Publishing a book is no small feat—but choosing how to publish it? That might be the biggest plot twist of your career. In this no-fluff, myth-busting symposium, bestselling author and publishing strategist Rea Frey breaks down the fantasy, the fine print, and the facts behind both traditional and self-publishing—so you can stop spinning in indecision and start building your own path forward.

We’ll cover:

• What traditional publishing really looks like (beyond the fantasy of six-figure deals and NYT lists)
• The truth about self-publishing—and how indie authors are building six-figure empires
• Royalties, rights, and the realities of money
• The red flags of vanity presses and misleading hybrid models
• How to determine which path aligns with your goals, timeline, and creative vision

You’ll walk away with:

• A royalty breakdown (traditional vs. self-publishing)
• A "Which Path Is Right For You?" quiz
• A contract red flag checklist
• Real author confessions, timelines, and what no one else tells you about life after “The End”

Whether you're querying agents, formatting your ARC, or just trying to figure out what the heck BISAC codes are, this symposium will give you the clarity (and courage) to move forward—on your terms.

Perfect for:
Aspiring authors, writers ready to publish, and creatives weighing their options in a rapidly shifting industry.

What attendees have said ...

That seminar was among the best thirty-five bucks I've ever spent. Rea's presentation was filled with useful, practical, and actionable information. I'm just finishing my book and am starting to think about next steps—not really knowing much about publishing nor having any clear idea of what my options were. But Rea laid out the pros and cons of traditional and independent publishing so clearly, it made it easy for me to decide which was best for me. I feel I made days worth of progress in a couple of hours. Time and money well spent!

Another great presentation! Rea Frey was well organized, knowledgeable and very candid. She gave a balanced overview of these two alternative publishing strategies, and seems very clear-headed about the pros and cons of each. I especially appreciated her revelation about how much of her own money she had spent on promoting some of her books. When an expert is willing to discuss their mistakes as well as their successes, their esteem immediately rises—at least for me. This is where I feel that I'm learning from a seasoned pro. 

I received a lot of great information that I needed to help me decide how to publish my second novel. The class also stoked a fire under my butt. I know what I want to do next. Thanks.

After attending an in-person Writing Workshop in Chicago for over $300 and feeling frustrated,  I learned as much or more in attending your Zoom call. As a matter of fact, the speakers answered most of my  questions directly in the chat. I now feel liberated to focus 100 percent of my attention on getting my book out faster (self published) and with a clear direction for my marketing plan.