Publishing a book isn’t as glamorous or clear-cut as some would have you believe—and if you’ve ever left a writing conference more overwhelmed than inspired, you’re not alone. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert and I sit down for a post-conference debrief, complete with raw reflections, industry frustrations, and one important truth:
Nobody really knows what they’re doing. And that’s okay.
Behind the Booth: What Authors Really Talk About at Conferences
I had the chance to attend the Storymakers conference, and while there were plenty of takeaways, one thing was glaringly clear: most authors are deeply unsure about their next steps. From newly published writers to seasoned veterans, the common refrain at my booth was, “So… now what?”
Writers are swimming in craft-focused sessions—plotting, character arcs, world-building—but often leave without a clue how to run an author business or market their books.
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Good Advice, Bad Advice, and the Flat-Out Harmful
We heard some great quotes at Storymakers—like Terry Pratchett’s timeless advice:
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”
But there was also plenty of questionable guidance floating around:
- “Writers should build a tolerance to feeling stupid.”
- “You don’t need an editor before submitting to a publisher.”
- “Self-publishing is what you do if you can’t make it traditionally.”
Let’s be clear: every author deserves a professional process, no matter their path. Industry standards matter in all formats, and if you think traditional publishing doesn’t come with editing expectations, take a look at submission guidelines for top publishers like Penguin or HarperCollins.
And as for feeling stupid? You’re not. You’re learning. And learning takes time, repetition, and grace.
Marketing: The Overwhelming Elephant in the Room
Over 90% of the authors who approached me at Storymakers had the same concern: marketing.
Not just the “what do I post on Instagram?” kind of marketing, but the kind that asks:
- How do I find my audience?
- What’s my message?
- When do I take which steps?
That is a broad question. It’s like asking what you want to eat for dinner and getting the answer, “Food.” We talk about what I’m building now: a personalized marketing timeline that takes into account risk tolerance, personality, budget, and author goals. If you want to hear more about that as it develops, be sure to join my email list by emailing me at [email protected] and let me know you want to stay in the loop.
Final Takeaways: Author Events, Self-Publishing Stigma, and Owning Your Path
This episode of Pros Talking Prose also covers:
- The subtle (and not-so-subtle) self-publishing stigma still present at some events
- Why indie authors need to own their space—and their professionalism
- The danger of romanticizing publishing deals
- How to handle the pressure of “looking legitimate” in an industry that’s always shifting
We end the episode with some encouragement: don’t be afraid to take up space. Even if you’re figuring it out as you go. Especially if you are.
Listen to the Full Episode on Podcast Platforms Everywhere
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And if this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a fellow writer or dropping a comment below. We’d love to hear how you’re navigating the author journey—chapped lips, fears, quirks, and all.
