Shows
The Pen to Published PodcastJuicy bits for writers round-upSERIES 6 EPISODE 8: JUICY BITS FOR WRITERS ROUND-UP In this final episode of series 6, Alexas 1 and 2 offer a round-up of the juicy nuggets covered by all the wonderful guests they've chatted to. For invaluable tips on the mechanics of writing, creating a brand, blog tours, marketing a self-published book and understanding contract terminology in traditional publishing, this episode points you to the guests to listen to.2023-12-0147 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with children's author Paula FowlerSERIES 6 EPISODE 7: INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR PAULA FOWLER In the penultimate episode of series 6, children's author, Paula Fowler, talks to the Alexas about how a stage 4 cancer diagnosis took her from working in a bank to writing a series of children's books based on characters created by her father-in-law. Paula's desire is to leave a legacy for her family and, through her stories, this legacy can be spread even wider.2023-11-1350 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with Louise Harnby, fiction editor, author and prolific content creatorSERIES 6 EPISODE 5: INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE HARNBY, FICTION EDITOR, AUTHOR AND PROLIFIC CONTENT CREATOR In a bumper episode, the two Alexas chat to the amazing editor and author, Louise Harnby. With her in-depth knowledge of writing craft and her experience within her own editorial business, Louise packs this episode with invaluable tips for fiction authors on how to produce first-class writing.2023-11-071h 17
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with Rebecca Cole, author and sensory sewerSERIES 6 EPISODE 5: INTERVIEW WITH REBECCA COLE, AUTHOR AND SENSORY SEWER Rebecca Cole is late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD. As a lifelong sewer, she has worked on the production team for Channel 4's Unique Boutique and was assistant sewing producer on series 8 the BBC's Great British Sewing Bee. In this episode, Rebecca talks to the two Alexas about her passion for an inclusive and accessible world, and how this passion inspired her to write All Access Sewing, a book to help make the craft of sewing - and clothes themselves - accessible to everyone. 2023-10-311h 12
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with Ann Ball, award-winning therapist, teacher and authorSERIES 6 EPISODE 4: INTERVIEW WITH ANN BALL, AWARD-WINNING THERAPIST, TEACHER AND AUTHOR Guest author, Ann Ball, talks to the two Alexas about her experiences with self-publishing, funding opportunities for authors, what prompted her to write her popular book, How To Set Up Women's Circles, and how the book is helping her in her complementary therapy business. 2023-10-2441 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with author and journalist Sue KittowSERIES 6 EPISODE 3: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST SUE KITTOW Are you interested in setting up a blog tour to help publicise your book? In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 talk to author and journalist, Sue Kittow, about her writing and how she organised a blog tour for her book to help raise its profile. 2023-10-1644 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with publishing consultant, editor and contracts negotiator, Janey BurtonSERIES 6 EPISODE 2: INTERVIEW WITH PUBLISHING CONSULTANT, EDITOR AND CONTRACTS NEGOTIATOR, JANEY BURTON This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world. Guest, the highly knowledgeable Janey Burton, has her brains well and truly picked by the two Alexas on the various types of publishing houses, terms to look out for in publishing contracts, whether or not to negotiate royalties, and the value (or not) of non-disclosure agreements between authors and editors. It's a packed one! 2023-10-1040 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with children's book author Laura MaclennanSERIES 6 EPISODE 1: INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR LAURA MACLENNAN The two Alexas return with a brand-new series of their podcast for authors. This series comprises interviews with authors and other industry professionals. In episode 1, they chat to the wonderful Laura Maclennan about the ideas behind her rhyming children's books, creating other income streams from published work - and good old imposter syndrome. 2023-10-0357 min
The Pen to Published PodcastBonus Petit Pod: Maps and illustration in adult fictionMAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS IN ADULT FICTION In another bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas discuss whether maps and other illustrations are a good idea in adult fiction or whether they should be kept for children's books.2023-07-2711 min
The Pen to Published PodcastBonus Petit Pod: Beware of overuse in your writingBEWARE OF OVERUSE IN YOUR WRITING When we're in the full flow of writing, it's easy to get carried away and include too many of certain elements. In this bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas explain why, although exclamation marks, italics, adverbs and adjectives all have their place, being sparing with them creates tighter, more enjoyable prose.2023-07-1821 min
The Pen to Published PodcastBonus Petit Pod: Helpful tips for self-editingHELPFUL TIPS FOR SELF-EDITING In this third bonus Petit Pod, the two Alexas chat through things to think about when working on the second, third etc drafts of your book, and how to tackle self-editing.2023-03-1009 min
The Pen to Published PodcastMarketing yourself and your book - with author/editor Rachel RowlandsSERIES 5 EPISODE 8: MARKETING YOURSELF AND YOUR BOOK - WITH AUTHOR/EDITOR RACHEL ROWLANDS In her second wonderful appearance on The Pen to Published Podcast, author, editor and publishing expert, Rachel Rowlands chats to the two Alexas about her own self-publishing journey and how to make the most of social media for book marketing.2023-03-0159 min
The Pen to Published PodcastBonus Petit Pod: Dos and don'ts for children's book illustratorsDOS AND DON'TS FOR CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATORS In another bonus Petit Pod, Alexa Whitten offers tips to help children's book illustrators get to grips with the job. 2023-02-2410 min
The Pen to Published PodcastHow to sell your bookSERIES 5 EPISODE 7: HOW TO SELL YOUR BOOK If you've self-published, making sales isn't just about getting your book and yourself as the author seen, it's about showing up in the right places. This episode offers ideas for where to list and sell your book so you can start to get a return on your investment.2023-02-2119 min
The Pen to Published PodcastSelling your book - getting the price rightSERIES 5 EPISODE 6: SELLING YOUR BOOK - GETTING THE PRICE RIGHT No matter what it is, pricing your own product is never easy. But when you're making this decision about your book, there are some important things to bear in mind. Here, the two Alexas discuss how to find a price point that works for you and your readers.2023-02-1427 min
The Pen to Published PodcastBonus Petit Pod: Punctuating speech and using speech tagsPUNCTUATING SPEECH AND USING SPEECH TAGS In this bonus Petit Pod (a mini episode of The Pen to Published Podcast), the two Alexas give some guidelines on how to punctuate speech, and the correct use of speech tags.2023-02-0912 min
The Pen to Published PodcastOther formats for distributing your bookSERIES 5 EPISODE 5: OTHER FORMATS FOR DISTRIBUTING YOUR BOOK Publishing these days isn't all about print. Technology means there are other ways to get your book in front of your readers. In this episode, the Alexas discuss alternative formats and what they involve, including ebooks, audio books and even podcasts.2023-02-0730 min
The Pen to Published PodcastPrinting options for your bookSERIES 5 EPISODE 4: PRINTING OPTIONS FOR YOUR BOOK Once your book has been edited, typeset and proofread, the next step is to get it produced into a physical form - which is an exciting stage of becoming an author. In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 discuss what you need to consider - for example, soft back or hardback; book binding; paper type. Decisions, decisions! 2023-01-3133 min
The Pen to Published PodcastSo you've finished your book... What's next?SERIES 5 EPISODE 3: SO YOU'VE FINISHED YOUR BOOK... WHAT'S NEXT? If you've finished writing your book, it's been edited and proofread and is now ready to go out into the world - congratulations! But what next? Here, the two Alexas chat through next steps, from finding appropriate agents to submit your manuscript to, to preparing the all-important submission letter.2023-01-2424 min
The Pen to Published PodcastISBNs and what they mean for your bookSERIES 5 EPISODE 2: ISBNs AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR BOOK The ISBN in a book is a thing of magic. Today, the two Alexas delve into what ISBNs are, what they mean for your publication, where to get them, and your legal obligations.2023-01-1735 min
The Pen to Published PodcastWhat publishing meansSERIES 5 EPISODE 1: WHAT PUBLISHING MEANS And the two Alexas are back with a brand-new series of their podcast for authors. This episode focuses on what it actually means to publish a book, and how publishing traditionally compares with self-publishing.2023-01-1033 min
The Pen to Published PodcastTraditional versus self-publishing - with guest Rachel RowlandsEPISODE 8: TRADITIONAL VERSUS SELF-PUBLISHING - WITH GUEST RACHEL ROWLANDS For the final episode of series 4, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 chat to author and editor, Rachel Rowlands, who offers a wealth of valuable information on traditional publishing and self-publishing. If you're wondering about the best way forward for you and your book, you'll find what you need to know here to help you weigh up the pros and cons of each publication route.2022-10-241h 03
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with editor Yasmin YarwoodSERIES 4 EPISODE 7: INTERVIEW WITH EDITOR YASMIN YARWOOD In the penultimate episode of series 4, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 chat with editor Yasmin Yarwood to get her perspectives on the editing process, that vital component in producing a book that sings on every page.2022-10-1748 min
The Pen to Published PodcastUseful terms to know in editing and typesettingSERIES 4 EPISODE 6: USEFUL TERMS TO KNOW IN EDITING AND TYPESETTING Have you ever wondered what a folio is? Or a running head? And what about back matter and front matter? In this episode, the two Alexas run through the terms you'll need to know if you want to publish a book.2022-10-1025 min
The Pen to Published PodcastYour writing and publishing questions answeredSERIES 4 EPISODE 5: YOUR WRITING AND PUBLISHING QUESTIONS ANSWERED In this episode, the two Alexas answer common questions on the writing and publishing process. So if you've ever asked: 'How long does it take to write a book?'; 'How do you go about writing a second draft?'; 'Where do you get ideas for a story?' - then this episode is for you.2022-10-0349 min
The Pen to Published PodcastRecommended books and blogs on the art of writingSERIES 4 EPISODE 4: RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND BLOGS ON THE ART OF WRITING There's a wealth of resources out there for writers wanting to learn how to write well and to hone their craft. Here, the Alexas reveal some of their top picks from what's available. 2022-09-2622 min
The Pen to Published PodcastWriting and editing organisations to support your writer/editor lifeSERIES 4 EPISODE 3: WRITING AND EDITING ORGANISATIONS TO SUPPORT YOUR WRITER/EDITOR LIFE There's a perception that the writer's (and the freelance editor's) life can be a lonely one. But in episode 3, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 introduce some fantastic writing and editing organisations and groups that can support, advise and encourage. Editing organisations are also the best places for authors to find excellent editors.2022-09-1921 min
The Pen to Published PodcastUnderstanding heading hierarchies, calls to action and those little ISBN boxesSERIES 4 EPISODE 2: UNDERSTANDING HEADING HIERARCHIES, CALLS TO ACTION AND THOSE LITTLE ISBN BOXES For a book that's visually highly polished, fantastic book design really matters. In episode 2, the two Alexas explain the importance of internal-page heading hierarchies, and how even the way you present the ISBN on the cover can add that extra bit of professionalism. And when it comes to encouraging readers to engage with you and what you can offer, your 'call to action' is a must. 2022-09-1217 min
The Pen to Published PodcastHow to create great book titles and straplines, blurbs and author biosSERIES 4 EPISODE 1: HOW TO CREATE GREAT BOOK TITLES AND STRAPLINES, BLURBS AND AUTHOR BIOS Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury return for a fourth series of their popular podcast for authors. In episode 1, the focus is on creating compelling titles, straplines, blurbs and author bios. These can be trickier to put together than some writers realise, but getting them right is vital if you want to entice potential readers to buy your books.2022-09-0530 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with Lucille OssaiSERIES 3 EPISODE 8: INTERVIEW WITH LUCILLE OSSAI In this final episode of series three, the two Alexas talk to Lucille Ossai, author, communications trainer, advisor, speaker and multi-award-winning blogger. Having both worked on Lucille's book, Influence & Thrive, they were keen to chat with her about her vision for the final product, and the importance of great book design in achieving it. 2022-02-2130 min
The Pen to Published PodcastAll things imagesSERIES 3 EPISODE 7: ALL THINGS IMAGES The topic for this week’s episode is images and what you need to know when getting your book ready for print. Even if your book contains no images, there’s still the cover to think about, so it’s vital to understand the technicalities.2022-02-1419 min
The Pen to Published PodcastGetting your book cover rightSERIES 3 EPISODE 6: GETTING YOUR BOOK COVER RIGHT This episode is all about covers: what you need and what works well for different genres. The cover is the all-important 'shop window' for your book so it really does pay to get it just right. 2022-02-0717 min
The Pen to Published PodcastThe ingredients of a bookSERIES 3 EPISODE 5: THE INGREDIENTS OF A BOOK There are key ingredients to books. Alexas 1 and 2 explore the various elements that make up a book, in addition to the main content – for example, forewords and introductions, acknowledgements and references. What does your book need?2022-01-3128 min
The Pen to Published PodcastTypesetting - pet peevesSERIES 3 EPISODE 4: TYPESETTING - PET PEEVES What are the most common mistakes in typography? The two Alexas give the lowdown and explain how poor typesetting can really affect the ultimate finish of your book.2022-01-2428 min
The Pen to Published PodcastTypefaces - understanding the detailSERIES 3 EPISODE 3 - PART 2: TYPEFACES - UNDERSTANDING THE DETAIL Episode 3 is a second delve into typefaces and this time, the two Alexas explain the two main styles in use and the differences between them. They also chat about how to use different typefaces within a book to create elements that contrast with the body text, such as pull quotes, headings and sub-headings.2022-01-1725 min
The Pen to Published PodcastTypefaces - the dos and don'tsSERIES 3 EPISODE 2 - PART 1: TYPEFACES - THE DOS AND DON'TS The typeface you choose for the pages of your book is a huge part of its personality. Getting it right for the cover is vital too. Continuing their dig into typesetting, this episode sees Alexas 1 and 2 chatting about the importance of understanding typefaces when handing your book over to a designer.2022-01-1023 min
The Pen to Published PodcastTypesetting - the basicsSERIES 3 EPISODE 1: TYPESETTING - THE BASICS In this brand-new series of The Pen to Published Podcast, the two Alexas are back and the topic of conversation is typesetting. This episode delves into what typesetting is, why choosing the correct typeface really matters in relation to your target audience, as well as a few dos and don'ts when it comes to the typesetting of your book.2022-01-0322 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with actor and writer Joseph MillsonSERIES 2 EPISODE 8: INTERVIEW WITH ACTOR AND WRITER JOSEPH MILLSON In the series 2 finale, the two Alexas chat to actor and writer, Joseph Millson, whose first book, Work ... and other four-letter words (a memoir about his first ten years in the acting profession), hit the Amazon #1 best-seller list. Joseph talks about his new-found passion for writing, and about his first experience of the editing process and how it helped him. An episode packed full of fantastic tips for writers! Please be aware that there is some mild swearing in this episode.2021-11-0146 min
The Pen to Published PodcastFive editing myths to rethinkSERIES 2 EPISODE 7: FIVE EDITING MYTHS TO RETHINK Throughout series 2 of the podcast, the two Alexas have emphasised the importance of having your book professionally edited and proofread, and what those services can do for your final product. But if you still need convincing, in this episode, they run through five editing myths in need of a serious debunk.2021-10-2517 min
The Pen to Published PodcastWriting and editing rhyming books for childrenSERIES 2 EPISODE 6: WRITING AND EDITING RHYMING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Rhyming books aren't an easy option for authors wanting to write for children, but used well, rhymes can create beautiful, memorable books. In this episode, the two Alexas talk about the pros and cons of writing in rhyme, and what to look out for to make sure your manuscript is the best it can be before submitting it to an editor. 2021-10-1815 min
The Pen to Published PodcastFinding the right editor for your book and for youSERIES 2 EPISODE 5: FINDING THE RIGHT EDITOR FOR YOUR BOOK AND FOR YOU Editing may seem all much of a muchness, but to get the most out of the editing process, authors do need to find the right editor for their book. In this episode of The Pen to Published Podcast, the two Alexas give tips and advice on finding the best-fit editor for a project.2021-10-1114 min
The Pen to Published PodcastStyle sheets and why writers need themSERIES 2 EPISODE 4: STYLE SHEETS AND WHY WRITERS NEED THEM So what is a style sheet and what's it got to do with writing a book? This episode explains all, from why style sheets are so important for writers to the details you can include on them. Do join the two Alexas for more lively editing and writing chat.2021-10-0412 min
The Pen to Published PodcastProofreading mattersSERIES 2 EPISODE 3: PROOFREADING MATTERS After the editing of a book comes the all-important proofreading. The two Alexas explain what proofreading involves and why it's a vital stage in the production of a polished publication. 2021-09-2716 min
The Pen to Published PodcastEditing: the various levelsSERIES 2 EPISODE 2: EDITING: THE VARIOUS LEVELS Editing is a staged process. Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 introduce the various levels, or types, of editing, explaining why each one is important and how, together, they work to craft your writing.2021-09-1918 min
The Pen to Published PodcastPrepping your manuscript for an editorSERIES 2 EPISODE 1: PREPPING YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR AN EDITOR Welcome to series 2 of the podcast, in which the two Alexas chat about the editing side of the self-publishing process. In this episode, you'll learn the dos and don'ts of preparing your manuscript to send to an editor.2021-09-1219 min
The Pen to Published PodcastInterview with author Kylie DixonEPISODE 8: INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR KYLIE DIXON In the last episode of series 1, the two Alexas talk to an author they've both worked with, Kylie Dixon, about her wonderful debut children's book, Inkcap and the Nethers. A fascinating insight into what it's really like not just to have an idea for a book but to actually bring it out into the world.2021-06-1425 min
The Pen to Published PodcastKicking writer's blockEPISODE 7: KICKING WRITER'S BLOCK Writer's block: what is it? Why does it happen? What can you do to help overcome it? In this episode, Alexas 1 and 2 dig into the causes of creative block and discuss various ideas to bring breakthrough.2021-06-0714 min
The Pen to Published PodcastGetting into the writing habitEPISODE 6: GETTING INTO THE WRITING HABIT This week, the two Alexas talk about how to get your book written. Managing your time can be a real issue but to achieve your writing goals, writing needs to become a regular habit - and this episode offers plenty of tips to help.2021-05-3115 min
The Pen to Published PodcastThe Writing Process - Part TwoEPISODE 5: THE WRITING PROCESS - PART TWO To plan or not to plan? This episode is all about planning your fiction or non-fiction book, where to begin, and how to nail your plan so that you have a rock-solid platform from which to start writing.2021-05-2418 min
The Pen to Published PodcastThe Writing Process - Part oneEPISODE 4: THE WRITING PROCESS - PART ONE Have you ever asked the question, 'Just where do writers get their ideas?' In episode 4, the two Alexas give some guidance on where to start in the hunt for a great storyline, and explain why knowing what's trending in various genres really matters.2021-05-1613 min
The Pen to Published PodcastWriting for Children and TeensEPISODE 3: WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS It's vital to understand the age category you're aiming to write for. This affects word count, vocabulary, plot, characterisation, sentence structure and book design. The two Alexas explain the categories and discuss what's required when writing within each one.2021-05-0921 min
The Pen to Published PodcastAll About The WhoEPISODE 2: ALL ABOUT THE WHO Identifying your target audience: as a writer, this is crucial. In this episode, the two Alexas discuss why knowing your audience is so important before you begin to write, and how you can start to identify your potential readers.2021-04-2314 minThe Pen to Published PodcastIntroducing the two AlexasIn this first episode, Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury introduce themselves and talk about what to expect from The Pen to Published Podcast, and why writers and self-publishers will benefit from listening.2021-04-2209 min
CBF ConversationsThe Art of Storytelling, Featuring Alexa TewkesburySponsors: School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb Univ., Campbell Univ. Divinity School, and David Correll of Universal Creative Concepts.
Music by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com2018-12-1744 min