Self-publishing isn’t a shortcut nor a consolation prize. It’s a publishing model that works well for some writers and not at all for others.

Today, I’m joined by Libby Waterford, a prolific romance author and self-publishing educator with more than twenty books published across pen names.

We break down what self-publishing actually involves: the costs writers don’t always anticipate, the level of control and responsibility it requires, and how marketing, timelines, and long-term goals factor into whether it’s a good fit for you.

This episode is about education and understanding your options, asking questions, and making intentional decisions about your writing career based on your long-term goals

Timestamps

01:43 Meet Libby Waterford

05:28 Why Libby chose self-publishing after being with a traditional publisher

08:47 Pros and cons of self-publishing

16:38 The advantages of being your own publisher

23:09 Budgeting and essential costs

27:09 Marketing, ROI, and sustainability

38:53 Advice for new authors

41:07 What Libby’s working on next and education resources

Guest Bio:

Libby Waterford is the author of Sawyer's Cove, the Reboot, and The Never A Bride Contemporary Romance Series, and under her other pen name, Elle Waters, writes steamy Small Town Gay Romance. A former president of the Connecticut Chapter of Romance Writers of America, Libby is also a self-publishing coach and instructor at the Westport Writers Workshop in Westport, Connecticut, where she teaches classes on genre fiction and self-publishing.

Links
https://libbywaterford.com/, 

https://www.instagram.com/libbywritesromance/, 

https://ellewatersbooks.substack.com/

https://westportwriters.org/

 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears