Business Episodes

Why I'm Hiring a Publishing Coach
June 30, 2026

Why I'm Hiring a Publishing Coach

In this episode, I talk about the crucial role coaching has played in my voice acting and audiobook narration journey, and the importance of investing in the same professional guidance for writing. I look back on my six-year journey as a writer and how my initial focus on craft (while important) didn't help me with the business side of publishing, which is essential for success.Resources mentioned in this episode:Voice Acting Academy: https://learnvoiceacting.com/Speaks and Squeaks: https:...
Audiobook Narration: From Setup to Performance
Feb. 8, 2026

Audiobook Narration: From Setup to Performance

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner shares his one-year journey into audiobook narration. He details his initial struggles with recording quality and his gradual shift from podcasting to high-quality VO work. Tanner gets into the technical and financial aspects of setting up a professional recording environment, debunking myths about costly setups. He offers practical advice on equipment, room treatment, and skill development, explaining how he created a professional VO booth on a budget. Ta...
Author Lessons I learned in 2025
Dec. 30, 2025

Author Lessons I learned in 2025

Wow, I really missed the mark on some of my 2025 goals. In this episode, I talk about what went wrong, what went right, and what I learned along the way.00:00 Intro00:54 Goals and Challenges: A Year in Review01:42 Rewriting and Retitling: The Creative Process03:27 Lessons Learned from Podcasting and Writing07:14 Looking Ahead: Goals for 202609:42 Final Thoughts and EncouragementConnect with the Killer Prose at: https://www.killerprose.comConnect with me and sign up for my newslet...
Supercharge Writing Productivity with Dictation
Nov. 25, 2025

Supercharge Writing Productivity with Dictation

In this episode, Tanner discusses how dictation has significantly improved his writing speed, doubling or tripling his output in the first draft stage. He shares his initial challenges and the benefits he discovered, such as increased productivity and more effective use of liminal times. He provides practical tips for getting started with dictation using simple tools like a smartphone and earbuds, and highlights the pros and cons of incorporating dictation into a writer's workflow.00:00 Introd...
Essential Resources for Writers 2025: Updates and Tools
Aug. 15, 2025

Essential Resources for Writers 2025: Updates and Tools

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner updates listeners on his list of resources for writers in 2025. Tanner discusses valuable tools and platforms he uses for every stage of the writing process, from learning and drafting to editing and marketing. The episode includes his go-to classes, writing communities, and podcasts, as well as essential software and services for writing and publishing, such as Scrivener, AutoCrit, and ProWritingAid. Tanner also provides updates about changes t...
Behind the Scenes: Setting Up My Author Brand
Aug. 1, 2025

Behind the Scenes: Setting Up My Author Brand

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner provides an update on his time management strategies, leading to significant progress in his writing and author brand development. Tanner discusses his upcoming debut novel, the transition from writing 'Hant' to focusing on the 'Whisper Hollow Mystery' series, and the essential steps in setting up his author brand and publishing business. He touches on the complexities of ISBN acquisition, the importance of audiobooks, and the need for meticulou...
Managing Your Most Valuable Resource as a Writer: Time
July 14, 2025

Managing Your Most Valuable Resource as a Writer: Time

In this episode of the Killer Podcast, Tanner shares insights on how writers can take control of their time to enhance productivity and achieve their long-term goals. Tanner discusses his personal experience with time management, including how his chaotic day job and family life led him to conduct a time audit. He explains three powerful strategies: time audits to track where your time is going, time blocking to schedule important activities, and list-making to stay focused. Tanner also shares p...
Horror Book Cover Design with Ruth Anna Evans
June 14, 2025

Horror Book Cover Design with Ruth Anna Evans

In this episode of Killer Pros, Tanner chats with cover designer Ruth Anna Evans about all aspects of cover design. They discuss Ruth's career, her approach to designing book covers, and the intricacies of working with a cover designer, including licensing. Ruth shares her journey from designing covers for her own books due to budget constraints to becoming a professional cover designer. The conversation also covers the importance of typography, lighting, texture, and focal points in creating ef...
Insights on Editing with Meriah Gutterson of Marked Up Editing
May 15, 2025

Insights on Editing with Meriah Gutterson of Marked Up Editing

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, host Tanner interviews Meriah Gutterson, an experienced editor from Marked Up Editing. They discuss the editing process, the importance of maintaining story continuity, and the common mistakes new authors make. Mariah shares valuable insights on how to work with an editor and the benefits of early consultation. She also provides tips for character development, maintaining an author's voice, and meeting reader expectations. They touch upon the intricaci...
Plot Twists & Navigating Publishing Choices
April 1, 2025

Plot Twists & Navigating Publishing Choices

In this episode I discusses updates on my upcoming mystery book 'Fools & Corpses' and details on setting up a home studio for audiobooks. I also reflects on the challenges of deciding between Amazon's KU and Kobo Select for distribution. In the meat of the episode, I take a look at different types of plot twists in storytelling, focusing the importance of foreshadowing and avoiding overuse.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates00:55 Exciting News: First Book Release01:23 Navigating the Aud...
J.D. Barker on Co-authoring, Career Insights, and Publishing Trends
Jan. 16, 2025

J.D. Barker on Co-authoring, Career Insights, and Publishing Trends

In this episode of Killer Prose, I interview J.D. Barker, an international and New York Times bestselling author known for titles like 'The Fourth Monkey,' 'Dracul,' and his upcoming novel, 'We Don't Talk About Emma.' J.D. discusses his new book, his co-authoring process, and his unique deal with Simon & Schuster. He shares insights into his writing and publishing journey, the changes in the industry, and his approach to mentoring new authors. The conversation also touches on innovative marketin...
Lee Mountford on Writing Full Time
Nov. 24, 2024

Lee Mountford on Writing Full Time

In this episode of Killer Prose, we’re joined by Lee Mountford, the bestselling author behind the Haunted and Darkfall series. Lee shares his journey to becoming a full-time indie author, offering insights into planning and writing series,...
Clay Stafford On Killer Nashville And Breaking Into The Industry
July 18, 2024

Clay Stafford On Killer Nashville And Breaking Into The Industry

In today's episode, I'm joined by Clay Stafford. We cover pretty much everything. We talk about the opportunities at the Killer Nashville Conference, trad publishing vs self publishing, and getting out there and meeting agents.  Clay Stafford is...
Replacing TicTok and Updates on My WIP
May 28, 2024

Replacing TicTok and Updates on My WIP

In today's episode, I talk a little about TikTok and someof the changes that are coming, even if the app sells and is permitted to operate in the USA. I also talk about some of the things I'm working on and how I feel about my current project. ...
Breaking Into Horror with MJ Mars
Nov. 22, 2023

Breaking Into Horror with MJ Mars

MJ Mars, author of The Suffering from Wicked House Press, drops by today to share what it was like to break into the horror genre, her process, and some a few personal stories. MJ has been featured in a plethora of magazines, anthologies, and podcasts...
Planning A Novel For Publication With Plottr
June 21, 2023

Planning A Novel For Publication With Plottr

Last episode, I talked about my top 5 resources for horror writers. This week, I'm deep diving Plottr and going through exactly how it's made my process easier and faster. Email the show at writingfright@gmail.com FB and IG @writingfright TikTok...
5 Pieces of Software Every Author Should Use
June 4, 2023

5 Pieces of Software Every Author Should Use

Writing is hard. For the vast majority of us starting out, it takes months or years to complete a piece of long form content. It takes time to plan a story, and it doesn’t matter if you are a plotter or discovery writer. (Our first drafts just look...
Set Up Your Author Career For Success
April 8, 2023

Set Up Your Author Career For Success

This week, I talk about what could have been a major set back, and how these 3 things helped me stay on track to finish my latest book. Follows us on FB IG Twitch and YouTube @killerprosepodcast Email the show at killerpenbooks@gmail.com --- Send in a...
Finding a Mentor
Dec. 31, 2022

Finding a Mentor

We all need help, especially as we grow as writers. But, what is mentorship and how do we find those people and resources that change our worlds? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writingfright/message
Story Beats and Traditionally Vs Indie Publishing
Dec. 15, 2022

Story Beats and Traditionally Vs Indie Publishing

Tame that wild story! I wanted to write a book but ended up with a tangle of plots and sub plots. What helped? Learning and prioritizing story beats to write to genre. John Truby's book Anatomy of Genres was an amazing help. I discovered him on Joanna...
What Tough Economic Times Could Mean For Horror Writers
Nov. 10, 2022

What Tough Economic Times Could Mean For Horror Writers

It's no secret, the economy is in a down swing. And, 2023 is projected to get worse, but with that comes some amazing opportunity for writers and content creators. Follow us on FB, IG, Twitch, Discord and Slasher @writingfright email the show...
Finding an Editor
March 11, 2022

Finding an Editor

Worried about how to find an editor. In today's episode, I go over how to find an editor, recap were I've been for the pas few months, and talk about why having the right editor is important. connect with me on FI, IG, Twitch, and Discord...
Horror Writer Resources.
Sept. 15, 2020

Horror Writer Resources.

On this Episode of Writing Fright Tanner reviews his favorite resources for new and experienced horror writers. Together these places, classes, and books will answer many of the questions new writers have when it comes to both the technical and...