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

Ideal for writers with a finished (or almost finished) manuscript wondering if their book and business are truly market-ready.

CONFAB • Thursday, February 26, 2026 • 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.


In this Confab, we will:

  • How to evaluate if your manuscript is polished enough for the market.

  • The professional standards publishers, agents, and readers expect.

  • Business and marketing readiness: what authors must prepare before launch.

  • The most common mistakes new authors make—and how to avoid them.

  • How to build a strong foundation for long-term author success.

The Tough Love Publishing Intensive: Get Real. Get Ready. Get Published Confabs

This no-fluff, high-impact set of Confabs brings the core principles of Tough Love for Indie Authors off the page and into your publishing plan—no matter which path you choose. Whether you're still weighing your publishing options, questioning if your book is truly ready, or searching for honest answers to the tough stuff, this group of Confabs gives you the clarity, confidence, and roadmap to move forward like a pro.


Ready to publish like a pro?

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

Enroll today

Confab Schedule

    1. Thursday, February 26, 5pm-6:15pm

About this course

  • $55.00
  • 1 lesson
  • 0 hours of video content

Meet Your Instructor

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

Feeling stuck?

Get the clarity and roadmap you need to move forward with your book.

Enroll today

Get Keri Rae-Barnum's Tough Love for Indie Authors

Bonus 25% Discount on Sibyl Writing Craft Books!

Take your writing further—students enrolled in any course receive 25% off all Sibyl Writing Craft books, designed to spark creativity and support your journey. Discount code will be sent with course enrollment confirmation
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What is the difference between a Confab and a Lab?

Sibyl Writing Craft offers two distinct types of courses. Learn about each below to help choose which is right for you.

  • What is a Confab?

    A Confab is a focused 75-minute session led by one of our mentors. It’s an engaging, information-rich talk on a specific topic—like writing vivid characters, revising your manuscript, or understanding publishing. Confabs are designed to give you practical insights you can apply right away.

  • What is a Lab?

    A Lab is a longer, hands-on course lasting three or more hours. Labs may take place in a single immersive day or unfold across multiple weeks. They’re designed for deeper exploration, interactive practice, and direct feedback from your mentor.