A-B-C... 1-2-3... Is it You and Me... OR?
Which Publishing Path Is Right for You?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the publishing industry is that there are only two choices:
Traditional publishing (with an agent) or self-publishing (figure it out yourself).
In reality, there is a third option—one that gives authors greater ownership, higher royalties, more control, and the ability to build a long-term publishing asset.
That’s why, for more than 20 years, we’ve been using and teaching our Author-As-Publisher model.
As an Author-As-Publisher, you aren’t simply an author hoping someone else will approve your work. You become the publisher of your own intellectual property, while maintaining ownership and control over your book and brand.
The challenge?
Many aspiring authors don’t know where to begin, let alone who they can trust.
Some want to learn every aspect of publishing themselves.
Others want guidance and support along the way.
And some simply want an experienced team to handle the details so they can focus on what they do best.
The good news is there is no “right” way.
There is only the path that is right for YOU.
That’s why we’ve developed three ways to work with us: DIY, DIWY, and DIFY.
DIY: Do It Yourself
Some authors love learning.
They enjoy understanding the process, researching options, setting up accounts, and managing the moving parts involved in publishing.
If that sounds like you, our DIY pathway may be the perfect fit.
Think of it as having a roadmap, rather than wandering through unfamiliar territory without directions.
We’ve spent decades navigating the publishing industry, learning what works, what doesn’t, and where authors most commonly make costly mistakes. Through our Author-As-Publisher Roadmap, we share those proven processes so you can confidently establish yourself as a professional independent publisher.
DIY is ideal for authors who:
- Enjoy learning new systems
- Want maximum hands-on involvement
- Have time to coordinate their own project
- Prefer to hire and manage their own freelancers
- Want to understand the publishing process from the inside out
Many authors find this approach empowering because it allows them to build publishing knowledge and skills that can serve them for years to come.
DIWY: We Do It With You
Some authors want guidance, accountability, and expert support without fully handing over the reins.
That’s where our DIWY option comes in.
Think of it as having an experienced publishing mentor walking alongside you.
You remain actively involved in the process, but you don’t have to figure everything out alone.
You gain access to our resources, our expertise, our monthly Publishing Success Lab mastermind, and our proven systems while still maintaining ownership of your project and learning the process as you go.
For many authors, this becomes the “sweet spot.”
You get support when questions arise.
You receive guidance when decisions need to be made.
And you benefit from the collective wisdom of others who are navigating similar publishing journeys.
DIWY is ideal for authors who:
- Want support and accountability
- Appreciate expert guidance
- Prefer not to reinvent the wheel
- Value community and collaboration
- Want to learn while still moving forward efficiently
Sometimes the fastest path isn’t doing everything yourself. It’s having someone help you avoid the detours.
DIFY: We Do It For You
Then there are authors who have one goal:
Focus on their message.
These individuals are often busy entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, speakers, executives, and thought leaders who recognize that their time is best spent serving clients, building businesses, and sharing their expertise.
They don’t necessarily want to become publishing experts.
They want their book published professionally.
That’s where our DIFY pathway comes in.
Our Ghost-Publisher Concierge Services allow you to leverage the experience of a team that understands the countless moving pieces involved in bringing a book to life.
From editing and proofreading to design, layout, account setup, and publishing coordination, we help manage the details so you can focus on the message.
One thing we’ve learned after helping nearly 1,000 authors publish is that no two books are ever alike.
Every manuscript has its own personality.
Every author has different goals.
Every publishing project requires a slightly different roadmap.
Our role is to help guide that journey while ensuring the final book reflects your voice, your vision, and your objectives.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Here’s the question I often ask prospective authors:
Do you want to learn it,
do some of it yourself with support,
or delegate it?
There is no wrong answer.
Some authors thrive in a DIY environment.
Others appreciate the balance of DIWY.
And many discover that DIFY allows them to stay focused on their zone of genius.
The important thing isn’t which path you choose.
The important thing is choosing a path that moves you forward.
Too many aspiring authors spend years sitting on a book idea because they believe the publishing process is confusing, overwhelming, or inaccessible.
It doesn’t have to be.
Whether you want complete instructions, collaborative guidance, or full-service support, there is a path designed to meet you where you are.
Bring Out Your BRAVE
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to write or publish your book, consider this your invitation.
Your story matters.
Your expertise matters.
Your voice matters.
And there has never been a better time to take ownership of your message.
Whether you choose DIY, DIWY, or DIFY, the goal remains the same:
We’re here to help you publish your book YOUR way.
Bring out your BRAVE.
Then take the next step on your publishing journey.
