In this Office Hours session, Colin and Melissa dig into the real work behind building a sustainable writing and publishing career. Drawing from audience questions, they explore the foundations of self-publishing, the importance of setting realistic expectations around audience size and marketability, and why authors need to think about marketing and community-building earlier than they often expect.
The conversation covers when—and how—to start marketing a book, why newsletters remain one of the most valuable tools for authors, and how platforms like Substack fit into a long-term strategy despite growing saturation. Colin and Melissa also discuss balancing writing, marketing, and life obligations; avoiding burnout; and making intentional choices about what to share publicly as an author.
Throughout, the emphasis remains on honesty, experimentation, and patience—recognizing that no two publishing paths look the same, and that success is built over time through consistent, focused effort rather than quick wins.
