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The Wordslinger Podcast

The Wordslinger Podcast

By: It's all about the story here.
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Summary

 From award-winning and bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson, this weekly podcast explores the stories that shape us into who we are, and shape the world into what it can become. There are interviews with authors and non-authors, deep dives into useful ideas, and solo-slinger episodes that are authentic and real, aimed at giving you the best, most honest advice about life as a writer, creator, and creative entrereneur. Every episode is a story. It's all about the story here.J. Kevin Tumlinson Art Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • My Exact Publishing Process (After 70+ Books)

    My Exact Publishing Process (After 70+ Books)
    Apr 30 2026
    If you’ve ever felt like publishing a book is more confusing than it should be… you’re not alone. After writing and publishing 70+ books, I realized something surprising: a lot of writers don’t actually know the full process. Not clearly. Not step-by-step. And that confusion can slow you down—or stop you entirely. In this video, I break down my exact publishing workflow—from first draft to finished book—so you can move forward with confidence and actually get your work into readers’ hands. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your process, this is the roadmap I wish more writers had from day one. 🔔 Subscribe for more no-fluff guidance on writing, publishing, and building your author career: 👉 This channel is built for writers who want to finish books, publish smarter, and grow a real creative business. ⏱️ TIMECODES 0:00 – Why most writers misunderstand the publishing process 0:36 – Step 1: Write the book (and why editing too early kills momentum) 1:05 – My “looping” method for drafting and editing 2:14 – Editing options (DIY, professional, and AI tools) 3:30 – What AI should and should NOT do in your editing process 4:32 – Step 3: Creating a professional book cover 5:35 – Cover design tips (and what NOT to do) 7:07 – Step 4: Writing a compelling book description 8:12 – Sell the experience, not the plot 9:51 – Step 5: Formatting your book (EPUB, tools, and options) 10:28 – Final thoughts on the full publishing workflow 🧰 TOOLS & RESOURCES 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast https://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWritingAid (Editing Tool I Recommend) https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📚 Draft2Digital (Formatting & Distribution) https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger 🚀 Author Anchor (Build Your Author Platform with Help) https://authoranchor.com 📖 My Books & More https://kevintumlinson.com 📝 Join Me on Substack (Deeper insights, behind-the-scenes, and more) https://kevintumlinson.substack.com 💬 LET’S TALK What part of the publishing process feels the most confusing or overwhelming right now? Drop a comment—I read them all, and I may cover your question in a future video. If you’re serious about writing and publishing your work, you’re in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • The Problem with Draft2Digital’s New Policy

    The Problem with Draft2Digital’s New Policy
    Apr 16 2026
    Draft2Digital just made a major change—and a lot of indie authors aren’t happy about it. In today’s Wordslinger 10-Shot, I break down the new Draft2Digital fees, what they actually mean, and why I believe this policy creates a serious problem for the very authors the platform was built to support. This isn’t outrage for the sake of outrage. It’s a real conversation about fairness, access, and the future of indie publishing in an era of AI-driven content overload. If you’re a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur, this directly impacts you. Let’s dig in. What Draft2Digital’s new fees actually are Why the $12 annual fee is sparking backlash The real issue: who pays (and who doesn’t) How this affects new and low-earning authors The AI “slop” problem—and why this is happening now Practical advice on what you should do next 00:00 – The big Draft2Digital announcement01:10 – Breaking down the new fees02:15 – Why the optics are a problem04:20 – Who really ends up paying06:45 – The “tax on low earners” issue09:00 – AI spam and the real reason behind the change12:30 – Why this could push authors away15:10 – My stance (and why it matters)18:00 – What authors should do right now20:30 – Final thoughts on the future of indie publishing 🌐 Wordslinger Podcasthttps://wordslingerpodcast.com ✍️ ProWriting Aid (my go-to editing tool)https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 📖 Draft2Digitalhttps://draft2digital.com/wordslinger ⚓ AuthorAnchorhttps://authoranchor.com 📘 My books & author sitehttps://kevintumlinson.com 📰 Join me on Substackhttps://kevintumlinson.substack.com If you're serious about building a career as a writer—whether indie, traditional, or hybrid—this channel is where you’ll get real talk, hard truths, and practical strategies to help you succeed. 👉 Subscribe now for guidance on writing, publishing, and building a sustainable author business. What do YOU think about Draft2Digital’s new policy?Fair move… or a step in the wrong direction? Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read them. #indieauthors #selfpublishing #writingcommunity #draft2digital #amwriting 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:⏱️ Timestamps:📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:🚀 Want More Like This?💬 Join the Conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Traditional Publishing Is Breaking (why I chose Indie-first)

    Traditional Publishing Is Breaking (why I chose Indie-first)
    Apr 9 2026
    Traditional publishing is shifting… fast. And if you're a writer trying to decide your path, the rules you’ve been told may already be outdated. In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I break down the real differences between traditional and indie publishing—and why I’ve chosen an indie-first strategy in today’s market. This isn’t theory. This is based on hard lessons, real contracts, and what I’m seeing happen right now across the industry. If you’re serious about building a writing career that actually works, this is a conversation you need to hear. 00:00 – Introduction & upcoming book launch01:00 – Writing without a “perfect” setup03:20 – The publishing industry is changing (AI, disruption, uncertainty)04:30 – Should you traditionally publish first?06:00 – The hidden benefits of traditional publishing07:30 – The validation trap (and why it matters)08:00 – The “Shy Girl” controversy & industry response10:00 – Why AI detection tools don’t work11:30 – Where traditional publishing is failing13:00 – Publishers that are adapting (and why it matters)15:00 – The real cost of traditional publishing18:30 – Marketing reality: it’s still on YOU21:30 – Indie success stories (The Martian, viral breakouts)23:30 – Why indie-first is a powerful strategy25:00 – Building your platform (your true leverage)27:00 – Contracts, leverage, and protecting your rights30:00 – Ethics clauses, AI clauses, and what to watch for32:30 – My personal strategy moving forward35:30 – Final thoughts: choosing your path 🌐 Wordslinger Podcast: https://wordslingerpodcast.com✍️ ProWriting Aid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5📚 Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger🤝 Author Anchor: https://authoranchor.com📖 My books & website: https://kevintumlinson.com📝 Join me on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com The real pros and cons of traditional vs indie publishing Why “getting a deal” isn’t the finish line How to think about publishing as a long-term strategy The role of platform, leverage, and ownership in your career What most writers misunderstand about making money from books If you're a writer, creator, or creative entrepreneur—and you want real, no-BS guidance on building a sustainable writing career—this channel is for you. 👉 Hit subscribe and join a community focused on writing smarter, publishing better, and building something that lasts. Which path are you on right now—indie, traditional, or hybrid?Drop a comment and tell me your strategy. ⏱️ Timecodes🚀 Resources & Links💡 What You’ll Learn🔔 Subscribe for More💬 Let’s Talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
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