Episode Details

Publishing a book is easier than ever—but building a successful author career? That’s a different story.

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, bestselling author and publisher Lana McAra shares the truth about today’s publishing industry, why so many authors struggle to market their books, and what writers really need to build sustainable careers beyond the algorithm.

Lana McAra is an award-winning international bestselling author, ghostwriter of more than 50 books, and founder of Vendella Publishing. With over one million copies sold and decades of experience in traditional publishing, ghostwriting, and author coaching, Lana brings a rare insider perspective to the realities of publishing today.

In this conversation, you’ll learn the difference between traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing, why most publishers no longer handle marketing for authors, how to create a long-term author business, and what actually helps books stand out in an overcrowded market.

Lana also shares the deeply personal story behind building Vendella Publishing—a publishing model designed to help authors keep their rights, keep their royalties, and receive real support instead of being left to figure everything out alone.

Whether you’re writing your first book or trying to grow your visibility as an author, this conversation offers honest insight into what publishing really looks like today.

✨ Lana’s Free Gift – The Novel Notebook, a free organizational tool for writers at lanamcara.com

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Lana McAra
02:00 – Her 14-year publishing journey
05:00 – Why publishing changed
08:00 – Traditional publishing myths
12:00 – The reality of book marketing
16:00 – Why authors struggle today
19:00 – The truth about hybrid publishing
23:00 – Losing rights to your books
27:00 – Building Vendella Publishing
31:00 – Authors helping authors
34:00 – Why good books matter most
37:00 – Lana’s Novel Notebook tool
40:00 – Advice for aspiring authors

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