Best Nathan Baugh Podcasts (2025)

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Nathan Baugh: The 4 Tenets of Storytelling 54:38

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3h ago54:38

54:38

Do you ever worry your stories aren’t landing with readers? Too many nonfiction writers share great content but miss the chance to make readers feel. It’s like flying over the Grand Canyon without ever stepping out to take in the view. That’s why I invited Nathan Baugh, founder of Worldbuilders, to join me on the show. Nathan has studied hundreds o…

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Stephanie Duncan Smith: When efficiency eats creativity 31:16

7d ago31:16

31:16

AI is everywhere—and for writers, it’s confusing. Is it a genius creativity hack or the end of creativity as we know it? In part two of my conversation with executive editor Stephanie Duncan Smith, we wrestle with the real questions writers face: What’s gained when AI speeds up the process? And what’s lost when we outsource creativity to machines? …

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Stephanie Duncan Smith: Why most memoirs fail 33:18

14d ago33:18

33:18

Many writers feel compelled to share their story—but here’s the hard truth: while everyone wants to tell their story, most readers don’t actually want to read it. In this episode, senior editor Stephanie Duncan Smith of HarperOne joins me to unpack why memoirs so often struggle in publishing, and more importantly, how you can write your story in a …

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Rachel Buller: The 4 C's of Communication 47:54

20d ago47:54

47:54

It's easy to say the same things in the same way over and over—to get stuck in a communication rut. Today's guest, Rachel Buller, shares a framework she uses with authors as an editor at W Publishing, called the '4 C's of Communication.' These four metrics will help you distinguish your unique voice as a writer, so you can effectively cut through t…

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How to Design a Winning Book Cover 51:33

21d ago51:33

51:33

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nathan and Nat dive deep into the intricacies of book cover design and the evolving publishing landscape. They share their personal experiences working with different designers and publishing houses, from DIY approaches to traditional publishing partnerships. Nathan de…

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Doug Wekenman: Say It So They'll Remember It 1:03:42

28d ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, Doug Wekenman explains why it's worth taking the time to distill your ideas into their catchiest form, and how if you don't, your words will be forgotten. "Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing? Hi! I’m Will Parker Anderson and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you…

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How to write stuff people actually read 5:21

1M ago5:21

5:21

Feeling like your words go unheard? You’re not alone. That’s why I’m hosting a live workshop—*How to Write a Substack Post People Actually Read*—on Thursday, August 28, 5–6pm PT. You’ll learn a proven 5-part framework, see it in action, and get your questions answered. Access is just \$15/month as a Writers Circle member. Don’t miss out—tap the lin…

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How to Find and Hire a Developmental Editor for Your Novel 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nathan shares his experience working with Michael Braff, a seasoned editor known for his work on the Red Rising series. He walks through his methodical approach to finding the right editor, what the actual editing process entails, and the substantial investment of both…

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What's Your Unfair Advantage? 6:50

2M ago6:50

6:50

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Mike Salisbury: Writing Slow, The Joy of Obscurity, & Other Essentials 42:24

2M ago42:24

42:24

Feeling behind in your writing—or wondering if it’s even worth finishing? In Part 2 of my conversation with literary agent Mike Salisbury, we dig deeper into the emotional and practical realities of the writing life. Mike challenges our obsession with speed and reminds us that quality storytelling takes time. He talks about the beauty of being unkn…

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Mike Salisbury: Why Storytelling Matters 35:32

3M ago35:32

35:32

Literary agent Mike Salisbury shares his unique journey into Christian publishing, starting from his unexpected role as a mascot to becoming a literary agent. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in both fiction and nonfiction, the value of revision, and the need for authors to find joy in their writing process. Mike also discusses the chal…

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Vanessa Reyner: How To Land a Literary Agent 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

Start watching Will's proposal course here: https://will-anderson-fde4.mykajabi.com/proposalsmadesimple Want to publish your book but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Will Parker Anderson sits down with former coaching client Vanessa Reyner to share the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from self-publishing to landing a literary ag…

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Will Parker Anderson: Proposals Made Simple 56:31

3M ago56:31

56:31

Struggling to get publishers to pay attention to your book idea? In this episode, the mic flips—host Will Parker Anderson becomes the guest as leadership coach J.R. Briggs interviews him about Proposals Made Simple, a new course designed to help nonfiction writers land a book deal. Will explains why writing a strong book proposal is the fastest, mo…

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Andy Patton: Are you called to write a book? (Part 2) 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

Last week, we started asking the question: Am I really called to write? In this follow-up episode, Andy Patton (content director at The Rabbit Room) returns to walk us through the final four questions every writer should consider when discerning their calling. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next step or wondered whether you’re truly meant to…

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Andy Patton: Are you called to write a book? (Part 1) 34:00

3M ago34:00

34:00

Ever wonder if you’re actually called to write? You’re not alone. Maybe you’ve said, “God called me to this”—but your book isn’t published, your platform is stalled, and doubt is creeping in. What if our view of calling is part of the problem? In this two-part episode, I talk with Andy Patton from The Rabbit Room about the question every writer ask…

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How to Afford an Author Career 44:46

4M ago44:46

44:46

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nathan and Nat tackle one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring authors: how to financially sustain yourself while pursuing a writing career. They explore various strategies writers use to make ends meet before their books become profitable, drawing from their own …

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Should You Read Recursion by Blake Crouch? 42:52

4M ago42:52

42:52

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Dive into a mind-bending exploration of memory, time, and identity with Blake Crouch's "Recursion." Nat and Nathan dissect this thrilling sci-fi novel that pushes the boundaries of what's possible when memories become more than just recollections. They examine how Crou…

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Drew Dyck: Why Tone Matters 48:58

4M ago48:58

48:58

If your tone misses the mark, your readers stop reading — no matter how great your ideas are. Author and Moody Publishers editor Drew Dyck joins Will Parker Anderson to tackle one of the biggest struggles nonfiction writers face: tone. It’s easy to get caught up in sounding smart or sharing everything you’ve learned, but that can push readers away.…

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Nat Launched a Self-Published Book and Here's What Happened (Husk Launch Recap) 38:12

4M ago38:12

38:12

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nat takes us behind the scenes of launching his new novel "Husk," sharing detailed insights about the realities of self-publishing. From navigating Amazon's complex ranking system to experimenting with different sales channels, Nat breaks down the numbers and strategie…

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Dave Kopp: What Makes Readers Turn the Page 57:24

4M ago57:24

57:24

The best publishing advice doesn’t come from what’s trending—but from someone who’s been shaping books for decades. Today’s guest is Dave Kopp, a behind-the-scenes legend in Christian publishing and the mentor of mentors. He shares practical wisdom every nonfiction writer needs—including a framework called The 5 P’s that helps clarify your concept …

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How to Launch Your Self-Published Novel (Nat's Plan) 42:16

4M ago42:16

42:16

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter With Nat's sci-fi novel "Husk" just days from release, Nathan and Nat explore the strategic decisions and emotional rollercoaster of bringing a book into the world. From choosing the right Amazon categories to maximize visibility, to the delicate balance of pricing and…

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Drew Dixon: 6 Keys to Compelling Communication 1:01:11

4M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

You might have a powerful message, but if it’s not compelling, it won’t land. In this episode, Will sits down with fellow editor and coworker Drew Dixon, executive editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Drew unpacks six key elements that make any message more compelling. Whethe…

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Should You Read Empire of Silence? Our Review 55:50

4M ago55:50

55:50

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nathan and Nat dive deep into Christopher Ruocchio's epic science fantasy novel "Empire of Silence." They explore the book's unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, comparing it to works like "Dune" and "Name of the Wind." The hosts discuss how the novel'…

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Sarah Walton and Kristen Wetherell: The Blessing and Burden of Collaboration 55:35

4M ago55:35

55:35

Ever feel like giving up creative control means giving up your voice? In this Real-Time, Real-Talk episode, I sit down with co-authors Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton—two writers in the thick of crafting their second book together. We unpack the tension every writer faces when someone else enters the creative process: the edits, the pushback, th…

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How & Why to Start a Paid Newsletter 34:35

5M ago34:35

34:35

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nathan discusses his decision to launch a paid version of his newsletter Worldbuilders, drawing inspiration from George Saunders' Story Club. He shares his vision for creating valuable content focused on long-form literature analysis and storytelling, including monthly…

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Trevin Wax: How to Cultivate Better Writing Habits 47:15

5M ago47:15

47:15

Trevin Wax—author, columnist, and one of the most disciplined writers we know—joins us to talk habits, structure, and what it really takes to keep showing up. His insights are equal parts motivating and doable for any writer hoping to level up. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writing coach, here to help you get the message burning in your heart …

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How Much to Charge for a Self-Published Book 49:44

5M ago49:44

49:44

Grab a copy of Husk Join Nathan's author newsletter Join Nat's author newsletter Nat shares his experience receiving the first paperback copies of his upcoming sci-fi novel, Husk, and discusses his strategic approach to pricing across different formats - from hardcover to ebook to audiobook. The conversation explores how Amazon's various platforms,…

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Ashley Hales: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary 43:14

5M ago43:14

43:14

What if the secret to better writing isn’t more content—but more attention? In today’s conversation, Ashley Hales, editorial director of print at Christianity Today, invites us to slow down. She unpacks why sustained attention is a writer’s superpower in a world addicted to distraction—and how cultivating it can change both your craft and your soul…

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Ruslan KD: Real-Time, Real-Talk 43:44

5M ago43:44

43:44

Publishing sounds exciting—until you’re staring down a deadline at 2 a.m. In this Real-Time, Real-Talk segment, we sit down with artist, entrepreneur, and YouTuber Ruslan KD to capture the raw, in-the-moment emotions of the publishing journey. From the thrill of landing his first book deal to the all-nighters spent finishing the manuscript, Ruslan …

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Building an Audience as an Author 46:40

5M ago46:40

46:40

Nat and Nathan discuss strategies for building an audience as authors, focusing on the importance of understanding the difference between attracting writers and readers. They explore content strategies, the significance of engagement, and the role of social media in audience building. The conversation also delves into the effectiveness of short-for…

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Patrick Miller: How to Write About Culture 1:09:47

5M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Rejection isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. Patrick Miller, author and co-host of Truth Over Tribe, gets candid about the uphill climb to getting published. Smart, thoughtful, and seasoned in his craft, Patrick opens up about the setbacks behind the scenes—and why staying the course is always worth it. Hi! I’m Will and I’m an editor and writi…

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Planning a Book Launch 43:39

6M ago43:39

43:39

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/16 In this episode, Nathan and Nat dive into their respective book launch strategies, with Nat utilizing a bundled pre-order strategy through Shopify while Nathan plans to focus exclusively on Amazon to maximize algorithmic potential. They also explore the complex…

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Kathleen Kerr: The Platform Pyramid 46:25

6M ago46:25

46:25

Feeling stuck trying to grow your platform—and not sure what actually works? You’re not alone. Building a platform can feel like shouting into the void. But today’s guest, Kathleen Kerr of Alive Literary, brings clarity with a tool she calls "The Platform Pyramid"—a fresh, strategic approach that actually makes sense. No gimmicks, no burnout. Just …

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How Much Money Can a Book Make? 54:06

6M ago54:06

54:06

Nat and Nathan dive deep into the nitty-gritty financial details of book publishing, from manuscript development to audiobook production. The duo shares their personal experiences with their respective projects - Nathan's progress with his novel and novella, and Nat's journey launching "Husk." A fascinating discussion unfolds around audiobook econo…

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Andy Crouch: Writing As An Act of Love 1:11:09

6M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

It’s easy to forget your readers are human when you’re chasing clicks, likes, or a book deal. In this powerful episode, author and thought leader Andy Crouch helps writers reframe their work with one big reminder: your readers are image-bearers. He unpacks what it means to write with dignity in the digital age—and drops a stunning metaphor about mu…

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Launching and Marketing a Self-Published Novel: Nat's Plan for Husk 46:42

6M ago46:42

46:42

Preorder your copy of Husk: huskbook.com In this episode of Between Drafts, Nat shares his comprehensive strategy for launching his debut sci-fi novel "Husk." With just two months until release, Nat breaks down his three-pronged approach to building buzz and reaching readers through Bookstagram/BookTok influencers, podcast appearances, and newslett…

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Why and How to Write a Novella 53:27

6M ago53:27

53:27

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/13 Nat and Nathan dive deep into the world of novella writing and author growth strategies. They discuss their experiences writing novellas as companion pieces to their full-length novels, exploring how these shorter works can serve as entry points for new readers…

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$5,000 in 24 Hours: Nat's Initial Success with Book Preorders 52:24

6M ago52:24

52:24

Preorder Nat's Sci-fi thriller, Husk! Nat takes us behind the scenes of launching preorders for his sci-fi novel "Husk." Nat shares his unconventional approach to book pre-orders, choosing to sell directly through Shopify rather than Amazon - a decision that's already yielding fascinating results. Get an insider's look at the realities of book mark…

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Q&A: Best Writing Tools, Building an Audience, Designing a Cover, Release Strategy & More 53:10

7M ago53:10

53:10

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/11 In this mailbag episode of Between Drafts, Nathan and Nat tackle listener questions about cover art strategy, exploring the delicate balance between artistic vision and market appeal, and share their experiences with various writing tools and technologies that …

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What Happens After Finishing Your Book? (Ep. 10) 47:13

7M ago47:13

47:13

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/10 Fresh off submitting the final manuscript of Husk, Nat breaks down the steps between completion and publication, from locking in the cover art to editing to planning marketing strategies and the audiobook production. Nat compares his experience with "Crypto Con…

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Getting & Using Feedback on Your Novel (Ep. 9) 1:00:03

7M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/9 Nathan and Nat dive deep into the challenging process of incorporating feedback during the writing and editing process. They explore how to effectively evaluate and implement reader feedback while maintaining the core vision for your work, drawing from their exp…

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Hiring An Editor for Your Novel: When, How, and How Much? (Ep. 8) 42:17

8M ago42:17

42:17

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/8 Nathan shares his experience hiring a developmental editor for his novel, a process that's often opaque to aspiring authors. He details how he found and evaluated potential editors, from scouring book acknowledgments to leveraging AI tools, and breaks down the s…

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The Best Fantasy & SciFi Books We Read in 2024 (Ep. 7) 46:00

8M ago46:00

46:00

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episodehttps://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/7 Nat & Nathan dive into their favorite reads from 2024, discussing everything from recent releases to timeless classics. TIMESTAMPS [00:34] Nathan's literary agent querying update [02:02] Nat's manuscript progress and editing timeline [03:18] The Will of the Many …

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How to Draft a Novel in a Month (86,000 Words in 26 Days) (Ep. 6) 47:25

8M ago47:25

47:25

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/6 Nat and Nathan dive deep into the intense process of writing a novel draft in just one month. Drawing from Nat's recent experience writing his novel "Husk" at a pace of 5,000 words per day, they explore the practical challenges, strategies, and trade-offs of rap…

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Choosing Professional Self-Publishing over Traditional Publishing (Ep. 5) 52:40

8M ago52:40

52:40

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/5 Nat and Nathan dive into the latest developments in their respective publishing journeys. They discuss how Nat's crypto book is seeing renewed success during the current bull market, and Nathan shares promising early results from querying his fantasy novel to li…

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Self-Editing for Authors: Getting Feedback, the "Triage" Method, and More (Ep. 4) 55:23

9M ago55:23

55:23

Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode betweendraftspod.com/episodes/4 In this episode, Nathan and Nat share their processes for getting feedback and editing their drafts. From outlining a "top-down" hierarchy that nails the high-level story before sweating the small stuff, to strategies for soliciting targeted feedback, this conversation …

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Getting an Agent for Your Novel: Lessons from 90+ Rejections (Ep. 3) 46:06

9M ago46:06

46:06

Get all the notes and bonuses from this episode. Nathan shares his journey querying agents for his debut novel, the brutality of getting rejected 90+ times, and the lessons learned along the way. Most importantly, he shares what he's going to do differently with his new novel, and why he thinks he has a much higher chance of success now than he did…

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How to Get a Six-Figure Book Deal: Nat's Journey with Crypto Confidential (Ep. 2) 53:15

9M ago53:15

53:15

Get all the notes and bonuses from this episode. Ever dreamed of landing a life-changing book deal? Join Nathan and Nat as they discuss Nat's journey securing a $275,000 book deal with Penguin Random House for Crypto Confidential. You'll learn the essential ingredients for a nonfiction book proposal that grabs publishers' attention, the art of buil…

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Making it as an Author with Nathan Baugh & Nat Eliason (Ep. 1) 43:37

9M ago43:37

43:37

Get all the notes and bonuses from this episode. 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…

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Between Drafts is Coming Soon! 2:07

9M ago2:07

2:07

In this very short intro episode, Nat and Nathan introduce the Between Drafts podcast which will be launching next week. Be sure to subscribe!