60 acast.com The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/the-long-road-to-publishing en Eva Langston publishing, writing, writers, authors, novels Eva Langston

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]]> false Eva Langston info@evalangston.com 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a the-long-road-to-publishing episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a/1741372395552-dbbb11b7-6d37-429d-9bee-27f1ac7a9892.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/the-long-road-to-publishing The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston <![CDATA[How to "Bee" A Professional Author]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT 52:54 69d675043ae78d6f11484f81 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/69d675043ae78d6f11484f81 69d675043ae78d6f11484f81 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Shanna Upchurch full 2 27 Beekeeper and kidlit author Shanna Upchurch got orphaned by her editor and dumped by her agent within a 48-hour period. But she kept things professional and a few weeks later landed a 6-figure deal at auction! 


Shanna has always taken her writing and publishing career seriously, even during her many (many!) years of rejection. Her debut picture book, The Honeybee Highway, was just released in April 2026, and she has two middle grade novels coming out in 2027 and 2028.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:




Shanna Upchurch:

  • Website: https://www.shannaupchurch.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdupchurch4/
  • The Honeybee Highway: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-honeybee-highway-shanna-upchurch/7526ed79e126c673?ean=9781368116022&next=t



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Beekeeper and kidlit author Shanna Upchurch got orphaned by her editor and dumped by her agent within a 48-hour period. But she kept things professional and a few weeks later landed a 6-figure deal at auction! 


Shanna has always taken her writing and publishing career seriously, even during her many (many!) years of rejection. Her debut picture book, The Honeybee Highway, was just released in April 2026, and she has two middle grade novels coming out in 2027 and 2028.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:




Shanna Upchurch:

  • Website: https://www.shannaupchurch.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdupchurch4/
  • The Honeybee Highway: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-honeybee-highway-shanna-upchurch/7526ed79e126c673?ean=9781368116022&next=t



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Long Story Short Long Story Short Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT 57:51 69b745efcad04b622291fd5b false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/69b745efcad04b622291fd5b 69b745efcad04b622291fd5b 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Darien Gee full 2 26 Darien Gee experienced many years of ups and downs with writing and publishing novels before getting her MFA (at the age of 50) and discovering a love for micro-prose, poetry, and narrative nonfiction. 


In this episode we talk about Darien’s journey through the publishing world with sales numbers “trending down” and selling a book at auction. We also talk about the magic of micro-prose, how she used micro-prose to transform a novel into an award-winning chapbook, and her two Substack newsletters for writers. 



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:





Darien Gee:

  • Website: https://www.dariengee.com
  • Substack: https://writerish.substack.com 
  • Substack: https://draftsdealsdetours.substack.com




Show Notes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Darien Gee experienced many years of ups and downs with writing and publishing novels before getting her MFA (at the age of 50) and discovering a love for micro-prose, poetry, and narrative nonfiction. 


In this episode we talk about Darien’s journey through the publishing world with sales numbers “trending down” and selling a book at auction. We also talk about the magic of micro-prose, how she used micro-prose to transform a novel into an award-winning chapbook, and her two Substack newsletters for writers. 



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:





Darien Gee:

  • Website: https://www.dariengee.com
  • Substack: https://writerish.substack.com 
  • Substack: https://draftsdealsdetours.substack.com




Show Notes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Agent Siblings & Creative INN-spiration]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT 1:00:25 69af2071a2ae95013b0cf8f8 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/69af2071a2ae95013b0cf8f8 69af2071a2ae95013b0cf8f8 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Casey Scieszka full 2 25 Casey Sciezka runs the Spruceton Inn, a Catskills Bed & Bar, as well as its annual Artist Residency that hosts world-renowned painters and bestselling and award-winning authors. Now on her third agent (who happens to be my agent as well!), she has finally published her debut novel, The Fountain, which is pitched as Tuck Everlasting for adults.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:


Casey Scieszka:



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Casey Sciezka runs the Spruceton Inn, a Catskills Bed & Bar, as well as its annual Artist Residency that hosts world-renowned painters and bestselling and award-winning authors. Now on her third agent (who happens to be my agent as well!), she has finally published her debut novel, The Fountain, which is pitched as Tuck Everlasting for adults.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:


Casey Scieszka:



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Writing & Publishing Later in Life]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT 48:53 6998ebd9f863de959a90b032 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/6998ebd9f863de959a90b032 6998ebd9f863de959a90b032 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Wendy Tokunaga full 2 24 Wendy Tokunaga has weathered bad book sales and agent break-ups. She’s published with a Big 5 publisher and self-published, and in this episode she makes a strong case for why most writers should at least TRY for the traditional book deal. She was the oldest person in her MFA program, and her latest novel, Brenda Barker’s Next Chapter, features a 64-year-old aspiring author as the protagonist.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:




Wendy Tokunaga:



Show Notes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wendy Tokunaga has weathered bad book sales and agent break-ups. She’s published with a Big 5 publisher and self-published, and in this episode she makes a strong case for why most writers should at least TRY for the traditional book deal. She was the oldest person in her MFA program, and her latest novel, Brenda Barker’s Next Chapter, features a 64-year-old aspiring author as the protagonist.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:




Wendy Tokunaga:



Show Notes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Road to Publishing is Paved with Good Intuition The Road to Publishing is Paved with Good Intuition Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT 48:16 69a8c835d7234219a30a9b3c false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/69a8c835d7234219a30a9b3c 69a8c835d7234219a30a9b3c 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Marisa Walz full 2 23 USA Today bestselling suspense author Marisa Walz uses her intuition when making writing and publishing decisions. After many manuscripts she “just knew” Good Intentions would be the one to finally get published. In this episode we talk about Marisa’s drafting process, how she broke up with her first agents, and a tarot card reader who predicted a major moment in Marisa’s author career.





The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:






Marisa Walz:





Show Notes:





Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> USA Today bestselling suspense author Marisa Walz uses her intuition when making writing and publishing decisions. After many manuscripts she “just knew” Good Intentions would be the one to finally get published. In this episode we talk about Marisa’s drafting process, how she broke up with her first agents, and a tarot card reader who predicted a major moment in Marisa’s author career.





The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:






Marisa Walz:





Show Notes:





Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA["I Became My Own Publisher"]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT 45:44 698a096cf6349d3c6e1c9ba0 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/698a096cf6349d3c6e1c9ba0 698a096cf6349d3c6e1c9ba0 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Vanessa Riley full 2 22 When traditional publishers didn’t think there was a market for historical fiction featuring black female leads, Vanessa Riley bet on herself, and won big! After finding success with self-publishing, she is now traditionally publishing her historical fiction, romance, and mystery books with the Big 5 Publishers.


Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author of over twenty-nine novels including Island Queen (a GMA buzz pick), Queen of Exiles (ABC’s The View’s Lit Pic), and the Lady Worthing Mystery Series (which won the 2024 Georgia Author of the Year for Mystery). 


With a doctorate from Stanford University and other engineering degrees from Penn State, Vanessa brings a research-oriented approach to her inclusive storytelling which spotlights hidden narratives of Black women and women of color, emphasizing power, sisterhoods, and family sagas across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:



Vanessa Riley:



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> When traditional publishers didn’t think there was a market for historical fiction featuring black female leads, Vanessa Riley bet on herself, and won big! After finding success with self-publishing, she is now traditionally publishing her historical fiction, romance, and mystery books with the Big 5 Publishers.


Vanessa Riley is an award-winning author of over twenty-nine novels including Island Queen (a GMA buzz pick), Queen of Exiles (ABC’s The View’s Lit Pic), and the Lady Worthing Mystery Series (which won the 2024 Georgia Author of the Year for Mystery). 


With a doctorate from Stanford University and other engineering degrees from Penn State, Vanessa brings a research-oriented approach to her inclusive storytelling which spotlights hidden narratives of Black women and women of color, emphasizing power, sisterhoods, and family sagas across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:



Vanessa Riley:



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Confessions of a Conference Junkie Confessions of a Conference Junkie Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT 54:47 697cfcf022b46a261a81ab43 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/697cfcf022b46a261a81ab43 697cfcf022b46a261a81ab43 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Michelle Maryk full 2 21 Michelle Maryk has had a long career in acting and sketch-writing, and her debut novel, The Found Object Society, was just been released from Disney Hyperion. 


Michelle and I discuss how her acting background informs her writing, how she got hooked on writing conferences, and, of course, her writing and publishing journey.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:



Michelle Maryk:



Show Notes:

  • Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com
  • Conferences mentioned: AWP, Thrillerfest, Bouchercon, Hampton’s Whodunit, Murder by the Book
  • Authors mentioned: Fiona Davis, Ashley Winstead, Danielle Girard, Angie Kim, Jean Kwok, Rebecca Makkai, Georgina Cross, Claire McIntosh, Vera Kurian, Laura McHugh, Kathleen Barber, Jennifer McMahon, Jennifer Fawcett, Jason Allison
  • Audiobook narrator mentioned: Saskia Maarleveld
  • Publicist mentioned: Kathleen Carter



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Michelle Maryk has had a long career in acting and sketch-writing, and her debut novel, The Found Object Society, was just been released from Disney Hyperion. 


Michelle and I discuss how her acting background informs her writing, how she got hooked on writing conferences, and, of course, her writing and publishing journey.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:



Michelle Maryk:



Show Notes:

  • Scrivener: https://www.literatureandlatte.com
  • Conferences mentioned: AWP, Thrillerfest, Bouchercon, Hampton’s Whodunit, Murder by the Book
  • Authors mentioned: Fiona Davis, Ashley Winstead, Danielle Girard, Angie Kim, Jean Kwok, Rebecca Makkai, Georgina Cross, Claire McIntosh, Vera Kurian, Laura McHugh, Kathleen Barber, Jennifer McMahon, Jennifer Fawcett, Jason Allison
  • Audiobook narrator mentioned: Saskia Maarleveld
  • Publicist mentioned: Kathleen Carter



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Five Agents & The Pitch Queen]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT 53:06 6972822cb2d74ff8430a61f8 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/6972822cb2d74ff8430a61f8 6972822cb2d74ff8430a61f8 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Karin Gillespie full 2 20 Karin Gillespie has had FIVE literary agents and has published in all the ways: Big 5, small indie press, & self-publishing. With 20+ years of experience in publishing, she knows how to pitch a novel and what it takes to sell a book. 


She is the author of the popular southern fiction Bottom Dollar Girls series, and her most recent novel, The Pitch Queen, is a satire of the publishing industry.


*Please note that many of Karin's books are NOT found on my bookshop shop, but you can find them here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCVXHY?ingress=0&visitId=f635e3bd-82e6-4b1d-8801-59eef6329175&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&ccs_id=2b2e06d5-a67a-4cf7-970c-147eb9b2e948



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Karin Gillespie:



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Karin Gillespie has had FIVE literary agents and has published in all the ways: Big 5, small indie press, & self-publishing. With 20+ years of experience in publishing, she knows how to pitch a novel and what it takes to sell a book. 


She is the author of the popular southern fiction Bottom Dollar Girls series, and her most recent novel, The Pitch Queen, is a satire of the publishing industry.


*Please note that many of Karin's books are NOT found on my bookshop shop, but you can find them here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001HCVXHY?ingress=0&visitId=f635e3bd-82e6-4b1d-8801-59eef6329175&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&ccs_id=2b2e06d5-a67a-4cf7-970c-147eb9b2e948



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Karin Gillespie:



Show Notes:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Writing Weird & Cobbling Together a Creative Life]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT 39:27 696189a53a409cca49074ab8 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/696189a53a409cca49074ab8 696189a53a409cca49074ab8 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Lincoln Michel full 2 19 Author Lincoln Michel talks about teaching, freelancing, being a lit mag editor, and writing his popular Substack newsletter, Counter Craft. We also discuss short story collections, AI in publishing, and why authors should write weird things. Lincoln's latest genre-blending novel is METALLIC REALMS, and he is the author of THE BODY SCOUT, which was named one of the 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2021 by The New York Times and one of the 75 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time by Esquire.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Lincoln Michel:

  • Website: https://lincolnmichel.com/
  • Substack: https://countercraft.substack.com/ 
  • METALLIC REALMS at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/88357/9781668058671



Show Notes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Author Lincoln Michel talks about teaching, freelancing, being a lit mag editor, and writing his popular Substack newsletter, Counter Craft. We also discuss short story collections, AI in publishing, and why authors should write weird things. Lincoln's latest genre-blending novel is METALLIC REALMS, and he is the author of THE BODY SCOUT, which was named one of the 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2021 by The New York Times and one of the 75 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time by Esquire.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Lincoln Michel:

  • Website: https://lincolnmichel.com/
  • Substack: https://countercraft.substack.com/ 
  • METALLIC REALMS at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/88357/9781668058671



Show Notes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A Book Deal Across the Ocean A Book Deal Across the Ocean Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT 44:09 693c43fff817d7dbe866a62c false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/693c43fff817d7dbe866a62c 693c43fff817d7dbe866a62c 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Raidah Shah Idil full 2 18 Raidah Shah Idil’s middle grade fantasy novel, HOW TO FREE A JINN, was first published in Australia before being picked up by a U.S. Big 5 publisher. Raidah and I talk about writing and publishing, and bond over being writer-moms with Type A personalities. 


Australian author Raidah Shah Idil was born in Singapore, grew up in Sydney, worked in Jordan, and now lives in Malaysia with her husband, three children and mother-in-law. Raidah earned her BA in English and BS in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, and her Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Raidah's debut middle grade fantasy novel, How To Free A Jinn, was highly commended by the Victorian Literary Premier Awards and won the Readings Children's Prize in 2025. Salaam Reads (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) has published and distributed the book in the US, Canada & the UK. Raidah loves ginger tea and noodle soup, and dreams of uninterrupted sleep.


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Raidah Shah Idil:

  • Website: www.raidahshahidil.com
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/raidahwrites
  • HOW TO FREE A JINN: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Free-a-Jinn/Raidah-Shah-Idil/9781665982627


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Raidah Shah Idil’s middle grade fantasy novel, HOW TO FREE A JINN, was first published in Australia before being picked up by a U.S. Big 5 publisher. Raidah and I talk about writing and publishing, and bond over being writer-moms with Type A personalities. 


Australian author Raidah Shah Idil was born in Singapore, grew up in Sydney, worked in Jordan, and now lives in Malaysia with her husband, three children and mother-in-law. Raidah earned her BA in English and BS in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, and her Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Raidah's debut middle grade fantasy novel, How To Free A Jinn, was highly commended by the Victorian Literary Premier Awards and won the Readings Children's Prize in 2025. Salaam Reads (an imprint of Simon & Schuster) has published and distributed the book in the US, Canada & the UK. Raidah loves ginger tea and noodle soup, and dreams of uninterrupted sleep.


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Raidah Shah Idil:

  • Website: www.raidahshahidil.com
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/raidahwrites
  • HOW TO FREE A JINN: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-to-Free-a-Jinn/Raidah-Shah-Idil/9781665982627


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[A Dreamy Traditional Debut & the Decision to Self-Publish]]> Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT 55:34 694afa4009314afbec4973bc false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/694afa4009314afbec4973bc 694afa4009314afbec4973bc 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Cynthia Swanson full 2 17 Cynthia Swanson’s Harper Collins debut, The Bookseller, was a NYT bestseller with a film option from Julia Roberts. Less than a decade later, after struggling to find a publisher for her third book, Cynthia decided to self-publish her psychological suspense novel Anyone But Her and was named Indie Author of the Year.


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Cynthia Swanson:



Show Notes:


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Cynthia Swanson’s Harper Collins debut, The Bookseller, was a NYT bestseller with a film option from Julia Roberts. Less than a decade later, after struggling to find a publisher for her third book, Cynthia decided to self-publish her psychological suspense novel Anyone But Her and was named Indie Author of the Year.


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Cynthia Swanson:



Show Notes:


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 2025 End-of-Year Wrap-Up 2025 End-of-Year Wrap-Up Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT 19:11 69403beccc3f4b4c7342d259 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/69403beccc3f4b4c7342d259 69403beccc3f4b4c7342d259 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a Special Episode! full 1 In this special end-of-year episode, Eva reflects on the first 16 episodes of The Long Road to Publishing, hints at what's to come on the podcast in 2026, and awards some "superlatives" to a few of the episodes and guests. She also talks about her podcast goals and how listeners can qualify to win a free copy of Courtney Maum's book: BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL!




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




Show Notes:

Link to Superlatives post:

Link to index post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSnBFL8lRir/?img_index=1

Link to information about the book giveaway contest: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSp67pxicQf/?img_index=1



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this special end-of-year episode, Eva reflects on the first 16 episodes of The Long Road to Publishing, hints at what's to come on the podcast in 2026, and awards some "superlatives" to a few of the episodes and guests. She also talks about her podcast goals and how listeners can qualify to win a free copy of Courtney Maum's book: BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL!




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




Show Notes:

Link to Superlatives post:

Link to index post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSnBFL8lRir/?img_index=1

Link to information about the book giveaway contest: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSp67pxicQf/?img_index=1



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Worst Rejection of Her Life The Worst Rejection of Her Life Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT 46:21 692f5494d6bc23eda20777f8 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/692f5494d6bc23eda20777f8 692f5494d6bc23eda20777f8 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Darlene Campos full 1 16 Darlene P. Campos is the author of a YA novel, two middle grade novels, and a picture book. Earlier this year, only a month before the release of her middle grade historical novel, she suffered “the worst rejection of her life.” In this episode we learn about Darlene’s publishing journey, as well as this shocking rejection and how she survived it.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




Darlene P. Campos:



Shownotes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Darlene P. Campos is the author of a YA novel, two middle grade novels, and a picture book. Earlier this year, only a month before the release of her middle grade historical novel, she suffered “the worst rejection of her life.” In this episode we learn about Darlene’s publishing journey, as well as this shocking rejection and how she survived it.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at the Long Road Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




Darlene P. Campos:



Shownotes:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[If the Agent Doesn't Fit...]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT 43:54 691cd680b958098159dd3c8a false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/691cd680b958098159dd3c8a 691cd680b958098159dd3c8a 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Lindsey Goldstein full 1 15 Lindsey Goldstein got serious about her writing career at the age of 40, and her debut novel Gap Year is a middle-age coming-of-age story. Lindsey talks about revising Gap Year many, many times, parting ways with an agent who wasn’t a good fit, and signing with a small, indie publisher. 



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston

-Unfortunately Lindsey's book Gap Year is currently unavailable on bookshop, but you can order it here: https://egretlakebooks.com/gap-year-a-novel/




Lindsey Goldstein:


Shownotes:

Lindsey mentions the following:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Lindsey Goldstein got serious about her writing career at the age of 40, and her debut novel Gap Year is a middle-age coming-of-age story. Lindsey talks about revising Gap Year many, many times, parting ways with an agent who wasn’t a good fit, and signing with a small, indie publisher. 



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston

-Unfortunately Lindsey's book Gap Year is currently unavailable on bookshop, but you can order it here: https://egretlakebooks.com/gap-year-a-novel/




Lindsey Goldstein:


Shownotes:

Lindsey mentions the following:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Spilling the Tea on Self-Publishing Success Spilling the Tea on Self-Publishing Success Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT 1:07:08 69177617e42e3466f23f6edc false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/69177617e42e3466f23f6edc 69177617e42e3466f23f6edc 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Rebecca Thorne full 1 14 Rebecca Thorne is the instant USA Today, Indie, and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Tomes & Tea series. She started out pursuing traditional publishing for many years. With great strategy and timing, she ended up finding huge success with self-publishing… then the traditional publishers came a-knocking! She now has two series being re-published with the Big Five imprint Tor.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Rebecca Thorne:


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Rebecca Thorne is the instant USA Today, Indie, and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Tomes & Tea series. She started out pursuing traditional publishing for many years. With great strategy and timing, she ended up finding huge success with self-publishing… then the traditional publishers came a-knocking! She now has two series being re-published with the Big Five imprint Tor.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Rebecca Thorne:


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From Indie Romance to a Big 5 Debut From Indie Romance to a Big 5 Debut Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT 52:12 6900f5eb2d04968b77513a25 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/6900f5eb2d04968b77513a25 6900f5eb2d04968b77513a25 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Kate Broad full 1 13 Kate Broad published ten romance novels with Entangled (and wrote a LOT of books that didn’t sell) before publishing GREENWICH, her literary debut, with St. Martin’s Press. Kate's publishing journey is WILD and she has so much great advice to share about writing and publishing.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston


Kate Broad:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Kate Broad published ten romance novels with Entangled (and wrote a LOT of books that didn’t sell) before publishing GREENWICH, her literary debut, with St. Martin’s Press. Kate's publishing journey is WILD and she has so much great advice to share about writing and publishing.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston


Kate Broad:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Cop Who Caught the Writing Bug The Cop Who Caught the Writing Bug Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT 47:47 68eea535ead096a610ccf8b1 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68eea535ead096a610ccf8b1 68eea535ead096a610ccf8b1 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with David Lane Williams full 1 12 David Lane Williams always knew he wanted to be two things: a cop and a writer. He started out writing excellent police reports before publishing two nonfiction books. And now, after many detours, his debut novel, Carousel Grift, is out in the world. 


David’s path to publication has more twists and turns than an amusement park ride, from going to film school, to finding himself on the board of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association!



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




David Lane Williams:

  • Website: https://www.davidlanewilliams.com/
  • Order CAROUSEL GRIFT: https://bookshop.org/p/books/carousel-grift/187efb12ab80f6fc?ean=9781685136666&next=t




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> David Lane Williams always knew he wanted to be two things: a cop and a writer. He started out writing excellent police reports before publishing two nonfiction books. And now, after many detours, his debut novel, Carousel Grift, is out in the world. 


David’s path to publication has more twists and turns than an amusement park ride, from going to film school, to finding himself on the board of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association!



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




David Lane Williams:

  • Website: https://www.davidlanewilliams.com/
  • Order CAROUSEL GRIFT: https://bookshop.org/p/books/carousel-grift/187efb12ab80f6fc?ean=9781685136666&next=t




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Highs & Lows of Author Life]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT 40:17 68eea31a51a2f46134574cf6 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68eea31a51a2f46134574cf6 68eea31a51a2f46134574cf6 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Sarah Allen full 1 11 Middle grade author Sarah Allen checks a lot of boxes when it comes to bumps in the road to publishing: a long querying journey, parting ways with her first agent, and being orphaned by her editor. But she’s also gotten to check a lot of the good boxes, too: heartfelt letters from readers, a school visit involving a limo ride, and two two-book deals with Macmillion Children’s. 


Learn about her path to publishing her four middle grade novels (so far!), including her two most recent “spooky” books, Monster Tree and The Nightmare House. And hear her advice on how kidlit authors can connect with teachers and plan great school visits.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Sarah Allen:

  • Website: https://www.sarahallenbooks.com/ 
  • Newsletter: https://sarahallen.substack.com/




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Middle grade author Sarah Allen checks a lot of boxes when it comes to bumps in the road to publishing: a long querying journey, parting ways with her first agent, and being orphaned by her editor. But she’s also gotten to check a lot of the good boxes, too: heartfelt letters from readers, a school visit involving a limo ride, and two two-book deals with Macmillion Children’s. 


Learn about her path to publishing her four middle grade novels (so far!), including her two most recent “spooky” books, Monster Tree and The Nightmare House. And hear her advice on how kidlit authors can connect with teachers and plan great school visits.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Sarah Allen:

  • Website: https://www.sarahallenbooks.com/ 
  • Newsletter: https://sarahallen.substack.com/




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Submission Hell & the Kindness of Editors]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT 46:59 68e276911300c48ae1cc6aba false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68e276911300c48ae1cc6aba 68e276911300c48ae1cc6aba 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Jennifer Fawcett full 1 10 Jennifer Fawcett landed her agent somewhat easily but got stuck in a never-ending cycle of revisions and submissions before finally selling her debut horror novel, Beneath the Stairs. We also discuss her work as a playwright and her new thriller novel, Keep This for Me.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Jennifer Fawcett:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Jennifer Fawcett landed her agent somewhat easily but got stuck in a never-ending cycle of revisions and submissions before finally selling her debut horror novel, Beneath the Stairs. We also discuss her work as a playwright and her new thriller novel, Keep This for Me.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Jennifer Fawcett:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Pivot, Pivot, Publish! Pivot, Pivot, Publish! Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT 45:56 68cd926488c516d26e380e13 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68cd926488c516d26e380e13 68cd926488c516d26e380e13 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Robyn Ryle full 1 9

Robyn Ryle has pivoted many times in her career, publishing in multiple genres and by multiple methods: traditional publishing with an agent, self-publishing, and publishing with a small, brand-new indie press. Her novel-in-stories, Sex of the Midwest, is being published by Galiot Press and recently earned a starred review from Kirkus!


Robyn Ryle is the author of two award-winning nonfiction books: She/He/They/Me and Throw Like a Girl Cheer Like a Boy. Her short story collection, Sex of the Midwest, is forthcoming from Galiot Press in October 2025. Her essays and stories have appeared in CNN, Newsweek, BELT Magazine, StorySouth and CALYX Journal, among others.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Robyn Ryle:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Robyn Ryle has pivoted many times in her career, publishing in multiple genres and by multiple methods: traditional publishing with an agent, self-publishing, and publishing with a small, brand-new indie press. Her novel-in-stories, Sex of the Midwest, is being published by Galiot Press and recently earned a starred review from Kirkus!


Robyn Ryle is the author of two award-winning nonfiction books: She/He/They/Me and Throw Like a Girl Cheer Like a Boy. Her short story collection, Sex of the Midwest, is forthcoming from Galiot Press in October 2025. Her essays and stories have appeared in CNN, Newsweek, BELT Magazine, StorySouth and CALYX Journal, among others.




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at longroad.pub@gmail.com

-To pitch to the podcast, go here

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Robyn Ryle:




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Book That Came Back to Life The Book That Came Back to Life Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT 41:33 68c3288024c6e67e685a53c5 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68c3288024c6e67e685a53c5 68c3288024c6e67e685a53c5 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Kat Lewis full 1 8 Kat Lewis thought her book had died on submission. She was so burned out on revisions and rejections that she announced she was quitting writing… But then a fairy-god-editor made her book deal dream come true. Now, after a ten year journey, she has finally sold her debut novel, Good People, to Simon & Schuster.


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub



Kat Lewis:



Show Notes:


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Kat Lewis thought her book had died on submission. She was so burned out on revisions and rejections that she announced she was quitting writing… But then a fairy-god-editor made her book deal dream come true. Now, after a ten year journey, she has finally sold her debut novel, Good People, to Simon & Schuster.


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub



Kat Lewis:



Show Notes:


Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Influencer Imprints & a Novel 20 Years in the Making]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT 52:37 68c17f421f1b04aa32d7fc78 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68c17f421f1b04aa32d7fc78 68c17f421f1b04aa32d7fc78 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a full 1 7 A special episode with Esperanza Hope Snyder and Marines Alvarez! Esperanza is an accomplished poet and the author of the novel Orange Wine. Marines is a popular book influencer and the tastemaker at the head of Mareas, the imprint at Bindery Books that acquired Esperanza’s novel. 


We chat about the new publishing model at Bindery Books, how Marines built her following as a book influencer on YouTube and TikTok, and, of course, Esperanza’s twenty-year journey to publishing Orange Wine (which releases September 30, 2025!).




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub



Esperanza Hope Snyder:




Marines Alvarez:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A special episode with Esperanza Hope Snyder and Marines Alvarez! Esperanza is an accomplished poet and the author of the novel Orange Wine. Marines is a popular book influencer and the tastemaker at the head of Mareas, the imprint at Bindery Books that acquired Esperanza’s novel. 


We chat about the new publishing model at Bindery Books, how Marines built her following as a book influencer on YouTube and TikTok, and, of course, Esperanza’s twenty-year journey to publishing Orange Wine (which releases September 30, 2025!).




The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub



Esperanza Hope Snyder:




Marines Alvarez:



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Successful Strategies & Debut Anxieties]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT 1:01:55 68a77bcd352b565deb467312 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68a77bcd352b565deb467312 68a77bcd352b565deb467312 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Lacey N. Dunham full 1 6 Lacey N. Dunham’s debut novel, The Belles, is coming out very soon, so we discuss the intense emotions and anxieties that are common to feel before your book releases (and why maybe all writers need a therapist). 


Lacey also shares her intentional and highly-successful querying strategy, as well as what it was like getting into the publishing world having come from a rural, lower-class background. 


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub


Lacey N. Dunham:


Show Notes:

We mentioned: 



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Lacey N. Dunham’s debut novel, The Belles, is coming out very soon, so we discuss the intense emotions and anxieties that are common to feel before your book releases (and why maybe all writers need a therapist). 


Lacey also shares her intentional and highly-successful querying strategy, as well as what it was like getting into the publishing world having come from a rural, lower-class background. 


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub


Lacey N. Dunham:


Show Notes:

We mentioned: 



Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From Rejection to Reflection to Publishing Success From Rejection to Reflection to Publishing Success Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT 43:09 68a3298e8bf365c7e3fa12e8 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68a3298e8bf365c7e3fa12e8 68a3298e8bf365c7e3fa12e8 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Jessica Payne full 1 5 In the query trenches and on submission, thriller author Jessica Payne went from piles of rejections to multiple offers from agents and publishers.


How? She reflected on her rejections and learned to pivot.


Plus, we discuss her experience with digital publisher Bookouture, and how she got her latest two-book deal with Penguin Random House.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




Jessica Payne:

Website: www.jessicapayne.net

Substack: https://jessicapayneauthor.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicapayne.writer/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessicapayne.bsky.social



Show Notes:

We mentioned: 




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In the query trenches and on submission, thriller author Jessica Payne went from piles of rejections to multiple offers from agents and publishers.


How? She reflected on her rejections and learned to pivot.


Plus, we discuss her experience with digital publisher Bookouture, and how she got her latest two-book deal with Penguin Random House.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston




Jessica Payne:

Website: www.jessicapayne.net

Substack: https://jessicapayneauthor.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicapayne.writer/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jessicapayne.bsky.social



Show Notes:

We mentioned: 




Credits:

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Most Positive Person in Publishing The Most Positive Person in Publishing Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT 43:49 688e222f0bb12601f0320d87 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/688e222f0bb12601f0320d87 688e222f0bb12601f0320d87 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Evelyn Skye full 1 4 Evelyn Skye, a bestselling author of books for teens and adults, has now published TEN novels. But her publishing career hasn’t been as easy as she makes it look. With a cheerful smile, Evelyn talks about how she weathered hundreds of agent rejections and many (many!) manuscripts that died on submission. In this episode we discuss Evelyn’s tenth novel, The Incredible Kindness of Paper, and the moment years ago when she almost gave up on writing (and what made her keep trying!).



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:


Evelyn Skye:


Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Evelyn Skye, a bestselling author of books for teens and adults, has now published TEN novels. But her publishing career hasn’t been as easy as she makes it look. With a cheerful smile, Evelyn talks about how she weathered hundreds of agent rejections and many (many!) manuscripts that died on submission. In this episode we discuss Evelyn’s tenth novel, The Incredible Kindness of Paper, and the moment years ago when she almost gave up on writing (and what made her keep trying!).



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:


Evelyn Skye:


Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Learning in Public: From Self-Pub to the Big 5! Learning in Public: From Self-Pub to the Big 5! Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT 51:47 687bd4ca0de40e9a7c9ff10e false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/687bd4ca0de40e9a7c9ff10e 687bd4ca0de40e9a7c9ff10e 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Kern Carter full 1 3 YA and MG author Kern Carter talks about self-publishing, publishing with an independent press, and signing deals with Scholastic and Penguin Random House. We also discuss his unique book launch events, the surprising ways he found his agents, and what happened when his book didn’t make it past the acquisitions board.


Kern Carter:


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> YA and MG author Kern Carter talks about self-publishing, publishing with an independent press, and signing deals with Scholastic and Penguin Random House. We also discuss his unique book launch events, the surprising ways he found his agents, and what happened when his book didn’t make it past the acquisitions board.


Kern Carter:


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From Feeling Like a Failure to NYT Bestseller From Feeling Like a Failure to NYT Bestseller Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT 39:11 68485b6322eb752c2f41e9a2 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/68485b6322eb752c2f41e9a2 68485b6322eb752c2f41e9a2 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Julia Bartz full 1 2 New York Times Instant Bestseller, Julia Bartz, talks about her publishing journey, from her first attempt at writing a novel, to parting ways with her first agent, to overcoming her fear of public speaking in preparation for the launch of her debut thriller novel, The Writing Retreat. She also talks about her latest novel, The Last Session.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:



Julia Bartz:



Show Notes:



Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> New York Times Instant Bestseller, Julia Bartz, talks about her publishing journey, from her first attempt at writing a novel, to parting ways with her first agent, to overcoming her fear of public speaking in preparation for the launch of her debut thriller novel, The Writing Retreat. She also talks about her latest novel, The Last Session.



The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:



Julia Bartz:



Show Notes:



Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 10 Years Before the Book Deal 10 Years Before the Book Deal Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT 1:03:35 684317fe1dd9d3b33fa71869 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/684317fe1dd9d3b33fa71869 684317fe1dd9d3b33fa71869 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Courtney Maum full 1 1 After an early near-miss, Courtney’s debut novel came out 10 years later, with a different publisher, editor, agent, and title. (Not to mention, completely re-written!) And her publishing journey didn’t end there! She’s now published with both Big Five and indie publishers, and in a variety of genres: novels, a memoir, and her popular nonfiction how-to book, Before and After the Book Deal.





The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Courtney Maum:

-Website: (info on books and classes and retreats): https://www.courtneymaum.com

-Substack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/welcome



Show Notes: 

More here about Courtney's upcoming novel, Alan Opts Out.



Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> After an early near-miss, Courtney’s debut novel came out 10 years later, with a different publisher, editor, agent, and title. (Not to mention, completely re-written!) And her publishing journey didn’t end there! She’s now published with both Big Five and indie publishers, and in a variety of genres: novels, a memoir, and her popular nonfiction how-to book, Before and After the Book Deal.





The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub

-Find books by guests and books mentioned on the podcast at https://bookshop.org/shop/evalangston



Courtney Maum:

-Website: (info on books and classes and retreats): https://www.courtneymaum.com

-Substack: https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/welcome



Show Notes: 

More here about Courtney's upcoming novel, Alan Opts Out.



Credits: 

The Long Road to Publishing is produced and edited by Eva Langston, and the intro/outro music comes from the artist Soundroll on #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/lost-in-love

License code: EEKRDQPCTGSBM5LZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Publishing Terms & Explanations]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:35:29 GMT 35:54 683db6b18833104629667888 false https://shows.acast.com/the-long-road-to-publishing/episodes/683db6b18833104629667888 683db6b18833104629667888 678ff5b0c4926bdc795f5b1a with Bethany Alcott full 1 In this intro episode YA author Bethany Alcott will help me answer questions about imprints and Big 5 publishers, the difference between traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid-publishing, querying agents, dying on submission, and many more!


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub


Bethany Alcott: 

-Follow her on Substack or subscribe to her newsletter, Writer Fully Alive

-Find her on Instagram

-Find out more about Whimsical Publishing


SHOW NOTES: 

Things we mentioned: 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this intro episode YA author Bethany Alcott will help me answer questions about imprints and Big 5 publishers, the difference between traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid-publishing, querying agents, dying on submission, and many more!


The Long Road to Publishing with Eva Langston:

-Follow me on Substack or subscribe to my Substack Newsletter for Writers.

-Find me on Instagram and Blue Sky.

-Send me an email at info@longroad.pub


Bethany Alcott: 

-Follow her on Substack or subscribe to her newsletter, Writer Fully Alive

-Find her on Instagram

-Find out more about Whimsical Publishing


SHOW NOTES: 

Things we mentioned: 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>