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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I’m joined by Michele DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design and a publishing industry veteran with more than 50 years of experience. We dive into the realities of book publishing—what most people get wrong, what actually matters, and how a well-done book can completely transform your business.

From traditional publishing to self-publishing and hybrid models, Michele breaks down the landscape with clarity and candor, helping authors avoid costly mistakes and disappointing outcomes

Why Most Self-Published Books Miss the Mark

• Why skipping market research is one of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes authors make
• How treating a book like a passion project instead of a business asset leads to poor results
• The danger of cutting corners on editing, design, and production quality 

Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing vs. Hybrid Models

• Why landing a traditional publishing deal is harder than ever (and what publishers really want now)
• How Amazon changed publishing forever—and where things went sideways
• The hidden downside of hybrid publishers that charge upfront and take royalties
• What “true” self-publishing was originally meant to be 

What It Actually Costs to Publish a Professional Book

• The difference between real editing and running a manuscript through Grammarly
• Why nonfiction books cost more to produce than fiction
• What goes into professional cover design (and why it’s never a “5-minute job”)
• Realistic investment ranges for publishing to traditional industry standards 

One-Stop Shop vs. Piecing It Together Yourself

• Why project management matters just as much as creative talent
• The risks of hiring freelancers without knowing what to look for
• Common problems authors face after using bargain services or template-based designs
• How working with an experienced team protects both your book and your sanity 

How a Small Book Can Create Big Business Results

• How Michele’s 88-page guide became a powerful lead generator—unexpectedly
• Why books make exceptional lead magnets in an overwhelmed digital world
• How publishing can lead to speaking opportunities, authority positioning, and new revenue streams
• Why a book doesn’t need to be long to be impactful 

A Marketing Lesson That Still Holds True

Michele closes the episode with a timeless reminder that applies to publishing, marketing, and business as a whole:

Listen to your customers.
Even when the feedback is uncomfortable—especially then.

It’s a lesson that has guided her work for decades and continues to pay dividends today 

If you’ve been sitting on a book idea, a half-finished manuscript, or the sense that a book could open doors for you—this episode will help you think about publishing strategically, not emotionally.

🎧 Tune in to learn how a well-crafted book can become one of the most powerful marketing assets in your business.

Connect with Michele Defilippo:
Website:

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