Best Stacey Smekofske Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 24: Publishing Math: The True Cost of Becoming an Author 1:49:43

1d ago1:49:43

1:49:43

Think publishing is just writing a book and hitting “upload”? Think again. In this raw and real episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy break down the true financial equation of getting your book into the world, whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or chasing that traditional dream. This is a long one, and I am sort of sorry ab…

1
Ep 23: Book Marketing Shenanigans: Can Kickstarter Actually Work? 56:45

8d ago56:45

56:45

Can Kickstarter actually help you market your book, or is it just a time-consuming gimmick wrapped in fancy rewards? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the wild world of book marketing to unpack what Kickstarter really offers authors. They discuss: The real definition of marketing (and why most author…

1
Ep 22: Nobody Knows What They’re Doing (And That’s Okay); The Chaos of Building an Author Business 1:35:28

15d ago1:35:28

1:35:28

In this brutally honest and wildly relatable episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack everything from conference chaos to business pivots—and the surprising comfort in realizing that none of us have it all figured out. Fresh from the Storymakers conference in Utah, Stacey shares real talk about fear of failure and why…

1
EP 21: How to Keep Time From Wrecking Your Novel: The Magic and Mayhem of Timelines Revealed 1:08:41

22d ago1:08:41

1:08:41

Think writing a book with one timeline is hard? Try two. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of dual timelines—the literary device that can elevate your story or leave your readers hopelessly confused. They’ll spill all the tea on: Why your timelines must be in sync (ye…

1
Ep 20: Your Brain Called - It Wants a Day Off: How Authors Can Protect their Mental Health 1:03:58

29d ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Feeling fried, frazzled, or just one rejection away from a creative meltdown? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the mental health side of writing — the part no one talks about, but everyone struggles with. From managing expectations and protecting your creative energy, to setting boundaries and celebrating small wins,…

1
Ep 19: Pivot or Perish: Survival Skills for Every Author: Navigate Market Shifts, Trends, & Personal Pivots 55:29

1M ago55:29

55:29

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 …

1
Ep 18: What No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late: The Unspoken Rules of Publishing 1:12:39

1M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

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 ne…

1
Ep 17: Why Your Email List Is Ghosting You—And How to Get Them Back 49:19

1M ago49:19

49:19

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)…

1
Ep 16: From Lost to Found: Using Genre & Metadata to Skyrocket Book Sales 1:09:49

1M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

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 o…

1
Ep 15: Taxes for Authors: Don't Let the IRS Be Your Plot Twist 46:54

1M ago46:54

46:54

💸 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 an…

1
Ep 14: Bad Advice for Authors: What Not To Do 1:29:32

1M ago1:29:32

1:29:32

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. 🙈 D…

1
Ep 13: ISBN Debate: Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question 1:09:16

1M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

📚 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 o…

1
Ep 12: Lit Fallout 1:17:11

1M ago1:17:11

1:17:11

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 yo…

1
Ep 11: An Authors Purpose 1:22:16

1M ago1:22:16

1:22:16

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 arm…

1
Ep 10: Tools that Help Writers and Editors 1:15:30

1M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

📚 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, t…

1
Ep 9: Publishing Strategies for a Shifting Industry 1:03:58

1M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy don't mince words when they discuss the latest tea in the industry. FindawayVoices ticked off everyone when they changed their contract and were caught red-handed. Amazon keeps changing their algorithm and short-sheeting the self-published author. What does this mean for you? Listen as Troy and…

1
Ep 8: The Author Mindset 15:35

1M ago15:35

15:35

In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, you can be the fly on the wall of a thought-provoking discussion. Listen as Troy and Stacey take a side road and discuss the eternal struggle of writers to finish what they start. In this video, we delve into the mindset shift required to transition from a writer to a successful author. Are you ready to take t…

1
Ep 7: Good vs Bad Advice for Authors 1:19:42

1M ago1:19:42

1:19:42

In this no-holds-barred edition of Pros Talking Prose, the illustrious Troy Lambert and publishing guru, Stacey from Edits by Stacey, rip apart the laughably outdated advice peddled to unsuspecting authors. They're ripping the curtain down from around the wizard and telling you what actually works. It's 2024, folks, and these relics have no place i…

1
Ep 6: Yes, You Can Write Humor 1:10:28

1M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

Every scribbler, scribe, and pen-wielder on a quest to jazz up their writings knows that crafting a chuckle is no cakewalk. After all, humor's a slippery eel in the toolbox of literary gizmos – you can't just waggle your eyebrows or nudge your reader in the ribs through the page. Instead, you've got to be a timekeeper and a mind-reader, dishing out…

1
Ep 5: Shake Off Writers Block 47:57

1M ago47:57

47:57

Episode 5 of Pros Talking Prose. Troy and Stacey discuss the triggers and possible causes of writer's block. They also will talk to you about how imposter syndrome and perfectionism may lead to your inability to write what you want. These two professional editors and writers will discuss the tips and tricks from other professionals, scientists, and…

1
Ep 4: How Pros Define Quality Writing 1:05:09

1M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Get the skinny on writing a book that will make readers laugh, cry, or reach for the fireplace poker and hide under their blanket. Editors, agents, publishers, and the paying public are looking to be entertained and/or informed. Not only is it important to provide quality content that doesn't ramble like your father on a tirade, but it is vital to …

1
Ep 3: How to Avoid Bad Publishing Deals 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

Not all publishing paths are created equal—and some will cost you way more than just money. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, industry veterans Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the red flags of vanity and overpriced hybrid publishers. 🚨 Learn what shady contracts look like 📉 Avoid the promises that sound too good to be true 🛠️ Disc…

1
Ep 2: 9 Tips for Success As an Author 1:09:52

1M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Think writing a book is the hard part? Try turning it into a full-time gig. In this no-fluff episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down the real work of running an author business. These 9 essential tips go beyond the basics, covering mindset, marketing, money, and more. If you're serious about build…

1
Ep 1: AI Friend or Foe 1:32:13

1M ago1:32:13

1:32:13

AI isn’t coming for authors — it’s already here, typing away with suspiciously good grammar. In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and resident AI wrangler Troy Lambert pull back the curtain on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the writing world faster than you can say "Ctrl+Z." Is it time to welcome your new robot coauthor with a high five? Or …

1
Pros Talking Pros Trailer 0:52

1M ago0:52

0:52

Ready for real talk about writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author career? Pros Talking Prose brings you unfiltered advice, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs from industry pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We cover the writing craft, the business side of books, and all the messy realities they don’t tell you about — wit…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stacey Smekofske Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Pros Talking Prose

Stacey Smekofske

1
Ep 24: Publishing Math: The True Cost of Becoming an Author 1:49:43

1
Ep 23: Book Marketing Shenanigans: Can Kickstarter Actually Work? 56:45

1
Ep 22: Nobody Knows What They’re Doing (And That’s Okay); The Chaos of Building an Author Business 1:35:28

1
EP 21: How to Keep Time From Wrecking Your Novel: The Magic and Mayhem of Timelines Revealed 1:08:41

1
Ep 20: Your Brain Called - It Wants a Day Off: How Authors Can Protect their Mental Health 1:03:58

1
Ep 19: Pivot or Perish: Survival Skills for Every Author: Navigate Market Shifts, Trends, & Personal Pivots 55:29

1
Ep 18: What No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late: The Unspoken Rules of Publishing 1:12:39

1
Ep 17: Why Your Email List Is Ghosting You—And How to Get Them Back 49:19

1
Ep 16: From Lost to Found: Using Genre & Metadata to Skyrocket Book Sales 1:09:49

1
Ep 15: Taxes for Authors: Don't Let the IRS Be Your Plot Twist 46:54

1
Ep 14: Bad Advice for Authors: What Not To Do 1:29:32

1
Ep 13: ISBN Debate: Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question 1:09:16

1
Ep 12: Lit Fallout 1:17:11

1
Ep 11: An Authors Purpose 1:22:16

1
Ep 10: Tools that Help Writers and Editors 1:15:30

1
Ep 9: Publishing Strategies for a Shifting Industry 1:03:58

1
Ep 8: The Author Mindset 15:35

1
Ep 7: Good vs Bad Advice for Authors 1:19:42

1
Ep 6: Yes, You Can Write Humor 1:10:28

1
Ep 5: Shake Off Writers Block 47:57

1
Ep 4: How Pros Define Quality Writing 1:05:09

1
Ep 3: How to Avoid Bad Publishing Deals 48:54

1
Ep 2: 9 Tips for Success As an Author 1:09:52

1
Ep 1: AI Friend or Foe 1:32:13

1
Pros Talking Pros Trailer 0:52

Quick Reference Guide