Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, confusing, and expensive… but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In this episode, I sit down with publisher, book coach, and summit host Alexa Bigwarfe (founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit) to break down your publishing options and demystify what it really takes to self-publish like a pro. You’ll learn how to choose the right path for your book, where to invest your money, and how to start thinking like an author–entrepreneur instead of “just” a writer with a dream.

We’ll talk about:
✨ The real differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing (and who each path serves best)
✨ Why self-publishing is not the “free” option and the core investments you need to plan for
✨ The non-negotiables for a professional book: editing, cover design, formatting, and more
✨ How knowing your genre (and your reader) shapes everything from your story beats to your marketing
✨ What “author platform” actually means and why your email list matters more than any social feed
✨ Simple ways to start building an audience before your book is finished, even if you feel “brand new”
✨ How to approach self-publishing like a long game, including realistic timelines and expectations
✨ When a pen name or hybrid press might make sense for your goals and how to avoid predatory vanity presses

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of your publishing options and a practical roadmap for treating your book like the powerful, long-term asset it can be, instead of a one-and-done passion project.

Grab Alexa’s free Publishing Pathways & Distribution Guide HERE.

Ask Me Anything Thursdays👋 Send me your writing question! I'll answer it in an upcoming episode. Include your name if you want a shout out! 🤗

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