So many ambitious authors think the answer is to just publish the book.

But what if that decision is costing you more than money?

In this week’s episode of the Finally Seen™ podcast, we sit down with book proposal expert Debra Eckerling to explore what most authors misunderstand about publishing. We’ll talk about why so many authors waste money on the wrong hybrid publisher, what traditional publishers are actually looking for, and why a book proposal is a strong positioning tool that can open many more doors for your book.

This conversation is equal parts candid truth and powerful strategy. We break down advances, literary agents, distribution myths, and what it really takes to get your ideas into the right hands.

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book or you’re debating how to publish, this episode will help you think bigger.

Because if done right, your book can be a product of a visibility strategy that positions you to be seen, heard, and paid.

In This Episode:

• The Moment You Realize Your Book Is Bigger Than You Think
• Owning the Niche No One Claimed
• The Publishing Lie Most Authors Still Believe
• Traditional vs. Hybrid: What You’re Really Paying For
• Advances, Royalties, and the Myth of “Losing Control”
• Why a Book Proposal Changes Everything, Even If You Self-Publish
• What Literary Agents Actually Look For in 2026
• Visibility Is the Real Currency of Publishing
• If You’ve Been Thinking About Writing a Book… Listen to This

This episode is sponsored by:

Bobelo (Use code ChrissyBernal15% at checkout to get 15% off!)

Bio:

Debra Eckerling is on a mission to change goal culture in and out of the workplace. A goal-strategist and workshop leader, she is the author of "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting" and "Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals" (Independent Publisher Book Awards, Silver Medalist, Self Help 2021) and the creator of The D*E*B Method for goal-setting simplified.

A freelance food, lifestyle, and business writer, Debra contributes to First for Women, Woman’s World, and the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles. However, nothing makes her happier than being in front of the microphone.

Debra has spoken on stages for TEDx, Innovation Women, VON, Agorapulse, TechMunch, California Creative Writers Conference, LA County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project, Women’s National Book Association, and more. She is the host of #GoalChatLive aka GoalChat on the Marketing Podcast Network and host the award-winning Taste Buds with Deb podcast.

Website: https://thedebmethod.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coastbunny/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedebmethod/

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