The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille Pagán

Yes, publishing is a long game—but staying in it and succeeding requires short-term wins. In today’s episode, Camille shares: A common misconception about quick wins that keeps writers from taking full advantage of them. What research reveals about the importance of sweating—and tracking—the “small stuff.” Key questions that will help you choose your short-term goals wisely.Want to learn more about how to create a sustainable author brand and career? Check out Bestseller Bootcamp. Visit https://www.evenbetter.co/bestseller to learn more.

Does spending time (and maybe even money) on your fiction fill you with guilt? In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising upside of guilt—and how to tell when it’s not serving you. Simple questions that can keep guilt from lingering too long (so you can go back to writing).Why you don’t need to have “something to show” for your writing in order to feel good about it. Are you a debut author? Check out Camille’s free training to help you make the most of publishing your first novel: www.evenbetter.co/debut

When it comes to your fiction career, the willingness to pivot as needed is a competitive advantage. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we’re attracted to “proven” formulas (and why they usually fail). The importance of a long-term vision—and short-term flexibility. The reason 1-star reviews are a sign you’re doing something right in your writing. How to tell if it’s time to consider a new approach or publishing model. Want to learn more about how to create a sustainable author brand and career? Check out Bestseller Bootcamp. Visit https://www.evenbetter.co/bestseller to learn more.

You can’t spell breakthrough without “break”—yet so many writers push through when they should be doing the opposite. In this episode, Camille shares: Why taking longer on your novel may actually up the odds it’s perceived as valuable.A different (and arguably healthier) way to think about momentum. The questions that will help you determine whether you’re procrastinating or taking a productive pause.Note: The Career Novelist Podcast is off for the next month; tune in April 8th for episode 112, which kicks off Season 5. For more resources on creating an even better fiction career, visit EvenBetter.co.

Feel like you should’ve started earlier or should be farther along in your fiction career? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why success won’t cure the misbelief that you’re out of time. The real thought that’s often lurking behind “I missed the boat”—and how it holds you back. Simple strategies to change your mind about what’s still possible for you. Want free author coaching? Sign up for the Career Novelist Newsletter at www.evenbetter.co/how-to to sign up for Camille’s open coaching call on February 28th. Learn more about the Career Novelist Mastermind, which begins March 7: www.evenbetter.co/mastermind

If you’re worried about whether your next novel will flop, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares:The real reason writers tend to fixate on the dreaded sophomore slump.Why expecting the best doesn’t set you up for failure (and why the opposite is actually true).How to cultivate“walkaway power.”To sign up for the free Your Next Novel webinar on February 15th, visit: www.evenbetter.co/webinar To apply for the 2025 Career Novelist Mastermind, which kicks off on March 7th, visit: www.evenbetter.co/mastermind

In today’s episode, Camille shares what she learned in the process of selling her eleventh novel at the end of 2024. She shares:  Why timing really is everything. The importance of listening to your intuition (and how that’s not the same thing as predicting the future). The best belief to cultivate at every stage of the publishing process. Please note: In this episode, Camille briefly mentions grief related to losing a loved one to suicide. For resources on this topic, visit: https://sprc.org/tools/resources-survivors-suicide-loss/ To sign up for YOUR NEXT NOVEL, a free webinar on February 15th at 11 a.m. ET, visit: www.evenbetter.co/webinar To get on the waitlist for the Career Novelist Mastermind, which begins in March, visit: www.evenbetter.co/mastermind Connect with Camille on instagram at www.instagram.com/camillepagan We are aware of and apologize for the sound quality issues in this episode.

You know what you need to do to succeed as a novelist—so why aren’t you doing it? In this episode, Camille shares: A self-assessment to get to the bottom of why you’re not taking action. Why we engage in self-sabotaging behaviors—and how to do so less often. The surprising reason “cheat days” backfire. Tune in in two weeks to get the scoop on how Camille sold her new novel—and to find out about an upcoming free webinar on how to sell your next book, too.

Tired of wishing for the best, yet feeling like you don’t actually have control over your writing career? In today’s episode, Camille shares three strategies successful novelists use to reach their goals. She covers:  How to figure out what you really want—and why that matters.  Simple ways to use your storytelling skills to fuel motivation and take more action.  What your calendar reveals—and how to use it to prioritize your writing (without ditching the rest of your life). Want to learn more about how to create a sustainable author brand and career? Check out Bestseller Bootcamp. Visit https://www.evenbetter.co/bestseller to learn more. 

Trying to finish a draft, edit, or another project before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve? In this episode, Camille shares:  Why getting specific can lead to speed. Three common—yet often overlooked—saboteurs that may be slowing you down. Simple solutions for overcoming those saboteurs so you can finish the year strong.

Decided to keep writing? Fully committing can skyrocket your odds of reaching your publishing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: Common misconceptions about going all in. How to tell if a “failure plan”is standing between you and success. Why self-efficacy—that is, your belief in your ability to do the work—is far more important than talent or confidence. Debut author? Find out how to reduce burnout and find the right support in Camille’s free webinar for first-time authors. Visit: https://www.evenbetter.co/debut

To quote Annie Duke, author of the book Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away, “Contrary to popular belief, winners quit a lot. That’s how they win.” In this episode, Camille shares:  The biggest reason why we don’t give up when we secretly want to. How to decide if you’re done for now—or done for good.  Three key questions to ask yourself before you throw in the towel.  If you want to go deeper on positioning your book and creating a sustainable author brand, check out Bestseller Bootcamp. Visit evenbetter.co/besteller to learn more. 

If you’re not sure how to select stellar comps—or want to make sure you’ve nailed yours—Camille is sharing the audio replay of her recent webinar on this topic. She covers: Why comps are critical to a book’s success (regardless of genre or whether you’re traditionally- or self-published). Guidelines for picking the best comps for your novel. What to do if you’re between genres … or dislike most of your comps (it's a thing!). The biggest mistakes writers make when choosing comps—and simple fixes for each one. How to use comps to uplevel your marketing before, during, and after publication.  If you want to go deeper on positioning your book and creating a sustainable author brand, check out Bestseller Bootcamp. If you register prior to November 11, you’ll have access to five office hour calls where you can ask Camille questions about your individual book and career. Visit evenbetter.co/besteller to learn more. 

Welcome to the Career Novelist Podcast! After 100 episodes of You Should Write a Book, Camille is (very slightly) shifting the focus of the podcast. In this episode, she shares:  The definition of a Career Novelist—and why this term alone can help you bounce back from publishing setbacks. Her response to a well-known industry expert who asked her, “Aren’t you worried about giving writers false hope?”  The number one hurdle novelists face when it comes to publishing (spoiler alert: it’s marketing!)—and why focusing on writing is the best way to get over that and reach more readers.  To learn more about Bestseller Bootcamp, visit: www.evenbetter.co/bestseller

On the 100th episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast, Camille shares:  How a quote from James Clear prompted her to rethink her business.  The single most important thing a writer can do to reach their publishing goals (hint: it’s not building a social media following).   What to do if a lack of time, focus, or follow-through is keeping you from writing.  To sign up for the free Nail Your Comps webinar on October 24, 2024, visit: www.evenbetter.co/webinar To learn more about The Hot Sheet newsletter, which Camille mentions in today’s episode, visit: https://hotsheetpub.com Note: This podcast will publish biweekly for the rest of 2024. The next episode will air October 29, 2024. 

If you’re between books—or are simply thinking about what you’ll write after you’re done with your current draft—this episode is for you. Camille shares: How the paradox of choice can impact your writing career. Why writers are often especially vulnerable to “shiny object syndrome.” Five simple questions to ask yourself before committing to a book or another big project. For more resources on creating an even better author career, visit https://www.evenbetter.co

Whether you need help with craft, marketing, or your mindset, support can be transformative for your author career. In this episode, Camille shares:   How to find someone who’s the right fit for you. Why it’s wise to “try before you buy” (plus easy ways to do just that).  The importance of trusting your gut—and the difference between intuition and anxiety. What to do if you have buyer’s remorse. 

Yes, envy can feel lousy—but it also contains crucial information that can help your author career. In this episode, Camille shares:  The surprising upside of being jealous about another writer’s success.  Common misconceptions about envy—and how to harness that feeling to reach your next level as an author. Simple solutions for navigating another writer’s jealousy toward you.

Overwhelm can be caused by feeling like there’s too much to do—but it can also be the direct result of feeling like you’re not enough or haven’t done enough to succeed. In this episode, Camille talks about:   The surprising reason you might be focused on what you believe you’re lacking. Why it’s important to take credit for what you’ve already done—and a simple exercise to do just that. How to trust yourself (without trusting negative internal voices saying you don’t have what it takes).

Feel like there’s too much to do and it’s making it hard to write? In this episode, Camille shares: The cognitive cost of overwhelm—and what neurologists and psychologists say is often the unexpected cause of that fuzzy, can’t-seem-to-focus mental state.  Why getting clear on what you want to say ‘yes’ to might just be your first step to feeling better.  Seven things to consider clearing from your to-do list and/or life so you can reach your writing goals. This episode is the first of a two-part series. Tune in next week to learn how not-enoughness contributes to overwhelm—and how to move past it and get back to writing. 

You did it—you accomplished your goal. So…why aren’t you happy? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we often feel deflated instead of elated on publication day and after reaching other writing milestones. The sneaky way guilt can hijack your happiness. How to stop mistaking negative emotions for a lack of gratitude. The importance of marking the occasion—even when you don’t feel like celebrating.

Money stops many writers from pursuing their dreams—but it doesn’t have to. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The real investment required to become a career author (hint: it’s not cash) How even minor investments can lead to major self-image shifts Ideas for upleveling your career on a shoestring budget Register for Plan to Publish: Strategies for becoming a career novelist. This free webinar is on Saturday, August 17th, from 10-11 a.m. ET; a limited-time replay will be provided to all writers who register. Sign up and learn more at evenbetter.co/plan.

Yes, taste is subjective—but there are ways to tell if you’re ready to share your book with others. In this episode, Camille discusses: Why you may mistake self-doubt for a sign your draft stinks How to feel better about your work—at every stage of your career The importance of adopting a “testing” mindset when querying and publishing  Applications are open for the Career Novelist Mastermind, which combines proven publishing strategies with research-backed career and mindset coaching. To learn more and apply, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind. 

Whether you’re working on your first novel or your fiftieth, showing up a professional will help you reach your goals faster—and help your success stick. On this episode, Camille shares: The one question every writer should ask herself How to plan to succeed (hint: it doesn’t involve a traditional business plan) Using setbacks to supercharge your motivation Why belief is more important than talent (really) If you’re ready to go pro, apply for the Career Novelist Mastermind, which combines proven publishing strategies with research-backed career and mindset coaching. To learn more and apply, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind.

Deadlines can help you get the job done—but they sometimes backfire, too. In this episode, Camille discusses:  The research-backed benefits of self-imposed deadlines Signs you might be using a deadline or tight timeline against yourself Simple ways to up the odds of meeting your deadline (and what to do if you don’t) How to add an external deadline when you don’t have an agent or editor waiting for your draft  Sign up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter to learn about a special bonus for novelists who join the Career Novelist Mastermind this month: https://www.evenbetter.co/how-to

Blurbs—that is, endorsement quotes from other authors—are still a standard publishing practice. In this episode, Camille covers:  Why blurbs probably don’t sell books—but what they can do to help your career.  How to up the odds an author will say yes to your blurb request. The unexpected benefit of asking another author for a favor. What to do if you don’t end up liking a book you’ve been asked to blurb.  The Career Novelist Mastermind is accepting applications early. This small group coaching program kicks off September 4th. The mastermind is capped at 12 novelists, so early applications are encouraged. To learn more, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind. 

There are still six months to reach your big writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares:  Her strategy for doing a mid-year assessment.  How the planning fallacy can sabotage your goals—and simple ways to bypass it.  Two secrets to effective visualization. Using quick wins to create long-term success.  If you’re interested in coaching with Camille in Q3, email team@evenbetter.co.  To learn more about the upcoming Career Novelist Mastermind, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind. And to sign up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter, visit www.evenbetter.co/how-to.

Do you procrastinate when you should be working on your book? In today’s episode, Camille shares:  When procrastination’s actually a good thing. The real reason you don’t write when you plan to. Simple ways to increase your focus and follow through more often. The Career Novelist Mastermind begins in August! To learn more and be the first to know when applications open, visit www.evenbetter.co/mastermind

Neil Gaiman said, “Everything good that happened in my writing career happened because someone, normally another writer, helped me.” In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising connection between community and grit. Why it’s crucial to find writers who cheer you on during good times as well as bad. The network-limiting mistake many early-career authors make. How to decide whether your current writing community is still right for you. The Your First 50 Readers webinar is June 21st. If you want to learn how to get authentic reviews from readers who actually like what you write, visit www.evenbetter.co/reviews to register.

Camille follows up with author Darci St. John—who was featured in episode 18—about:  How self-publishing her debut led to a two-book deal with a traditional publisher. Why everything changed once Darci chose herself instead of waiting to be chosen. The magic that happens when hard work coincides with what the market wants. Why being used to rejection can be an author’s superpower.  Learn more about Darci’s novel, Crash Into Me, at www.darcistjohn.com To register for the Your First 50 Reviews webinar, visit www.evenbetter.co/reviews Note: we experienced some audio issues during recording. We did our best to minimize them but could not eliminate all of them.

Almost everything you want is on the other side of discomfort. In this episode, Camille talks about: Why getting it right requires your work to “feel wrong” at first. The connection between discomfort and upleveling your author career. How to embrace uncomfortable emotions (without being miserable all the time).  The sneaky thought that can be a sign you’re avoiding discomfort.  P.S. The Career Novelist Mastermind reopens in August. Learn more and get on the waiting list at evenbetter.co/mastermind 

Reaching your writing goals is going to require you to say no—sometimes even to opportunities you might want to say yes to.  Why saying no can feel so uncomfortable (and how to do it anyway). When it’s actually worth it to say yes.  The serendipity of making more space for yourself and your career.  Quick note: In today’s episode, Camille mentions and recommends Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield. 

No, writing doesn’t have to feel so hard all the time. In this episode, Camille shares: The one question that reduced the workload on her latest revise. Simple solutions for creating more ease in your career. How other people are often the key to locating the “easy button” on a tricky project. For more resources to uplevel your author career, visit evenbetter.co.

If your last book didn’t sell well and you’re worried your publishing career is over, this episode’s for you. In it, Camille shares:  The myth of being “unpublishable”—and the reason you probably couldn’t quit if you tried.  The unexpected lesson she learned as a runner that made all the difference in her author career.  Why writing a book you care about is the most important step in creating another chance. How to make your own luck.

Rest is essential for your brain and body—and yes, for writing a good book. In this episode, Camille talks about: The reason you probably feel restless when you’re away from your computer.  The surprising way taking time off benefits your story.  How to stop worrying about losing momentum and start trusting you’ll follow through. Why rest may just be a bestseller’s best strategy. 

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably got some not-so-great stories about yourself—and they may be standing between you and success. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The reasons your brain skews negative (even though it makes you feel lousy). Why telling a better story doesn’t necessarily mean being positive.  The research-backed benefits of taking control of your career narrative. How to harness your own storytelling skills to reach your goals—and actually enjoy the process.  Note: This is the last episode of season 2 of You Should Write a Book. Camille will be back with a new season and episodes May 7th. For free resources on creating an even better author career, visit evenbetter.co. 

To succeed as a writer, you have to be willing to get rejected—a lot. In this episode, Camille discusses:  Simple ways to normalize “no” Why we often mistake short-term data for long-term results Using small wins to boost your confidence and overcome negativity bias Interested in one-on-one coaching? Camille is taking on two new clients in Q2. To learn more and fill out an application, visit evenbetter.co/coaching. 

If you’ve ever gotten stalled while working on your story, this episode’s for you. Camille shares:  Why it’s so easy to interpret uncertainty as a sign you need to stop writing. The surprising step that’s more important than “butt in chair” when you’re stuck. The reason reworking your outline is the worst thing to do when you’re overwhelmed—and what to do instead.  Note: Camille mentions (and recommends) Albert Ellis Ph.D.’s book How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything—Yes, Anything! in this episode. You can read more about Ellis here: https://albertellis.org/about-albert-ellis-phd/

Who on earth would be afraid of success? The truth is, almost everyone. But that fear doesn’t have to stand between you and your writing goals. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Four common reasons we fear success What she learned about self-sabotage from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, Ph.D. Signs you might be getting in your own way without even realizing it A simple but incredibly effective exercise to move past worry and take more action 

You may always be a little afraid of failing—but there’s a lot you can do to prevent that fear from holding you back. In today’s episode, Camille shares: A powerful new way to look at failure What you’re really afraid of when you say you don’t want to get things wrong The paralyzing effect of trying to make the “right” decision Why getting clear on your mission as a writer can help you take more action (even when you’re afraid)

Not sure if your current story or draft is publishable? Camille shares a framework for deciding whether to do more work—or move on to the next project. She covers:  How her four “drawer drafts” helped her publish ten books she’s proud of  The most important thing to ask yourself when evaluating your own work  A simple trick for getting out of your own head and getting perspective on your story Why breakthroughs often follow a much-needed break 

Feeling disappointed? That’s not a problem. In fact, you can harness that emotion to succeed. In today’s episode, Camille shares:  Common misconceptions about disappointment (and how they can keep you from reaching your goals) The real reason criticism can live rent-free in your head Simple ways to reframe setbacks—without gaslighting yourself  Join Camille and book coach Nicole Meier on Monday, February 26th, for a free webinar: Build Your Creative Community: How to Connect With Other Writers to Create a Better Writing Career. For more details and to register for the event, visit https://www.evenbetter.co/webinar

Boundaries aren’t just about safeguarding your writing time; they’re also essential for protecting your mental health and creativity. In this episode, Camille shares: The painful lesson she learned after sharing her manuscript without setting boundaries first How to set standards that serve your career The simple way to stop worrying about how your boundaries will impact others (and get back to writing)  To get details for the free webinar Camille is hosting on February 26th with book coach Nicole Meier, sign up for the You Should Write a Book newsletter at: www.evenbetter.co/how-to 

If you’re feeling frustrated that you haven’t reached your publishing goals yet or that your hard work hasn’t paid off, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares:  Long-game strategies to steal from athletes and actors  The simple concept that takes luck out of the equation—so you can stop worrying and succeed Why your self-imposed deadlines may be a secret form of self-sabotage  A better way to compare yourself to other authors P.S. If you’re querying or preparing to publish, be sure to check out Pitch Pro, a free guide to writing a stellar query or book blurb: www.evenbetter.co/pitchpro

A busy schedule doesn’t have to stand between you and getting your book done. In this episode, Camille discusses:  Why there will never be the “right time” to write—and the reason that’s a good thing How to handle transitions between writing and other tasks Using your calendar to overcome decision fatigue and waning willpower The simple self-talk strategy that can help you overcome procrastination  Want to go deeper on time management? Camille recommends Laura Vanderkam’s books, especially 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think.

Though they’re often used interchangeably, self-confidence isn’t the same thing as confidence—and it may just be the secret to reaching your writing goals. In this episode, Camille shares:  The surprising connection between self-confidence and energy Why you can be anxious—and still feel self-confident  How to stop comparing yourself to others, even if you’re not where you want to be in your publishing career Simple ways to build self-trust (hint: it begins with honoring your commitments to yourself) The Career Novelist Mastermind is almost full. To apply, visit www.evenbetter.co/mastermind  Questions about the mastermind or this episode? Email team@evenbetter.co 

Most writers will experience imposter syndrome—but feeling like you don’t deserve your success can sabotage your career. In this episode, Camille shares:  The simple framework that can help you stop feeling like a fraud  How to take credit for what you’ve done … without turning into an egomaniac  What’s changed for Camille since she got over her own imposter syndrome Why real talk with other writers may just be the secret to being secure in your own career  Note: The 2024 Career Novelist Mastermind kicks off on February 1st. If you want to make this year the year you reach your big publishing goals, apply now at www.evenbetter.co/mastermind. Questions about the mastermind or podcast? Email team@evenbetter.co 

If you’re feeling defeated by the publishing industry or thinking of giving up on your writing dreams, listen to this episode first. In it, Camille shares:  What she did after feeling burned out last year (hint: it wasn’t writing)  The most important thing to ask yourself when you’re discouraged  The surprising connection between slowing down and creativity  Why supporting other writers can be as beneficial as being lifted up by them—and how to find the right community to help you succeed Seeking a community of dedicated novelists who will have your back? The 2024 Career Novelist Mastermind begins February 2nd. Learn more at www.evenbetter.co/mastermind 

Ready to make 2024 the year you reach your big writing goals? You can—but doing so will probably involve some degree of change. In this episode, Camille shares:  Why writers who are willing to change have a distinct competitive advantage  How to shift the way you identify yourself in order to change your habits   The paradox of embracing the old in order to create something new  What research reveals about the “fresh start effect” and how to use it now—or at any time—to succeed If you’re ready to believe, behave, and run your business like a bestseller, the 2024 Career Novelist Mastermind begins February 2nd. Learn more about this small group coaching program and apply at www.evenbetter.co/mastermind 

In today’s episode, Camille shares eight things she’s learned from her clients this year, including: Why it’s never too late to go for your big publishing goals The true definition of a career author How to speed up your growth (hint: it has everything to do with community) The reason tactics tend to fail—and why mindset matters most The next round of the Career Novelist Mastermind begins in February, and applications will open in January. To learn more, visit evenbetter.co/mastermind Note: This is the last episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast in 2023! We’ll be back in 2024 with a new season and new episodes. Thanks for tuning in, and happy New Year.