In this episode, Jodi chats with self-publishing expert Monique Mensah about how business owners writing books and other self-publishing authors can achieve traditional publishing quality. They discuss essential steps like hiring genre-specific professional cover designers, understanding the various editing types available in the marketplace, and leveraging platforms beyond Amazon to maximize control and profit. Monique also shares practical tips on building an author's brand, maintaining design consistency, and the significance of owning your ISBN for true publishing independence.

 

Time Stamps: 00:00 Self-publishing doesn't mean doing everything yourself.

05:39 ISBN gives authors publishing rights and control.

08:41 Professional editing is essential for quality books.

10:03 Professional editor essential for high-quality manuscript.

15:10 Lack of developmental editing undermines memoir structure.

17:40 Subscribe to Coffee and Commas newsletter.

20:25 Use published books as benchmark for quality.

24:01 Book cover duplicated; not a custom design.

25:58 Interior design requires expertise and understanding.

30:16 Sell books via platform with profit-sharing costs.

35:32 Drive traffic to your site, not Amazon.

37:41 Define goals for writing or marketing books.

39:36 Sign up for Monique's list for insights.

42:38 Connect via my website for self-publishing insights.

Keywords: self-publishing, traditional publishing, book quality, book benchmarks, genre alignment, DIY design platforms, professional cover designers, template covers, unique book design, professional typesetting, book interiors, developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, editing misconceptions, book cover design, professional editing, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, ISBN ownership, print-on-demand distribution, direct book sales, strategic marketing, building author brand, self-publishing pitfalls, customer data control, professional publishing assistance, high-quality self-publishing, authorpreneurs, Monique Mensah

Resources Mentioned:

Ready Set Write Challenge: www.jodibrandoneditorial.com/readysetwrite

Mastery of Self by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.

The Last Party by A.R. Torre

About Our Guest:

Monique Mensah is a Personal Self-Publishing Assistant, who helps authors in all genres--fiction to nonfiction--take their books from Manuscript to Masterpiece. Through her signature done-for-you self-publishing service, Monique guides independent authors in producing professional, premium-quality books that don't look self-published and can stand out in a crowded market. Known for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach and deep understanding of the publishing process, Monique ensures authors maintain full ownership and control of their work so they can transform into Savvy Saelf-Publishers. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, and now living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, she brings passion and strategic insight to every project, making self-publishing both achievable and rewarding for authors who are serious about success.

Website: www.moniquemensah.com

Free Self-Publishing Guide: www.moniquemensah.com/free-guide

Book a Free Strategy Call: www.moniquemensah.com/book-a-call

Instagram: instagram.com/theminiquemensah

TikTok: tiktok.com/themoniquemensah

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qG4utCiUNSY98O12Pc051ZeSKhBS8Ja_2DcHWSy-4cQ/edit?usp=sharing