If there’s one thing I learned from this conversation with Kate, it’s that allowing yourself to dream is something we should all do more often—because when we do, we’re able to achieve incredible things.

When I first started working with Kate, it was under stressful circumstances, but now, a year later, she’s one of the best things to happen to me in my author journey. And I know I’m not the only one—several of her clients feel the same way.

Editor-author relationships are a lot like a marriage: behind every successful author, there’s often an amazingly supportive editor. With authenticity at the core of her values, Kate’s priority is always supporting an author’s vision while providing the editing guidance they need. Her approach is flexible, adaptable, and deeply rooted in partnership.

We also dive into the importance of setting boundaries in business, the realities behind editing rates, and the reminder that while editing is an investment, editors are simply trying to earn a livable wage. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it’s a conversation we need to keep having and creating awareness for.

If you want to connect with Kate, you can find her Instagram page here.

Relationships formed on Bookstagram aren’t always linear—just like life itself. That’s especially true for Rebecca and me, but that hasn’t stopped her from being one of the most fascinating people I know. In this episode, she breaks down what makes a beta reader stand out and why critical feedback is an important part in creating our manuscripts.

We also dive into representation in female main characters, how Latin and Roman history (literally) is Rebecca’s Roman Empire, and the influence of world history on storytelling. Plus, we discuss the evolution in male dominated epic fantasy and why that matters more than ever.

Rebecca’s journey has been anything but predictable—her double STEM degree, her career pivots, and even her approach to reading (tropes? No thanks, just give her the blurb!). She shares her love of poetry, even if it’s not for everyone, and opens up about her deeply personal cancer journey. Since recording, she has officially finished chemo(!), and we reflect on what it means to face one’s own mortality.

She inspires me everyday, and I hope you take a bit of inspiration from her journey too.

Britt is the perfect example of how authors and readers can become the best of friends. In this episode, we chat about everything from chronic illness—her journey with diabetes and mine with thyroid disease—to the friendships that keep her on Bookstagram.

We dive into the world of book reviewing, why some reviewers are moving away from Goodreads, and why StoryGraph is winning readers over. Britt shares her take on navigating the Grishaverse (spoiler: Six of Crows is a must-read!), embracing a “vibes-first” approach to books, and why not every book is for every reader.

Plus, we discuss ARC teams, street teams, and what anyone new to these terms should know. And of course, Britt talks about her deep love for indie authors—because as long as they keep writing, she’ll keep reading!

You can connect with Britt on her instagram page here