What’s the best way to publish your book in today’s market? 📚

In this episode of Debut Writers, we sit down with David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing and often called the father of hybrid publishing, to break down the three main publishing paths every writer should understand: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing.

We discuss the pros and cons of each route, why author ownership matters, how publishing has changed over the years, and what writers need to know before signing any deal. If you’ve ever wondered which publishing path is right for you, this episode is a must-watch.

✨ Whether you're writing your first book or preparing to publish your next one, this conversation will help you make smarter publishing decisions.

👇 Tell us in the comments: Which publishing path are you considering?

#DebutWriters #PublishingTips #HybridPublishing #SelfPublishing #TraditionalPublishing #AuthorLife #WritersCommunity #BookPublishing #AspiringAuthor #WritingPodcast #IndieAuthor #MorganJamesPublishing #BookWriting #AuthorTips #WritingJourney

What does it really take to land a traditional publishing deal—and is it worth it?

In this episode of Debut Writers, Anne sits down with publishing expert Ami McConnell to break down the traditional publishing path from start to finish. From securing a literary agent to understanding advances, royalties, and contracts, this conversation uncovers the realities most authors don’t see until they’re already in the process.

You’ll learn the true role of agents, why publishing is first and foremost a business, and how to determine whether traditional publishing aligns with your personal goals as an author. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering the traditional route—or questioning if it’s the right fit.

#traditionalpublishing #writingpodcast #amwriting #authors #publishing #bookwriting #debutwriters #writinglife #authorjourney #publishingtips

Debut Writers Episode #2, Series 6: The Query That Gets a “Yes”–How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Attention with Amy NielsenIf you’ve ever sent a query letter into the void and wondered why it’s getting ignored—or only earning form rejections—this episode is for you. Anne sits down with literary agent Amy Nielsen to break down the query letter line by line, revealing exactly what agents look for, the biggest mistakes writers make, and how small changes can turn a pass into a request.This is a real, behind-the-scenes look at how agents read submissions—from the first hook to the final decision. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to sharpen your pitch, strengthen your story positioning, and approach querying with clarity and confidence.🎧 In this episode:1. What happens after you hit “send” on a query2. The #1 must-have in every successful query letter3. Common mistakes that lead to instant rejections4. What makes an agent excited to request pages5. The role of comps and positioning your bookWhether you’re querying now or preparing to, grab your query letter and follow along—because by the end of this episode, you’ll see it in a completely new way. #queryletter #publishing #writingcommunity #publishingtips #querytips #literaryagent

Debut Writers – Season 6, Episode 1
Finding the Perfect Fit: Building Your Writing Support Team with Annalisa Summea

What does it really take to go from a finished manuscript to a publishable book—and who do you actually need in your corner to make it happen?

In this season premiere of Debut Writers, we’re diving into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of a writing career: building the right support team.

I’m joined by Annalisa Summea to break down how writers can find, evaluate, and collaborate with the professionals who shape their work and their path to publication. From editors and agents to coaches and early readers, we talk about how to identify the right fit for your goals—and how the wrong fit can hold you back.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a strong writing support team really looks like at different stages

• How to know when you’re ready for an editor, coach, or agent

• Red flags to watch for when hiring publishing professionals

• The difference between developmental support and industry access

• How to advocate for your vision while still growing your craft

Whether you’re just starting your first draft or preparing to query, this conversation will help you make smarter, more confident decisions about who you bring into your writing journey.

🎙️ If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need help—and if so, from who?”—this episode is for you.

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Listen, follow, and share with a writer who’s ready to take the next step.

In this episode, Anne Brooks interviews Amy Hendrickson, an award-winning writer and editor, about the intricacies of book coaching and ghostwriting. They discuss Amy's journey into the industry, the importance of capturing an author's voice, and the emotional aspects of writing, especially when dealing with trauma. The conversation also covers the differences between hiring a ghostwriter and a book coach, the editing process, and the significance of feedback in the publishing journey. Listeners gain insights into the writing process, the role of editors, and the value of accountability in writing.

🎙️ Would a Publisher Say YES to Your Manuscript? | Ami McConnell on Editing, Publishing & WriterFestIn this powerful finale to our Editing Season, we sit down with Ami McConnell, a veteran editor with 20+ years in traditional publishing. From her roles as Senior Acquisitions Editor at HarperCollins to Editor-in-Chief & VP at Simon & Schuster’s Howard Books, Ami has shaped New York Times bestsellers and award-winning books—and today, she’s here to answer the question every aspiring author asks: “Would a publisher say yes to my manuscript?”Ami shares insider insights on:✅ What publishers look for in a debut manuscript✅ How editing really works behind the scenes✅ The biggest mistakes first-time authors make✅ Her journey from corporate publishing to founding WriterFest Nashville and her own literary agency📚 Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or preparing to pitch your book, this episode is packed with must-know advice to help you write, revise, and publish like a pro.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow writers!#AmiMcConnell #DebutWritersPodcast #WriterFest #PublishingTips #BookEditing #ManuscriptTips #HowToGetPublished #WritingAdvice #FirstTimeAuthor #TraditionalPublishing

In this episode, Amy dives into the crucial role of editing those first pages to gain a literary agent's attention. She explains why a polished manuscript isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential—and what level of editorial guidance writers can expect from an agent. You’ll also hear her practical advice for self-editing, assembling a strong submission packet, and getting your work truly ready for agent consideration. If you’re preparing to query—or just wondering how close your manuscript is to being “done”—you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s get into it.Amy has some amazing resources on her website for free!

In this episode of Debut Writers, we're joined by Deborah Froese, Executive Editor at Indigo River Publishing and award-winning author, to demystify the editing process for authors. With over 20 years of experience, Deb shares what writers need to know when hiring or working with an editor—from setting realistic expectations and timelines, to navigating editorial feedback and understanding costs.

Whether you're self-publishing or working with a hybrid press, this episode is packed with insights on how to build a strong author-editor relationship and avoid common pitfalls. Deb also shares what she looks for in a manuscript and how authors can make the most of the revision process.

🔹 Topics Covered:

• The editor's role in publishing

• How to choose the right editor

• What to expect during revisions

• Costs and timelines for editing

• Tips for a successful author-editor collaboration

🎙️ Plus, Deb talks about her own podcast Write, Writer, Write and her journey mentoring new editors.

👉 Perfect for first-time authors, indie writers, or anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the editing world!

#AuthorTips #EditingProcess #IndiePublishing #WritingAdvice #DeborahFroese #DebutWritersPodcast