Pros Talking Prose
Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry. Good thing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Pros Talking Prose is your backstage pass to the writing and publishing world, hosted by seasoned pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We’ll help you skip the mistakes, laugh through the chaos, and build the writing career you actually want without the smoke and mirrors. New episodes every week. Therapy not included — but highly encouraged.
Ep 19: Pivot or Perish: Survival Skills for Every Author: Navigate Market Shifts, Trends, & Personal Pivots
In Episode 19 of Pros Talking Prose, we dive deep into a crucial topic every author must face: pivoting in your author career. If you're feeling the shifting winds of the publishing world—declining sales, changing markets, new technologies—you’re not alone. Pivot or perish isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the survival skillset every serious author needs.
Join Stacey Smekofske of Edits by Stacey and Print to Pro along with Troy Lambert, The Plot Dude, as they walk you through how to recognize when it’s time to pivot, how to plan your next move without...
Ep 18: What No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late: The Unspoken Rules of Publishing
Think publishing is all about getting that book deal and watching the royalties roll in? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert are pulling back the curtain on the unspoken (and often uncomfortable) truths about traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.
We’re talking:
The real reason your book might never get picked up 📉
Why publishers aren’t your fairy godmothers 🧚♀️
The “advance” trap (spoiler: it’s not free money) 💸
What actually happens after you hit "publish" 🚨
And why nobody will ever care about your book as much as you do ❤️🔥
This episod...
Ep 17: Why Your Email List Is Ghosting You—And How to Get Them Back
You finally sent out that email. You were clever. You added a GIF. You even used your best subject line.
And then… crickets. 🦗
Is your email list giving you the silent treatment? Ghosting you like a bad Tinder date? We’ve been there—and in this episode, we’re bringing the list back to life.
Join publishing pros Stacey Smekofske (of Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) as we unpack all the non-boring, effective ways authors can re-engage their email subscribers and turn inbox tumbleweeds into raving fans.
We’re talking:
What’s trending...
Ep 16: From Lost to Found: Using Genre & Metadata to Skyrocket Book Sales
From Lost to Found: Using Genre & Metadata to Skyrocket Book Sales
with Stacey Smekofske & Troy Lambert "The Plot Dude”
Ever feel like you picked the wrong genre and now your book is in the witness protection program on Amazon? 😅 You're not alone—and we've got answers.
In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dish on the spicy world of genre and subgenre trends. We’re talking Amazon metadata, BISAC codes, category updates, and how to position your book so it doesn’t end up buried under a pile of vampire cowboys and spicy mermaid thr...
Ep 15: Taxes for Authors: Don't Let the IRS Be Your Plot Twist
💸 Taxes for Authors? Don’t Panic — We’ve Got You Covered!
Cue the dramatic music—it's tax season, and authors everywhere are asking the big questions:
🧾 What can I deduct?
📦 Do I need to save these Amazon royalty statements?
💰 Why does the IRS feel like the ultimate plot twist?
In this laugh-so-you-don’t-cry episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the not-so-glamorous but totally necessary world of taxes for authors. Whether you're self-published, indie, hybrid, or traditionally published, if you're earning income from your writing, this episode is for YOU.
We dive into:
...
Ep 14: Bad Advice for Authors: What Not To Do
Buckle up, writers! In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert the Plot Dude spill the literary tea on the worst advice authors keep hearing—and believing. From publishing myths to marketing mayhem and writing rules gone rogue, we’re calling out the cringe, so you don’t have to learn the hard way. 🙈
Do you think:
– “Your book will sell itself!”
– “You don’t need an editor!”
– “Write every day or else!”
Yeah… no.
Whether you're indie, trad, or somewhere in between, this episode is your official permission slip t...
Ep 13: ISBN Debate: Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question
📚 FREE vs. PAID ISBNs: To buy or not to buy. That is the question 🤺
Pros Talking Prose Podcast
🔥 Self-publishing authors, LISTEN UP! Are free ISBNs a sneaky trap? Or are purchased ISBNs just a money grab from the publishing overlords? Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) and Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) go head-to-head in this spicy debate over one of indie publishing’s most controversial questions. 🤯
💥 Spoiler Alert: The right answer depends on YOUR author goals! Whether you're an indie rebel or a control freak about your publishing empire, we break down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of IS...
Ep 12: Lit Fallout
Strap in, book nerds—this episode of Pros Talking Prose is bringing the tea, the shade, and the swivel chairs. Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the latest literary landmines: the Romance Writers of America’s bankruptcy spiral, Neil Gaiman’s headline-making drama, the ousting of Ream’s CEO, and more industry shenanigans you didn’t know you needed to know.
But it’s not all gossip and giggles—we’re also dishing out real talk about professionalism, cancel culture, and why being decent still matters (even when everyone’s losing their minds online).
Expect:
🔥 Hot...
Ep 11: An Authors Purpose
Troy & Stacey have an Epic Rant on AI, Authors, and Art!
Welcome to Pros Talking Prose, where Troy Lambert and Stacey Smekofske dive headfirst into the wild world of writing, editing, and publishing! In this episode, they tackle the hot topic of AI and its role in the literary universe, among other things.
Troy, the plot dude extraordinaire, is armed with his trusty manuscript-polishing skills, ready to take on any plot twist thrown his way. Meanwhile, Stacey, the publishing guru, is here to guide authors through the publishing maze faster than you can say "bestseller."<...
Ep 10: Tools that Help Writers and Editors
📚 Calling all writers! If you're looking to enhance your writing experience, boost productivity, and create exceptional content, Troy and Stacey got your number. In this video, we explore a curated list of must-have tools that every writer should consider incorporating into their creative arsenal. From brainstorming to polishing your final draft, these resources are designed to make your writing journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Ready to conquer the ever-changing landscape of authorship and find a trusty companion for the adventure? Look no more! Meet Stacey Smekofske, your committed literary guide. As a dynamic freelance full-service editor and an...
