The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston

Lindsey Goldstein got serious about her writing career at the age of 40, and her debut novel Gap Year is a middle-age coming-of-age story. Lindsey talks about revising Gap Year many, many times, parting ways with an agent who wasn’t a good fit, and signing with a small, indie publisher. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston-Unfortunately Lindsey's book Gap Year is currently unavailable on bookshop, but you can order it here: https://egretlakebooks.com/gap-year-a-novel/Lindsey Goldstein:Website:www.lindseygoldsteinauthor.com, IG: @goldsteinlindsey Substack newsletter: lindseygoldstein.substack.com TikTok:@lindseygoldsteinauthorPreorder GAP YEAR: https://egretlakebooks.com/gap-year-a-novel/Shownotes:Lindsey mentions the following: Pitch to Published (P2P): https://www.facebook.com/groups/pitchtopublished/JoyPitch: https://joypitch.wordpress.com/Women's Fiction Writers Association: https://www.womensfictionwriters.org/Writer's Digest Online workshops: https://writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Thorne is the instant USA Today, Indie, and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Tomes & Tea series. She started out pursuing traditional publishing for many years. With great strategy and timing, she ended up finding huge success with self-publishing… then the traditional publishers came a-knocking! She now has two series being re-published with the Big Five imprint Tor.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonRebecca Thorne:Website: https://rebeccathorne.net/This Gilded Abyss: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9781250422125Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccathornewrites/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Broad published ten romance novels with Entangled (and wrote a LOT of books that didn’t sell) before publishing GREENWICH, her literary debut, with St. Martin’s Press. Kate's publishing journey is WILD and she has so much great advice to share about writing and publishing.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonKate Broad:Website: katebroad.comInstagram: instagram.com/katebroadbooksSubstack: https://katebroad.substack.com/Buy Greenwich: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250363046/greenwich/ Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Lane Williams always knew he wanted to be two things: a cop and a writer. He started out writing excellent police reports before publishing two nonfiction books. And now, after many detours, his debut novel, Carousel Grift, is out in the world. David’s path to publication has more twists and turns than an amusement park ride, from going to film school, to finding himself on the board of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association!The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonDavid Lane Williams:Website: https://www.davidlanewilliams.com/Order CAROUSEL GRIFT: https://bookshop.org/p/books/carousel-grift/187efb12ab80f6fc?ean=9781685136666&next=tCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Middle grade author Sarah Allen checks a lot of boxes when it comes to bumps in the road to publishing: a long querying journey, parting ways with her first agent, and being orphaned by her editor. But she’s also gotten to check a lot of the good boxes, too: heartfelt letters from readers, a school visit involving a limo ride, and two two-book deals with Macmillion Children’s. Learn about her path to publishing her four middle grade novels (so far!), including her two most recent “spooky” books, Monster Tree and The Nightmare House. And hear her advice on how kidlit authors can connect with teachers and plan great school visits.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonSarah Allen:Website: https://www.sarahallenbooks.com/ Newsletter: https://sarahallen.substack.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Fawcett landed her agent somewhat easily but got stuck in a never-ending cycle of revisions and submissions before finally selling her debut horror novel, Beneath the Stairs. We also discuss her work as a playwright and her new thriller novel, Keep This for Me.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonJennifer Fawcett:Website: https://jenniferfawcettauthor.com/Order Keep This for Me: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Keep-This-for-Me/Jennifer-Fawcett/9781668050644Instagram: @JenniferFawcett_AuthorTikTok: tiktok.com/@jenniferfawcett_authorSubstack: https://jenniferfawcett.substack.com/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robyn Ryle has pivoted many times in her career, publishing in multiple genres and by multiple methods: traditional publishing with an agent, self-publishing, and publishing with a small, brand-new indie press. Her novel-in-stories, Sex of the Midwest, is being published by Galiot Press and recently earned a starred review from Kirkus!Robyn Ryle is the author of two award-winning nonfiction books: She/He/They/Me and Throw Like a Girl Cheer Like a Boy. Her short story collection, Sex of the Midwest, is forthcoming from Galiot Press in October 2025. Her essays and stories have appeared in CNN, Newsweek, BELT Magazine, StorySouth and CALYX Journal, among others.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com-To pitch to the podcast, go here-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonRobyn Ryle:Website: https://robynryle.com/Substack: https://robynryle.substack.com/Buy Robyn’s Books: https://bookshop.org/shop/RobynsbooksKirkus Review of Sex of the Midwest: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/robyn-ryle/sex-of-the-midwest/Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat Lewis thought her book had died on submission. She was so burned out on revisions and rejections that she announced she was quitting writing… But then a fairy-god-editor made her book deal dream come true. Now, after a ten year journey, she has finally sold her debut novel, Good People, to Simon & Schuster. The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pubKat Lewis:Website: https://www.katjolewis.com/Substack: https://katjolewis.substack.com/Self-paced Craft Courses: https://craftwithkat.thinkific.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katjolewis/Show Notes:Kat mentions Austin Kleon's book Show Your Work: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9780761178972Eva mentions Mary Kole’s newsletter post, The One Trick to Getting Published That Gatekeepers Don’t Want You to Know. Credits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode with Esperanza Hope Snyder and Marines Alvarez! Esperanza is an accomplished poet and the author of the novel Orange Wine. Marines is a popular book influencer and the tastemaker at the head of Mareas, the imprint at Bindery Books that acquired Esperanza’s novel. We chat about the new publishing model at Bindery Books, how Marines built her following as a book influencer on YouTube and TikTok, and, of course, Esperanza’s twenty-year journey to publishing Orange Wine (which releases September 30, 2025!).The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pubEsperanza Hope Snyder:Website: http://esperanzahopesnyder.comPreorder Orange Wine from bookshop, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/orange-wine-esperanza-hope-snyder/1146776940?ean=9781964721347Instagram: esperanza_hope_snyder Marines Alvarez:http://mareas.binderybooks.comInstagram:@mynameismarinesYouTube: @mynameismarinesCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lacey N. Dunham’s debut novel, The Belles, is coming out very soon, so we discuss the intense emotions and anxieties that are common to feel before your book releases (and why maybe all writers need a therapist). Lacey also shares her intentional and highly-successful querying strategy, as well as what it was like getting into the publishing world having come from a rural, lower-class background.  The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pubLacey N. Dunham:Website: https://www.laceyndunham.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/lndhopThreads: www.threads.com/@lndhopBluesky: bookbent.bsky.socialPreorder The Belles: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Belles/Lacey-N-Dunham/9781668084861Show Notes:We mentioned: Evelyn Skye's post on why preorders matter a lot.My interview with Courtney MaumCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the query trenches and on submission, thriller author Jessica Payne went from piles of rejections to multiple offers from agents and publishers.How? She reflected on her rejections and learned to pivot.Plus, we discuss her experience with digital publisher Bookouture, and how she got her latest two-book deal with Penguin Random House.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonJessica Payne:Website: www.jessicapayne.netSubstack: https://jessicapayneauthor.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicapayne.writer/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessicapayne.bsky.socialShow Notes:We mentioned: Jane FriedmanCourtney Maum’s book Before and After the Book DealAgent Rachelle Gardner’s explanation of why so many books die on submission: https://www.threads.net/@rachelle_literary_agent/post/DHi4X0Rs1vAhttps://goodstoryco.substack.com/p/the-one-trick-to-getting-publishedGotham Ghost WritersCredits:The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evelyn Skye, a bestselling author of books for teens and adults, has now published TEN novels. But her publishing career hasn’t been as easy as she makes it look. With a cheerful smile, Evelyn talks about how she weathered hundreds of agent rejections and many (many!) manuscripts that died on submission. In this episode we discuss Evelyn’s tenth novel, The Incredible Kindness of Paper, and the moment years ago when she almost gave up on writing (and what made her keep trying!).The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at info@longroad.pubEvelyn Skye:Website: creativeinspiredhappy.comSubstack: https://www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/The Incredible Kindness of Paper: https://bookshop.org/a/91104/9781668081907Credits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YA and MG author Kern Carter talks about self-publishing, publishing with an independent press, and signing deals with Scholastic and Penguin Random House. We also discuss his unique book launch events, the surprising ways he found his agents, and what happened when his book didn’t make it past the acquisitions board.Kern Carter:Website: www.kerncarter.comSubstack: https://writersaresuperstars.substack.com/The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonCredits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times Instant Bestseller, Julia Bartz, talks about her publishing journey, from her first attempt at writing a novel, to parting ways with her first agent, to overcoming her fear of public speaking in preparation for the launch of her debut thriller novel, The Writing Retreat. She also talks about her latest novel, The Last Session.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.Send me an email at info@longroad.pubFind books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonJulia Bartz:THE LAST SESSIONTHE WRITING RETREATJulia's websiteFind Julia on Instagram and XShow Notes:Eva recommended Jennifer McMahon's books!Julia recommended Pleasure Activism and Rest is ResistanceCredits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an early near-miss, Courtney’s debut novel came out 10 years later, with a different publisher, editor, agent, and title. (Not to mention, completely re-written!) And her publishing journey didn’t end there! She’s now published with both Big Five and indie publishers, and in a variety of genres: novels, a memoir, and her popular nonfiction how-to book, Before and After the Book Deal.The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangstonCourtney Maum:-Website: (info on books and classes and retreats): https://www.courtneymaum.com-Substack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/welcomeShow Notes: More here about Courtney's upcoming novel, Alan Opts Out.Credits: The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-loveLicense code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this intro episode YA author Bethany Alcott will help me answer questions about imprints and Big 5 publishers, the difference between traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid-publishing, querying agents, dying on submission, and many more!The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.-Send me an email at info@longroad.pubBethany Alcott: -Follow her on Substack or subscribe to her newsletter, Writer Fully Alive-Find her on Instagram-Find out more about Whimsical PublishingSHOW NOTES: Things we mentioned: Jane Friedman’s blogJane Friedman’s book, The Business of Being a Writer, 2nd EditionKarin Gillespie’s series of posts exploring the three modes of publishing: 1. traditional publishing (big), 2. trad publishing (medium to small) and 3. self-publishing and hybridRachelle Gardner’s threads postHow to Write a Stand-Out Query LetterHow to Find the Right Literary AgentWhat I Learned from 90 Queries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.