In this episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, Alexa sits down with Samantha Atzeni, multi-genre award-winning author and co-founder of Read Furiously, an independent press dedicated to overlooked voices and literary activism. They discuss the realities of running a small traditional press, the challenges of distribution and returns, building sustainable author relationships, and the joy of creating community in publishing.

In this podcast, Alexa and Samantha discuss:

• The origin story of Read Furiously—why Samantha built her own publishing house out of frustration with “no room at the table”
• What makes Read Furiously different: hands-on, collaborative publishing with a focus on overlooked and multi-genre authors
• Their signature One and Done pocket-sized book series and why it resonates with modern readers
• The challenges small presses face: returns, Amazon algorithms, distribution hurdles, and rising printing costs
• How anthologies and niche publishing create surprising opportunities (and sometimes frustrations)
• The role of literary activism, from book bans to Little Free Libraries
• The importance of community—how Women in Publishing Summit and peer connections help presses survive the tough days
• Why joy and passion still keep small publishers going, even when profits are slim
• W(h)ine & Cheese by S. Atzeni - a One n'Done (Amazon aff link)

Resources & Links

• Read Furiously
• Women in Publishing Summit
• Book Award Pro – bookawardpro.com
• FAIRE Wholesale Marketplace – faire.com
• CLMP – Community of Literary Magazines & Presses – for small independent traditional presses
  
  

Sam Atzeni (she/they) is a multi-genre, award-winning writer of prose, comics, and academic scholarship. They are also the co-founder of Read Furiously Publishing and serves as its Editorial Director and its head of acquisitions, including serving as co-editor of the bestselling Life in the Garden State NJ anthology series. Through Read Furiously, Samantha  is proud to publish great books, be a part of an amazing independent literary community, and participate in literary activism. In 2024, she was  a part of the “40 under 40 in Publishing” list by BookCamp magazine.

In this episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, Alexa sits down with memoirist and humorist Dana Bowman to talk about how humor can be a lifeline when writing through heartbreak, recovery, and tough life moments. They discuss how humor not only helps the writer process heavy emotions but also provides relief and connection for readers navigating similar experiences.

In this podcast, Alexa and Dana discuss:

• Why humor is such a powerful tool for healing and recovery writing
• The balance between funny and serious when addressing trauma
• How Dana’s own sobriety journey influenced her books Bottled and How to Be Perfect Like Me (Amazon Aff links)
• The infamous “carrot cake incident” that turned a fight into a hilarious memoir scene
• Why some readers resist humor in serious topics—and why that’s okay
• The craft of writing humor alongside grief (inspiration from O. Henry, Nora Ephron, Fredrik Backman)
• Resources Dana recommends for writers: Stephen King’s On Writing and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird
• Dana’s podcast and creative projects, including A Neighbor Good and her blog at DanaBowmanCreative.com

Dana's new book, Humble Pie: Sober Menopause, Sugar Addiction, and the Sweetness of Recovery publishes November 13, 2025.

Dana Bowman is the author of two memoirs: Bottled, A Mom’s Guide to Early Recovery, and How To Be Perfect Like Me, both published by Central Recovery Press. Bottled was selected as a Kansas 2016 Notable Book.

She speaks and writes about the perfection myth, creativity, writing and recovery. A high school English teacher for over twenty years, she now teaches writing at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. Last summer she attempted standup comedy for the second time, and survived.

Visit her at danabowmancreative.com where she shares about creative hacks for productivity.

Listen in to her podcast The Neighborgood about the power of a good story.
Connect with her on her socials where she posts far too many pictures of her cat, Steve.

Facebook: @danabowcreative
Instagram: @danabowman_creative
TikTok: @thedanabow

In this heartfelt episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, Alexa talks with Beth Jones—Healing Mentor, founder of Empowered Survivors, podcast host, and best-selling author—about using writing to heal from trauma and build a purposeful business. Beth shares her personal journey from forensic accounting to coaching and mentoring survivors, the creation of her HEAL framework, and why self-publishing gave her the creative control she needed to build her programs.

In this podcast, Alexa and Beth discuss:

• How writing about trauma can be a transformative part of the healing journey
• Beth’s transition from professional services to becoming a healing mentor and author
• Why she chose self-publishing for full creative and content control
• The importance of owning your book rights when building programs or businesses around your content
• How the collaborative book experience led to her own solo publication
• The creation and trademarking of the HEAL framework: Hope, Evolve, and Love
• Building a business, podcast, and courses around her book’s message
• The balance between personal healing and what’s appropriate to share with readers
• Using AI tools to repurpose and structure existing content
• Her upcoming offerings: self-study courses, live masterminds, and healing immersion retreats 
  
  

Grab a complimentary call with Beth to learn about her program!

Relevant Resources & URLs

• Website: EmpoweredSurvivors.com
• Facebook & Instagram: @bethjoneshealingmentor
• Podcast: Let’s Heal! with Beth Jones
  
  

In this episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, Alexa shares her key takeaways from Publishing University 2025 — from industry shifts, AI opportunities, and censorship battles to discoverability strategies and marketing best practices. Whether you’re an author, publisher, or industry pro, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to future-proof your publishing career.

Key Quotes:

• “Those who succeed in the long run are the ones who adapt to changes, not run from them.”
• “An ARC team isn’t a luxury — it’s a discoverability powerhouse.”
• “Censorship anywhere hurts authors everywhere.”
• “Your Amazon description’s first line is prime real estate — fill it with keywords, reasonably.”
• “Collaboration isn’t optional. It’s a growth strategy.”

In this podcast, Alexa discusses:

• The merger of IBPA and PubWest and what it means for authors and publishers.
• Why keeping up with publishing industry changes is essential for long-term success.
• The “We Are Stronger Than Censorship” campaign and the urgent need to protect creative freedom.
• Big shifts in traditional publishing models and why indie authors/publishers must innovate to thrive.
• The importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships in building sustainable publishing businesses.
• AI in publishing — from licensing rights for AI training to blockchain-powered rights management.
• Discoverability tips: using YouTube Shorts, Pinterest, and multi-platform posting to reach readers.
• Amazon metadata tips — why your top sentence should be keyword-rich.
• The power of ARC teams for generating word-of-mouth buzz.
• Backlist promotion strategies and why one book is rarely enough for long-term author success.
  
  

Be sure to visit https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/events to get your ticket to the upcoming Business Bootcamp!


Relevant Resources

• We Are Stronger Than Censorship Campaign: https://www.wearestrongerthancensorship.org/
  
  
• Women in Publishing Summit Events: womeninpublishingsummit.com/events
  
  
• Pinterest for Authors Workshop: On the events page!
  
  
• Events Page: Be sure to visit https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/events to get your ticket to the upcoming Business Bootcamp!
  
  

Speaker BioAlexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Write|Publish|Sell and the Women in Publishing Summit. She helps authors navigate writing, publishing, and marketing through coaching, training, and events. Alexa is passionate about empowering indie authors and publishing professionals to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Join us at the Business Bootcamp for Authors and Entrepreneurs! Aug 21-22, 2025. We're learning all things business. It's not about books or marketing, it's about LLCs, trademarks, copyrights, project management, expanding your team, and more! Perfect for the business builders in our community! Grab your ticket NOW!

In this episode of the podcast, Alexa chats with Greg, co-founder of Curios, a cutting-edge platform designed to empower authors with full ownership, control, and revenue from their digital books. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional and third-party publishing platforms, the advantages of going direct, and how Curios is reshaping the digital sales model for ebooks and audiobooks. Plus, learn about their game-changing Creator Fund that literally pays authors to publish and promote their books.

In this podcast, Alexa and Greg discuss:

• The difference between direct sales and third-party platforms like Amazon
• Why authors should own their audience and customer data
• How Curios ensures authors receive 100% of the sale price
• The importance of email lists and how they tie into Curios’ philosophy
• Disrupting the publishing industry through tech-forward thinking
• What makes Curios unique compared to Shopify and other DIY platforms
• The role of BookFunnel in content delivery
• Why discoverability is a shared community mission
• An overview of the Curios Creator Fund — earn up to $12,000 for using the platform
• Why being a wide author gives you the most flexibility
• Audiobook creation tools like Spokane and Eleven Labs for indie authors
• Sales tax, delivery fees, and other backend processes made easy
• How Curios is expanding to comedy, music, and beyond
• Why collective author action is essential to changing the industry
  
  

Greg from Curios is a technology and product development expert with over 20 years of experience. A former engineer and physical product inventor, Greg co-founded Curios alongside Grant, a musician-turned-digital rights advocate. Greg’s mission is to help creators reclaim ownership and income by building accessible, direct-to-consumer tools for selling digital content like books, audiobooks, and music.

Contact Greg: [email protected]

🔗 Resources & URLs

• Curios: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/curios
  
  
• Curios Creator Fund info: Available on the main Curios platform
  
  
• BookFunnel: https://bookfunnel.com
  
  
• Spokane (AI audiobooks): https://spokane.audio
  
  
• Eleven Labs (AI voice): https://www.elevenlabs.io

In this energizing episode, Alexa chats with Elisabeth Sharp McKetta—author of 13 books and writing instructor at both Harvard and Oxford—about the concept of “mythic memoir.” If you've ever struggled to tell your story, especially one rooted in pain, Elisabeth offers a transformational framework: use fairy tales and myths to reframe your life experiences and write with courage and artistry.

Her approach helps writers find structure, reclaim voice, and protect the vulnerable parts of their stories. Whether you’re a seasoned memoirist or new to the page, this conversation will spark your creativity and show you how myth can make memoir not only more powerful, but also more healing.

In this podcast, Alexa and Elisabeth discuss:

• What “mythic memoir” really means
• How fairy tales and myths offer structure, insight, and emotional safety
• Elisabeth’s incredible path from rejected undergrad writing classes to Harvard and Oxford professor
• Why memoirs work best when focused on transformation, not chronology
• The healing power of storytelling, and why “writers have a place to put things”
• How using a familiar myth (like Cinderella or The Little Mermaid) can help shape your own story
• A step-by-step framework for using mythic memoir in your writing
• How fairy tales protect the writer while inviting the reader in
• The universal, democratic nature of myth—and how readers become co-creators
• Ideas for a potential mythic memoir retreat or collaboration on writing to heal

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta is the author of 13 books, including the memoir Awake, the creative writing guide Edit Your Life, and the writer’s workshop collection The Creative Year. She teaches writing for Harvard University and Oxford University and is the founder of the Book Year Writers Circle, a year-long writing mentorship program for authors working across all genres.

Elisabeth is known for her innovative approach to memoir, especially her concept of “mythic memoir,” which combines personal narrative with the structures and symbols of myths and fairy tales to provide emotional safety, narrative clarity, and creative freedom.

She holds a PhD on the intersections of fairy tales and memoir and has spent her career helping writers find meaning and healing through storytelling. Elisabeth is passionate about helping writers of all backgrounds claim their voice and tell their stories in ways that matter.

She is based online at https://elisabethsharpmcketta.com, where she shares writing resources, workshop opportunities, and her author news.

Resources & Books Mentioned📖 Edit Your LifeA practical and poetic guide to reworking not just your writing—but your life.
 Amazon aff link | More info on her site

📖 The Creative Year: 52 Workshops for WritersA week-by-week writing guide featuring prompts for creativity, craft, and connecting your work to the world.
 Amazon aff link | On her website

📖 Awake with Asashoryu and Other EssaysA lyrical memoir that incorporates mythic themes and explores identity, love, and personal transformation.
 Amazon aff link | On her site

✍️ Workshops & Writing Circles🌀 The Book Year Writers CircleA year-long program to help writers of all genres draft, revise, and prepare their books for publication—featuring monthly guidance, community, and accountability.
 👉 Learn more and apply

📚 Harvard Extension Writing Courses (Open Enrollment)Elisabeth teaches creative writing courses (including Mythic Memoir) at Harvard’s extension program.
Search available courses: https://extension.harvard.edu

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, Alexa Bigwarfe sits down with Kae Wagner—award-winning author, founder of the Bold Authors Network, and creator of the Bold Author Bootcamp. Kae shares her journey from anxious introvert to confident book promoter, breaking down the mindset shifts and practical strategies that helped her go from giving away books at pickleball games to building a successful fiction series and a supportive author community.

Kae offers vulnerable stories, actionable tips, and the #1 reason authors need to promote their work daily. Whether you're feeling stuck in obscurity or just starting your marketing journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and tools to help you boldly share your book with the world.

In this podcast, Alexa and Kae discuss:

• Why 75% of fiction authors are introverts—and how that affects promotion
• The hidden self-sabotage that keeps authors from marketing
• How shifting your identity from “anxious author” to “bold promoter” changes everything
• Kae’s #1 daily tip for consistent book marketing (hint: always carry your book!)
• The power of free giveaways, bookmarks with QR codes, and Amazon’s real estate
• How Kae’s 4-book series strategy helped her gain traction and algorithm love
• What authors should know about the “Amazon cliff” after a launch
• The importance of having a marketing plan to reduce anxiety
• Why every author should consider speaking as part of their marketing strategy
• The Bold Authors Network: Free Promo Hour, community support, and the upcoming Bold Authors Summit

Kae Wagner is an award-winning author, speaker, and book marketing strategist who helps fiction and nonfiction authors transform from anxious writers into bold, confident promoters. She is the founder of the Bold Authors Network, a supportive community that empowers authors to market their books with purpose and consistency. After years in nonfiction business publishing, Kae made a successful leap to fiction with her Frankie Girls series—landing features like a Times Square jumbotron spot and international book awards. Through her programs like the Bold Author Bootcamp, weekly Promo Hour, and workshops such as Claim Your Amazon Real Estate, she equips authors with the mindset and tools to sell books every day and avoid the dreaded “Amazon cliff.” Kae’s mission is simple: no author left behind.

🔗 URLs & Resources Mentioned

• Bold Authors Network Website & Promo Hour Sign-Up
  https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/boldauthors
  
  
• Free Promo Hour for Authors
  Held every Monday, 4–5 PM Eastern via Zoom. Sign up through the website above to receive access.
  
  
• Bold Author Bootcamp
  (Details provided via the Bold Authors Network email list—sign up at the main site to be notified about openings.)
  
  
• Claim Your Amazon Real Estate Workshop
  Occasionally offered via Kae’s email list and through the Bold Authors Network. Stay connected for upcoming sessions.
  
  
• Kae Wagner on Facebook
  https://www.facebook.com/BoldAuthorsNetwork
  
  
• The Frankie Girls Series (by K.M. Wagner)
  (Available on Amazon ) aff link
  
  

In this candid and insightful episode, Alexa Bigwarfe sits down with publishing powerhouse Michelle Vandepas, co-founder of GracePoint Publishing. Known as the “Book Whisperer,” Michelle shares the story behind her unexpected path into publishing and how her company supports purpose-driven authors through coaching, hybrid, and traditional publishing models. This episode is packed with transparency around costs, red flags, ISBN confusion, and practical guidance for authors trying to navigate the often overwhelming world of publishing.

In this podcast, Alexa and Michelle discuss:

• Michelle’s multigenerational family legacy in publishing
• The evolution of her company, GracePoint Publishing
• The different imprints at GracePoint, including Empower Press and Human Design Press
• Hybrid vs. traditional publishing: what authors need to know
• The biggest misunderstandings about paying for publishing services
• Why clarity and contracts are essential
• Red flags to watch for when choosing a publisher
• Common misconceptions about self-publishing and ISBN ownership
• The importance of cover design and genre expectations
• Who the ideal GracePoint author is and how the submission process works
• Michelle’s 25 Questions to Ask Your Publisher
• Resources like the IBPA’s hybrid publisher standards
• How publishing is a journey of growth, purpose, and legacy

Michelle Vandepas is a publisher, TEDx speaker, and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to helping purpose-driven leaders bring their books—and missions—to life. As the co-founder of GracePoint Publishing, Michelle has worked with thousands of authors to publish impactful books that align with their soul’s purpose. Known as “the Book Whisperer,” she brings decades of experience in coaching, business development, and publishing to support authors who are ready to turn their message into a movement. Her team at GracePoint offers hybrid, assisted, and traditionally distributed publishing options tailored to nonfiction authors, memoirists, coaches, and conscious entrepreneurs.
Tools & Resources
https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/gracepointpub
IBPA hybrid publisher criteria: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybridpublishercriteria

In this episode, Alexa Bigwarfe and Joel Pitney of Launch My Book unpack the biggest self-publishing myths. Learn what it really takes to succeed, from production costs to metadata, bookstore distribution, and pre-order strategies.

In this podcast, Alexa and Joel discuss:

• How Joel went from science major to journalist to book coach and publisher
  
  
• The origin story of Launch My Book and how it differs from hybrid publishing
  
  
• The importance of author business plans, no matter the publishing path
  
  
• Why platform building matters just as much in traditional publishing
  
  
• Five big myths of self-publishing (and the reality behind them):
  
  
  • Self-publishing makes you more money
    
    
  • Your book will be in bookstores
    
    
  • Self-publishing is easier than traditional publishing
    
    
  • You can’t judge a book by its cover (spoiler: readers do!)
    
    
  • Amazon metadata hacks are all you need
    
    
• Why quality editing and design are non-negotiables
  
  
• The truth about Amazon bestseller campaigns and what actually drives discoverability
  
  
• Pre-order strategies—and why most self-published authors should skip them
  
  
• Using soft launches and slow build strategies for success
  
  
• How AI is helping his company run better ads and streamline production
  
  
• Launch My Book’s unique approach to collaborative, high-quality book production and marketing
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Launch My Book – Full-service publishing and promotion for self-published authors.
• Bookshop.org – Supporting local bookstores with online sales.
• Blog on Launch My Book’s website: A resource for authors to learn about self-publishing and marketing.

Important Links:
www.launchmybook.com


About Joel Pitney:
Joel Pitney is a collaborative writer, former journalist, and the founder of Launch My Book, Inc.
As a collaborative writer, Pitney has written a variety of non-fiction books on leadership, conscious business, education, and health and fitness. His books have been published by Penguin, Public Affairs, and Wiley.

As a journalist, Pitney has published articles under his own name in What Is Enlightenment? magazine and Religion Dispatches, and has ghost-written and published articles for clients on a
variety of platforms, including Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Inc magazine. Pitney has also worked in the development of TV and film projects with his company Time Future
Films, including a TV series based on the true story of his ancestors’ journey across the Oregon Trail, sold to A&E in 2015.

In addition to his work as a writer, Pitney is also founder and president of Launch My Book, Inc, a book-production and promotion company he founded in 2013. In that role, he has run
marketing campaigns for nonfiction books spanning business, self-help, spiritual, and other genres, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. The company also runs a full-service self-publishing company and published a wide variety of educational content for writers on their website: www.launchmybook.com.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: 5 Authors Share Their Book Marketing Journeys

In this special panel episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, Alexa Bigwarfe brings together five incredible authors—Linda Needham, CC Robinson, Zariah L. Banks, Tracy Myhre, and Pat Black-Gould—who represent a wide range of genres and publishing journeys. All graduates of the Book Launch in a Box program, they open up about their unique paths to publication, the toughest marketing challenges they’ve faced, and the tools and tactics that helped them overcome the overwhelm. Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up your next launch, this episode is packed with relatable experiences, actionable insights, and plenty of laughs.

In this podcast, Alexa and her panel of authors discuss:

• Why marketing feels so hard (especially at first) and how they each overcame that feeling
  
  
• The unique challenges of launching under a pen name
  
  
• Why building a street team and ARC reviewers early is essential
  
  
• How to think like a business from book one—and why it matters more by book two
  
  
• How Book Launch in a Box helped them simplify their launch strategy
  
  
• The power of positioning and knowing your comp titles
  
  
• Why marketing starts while you’re still writing your book
  
  
• Using timelines and templates to manage overwhelm
  
  
• Keeping momentum post-launch with tools like Kindle Unlimited and virtual book tours
  
  
• How community makes all the difference
  
  
• Their best book marketing tips, from launch prep to long-term strategy
  
  

Connect with the Authors
Linda Needham
📚 Historical romance and nonfiction author of Brainstorming Your Novel: From the First Spark to Blockbuster
🌐 LindaNeedham.com (currently being updated — check back Fall 2025)
📖 Find her books on Amazon and all major retailers

CC Robinson
📚 Award-winning author of YA dystopian series The Divided Series
🌐 ccrobinsonauthor.com/alexaspubchat – Get her prequel Upheaval free!
📬 Join her newsletter and follow her on social for launch updates
📖 Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Zariah L. Banks
📚 Contemporary romance author of Beauty Beheld and Missile Towed
📷 Follow on Instagram: @authorzariahlbanks
🛠 Book coach, developmental editor, and publishing consultant
📖 Books available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Tracy Myhre
📚 Author of post-apocalyptic romantic thriller Escape, book one in a seven-book series
🌐 tracymyhre.com
📷 Instagram & Facebook: @tmywriter
📖 Books available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

Pat Black-Gould
📚 Author of The Crystal Beads: Lalka’s Journey and All the Broken Angels
🌐 patblackgould.com
🛠 Workshop presenter on creative presentations and genre hopping
📖 Books available through Purple Butterfly Press, Amazon, IngramSpark, and Kindle Unlimited

🎯 Learn More About Book Launch in a BoxReady to launch your next book with clarity, confidence, and a supportive author community?

👉 Check out the Book Launch in a Box program here:
🔗 https://writepublishsell.com/blab

The next cohort begins June 23, 2025 – don’t miss your chance to join the program that helped each of these authors succeed!