This week Vicky goes solo and runs her mouth off about how traditional publishers need to BLOODY DO BETTER. She got a message after the last episode, and that message inspired this little rant about a bunch of problems that traditional publishing needs to fix. Tune in and find out why independent publishing is so crucial for writers and readers, and what needs to change in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
[0:55] Joe is gone off to Germany and Vicky is fighting with sheep.
[2:45] Vicky is back with a follow-up episode to her last week’s podcast episode. Vanity publishing!
[3:30] How diverse are these big publishers’ editors?
[4:40] Including a ‘token’ character in your book because you think it ought to be there, is a problem.
[6:00] How do you write an authentic character?
[7:55] Most people want to read books from other diverse people, not just from rich white people!
[9:25] Don’t wait to be given permission.
[10:50] Want to know what a book coach does? That’s Vicky’s next episode!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Do No Harm Book by Henry Marsh
This week, Vicky and Joe talk about why we shouldn’t burst our own balloons and downplay our achievements. That’s after Vicky goes on a 5 minute rant about why The Wheel of Time is not something you should read if you want good epic fantasy. So: if you’ve ever thought that self-publishing is “vanity” or that you need a book deal to make your book “worthy,” grab a cup of tea, settle down, put aside your prejudices, and listen to this. Maybe we’ll change your mind.
Key Takeaways:
[4:15] Vicky explains why she couldn’t get behind the Wheel of Time book series.
[9:45] Self publishing vs. traditional publishing? What’s right for you?
[11:25] Publishing a book, doesn’t matter in what way, is a big deal! Don’t discredit it if it’s self published.
[14:45] Why is self publishing a cool, and completely legitimate, thing to do?
[16:05] What is the reason why you want to write a book?
[18:50] Traditional publishing doesn't always know what they’re talking about/doing.
[20:00] Are straight white male authors at a disadvantage?
[23:50] You will not make money off of your book if it’s traditionally published.
[24:00] There are pros and cons to both methods of publishing. Choose with intention, not with vanity.
[26:15] Interested in working with Vicky? Reach out!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Boyhood, Childhood, Youth by Leo Tolstoy
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
The Great Hunt: Book Two of ‘The Wheel of Time’ by Robert Jordan
How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell
OMG it’s the 301st episode! Question: do you dream about getting onto the New York Times bestseller list? Don’t bother mate. Bestseller lists are balls—and if we write a book with the aim of getting onto such a list, our book ain’t gonna cut it. This week, Vicky and Joe take a peek into the world of bestseller status, rip it a new one, and natter about The Wheel of Time. Again.
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Vicky is thinking about changing the name of this podcast…again.
[2:10] Can you believe Vicky and Joe have been podcasting since 2015?
[5:35] Quick update on project dingle.
[6:15] Everyone wants to be a bestseller. Why!
[8:15] Don’t look at other people’s best sellers and assume it’s a good book.
[10:35] Just because you have a best seller doesn’t mean you’ve sold a lot of books, or made any money.
[13:05] Although sales might be great, you have to look at why you’re writing this book.
[16:30] Vicky will help you write the best book you can write, and have a book you’re really proud of.
[17:50] Marketing takes longer, but you’ll have a better and more targeted audience by the end of it.
[19:55] Want to write a book but don’t know how? Book a free call with Vicky!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Boyhood, Childhood, Youth by Leo Tolstoy
The Great Hunt: Book Two of ‘The Wheel of Time’ by Robert Jordan
How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell
Tune in for Vicky and Joe’s hot take on hot takes! Yep, this week our hosts have Opinions on other people’s opinions. With the internet crammed full of knee-jerk reactions and instant outrage, what’s the cost to us as a society? How can we slow down and think things through? What can a noble dude from the 1500s teach us about life? And what does all this have to do with books, anyway?
Key Takeaways:
[1:00] It’s April but it’s snowing! Vicky and Joe are freezing in their home office.
[2:35] Joe reads out the title of the book Vicky is reading in his best radio presenter voice.
[03:30] We think of essays as the dry and boring academic stuff that was forced on us during school, but Vicky shares why essays are great!
[05:05] Montaigne’s essays are all about figuring out how to live a good life.
[06:15] Update on casa dingle! Let’s build some stud walls in the bathroom.
[09:00] What are hot takes? Vicky uses the example of Will Smith’s slap at the Oscars.
[10:40] ‘Hot takes’ take away the attention of what should’ve been a really amazing moment.
[11:45] ‘Hot takes’ usually happen in social media. Vicky shares what really frustrates her about it.
[12:45] There is a lot of pressure to have an opinion on something. Vicky talks about Jameela Jamil as an example.
[14:30] Books give you space to think and put forward a considered opinion.
[15:20] Montaigne wasn’t very bright and forgot things a lot. Vicky explains why she likes his essays.
[16:40] Vicky reads out Mark Manson’s email called, The Life Cycle of Outrage, and explains why she recommends it.
[19:20] Joe wonders what the motivation is for the person that puts these stuff out.
[21:50] Vicky can’t imagine one’s life having to comment on everything that’s happening. It must be exhausting!
[22:35] Opinions get taken as facts but the two are not the same thing.
[24:05] We need to be able to entertain an idea that we might profoundly disagree with. The world is not binary.
[24:50] Vicky explains why she’s a fierce advocate of writing and reading a book or other longer forms of way to consume news vs social media.
[26:00] And if you would like to write a book, Vicky is still looking for two beautiful weirdos to come with her to her book coaching event!
[27:05] Think slower, go beyond the knee-jerk reactions and take your time to ponder.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, and Overcast
Email Vicky about 1:1 coaching at: vicky@moxiebooks.co.uk
Boyhood, Childhood, Youth by Leo Tolstoy
The Great Hunt: Book Two of ‘The Wheel of Time’ by Robert Jordan
My Mess is A Bit Of A Life by Georgia Pritchett
How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell