A podcast about the business of being an author from writers Andrea Bartz and Gretchen Schreiber <br/><br/><a href="https://writethebookplaythegame.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">writethebookplaythegame.substack.com</a>
Write the Book, Play the Game
Claim This Podcastby Andi & Gretchen
5.0(5 reviews)
6 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
A podcast about the business of being an author from writers Andrea Bartz and Gretchen Schreiber <br/><br/><a href="https://writethebookplaythegame.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">writethebookplaythegame.substack.com</a>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/5/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Write the Book, Play the Game
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
October 10, 2025
How to be an "authorpreneur" and not lose your mind
<p>Hello, authors! Welcome to Episode 6 of <strong>Write the Book, Play the Game, a podcast about the business of being an author.</strong> In the final installment of Season 1, we’re again sharing ground-tested insights and strategies from our years in the midlist trenches.</p><p>This week, we’re sharing <strong>the strategies and hacks that make our lives as professional authors manageable.</strong> We’ll discuss…</p><p>* How we juggle writing and admin in an average workday</p><p>* Gretchen’s signature “crockpot method” </p><p>* The exact apps and digital tools we use to harness ideas, stay focused, and get words on the page</p><p>* Why you need a “boneyard doc”</p><p>* The delicate balance of maintaining a public author persona and connecting with readers while setting boundaries…and maintaining privacy</p><p>* The most jaw-dropping daily wordcount total you’ve ever heard</p><p>* Strategies for managing requests and avoiding burnout</p><p>* Can podcasts tank your creativity?</p><p>* An uber-important but rarely discussed step every working writer must take</p><p>* Our tips and tricks for quickly dropping into Drafting Mode</p><p>…and more. You can listen to or watch the convo in a browser or the Substack app, or listen via your favorite podcast player (<a target="_blank" href="https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4519588148244-How-do-I-listen-to-episodes-on-my-podcast-app">instructions here</a>). </p><p>Thanks so much for listening! Please let us know which advice you’re taking away and trying and what you’d like to hear more about in Season 2. Happy publishing! </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://writethebookplaythegame.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">writethebookplaythegame.substack.com</a>
October 3, 2025
How to be your agent's favorite client
<p>Hello, friends! Welcome to episode 5 of <strong>Write the Book, Play the Game, a podcast about the business of being an author.</strong> We’re once again revealing everything we wish we knew when we started out as tiny baby authors at Big 5 publishers and have learned along the way.</p><p>In the penultimate episode of Season 1, we’re discussing <strong>the author-agent relationship</strong>—one of the most important partnerships in your writing career.</p><p>We aren’t talking about <a target="_blank" href="https://andibartz.substack.com/p/how-to-pitch-your-book">query letters</a> or manuscript wish lists—there are tons of great resources on that process already. But we will dive into…</p><p>* How to assess an agent’s fit during the querying and offer stages</p><p>* Exactly what an agent does (and doesn’t) do and how the agent’s role has changed</p><p>* The surprising truth about the agent-author power dynamic</p><p>* The crucial (yet often overlooked) questions to ask your agent </p><p>* Stress-tested tips for building a productive working relationship </p><p>* The first thing to try if you’re unhappy with your agent</p><p>* Tricks for assuaging authorly anxiety without annoying your agent</p><p>* How querying works when you’re already published </p><p>…and more. You can listen to or watch the convo in a browser or the Substack app, or listen via your favorite podcast player (<a target="_blank" href="https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4519588148244-How-do-I-listen-to-episodes-on-my-podcast-app">instructions here</a>). </p><p>Next week, in our final episode of the season, we’ll delve into the strategies and hacks that make our lives as midlist authors manageable. Happy listening!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://writethebookplaythegame.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">writethebookplaythegame.substack.com</a>
September 26, 2025
Save it for the group chat!
<p>Welcome to Episode 4 of <strong>Write the Book, Play the Game, a podcast about the business of being an author!</strong> We’re once again revealing everything we wish we knew when we started out as tiny baby authors at Big 5 publishers and have learned along the way.</p><p>This week, we’re chatting about <strong>finding and leveraging your author community (aka your group chat). </strong>We’ll discuss…</p><p>* The #1 mistake authors make in group chats</p><p>* Where to find fellow writers and how to make them your friends</p><p>* How to evaluate your current authorly crew and identify any gaps in support or intel</p><p>* The power dynamics and challenges in working with agents, editors, and other publishing professionals (and your secret weapon for tricky situations)</p><p>* Strategies for building meaningful relationships with booksellers</p><p>* The pros and cons of debut authors groups (and what went down in ours)</p><p>* Why it’s so important to have friends in different spots in their writing careers </p><p>* The age-old question: Does my agent like me?</p><p>* The right (and wrong) ways to support other authors’ work</p><p>…and more. You can listen to or watch the convo in a browser or the Substack app, or listen via your favorite podcast player (<a target="_blank" href="https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4519588148244-How-do-I-listen-to-episodes-on-my-podcast-app">instructions here</a>). Hit subscribe and you’ll never miss an episode! </p><p>Next week, we’ll focus on everything you need to know about the agent-author relationship. Happy listening!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://writethebookplaythegame.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">writethebookplaythegame.substack.com</a>
6 total episodes available
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Deep-dive analytics for Write the Book, Play the Game
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Write the Book, Play the Game?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.