose

In Episode 19 of Pros Talking Prose, we dive deep into a crucial topic every author must face: pivoting in your author career. If you're feeling the shifting winds of the publishing world—declining sales, changing markets, new technologies—you’re not alone. Pivot or perish isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the survival skillset every serious author needs.

Join Stacey Smekofske of Edits by Stacey and Print to Pro along with Troy Lamb...

Think publishing is all about getting that book deal and watching the royalties roll in? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert are pulling back the curtain on the unspoken (and often uncomfortable) truths about traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.

We’re talking:     The real reason your book might never get picked up 📉     Why publishers aren’t your fairy godmothers 🧚‍♀️     Th...

You finally sent out that email. You were clever. You added a GIF. You even used your best subject line. And then… crickets. 🦗 Is your email list giving you the silent treatment? Ghosting you like a bad Tinder date? We’ve been there—and in this episode, we’re bringing the list back to life.  Join publishing pros Stacey Smekofske (of Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) as we unpack all the non-boring, effective ways a...

From Lost to Found: Using Genre & Metadata to Skyrocket Book Sales with Stacey Smekofske & Troy Lambert "The Plot Dude” Ever feel like you picked the wrong genre and now your book is in the witness protection program on Amazon? 😅 You're not alone—and we've got answers. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dish on the spicy world of genre and subgenre trends. We’re talking Amazon metadata, BISAC codes, cat...

💸 Taxes for Authors? Don’t Panic — We’ve Got You Covered! 

Cue the dramatic music—it's tax season, and authors everywhere are asking the big questions: 🧾 What can I deduct? 📦 Do I need to save these Amazon royalty statements? 💰 Why does the IRS feel like the ultimate plot twist?

In this laugh-so-you-don’t-cry episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the not-so-glamorous but totally necessary world of taxes for auth...

Buckle up, writers! In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert the Plot Dude spill the literary tea on the worst advice authors keep hearing—and believing. From publishing myths to marketing mayhem and writing rules gone rogue, we’re calling out the cringe, so you don’t have to learn the hard way. 🙈 Do you think: – “Your book will sell itself!” – “You don’t need an editor!” – “Write ...

📚 FREE vs. PAID ISBNs: To buy or not to buy. That is the question 🤺  Pros Talking Prose Podcast 🔥 Self-publishing authors, LISTEN UP! Are free ISBNs a sneaky trap? Or are purchased ISBNs just a money grab from the publishing overlords? Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) and Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) go head-to-head in this spicy debate over one of indie publishing’s most controversial questions. 🤯 💥 Spoiler Alert: The right...

Strap in, book nerds—this episode of Pros Talking Prose is bringing the tea, the shade, and the swivel chairs. Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the latest literary landmines: the Romance Writers of America’s bankruptcy spiral, Neil Gaiman’s headline-making drama, the ousting of Ream’s CEO, and more industry shenanigans you didn’t know you needed to know.

But it’s not all gossip and giggles—we’re also dishing out real tal...

Troy & Stacey have an Epic Rant on AI, Authors, and Art!

Welcome to Pros Talking Prose, where Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske dive headfirst into the wild world of writing, editing, and publishing! In this episode, they tackle the hot topic of AI and its role in the literary universe, among other things.

Troy, the plot dude extraordinaire, is armed with his trusty manuscript-polishing skills, ready to take on any plot twist t...

📚 Calling all writers! If you're looking to enhance your writing experience, boost productivity, and create exceptional content, Troy and Stacey got your number. In this video, we explore a curated list of must-have tools that every writer should consider incorporating into their creative arsenal. From brainstorming to polishing your final draft, these resources are designed to make your writing journey smoother and more enjoyable...

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy don't mince words when they discuss the latest tea in the industry. FindawayVoices ticked off everyone when they changed their contract and were caught red-handed. Amazon keeps changing their algorithm and short-sheeting the self-published author. What does this mean for you? Listen as Troy and Stacey talk about the ways authors should pivot in this latest tweak to the publishi...

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, you can be the fly on the wall of a thought-provoking discussion. Listen as Troy and Stacey take a side road and discuss the eternal struggle of writers to finish what they start. In this video, we delve into the mindset shift required to transition from a writer to a successful author. Are you ready to take the leap and commit to making writing a part of your everyday life? By the end of this...

In this no-holds-barred edition of Pros Talking Prose, the illustrious Troy Lambert and publishing guru, Stacey from Edits by Stacey, rip apart the laughably outdated advice peddled to unsuspecting authors. They're ripping the curtain down from around the wizard and telling you what actually works.  It's 2024, folks, and these relics have no place in the arsenal of a modern author. If you're fishing for the secret sauce to book-sel...

Every scribbler, scribe, and pen-wielder on a quest to jazz up their writings knows that crafting a chuckle is no cakewalk. After all, humor's a slippery eel in the toolbox of literary gizmos – you can't just waggle your eyebrows or nudge your reader in the ribs through the page. Instead, you've got to be a timekeeper and a mind-reader, dishing out giggles with pinpoint precision. Let's face it, when you're aiming for laughter in y...

Episode 5 of Pros Talking Prose. Troy and Stacey discuss the triggers and possible causes of writer's block. They also will talk to you about how imposter syndrome and perfectionism may lead to your inability to write what you want. These two professional editors and writers will discuss the tips and tricks from other professionals, scientists, and therapists that can help a writer overcome writer's block. It is important that you ...

Get the skinny on writing a book that will make readers laugh, cry, or reach for the fireplace poker and hide under their blanket. Editors, agents, publishers, and the paying public are looking to be entertained and/or informed. Not only is it important to provide quality content that doesn't ramble like your father on a tirade, but it is vital to write clearly so that you can hold interest. Your job as the writer is to fulfill the...

Not all publishing paths are created equal—and some will cost you way more than just money. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, industry veterans Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the red flags of vanity and overpriced hybrid publishers.

🚨 Learn what shady contracts look like 📉 Avoid the promises that sound too good to be true 🛠️ Discover how to protect your rights, your wallet, and your future

If you're an author ...

Think writing a book is the hard part? Try turning it into a full-time gig. In this no-fluff episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the real work of running an author business. These 9 essential tips go beyond the basics, covering mindset, marketing, money, and more. If you're serious about building a lasting author career (and not just hoping your book goes viral), this is the e...

AI isn’t coming for authors — it’s already here, typing away with suspiciously good grammar. In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and resident AI wrangler Troy Lambert pull back the curtain on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the writing world faster than you can say "Ctrl+Z."

Is it time to welcome your new robot coauthor with a high five? Or start hoarding canned goods and sharpening pencils like medieval weapons? Either way,...