Best Macmillan Publishers Podcasts (2025)

1
William Cooper, "The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld" (Dlnp, 2025) 23:11

Play Pause

23h ago23:11

23:11

Donald Rumsfeld was a major player in American history. In this riveting alternative history, he's put on trial for his role in the United States 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld (Dlnp, 2025) charts Rumsfeld's rise to fame and power, the fight with President Donald Trump that leads to his prosecution, and his spellbinding tria…

1
EPISODE 93: My Writing-Life Plans Failed: NOW WHAT? 32:30

2d ago32:30

32:30

In this episode of Way-WordWriters, senior literary agent Heather Cashman and authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the challenges writers face when life disrupts their plans. They explore strategies to keep writing amidst such disruptions, including adjusting goals, shifting creative outlets, and leveraging technology. The episode…

1
EPISODE 92: Mastering Beta Readers with Author Cherie Postal 44:53

9d ago44:53

44:53

For a deeper dive into creating a win-win scenario for you and your beta readers, see the EPISODE 92 DEEP DIVE article here! In this episode of ‘Way-Word Writers,’ hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome guest Cherie Postill to discuss training beta readers and selling more books. Cherie, author of How to Train a Beta…

1
EPISODE 91: Finding Your Perfect Match with HarperCollins Editor (and Author) Sara Schonfeld 35:01

16d ago35:01

35:01

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer sit down with Sara Schonfeld, a senior editor at Harper Collins, to discuss the parallels between publishing and dating. Sara delves into her process of finding ‘the one’ manuscript, what she looks for in submissions, and how she balances personal ta…

1
Elizabeth Sawin, "Multisolving: Creating Systems Change in a Fractured World" (Island Press, 2024) 55:31

19d ago55:31

55:31

Now, Dr. Elizabeth Sawin has dedicated her career to the theory and practice of creating change in complex systems. In 2021, she founded and is currently the Director of the Multi-solving Institute. This interview discusses her book Multisolving: Creating Systems Change in a Fractured World (Island Press, 2024) After studying many successful effort…

1
EPISODE 90: I'm Going to Acquisitions: NOW WHAT? 35:06

23d ago35:06

35:06

By Way-Word Writers

1
Katie Tietjen, "Murder in Miniature" (Crooked Lane Books, 2025) 32:42

26d ago32:42

32:42

When we meet Maple Bishop in the first book in her series, Death in the Details, she is reeling from a series of life-changing circumstances. Rural Vermont in 1946 doesn’t have much use for a childless widow with limited means of support and even less interest in knitting, baking, and chitchat. Maple ruffles feathers, including those of Ginger Coms…

1
157 Mangrum's Comical Computation (JP) 46:23

28d ago46:23

46:23

When does comedy become more than a laugh? Ben Mangrum of MIT joins RtB to discuss his new book, The Comedy of Computation: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Obsolescence (Stanford UP, 2025), which in some ways is organized around “the intriguing idea that human knowledge work is our definitive feature and yet the machines we are ourselve…

1
EPISODE 89: Passion to Pressure: Breaking Out & Managing Creativity with NYT Bestselling Author Marc J Gregson 31:00

1M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome New York Times bestselling author Marc J Gregson. They discuss Marc's journey from an aspiring writer to a successful author, offering insights on balancing a creative passion with the demands of a published career, managing day jobs, and cop…

1
EPISODE 88: Author Mandi Fugate Sheffel On Writing & Publishing with a University Press 37:45

1M ago37:45

37:45

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, literary agent Heather Cashman and authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome author and indie bookstore owner Mandi Fugate Sheffel. Discussing her journey from discovering her passion for writing at the Appalachian Writer's Workshop to publishing her debut memoir 'The Nature of Pain' with the Univer…

1
EPISODE 87: The Art of Writing Young Adult with Bloomsbury Author Michelle I. Mason 37:48

1M ago37:48

37:48

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, the hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Michelle I. Mason, author of Your Life Has Been Delayed, to discuss writing young adult (YA) fiction. The conversation explores Michelle's background in public relations, her transition to writing, and the evolution of her thematic intere…

1
Lucy Pick, "The Queen’s Companion" (Cuidono Press, 2025) 34:23

2M ago34:23

34:23

Eleanor of Aquitaine is best known as the wife of England’s Henry II, the mother of his numerous children—including two kings, Richard the Lionheart and his infamous brother John, of Magna Carta fame—and perhaps for her long incarceration at Henry’s insistence after their burning romance turned to ashes. What is often forgotten is that Eleanor, bef…

1
EPISODE 86: I'm In The Murky Middle, NOW WHAT? 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the challenges and solutions for tackling the 'murky middle' of a manuscript. They cover the importance of maintaining momentum, avoiding plot distractions, and ensuring character development remains engaging. Practical advice on utilizing beta rea…

1
E2A 101: The Power of Creating a Framework and Consistent Writing with Scott MacMillan 10:10

2M ago10:10

10:10

In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan unpacks a common challenge: expertise, on its own, isn’t enough. Without a clear and consistent framework, even the deepest insights can be overlooked. Scott explores why frameworks matter, how they turn scattered ideas into memorable and shareable models, and the five…

1
Meghana V. Nayak, "Tilt: A Novel on Intergenerational Trauma" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024) 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

Kavya is an Indian-American professor and single mother struggling with debilitating panic attacks. Bombarded by flashbacks of cruelty and violence that disrupt her everyday life, she is left with no choice but to confront the intergenerational trauma tormenting her. At first, Kavya finds some relief in piecing together the legacies of her family's…

1
EPISODE 85: A Discussion About POV with Macmillan Editor Emily Settle 40:00

2M ago40:00

40:00

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Emily Settle, an editor from Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), to discuss the nuances of point of view in writing. They explore whether third-person POV is disappearing, the challenges and advantages of different POVs, and specific examples of wo…

1
Catherine Merridale, "Moscow Underground" (HarperColins, 2025) 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

Moscow Underground (HarperCollins, 2025) by Dr. Catherine Merridale is a sweeping novel of life, death and politics in the quicksand world of Stalin's tyranny. Moscow's glittering new subway is under construction at last. The first line will run through the centre of the city, cutting deep through Moscow soil. But futures cannot be created without …

1
EPISODE 84: Pursuing an MFA: A Conversation with Michelle Collins Anderson 36:45

2M ago36:45

36:45

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer engage in a compelling conversation with author Michelle Collins Anderson about her journey through an MFA program. The discussion covers Michelle's background, the influence of her roots on her writing, her career in advertising and public relations…

1
E2A 100: Writing Disrupt It: How Two Co-Founders Turned Their AI Expertise into a Book with Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh and Dr. Sam Zolfagharian 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, host Scott MacMillan speaks with Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh and Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, co-founders of YegaTech and co-authors of Disrupt It. The conversation highlights how their complementary strengths—Sam’s detail orientation and Mehdi’s big-picture vision—shaped a unique collaborative writing proce…

1
EPISODE 83: Exploring the Art of Writing Westerns with Doug Osgood 33:36

2M ago33:36

33:36

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, authors Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome western author Doug Osgood to discuss the art of writing Westerns. Doug, a lover of Western storytelling, talks about his journey from reading to writing, the inspiration behind his works, and his meticulous research p…

1
Kathleen Kaufman, "The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey" (Kensington Books, 2025) 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

This fascinating novel—dual-time historical with a fantastical overlay, based in part on the life of the author’s great-grandfather, a nineteenth-century charlatan—follows the career of a young Scotswoman named Nairna Liath. When we meet her in 1900, Nora, sixteen years old, travels the Scottish countryside at the insistence of her father, Tavish, …

1
E2A099 Intentional Escapes: How to Recharge or Create Your Best Work While Away 5:50

3M ago5:50

5:50

In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, Scott MacMillan explores the value of stepping away from the daily grind, whether it’s to fully unplug, dive into deep work, or find a balance between the two. Inspired by the spotty Wi-Fi connection at the cottage, Scott shares actionable strategies for making the most of time away from your u…

1
EPISODE 82: Navigating Networking for Writers: Tips, Experiences, and Strategies 45:49

3M ago45:49

45:49

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the significance of networking in the writing and publishing industry. They outline what networking is, why it's essential, and offer practical tips for writers at all stages of their journey. The conversation covers how to approach networkin…

1
EPISODE 81: Inside BookTok, Romantasy & Intersectionally Diverse Publishing with TOR Editor Aje Roberts 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

Send us a text In this Way-Word Writers episode, Senior Literary Agent Heather Cashman engages in an insightful conversation with Aje Roberts, a Senior Commissioning Editor at TOR Bramble, about the genre of Romantasy. They delve into her career journey, the emerging trends in Romantasy, the impact of TikTok on book popularity, the essential elemen…

1
EPISODE 80: PART 2: The Six P's of Well-Being in the Publishing Industry with Danielle Render Turmaud 34:00

3M ago34:00

34:00

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, literary agent and authors Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the six Ps of wellbeing in the publishing journey with special guest author and trauma therapist, Danielle Render Turmaud. They delve into topics such as the importance of pausing, patience, persistence, an…

1
EPISODE 79: The Six P's of Well-Being in the Publishing Industry with Danielle Render Termeaud 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

Send us a text This episode of Wayward Writers features senior literary agent Heather Cashman, authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, and special guest Danielle Render Termeaud. The discussion focuses on the intersection between mental health and the writing journey. Danielle, a trauma therapist and author, introduces her six Ps framework,…

1
Sarah Landenwich, "The Fire Concerto" (Union Square Publishing, 2025) 35:33

4M ago35:33

35:33

This compelling debut novel explores the interconnected lives of three acclaimed female concert pianists: Clara Bishop; her teacher, Zofia Mikorska; and their nineteenth-century predecessor, Constantia Pleyel—best known for her arrest and subsequent incarceration for the murder of her own piano teacher, a composer named Aleksander Starza. Exactly h…

1
Unpacking The Briefcase Effect: Vinisha Rathod’s Guide to Authentic Personal Branding 33:56

4M ago33:56

33:56

In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, Scott MacMillan interviews Vinisha Rathod, founder of P3 Studio and author of The Briefcase Effect. Vinisha shares how her writing journey mirrored her personal branding sessions—starting with deep self-reflection and inviting her community to participate in decisions like the book’s title and …

1
EPISODE 78: I've Signed With An Agent: NOW WHAT? 41:30

4M ago41:30

41:30

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, along with authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, discuss the exhilarating and often complex phase that follows signing with a literary agent. They emphasize the importance of celebrating this achievement while remaining realistic…

1
EPISODE 77: Nurturing Memoir Writing with Wendy Dale: Insights, Structure, and Emotional Resonance 43:31

4M ago43:31

43:31

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Wendy Dale, an acclaimed author and memoir writing coach. Wendy discusses her journey into memoir writing, emphasizing the complexities and common pitfalls writers face. The conversation highlights crucial topics like the import…

1
Dennard Dayle, "How to Dodge a Cannonball: A Novel" (Henry Holt, 2025) 59:30

4M ago59:30

59:30

How to Dodge a Cannonball is a razor-sharp satire that dives into the heart of the Civil War, hilariously questioning the essence of the fight, not just for territory, but for the soul of America. How to Dodge a Cannonball (Henry Holt, 2025) is funnier than the Civil War should ever be. It follows Anders, a teenage idealist who enlists and reenlist…

1
E2A 097: Collaborative Authorship: Writing with Multiple Contributors with Hanna Boëthius and Dr. Verena Voelter 24:12

4M ago24:12

24:12

In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan interviews Hanna Boëthius and Dr. Verena Voelter about their experience co-authoring The Next Tango, a book that stands out for its truly collaborative approach. Rather than writing alone, Hanna and Verena teamed up as a patient advocate and physician, then extended th…

1
EPISODE 76: Mastering Author Branding and Platform Building with PR Strategist Gretchen Schafer and Author Nicole Meyer 44:06

4M ago44:06

44:06

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the key elements of author branding and platform building with special guests Nicole Meyer and Gretchen Schafer. Nicole and Gretchen, the brains behind 'Bookwork,' share their expertise in book coaching and branding strategies …

1
EPISODE 75: Surviving Conferences as an Introvert with the Way-Word Writers CoHosts 39:27

4M ago39:27

39:27

Send us a text OUR 75th EPISODE!!! In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss strategies for introverted writers to survive and thrive at writing conferences. The trio explores the differences between introverts and extroverts, shares personal experiences from their first conferences,…

1
The Secrets of Success: Turning Decades of Experience into a Powerful Book with Frank Spencer 20:33

5M ago20:33

20:33

In this episode of Entrepreneur to Author, host Scott MacMillan speaks with Reverend Dr. Frank C. Spencer, president of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church and author of The Secrets of Success: How to Build a Great Career and Live a Happy Life. Frank shares how his career—from real estate and nonprofit leadership to ordained ministry—i…

1
EPISODE 74: Protecting Writers: Insights from Victoria Strauss of Writer Beware 34:20

5M ago34:20

34:20

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by Victoria Strauss, co-founder of Writer Beware. The discussion covers the origins and mission of Writer Beware, types of publishing scams they report on, common mistakes writers make, and steps to verify a potential scam. …

1
EPISODE 73: The Literary AI Revolution: Navigating New Frontiers with the Way-Word Writers Co-Hosts 43:22

5M ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer delve into the controversial and rapidly evolving topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in the writing and publishing industry. They discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI tools, share personal insights, and consider the et…

1
Jack Wang, "The Riveter" (HarperVia, 2025) 50:42

5M ago50:42

50:42

NBN host Hollay Ghadery speaks with author Jack Wang about his novel, The Riveter (HarperVia, 2025). In the vein of All the Light We Cannot See, a cross-cultural love story set against the dramatic backdrop of the Allied invasion of Europe during WWII. Vancouver, 1942. Josiah Chang arrives in the bustling city ready to make a new life for himself. …

1
Karen Swan, "The Midnight Secret" (Macmillan, 2025) 47:58

5M ago47:58

47:58

Keeping details straight while writing a chronologically organized series is difficult enough. Focusing four full-length novels on the events of a single group experience in a single year, with back stories and future developments for a small group of heroines, each of whom has a chance to tell her own story of the central event and its consequence…

1
E2A 095: Adapting and Publishing Your IP for Different Audiences with Dr. Laura Jana 25:16

5M ago25:16

25:16

In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, host Scott MacMillan talks with Dr. Laura Jana—pediatrician, social entrepreneur, and author—about her new book, QI Skills for the Early Childhood Classroom. Dr. Jana shares her path from pediatrics to education and health tech, and how her passion for communication led to a prolific writing ca…

1
EPISODE 72: Writing Different Age Categories and Characters with Author Leslie J. Wyatt: A Love Affair with Words 28:48

5M ago28:48

28:48

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome prolific writer Leslie J. Wyatt to discuss her extensive career. Leslie shares her journey from writing inspired by her mother to publishing romance and middle-grade novels, as well as over 800 articles. Highlights include he…

1
John Horn, "Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success" (MIT Press, 2023) 1:39:13

5M ago1:39:13

1:39:13

Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success (MIT Press, 2023) offers a roadmap to help leaders predict, understand, and react to their competitors’ moves. It is a valuable tool to help companies stay ahead of their competitors when the competition is intensifying. To make the right choice when a…

1
EPISODE 71: Cover Design, Marketing, and Advertising Insights from Successful Indie Author Jamie Dalton 40:47

5M ago40:47

40:47

Send us a text This episode features Jamie Dalton, a YA fantasy author and indie publisher, sharing her journey and strategies in handling the challenging balance of writing, parenting, and business responsibilities. Jamie delves into her writing routine, the evolution of her career, her approach to creative productivity, and the importance of unde…

1
Frank X Walker, "Load in Nine Times: Poems" (Liveright, 2024) 1:21:30

5M ago1:21:30

1:21:30

For decades Frank X Walker has reclaimed essential American lives through his pathbreaking historical poetry. In this stirring new collection, he reimagines the experiences of Black Civil War soldiers—including his own ancestors—who enlisted in the Union army in exchange for emancipation. Moving chronologically from antebellum Kentucky through Reco…

1
EPISODE 70: Character Backstory and Myth with Academic Turned Bestselling Author, Karen Odden 36:33

5M ago36:33

36:33

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, USA Today bestselling author Karen Odden joins the show to discuss her fascinating journey from academia to a successful career in historical fiction. Karen shares her background, the inspiration behind her novels, her research process, and the intricate art of developing character backstories. T…

1
EPISODE 69: From Advertising to Aliens: Author Zach Von Zonk Reveals Insights on How to Captivate Your Audience 43:27

6M ago43:27

43:27

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Zach Von Zonk, a creative director and children's book author. They delve into Zach's background, including his debut book Old McDonald had a Farm, E-I-UFO and his experience with advertising and storytelling. Zach shares ins…

1
EPISODE 68: Writing Support Systems: Leveraging Critique Partners for Growth PART 2 42:58

6M ago42:58

42:58

Send us a text Navigating the World of Critique Groups and Partners In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent and author Heather Cashman, writing coach Stephanie Bearce, and author Nicki Jacobsmeyer continue their discussion on critique groups and critique partners. They delve into the structure of different critique groups, the be…