The Writing at the Red House Podcast

Conference season is here, and plenty of writers are walking into pitch appointments with a playbook that expired three years ago. In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with literary agent and author Barb Roose to talk about what has actually changed about pitching a book in 2026 — and what hasn't changed at all. Kathi admits right up front that she hasn't pitched a book since 2023 and has a new one coming, so this conversation is part podcast, part free coaching session that listeners get to eavesdrop on. Barb names two big shifts every writer needs to understand: the influence of AI on the creative process, and the way readers now discover books. The AI Conversation Writers Aren't Having Neither Kathi nor Barb is anti-AI — both use it regularly in their businesses. But Barb flips the question most writers are asking. Instead of "What can AI do for me?" she challenges writers to ask, "How do I make sure AI doesn't undermine my book?" When an agent suspects a query was AI-generated, it raises a quiet question about whether the writer has the chops to carry a 55,000-word manuscript — and in the faith-based market especially, trust still matters. Why "Discoverability" Is the Word of the Year Most readers aren't browsing bookstore shelves anymore. With millions of books available and the vast majority of sales happening online, people now find books by searching for the specific problem they're trying to solve — not the broad category. Barb walks listeners through exactly how to research their own category on Amazon, what to look for in the top ten bestselling descriptions, and how to spot the repeated keywords that reveal what readers are truly hungry for. The Rule of Three Barb shares a simple, free piece of market research anyone can do this week: find three authors a few steps ahead of you in your lane, go to their social media, and read the comments. Not the posts — the comments. That's where writers find objective insight into what readers are connecting with and why they're buying. In This Episode, Listeners Will Learn: What's actually different about pitching a book in 2026 versus three years ago How to use AI in your writing business without handing over your voice (or your agency) Why a "niche felt need" beats a clever title every single time A step-by-step way to research your category on Amazon before you pitch The "rule of three" method for learning from authors ahead of you — without copying them The number one reason most pitches don't stand out to a literary agent A real-life example of how narrowing a book idea got it sold quickly The biggest encouragement of the episode? You don't have to be afraid that someone else has already written "your" book. As Barb reminds listeners, your story, your experience, and your language will always bring something no one else can. But you do have to do the research. If a pitch appointment, a proposal, or a half-finished idea is sitting on your desk right now, this is the conversation to listen to before you send it anywhere.

There's a sentence that has stopped more writers in their tracks than almost any other: "Memoir doesn't sell." If you've ever sat across from an agent or editor at a conference with a finished, polished manuscript in your lap, you may have heard it — and then watched the conversation end before it started. In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with her neighbor (and New York Times bestselling author) Susy Flory, who got so frustrated with that myth that she did something about it: she founded Shake Ridge Press, a memoir-only publishing house. Together they dig into why memoir keeps getting rejected, what publishers are actually trying to say when they say no, and how a writer can take a personal story and turn it into a book a stranger will stay up all night reading. What Listeners Will Take Away Why "memoir doesn't sell" isn't the whole truth — and what's really happening behind that brick-wall response at writers conferences. The "memoir plus" framework — the single concept that separates a personal journal from a publishable book, and why every story can be developed into it. How to stop speaking a different language than publishers — how to lead with the bigger elements of your story so an editor leans in instead of shutting down. How to find your right reader — a simple, low-tech way to test what actually connects, using the faces of the people right in front of you. What a memoir-only publisher is actually looking for — and what a writer should have ready before she reaches out. Your Story Is Not Just Your Story One of the most freeing moments in this conversation comes when Susy explains the shift every memoirist has to make: seeing your life not just as what happened to me, but as a work of art you're creating — one where you have choices. Kathi shares how that shift played out in her own book, The Accidental Homesteader, a book that's about her… but isn't really about her. Susy also pulls back the curtain on three wildly different memoirs releasing this fall — a Green Beret nicknamed "Doom" writing about PTSD and leading with love, a grieving mother and her adult son with autism searching for clues about his dad, and a preacher's daughter who became the biggest fan of her professional-wrestler son. None of them are celebrities. All of them are proof. For the Writer Who's Been Told No As Susy puts it, "We're not here to be dream crushers." If you've been sitting on a story you believe God gave you — and you've been quietly wondering whether anyone in publishing will ever want it — this episode is the encouragement (and the practical next step) you've been waiting for. Listen in, and then go tell your only-you story of God's extravagant love in your life.

Do you have a manuscript written that is ready to be published? Do you want to self-publish your book but have no idea where to begin? In today’s podcast, Kathi and literary agent and self-published fiction author Sherri Wilson Johnson talk about all things self-publishing. From covers to which software programs to use, Sherri answers the questions you have to answer to go from a manuscript to a published book. How to be your own publisher and make money on Amazon. Which software programs work best for the design and layout of your book. How to set a budget and invest a major portion of it in designing a cover. How investing in how to become a better writer will help you in the long run. Sherri and Kathi discuss the practical aspects of self-publishing, including the design process, editing, budgeting, the importance of cover design, and platforms and tools that make self-publishing accessible to authors. They highlight the differences between traditional and self-publishing, the advantages of retaining creative control, and the importance of platform building for indie authors. The conversation touches on real-life experiences, challenges in the publishing journey, and actionable advice for those ready to take publishing into their own hands.

You've set the deadline. You've blocked the time. And yet somehow, the finish line keeps moving further away. Sound familiar? If you've ever found yourself in a panic-fueled sprint to finish a writing project—only to crash afterward and wonder if you can ever do it again—this episode is for you. In this conversation, Kathi Lipp sits down with writer, ghostwriter, and writing coach Julie Lyles Carr to unpack why so many writers struggle to meet their deadlines and what sustainable writing really looks like. Julie shares the crucial difference between racing toward a deadline and pacing yourself for a lifelong writing journey. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why knowing your daily word count is essential for setting realistic deadlines The difference between "muse" and "manic"—and why waiting for inspiration might be sabotaging you How to get small dopamine bumps along the way instead of relying on panic-induced adrenaline dumps Creative accountability strategies (including one controversial approach involving "anti-charities") Why falling back in love with the art of writing is the real fuel for crossing the finish line Key Takeaways Understand your pace before you chart the race. Do you know how many words you can comfortably write in a day? If not, that's the first thing to figure out. A 75,000-word novel at 500 words a day means you need 150 writing days—it's simple math that takes the guesswork out of your deadline. The muse will meet you at your desk. You don't have to chase inspiration or deplete yourself waiting for it to show up. When you commit to showing up consistently, your creativity follows. Community creates velocity. Just like geese flying in a V or cyclists in the Tour de France peloton, writing alongside others can pull you forward with less effort. Accountability groups, writing sprints, and shared goals make a real difference. Fall in love with the art again. If you're writing for acclaim or attention, you'll burn out. But if you write because you genuinely love the craft, that's the fuel that gets you across the line—whether anyone ever sees your work or not. Whether you're working on your first book or your fifteenth, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a writing life that's sustainable, joyful, and productive.

Do you feel like your writing dreams are always stuck on "someday"? You're not alone. Many writers struggle to move from dreaming about their book to actually making progress—especially when life is full of other responsibilities. In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register to pull back the curtain on the quarterly planning process used inside the Red House Writers Collective. This isn't about fancy calendars or color-coded spreadsheets. It's about a simple, practical framework that helps writers finally get traction. The Create, Serve, Build Framework Kathi introduces the three-part framework that structures each quarter in the Collective: Create: Focus on your bigger projects—your book, a speech, a paid membership. This is where the 30-Day 10K challenge lives, encouraging writers to produce 10,000 words on their work in progress. Serve: How are you nurturing your audience right now? This could be social media, newsletters, or podcasting—anything that builds connection before your book launches. Build: Growing your business and platform. This might mean attending a conference, developing a coaching practice, or pitching to media outlets. Why Quarters Work for Writers Writing is a long game—books take years. But a quarter is the perfect unit of time to make real, measurable progress. Tenneil shares how quarterly thinking transformed her approach: "What I was missing was traction. I wasn't missing topics. I wasn't even missing a platform. I was missing traction." Making Goals Practical, Not Just Pretty The episode offers honest advice about avoiding common traps—planning too small or waiting for the perfect cabin-in-the-woods writing retreat. Instead, Kathi encourages listeners to break big goals into daily doable steps. Even 333 words a day adds up to 10,000 words in a month. Key Takeaways Start with just one goal for each month: Create, Serve, Build Break those goals into smaller, daily steps You don't need fancy systems—Post-it notes work just fine A realistic goal is one you can pitch in 30 seconds or less Progress beats perfection every time Whether you're just starting your writing journey or you've been at it for years, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to move from dreaming to doing. Listen now and start planning your next quarter with purpose.

You've been doing the work. Showing up. Posting. Writing. Sending newsletters. And yet... the numbers aren't moving. Maybe they've even dipped. If you've ever wondered whether flat growth means you're failing—or if God is closing a door—this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode Kathi and Roger Lipp tackle one of the most emotionally loaded topics for Christian writers and creatives: what to do when your metrics aren't growing the way you hoped. With warmth, humor, and practical wisdom, they explore the difference between staying faithful and getting stuck—and why ignoring your numbers isn't the same as trusting God. Key Takeaways Flat doesn't mean finished. A plateau in your numbers doesn't mean your content doesn't matter or that people don't need what you're offering. Avoid spiritual bypassing. Using easy spiritual answers ("God must be closing that door") to avoid doing the hard work of evaluation isn't faith—it's avoidance. Numbers are indicators, not identity. Your follower count doesn't define your worth or the value of your message. Faithfulness still asks questions. Trusting God doesn't mean denying reality. It means bringing experts into the conversation, trying new things, and adjusting as needed. Weekly tracking beats daily panic. Looking at your numbers daily creates noise and anxiety. A weekly reality check gives you trends without the emotional rollercoaster. About the Weekly Reality Check Kathi introduces a practical tool she's using herself: the Weekly Reality Check. This simple practice helps you pay attention to your numbers without being controlled by them. Track your key metrics—social media followers, podcast downloads, newsletter subscribers—on a weekly basis and look for trends over time rather than reacting to daily fluctuations. Don't miss the free download in the show notes to help you implement this practice in your own writing business. Coming Up Next Week Kathi and Roger Lipp will continue this conversation with Part 2: How to Adjust Without Panic. If you've ever felt overwhelmed when your numbers dip, you won't want to miss it.

Have you ever dreamed of seeing yourself on local TV promoting your book or message—but had no idea where to start? You're not alone. Many writers feel overwhelmed by the idea of pitching media, building relationships with producers, and finding that newsworthy angle that gets them booked. In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp sits down with Tenneil Register, a writer and entrepreneur who has been appearing on local TV for nearly 20 years. Tenneil shares her practical, relationship-centered approach to building community partnerships that have put her in front of new audiences again and again—without ever feeling salesy or pushy. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to find the newsworthy angle in what you're promoting The key to crafting a pitch that makes a producer's job easier Why serving the audience (not selling your book) is the secret to getting asked back How to build and maintain a media contact database What "aftercare" looks like to strengthen your media relationships The power of leave-behind gifts and personal touches Key Takeaways Lead with service, not self-promotion. The most successful media appearances happen when you focus on solving a problem for the audience rather than promoting yourself. When you serve the producer's goals and their viewers' needs, you become someone they want to book again. Be supremely askbackable. Show up prepared, don't overstep boundaries, deliver everything a producer needs, and make their job as easy as possible. That's how you get invited back. Your pitch should read like a news headline. Producers don't have time to read three-page emails. Be clear, succinct, and include the "why now" that connects your topic to their audience's current needs. Relationships matter more than one-time appearances. Treat producers and hosts like the humans they are. Remember details about their lives, follow up with gratitude, and promote their show on your own platforms. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned speaker looking to expand your reach, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to start building your own community partnerships.

If you're planning to pitch a book this year, you might be surprised to learn that the strategies that worked just a few years ago may not cut it anymore. The publishing landscape has shifted dramatically, and understanding these changes could make all the difference in whether your book finds its audience. What You'll Learn in This Episode In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, host Kathi Lipp sits down with literary agent Barb Roose from Books and Such Literary Agency to unpack the critical shifts in book pitching for 2026. Whether you're preparing for conference season or crafting your first query letter, this conversation will help you approach publishers and agents with confidence. The AI Factor in Publishing Barb explains why literary agents can often tell when a query has been AI-generated—and why that matters. She shares practical wisdom about using AI as a tool without letting it undermine your unique voice and intellectual property. The key takeaway? Publishers want books that come from the DNA of humans, especially in faith-based publishing where trust is paramount. Understanding Discoverability in 2026 With 85% of books sold on Amazon and millions of titles competing for attention, how do readers find your book? Barb breaks down the concept of "niche felt need"—the specific problem readers are trying to solve or the exact type of story they're searching for. She offers a practical framework for researching your category and understanding what makes bestselling books in your space successful. The Rule of Three Barb shares her "rule of three" strategy for social media research: find three authors slightly ahead of you in your lane, study their social media comments, and identify what their readers are connecting with. This isn't about copying—it's about understanding what resonates and bringing your unique experience to meet that need. Key Takeaways Good books will always find readers, but you must help readers find your book Your story and experience are what set you apart—don't outsource your thinking to AI Do your Amazon research before pitching to understand what's already in your category Niche down: "Moms who are stressed" is too broad; "moms of small children with control issues" is discoverable Study the comments on successful authors' social media to understand what readers connect with If you're serious about getting your book into the hands of readers who need it, this episode will help you refine your approach and pitch with confidence in 2026.

You're sending newsletters faithfully, but it feels like they're disappearing into a black hole. No opens. No responses. Just silence. If you've ever wondered whether anyone actually reads what you write, this episode is for you. Kathi Lipp and Tenneil Register dive into the real reason people aren't opening your emails—and it's probably not what you think. Spoiler alert: it's not about clever tricks or urgency-driven headlines. It's about something much more fundamental. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why newsletters matter more than ever for writers (hint: it's about owning your audience) The truth about why people actually open emails—and it's not the subject line alone How to write subject lines that feel like a thought, not a headline The "text a friend" test that will transform your subject lines Why over-editing can strip your authentic voice right out of your newsletter The generic opening lines that are costing you readers Key Takeaways Your email list is your owned audience. Unlike social media platforms that can change algorithms or shut down accounts, your newsletter subscribers belong to you. Publishers and agents are paying attention to this. People open emails from people they trust. Before worrying about clever subject lines, focus on building genuine relationships with your readers. Do they believe you actually care about them? Your voice isn't just a style choice—it's a signal. When readers open your email, they should hear YOU, not a polished, over-edited version that sounds like a research paper or a performance. The text test works. If your subject line would feel weird to text a friend, it'll feel weird in their inbox too. Keep it personal and genuine. If you're ready to transform your newsletter from something you dread writing into something your readers look forward to receiving, this conversation will give you the foundation you need to get started.

Life doesn't pause for our writing schedules. Between long COVID, emergency surgery, a tree crashing through the house, and a week without power, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp have navigated one of their most challenging seasons yet—all while keeping the podcast going and even submitting a new book proposal. If you've ever wondered how to maintain your creative momentum when everything feels like it's falling apart, this episode is for you. Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to be a content creator during crisis and share why these difficult seasons might actually be the key to your most authentic, impactful writing. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why hard seasons make your writing more real and relatable to readers How brainstorming counts as writing—even when you can't sit at your desk Practical ways to capture ideas during chaotic times (notes apps, emails, voice memos) The power of talking it out with a partner, friend, or even AI Why you don't need all the answers to write authentically about struggle How to give yourself permission to write badly—because editing is easier than creating from scratch

Have you ever poured your heart into a book idea, only to wonder if anyone will actually want to read it? What if there was a way to know—before you write a single chapter—that your message will resonate with readers? In this episode of the Writing at the Red House podcast, Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory reveal the approach that separates successful authors from those whose books gather dust: writing your book before you write your book. For writers who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of investing months (or years) into a manuscript without knowing if it will connect, this conversation offers a liberating path forward. Instead of hiding your ideas until they're "perfect," Kathi and Cheri share eight practical ways to test, refine, and develop your message while simultaneously building the audience who's waiting for it. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why keeping your book idea "under wraps" until release is one of the biggest mistakes new authors make How podcasting activates different parts of your brain and surfaces ideas that would never emerge through writing alone The power of being a guest on other podcasts to flex your message for different audiences Why social media feedback—even when it takes your idea in unexpected directions—is invaluable for your writing process How to develop a signature framework that gives your ideas memorable shape The freedom that comes from calling your workshop a "pilot" or "beta" program Why you're not responsible for your readers' transformation—just for providing the tools The mindset shift from "what I want to say" to "what they desperately need to know" Key Takeaways for Writers Start serving now. Publishers, agents, and your future readers don't want you waiting for a book deal to share your message. The book becomes a synthesis of what you've already been teaching—not the starting point. Use different platforms to access different parts of your brain. Speaking and writing engage different cognitive processes. What emerges in conversation may never appear when you're sitting alone trying to craft perfect sentences. Fall in love with your people. The process of testing your message transforms you from someone who has something to say into someone who desperately wants to serve. That shift shows up in every word you write. Whether you're just beginning to dream about your first book or you're refining ideas for your next project, this episode offers a roadmap for developing content that truly connects—long before you type "Chapter One."

Have you ever felt the tension between what you genuinely believe and what Christian publishing seems to expect? You're not alone. In a world where church culture and gospel truth don't always align, finding your authentic voice as a faith-driven writer can feel overwhelming. What You'll Discover in This Episode In this honest conversation, Kathi Lipp and twenty-time author Dr. Susy Flory explore what it really means to let your faith—not your religion or your tribe—inform your writing. Whether you're navigating the shifting landscape of Christian publishing or wrestling with how to stay true to your convictions while reaching a broader audience, this episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom. Key Takeaways for Your Writing Journey The publishing landscape has changed dramatically. With most Christian bookstores gone, writers now reach a universal audience that includes people from various faith traditions—or no faith at all. Knowing Jesus personally matters more than knowing the market. Your faith informs your writing when you're actively spending time with Jesus, not just repeating what you've heard in church circles. Clear, accessible language opens doors. Avoiding "churchy" jargon helps your message reach people who need it most, including those who've been hurt by the church. Bravery comes from conviction, not conformity. The most authentic writing flows from what you actually believe, not what you think your audience wants to hear. Welcoming posture transforms your writing. Like Jesus eating with sinners, your writing can create space for readers who are still searching, questioning, or healing. If you've been wrestling with how to honor your faith while navigating the pressures of publishing, this conversation will remind you that you don't have to choose between authenticity and reaching readers. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is write from your genuine convictions—and trust that the right readers will find you.

Ever find yourself scrolling through 11,000 photos on your phone, desperately searching for that one picture that actually looks like you? You're not alone. For authors and creators trying to build a consistent presence online, the photo hunt can feel like a second job. In this episode, Kathi Lipp sits down with branding expert Tenneil Register to introduce a game-changing concept: the branding bank. This isn't about hiring expensive photographers or chasing the latest Instagram aesthetic—it's about building an organized, authentic collection of visual assets that make showing up online faster and more confident. What You'll Discover in This Episode Why branding is so much more than logos and colors—and what it actually means for your author platform The concept of a "branding bank" and how it saves time while building reader trust How to identify your unique anchor props that set you apart from every other writer with a laptop photo The 25 photos in 20 minutes challenge that jumpstarts your visual library Why chasing trends actually hurts your brand (and what to do instead) Simple ways to capture authentic moments that resonate with your audience The Power of Consistency Tenneil shares a powerful story about customers approaching her booth at events and saying, "Of course I like it—it's R7. I should have known by looking." That instant recognition is the goal of strong branding. When readers encounter your content, they should feel that same sense of familiarity—like coming home. Getting Started Today The homework is simple: create a folder called "Branding Bank" and add 10 existing photos you don't hate. That's your down payment on a more consistent, confident online presence. No professional photoshoot required—just intention and a few minutes of your time. Key Takeaways Pick three brand words that describe how you want your brand to feel to others Choose five anchor props that match your lifestyle and personality Take 25 photos in 20 minutes to start building your library Stop chasing trends—authenticity builds more trust than perfection