S5-EP16: Publishing Without Losing Your Soul — Michelle DeFilippo on Spirit Talk Show

In this episode, Doyle welcomes publishing veteran Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, for a candid conversation about how authors can publish like pros—without signing away their rights, royalties, or creative control. With over 50 years in the book world and more than 4,000 author projects under her belt, Michelle pulls back the curtain on the myths, scams, and marketing half-truths that plague new authors. She explains the three main publishing paths—traditional, hybrid, and true indie—revealing why owning your ISBN, understanding royalties, and keeping control of your files can make the difference between profit and heartbreak. We talk about the joy of great book design, the real cost of producing a professional-quality book, and how the most successful authors often use their books as powerful business tools rather than relying on retail sales alone. Michelle also shares the red flags to watch for, the genres to approach wisely, and why transparency and kindness are her company’s North Star. Whether you’re a first-time writer with a manuscript in hand, a coach looking to extend your reach, or just curious about how the industry really works, this episode is packed with clear-eyed advice and inspiration to help you tell your story—on your terms. Learn more about Michelle and 1106 Design: Website: https://1106design.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1106design/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/1106Design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1106design/1106-design-book-covers/ Listen now and discover how to protect your vision, your income, and your voice. Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups Hosted by Doyle Follow Spirit Talk Show on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spirittalkshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doylespirittalkshow/ X: https://x.com/doylespirittalk  Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/spirittalkshow  www.spirittalkshow.info  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who might need it. Sponsored by Incogni — they remove your personal data from broker sites automatically so strangers cannot buy your information. Get protected: https://deal.incogni.io/spirittalkshow