Embrace the Hustle: Self-publishing, Mental Wellness and Community

In this episode, Erica interviews Jennae Cecelia, a self-published poet and author, about her journey and experiences in self-publishing. Jennae shares her journey as a self-published author and provides advice on managing mental health as an author, building a community of readers, and dealing with negativity and reviews. 

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Say hello to Jennae! 

Jennae began her career as an author and poet in 2016 by self-publishing. Since then she has gone on to write thirteen Amazon Best-Selling poetry books. She now helps other authors and writers learn how to navigate the process of putting their book out into the world. 

 

If you’d like to find out more about Jennae or to download her guide for self-published authors, visit her website. 

For her latest book ‘Come Be Cozy’ follow this link. 

 

Takeaways

• Self-publishing allows authors to have more control over their work and potentially make more money per book sale.
• Building a community of loyal readers is more important than having a large number of followers.
• Managing mental health as an author is crucial, and authors should prioritise self-care and establish healthy routines.
• Comparing oneself to other authors can be detrimental, and authors should focus on their own journey and progress.
• Having grace and patience with oneself is essential throughout the self-publishing journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quickfire Questions

01:22 Writing Preferences and Favourite Protagonists

04:16 Jennae's Journey and Overcoming Trials

06:48 Timeline of Janaye's Journey

08:09 Misconceptions about Self-Publishing

10:14 Mechanics of Self-Publishing

11:59 Pre-Ordering and Benefits of Self-Publishing

14:43 Managing Mental Health as an Author

21:22 Dealing with Negativity and Reviews

23:13 Resources and Communities for Self-Published Authors

25:04 Importance of Book Covers

26:34 Managing Mental Health during Book Releases

29:19 Balancing Responsibilities and Writing

31:04 Building a Community of Loyal Readers

34:01 Managing Mental Health and Finding Balance

37:15 Advice for Authors