Finish the Damn Book Podcast
Finish the Damn Book is the podcast for aspiring authors who are done with procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt—and ready to finally write, publish, and share their story with the world.
Hosted by Susie Schaefer, publishing expert, book doula, and founder of Finish the Book Publishing, this show is your no-fluff, heart-forward guide through the emotional, spiritual, and tactical journey of becoming an author.
In each episode, you’ll hear from authors who’ve overcome real-life challenges—from PTSD and imposter syndrome to burnout and fear of being seen—and discover how they found the courage to finish their books. You’ll also learn insider tips from editors, designers, and publishing professionals on everything from writing routines to cover design, independent publishing, author branding, and the latest in publishing tech.
Whether you’re writing a legacy memoir, building a business brand, or turning pain into purpose, this podcast will give you the support, tools, and inspiration you need to finish the damn book.
Subscribe now—and every week, one lucky listener who leaves a review on Apple Podcasts will be entered to win a $25,000 VIP Publishing Day with Susie!
Finish the Damn Book Podcast
The Hidden Power of Professional Editing with Susan Crossman
In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with award-winning author, editor, and book coach Susan Crossman to uncover the truth about writing a compelling nonfiction book. They dive deep into the real purpose of professional editing, why DIY editing and AI tools fail authors, and how intuition, storytelling, and human emotion shape powerful books that resonate. Susan breaks down developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and sensitivity reading—revealing why a polished manuscript can make or break your credibility, reviews, and impact. A must-listen for coaches, consultants, and mission-driven writers ready to elevate their message and create a book they’re truly proud of.