Between Drafts Podcast

Writing, Editing, Publishing, and Making it as an Author. A weekly podcast from @nathanbaugh27 and @nateliason.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

What's a scifi novel from the last 5-10 years you think everyone should read?

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

What's your favorite underrated Scifi read? This is Nat's.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

If you're a nonfiction reader trying to get back into reading fiction, here are a few of my recommendations.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

If you want to make it impossible to put your book down, be sure you're planting an exciting question in the reader's brain.

From @nateliason and @nathanbaugh27

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

If you want to build an audience as a writer, you need to be on THE PLACE THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED.

@nateliason is getting most of his email subscribers completely passively from their recommendation network.

And their new "Notes" social network is extremely active among writers and readers

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

How do you outline and plan a novel?

Here's how @nateliason is thinking about it now that he's written two in the last year.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

The best way to make your nonfiction writing more interesting is through conflict.

But don't stop with external conflict. Find a way to make it internal for it to really hit home.

More from @nathanbaugh27

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

With AI making it trivial to create "how-to" content, the best bloggers are going to pivot to incorporating more personal stories.

Here's how @nathanbaugh27 and @nateliason are thinking about it.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

If you want to get fresh eyes on your book, try editing it on your kindle.

You might find that the change in medium makes it easier to spot things you missed on your computer, and make your attention span last a little longer.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

The "novella flywheel" is a proven strategy for marketing your novel.

1. Write your first book

2. Write a novella within that book's universe

3. Give away or heavily discount the novella to bring people into your world

Check out this breakdown from @nathanbaugh27

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

When self-publishing your book, should you aim for maximizing pre-sale profits?

Or maximizing the Amazon flywheel?

Here's how @nateliason is thinking about it.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Curious about what goes into making an audiobook?

It's a bigger production than you might think...

Here's everything that went into making Crypto Confidential's audiobook with @nateliason

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Need more readers to give feedback on your novel?

Consider feeding it into ChatGPT to see what it thinks

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

One benefit of self-publishing is how it opens up doors to new ways to sell your books.

Here's one way @nateliason is thinking about pre-selling his novel Husk:

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Don't look back when speed-writing your first draft.

Editing yesterday's work will kill your momentum and creative energy for today.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Looking for a great read?

Here are Nathan and Nat's favorites from 2024.

It's a great mix of fantasy, sci-fi, classics, and a couple nonfiction picks, so there's sure to be something here you'll love.

Timestamps:

00:34 @nathanbaugh27's agent querying update
02:02 @nateliason's progress on HUSK
03:18 The Will of the Many
06:47 Lightbringer
09:16 Ryan C. Cahill's indie fantasy novella
12:38 Claire Keegan's Foster novella
13:10 Colony One Mars
18:26 East of Eden
23:03 A Wizard of Earthsea
25:34 Hyperion
32:33 Armor
36:22 Neil Gaiman's works
38:25 Daemon by Daniel Suarez
41:25 Logicomix and nonfiction recommendations
43:32 A Swim in the Pond in the Rain
45:19 Next week's editorial discussion

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Writing tip!

Break up creative and analytical thinking.

Outline first with your logical brain, then let your creative side take over for the actual writing.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Remember: Your first novel is often practice.

You might have to write one just to learn how to write one, even if it gets scrapped.

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

How much do you make from a self-published book vs. a traditionally published one?

@nateliason breaks down his numbers here:

[Between Drafts Podcast @between_drafts]

Daily word count goals should be broken into smaller chunks.

5k feels overwhelming, but 3 sessions of 1-2k each is manageable.