Write to Publish

Write to Publish

Join me, Karen Stanley, a 14-times published author, writing coach, and founder of Mabel and Stanley Publishing as I guide you through the treacherous realms of writing and publishing! Learn from my own personal triumphs and trials as I bring you practical tips on a wide range of writing and publishing topics, along with guest speakers and inspiring author interviews to fuel your writing aspirations. Explore the secrets of successful authors, gain insights into the publishing industry, and let ’Write Now’ be your guiding light in the pursuit of your writing dreams. Let’s get you on the Write Path!

Episodes

July 24, 2025 21 mins

Does your writing feel flat and uninspiring when you read it back to yourself?

The truth is, you can have the best content in the world but if you don't deliver it in a way that is engaging and compelling, then your book will end up in the DNF pile.

In this episode, we talk about some of the tips and tricks that can take your writing from meh to wow!

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you like listening!

And get in touch...

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You can write the best book in the world, but if you don't get the marketing right, then your readers will never know it's there!

In this episode, we examine the key factors that influence a book’s success, including genre expectations, cover design, pricing strategies, reader psychology, and marketing tactics.

As always, send me a message if you have any questions karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.com 

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In this episode, we discuss the different stages of editing - self-editing, developmental edits, line edits, and proofreads - so you can refine your work and prepare it for publication.

Any questions then drop me a message karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.com - I'm always happy to help!

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June 12, 2025 19 mins

Two things that will hold a writer back are procrastination and overwhelm, but it is important to remember that nothing will hold you back more than the search for perfection.

In this episode, we explore some strategies that will help you to make real progress in your writing.

If you are looking for a great tool to get you on your way, why not try my Kick Start Your Fiction Writing Journey Course? A 5 module video course to help yo...

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May 29, 2025 18 mins

Characters are the backbone of your story, and so it is important to write characters that really make your readers FEEL something!

From creating back stories to traits and quirks, in this episode, we delve into the techniques that will bring your characters to life and have your readers begging for more!

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May 15, 2025 26 mins

Join me in this episode as I share the answers to some of the most common questions for new authors when it comes to self-publishing.

Things like formatting queries, ISBN numbers, and how to market your book successfully.

As always if you have any questions just drop me a line at karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.com

Please subscribe and share, it helps the show to grow and makes me super happy and grateful!

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May 1, 2025 27 mins

Dialogue can make or break your manuscript; if you get it right, it will move your plot forward and bring your characters to life.

In this episode, I share some top tips for writing dialogue that is engaging, relatable and showcases each character's unique voice.

If you have any questions or you'd like some feedback for your own writing, please do get in touch karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.co.uk...I love hearing from you all!

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April 17, 2025 19 mins

The phrase 'show don't tell' is used in writing extensively but it can be tricky to really comprehend how and why to use it.

In this episode we discuss the benefits of show don't tell writing and share some examples of how you might use it in your own writing...

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In this episode we explore advanced writing techniques to make your prose more engaging, including sentence variation, strong imagery, and pacing strategies that keep readers hooked.

If you have any questions relating to the topics covered today's show or you would like to ask about a different aspect of writing and publishing, get in touch at karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.com or follow us on social media @mabelandstanleypublishi...

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You've finished the first draft...now what?

Revising your manuscript is where you start to polish your story and turn it into something publish-worthy.

In this episode we talk about what you'll need to do before you hire a professional; from analysing your story arc and spotting plot holes, to deciding which scenes you need to cut or expand.

If you have any questions about how to polish your first draft then send me a message karen...

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Hosting a launch can be a great way to celebrate the publication of your book. But there are some dos and don't to follow that can help you to get the biggest impact with regard to marketing your book in the future.

In this episode we discuss venues, format, and tips for a successful book launch.

There are lots of tips on launching your book to be found in the Mabel and Stanley Writing and Publishing Community along with a whole ho...

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February 20, 2025 17 mins

It is important that you and your editor have a good working relationship and so you will need to do your research beforehand.

In this episode we delve into the different types of editing including developmental, line editing and proof reading to help you understand what help you may need for your manuscript.

One thing is for certain, you really shouldn't skip the editing phase if you are to have a book that you can be proud of and...

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In this episode we delve into the pros and cons of hybrid publishing and how it is different to Traditional, Self and Vanity methods.

It is so important to do your research whatever method you choose...

If you have any publishing questions please do get in contact at karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.com or follow me on social media @mabelandstanleypublishing

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January 23, 2025 20 mins

In this interview I talk to the incredible Ines Zdelar about her book 'Teaching Baby to Sleep.

Ines is a professional Nanny and sleep coach and she is passionate about the power of quality sleep for new mothers and their babies.

Ines talks about the challenges she faced when writing her book, the power of having a mentor to keep her accountable and the overwhelming joy she felt when her book was published - she is enjoying lots of ...

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Author promotion can sometimes be harder than writing the book - especially for us creative types!

The fact is, that if you don't promote yourself as an author then no-one is going to know when your book is published; and that won't be great for book sales!

In this episode we talk about the importance of building an author platform and the ways in which you can become visible creating a solid fan base BEFORE your book launch!

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December 19, 2024 18 mins

The hard truth is that if you do not market your book it will not sell. In this episode I share tips for a marketing strategy that will help you to raise your author profile and sell more books.

But remember this is not a quick fix, marketing takes time and commitment to be effective - it's a long game.

If you'd like help with your book launch strategy, drop me a message karen@mabelandstanleypublishing.com

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December 12, 2024 25 mins

Sarah is a business mentor and strategist and author of Selling Without Sleaze. 

In this episode she talks about her book journey - writing was not something she particularly felt drawn to initially - and how her book helped her to build her own business credibility.

Sarah talks about the challenges she faced when trying to organise her thoughts and ideas and how she wished she had found a writing mentor much sooner!

You can buy Sa...

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December 5, 2024 17 mins

Writing can be a lonely old business and having a community of supportive, like-minded people around you can really help with motivation, inspiration and feedback which will greatly improve your chances of building on your writing skills and finishing your book!

If you're looking for a community then the Mabel and Stanley Writing and Publishing Community could be the very place to help you on your journey.

Drop me an email at karen...

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Self publishing is an increasingly viable and attractive option for both new and seasoned authors, giving greater control and royalties in the long run.

In essence it is a 'free' option but that doesn't mean you should cut corners when cutting costs. A poorly produced book will do nothing for your author credibility although there are definitely lots of ways in which you can publish on a budget without compromising quality.

In this...

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November 14, 2024 23 mins

Richard Pearson was one of the cleaning heroes on Channel 5's Filthy House SOS.

In this interview he talks about his author journey writing his children's book Sparkle and the Messy Monster.

Richard is passionate about cleaning and inspiring kids to help out around the house learning valuable life skills housekeeping habits that will stay with them forever.

Richard is a great guy and it was wonderful to chat to him about his author...

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