The Page & Podium Podcast with Dr. Amanda Nell Edgar

Seven Steps to Outline your Memoir

Memoirs can sink or swim based more on the structure than any other element of writing. It's easy to edit for better prose, but without a strong underlying structure, that editing will be all polish. To avoid pouring time into a manuscript that needs massive rewriting and revisions, we strongly urge writers to form a strong outline before you begin drafting your book. If you're unsure how to start that high level process, we briefly outline seven steps to get you on the right track. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Intro1:20- Hero's Journey (And why it doesn't always work)2:15- Step 1-Brainstorming list3:00- Include both stories and lessons5:20- Step 2- Finding the central topic5:50- Autobiography vs Memoir8:00- Step 3- Finding the key message9:45- Step 4- Finding the starting and ending points13:00- Step 5- Filling in major turns and chapters15:30- Step 6- Chapter summaries17:45- Step 7- Feedback & Revise Outline18:20- Memoir can sink or swim based on structure20:00- The Memoir Method👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Costly Mistakes when Hiring an Editor

Editors are worth their weight in gold, but writers will often misplace their investment in editors when they don't have clear understanding of the editorial process. Hiring the wrong editor at the wrong time can be a massive waste of both time and money, leading to repeating steps (and paying twice!) or a disjointed and unpolished book.This week, Amanda reviews the different kinds of editors, when to hire and when to DIY, and four expensive mistakes to avoid. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Intro1:30- Having an editor is crucial to a book's success2:30- Understanding the different types and roles of editors3:00- Your first editor should be yourself3:40- Reverse outlining and tackling the initial revisions5:00- Getting high-level feedback5:30- What is a "manuscript review"?7:10- What is a "developmental editor"?8:50- How to choose those initial reviewers9:15- When to move to the next stage of the editorial process11:15- What is a "copy editor"?11:50- Proofreading stage13:00 Mistake #1- Hiring the wrong kind of editor or in the wrong order14:00- Mistake #2- Thinking an editor can "fix" a very rough draft15:00-Ghost writer vs. developmental editors15:45- Get high level help early16:30- Mistake #3- Underestimating the training and experience of an editor17:50- An amateur edit can make your book worse19:11- Mistake #4- Waiting until the last minute21:00- Expect editing to occur in rounds22:30- There is an end point to what you can do alone👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

10 Misunderstood Publishing Terms

The literary and publishing industry is full of jargon and terms that are thrown around casually and used so often than we often forget that their meaning might be misunderstood, often to the detriment of first-time or emerging authors. This week, Amanda breaks down 10 industry terms you might be hearing a lot and what they really mean to publishers and publishing professionals. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Intro1:30- Jargon2:30- #10 "Agent"3:50- #9 "Slush"6:30- #8 "On sub"8:10- #7 "High Level"9:20- #6 "Trenches"11:50-#5 "Blurb"14:15- #4 "Trade"15:00- #3 "Midlist"15:45- #2 "Imprint"18:00- #1 "Editor"👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

5 tips for capturing family stories

Family stories are precious because they reveal so much about our personal history, the experiences of those we love, and what has shaped those who have had a hand in shaping us. Many family histories don't get shared across the generations, and often it's simply because people don't ask the right question or dedicate the time to listen. If you're thinking of gathering a family history or writing a book based on a family member's life, we have five important tips for you to consider as you set about drawing those valuable stories from the family well. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Value of family stories1:20- Why gathering family stories can be hard3:00- Missed opportunities4:20- Why some stories don't get shared5:30- We want the every day stories6:20- Fallibility of memory7:45: -Tip 1-Make time, Be curious, and Stay Present9:30- Don't have a check list10:00- Tip 2-Don't skip stories you've heard before12:00- The art of the follow-up question14:00- Tip 3- Get others involved15:15- Tip 4- Using sensory details to get context and invoke memory17:00- Tip 5- Come back later to fill in more details18:30- Aim for a series of session, not a marathon19:30: How to let them know you really care👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

The Timeline for Traditional Publishing

The process of traditional publishing can feel very opaque and mysterious to first-time authors, and one of the most common questions, and surprises, they have is how long does the process actually take. While mileage does vary, generally the short answer is longer than you think. There are steps in the process that you might not know to expect and each step takes its own chunk of time. In this week's video, Amanda outlines her own experience through traditional publishing as a case study to demonstrate what to expect from the process. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Intro1:30- Writers are frequently surprised at how long it takes2:00- Planning on 3-5 year timeline5:15- Writing before proposal or with contract7:00- Making a connection with an editor8:00- Applying for academic grants9:25- Getting the book approved by the editorial board10:50- The key elements of the book proposal12:40- The editorial board chooses their release calendar13:45- Production process16:34- Cover design19:21- Galley Proofs20:30- Shifting from production to promotion22:41- This timeline can become a life style👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

The Psychological Reason Your Memoir is Stuck

We all hear tell of the dreaded "writer's block," but often there's something more fundamental and psychological happening when you get stuck in the process of writing--or never really starting--your memoir. We are always processing the events that have happened to us, and when those events are transformative in some way, it can take time to fully understand and integrate those experiences into our world view. That process is largely and internal one, so it can be so difficult to transition from working through that process in our heads and externalizing it on paper. Sometimes support is the missing element from moving from wanting to write a book to actually following through with it. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00- Intro2:00-What are symptoms of being stuck?3:00- You are thinking in circles4:00- You're writing and then deleting5:00- You always feel like you're starting over6:50- You're constantly starting a different strategy8:30 You have a processing problem, not a writing problem10:00- Processing is internal, memoirs are external13:00- Why memoirists struggle with this step16:00- The psychological benefits of memoir writing18:30- Memoir writing is self-love20:30- Why MFA or comprehensive writing programs are not the solution22:15- Have emotional support through the process👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Do you have enough to fill a book

One nagging question aspiring writers have can often hold them back from starting--do I even have enough for a book? Is this idea big enough? Do I have enough stories to tell or points to make? It's not a completely unmoored question, as some ideas are better for short form models. A full-length book does need several major turning points, minor development, and nuanced ideas you can explore from different angles. But then again--so does life. Watch to see how you can work through some development steps to see if you have enough to fill a book. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Wisdom from Flannery O'Connor1:45- Why it's hard to see if you have enough3:00- Brainstorming an Outlines can be misleading6:00- Carrying your idea as baggage7:40- When you start, stop, start, stop10:00- Pulling in irrelevant material 11:30- Small investments won't answer this question13:30- Exercises to help you decide you have enough14:40- Writing a guided outline rather than a brainstorm outline16:00- Establishing the keystones of your book18:00- Establishing the life milestones that reflect your keystones23:00- You need to feel it in your bones25:00- How the Memoir Method can help👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

How to Write in Dark Times

Events in the world can become overwhelming. From the constant dire stream of news on your phone to the general sense of worry and helplessness, it can be hard to decide what to do next, much less find he focus to make progress on your book.But writing your story, your ideas, to share with the world is more important now than ever. Not only is it important to safeguard your mental health, it can help others to find their resilience as well. Your story deserves to be told, and you deserve the support to tell it. Even now. Especially now. Enrollment for the next Memoir Method cohort opens this Thursday, March 6. Find out more at pageandpodium.com/memoirmethod 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Intro2:00- Is your project stalled?3:45- The importance of balancing negative emotion6:30-Find your power by leaning into your passion7:15- Memoir is a crucial genre in these times10:00- Your story, dark or light, can give others hope11:30- Discover your resilience14:00- Calm your nervous system16:00- Use the focus17:30- Inspiration from great thinkers22:30- Find your community, and your audience👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

Choosing the best publishing path for your book

There are more ways than ever before to bring your ideas and writing to your audience. How do you decide what path is best for you?In this week's video, we explore the three main paths that are currently available to writers and the pros and cons of each system, including timelines, cost, and expectations on you as the writer. Whether you choose traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, always remember that your story deserves to be told and you deserve the support you need to tell it. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00-Intro1:20- Questions to ask yourself2:00- The three main paths3:40- Traditional publishing, both small and large5:40- Self-Publishing7:00- Hybrid Press8:00- How hybrid is different than "vanity" presses11:30- Question #1- How long are you willing to wait?14:15- Question #2-How much are you willing to invest?17:09- Question #3- How much control do you want?19:50- Question #4- How much does your audience care about prestige of the press?21:30- Question #5- Are you under the impression that traditionally published authors don't need to do marketing?👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal

How to choose your book’s word count

When you're first starting out writing book, there is so much uncertainty and questions that surround this long and opaque process. With all the things to decide, it can be hard to know where to begin.There are, however, some great guidelines you can use to figure out about how long your book should be. It won't be exact to the word, of course, but having a round number goal in mind can help you break down your outline, your timeline of how long it will take you to write, and give you a real sense of how much space you have to cover each important point. 🔗 You've got the story. You've got the idea. You just don't know the steps in the process. If this is what's holding your memoir back, I have got the solution for you. The memoir method checklist is going to take you through every single step you need from idea to published marketable book. You can download it now at pageandpodium.com/checklist. 📅 New videos every Tuesday - subscribe and never miss an update!Timestamps:0:00- Why you should have a word count goal2:00- Book ranges by genre3:00- Considerations for first time authors4:30- Business leaders and their books9:00- Adjust for your audience11:30- Publishers care more than readers15:00- Identify your writing style17:00- Do you need a goal or a limit?22:00- Word count doesn't mean anything about you 👉 **Follow Us:**- **LinkedIn:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.linkedin.com/company/page-and-podium-press/)- **Facebook:** [Page and Podium Press](https://www.facebook.com/pageandpodiumpress)- **Instagram:** [@pageandpodiumpress](https://www.instagram.com/pageandpodiumpress/)🎵 Music I Use: BensoundLicense code: FZ3LM4DGUTQYKAESDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips and strategies. See you next Tuesday!Hashtags: #WritingTips #FirstTimeAuthors #ManuscriptRevision #BookWriting #AuthorAdvice #PageAndPodiumPress #memoirwriting #memoir #journal