Access a curated library of planning guides, editorial calendars, AI tools, and publishing timelines—designed to help you make real, measurable progress.
ATTENTION AUTHORS!
MAKE 2026 YOUR YEAR TO BE SEEN. PUBLISHED. READ.
Your Publishing Compass
Imagine a completed manuscript, ready to publish, market, and promote to your readers.
Join our year-long integrated program to finish and publish your book in 2026, including expert support and a like-minded community that has your back.
ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT FINISHING
AND PUBLISHING YOUR BOOK?
How this Program is Different
Most organizations compartmentalize education into categories, but that's not how it works in the real world. Publishing, marketing, book launch, ads, promotion, websites, blogging... Add it up and you've spent thousands of dollars on class after class, but it doesn't work. Why? Because process, flow and connection is key.
Your path as an author isn’t a checklist of disconnected tasks. It’s a living, breathing, interconnected journey—where your writing, visibility, community, and publishing decisions all inform each other.
That’s why this program isn’t presented in rigid steps. It’s a flexible, coaching-driven ecosystem where you build your platform as you publish meaningful short-form work, grow your list, and make steady progress on your book—all with the support of an experienced coach and a committed author cohort.
I'm Carla King, and I'm so glad you found your way here!
Since my first Self-Publishing Boot Camps in the late 2000s, I've helped hundreds of authors how to get their books into the hands of readers. With my guides and workbooks, I've reached thousands more. Developing programs that help authors navigate the often confusing world of modern publishing is my passion.
I've been on both sides of the table—the author side and the industry side. I've sat on the advisory board of IngramSpark, penned a self-publishing technology column for PBS MediaShift, hosted two publishing podcasts, and partnered with organizations and conferences like the Nonfiction Authors Association, the National Association of Memoir Writers, the San Francisco Writers Conference, and the Nonfiction Writers Conference.
The world of publishing evolves constantly, and I'm eager to help you make your publishing dreams a reality in 2026!
I look forward to hearing your goals and introducing you to the community.
The knowledge, confidence, tools, and the guidance you need for success
What if you didn't have to do it alone? The Publishing Compass program offers a comprehensive, step-by-step framework to guide you through the entire publishing process whether you aim to find a publisher or to publish on your own. With expert guidance you are never alone. With yearlong coaching, and a supportive community, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge to successfully publish your book.
- Educational program (publishing, marketing, publicity, AI, business, etc.) live with replays, worksheets, and other resources.
- Twice-monthly group coaching calls so you get your most important questions answered and learn from other authors.
- A vibrant community and discussion group for connection, masterminding, and celebration.
- Guides, workbook, checklists, and cheatsheets.
- A publishing pro track for author assistants and other publishing professionals.
Constant Connection with Your Coach & Your Cohort
We meet live twice monthly for group coaching sessions to get your questions answered, trade ideas, and connect with other authors. Our discussion group also offers open virtual conference rooms so you can meet with others in the program at any time.
Education, community, and connection for authors around the world.
Hands on Craft & Business Workshops
Focused workshops help you refine your writing, develop short-form content, improve your author platform, and prepare your work for publication—whether you’re blogging, pitching, or building toward a book.
Yearlong Live Coaching
Join twice-monthly video sessions designed to keep you moving forward. These interactive sessions are grounded in real-time questions, strategic feedback, and clear next steps—no fluff, no passive listening.
Supportive Peer Network
Your publishing cohort will keep you accountable, energized, and connected. Share goals, celebrate wins, and exchange feedback with others who understand the creative and publishing process.
AI Education
Regular updates and workshops on using AI for writing feedback and for tasks like creating a blog, book proposals, outlines, marketing tasks, social media assets, and more.
Mastermind Groups
We encourage small group masterminds so you can trade ideas, get unstuck, discuss tools and techniques, test your web pages and social media and stay motivated and connected
Tools, Templates, and Publishing Resources
FICTION | NONFICTION | THOUGHT LEADER | MEMOIR | GENRE FICTION | LITERATURE | HISTORICAL | WELLNESS | BUSINESS | ACTION & ADVENTURE | SOCIAL JUSTICE | EDUCATION... WHAT KIND OF BOOK DO YOU AIM TO PUBLISH?
MAKE YOUR BOOK
STAND OUT
TO READERS
In this program, you'll learn everything you need to capture readers and make your book stand side-by-side with quality books sold in stores.
Whether you aim to publish your book independently, reach out to a hybrid press, or get an agent and a Big 5 publisher, you'll have an edge on authors who are less informed. You have a professional book proposal, outline, and comparable titles. You have published short-form work in journals or your blog or Substack. You've tested your manuscript with beta readers, had it edited, and launched with an audience.
This curriculum is not static. It evolves with new publishing methods and technologies and with your needs, including the new tools that crop up constantly now. Participate in the group coaching sessions and discussion group to maximize your learning, your networking, and your potential!
Live Classes & Workshops
Recorded for On-Demand Learning
TOPICS
Position Your Book for Success
Choosing Your Publisher
- Aiming for a Big 5 publishing deal? Here's what to do.
- Your book proposal, demystified
- Great hybrid and custom publishing options
- Indie-publishing (POD) with Amazon, IngramSpark and others
- Audiobook production and distribution
Your Book Business
- Create your publisher/ imprint name
- Set up business with an LLC or other legal entity
- Your book identifiers (ISBNs, LCCN, PCIP Block, MARC record)
- Taxes and legal matters
- Copyrights and trademarks
- Your book publishing budget
- Using AI for business tasks
AI for Authors
- How to use AI ethically to help you hone your craft
- Which AI tools to use
- Creating projects and custom GPTs to streamline your work
- Using AI tools to help you with marketing
- Creating AI images
Book Design and Production
- Understanding book formats (digital, print, and audio)
- Timeline for editing, design, and producing ARCs: Simplified!
- Book trim sizes, color options, and other design specifications
- Easy to use DIY interior formatting tools vs pro design
- Getting a great cover
- Using AI for editing, before your editor uses AI for editing!
All About Printing
- Ordering author copies (Amazon KDP or IngramSpark)
- Digital POD in quantity with a printing company
- Offset printing locally and overseas
- Paper weights, embossed covers, and other special printing
Creating Your Audiobook
- How to sell and distribute your audiobook (ACX, INaudio, Author Republic)
- How to set up a sound studio to narrate your own audiobook
- Hiring a narrator or using AI voices
- Increasing your income with audiobooks
Author Branding
- Choosing an appropriate brand
- Your author photo
- Color choices
- Website and social media banners
- Photography, infographics, covers, ads, and more
Your Website and Blog
- Choosing between WordPress, Wix, SquareSpace, and others
- Creating your home, about, books, media page and more
- Blogging on your own website, Substack, or Medium
- Selling direct from your site with e-commerce systems
- How to hire a quick, competent, and affordable website pros
Your Book Launch
- Publishing short works on blogs, journals, anthologies
- Getting ARCs to beta readers, reviewers, influencers, and the media
- Rewarding early reader relationships with freebies
- Wooing the media that wants to cover your topic
- Using BookFunnel to deliver digital review copies
- Setting up preorders to increase chances of bestseller status
- Managing your Amazon Author Central page
- Employing Amazon ads to get your book in front of the right readers
Keeping Your Book in the Spotlight
- Contests and book awards
- Amazon and social media advertising
- Reaching out to the media
- Short-form storytelling for your blog or publication in magazines and journals
Choosing Your Tools and Your Team
- The range of options for your budget: DIY vs fully supported
- Interior design tools
- Cover design tools and services
- AI tools for everything
- Editors and proofreaders
- ARC and document delivery options
- Mailing list, website, landing page, and blogging tools
SOUND DAUNTING? IT'S DOABLE!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEARN THIS ALL AT ONCE
Learn and implement... all through the year
With twice-monthly coaching throughout 2026 and the ongoing discussion group, masterminds, accountability, and education, you'll have the time and energy to keep writing as you familiarize yourself with the publishing industry and stay motivated, energized, and on track as you implement what you've learned.
Everything You Need In One Place
This program is hosted on the Writing & Publishing Circle, where you'll find everything in one place: Your courses and replays, slides, worksheets, community, discussion group, and all your workbooks, guides, checklists, and other resources.
One login for everything
No more digging for emails to find links to replays and documents. You won't have to search for files you downloaded on your hard drive. And you'll avoid the distraction of having to get on Facebook to connect with the group. The slides, the replays, the links, the discussions, and the documents... they all live in our private Publishing Compass area. One login for all the things. Whew!
Other things you can do in the Writing & Publishing Circle:
- Introduce yourself to others in the program.
- Promote your stories and books as you publish.
- Find editors, designers, and other publishing professionals.
- Ask and answer questions in our private discussion group.
- Find an accountability partner.
- Help each other by liking content on our social media platforms.
- Seek opinions on things like your cover design and your book descriptions.
- Attend a group quiet-writing session.
- Find out about the latest tech tools in our Writer's Tech Hub.
I've been using the Writing & Publishing Circle for over a year now for my writing group, for my students, courses and workshops. It's an easy-to-use and distraction-free hub in this modern, distractible world.
Included: The Guides and Workbook
You'll get my publishing guides and workbook in digital format with the program. The Publishing Workbook is a step-by-step guide and activity tracker. You'll probably might want to make notes in it, so consider ordering it in print. Get it here.
Avoid common mistakes most authors make
The biggest takeaway from authors in my program? You don't know how much you don't know!
The first mistake I see authors make is using the free ISBNs that Amazon and other stores provide. This is only one of the pitfalls authors make when they're eager to get their books up for sale fast. Slow down and learn how to publish professionally before you upload your book for sale.
I'm proud that my courses and coaching have set many authors the right path to publishing independently and successfully. Join us!
What authors are saying
It would have taken me years of trial and error to get as far as I did in Carla's publishing program.
Rosamond Banks ● Author, Common Knowledge, a Novel
I brought my book confidently to the market, with reviews ready to publish on launch date.
Lynn Fraley ● Author, Cherish the Girls: A Well-Rounded Approach to Breast Health and Wellness
Carla is tuned into today’s publishing industry and helps you focus on your author brand and reader relationships.
Colleen Snyder ● Author, In Search of Giants: The Quest to Find the Genetic Giants of Northern Ireland
Carla’s program is a must for the novice and seasoned self-publisher alike. She lays out the essential steps in a logical and understandable way. She’ll answer questions you didn’t know you had!
Author-Publisher ● Fireweed Glow and other books, Mad Goat Press
Too often people rush to self-publishing only to find out they have made costly blunders. Carla show you how to avoid these mistakes, publish a better manuscript, and position yourself toward larger profits.
Stephen T. Holland ● English & Education Professor, Author and Publisher
Carla’s courses are easy enough for newbies and enlightening for those like myself with certain publishing experience. If you are interested in going the indie publishing route, I suggest you travel with Carla!
Karen Kappe ● Designer and Publisher, Tragus Media Project
Have you made friends with AI yet?
Writing, publishing, marketing, and promotion: Learn to make AI your friend!
There's no doubt AI will continue to impact our lives in this next decade. Many writers still resist using it. You'll learn why you need to embrace it, and how to implement it in your writing, publishing, marketing, and promotion process.
Your editor is using it. Your designer is using it. Agents and publishers are using it! AI does not replace your voice, it supports your voice and vision. Throughout the year, you'll learn how to work with AI to transform your writing, editing, marketing, publishing, and promotion processes:
- Draft faster: Generate outlines and usable text.
- Enhance craft: Improve scenes, dialogue, and sensory details.
- Structure Your Manuscript: Organize, reorganize, and identify gaps in your story.
- Save time: Simplify research, brainstorming, and edits.
Free Access to Books Go Social Book Marketing & Writing Craft Training
Our friends at Books Go Social have offered our members free access to social media marketing trainings and writing craft sessions.
This includes inspiration and practical advice from and a huge range of writers and publishing industry experts including Pulitzer Prize winners!
- Fast Track Masterclass in Viral Marketing for Authors
- Fast Track Basics of Digital Marketing for Authors
- Master Class in Blogging for Authors
- Fast Track Masterclass in Twitter/X for Authors
- Fast Track Master Class in Facebook for Authors
- The Amazon Ads Turbocharge Course
- Marketing Tactics to Help You Find Readers
- Adapting Your Work for the Screen
BONUS:
Book Marketing Training with Books Go Social
Writing and book marketing training valued at over $1000 plus Dublin Book Festival video sessions.
Choose Your Path
Full, quarterly, and monthly payment options are available for all programs. Click on the checkout button to choose. Prices in USD. Scroll down for a note about pricing in other currencies.
Most serious writers spend thousands each year on fragmented courses, tools, and publicity—without ever finishing or building sustained momentum. Our program bundles lifetime access to resources, 12 months of coaching, a supportive cohort, and a proven path—getting you actual results, not just more courses.
Early Enrollment Pricing - Save $500
Join before December 1, 2025
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You missed out!
quarterly plan
$800 USD down + 3 payments of $800 USD
(total $3,200)
- Five or more masterclasses (value $497 ea): publishing, marketing, promotion, AI, website and blog, etc.)
- Access to all previous courses (over $1000 value)
- Writing Group Access ($240 value)
- 24 Group Coaching Sessions ($600 value)
- Accountability Groups ($400 value)
- Comprehensive Workbooks, Worksheets, & Templates ($300 value)
- Private Community Access ($250 value)
- Personal 30-Minute Consultation with Carla ($250 value)
$4,875 value
$800 USD down + 3 payments of $800 USD
Total Payment $3,200)
$500 COUPON APPLIED IN CART
YOU PAY $2700
one-time payment
$2,997 USD (best value)
- Five or more masterclasses (value $497 ea): publishing, marketing, promotion, AI, website and blog, etc.)
- Access to all previous courses (over $1000 value)
- Writing Group Access ($240 value)
- 24 Group Coaching Sessions ($600 value)
- Accountability Groups ($400 value)
- Comprehensive Workbooks, Worksheets, & Templates ($300 value)
- Private Community Access ($250 value)
- Personal 30-Minute Consultation with Carla ($250 value)
$4,875 value
$2,997 USD (best value)
$500 COUPON APPLIED IN CART
YOU PAY $2497
monthly plan
$450 USD down + 11 payments of $265.91 USD (total $3,365)
- Everything in the author track plus our exclusive publishing service:
- Book cover design
- Book interior design
- Paperback and ebook
- Upload to distribution
- Exclusive only to Publishing Compass members
$4,875 value
$450 USD down + 11 payments of $265.91 USD
Total Payment $3,365
$500 COUPON APPLIED IN CART
YOU PAY $2865
Build a Career Helping Authors Succeed
Join the Publishing Pro Track and get certified as a publishing services professional. You decide what services you want to offer: Help authors with websites and email lists, upload books to Amazon and IngramSpark, submit to book awards, organize promotional activities, set up and maintain social media accounts, and so much more. You choose what you want to offer, grow your business, and work with interesting people who need your help!
On your credit card statement, look for payment to: Misadventures Media, LLC.
I've lived and worked outside the United States and realize that the USD can be very expensive for residents of other countries. Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders. Please let me know if the USD pricing is too dear for your budge, and I'll try my best to work with you.
MORE ABOUT THE PUBLISHING PRO TRACK
Looking for a side-hustle or a full-time career helping authors?
- Author assistants and publishing services pros
- VAs who want expand their services
- Editors, designers, and website and email list building pros
- Social media pros, marketing and publicity consultants
- Digital nomads looking for a flexible work environment
- Students who aim to work in the publishing industry
- Academics who want to add a publishing track to the curriculum
- Anyone who wants to learn the geeky details of self-publishing
Authors are eager to hire skilled assistants to help with essential tasks like uploading books to platforms like IngramSpark and Draft2Digital, managing websites, blogs, and email lists, creating eye-catching social media graphics with Canva, and researching book awards, podcasts, and promotional opportunities. Whether you want a flexible side hustle or a full-time career, this course will teach you everything you need to become an in-demand author assistant and start earning while helping authors succeed. Join the Publishing Pro track and get started today!
Winnie Gutierrez, Publishing Pro
I was tasked to establish a publishing arm for our university’s business and entrepreneurship programs. Carla provided me with actionable steps and a detailed roadmap through each step of the journey, opening my eyes to a new world of possibilities. Now I’m clear on the steps to creating the program and confident about this next staged of my career.
Project Manager of Operations, Graduate Assistant, Alvernia University MBA Program
More About Your Guide
Your Publishing Compass instructor, coach, and community leader.
Here to help manifest your publishing goals!
Carla King: Empowering Authors to Achieve Their Publishing Goals
Carla King is a trailblazing travel writer, memoirist, and publishing coach celebrated for her solo motorcycle adventures around the globe and as a pioneer in online travel blogging. The author of five books on publishing and three memoirs, Carla blends creativity with practicality to help authors craft polished, professional books that stand out in today’s competitive market.
With over two decades of experience, Carla has become a trusted resource for both fiction and nonfiction authors, offering clear, actionable guidance through her books, courses, and consulting services. Carla’s partnerships with professional organizations and her knack for demystifying the publishing process have empowered countless writers to achieve their goals with confidence and ease.
Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned storyteller, Carla’s approachable and results-oriented teaching and coaching will help you bring your book to life—and into the hands of readers around the world.
Proud member of leading professional organizations
"Found everything I needed, including sound best practice advice."
"Carla King's Self Publishing Boot Camp Guide for Independent Authors was the blueprint for the indie chapter of my career as a professional writer. In a blizzard of advice and innumerable websites, courses, newsletters and podcasts, that all combined to hit my "overwhelm kill-switch." I pretty much found everything that I needed, including sound best practice advice... An indispensable compendium for those serious about going it alone. Before you commit, read the King."
Adam Nevill
Award-winning author of horror fiction and Netflix films
Filmmaker: No One Gets Out Alive and The Ritual (Netflix)
❝