This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
Episode: How To Write & Publish A Book with Michelle Savage | 279
Release Date: February 10, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of "This Is Woman's Work", host Nicole Kalil engages in a profound conversation with Michelle Savage, an international bestselling author, keynote speaker, and founder of Sulit Press. Together, they delve into the intricate journey of writing and publishing a book, particularly focusing on empowering women to bring their unique stories to life.

Overcoming Procrastination

Nicole kickstarts the discussion by addressing a common hurdle many aspiring authors face: procrastination. She shares her personal struggle, mentioning the decade-long gap between conceiving the idea of writing a book and actually publishing one.

Nicole Kalil [01:12]: "Validation is for parking, and this is possibly the most obvious statement ever. But saying you want to write a book and actually writing one are two very different things."

Michelle Savage emphasizes the importance of accountability in overcoming procrastination. She introduces practical strategies to maintain consistency in writing:

Michelle Savage [04:35]: "Buns in seat, write, repeat. And it really is that commitment to opening up... you will get to the end."

She advocates for scheduling dedicated writing times, communicating boundaries to others, and finding community support through writing partners or groups.

Writing Process Tips

Transitioning to the mechanics of writing, Michelle shares actionable tips to streamline the writing process:

1. Start with an Outline or Record Ideas:

   • Michelle Savage [06:53]: "Start with an outline and/or recording the entire thing and using that transcript to then write the book."

2. Embrace Flexibility:

   • She encourages writers to "trust the process" and remain adaptable, allowing the story to evolve organically during writing.

3. Turn Off Self-Judgment:

   • Michelle Savage [06:53]: "Don't wait... it's not the time to judge whether or not it's good."

4. Utilize Tools and Resources:

   • Recording ideas and transcribing them can serve as a foundation for the manuscript.
   • Michelle Savage [10:29]: "Hiring a book coach can be extremely helpful so that you feel like you have that objective voice."

Publishing Options: Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-Publishing

Nicole raises a critical point about the challenges of traditional publishing, especially for first-time authors.

Nicole Kalil [20:32]: "Is it as hard as I think it is and does it really happen all that often? For first-time authors."

Michelle Savage provides a comprehensive overview of the publishing landscape:

1. Traditional Publishing:

   • Pros: Access to extensive distribution networks.
   • Cons: Competitive, often requiring authors to have a pre-established audience.
   • Michelle Savage [20:32]: "They want authors to show that they're going to be able to really pull their weight in terms of marketing the book."

2. Self-Publishing:

   • Pros: Full control over the publishing process and royalties.
   • Cons: Requires authors to manage all aspects, from editing to marketing.
   • Michelle Savage [26:40]: "You can absolutely self-publish your own high-quality book. But don't mistake that it is free."

3. Hybrid Publishing:

   • Pros: Combines the best of both worlds with professional support while maintaining authorial control.
   • Cons: Requires due diligence to avoid predatory practices.
   • Michelle Savage [27:03]: "Hybrid publishing is like the wild west. So do your due diligence."

Sulit Press's Unique Approach:

Michelle introduces Sulit Press's innovative multi-author publishing program, which fosters collaboration among women entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives. By co-authoring chapters in a collective work, participants benefit from shared networks and collective marketing efforts.

Michelle Savage [29:09]: "When authors take full ownership of the book, they are able to leverage a book that they've written a single chapter in at least as well, if not better than if they'd written the entire thing themselves."

Marketing Strategies

Nicole candidly shares her burnout experience from marketing her own book, highlighting the intensity of solo promotional efforts.

Nicole Kalil [34:18]: "For about the four months... I was a guest on 52 podcasts... I was as burnt out as I've ever been."

Michelle Savage offers insightful marketing strategies to alleviate such pressures:

1. Early Marketing:

   • Begin marketing efforts before the book is published to build anticipation.
   • Michelle Savage [31:40]: "You want to start marketing the book before it is published if at all possible."

2. Podcast Tours Over Traditional Book Tours:

   • Pros: Access to larger, more engaged audiences without the exhaustion of physical travel.
   • Michelle Savage [35:42]: "Podcast tours are the new book tours... it's a smarter way to be working smarter, not harder."

3. Leveraging Collective Networks:

   • Sulit Press's multi-author model ensures that each author benefits from the combined networks of all contributors, exponentially increasing visibility.

4. Long-Term Marketing:

   • Beyond the initial launch, continue marketing to sustain interest and leverage the book for broader business opportunities.
   • Michelle Savage [31:40]: "It's really about the individual's goals on what best, what the marketing is for that individual."

Common Mistakes and Redirections

Nicole inquires about frequent marketing pitfalls and effective redirections.

Michelle Savage [35:42]: "Spend too much FaceTime thinking that it all has to be energy expended in person and also don't wait for it to come to you."

She advises against over-reliance on in-person events and emphasizes proactive, strategic marketing efforts like podcast appearances to maximize reach without overwhelming burnout.

Encouragement for Aspiring Authors

Addressing a significant concern, Michelle passionately encourages women who doubt the worthiness of their stories:

Michelle Savage [37:18]: "No one has lived the experience exactly like you have... your story... absolutely worthy of sharing it."

She underscores the uniqueness of each individual's perspective, assuring that every story has the potential to resonate and impact others deeply.

Conclusion

Nicole wraps up the episode by reiterating the essence of communal support in the writing journey. She highlights the transformative power of collective effort, emphasizing that "writing in community with the support of other women" not only simplifies the process but also amplifies each author's voice and reach.

Nicole Kalil [40:00]: "When women come together, we amplify each other's voices and create something bigger than ourselves."

Michelle Savage leaves listeners with a call to action: "Don't wait and start writing." Whether it's a single word or a complete manuscript, every effort moves one closer to achieving the dream of becoming a published author.

Resources Mentioned

• Sulit Press Website: sulitpress.com
  • Free Workbook: Procrastination to Publication - A writing exercise available for aspiring authors.

For more insights and guidance on writing and publishing, visit nicolekalil.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole Kalil [01:12]: "Validation is for parking... you actually have to write the damn thing."
• Michelle Savage [04:35]: "Buns in seat, write, repeat."
• Michelle Savage [37:18]: "Your story... absolutely worthy of sharing it."

Embarking on the journey of writing and publishing a book is undeniably challenging, but with the right strategies, support, and mindset, it becomes a transformative and empowering endeavor. This episode serves as a beacon for women ready to elevate their stories from mere ideas to impactful publications.