Making it as an Author with Nathan Baugh & Nat Eliason (Ep. 1)

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Jan 13, 2025

Join two seasoned online writers as they share their candid journeys in the publishing world. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of querying agents and the major differences between traditional and self-publishing. Insights include the importance of audience building and how feedback can reshape your story. Learn about the pitfalls of over-editing, techniques for crafting engaging narratives, and mastering pacing. This discussion is packed with practical advice for aspiring authors navigating their path to becoming professionals.

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ANECDOTE

Nathan's Querying Experience

Nathan Baugh queried his first novel to 100 agents, receiving 70+ rejections.
Despite this, he built a large audience by sharing writing insights in his newsletter.

insights

INSIGHT

Audience Building

Building an audience before querying agents is crucial, especially for fiction writers.
Agents receive hundreds of queries weekly and prioritize authors with existing platforms.

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ANECDOTE

Nat's Nonfiction Journey

Nat Eliason published "Crypto Confidential" after a different querying experience.
With non-fiction, he secured a deal with less writing upfront, leveraging his online audience.

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Navigating the Murky Waters of Publishing

02:11 • 3min

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Navigating the Publishing Labyrinth

05:01 • 11min

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Crafting Engaging Narratives

15:57 • 16min

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Mastering Pacing in Fiction

31:40 • 9min

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Navigating the Book Deal Landscape

40:11 • 2min

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Navigating Online Writing and Embracing AI in the Creative Process

This epic novel follows the life of Miyamoto Musashi after the Battle of Sekigahara. It chronicles his transformation from Shimmen Takezō to Miyamoto Musashi under the influence of the monk Takuan. The story explores themes of honor, loyalty, revenge, and the philosophical dimensions of the samurai way. Musashi's journey includes his innovations in swordsmanship, his feuds with other samurai, and his romantic life. The novel provides deep insights into Japan during the early Edo period and the harsh realities of samurai life.

Swimming in the Pond

George Saunders

George Saunders' "Swimming in the Pond" is a unique blend of literary criticism and writing instruction. Saunders analyzes the work of Russian masters like Chekhov and Tolstoy, dissecting their techniques and offering insights into their creative processes. He then connects these insights to his own writing practice, demonstrating how these classic techniques can be applied to contemporary fiction. The book is not just a collection of essays; it's a masterclass in storytelling, offering valuable lessons for writers of all levels. Saunders' insightful analysis and engaging prose make this a rewarding read for both writers and literature enthusiasts.

The Book of Five Rings is a comprehensive guide to martial arts and strategy written by Miyamoto Musashi. The book is divided into five chapters: The Book of Earth, The Book of Water, The Book of Fire, The Book of Wind, and The Book of the Void. Musashi discusses various aspects of martial arts, including technique, strategy, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions of combat. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of one's opponent and the environment. The book is not limited to martial arts but also offers insights into general strategy and leadership, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in these fields.

Crypto Confidential

Winning and Losing Millions in the New Frontier of Finance

Nathaniel Eliason

Crypto Confidential is Nathaniel Eliason's unfiltered account of his experiences in the hyperactive and highly speculative world of cryptocurrency. The book chronicles his journey from learning to code to becoming a key developer in a token valued at billions of dollars. It exposes the behind-the-scenes workings of the crypto market, including bull runs, breakdowns, scams, and the intense emotions and high stakes involved. Eliason's anecdotes are both entertaining and instructive, providing valuable insights into the warning signs of disaster in the crypto market and how to be a more educated participant.

Throne of Glass

Sarah J Maas

Throne of Glass follows the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young and deadly assassin who is captured and enslaved in a mining camp. She is given the opportunity to compete in a tournament against 23 other killers, thieves, and warriors to become the king’s champion. If she wins, she will serve the king for four years and then be granted her freedom. However, the competition is complicated by mysterious murders and dark forces within the castle, turning Celaena’s fight for freedom into a fight for survival. The book is a blend of fantasy, adventure, romance, and suspense, set in a world where magic has disappeared and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass.

The Will of the Many

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James Islington

This book is the first in the Hierarchy series by James Islington. It follows the journey of Viz, a young man who finds himself embroiled in a complex political conspiracy. The story is set in a world with a unique magic system and blends elements of fantasy and science fiction. Viz's journey is filled with challenges, friendships, and betrayals as he navigates the treacherous world around him. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of power.

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V. '), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

Red Rising

Ted Starkey

In 'Red Rising: The Washington Capitals Story', Ted Starkey chronicles the transformation and resurgence of the Washington Capitals. The book includes original interviews with key figures from the team, providing a detailed and personal look at the team's history, challenges, and successes.

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Are you an aspiring author dreaming of writing full-time? Join Nathan and Nat, two online writers navigating the murky waters of the publishing world, as they pull back the curtain on their journeys to becoming professional authors. With refreshing honesty and hard-won insights, they'll share the ups and downs, rejections and victories, and everything they're learning along the way.

Whether you're hoping to publish fiction or nonfiction, traditionally or independently, this is a candid, unfiltered look at what it really takes. Nathan and Nat don't hold anything back as they workshop each other's drafts, swap tips for overcoming hurdles, and get real about their numbers, pitches, and publishing experiences. It's the inside scoop you won't find anywhere else—the ideal listening companion for any writer seeking to turn their dream into a career.

[0:00] Nat & Nathan's backgrounds as online writers navigating the publishing world
[0:23] Nathan's history writing a novel and querying 60+ agents
[4:07] Nat's experience publishing Crypto Confidential
[6:32] The power of building an audience as an author
[11:15] Major differences in getting a fiction vs. nonfiction book deal
[14:28] Navigating traditional vs. self-publishing paths
[18:06] Feedback from Nat's agent that led to scrapping his sci-fi novel
[21:47] The pitfalls of over-editing too early
[23:44] Getting comfortable deleting your work
[27:23] Writing tips for conflict and excitement
[35:11] Using familiar settings like schools to offset complex magic/tech systems
[36:40] Creating flawed, relatable protagonists
[39:05] Current reads & book recommendations

SAY HI 💌 Newsletter: https://betweendraftspod.com/ 🐤 X Nathan's X Nat's X 📸 Instagram: Nathan's Instagram Nat's Instagram 💼 LinkedIn: Nathan's LinkedIn Nat's LinkedIn

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