In the vast and often mysterious realm of writing, finding kindred spirits on the same arduous journey can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. Two years ago, I stumbled upon just such a discovery when I met Nathan Baugh. At that time, I was putting the final, meticulous touches on Crypto Confidential, a project that had consumed my thoughts and efforts for some time. Simultaneously, I was tentatively dipping my toes into the world of fiction writing, filled with both excitement and trepidation about this new creative frontier. Nathan, on the other hand, was deeply engrossed in crafting his debut novel, a labor of love and ambition.
As we got to know each other, we found ourselves bonding over a shared frustration. The path to becoming a successful author was a lonely one. It was incredibly difficult to find others who were as serious and committed to pursuing a career in writing. We yearned for a community, a place where we could exchange ideas, share our struggles, and celebrate our small victories. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands and started meeting weekly. These gatherings became a haven for us, a time when we could write side by side, offer feedback, and chart our progress on this challenging journey.
One topic that kept resurfacing during our conversations was the perplexing opacity of the publishing world. Whether one aimed to publish fiction or nonfiction, choose the self-publishing route or go the traditional way, there was a dearth of information and shared experiences. Sure, there were occasional tips from established authors who had already made it to the top, but those felt like glimpses from a distant shore. What was missing were the real, raw stories of those still in the thick of it, grappling with the complexities of the publishing process, trying to figure out how to get their books noticed and achieve that elusive breakout success.
Driven by a desire to change this, we made a bold decision. We wanted to pull back the curtain and shine a light on the often hidden world of writing, publishing, book marketing, and the pursuit of a career as an author. And thus, the podcast Between Drafts was born.
Now, the first three episodes of Between Drafts are available for everyone to enjoy, no matter where you prefer to listen to your podcasts. Whether you’re an avid YouTube viewer, a Spotify enthusiast, or an Apple Podcasts loyalist, you can tune in and join us on this exciting adventure.
Each episode is a rich tapestry of our writing lives. We share the highs and lows of writing, the painstaking process of editing, and the often frustrating but essential task of trying to sell our books. We also delve into topics that our fellow writers have asked us about during our own journey, offering insights and advice based on our experiences.
In the first episode, we invite you to get to know us better. We talk about our books, the stories behind them, and our history of writing online. It’s a chance for you to meet the faces and voices behind the podcast and understand what drives us.
The second episode takes you on an in-depth journey through my experience of securing a book deal for Crypto Confidential. From the moment I decided to write the book, through the countless hours of research and writing, to the thrilling moment of inking a deal with Penguin Random House, I share every step of the way.
And in the third episode, Nathan opens up about his quest to find an agent for his first novel, a story that spans five years. He shares the lessons he’s learned, the mistakes he’s made, and what he’s doing differently this time around in his pursuit of literary representation.
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be releasing new episodes every week, and we’ve already recorded the first seven. So, if you’ve ever been curious about how the writing business really works, or if you dream of publishing a book of your own someday, we invite you to tune in to Between Drafts. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of the writing world, share our stories, and maybe even inspire you to take your own leap into the world of publishing.
