The Unspoken Rules of Publishing (That Every Author Needs to Know)Publishing myths, rights, and red flags—get real-world tips to protect your books, your royalties, and your sanity in this no-fluff se

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.

Stacey doesn’t sugarcoat the truth, but she will empower you with it.

Through real-world examples, insider insights, and a healthy dose of “things no one tells you,” you’ll 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.

Whether you’re self-publishing, considering a hybrid path, or exploring traditional options, this session delivers practical clarity that could save you thousands—and years of regret.

Because in publishing, what you don’t know really can hurt you. Let’s change that.