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In Part 2 of our conversation with author Jourdana Webber, we go deeper into the reality of building an author career from the ground up—no gatekeeping, no shortcuts, just figuring it out as you go.

We talk about what it actually looks like to put yourself out there (spoiler: it’s uncomfortable), how Jourdana landed her book in Times Square, and why asking the right questions can change everything. From cold emails to audiobook production to navigating reviews, this episode is a candid look at the trial-and-error behind indie publishing.

We also get into the emotional side of it all—the identity shifts, the fear of putting your work out into the world, and the reality that not everyone is going to love what you create. Jourdana shares what helped her push through that fear, why she stopped reading reviews, and how she reframed what it means to be “selfish” as a creative.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re just making it up as you go—this one’s for you.

✨ What We Cover

•  Jourdana’s Times Square billboard moment (and how she made it happen) 
•  Why “just asking the question” is the real unlock 
•  The power of community over gatekeeping in publishing 
•  Trial-and-error marketing (and what didn’t work) 
•  How indie authors can access opportunities like Publishers Weekly
•  Behind the scenes of audiobook production 
•  The emotional reality of publishing your work 
•  Why you should probably stop reading your reviews 👀 
•  Reframing “selfish” as choosing yourself 
•  Letting go of other people’s opinions 

🔗 Links + Resources

•  Grab your copy of Unconventionally Elle (Times Square Special Edition):
  👉 https://jourdanawebber.com/products/times-square-special-edition-sprayed-edges-unconventionally-elle 
   
•  Shop Margs & Manuscripts merch:
   👉 https://margs-manuscripts-shop.fourthwall.com