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