76. Working with a Ghostwriter: Why, What, How, and How Much, with Robin Bethel

Many aspiring writers want to be able to make a living as a writer. But how in the world does someone go from dreaming to doing the thing? This week, I’ve got answers for you. Along with sharing my own experience in nonfiction, I’m joined by novelist Mindy McGinnis to share her journey on the fiction side. Mindy is an Edgar Award-winning novelist who writes across multiple genres, including post-apocalyptic, historical, thriller, contemporary, mystery, and fantasy. Her experience has not always been rosy, and, as you’ll learn in this frank and open discussion, she has experienced hardships along the way to make her dream happen. But she’s done it—she’s doing it—and she shares some of the behind-the-scenes of a novelist living the dream. I also share insights from my world of nonfiction and offer insights for nonfiction authors who are writing books connected to a bigger purpose. We also dig into marketing and social media, and Mindy shares what she does to attract new readers and book paid speaking gigs. Learn more about Mindy at her website: www.mindymcginnis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question or an inquiry, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

22 Feb 202338min

At least once a week, but often more frequently, I get questions on all things Portugal. They range from how we afford our life to how we do schooling to why we would choose to leave everything we know in pursuit of an unknown life abroad. This week, I am digging into the looooong list of questions to . . . well, answer them. In this episode, I answer questions on why we chose to move, how we selected schools, what it’s like to live in a different country, how learning the language is going, and much more. If you’re thinking of moving abroad—maybe even to Portugal—or you’re just curious about our life here, this episode is for you. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question or an inquiry, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

8 Feb 202324min

Last year, I hosted an alumni celebration for graduates of my program, Nonfiction Book School. As part of the event, I asked past students to share their stories. And—wow—I was so inspired! I knew I had to share their stories with you too. This week, I’m sharing a live Facebook broadcast with five authors discussing how they accomplished their goal of authorhood. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Some themes: courage, action, discipline. Believe in your big vision. Commit to your goal. Show up and do the work. No matter where you are on your author journey, I know this episode will inspire you to take action just like these five phenomenal authors. Don’t miss this episode! If you’re ready to uncover your unique story, write your book, and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Enrollment closes January 23, 2023: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

18 Jan 202348min

Many aspiring authors anchor to one thing early in the book-writing process—often before they’ve even written a word: potential book sales. They do the math: how many books will I have to sell to make back my investment (time and money)? But that’s a false equation, because the true ROI of a book isn’t as simple as calculating the number of books sold by your author royalty per book. In fact, the greatest benefits are harder to measure—but can equate to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of opportunities. This week, I explore the true internal and external ROI of writing a book, including speaking engagements, media attention, a steady stream of inbound clients, new career opportunities, or stepping into your “next level” professionally—whatever that may be for you. If you’re ready to write your book and step into your purpose, join me in Nonfiction Book School! Enrollment closes January 23, 2023: https://www.nonfictionbookschool.com/. Listen to past episodes with NBS students Lindsey Weigle and Mike Green. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on Instagram @stacyennis and on Facebook @stacyenniscreative. To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

11 Jan 202315min

Answers to your burning questions on all things writing, publishing, platform, and more—part 2! I often say that entering the world of publishing is like learning a new language. I should know. I’ve tried to learn Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, and Portuguese. And I’ve only been successful at near-fluency in one so far! (Portuguese is also coming along. Slowly.) First, you embark on a project to achieve one of the hardest goals out there: write a book. Not only do you need to learn the skill of writing a book, but you need to show up with discipline and consistency to actually get it done. Then, you have to navigate self-editing, professional editing, and the publishing process (which has its own language!). Meanwhile, you need to build an author platform and put together a launch plan so your book doesn’t do a not-so-graceful flop on release day. It’s a lot. But I’ve got you. Show notes: Access a life visioning guide at stacyennis.com/resources Access a platform guide at stacyennis.com/resources I have a helpful book checklist at stacyennis.com/learn Great episode on copyright with attorney Brad Frazer: stacyennis.com/episode41/ P.S. At the beginning of the episode, I say "2023 was the shortest but longest year ever.” I meant 2022. Case and point! Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

4 Jan 202339min

Joseph Perry is a publishing attorney and literary agent. As an attorney, Joseph counsels clients in the publishing industry, where he drafts and negotiates various publishing agreements, gives legal reads of manuscripts, registers copyrights, and helps authors start their own publishing companies. As an agent, he represents best-selling cookbook authors, athletes, musicians, journalists, influencers, academics, and more. In this episode, we discuss the difference between a publishing attorney and a literary agent, when someone might need a publishing attorney, how authors can better protect themselves in publishing negotiations, what to consider when assessing which publishing route is the right fit for you, and tips for getting represented by a literary agent. Show notes Listen to the Beyond Better podcast episode about copyright with Brad Frazer IBPA.org Learn more about Joe and his work at www.josephperrylaw.com and www.perryliterary.com Nonfiction Authors Association Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

21 Dec 202244min

This week, I’m answering your burning questions on all things writing, publishing, platform, and more. I often say that entering the world of publishing is like learning a new language. I should know. I’ve tried to learn Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, and Portuguese. And I’ve only been successful at near-fluency in one so far! (Portuguese is also coming along. Slowly.) First, you embark on a project to achieve one of the hardest goals out there: write a book. Not only do you need to learn the skill of writing a book, but you need to show up with discipline and consistency to actually get it done. Then, you have to navigate self-editing, professional editing, and the publishing process (which has its own language!). Meanwhile, you need to build an author platform and put together a launch plan so your book doesn’t do a not-so-graceful flop on release day. It’s a lot. But I’ve got you. Show notes: Publishing resource: www.JaneFriedman.com Listen to the Beyond Better podcast episode about the ROI of a Book Get my accelerated author self-study program, Nonfiction Book School: www.nonfictionbookschool.com/selfstudy. Connect with me at http://stacyennis.com. Follow me on: Instagram @stacyennis Facebook @stacyenniscreative LinkedIn To submit a question, email hello@stacyennis.com or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

7 Dec 202241min