It’s Not Just About Writing.
Lately, I’ve been diving into self-publishing more in this newsletter—and there’s a good reason for that.
More and more writers are choosing to pursue self-publishing as an option.
We’ve talked about how to decide between self-publishing and traditional publishing, but today I want to take you behind the scenes and show you what it’s like from my perspective as a book coach.
Spoiler: these two paths aren’t just different routes to the same goal—they’re entirely different business models.
And that matters, because a different model means a different strategy. Not just for you as a writer, but for me as your coach.
Here’s what I’ve learned after working with writers chasing every kind of publishing dream: success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not just about having a great book (though, obviously, that’s step one). It’s about having a plan, realistic expectations, and the right kind of support to guide you through the process. That’s where I come in.
Let’s break it all down—so you can see where you fit, how the process works, and how I help my clients make it happen.
Traditional Publishing: Prepping You for the Gatekeepers
Dreaming of landing a traditional book deal? That’s fantastic—but the publishing world has changed. Publishers aren’t just looking for great stories; they’re searching for books they believe will sell in a highly competitive market. Your manuscript needs to stand out—not just as a strong story, but as a marketable product in a sea of other books.
For writers navigating traditional publishing, having a clear plan and understanding the process can make all the difference. Here are a few ways I help writers prepare:
✔ Polishing your manuscript. Traditional publishing demands excellence. From structure to pacing to voice, the goal is to refine your work into a manuscript that truly stands out. It’s detailed, thoughtful work—because let’s face it, you only get one chance to impress an agent.
✔ Building your platform. Publishers value marketable authors. If the idea of building an online presence feels daunting, I help writers figure out how to connect with their audience in a way that feels authentic and achievable.
✔ Demystifying the process. Query letters, market trends, pitching... the traditional publishing world is complex, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Understanding the steps and knowing what to expect can keep the process moving forward smoothly.
✔ Staying motivated. The wait between sending out your work and hearing back from agents can be tough. It’s easy to lose momentum or second-guess yourself. Having support during this stage can help you stay focused on what you can control—your craft, your platform, and your next steps.
Traditional publishing is like launching a startup in slow motion. You’re pitching to investors (agents and publishers) who’ll decide whether to support your vision. While you wait for that green light, you keep building—your book, your skills, and your resilience. Success here is about strategy, persistence, and being ready when the opportunity arrives.
Self-Publishing: Helping You Build Your Empire
If traditional publishing is about impressing gatekeepers, self-publishing is about opening the gates yourself and stepping into the spotlight. But make no mistake: self-publishing isn’t just publishing a book—it’s starting a business.
For writers taking this path, having a clear plan and understanding the process from start to finish is essential. Here’s what goes into building a strong foundation for self-publishing success:
✔ Craft meets strategy. A great book is the foundation of everything. It needs to be polished and professional—no shortcuts. The goal is to create a book that doesn’t just sit on shelves but connects with readers and keeps them coming back for more.
✔ Navigating publishing platforms. Self-publishing is a choose-your-own-adventure when it comes to platforms like KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, or audiobooks. Each option offers unique opportunities, and understanding how they fit your goals can save time and money.
✔ Building your business. Self-publishing is entrepreneurship, plain and simple. It’s about identifying your audience, crafting your author brand, and setting up systems that support your long-term goals as a writer. Whether it’s one book or a series, the focus is on building something sustainable.
✔ Launching with purpose. “If you build it, they will come” doesn’t apply to books. Reaching readers takes strategy—ads, email marketing, social media—and every piece should work together to amplify your book’s visibility and impact.
✔ Setting realistic expectations. Self-publishing is powerful because you’re in control, but it comes with its own challenges. Success takes effort, investment, and patience. The right plan, however, can make the process manageable and rewarding.
Self-publishing gives you full creative control, but it also asks you to take full responsibility. With the right support, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring your vision to life on your terms.
Bringing It All Together
No matter which publishing path you choose, the goal isn’t just to write a book—it’s to write a book that readers can’t wait to get their hands on.
Publishing is about so much more than putting words on the page. It’s about understanding the process, making informed decisions, and navigating the challenges with clarity and confidence. That’s why my work as a coach goes beyond craft. Sure, I can help you write a great book, but I also can help you:
🔥 Understand how the publishing world works, so you can take the right steps for your goals.
🔥 Align your expectations with reality, giving you confidence to keep moving forward.
🔥 Build your professional presence and believe in your ability to succeed.
🔥 Develop strategies to market your book effectively and reach your audience.
Publishing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it—and the writers who succeed are the ones who stop throwing spaghetti at the wall and start working with intention.
Hello!
My name is Jocelyn.
Story warrior, book lover, day dreamer, gardener, and creative. I help serious writers roll up their sleeves, get their novel ready for publishing, and reach readers. When I’m not elbow-deep in the story trenches, I’m outside world-building in my garden and battling weeds with my three criminal mastermind cats.
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