Three Sessions. One Clear Path Forward.

These are the included workshops

The Path to Publication with Keri-Rae Barnum

Thursday, February 19 • 5pm-6:15pm PST

Before you can publish, you need to decide how. This foundational session explores the pros, cons, and realities of traditional, hybrid, and indie publishing paths. No hype, no agenda—just the clear, practical info you need to make the best choice for your book and your goals.
Path to Publication

Are You Actually Ready to Publish? A Tough Love Reality Check for Aspiring Authors with Amy Collins

Thursday, February 26 • 5pm-6:15pm PST

Choosing a publishing path is one thing—being truly ready to publish is another. Literary agent Amy Collins provides a brutally honest, clear-eyed evaluation of your manuscript's viability and your business readiness.
Amy Collins

Ask Us Anything — A Live Publishing Strategy Q&A Panel

Thursday, March 5 • 5pm-6:15pm PST

Join hosts Keri-Rae Barnum, Amy Collins, and special guest Vicki DeArmon. Bring your questions and get real-time answers from professionals who’ve worked across every corner of the publishing industry. Whether you’re still unsure which path is right, stuck on a pitch strategy, or trying to figure out how to market your book, this is your chance to get personal advice and insider insight. Key Takeaway: Clarity, confidence, and custom guidance to move forward.
Barnum Collins DeArmon

Clarity, Confidence, and a Smarter Path to Publication

The Tough Love Publishing Intensive is a three-part webinar bundle for writers who want honest, professional guidance on how to publish their book—without hype, shortcuts, or costly mistakes. Led by experienced publishing insiders, these sessions help you choose the right publishing path, assess whether your manuscript and author platform are truly ready, and get direct answers to your most pressing questions. It’s clear-eyed, practical, and designed to help you move forward with confidence and intention.

  • Choose the Right Publishing Path

    Understand the real pros, cons, and tradeoffs of traditional, hybrid, and indie publishing—so you can make an informed decision that fits your book and goals.

  • Get a Market-Readiness Reality Check

    Learn whether your manuscript, platform, and expectations are truly ready for publication—and what to address before you move forward.

  • Get Clear, Candid Expert Guidance

    Ask your toughest questions and receive honest, personalized advice from publishing professionals with real-world experience.

Meet Keri-Rae and Amy

Presented by a powerhouse duo, Keri-Rae Barnum and Amy Collins, who’ve worked in every corner of the industry—from self-publishing to marketing and sales to agenting New York Times bestselling authors—these sessions don't push one path over another. Instead, it arms you with the facts (and a plan) so you can make smart, strategic decisions that align with your goals.

Keri-Rae Barnum

Keri-Rae Barnum is the owner and CEO of New Shelves Books, a full-service publishing consulting and book marketing agency. A leading expert in self-publishing and book marketing, she has helped hundreds of authors turn their writing into successful careers through strategic platform building, dynamic book launches, and innovative marketing campaigns.

Amy Collins

With over 30 years in publishing, Amy Collins is an agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services, representing authors across the fantasy, romance, horror, thrillers, pop-culture, cookbooks and lifestyle genres. Formerly a book buyer, publisher, and sales director, Amy pairs deep market insights with dedication to her clients. A USA TODAY bestselling author herself, her works include It’s the Little Things (Simon & Schuster). She’s often featured in classes and articles by Writer’s Digest and speaks globally at conferences.  To give back to the writing community, Amy manages AgentsHelpingAuthors.com, supporting writers with scholarships and can be found at amysadvice.com and on social media @askamycollins

Ready to publish like a pro?

Take the first step toward a clear, confident publishing plan.