Karen Stanley - Overcoming Setbacks:The Journey to Success in Writing and the Publishing World

Описание: In this episode of Meet Your Inspiration, hosts Rich and Meri sit down with Karen Stanley, who transformed her journey from hairdresser to teacher to becoming a successful author and founder of Mabel Stanley Publishing. Karen shares her remarkable path through life's unexpected turns, including becoming a single mother at 23, retraining at university, and spending 20 years in education before discovering her passion for writing at age 40.

The conversation explores Karen's accidental entry into writing, sparked by a casual comment from her husband, and her challenging navigation through the murky waters of the publishing industry. From falling prey to vanity presses to experiencing the limitations of traditional publishing, Karen learned valuable lessons that ultimately led her to create her own hybrid publishing house. She candidly discusses the realities of the publishing world, debunking common myths about bookstore placement and overnight success while offering practical insights for aspiring authors.

Karen emphasises the importance of finding your tribe, whether in writing or business, and shares how mentorship transformed her entrepreneurial journey. The discussion delves into the creative process, the role of AI in modern writing, and the critical balance between maintaining authenticity while leveraging technology. With 14 published books across multiple genres and a thriving mentorship practice, Karen demonstrates how setbacks can become stepping stones to success.

• Writing can begin at any age - Karen started her first novel at 40 while teaching
• The publishing industry has three main paths: self-publishing, traditional, and hybrid models
• Vanity presses exploit new authors with high fees and poor quality services
• Marketing should begin while writing the book, not after publication
• Success in publishing requires patience, strategy, and continuous effort
• AI can assist with editing but cannot replace human creativity and voice
• Building a supportive community is essential for creative and business success
• Every setback provides valuable lessons for future growth
• Authenticity attracts the right readers and clients
• Financial freedom comes from doing work you genuinely love

00:33 - Karen's Journey: From Teacher to Publisher
03:56 - The Dangers of Vanity Press Publishing
05:14 - Navigating Different Publishing Models
12:45 - Self-Publishing vs. Hybrid Publishing Explained
15:41 - How a Hybrid Publisher Helps Authors
19:02 - The Importance of Storytelling and Structure
22:35 - The Role and Limitations of AI in Writing
26:16 - Why the Human Element in Writing is Irreplaceable
27:58 - The Inspiration Behind the First Book
29:35 - The Story of 'The One-Legged Lady'
30:28 - From Anecdotes to Published Novels
32:17 - The Writing and Editing Process
35:57 - Literary Influences and Favourite Authors
37:29 - Balancing Writing, Business, and Reading
38:43 - The Birth of a Publishing Company
39:46 - Learning from the 'School of Hard Knocks'
40:49 - Essential Habits for Aspiring Writers
43:14 - Overcoming Technical and Personal Setbacks
45:50 - The Importance of Mentorship and Support
47:34 - Building a Strong Support Network
51:31 - Handling Online Negativity
55:27 - Defining Personal Success
56:39 - Considering Writing a Book
56:58 - Advice for Aspiring Writers
58:09 - The Reality of Marketing a Bestseller
01:00:01 - Strategic Collaboration in Book Promotion
01:01:12 - Reflecting on Life and Career Choices
01:02:35 - The Evolution of a Business
01:03:58 - The Importance of Evolving
01:04:17 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Contact Karen:
https://www.mabelandstanleypublishing...
  / karenstanleywriter  

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