In this episode of Margs & Manuscripts, we’re joined by Alyssa K. Burns—journalist, author, MBA, elder emo, and one of the most supportive humans in the writing community. Alyssa’s debut novel releases April 1, and she’s sharing the real story behind how she got here… including the moment she decided she was done waiting for permission and went all-in on indie publishing.

We talk through the decisions debut authors actually face (trad vs indie, money vs time, ego vs autonomy), plus the behind-the-scenes logistics that nobody explains until you’re already stressed.

What we cover:

• The mindset shift: “I’m done with people telling me no” and choosing indie publishing
• Why indie publishing isn’t a “last resort” (and why readers often don’t care)
  The indie publishing checklist Alyssa built (because of course she did—MBA behavior)
• Beta readers vs developmental edits
• ARC readers: how many she aimed for, why, and what reviews do for a debut
• Hiring help: what Alyssa outsourced (and why it saved her sanity)
• Cover design: what went wrong, what she learned, and how to advocate for what you want
• Launch planning: making your book launch a real milestone (yes, like a mini wedding)

Connect with Alyssa:

• 🔗 Alyssa’s Website: https://www.alyssakburns.com/ 
•  📸 Alyssa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssakburns/ 

Connect with us:

• Follow Margs & Manuscripts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margsandmanuscripts/ 
• Subscribe for more real-talk conversations about writing, publishing, and building a bookish life with zero gatekeeping.

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