#203 Turning a Setback into Opportunity with Shelley Wilson

In this episode of Mic Drop Moments, Sandra Garlick MBE is joined by Shelley Wilson, multi-genre author and writing mentor, to talk about turning a major setback into a powerful reset. While on holiday in Boston, Shelley opened an email from her publisher with the subject line “We’re closing.” Within weeks, 13 of her books were set to disappear from Amazon, Waterstones, and everywhere else. After the initial spiral (and a much-needed reality check from her daughter), Shelley made a bold choice: reclaim control. She explains what happens when you publish traditionally, why authors don’t always own their rights, and how a reversion of rights letter gave her the chance to rebuild, starting from scratch with Word documents, new covers, formatting, and ISBNs. She also made the tough decision not to republish everything, instead focusing on the books that fit her now, especially romance and rom-com. The turning point? Shelley stepped into her “Taylor Swift era” and launched her own publishing imprint, learning the tech and creating long-term freedom. She’s now able to support writers from idea to published book, and she’s celebrating her next chapter with Book 22, a Yorkshire motorhome rom-com, plus her quirky short-form podcast 'The Campervan Writer Show' recorded from her campervan, Snoopy.  Mic Drop Moment Shelley leaves listeners with her go-to quote and the perfect message for anyone facing an unexpected setback: “Leap and grow your wings on the way down.” A reminder that sometimes you don’t wait until you feel ready… you jump, and you build the courage, skills, and next chapter as you go. Find out more about Shelley here: Website: https://shelleywilsonauthor.com/work-with-me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleywilsonwritingmentor  The Campervan Writer Show: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEoLAbzjHJhLWeJUwDxFkhkUc8Ukr5grQ&si=aAba6seiRhGl_qRT  Shelley Wilson on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00G5KPMJI/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=b4eec77b-5ca4-4af9-b73c-ae523bcdf488&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_aa   JOIN THE COMMUNITY   Join the Let’s Get Visible® Community on Facebook: JOIN HERE for inspiration, visibility tips, networking, and a community to lift you up and support you on your business journey.   ENTER THE WOMAN WHO ACHIEVES AWARDS 2026 ENTER HERE Deadline to enter and for Early Bird Tickets is Midnight on Sunday 15th February 2026   ATTEND A WOMAN WHO EVENT   Woman Who Inspires Network, Mic Drop Live, Awards and VIP Business Strategy Days.   Find out more here: https://womanwho.co.uk/events/   WORK WITH ME Group and 121 opportunities in 2026. Just get in touch: https://womanwho.co.uk/about/get-in-touch/      Ask me about my new Amplify Experience a 6-month experience to amplify you, your buisness and your voice : Book a Discovery Call   WHO AM I? I’m Sandra Garlick MBE a former solicitor, Speaker Mentor, founder of Woman Who, and I’m a Business Growth & Visibility Strategist. I also create opportunities to power up your personal brand and get visible through the Let’s Get Visible® ACCELERATE Academy, The Amplify Experience, Woman Who® Achieves & Solopreneur Awards, and VIP Business Strategy Days. I was awarded my MBE for my services to women in business in the New Year’s Honours list 2020. I live in the Midlands (UK) and love solo travel in Italy, shoes, and football.   LET’S CONNECT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandragarlick Website: https://www.womanwho.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandragarlickmbe   Mic Drop Moments is Sponsored by Grow Radio GROW Radio is an online radio station dedicated to bringing you a different podcast on the hour… every hour. I am proud that Mic Drop Moments is played on GROW Radio every Tuesday at 3pm and Friday at 8am and to be part of their podcasting community. If you want to listen to the station, explore their shows, get your podcast onto GROW Radio or check out many of the blogs to improve your podcasting skills… head over to https://www.growradio.uk today!