Ep 125: The Business of Being a Writer with Jane Friedman

Write the Damn Book Already

Write the Damn Book Already
Ep 125: The Business of Being a Writer with Jane Friedman
May 21, 2025
Elizabeth Lyons / Jane Friedman

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

In this no-fluff episode, publishing powerhouse Jane Friedman speaks to the aspects of writing and publishing that every aspiring author needs to hear about. 

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT: 

  • The myth of the full-time writer dream—and why your day job might be your secret weapon
  • How to build an author platform without selling your soul 
  • The hard truth about bookstore distribution and hybrid publishing 
  • How sponsorships can turn your author newsletter into a profitable platform—and why subscriptions might not be the move
  • What nobody tells you about post-publication anxiety (spoiler: publishing a book doesn’t magically fix your inner critic)

🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINT

Get back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 

🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint

Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.

*episode sponsor

WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

The Author Visibility Bundle gives you 200+ done-for-you email templates, social media graphics, and other book promo tools designed to help authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 

👉  PublishAProfitableBook.com/bookvisibility

✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMP

You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook

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Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. 

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Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.

To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth