What is it really like owning an independent publishing company
In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with Susie Schaefer to explore what it is actually like running an independent publishing company. From helping authors publish their first book to guiding experienced writers through complex industry decisions, Susie shares what happens behind the scenes of indie publishing and why understanding how the industry works is critical for success.
Susie launched her publishing company in 2019 after decades of experience in human resources, media, and hospitality. What started as a career transition quickly became a thriving business, even during the COVID pandemic. In this conversation, she explains how transferable skills, strong systems, and relationship building play a major role in building a sustainable publishing business.
You will hear why publishing still matters in a digital world, how independent publishing gives more people the opportunity to share their stories, and why preserving personal and historical narratives is so important. Susie also breaks down common mistakes new authors make, including why simply uploading a manuscript to Amazon often leads to disappointment.
This episode is especially valuable for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about careers in publishing. Whether you want to publish your own book, start a publishing company, or understand how books really make it into bookstores and libraries, this conversation offers practical insight and real world experience.
In this episode, we discuss
- What an independent publishing company actually does
- How Susie transitioned into publishing later in her career
- Common pitfalls new authors face when publishing a book
- Why industry knowledge matters more than ever
- How networking and referrals drive long term success
- Who publishing is and is not a good career fit for
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:52 - Why create a publishing company?
2:11 - Creating a company during COVID
3:23 - Get noticed easily online
4:46 - Useful skills for starting an indie publishing company
6:05 - Revisiting, why publishing?
7:52 - Typical day in a publishing company
9:01 - Pitfalls to avoid for self published authors
10:28 - Time needed to publish
11:15 - On publishing other people's books
12:14 - Getting clients and authors
13:19 - Effective advertising
14:01 - Least favorite part of the day
15:24 - Importance of hiring a business coach
16:21 - This job isn't for you if
17:48 - Pain points for starting a publishing company
19:46 - Networking groups specifically in this industry
22:15 - Reacting to sudden changes in the industry
23:41 - Talent has the floor
24:27 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Susie Schaefer
Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
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