Is it really author vs. editor when you get to the editing stage? Sometimes it can feel that way, especially if your editor has a lot of requests for changes… but it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s actually author desires vs. what the reader needs, and ideally an editor helps you navigate those competing priorities. In this episode, Liz and Ariel dive into the nuanced and often challenging dynamics between authors and editors. Liz shares her recent experience with feedback on a manuscript and the inherent tension that can arise even for seasoned writers and collaborators. The conversation covers the importance of editing, the emotional reactions it can provoke, and the intricate balance between staying true to an author’s vision and ensuring reader clarity. Key points of discussion include different editorial styles, the role of copy editors, and strategies for effective communication and feedback in the writing process. Whether you’re a writer, an editor, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights into the collaborative effort behind producing a successful book.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:47 Liz’s Recent Editing Experience

02:15 Navigating Feedback and Reactions

06:15 Ariel’s Editing Approach

09:57 Balancing Author and Reader Needs

21:03 Collaborator Challenges and Insights

27:32 Understanding the Editor’s Perspective

28:13 The Relationship Between Author and Manuscript

31:07 Navigating Feedback and Edits

33:34 The Role of Editors in the Writing Process

36:24 The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback

38:46 The Hidden Code of Conduct Among Editors

43:03 The Importance of Copy Editors

45:40 Final Thoughts on Editing and Feedback

Want us to help you vet your idea and plan your book’s content from start to finish? Join us in October for Map Your Book!

In the very first Hungry Authors’ Idea Lab, Liz and Ariel discuss their updated scorecard for evaluating book ideas. We focus on three key aspects: timeless topics, timely topics, and unique angles. We provide detailed criteria for each category, explaining what constitutes a strong book idea versus a weaker one. The episode also includes the evaluation of submitted book ideas from the community, offering constructive feedback to refine and improve them. Finally, we introduce their upcoming Book Mapping cohort, aimed at helping authors structure their books from the initial idea to final chapters.

To see the updated scorecard, check out our Substack post: “Watch the Hungry Authors Idea Lab.“

00:00 Introduction to Hungry Authors Idea Lab

01:39 Meet the Hosts: Liz and Ariel

02:53 Overview of Hungry Authors and Today’s Agenda

03:08 Timeless Topics: Evaluating Your Book Idea

09:26 Timeliness: Making Your Book Relevant Now

23:22 Unique Angles: Crafting a Compelling Argument

39:20 Case Studies: Applying the Rubric to Bestsellers

45:20 Evaluating McConaughey’s Book

45:44 Timelessness vs. Timeliness in Devotionals

48:20 Voice and Celebrity Influence

50:03 Community Book Idea Critiques

50:26 Memoir of Escaping a Cult and Finding Meaning

59:57 Creative Spiritual Practices

01:06:46 Parenting in Multicultural Families

01:16:00 Lessons from an Equine Veterinarian’s Wife

01:22:30 The Importance of a Big Idea in Book Writing

Map Your Book is starting next week, October 7, and we’d love to see you there! We’ll help you refine your big idea, create a table of contents, and plan your book’s chapters from start to finish. This is important creative work; do it with friends and get feedback from two experts who have done this countless times for traditionally published books.

Learn more + register today on Maven.

In today’s solo episode of the Hungry Authors Podcast, Liz and Ariel share each of their five most frequently given pieces of advice for writers (10 total!). From understanding the importance of knowing your unique angle and studying your comps, to the necessity of clear transitions, explicit writing, and knowing the book’s transformation, they dive into practical tips. They also stress the importance of building a platform, writing authentically, and seeking early feedback.

00:00 Welcome to the Hungry Authors Podcast

00:39 Top 5 Pieces of Advice for Writers

02:48 The Importance of Knowing Your Unique Angle

05:25 Finding Your Unique Angle Through Comps

10:45 Understanding the Transformation in Your Writing

13:28 Focusing on Transitions and Being Explicit

18:14 Stop Asking If It’s a Good Idea

23:06 Write Like You Talk

26:21 Stop Complaining About Platform

29:51 Ask for Help Sooner

36:12 Map Your Book Cohort

Want us to help you vet your idea and plan your book’s content from start to finish? Join us in October for Map Your Book!