Welcome to the Career Novelist Podcast!

After 100 episodes of You Should Write a Book, Camille is (very slightly) shifting the focus of the podcast. In this episode, she shares: 

• The definition of a Career Novelist—and why this term alone can help you bounce back from publishing setbacks.
• Her response to a well-known industry expert who asked her, “Aren’t you worried about giving writers false hope?” 
• The number one hurdle novelists face when it comes to publishing (spoiler alert: it’s marketing!)—and why focusing on writing is the best way to get over that and reach more readers. 

To learn more about Bestseller Bootcamp, visit: www.evenbetter.co/bestseller

On the 100th episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast, Camille shares: 

• How a quote from James Clear prompted her to rethink her business. 
• The single most important thing a writer can do to reach their publishing goals (hint: it’s not building a social media following).  
• What to do if a lack of time, focus, or follow-through is keeping you from writing. 

To sign up for the free Nail Your Comps webinar on October 24, 2024, visit: www.evenbetter.co/webinar

To learn more about The Hot Sheet newsletter, which Camille mentions in today’s episode, visit: https://hotsheetpub.com

Note: This podcast will publish biweekly for the rest of 2024. The next episode will air October 29, 2024. 

Whether you’re working on your first novel or your fiftieth, showing up a professional will help you reach your goals faster—and help your success stick. On this episode, Camille shares:

• The one question every writer should ask herself
• How to plan to succeed (hint: it doesn’t involve a traditional business plan)
• Using setbacks to supercharge your motivation
• Why belief is more important than talent (really)

If you’re ready to go pro, apply for the Career Novelist Mastermind, which combines proven publishing strategies with research-backed career and mindset coaching. To learn more and apply, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind.

In this episode, Camille coaches Lea Ann, an artist who wants to make the most of a last-minute opportunity.

We cover:

• What to do when your schedule gets re-shuffled
• How to identify the real reason you’re overwhelmed (and how to turn it around)
• Why it’s important to realize you do have control
• Harnessing your emotions to create your best work

Deadlines can help you get the job done—but they sometimes backfire, too. In this episode, Camille discusses: 

• The research-backed benefits of self-imposed deadlines
• Signs you might be using a deadline or tight timeline against yourself
• Simple ways to up the odds of meeting your deadline (and what to do if you don’t)
• How to add an external deadline when you don’t have an agent or editor waiting for your draft 

Sign up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter to learn about a special bonus for novelists who join the Career Novelist Mastermind this month: https://www.evenbetter.co/how-to

Blurbs—that is, endorsement quotes from other authors—are still a standard publishing practice. In this episode, Camille covers: 

• Why blurbs probably don’t sell books—but what they can do to help your career. 
• How to up the odds an author will say yes to your blurb request.
• The unexpected benefit of asking another author for a favor.
• What to do if you don’t end up liking a book you’ve been asked to blurb. 

The Career Novelist Mastermind is accepting applications early. This small group coaching program kicks off September 4th. The mastermind is capped at 12 novelists, so early applications are encouraged. To learn more, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind. 

There are still six months to reach your big writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: 

• Her strategy for doing a mid-year assessment. 
• How the planning fallacy can sabotage your goals—and simple ways to bypass it. 
• Two secrets to effective visualization.
• Using quick wins to create long-term success. 

If you’re interested in coaching with Camille in Q3, email team@evenbetter.co. 

To learn more about the upcoming Career Novelist Mastermind, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind.

And to sign up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter, visit www.evenbetter.co/how-to.

Do you procrastinate when you should be working on your book? In today’s episode, Camille shares: 

• When procrastination’s actually a good thing.
• The real reason you don’t write when you plan to.
• Simple ways to increase your focus and follow through more often.

The Career Novelist Mastermind begins in August! To learn more and be the first to know when applications open, visit www.evenbetter.co/mastermind

Neil Gaiman said, “Everything good that happened in my writing career happened because someone, normally another writer, helped me.” In today’s episode, Camille shares:

• The surprising connection between community and grit.
• Why it’s crucial to find writers who cheer you on during good times as well as bad.
• The network-limiting mistake many early-career authors make.
• How to decide whether your current writing community is still right for you.

The Your First 50 Readers webinar is June 21st. If you want to learn how to get authentic reviews from readers who actually like what you write, visit www.evenbetter.co/reviews to register.

Camille follows up with author Darci St. John—who was featured in episode 18—about: 

• How self-publishing her debut led to a two-book deal with a traditional publisher.
• Why everything changed once Darci chose herself instead of waiting to be chosen.
• The magic that happens when hard work coincides with what the market wants.
• Why being used to rejection can be an author’s superpower. 

Learn more about Darci’s novel, Crash Into Me, at www.darcistjohn.com

To register for the Your First 50 Reviews webinar, visit www.evenbetter.co/reviews

Note: we experienced some audio issues during recording. We did our best to minimize them but could not eliminate all of them.

Almost everything you want is on the other side of discomfort. In this episode, Camille talks about:

• Why getting it right requires your work to “feel wrong” at first.
• The connection between discomfort and upleveling your author career.
• How to embrace uncomfortable emotions (without being miserable all the time). 
• The sneaky thought that can be a sign you’re avoiding discomfort. 

P.S. The Career Novelist Mastermind reopens in August. Learn more and get on the waiting list at evenbetter.co/mastermind 

Reaching your writing goals is going to require you to say no—sometimes even to opportunities you might want to say yes to. 

• Why saying no can feel so uncomfortable (and how to do it anyway).
• When it’s actually worth it to say yes. 
• The serendipity of making more space for yourself and your career. 

Quick note: In today’s episode, Camille mentions and recommends Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield. 

No, writing doesn’t have to feel so hard all the time. In this episode, Camille shares:

• The one question that reduced the workload on her latest revise.
• Simple solutions for creating more ease in your career.
• How other people are often the key to locating the “easy button” on a tricky project.

For more resources to uplevel your author career, visit evenbetter.co.

If you’re between books—or are simply thinking about what you’ll write after you’re done with your current draft—this episode is for you. Camille shares:

• How the paradox of choice can impact your writing career.
• Why writers are often especially vulnerable to “shiny object syndrome.”
• Five simple questions to ask yourself before committing to a book or another big project.

For more resources on creating an even better author career, visit https://www.evenbetter.co

If your last book didn’t sell well and you’re worried your publishing career is over, this episode’s for you. In it, Camille shares: 

1. The myth of being “unpublishable”—and the reason you probably couldn’t quit if you tried. 
2. The unexpected lesson she learned as a runner that made all the difference in her author career. 
3. Why writing a book you care about is the most important step in creating another chance.
4. How to make your own luck.

Rest is essential for your brain and body—and yes, for writing a good book. In this episode, Camille talks about:

• The reason you probably feel restless when you’re away from your computer. 
• The surprising way taking time off benefits your story. 
• How to stop worrying about losing momentum and start trusting you’ll follow through.
• Why rest may just be a bestseller’s best strategy. 

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably got some not-so-great stories about yourself—and they may be standing between you and success. In today’s episode, Camille shares:

• The reasons your brain skews negative (even though it makes you feel lousy).
• Why telling a better story doesn’t necessarily mean being positive. 
• The research-backed benefits of taking control of your career narrative.
• How to harness your own storytelling skills to reach your goals—and actually enjoy the process. 

Note: This is the last episode of season 2 of You Should Write a Book. Camille will be back with a new season and episodes May 7th. For free resources on creating an even better author career, visit evenbetter.co. 

To succeed as a writer, you have to be willing to get rejected—a lot. In this episode, Camille discusses: 

• Simple ways to normalize “no”
• Why we often mistake short-term data for long-term results
• Using small wins to boost your confidence and overcome negativity bias

Interested in one-on-one coaching? Camille is taking on two new clients in Q2. To learn more and fill out an application, visit evenbetter.co/coaching. 

If you’ve ever gotten stalled while working on your story, this episode’s for you. Camille shares: 

• Why it’s so easy to interpret uncertainty as a sign you need to stop writing.
• The surprising step that’s more important than “butt in chair” when you’re stuck.
• The reason reworking your outline is the worst thing to do when you’re overwhelmed—and what to do instead. 
  

Note: Camille mentions (and recommends) Albert Ellis Ph.D.’s book How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything—Yes, Anything! in this episode. You can read more about Ellis here: https://albertellis.org/about-albert-ellis-phd/

Who on earth would be afraid of success? The truth is, almost everyone. But that fear doesn’t have to stand between you and your writing goals. In today’s episode, Camille shares:

• Four common reasons we fear success
• What she learned about self-sabotage from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, Ph.D.
• Signs you might be getting in your own way without even realizing it
• A simple but incredibly effective exercise to move past worry and take more action 

You may always be a little afraid of failing—but there’s a lot you can do to prevent that fear from holding you back. In today’s episode, Camille shares:

• A powerful new way to look at failure
• What you’re really afraid of when you say you don’t want to get things wrong
• The paralyzing effect of trying to make the “right” decision
• Why getting clear on your mission as a writer can help you take more action (even when you’re afraid)

Not sure if your current story or draft is publishable? Camille shares a framework for deciding whether to do more work—or move on to the next project.

She covers: 

• How her four “drawer drafts” helped her publish ten books she’s proud of 
• The most important thing to ask yourself when evaluating your own work 
• A simple trick for getting out of your own head and getting perspective on your story
• Why breakthroughs often follow a much-needed break 

Feeling disappointed? That’s not a problem. In fact, you can harness that emotion to succeed. In today’s episode, Camille shares: 

• Common misconceptions about disappointment (and how they can keep you from reaching your goals)
• The real reason criticism can live rent-free in your head
• Simple ways to reframe setbacks—without gaslighting yourself 

Join Camille and book coach Nicole Meier on Monday, February 26th, for a free webinar: Build Your Creative Community: How to Connect With Other Writers to Create a Better Writing Career. For more details and to register for the event, visit https://www.evenbetter.co/webinar

Boundaries aren’t just about safeguarding your writing time; they’re also essential for protecting your mental health and creativity. In this episode, Camille shares:

• The painful lesson she learned after sharing her manuscript without setting boundaries first

• How to set standards that serve your career

• The simple way to stop worrying about how your boundaries will impact others (and get back to writing) 

To get details for the free webinar Camille is hosting on February 26th with book coach Nicole Meier, sign up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter at: www.evenbetter.co/how-to 

Whether you need help with craft, marketing, or your mindset, support can be transformative for your author career. In this episode, Camille shares:  

• How to find someone who’s the right fit for you.
• Why it’s wise to “try before you buy” (plus easy ways to do just that). 
• The importance of trusting your gut—and the difference between intuition and anxiety.
• What to do if you have buyer’s remorse. 

If you’re feeling frustrated that you haven’t reached your publishing goals yet or that your hard work hasn’t paid off, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares: 

• Long-game strategies to steal from athletes and actors 
• The simple concept that takes luck out of the equation—so you can stop worrying and succeed
• Why your self-imposed deadlines may be a secret form of self-sabotage 
• A better way to compare yourself to other authors

P.S. If you’re querying or preparing to publish, be sure to check out Pitch Pro, a free guide to writing a stellar query or book blurb: www.evenbetter.co/pitchpro

A busy schedule doesn’t have to stand between you and getting your book done. In this episode, Camille discusses: 

• Why there will never be the “right time” to write—and the reason that’s a good thing
• How to handle transitions between writing and other tasks
• Using your calendar to overcome decision fatigue and waning willpower
• The simple self-talk strategy that can help you overcome procrastination 

Want to go deeper on time management? Camille recommends Laura Vanderkam’s books, especially 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think.

Though they’re often used interchangeably, self-confidence isn’t the same thing as confidence—and it may just be the secret to reaching your writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: 

• The surprising connection between self-confidence and energy
• Why you can be anxious—and still feel self-confident 
• How to stop comparing yourself to others, even if you’re not where you want to be in your publishing career
• Simple ways to build self-trust (hint: it begins with honoring your commitments to yourself)

The Career Novelist Mastermind is almost full. To apply, visit www.evenbetter.co/mastermind 

Questions about the mastermind or this episode? Email team@evenbetter.co 

Most writers will experience imposter syndrome—but feeling like you don’t deserve your success can sabotage your career. In this episode, Camille shares: 

• The simple framework that can help you stop feeling like a fraud 
• How to take credit for what you’ve done … without turning into an egomaniac 
• What’s changed for Camille since she got over her own imposter syndrome
• Why real talk with other writers may just be the secret to being secure in your own career 

Note: The 2024 Career Novelist Mastermind kicks off on February 1st. If you want to make this year the year you reach your big publishing goals, apply now at www.evenbetter.co/mastermind.

Questions about the mastermind or podcast? Email team@evenbetter.co 

If you’re feeling defeated by the publishing industry or thinking of giving up on your writing dreams, listen to this episode first. In it, Camille shares: 

• What she did after feeling burned out last year (hint: it wasn’t writing) 
• The most important thing to ask yourself when you’re discouraged 
• The surprising connection between slowing down and creativity 
• Why supporting other writers can be as beneficial as being lifted up by them—and how to find the right community to help you succeed

Seeking a community of dedicated novelists who will have your back? The 2024 Career Novelist Mastermind begins February 2nd. Learn more at www.evenbetter.co/mastermind 

Ready to make 2024 the year you reach your big writing goals? You can—but doing so will probably involve some degree of change.

In this episode, Camille shares: 

• Why writers who are willing to change have a distinct competitive advantage 
• How to shift the way you identify yourself in order to change your habits  
• The paradox of embracing the old in order to create something new 
• What research reveals about the “fresh start effect” and how to use it now—or at any time—to succeed

If you’re ready to believe, behave, and run your business like a bestseller, the 2024 Career Novelist Mastermind begins February 2nd. Learn more about this small group coaching program and apply at www.evenbetter.co/mastermind 

In today’s episode, Camille shares eight things she’s learned from her clients this year, including:

• Why it’s never too late to go for your big publishing goals
• The true definition of a career author
• How to speed up your growth (hint: it has everything to do with community)
• The reason tactics tend to fail—and why mindset matters most

The next round of the Career Novelist Mastermind begins in February, and applications will open in January. To learn more, visit

evenbetter.co/mastermind

Note: This is the last episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast in 2023! We’ll be back in 2024 with a new season and new episodes. Thanks for tuning in, and happy New Year.

One of the biggest reasons people don’t finish (or even begin) writing a book is because they believe they don’t have time. But even if you have a day job and family obligations, you can still reach your publishing goals. In today’s episode, Camille shares:

• Why a single hour actually is enough to finish a draft—fast 
• How to pick the best time to write 
• Simple ways to set better boundaries
• Routines that create success 

Sign up for the free Success Strategies for Career Novelists webinar on December 8th from 12-1 ET here: www.evenbetter.co/novelsuccess

Too many authors avoid talking—or even thinking—about money. But being able to pay your bills ups the odds of reaching your publishing goals. In today’s episode, Camille discusses:

• Why she’s always had a second income source, even though she could be writing fiction full-time
• How to create a side hustle that benefits your writing career
• A simple but super-important step to take if you get a six- or seven-figure book deal
• The surprising reason setting up a LLC or S-corp can lead to more success

Sign up for the free Success Strategies for Career Novelists webinar on December 8th from 12-1 ET here: www.evenbetter.co/novelsuccess

Links from today’s episode:

The Hot Sheet: https://hotsheetpub.com

The 2023 Author’s Guild Author Income Survey: https://authorsguild.org/news/key-takeaways-from-2023-author-income-survey/

Note: Because it’s a holiday week in the United States, this week’s episode is a rerun, with an exciting update. Tune in next week for a new episode and a special announcement. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. 

Camille coaches Debra, a novelist who’s considering self-publishing. We cover:

• How to tell a better story (about your career)
• When it makes sense to self-publish
• A simple but ultra-effective way to brand yourself as an author
• Why making long-term plans can lead to quick short-term wins

Yes, envy can feel lousy—but it also contains crucial information that can help your author career. In this episode, Camille shares: 

• The surprising upside of being jealous about another writer’s success. 
• Common misconceptions about envy—and how to harness that feeling to reach your next level as an author.
• Simple solutions for navigating another writer’s jealousy toward you.

Worrying about what other people think often paralyzes writers and prevents us from creating our best work. In this episode, Camille shares how to move past the fear of judgment. She discusses:

• How to make your own opinion the loudest voice in the room
• The simple question that often leads to major career breakthroughs
• Whose feedback to consider—and whose to forget
• Three questions that can help you get better feedback 

Working in a flow state doesn’t just feel good—it can increase productivity by a whopping 500%. In today’s episode, Camille talks about: 

• The most common misconception about flow 
• Why self-consciousness sabotages flow—and how to stop judging yourself 
• The surprising way to supercharge creativity  
• How to use a writing habit to get in a flow state more often

Important note: If you or someone you know are in emotional distress or in suicidal crisis, please get help instead of trying to go it alone. If you’re in the U.S., call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org for free 24/7 support and crisis resources. 

Pitching your projects and building an author brand doesn’t have to feel slimy or unaligned. Whether you’re querying your first book or are looking for more efficient ways to market your backlist, there’s an easer—and yes, more authentic—way to sell yourself. In this episode, Camille shares: 

• The baffling conversation with a fellow author that made her rethink how she was describing her work
• Why genre isn’t as important as you might think
• A simple framework for making your writing sound enticing
• The importance of choosing good comps (and how to do exactly that)

If you’re struggling right now and it’s impacting your writing, you’re not alone. In this episode, Camille shares: 

• The time she missed a major deadline—and why she was wrong about it hurting her career
• The simple question that can help you feel better
• When to lower the bar—and even take a break from your book
• How to make writing more of a respite (which is crucial when you’re grappling emotionally)

Being afraid to be visible can keep you from following through, sharing your work, and reaching your big goals as an author. In today’s episode, Camille shares: 

• How to tell if visibility issues are holding you back
• The real reason we fear being canceled
• The surprising link between procrastination and visibility 
• Simple ways to be less invested in all feedback (your career will thank you)

Yes, writing can be hard sometimes. But you can and should enjoy it more often. In this episode, Camille shares:

• Why feeling good while you write—instead of just afterwards—can lead to a better book
• The surprising benefit of viewing drafting as “me time” 
• How to use simple rituals to reinvigorate your daily writing practice 
• When to drop deadlines that may be keeping you stuck

You’ll find Lainey Cameron's podcast, The Best of Women’s Fiction, which Camille mentions in this episode, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-of-womens-fiction/id1552557042

Want to end 2023 on a high note? In this episode, Camille discusses how to go all in on what’s most important to you in Q4. She shares: 

• What you can accomplish in just three months (hint: it’s a lot)
• Why we use negative self-talk to motivate ourselves—and how to stop doing that 
• Simple ways to make time and energy for your big writing goals 
• The upside of embracing discomfort  

Camille shares the keynote speech she gave at the Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s 10th Anniversary Conference in Chicago. She discusses:

• One key sign that you actually do believe you can reach your goals
• How viewing your industry as your enemy impacts your career—and how to change your mind (without gaslighting yourself)
• Why getting your hopes up actually ups your odds of success 
• A paradigm shift for any writer agonizing over the amount of marketing authors “have” to do 
  

The Career Novelist Mastermind kicks off October 12th. If you’re interested in learning proven strategies for taking your author career to the next level and beyond, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind to learn more.

Yes, there are a million ways to market your work (only a slight exaggeration). But arguably the most important step that any novelist should take is often the one they most struggle with, or simply overlook. In this episode, Camille shares:

• Why marketing begins and ends with your query or book blurb
• The importance of honing your pitch—even if you’ve already sold a novel the traditional route
• The overlap between a query letter and a book blurb (and why, when done well, the two are virtually identical)

For a free training on how to effectively pitch your novel, visit evenbetter.co/pitchpro.

What do you do when a friend, partner, or even fellow writer doesn’t believe you can reach your big goals? In this episode, Camille discusses: 

• How other people’s expectations can shape your experience
• When to be direct about the support you need—and when to change the subject (or even your relationships)
• Why well-meaning experts may tell you not to get your hopes up
• The importance of protecting your dreams … and even being “selfish”

Overwhelm can be caused by feeling like there’s too much to do—but it can also be the direct result of feeling like you’re not enough or haven’t done enough to succeed. In this episode, Camille talks about:  

• The surprising reason you might be focused on what you believe you’re lacking.
• Why it’s important to take credit for what you’ve already done—and a simple exercise to do just that.
• How to trust yourself (without trusting negative internal voices saying you don’t have what it takes).

Yes, belief is important—but what you do every day may be even more important. In today’s episode, Camille shares: 

• The fascinating relationship between belief and behavior
• How to get past imposter syndrome (without writing affirmations all day)
• What research reveals about optimism and not “jinxing yourself” by getting your hopes up
• Two simple questions that can motivate you to write more

For more resources, including free webinars, on reaching your writing goals, visit EvenBetter.co. 

Camille talks about deciding to make more space for her writing this summer. She discusses: 

• Why we overcommit (it’s not just about guilt)—and how to stop doing that
• The fundamental ingredients of focus and flow 
• The real benefit of setting an “impossible” goal
• The question that will help you make goal-oriented decisions that feel good

Note: The You Should Write a Book podcast will be on hiatus this summer. Get free advice on business, branding, and mindset for authors by signing up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter at: www.evenbetter.co/newsletter

Camille speaks with Katie Rose Guest Pryal, an award-winning author and speaker on mental health and neurodiversity. Among other things, they discuss: 

• The truth about making money as a writer
• Writing about mental health and neurodiversity in a way that isn’t reductive or centered around “overcoming” a disability—and how to get help writing about perspectives you haven’t lived through 
• The joy of giving up your backup plans and going all in on writing (or anything else you really want to do)
• How to find your lane as an author … by pursuing what actually interests you (and why you don’t need to rush to define your brand)
  

For more on Katie’s work, https://katieroseguestpryal.com