201. The reason you’re struggling with writer’s block

Ghostwriting has been made more visible recently with Prince Harry’s writer, J. R. Moehringer. But the practice has been around long before the prince’s memoir—and is utilized by people other than princes. In fact, an estimated 60 percent of all nonfiction books and 70 percent on the New York Time’s best-seller list are ghostwritten. In this episode, I am demystifying all things ghostwriting with writer, developmental editor, and book coach Robin Bethel. This episode is like listening in to two ghostwriters talking shop, trading notes, and discussing the many misconceptions about our craft. Not only do we dive into a detailed discussion of how ghostwriting works, why someone might hire one, and our approach to the craft, but we also talk dollar bills. As in: How much will this cost you? Ghostwriting is not only a powerful process but also a smart investment for entrepreneurs, CEOs, consultants, coaches, and people who want to uncover their unique story and message to make an impact. We discuss how to create a “shelf stable” book that becomes a business sustainability tool—and how to engage fully in the process with a ghostwriter to uncover new insights about yourself and your business. This is a detailed, fun, and insightful episode. Learn more about Robin Stacy’s website: www.stacyennis.com/about Robin's website: www.prosestudio.com On Instagram @robinbethelwriting 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.

1 Feb 202344min

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

This week, I’m joined by author David Morales. His book, American Familia: A Memoir of Perseverance, was released in February 2022 and already has dozens of five-star reviews and has impacted readers across the US and beyond. In this conversation, David shares the inspiration behind the book and his larger vision of impact, including the work he’s doing through Ahora Inc., a nonprofit organization he cofounded with his wife, Samanda Morales, focused on increasing economic mobility and empowering individuals and families to gain financial freedom. We discuss how two qualities, self-agency and critical thinking, helped him overcome both rural and urban poverty to become the person he is today. He also delves into how he navigated publishing a vulnerable memoir while working as a high-level executive in the health care industry. If you’re an aspiring author on the journey to impact, David’s insights about his own author journey will inspire you to take action. Learn more and connect with David: American Familia on Amazon David’s website Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter Ahora Inc. 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.

9 Nov 202240min

This short and sweet episode details my plans for season 4 (!!!) of this podcast. I need your support to reach more listeners. Please rate and review this show—and share with a friend! 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.

5 Okt 20223min