Audio on the From Expertise to Authority podcast at https://pod.link/1865211396

Article at https://substack.com/@mattydalrymple

Video at https://www.youtube.com/@mattydalrymple

How do you turn years of hands-on creative experience into authority that reaches beyond a single job or client? Novelist, memoirist, developmental editor, writing coach, and ghostwriter Roz Morris joins Matty Dalrymple to trace a career built through publishing apprenticeships, thoughtful risk-taking, and an enduring curiosity about how stories work. Roz explains how a small-press role gave her experience across novels, guidebooks, magazines, and newspapers; why an unexpected flyer inspired a “cheeky letter” that opened a new professional door; and how proving she could solve a publisher’s problem led to further ghostwriting opportunities.

She also discusses how blogging and the Nail Your Novel books helped establish her reputation, how she developed courses for writers, and why sharing expertise requires more than knowing the craft yourself. The conversation explores developmental editing as a collaborative and nurturing practice, the importance of understanding genre expectations, the challenge of finding the right audiences for different kinds of work, and the value of staying curious. For writers, editors, coaches, consultants, and other creative professionals, this episode offers a candid look at building authority by recognizing what you already know, making an audacious approach, serving your community, and continuing to deepen your expertise.

Roz Morris is a novelist, memoirist, and professional story whisperer. She’s the author of acclaimed literary novels with BIG emotional canvases, and memoirs that find meaning in unadventures. She's also a developmental editor and writing coach and has helped shape books that have sold more than four million copies—some of those from behind the scenes as a ghostwriter. She’s the creator of the Nail Your Novel series for writers and the blog of the same name. She's judged literary prizes including the Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award and Vine Leaves Press New Voices competition, and has taught masterclasses for The Guardian in London and Jane Friedman’s online academy.

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. More at mattydalrymple.com. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she’s learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She writes nonfiction books for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer’s Digest magazine; and she is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors. More at theindyauthor.com. She also guides professionals in building their presence through a sideline or second act through her platform From Expertise to Authority. More at theindyauthor.com/authority.

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