Navigating Self-Publishing with Confidence – Leanne Janzen of FriesenPress {ep. 147}
January 9, 2025
In this episode of Alexa’s Publishing Chat, host Alexa Bigwarfe interviews Leanne Janzen from FriesenPress, a leading self-publishing service provider. Leanne shares insights into the self-publishing process, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right publishing route based on an author’s goals, budget, and timeline. Leanne also explains how FriesenPress supports authors through every stage.
Be sure to grab your ticket to the Women in Publishing Summit to learn more from Leanne as she teaches the workshop Working with a Service Provider to Self-Publish Your Book
In this podcast episode, Alexa and Leanne discuss:
In this podcast episode, Alexa and Leanne discuss:
- Introduction to Leanne Janzen and FriesenPress:
- Leanne’s journey in publishing, starting as a publishing specialist and now leading the sales team at FriesenPress.
- FriesensPress, a 15-year-old self-publishing service provider, has celebrated publishing its 10,000th title.
- The range of services offered, including editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, and personalized support through a publishing specialist.
- FriesenPress and Women in Publishing Summit Partnership:
- FriesenPress is sponsoring the Women in Publishing Summit for the first time.
- Special offer: $150 off manuscript evaluations for summit attendees.
- Manuscript Evaluation Benefits:
- Detailed editorial feedback tailored to the manuscript.
- Metadata recommendations, including BO codes and search keywords.
- Examples of how the manuscript could look after editing.
- Editing recommendations from proofreads to developmental edits.
- Self-Publishing Considerations:
- The importance of budget and timeline when deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing.
- How self-publishing allows for greater control, especially for time-sensitive or niche projects.
- Budget planning: Evaluating money vs. time in the publishing process.
- Benefits of Working with a Service Provider:
- Simplifies project management by coordinating all publishing steps.
- Offers ongoing support, such as adapting to industry changes (e.g., returnable status for online retailers).
- Empowers authors through coaching on marketing tools, website management, and social media strategies.
- Debunking Misconceptions About Self-Publishing:
- High-quality self-published books can be indistinguishable from traditionally published ones.
- Many well-known books, like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, started as self-published works.
- Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing:
- Traditional publishing requires significant marketing efforts from the author, similar to self-publishing.
- Even if traditional publishing is the goal, self-publishing can be a valuable stepping stone or alternative.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Essential for both traditionally and self-published authors.
- FriesenPress educates authors on building their platforms and developing marketing strategies.
- Key Takeaways for Authors:
- Self-publishing is a viable and respected option in today’s industry.
- Authors should prioritize editing, professional design, and marketing efforts to create a polished product.
- The publishing journey is unique to each author, and understanding your goals will help determine the best path forward.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
- Women in Publishing Summit and FriesenPress collaboration: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/friesenpress
- Manuscript evaluation offer: $150 off for summit attendees.
- FriesenPress services and author support.
Important Links:
friesenpress.com/
instagram.com/friesenpress/
facebook.com/friesenpress/
About Leanne Janzen
Starting her journey in the publishing world, Leanne began working as a Publishing Specialist - guiding authors through the self publishing process with care and attention. Her ability to form relationships and desire to continually improve and learn led her to the University of Winnipeg.
There, Leanne completed Leadership training shortly before transitioning to her new role with FriesenPress and now leads the sales team.
Her passion for educating others on the current publishing landscape and the benefits of self publishing led her to launching a successful speaking program at FriesenPress, where she and her team present to organizations and groups around North America.
When she is not keeping busy with her children and dogs (there are three of both!), you can find her on the beach with a good book and a glass of wine in hand.