Best of Barracks Media Network

How Does Self-Publishing Really Work? The Truth About Hybrid Publishers, Royalties, and Book Marketing

THINKING ABOUT SELF-PUBLISHING A BOOK BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO START? In this episode, Donald Dunn speaks with Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about what self-publishing really means today — and how authors can avoid expensive publishing traps. They break down: 1. The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishers 2. How some publishing companies charge authors thousands while still taking royalties 3. What professional book editing and cover design actually cost 4. Why authors must hire experts instead of doing everything themselves 5. How Amazon royalties really work (and what percentage you actually keep) 6. Why most authors never recoup their investment 7. How speakers and consultants can use books to build authority and generate income 8. The truth about becoming an Amazon bestseller 9. Common mistakes new authors make If you are a veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, or aspiring author, this episode will help you understand the real costs, risks, and opportunities in modern publishing. Before you invest thousands into editing, design, or a hybrid publishing package, listen to this conversation. LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: 1. 1106design.com [https://1106design.com] 2. barracksmedia.com [https://barracksmedia.com] COMPANIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 1. 1106 Design 2. Amazon 3. IngramSpark

How Do Paranormal Authors Turn Real Supernatural Experiences Into Award-Winning Young Adult Fiction? | Vicki-Ann Bush Interview

How does a lifelong sensitivity to the supernatural become an award-winning young adult paranormal series? In this episode of Best of the Barracks Media Network, we feature an inspiring conversation from Authors After Action with award-winning author Vicki-Ann Bush, creator of the acclaimed Alex McKenna series. Vicki-Ann shares how her personal experiences with the unexplained shaped her writing, how she navigated traditional publishing, and what it takes to adapt a novel into a screenplay. From dealing with rejection letters to winning awards and seeing her work adapted for film, this episode dives deep into: 1. Writing paranormal and supernatural fiction rooted in real experiences 2. Crafting authentic LGBTQ+ young adult characters 3. Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing 4. Turning a novel into a short film and screenplay 5. Staying resilient in the face of rejection As discussed in the episode transcript-1771904911339 , Vicki-Ann’s journey from children’s books to award-winning YA paranormal fiction is a masterclass in persistence, passion, and creative evolution. If you enjoy this episode, you can hear more powerful author interviews on Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-after-action-real-life-stories-behind-the-books/id1866430853 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-after-action-real-life-stories-behind-the-books/id1866430853] 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d96gGIdM02sw3fxOdBGMR?si=4563e6ca92ca4dfd [https://open.spotify.com/show/0d96gGIdM02sw3fxOdBGMR?si=4563e6ca92ca4dfd] Explore more shows from the Barracks Media Network here: 🌐 https://barracksmedia.com [https://barracksmedia.com] The Barracks Media Network brings together podcasts that explore authorship, leadership, spirituality, veteran stories, creativity, and personal transformation. Subscribe, leave a review, and discover your next meaningful listen. Links referenced in this episode: 1. vickiannebush.com [https://vickiannebush.com] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Barnes and Noble 2. Amazon 3. Reader's Favorite Book Awards 4. James Media