Bold Story Press

Ready to publish your book? Start your journey here ?? Bold Story Press’s free webinar for aspiring authors on 12/4 (noon ET), filled with practical advice from former McGraw Hill Editor in Chief Emily Barrosse. RSVP https://shorturl.at/fmA3C #BSPwebinar #BookPublishing

Today, on International Women's Day, we're celebrating the power of women’s words from our own Bold Story Press community. Because when women write, speak, and share, the world is a better place. #IWD2025 #WomenWhoWrite #BoldWomenBoldStories #WomenWriters #FemaleVoices #BoldStoryPress

So many of the great stories—novels, movies, or real life—follow a classic pattern. A hero starts out flawed. They face a challenge, fail spectacularly, and are forced to grow in ways they never expected. Only then do they change the direction of their story. This structure, known as the hero’s journey, is the foundation of some of the most beloved stories of all time. Harry Potter was an ordinary boy—until he became the wizard who would save the world. Elizabeth Bennet was too proud; Mr. Darcy was too prejudiced—until they both learned to change. Luke Skywalker had no idea what he was capable of—until he stepped into his destiny. The hero never starts out strong, perfect, or even prepared. They begin their journey flawed, naive, and often afraid. They fail. They suffer. But it’s through that painful process of failing and learning that they transform into something greater. Why do we love these stories so much? Because deep down, we recognize them. They are our stories, too. But growth isn’t just for fictional heroes. Like every hero, I had my own moment of unforgettable failure—one that nearly ended my career before it began. Fresh out of school, I landed my first job as an editorial assistant to the English editor at a NYC publisher. It should have been a dream job—except for one small thing. Somehow, I had managed to sleep through grammar in sixth grade. One day, my editor asked me to send a letter—over her name—to English professors. I typed it, signed her name, mailed it, and felt a wave of accomplishment. Later she read the letter. In it I had written “alot” instead of “a lot.” She was horrified. I was mortified. The English profs didn’t let it slide. I wanted to crawl under my desk. I was sure I had ruined my career before it even began. But she didn’t fire me, and I didn’t quit. I learned. I became obsessed with improving my grammar. And I got better. What I didn’t realize??I was in the early chapters of my own hero’s journey. It was many years before I finally understood what I wish I knew as that young red-faced assistant: Failure Isn’t the Opposite of Success—It’s the Path to It The struggles heroes face aren’t just storytelling devices —in real life, they shape us. Struggling and making mistakes doesn’t mean you’re failing; it may mean you’re transforming. The hero’s struggles don’t disqualify them from greatness. They were necessary for it. The best stories aren’t about people who had it all figured out. The best stories are about people who stumbled and kept going. What if the part of your story you are most afraid to share is exactly what someone else needs to hear? Your journey—flaws and all—has the power to inspire. The world doesn’t need more perfect stories. It needs real ones. Do you have a failure that led to growth? A moment that changed everything??I’d love to hear about it. Share it in the comments below! #HybridPublishing #BookPublishing #WomenWriters #FemaleVoices

Want to grow your business? Write a book. It sounds almost too simple, but the numbers don’t lie—86% of entrepreneurs say their business grew after publishing a book. That stat stopped me in my tracks. Writing a book isn’t just about credibility; it can open doors, attract clients, and create opportunities most people never expect. In a crowded market, standing out is everything. A book isn’t about chasing royalties—it’s about positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field. Here’s how publishing a book can fuel real business growth: Instant Credibility & Authority?– The moment you become “the person who wrote the book on it,” your status changes. Clients, investors, and media take you more seriously—96% of professionals say a book boosts credibility. Think about it: who would you trust more, a leadership coach with a website or one who literally wrote the book on leadership? Your Best Lead Generator?– A book engages potential clients for hours, delivering value before they even meet you. By the time they reach out, they’re often already sold on working with you. Research shows content from books generates three times more leads per dollar than traditional marketing. Media & Speaking Opportunities?– Ever notice how many conference speakers and podcast guests are authors? That’s not a coincidence. A book is a fast track to press coverage, speaking gigs, and expert panels. One survey found 63% of entrepreneur-authors landed media features thanks to their book. It’s a credibility shortcut that opens doors. Stronger Business Connections?– Publishing a book raises your profile among peers and potential partners, not just customers. In fact, 74% of entrepreneur-authors say their book helped them secure new partnerships. Sending someone your book makes for a way better introduction than a cold pitch. A Long-Term Business Asset?– Writing a book takes effort, but the ROI can outlast any ad campaign. One study found entrepreneurs earned three times more revenue from business generated by their book than from book sales themselves. And unlike a marketing campaign that fades, your book keeps working for you—introducing you to new clients while you sleep. Of course, the key is writing a book that actually helps your audience. No one wants a glorified sales pitch. A book that delivers real value will pay you back in ways you never expected. So, what would your book be about? If you’ve got an idea—or aren’t sure where to start—let’s talk. Your next big business move might just be sitting on your hard drive waiting to be written. ?#HybridPublishing #BookPublishing #WritingABook #BusinessBooks #WomenEntrepreneurs?

When I moved to New York as a twenty-two-year-old woman, I was fresh from a small town, wide-eyed, and completely out of my depth. Arriving in Manhattan felt like stepping onto another planet. I had no idea how much I didn’t know, and that ignorance led to more than a few moments of mortification. One moment of mortification that still makes me cringe happened a year into my job as an editorial assistant. I invited the publisher to lunch to ask his advice on how to get ahead in my career. He chose the restaurant—The Pen and Pencil, an old publishing hangout. I was so green I had never even been to a restaurant with a ma?tre d’ before. When we arrived, the ma?tre d’ pulled out the chair at the table for me. I assumed that he would do the same for my boss. So, I stood there. Waiting. The ma?tre d’ waited. My boss waited. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I pulled out the other chair and plopped down, utterly mortified. If that wasn’t bad enough, I then spent the entire meal panicking about whether I was expected to pick up the check. On a $10,000-a-year salary, that wasn’t going to happen—not successfully, anyway. Like many women of my generation, I had been taught to play it safe—to raise my hand only when I was certain I had the right answer, to second-guess myself, to shrink when I felt unsure, and to wait for someone else to invite me in. I was raised in a culture that told me I had to be perfect, modest, and constantly aware of what others thought of me. But here is what I know now:?Power is not something you wait for someone else to give you. Power is something you claim for yourself. If I could talk to young Emily, I’d say this: You don’t need anyone’s permission to own your power, share your story, or speak your truth. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes—learning from those mistakes is how you will grow. And remember, confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you choose, even when you feel uncertain. If you’re thinking about writing a book but that whisper of doubt is creeping in—Who am I to do this?—let me remind you what I wish I had known in my twenties:?Your experiences matter. Your story matters. Isn’t it time to let your voice be heard? At Bold Story Press, we help women bring their stories into the world with support, transparency, and the belief that we need stories about imperfection. We need more women to share what it looks like to be afraid, and then act anyway. We need to know that we are not alone in questioning our own power—and that owning it is a choice we can make at any time. If you are ready to share your story with the world, I invite you to contact me at [email protected].

?? Love is in the air … and on the page! ?? Writing a book is its own kind of love story—full of passion, frustration, commitment, and those moments when you question why you even started writing in the first place. But writing is all worthwhile when you find the right words—and when readers also fall in love with your book. Here are love letters from authors to their books: honest, funny, and straight from the heart. Happy Valentine’s Day! ?? ?#ValentinesDay #WritingLife #AuthorLoveLetters #BoldStoryPress #HybridPublisher #GetPublished

Last year was an extraordinary year for many reasons, but one moment stands out above all: the birth of my granddaughter, Charlotte. Having her in the world inspires me in new ways to continue working for a future where?young?women feel empowered to embrace their potential without hesitation. I want Charlotte to grow up in a culture where women aren’t taught to be people pleasers, where they’re unafraid to take risks, and where they don’t worry so much about being wrong. I hope she grows up with a confidence that feels natural and unshakable—a belief that she can do whatever she dreams of doing. I believe one of the ways we create this culture is by sharing our stories—honest, vulnerable, and bold. When women write about their successes, failures, fears, and strengths, they normalize the process of trying, failing, and trying again. They show that fear is universal, but courage is taking action despite it. These stories don’t just inspire; they guide and strengthen the women who come next. I hope Bold Story Press can continue to be a space where these stories are shared and celebrated, paving the way for a world where?young?women like Charlotte can thrive without limits. If you have a story to tell, I'd love to hear it. Visit BoldStoryPress.com to sign up for our free publishing webinars. #HybridPublishing #BookPublishing #WomenWriters #FemaleVoices

Did you know FEAR is one of the biggest reasons why writers don’t finish their manuscript and/or get published? But for every fear, there is a reassuring reality check. Most writer's fears include: 1) Fear of Failure You worry the book won’t be good enough or that it will be rejected by publishers, agents, or readers. BUT:?Every successful author once feared their work wouldn't be "good enough." Rejection is part of the journey—each "no" is a step closer to the right "yes." 2) Fear of Judgment/Vulnerability You have thoughts about how others will perceive the book, or fears others will judge you personally, especially when writing memoirs/personal stories. BUT:?Your story matters and often will inspire others who’ve had similar experiences. Every reader who is critical is outweighed by those who will feel seen, understood, and changed by your words. 3) Fear of Inadequacy You feel like you aren't skilled or talented enough to write a book, particularly if you lack formal writing training. BUT:?No one is born a perfect writer. Writing is a craft that evolves thorough practice and feedback. If you have a story, you have something worth sharing—formal training or not. 4) Fear of Comparison You doubt your work when comparing it to successful authors or bestsellers. BUT:?Readers want new stories, not replicas of existing ones. Focus on your journey, not someone else’s. 5) Fear of Time Commitment You have concerns about not having enough time to finish the book or how it might interfere with other responsibilities. BUT:?Writing doesn’t have to happen all at once. Even small, consistent steps lead to big progress. Remember, failure is only 100% guaranteed if you don’t try. And if you need more motivation to make 2025 the year you (finally) publish your book, join Bold Story Press at our FREE "Get Started" Publishing Webinar for aspiring authors. This is a new webinar, meant to get you motivated and stay on your publishing path—and silence for good some of those fears. Get expert guidance from Emily Barrosse, former Vice President and Editor in Chief at McGraw Hill, and make your dream of becoming an author a reality, because your story is important. Details: Get Started Free Publishing Webinar ??? Date: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 ? Time: 5:30 PM (ET) ??? Location: Online (link sent after registration) ? Spaces are almost gone—reserve your space now: https://lnkd.in/gTT7QwPF #WriteYourBook #FreeWebinar #BoldStoryPress #HybridPublishing #WriteYourStory #FearlessWriting #YourWordsMatter

?????? Bold Story Press is grateful for the bountiful support of our readers, writers, booksellers, and staff! What are you thankful for? Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving filled with family and friends, gratitude and great reads! #HappyThanksgiving

?????? Bold Story Press is grateful for the bountiful support of our readers, writers, booksellers, and staff! What are you thankful for? Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving filled with family and friends, gratitude and great reads! #HappyThanksgiving