Send a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I’m joined by Michele DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design and a publishing industry veteran with more than 50 years of experience. We dive into the realities of book publishing—what most people get wrong, what actually matters, and how a well-done book can completely transform your business.From traditional publishing to self-publishing and hybrid models, Michele breaks down the landscape with clarity and candor, helping authors avoid costly mistakes and disappointing outcomes Why Most Self-Published Books Miss the MarkWhy skipping market research is one of the biggest (and most expensive) mistakes authors makeHow treating a book like a passion project instead of a business asset leads to poor resultsThe danger of cutting corners on editing, design, and production quality Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing vs. Hybrid ModelsWhy landing a traditional publishing deal is harder than ever (and what publishers really want now)How Amazon changed publishing forever—and where things went sidewaysThe hidden downside of hybrid publishers that charge upfront and take royaltiesWhat “true” self-publishing was originally meant to be What It Actually Costs to Publish a Professional BookThe difference between real editing and running a manuscript through GrammarlyWhy nonfiction books cost more to produce than fictionWhat goes into professional cover design (and why it’s never a “5-minute job”)Realistic investment ranges for publishing to traditional industry standards One-Stop Shop vs. Piecing It Together YourselfWhy project management matters just as much as creative talentThe risks of hiring freelancers without knowing what to look forCommon problems authors face after using bargain services or template-based designsHow working with an experienced team protects both your book and your sanity How a Small Book Can Create Big Business ResultsHow Michele’s 88-page guide became a powerful lead generator—unexpectedlyWhy books make exceptional lead magnets in an overwhelmed digital worldHow publishing can lead to speaking opportunities, authority positioning, and new revenue streamsWhy a book doesn’t need to be long to be impactful A Marketing Lesson That Still Holds TrueMichele closes the episode with a timeless reminder that applies to publishing, marketing, and business as a whole:Listen to your customers. Even when the feedback is uncomfortable—especially then.It’s a lesson that has guided her work for decades and continues to pay dividends today If you’ve been sitting on a book idea, a half-finished manuscript, or the sense that a book could open doors for you—this episode will help you think about publishing strategically, not emotionally.🎧 Tune in to learn how a well-crafted book can become one of the most powerful marketing assets in your business.Connect with Michele Defilippo:Website: Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here