Putting distance between yourself and success is ridiculous—right? Think again. In this episode, Camille shares: The real reason you may push your goals away (hint: it’s not because you don’t really want them) The scathing review that Camille interpreted as a sign her fiction career was over Five sneaky but common signs of self-sabotage—and how to move past each one Want to work one-on-one with Camille? Learn more and fill out an application for coaching at evenbetter.co/coaching ....
Aug 12, 2025•24 min•Season 5Ep. 121
Struggling to find time and mental space to write and market your work? You’re hardly alone. In this episode, Camille shares: Why relying on willpower is the worst possible idea when you’re overwhelmed (and what works far better) The unexpected benefit of calendaring your writing time The 80% rule that can help you deal with life’s little (and not-so-little) plot twists Want to uplevel your pitch and sell your novel? Sign up for Pitch Pro, a six-week course that will teach you to sell your story...
Jul 29, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 120
Not getting the support you seek from your nearest and dearest—or your agent or professional network? This episode’s for you. Camille shares: Why talking yourself out of feeling bad backfires How to show up like a pro while making your needs clear The surprising (research-backed!) upside of expecting support from others If you’re a debut author, or are preparing to sell your first novel, check out this free resource on getting better support: www.evenbetter.co/debut For more info on writing a br...
Jul 15, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 119
You still have time to make 2025 your best writing and publishing year yet. In this episode, Camille shares: Her hits and misses from the first half of 2025 The critical thing to keep in mind before committing to a new course of action Six simple but essential questions to set yourself up for success in the second half of the year Sign up for the Career Novelist Newsletter: www.evenbetter.co/how-to Connect with Camille on Instagram: www.instagram.com/camillepagan...
Jul 01, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 118
Research shows that focusing on the long-term ups your odds of success now and later. In this episode, Camille shares: Why writers often resist thinking too far into the future (and why that’s a mistake). The simple question that clarifies what you really want for your fiction career. How to write a bio that helps you turn your vision into your reality. Want to get coached by Camille? Join Bestseller Bootcamp before June 18th and you’ll have access to two live coaching calls where you can get pe...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 117
Reaching your writing goals doesn’t require rushing. In fact, slowing down is often the best way to achieve success. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising reasons writers rush (even with work that’s really important to us). Signs you might be hurrying … without realizing it. How to use smarter deadlines to slow your roll without losing momentum. Sign up for Bestseller Bootcamp now through the end of June to attend up to four live group coaching sessions with Camille. The first live ...
Jun 03, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 116
Alice Walker wrote, “Being proud of yourself is not arrogant; it is a sign of self-respect.” In today’s episode, Camille shares: How to take pride in what you’ve done (hint: It’s less about what you share with others and more about what you say to yourself). Why you should stop being self-deprecating—especially when it comes to your natural talents. Two simple words that can transform your ability to take credit. Want to learn more about how to create a sustainable author brand and career? Check...
May 20, 2025•18 min
Yes, publishing is a long game—but staying in it and succeeding requires short-term wins. In today’s episode, Camille shares: A common misconception about quick wins that keeps writers from taking full advantage of them. What research reveals about the importance of sweating—and tracking—the “small stuff.” Key questions that will help you choose your short-term goals wisely. Want to learn more about how to create a sustainable author brand and career? Check out Bestseller Bootcamp . Visit https:...
May 06, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 114
Does spending time (and maybe even money) on your fiction fill you with guilt? In today’s episode, Camille shares: The surprising upside of guilt—and how to tell when it’s not serving you. Simple questions that can keep guilt from lingering too long (so you can go back to writing). Why you don’t need to have “something to show” for your writing in order to feel good about it. Are you a debut author? Check out Camille’s free training to help you make the most of publishing your first novel: www.e...
Apr 22, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 113
When it comes to your fiction career, the willingness to pivot as needed is a competitive advantage. In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we’re attracted to “proven” formulas (and why they usually fail). The importance of a long-term vision—and short-term flexibility. The reason 1-star reviews are a sign you’re doing something right in your writing. How to tell if it’s time to consider a new approach or publishing model. Want to learn more about how to create a sustainable author brand and ca...
Apr 08, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 112
You can’t spell breakthrough without “break”—yet so many writers push through when they should be doing the opposite. In this episode, Camille shares: Why taking longer on your novel may actually up the odds it’s perceived as valuable. A different (and arguably healthier) way to think about momentum. The questions that will help you determine whether you’re procrastinating or taking a productive pause. Note: The Career Novelist Podcast is off for the next month; tune in April 8th for episode 112...
Mar 11, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 111
Feel like you should’ve started earlier or should be farther along in your fiction career? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why success won’t cure the misbelief that you’re out of time. The real thought that’s often lurking behind “I missed the boat”—and how it holds you back. Simple strategies to change your mind about what’s still possible for you. Want free author coaching? Sign up for the Career Novelist Newsletter at www.evenbetter.co/how-to to sign up for Camille’s open coaching call on...
Feb 25, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 110
If you’re worried about whether your next novel will flop, this episode is for you. In it, Camille shares: The real reason writers tend to fixate on the dreaded sophomore slump. Why expecting the best doesn’t set you up for failure (and why the opposite is actually true). How to cultivate“walkaway power.” To sign up for the free Your Next Novel webinar on February 15th, visit: www.evenbetter.co/webinar To apply for the 2025 Career Novelist Mastermind, which kicks off on March 7th, visit: www.eve...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 109
In today’s episode, Camille shares what she learned in the process of selling her eleventh novel at the end of 2024. She shares: Why timing really is everything. The importance of listening to your intuition (and how that’s not the same thing as predicting the future). The best belief to cultivate at every stage of the publishing process. Please note: In this episode, Camille briefly mentions grief related to losing a loved one to suicide. For resources on this topic, visit: https://sprc.org/too...
Jan 28, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 108
You know what you need to do to succeed as a novelist—so why aren’t you doing it? In this episode, Camille shares: A self-assessment to get to the bottom of why you’re not taking action. Why we engage in self-sabotaging behaviors—and how to do so less often. The surprising reason “cheat days” backfire. Tune in in two weeks to get the scoop on how Camille sold her new novel—and to find out about an upcoming free webinar on how to sell your next book, too....
Jan 14, 2025•18 min•Season 4Ep. 104
Tired of wishing for the best, yet feeling like you don’t actually have control over your writing career? In today’s episode, Camille shares three strategies successful novelists use to reach their goals. She covers: How to figure out what you really want—and why that matters. Simple ways to use your storytelling skills to fuel motivation and take more action. What your calendar reveals—and how to use it to prioritize your writing (without ditching the rest of your life). Want to learn more abou...
Dec 31, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 88
Trying to finish a draft, edit, or another project before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve? In this episode, Camille shares: Why getting specific can lead to speed. Three common—yet often overlooked—saboteurs that may be slowing you down. Simple solutions for overcoming those saboteurs so you can finish the year strong.
Dec 10, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 105
Decided to keep writing? Fully committing can skyrocket your odds of reaching your publishing goals. In this episode, Camille shares: Common misconceptions about going all in. How to tell if a “failure plan”is standing between you and success. Why self-efficacy—that is, your belief in your ability to do the work—is far more important than talent or confidence. Debut author? Find out how to reduce burnout and find the right support in Camille’s free webinar for first-time authors. Visit: https://...
Nov 26, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 104
To quote Annie Duke, author of the book Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away , “Contrary to popular belief, winners quit a lot. That’s how they win.” In this episode, Camille shares: The biggest reason why we don’t give up when we secretly want to. How to decide if you’re done for now—or done for good. Three key questions to ask yourself before you throw in the towel. If you want to go deeper on positioning your book and creating a sustainable author brand, check out Bestseller Bootcamp....
Nov 12, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 103
If you’re not sure how to select stellar comps—or want to make sure you’ve nailed yours—Camille is sharing the audio replay of her recent webinar on this topic. She covers: Why comps are critical to a book’s success (regardless of genre or whether you’re traditionally- or self-published). Guidelines for picking the best comps for your novel. What to do if you’re between genres … or dislike most of your comps (it's a thing!). The biggest mistakes writers make when choosing comps—and simple fixes ...
Nov 04, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 102
Welcome to the Career Novelist Podcast ! After 100 episodes of You Should Write a Book , Camille is (very slightly) shifting the focus of the podcast. In this episode, she shares: The definition of a Career Novelist—and why this term alone can help you bounce back from publishing setbacks. Her response to a well-known industry expert who asked her, “Aren’t you worried about giving writers false hope?” The number one hurdle novelists face when it comes to publishing (spoiler alert: it’s marketing...
Oct 29, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 101
On the 100th episode of the You Should Write a Book podcast, Camille shares: How a quote from James Clear prompted her to rethink her business. The single most important thing a writer can do to reach their publishing goals (hint: it’s not building a social media following). What to do if a lack of time, focus, or follow-through is keeping you from writing. To sign up for the free Nail Your Comps webinar on October 24, 2024, visit: www.evenbetter.co/webinar To learn more about The Hot Sheet news...
Oct 15, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 100
If you’re between books—or are simply thinking about what you’ll write after you’re done with your current draft—this episode is for you. Camille shares: How the paradox of choice can impact your writing career. Why writers are often especially vulnerable to “shiny object syndrome.” Five simple questions to ask yourself before committing to a book or another big project. For more resources on creating an even better author career, visit https://www.evenbetter.co...
Oct 08, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 99
Whether you need help with craft, marketing, or your mindset, support can be transformative for your author career. In this episode, Camille shares: How to find someone who’s the right fit for you . Why it’s wise to “try before you buy” (plus easy ways to do just that). The importance of trusting your gut—and the difference between intuition and anxiety. What to do if you have buyer’s remorse.
Oct 01, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 98
Yes, envy can feel lousy—but it also contains crucial information that can help your author career. In this episode, Camille shares: The surprising upside of being jealous about another writer’s success. Common misconceptions about envy—and how to harness that feeling to reach your next level as an author. Simple solutions for navigating another writer’s jealousy toward you .
Sep 24, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 97
Overwhelm can be caused by feeling like there’s too much to do—but it can also be the direct result of feeling like you’re not enough or haven’t done enough to succeed. In this episode, Camille talks about: The surprising reason you might be focused on what you believe you’re lacking. Why it’s important to take credit for what you’ve already done—and a simple exercise to do just that. How to trust yourself (without trusting negative internal voices saying you don’t have what it takes)....
Sep 17, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 96
Feel like there’s too much to do and it’s making it hard to write? In this episode, Camille shares: The cognitive cost of overwhelm—and what neurologists and psychologists say is often the unexpected cause of that fuzzy, can’t-seem-to-focus mental state. Why getting clear on what you want to say ‘yes’ to might just be your first step to feeling better. Seven things to consider clearing from your to-do list and/or life so you can reach your writing goals. This episode is the first of a two-part s...
Sep 10, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 95
You did it—you accomplished your goal. So…why aren’t you happy? In today’s episode, Camille shares: Why we often feel deflated instead of elated on publication day and after reaching other writing milestones. The sneaky way guilt can hijack your happiness. How to stop mistaking negative emotions for a lack of gratitude. The importance of marking the occasion—even when you don’t feel like celebrating.
Sep 03, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 94
Money stops many writers from pursuing their dreams—but it doesn’t have to. In today’s episode, Camille shares: The real investment required to become a career author (hint: it’s not cash) How even minor investments can lead to major self-image shifts Ideas for upleveling your career on a shoestring budget Register for Plan to Publish: Strategies for becoming a career novelist. This free webinar is on Saturday, August 17th, from 10-11 a.m. ET; a limited-time replay will be provided to all writer...
Aug 06, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 93
Yes, taste is subjective—but there are ways to tell if you’re ready to share your book with others. In this episode, Camille discusses: Why you may mistake self-doubt for a sign your draft stinks How to feel better about your work—at every stage of your career The importance of adopting a “testing” mindset when querying and publishing Applications are open for the Career Novelist Mastermind, which combines proven publishing strategies with research-backed career and mindset coaching. To learn mo...
Jul 30, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 92
