Book Proposals & Building Platform

🎙️ New episode: Zachary Zane on the hustle of publishing

Hey Bleeders!

This week on the podcast, I shared a conversation with

Zachary Zane

, author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto and columnist extraordinaire (he’s written for Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times, and more). If you’re a writer trying to publish your first/next book and navigate the behind-the-scenes hustle of the publishing industry, this one’s for you.

Here’s a taste of what we covered:
👉 The book proposal grind: Zachary’s book proposal for Boyslut clocked in at 120 pages (yes, really). Why so long? When you’re a first-time author, it’s all about proving you can sell the book—detailed marketing plans, comp titles, and even a list of celebrities you know who might promote it.
👉 The waiting game: COVID delays turned an already long process into a multi-year journey. Zachary started his proposal in 2018; the book hit shelves in 2023.
👉 Platform building for the future: Zachary didn’t just rely on his writing chops—he played the long game. From building his social media following (he didn’t start using Instagram until 2017!) to doing favors for fellow writers, he spent years laying the groundwork for a successful launch.
👉 The reality of advances: That hefty “advance” check isn’t as immediate as you’d think… and usually, it’s split up into chunks. Zachary shared how he juggled freelance work and column writing to make ends meet while waiting for book money to hit his bank account.

My favorite part? Zachary’s transparency about the business of writing. Publishing isn’t just about creating great art—it’s about learning how to sell it. Marketing your book, as Zach puts it, “it's something that you can't start thinking about too early.”

If you’re working on a book proposal—or just preparing for the day you’ll need to—this episode is a must-listen. If you’re like me, Zachary’s advice about planning five years ahead to sell and promote your work will light a fire under your a$$!

🎧 Listen to the episode here!

If you’re not already subscribed to Zach’s super horny Substack,

BOYSLUT

, do yourself a favor and sign up to get his delicious smut in your inbox.

One more thing: I’m thrilled to announce an exclusive workshop for my paid subscribers: Manifesting Your 2025 Writing Goals 🖋️✨. Join me on Saturday, December 28th, at 10am PST for a powerful session to set your intentions and plan your best writing year yet. Save the date, and if you’re currently on the free list, upgrade to paid to secure your spot and make 2025 your most productive writing year yet! 🎉

I just want to shout-out

Cynthia

Weiner, who recently upgraded and left this sweet note:

I love your voice, and your promotion tips :)

Made my freaking day. Cynthia has a new novel A Gorgeous Excitement coming out in January. It’s available for preorder now!

💌 Until next week,
Courtney

So… ROLL CALL! 🗣️

Have you written a book proposal? How long was yours? Comment below and let me know.