After 10 novels and building Serenade Publishing from the ground up, I'm getting honest about what actually shaped my author career -- the things I got right, the one thing I couldn't find, and why that gap is the reason the Author CEO Mentorship exists.

What we cover:

• Why writing for yourself isn't the same as knowing your reader -- and how to make the shift

• How to make publishing decisions deliberately instead of by default

• Why your newsletter is the most powerful thing you own as an author

• The real limit of learning from podcasts alone -- and what only a thinking partner can give you

• What I'd do exactly the same, and why belief in the work is what holds everything together

If something's been missing in how you're building your author career, this episode will help you name it.

Apply for the Author CEO Private Mentorship: serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

In 2017, I published my first novel with no traditional deal, no connections, and no backup plan—just a decision to stop waiting.

In this episode, I’m sharing how I went from writing during daycare hours as a mum of four to becoming a bestselling author and building my own publishing company from the ground up.

This is the real story—what it actually takes to create a sustainable author career, protect your work, and step into the role of Author CEO.

I also share a powerful moment from my recent Queenstown writing retreat that might just shift the way you see your own path forward.

In this episode, I cover:

⭐ Why I chose indie publishing—and what it gave me in terms of control, profit, and ownership

⭐ The mindset shift that changed everything in my career

⭐ Why your book not taking off isn’t about talent—it’s about strategy

⭐ How one book can become multiple income streams over time

If you’re a fiction writer who’s ready to stop waiting and start building something real, this episode is for you.

Nobody is coming to save you.

But you don’t need saving—you need a strategy.

🎓 Ready to build your author career with intention and support? Learn more about The Author CEO Private Mentorship at:

www.serenadepublishing.com/the-author-ceo

What if writing your story could help heal you?

In this inspiring conversation, romance author Lee Savino shares how creativity, courage, and community shape the writing journey. We talk about overcoming fear, claiming your identity as a writer, and why giving yourself permission to be wildly creative can change everything.

Lee also explores the powerful role romance plays in storytelling and emotional healing—for both writers and readers. As she says, “The romance is doing the work.” Through love, connection, and vulnerability, stories can become a space for transformation.

If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, creativity, or believing in your voice, this episode will remind you why your stories matter.

In this episode:

• Overcoming fear and embracing your creative voice

• The healing power of storytelling

• Claiming your identity as a writer

• Why community is essential for authors
  

“Choose love over fear every time.”

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✍️ Writers: Want help building a real writing career?Join my free weekly email for tips on writing, publishing, and growing your readership.→ https://www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —👋 About This ChannelHi, I’m Sarah Williams. I help writers turn their books into sustainable careers.Here we talk about:• writing and finishing books• publishing and the book industry• author marketing• building a long-term writing careerWhether you're writing your first book or already publishing, you're welcome here.— — — — — — — — — —🚀 Ready to go deeper?✦ The Author CEO – for writers ready to treat their books like a real business ✦ Author Retreats – immersive strategy and writing retreatsLearn more:https://www.serenadepublishing.com— — — — — — — — — —📌 Connect With MeInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/serenadepublishingTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@serenadepublishing