The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Episode Title: Finding Your Voice, Writing Across Genre And Loving Book Marketing With Betsy Lerner
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Joanna Penn
Guest: Betsy Lerner, Award-Winning Editor, Literary Agent, and Author

Introduction

In Episode 814 of The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers, Joanna Penn delves into the intricate aspects of finding one's unique voice, navigating writing across various genres, and embracing the often daunting world of book marketing. The episode features an insightful conversation with Betsy Lerner, a seasoned professional in the publishing industry who brings a wealth of experience from her multifaceted career as an editor, agent, and author.

Finding Your Voice

Key Discussion Points:

• The Essence of Voice in Writing: Betsy emphasizes that discovering one's voice is an organic process rooted in consistent writing practice across different formats, such as diaries, blogs, and screenplays.

  Betsy Lerner [22:31]: "The key thing is simply writing and understanding that all the writing you do is either in practice of the professional writing you might do, or it's just who you are and how you express yourself."

• Overcoming the Myth of the "Exalted Writer": Reflecting on her own journey, Betsy debunks the notion that writers are inherently special or destined for literary acclaim from a young age.

  Betsy Lerner [20:48]: "When I entered the business, I believed that writers were exalted beings. And that made me smile because I remember feeling like that I always was a reader and I thought I could never be a writer because they're so, so special."

Writing Across Genres

Key Discussion Points:

• Diversity in Writing: Betsy shares her experiences transitioning between genres and formats, highlighting how versatility can enhance a writer's adaptability in the evolving publishing landscape.

• The Impact of Personal Experiences: Her novel, Shred Sisters, is a testament to how personal tragedies and experiences can fuel creative expression, blending fiction with profound emotional depth.

  Betsy Lerner [25:37]: "It's a separate story from that. But I feel that all of those events are deeply connected to my writing fiction for the first time."

Loving Book Marketing

Key Discussion Points:

• Embracing Marketing as Communication: Betsy reframes marketing from a sales tactic to a form of communication, essential for connecting with readers and sharing one's work.

  Betsy Lerner [39:26]: "All it boils down to is communicating and figuring out that one line pitch that can get people interested in your book and then just putting a lot of elbow grease into it."

• The Evolution of Publishing and Marketing: She discusses the shift from traditional publishing support to a model where authors must actively engage in their own marketing efforts, including leveraging platforms like TikTok.

  Betsy Lerner [41:29]: "It's not true at all. In fact, publishers these days, days are most drawn to authors who have come with a platform, either a large social media platform or an institutional platform, because that helps them sell their books."

• Overcoming Reluctance Towards Marketing: Betsy encourages writers to view marketing creatively and as an extension of their writing, making it less intimidating and more integrated into their creative process.

  Betsy Lerner [39:00]: "If you were to open a store and you lovingly furnished it with all sorts of goods that you've handpicked and you've made the store so beautiful, but then all you did was put an open sign in the door."

Interview Highlights with Betsy Lerner

Background and Career Path:

• Betsy recounts her unconventional entry into publishing, initially studying film at NYU before pivoting to English and eventually climbing the editorial ladder.

• Her transition to a literary agent was motivated by the need for flexibility when starting a family, leading her to embrace both creative and business aspects of publishing.

  Betsy Lerner [17:06]: "As an editor and even as an agent, always really loved and respected all the people all up and down the chain who contributed."

Writing Later in Life:

• Betsy shares her personal journey of writing her first novel, Shred Sisters, in her mid-60s, highlighting how life’s adversities fueled her creative output.

• She discusses the challenges and rewards of debuting as a "senior late bloomer," leveraging her industry experience to garner attention and support for her work.

  Betsy Lerner [24:58]: "I think all the writing I did came together in this novel in my mid-60s. I was very fortunate that I was able to get it published."

Navigating the Modern Publishing Landscape:

• Impact of AI and Changing Ecosystems: Betsy touches on the disruptive influence of AI in publishing, aligning with Seth Godin’s views on changing business models and ecosystems.

  Betsy Lerner [07:57]: "AI has upended an ecosystem that many organizations assumed was normal and here to stay."

• Platform Building and Social Media: She discusses the necessity of building a personal brand and platform in today’s digital age, using her own success on TikTok as an example.

  Betsy Lerner [45:49]: "Now that night I went home and I realized I have all these diaries. Maybe I can do this. And that first post that I did went viral, so that was very encouraging."

Advice for Writers:

• Consistency and Persistence: Betsy underscores the importance of continuous writing and marketing efforts, advising against giving up after initial setbacks.

• Balancing Success and Fear of Failure: She explores the delicate balance writers must maintain between striving for success and managing the fear of not achieving it.

  Betsy Lerner [34:36]: "There are some people who are so blinded by the desire for success that their work almost seems to be secondary."

Conclusions and Takeaways

Joanna Penn and Betsy Lerner wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of embracing both the creative and business sides of writing. Betsy’s journey exemplifies how perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine passion for books can empower writers to navigate the complexities of the modern publishing world successfully.

Final Thoughts:

• Embracing Change: Writers must remain adaptable, willing to explore new platforms and marketing strategies to reach their audience.
• Community and Connection: Building genuine connections, both online and offline, can enhance marketing efforts and foster a supportive writer community.
• Continuous Learning: Engaging with various forms of writing and seeking feedback are crucial for developing a unique voice and honing one’s craft.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for writers seeking to find their voice, explore different genres, and effectively market their work in an ever-evolving publishing landscape, enriched by Betsy Lerner’s extensive industry insights and personal anecdotes.