SELF-PUBLISHING 101
A Virtual Writing Retreat: Self-Publishing 101
March 14, 2026 | Online | Live Sessions + Practical Templates
Ready to publish without the overwhelm? Spend a day with an affirming, practical community and walk away with a clear, step-by-step plan to self-publish your book—plus templates you can reuse again and again.
What this retreat is
Self-publishing can feel like a maze: platforms, formatting, ISBNs, covers, keywords, ads, ARCs… and somehow you’re supposed to be writing, too.
This one-day virtual retreat is Self-Publishing 101, designed to help you:
understand the full indie publishing pipeline (without jargon)
make confident choices for your book and budget
build a simple launch plan you can actually follow
leave with next steps (not a million browser tabs)
Wandering Creative Life retreats are LGBTQ+ affirming and welcoming to allies. Bring your current project—any genre, any stage.
Who it’s for
This retreat is for you if you’re:
planning your first self-published release
traditionally published before and want to try indie
sitting on a finished (or almost finished) manuscript and need a plan
overwhelmed by Amazon/KDP vs. “wide” publishing decisions
craving structure, community, and a no-shame learning environment
What you’ll learn (Self-Publishing 101 topics)
Foundations
KDP vs. publishing “wide” (and what it means)
ISBNs, imprint names, copyright basics
timelines: what to do 12 weeks out vs. 2 weeks out
Your Book Package
covers: what matters (and what doesn’t)
editing levels (dev/copy/proof) and how to budget
formatting options + tools overview
Launch & Visibility
metadata that sells: keywords, categories, blurbs
ARC + street team basics (and how to run them)
simple launch plan: soft launch vs. big launch
beginner-friendly promo options (without burning out)
Takeaway
you’ll leave with a personal Self-Publishing Roadmap for your book
What’s included
Live virtual retreat access (Zoom)
Guided workshops + Q&A
Downloadable templates (launch checklist, budget planner, timeline, metadata worksheet)
A cozy, supportive community space
A replay
Tentative schedule (customize)
10:00 AM EST Welcome + intentions
10:15 AM Self-Publishing 101 overview: the full pipeline
11:15 AM Break
11:30 AM Your book package: editing, covers, formatting
12:30 PM Lunch / reset
1:15 PM Metadata + blurb workshop
2:15 PM Break
2:30 PM Launch planning + ARC/street team basics
3:30 PM Quiet work sprint (apply what you learned)
4:00 PM Q&A + next steps
4:30 PM EST Wrap
Meet Your Host!
Arden Coutts (they/them)
Author, community-builder, and the human behind Wandering Creative Life Writing Retreats—a space where writers can create, connect, and build sustainable creative lives.
Meet Your Speaker!
Birdie James is a self-published indie author. She wrote her first book, We Fell Like Stars, after rekindling her love for reading. She has a few more books in progress and hopes to have two more published in 2026. Through her self-publishing journey, she met Mark, and together they created ApexVerse. ApexVerse is an author's hub for all things publishing, artwork, and more.
Birdie is a mother to two wonderful kids and lives in the Pacific Northwest. The Oregon Coast will forever hold a special place in her heart. She loves to read, travel, and spend time with her kids.
Pricing + registration
Ticket: $15
Spots: Limited (to keep Q&A supportive)
FAQ
Do I need a finished manuscript?
Nope. You’ll get the most value with a project in progress, but beginners are welcome.
Is this LGBTQ+ only?
It’s LGBTQ+ affirming and centered, and welcoming to allies.
Will this teach ads?
We’ll cover beginner-friendly promo basics and what to consider next. This is a 101 retreat.
Will I receive templates?
Yes—checklists + worksheets you can reuse for future launches.
Ready to publish with confidence?
Join us March 14, 2026 for Indie Author Launch Lab: Self-Publishing 101.