The Pen to Published Podcast
The Pen to Published Podcast
Alexa Whitten and Alexa Tewkesbury
A podcast for authors and self-publishers. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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.
Dec 1, 2023
47 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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.
Nov 13, 2023
50 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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.
Nov 7, 2023
1 hr 17 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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.     
Oct 31, 2023
1 hr 12 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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. 
Oct 24, 2023
41 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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. 
Oct 16, 2023
44 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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!   
Oct 10, 2023
40 min
The Pen to Published Podcast
SERIES 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. 
Oct 3, 2023
57 min
Bonus Petit Pod 5
MAPS 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.
Jul 27, 2023
11 min
Bonus Petit Pod 4
BEWARE 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.
Jul 18, 2023
21 min
Load more