You already know Wednesdays are for leveling up. Now here’s your backstage pass to what’s coming next in the Indie Author Training Speaker Series. Expert insights, live Q&As, and even a few perks—here’s what’s headed your way this coming Wednesday…

The Unspoken Rules of Publishing You Need to Know

In this down-to-earth and interactive session, publishing coach and editor Stacey Smekofske pulls back the curtain on the industry myths and marketing smoke screens that trip up even the most experienced authors. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be “in bookstores,” whether that publisher is legit, or how to protect your rights and royalties without a law degree, this session is your roadmap through the minefield.

Join us live to walk away with:

• A clear understanding of what rights you must retain—and how to avoid accidental losses and oversights

• The red flags of predatory contracts and misleading marketing lingo

• What it takes (and what it doesn’t) to get your book onto real shelves and into the Google-verse

• The risks of going “Amazon-only” and how to future-proof your publishing strategy

• Actionable questions you should ask before signing anything

Live Q&A will give you a chance to ask your burning questions and apply what you’ve learned to your publishing journey, because it is NOT cookie-cutter.

Indie Author Training Speaker Series
A Talk by Stacey Smekofske

11am CDT Wednesday 14 January 2026

Cover to Cover: Designing book covers that sell

Make a cover that stops the scroll, signals genre, and sells. Pro + DIY tips, trends, pitfalls, and a checklist to turn browsers into buyers.

Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 11am CDT

Register here:

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/cover-to-cover-designing-book-covers-that-sell/

Beyond the Hook

Go beyond flashy hooks: ground readers, build care for your hero, and learn three craft keys + a prompt and Q&A to keep readers turning pages.

Indie Author Training Speaker Series
A Talk by Alida Winternheimer

11am CDT Wednesday 28 January 2026

Memoir Magic: It's Your Life and You Deserve to Tell It Well

You don’t need a degree to write your life story—just the right tools. Learn how to find your theme and craft a memoir readers will love.

Indie Author Training Speaker Series
A Talk by Skip Press

11am CDT Wednesday 4 February

It’s Not the Price—It’s the Perception: Make Higher Prices a No‑Brainer

Why do readers balk at $5.99 books? It’s all about perception. Learn to build brand loyalty through omnichannel marketing and reader experience.

Indie Author Training Speaker Series
A Talk by Celeste Barclay

11am CDT Wednesday 11 February 2026

Edit smarter not harder:

Editing doesn’t have to mean guessing, second-guessing, or endless rewrites. In this session, learn about an intelligent and strategic way to approach your revisions—one that combines creative intuition with clear, actionable insights.

Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 11am CDT

Register here:

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/edit-smarter-not-harder-how-ai-can-reveal-what-your-story-is-really-doing/

Design a Writing Career That Fits

This webinar will help you to craft an author career that best fits you—science-backed moves to cut burnout, boost momentum, and energize your writing life.

Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 11am CDT

Register here:

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/design-a-writing-career-that-fits/

Are you blocking your success?

Mindset makeover for authors so you can ditch the guesswork. Aryn Van Dyke’s webinar will teach you shifts for realistic launches, doable marketing, and sales momentum.

Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 11am CDT

Register here:

https://webinars.indieauthortraining.com/talks/are-you-blocking-your-success/

Bring your questions, and I look forward to seeing you on the next call! 

Karen Guyler

Indie Author Training

 

 

 

 

 

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