The most comprehensive podcast for all things writing and publishing
The Pen to Published Podcast
The Pen to Published Podcast
A podcast for want-to-be authors, those who are self-publishing, and anyone who just likes to write. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.
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The Pen to Published Podcast

A podcast for want-to-be authors, those who are self-publishing, and anyone who just likes to write. Hosts Alexa Whitten, author, typesetter and independent book publisher, and Alexa Tewkesbury, author, editor and proofreader, talk you through the entire self-publishing process, from initial book idea to ultimate published product.

Recent Episodes

Interview with best-selling author Sophie Hannah
April 24, 2025

Interview with best-selling author Sophie Hannah

In the final episode of series 8, the two Alexas have the privilege of chatting with best-selling author and author coach, Sophie Hannah. As well as writing her many contemporary crime novels, Sophie was also commissioned by the Agatha Christie family...

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Narrative techniques and why they're like a juicy layered cake - part 1
April 17, 2025

Narrative techniques and why they're like a juicy layered cake - part…

Whether you call them narrative techniques or literary devices, this is a big, big subject. There are so many of these devices, and understanding what they are and how to use them is crucial to your fiction writing. In the penultimate episode of...

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Character arcs and how to make your characters memorable
April 10, 2025

Character arcs and how to make your characters memorable

In this episode, the two Alexas talk more about writing craft and delve into character arcs: the journey authors take their characters on through their novel. Successes and failures are all a part of that journey, and they help readers to engage and...

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Getting your dialogue right
April 3, 2025

Getting your dialogue right

There's an art to writing brilliant dialogue in a novel - dialogue that truly brings your characters and your story to life. In episode 5, the two Alexas help you understand the craft of creating snappy dialogue that zips along with flare.

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Writing a satisfying ending
March 27, 2025

Writing a satisfying ending

You've started your book with a bang. You've got the middle bit under control. But what about the ending? How will you finish your story in a way that satisfies the reader? Whether you're aiming for a happy, sad, neat or even ambiguous final act, the...

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Tackling your book's messy middle
March 21, 2025

Tackling your book's messy middle

The hardest and most challenging section of your book to write is likely to be the middle. It's the longest section within the three-act structure and it has to work for the reader in multiple ways. This week, Alexa 1 and Alexa 2 share advice to help...

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About the Hosts

Alexa Tewkesbury

Editor, author and proofreader

Alexa Whitten

Publisher, author and typesetter

Reviews

Fabulous and informative

"I’ve never binged listened to a podcast series quite so fast! Great information, full of the nitty gritty as well as some umbrella ideas too. Super helpful, really glad I found this!"

Tilley Bancroft | July 10, 2023

Wonderful listen!

"I am new to the publishing world but have always aspired to be an author. When inspiration struck and I was introduced to the Alexas to help me make my vision a reality, they directed me to their pod…"

Rebecca Cole | Nov. 14, 2023