The Path to Self-Publishing:
The Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Possibilities
A Two-Night Story Summit Conversation
Tuesdays, June 23 and 30, 2026
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)
Self-publishing has never been more accessible—or more confusing.
Writers today are surrounded by options. Traditional publishing. Hybrid publishing. Assisted publishing. Amazon KDP. IngramSpark. Audiobooks. Book coaches. Marketing services. Publishing packages. Some opportunities are excellent. Others are expensive mistakes waiting to happen.
How do you know what's right for you?
In this two-night Story Summit conversation, Debra Engle and David Kirkpatrick will help writers step back from the noise and take a thoughtful look at the self-publishing landscape.
Together, Debra and David will facilitate a practical, candid, writer-centered conversation about what self-publishing can offer, and what every author should understand before stepping onto that road.
Rather than teaching a step-by-step publishing process, we'll focus on the questions writers need to ask themselves before making decisions. What are your goals for your book? What kind of investment are you willing to make? How much control do you want? What should you look for if you're considering working with a publishing company or service provider? What are the opportunities, pitfalls, misconceptions, and realities of today's publishing world?
Whether you're actively considering self-publishing, weighing it against other publishing paths, or simply trying to understand your options, this class will help you approach the decision with greater clarity and confidence
Here's how the sessions will unfold.
Night One: Is Self-Publishing Right for You?
We'll explore the different publishing paths available today and discuss the advantages, challenges, costs, responsibilities, and expectations that come with each. We'll talk honestly about what self-publishing can—and cannot—do for a writer, and how to determine whether it aligns with your goals, personality, resources, and long-term vision.
Topics may include:
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Traditional, hybrid, assisted, and self-publishing models
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Ownership, control, rights, and royalties
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Costs and investment considerations
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Common misconceptions about publishing success
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Questions to ask before signing with any publishing company
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Warning signs and red flags
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The emotional side of publishing decisions
Night Two: What Should You Know Before Moving Forward?
Once you've decided self-publishing may be worth exploring, what comes next?
Rather than teaching the mechanics of publishing, we'll discuss the major decisions every self-published author encounters and the questions worth considering before moving ahead. We'll talk about editing, design, distribution, marketing, budgets, timelines, and the many ways authors choose to approach these challenges.
Topics may include:
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What professional help you may need—and what you may not
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Editing, design, formatting, and production considerations
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Distribution options and platform choices
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Budgeting realistically for your book
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Marketing expectations versus marketing myths
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Building readership and author platforms
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Questions to ask vendors, consultants, and publishing services
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Creating a publishing plan that fits your goals
Throughout both evenings, we'll make plenty of room for discussion, questions, and shared experiences.
Our goal isn't to convince you to self-publish. It's to help you understand the landscape, ask better questions, avoid common mistakes, and determine the next right step for your book.
Faculty
Today's Price Only $127 for 4 hours of instruction
Story Summit Membership subscribers receive this class at no additional cost. Just register and the discount will be applied automatically. Please make sure you're logged in to receive the discount. Not a subscriber yet? Join here.
Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important.
