Writing Roots

S2E5 – Designing Your Own Cover

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers.
While we all try to tell ourselves that people don’t judge books by their covers, everyone does anyway. A good cover can make or break the sales on your book. Leigh guides the discussion with Ley to talk about different kinds of covers and why all self-published authors shouldn’t just slap a cover together.
First aired September 16, 2019.
As promised in the episode, here’s Hank Green’s Ranting about Books.
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S2E4 – Beta Readers

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers.
Beta readers are an invaluable resource for knowing how well your book is going to be received by your target audience. Ley and Leigh have a chat about what they are and how they can help an author improve their work.
First aired September 12, 2019.
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S2E3 – Being Edited

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers.
Getting your work edited can be hard. It takes a tough skin and the ability to accept constructive criticism. It sometimes feels like letting someone else destroy your carefully built sandcastle. This episode, we talk about why and how you should get your work edited by someone else.
First aired September 9, 2019
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S2E2 – Self Editing: Proofing and Continuity

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers.
In this episode, we focus on editing the rest of the books. Too often in the self-publishing world, we see books that haven’t been edited, let along self-edited. We talk about why checking again for mistakes and continuity is so important for the quality of your work and the name of self-publishing overall.
First aired September 5, 2019
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S2E1 – Self-Editing: The First Chapter

What happens after reaching “The End” in a manuscript can be a very difficult and daunting time. In series two of Writing Roots, hosts Leigh Hull and Ley Esses dig into the steps between finishing the manuscript and getting it into the hands of the readers.
The first episode deals with the first step: The first chapter. It’s often one of the roughest parts of a manuscript because authors don’t always know how it’s going to end when they begin.
First aired September 1, 2019.
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S1 Bonus – The Forge

A special guest joins this BONUS episode of Writing Roots. Ley Esses and Leigh Hull are joined by a member of their writing club, Crystal Hart.
The Forge is a group that gathers monthly to practice writing, editing, and being edited. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and get help in developing your writing.
This episode, we talk about our works in progress and how having a writing group has helped each of us develop and improve.
The final weekend of every month, we’ll be posting a bonus episode. They are longer and more casual episodes. Many will feature guests who specialize in some aspect of the publishing process.
First aired August 31, 2019.
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S1E9 – Alpha Readers and Developmental Editors

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing.
Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down.
This episode we’re getting into the details of resources available to help you write, namely the Alpha Readers and Developmental Editors. These are people who can read and contribute to your story as it’s being written. Join Ley and Leigh as they explore the what’s good and bad about getting help early. First aired August 29, 2019.
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S1E8 – Getting it Written

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing.
Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down.
It’s time for real talk. Simply writing is often one of the most difficult things for authors, especially new ones. In this episode, Ley and Leigh break down what has helped them just write. First aired August 26, 2019.
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S1E7 – Worldbuilding: Fantasy and Magic

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing.
Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down.
In this episode, we discuss designing brand new worlds. Creating vast and interesting planets is always a blast for the writer, but how does one avoid making it a chore to the readers? First aired August 22, 2019.
We go into more depth about creating new worlds and cultures during our third series in October 2019.
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S1E6 – Worldbuilding: The World Around You

Join hosts Ley Esses and Leigh Hull as they talk through the experiences they’ve gathered in all aspects of writing.
Our first series is called First Draft, where we talk about content and building a story that readers can’t put down.
In this episode, we discuss designing cultures that are interesting and believable. Can a fan fiction be written about it? How do your characters interact with it, or vice versa? First aired August 19, 2019.
We go into more depth about creating new worlds and cultures during our third series in October 2019.
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