Deborah Kevin: What Nobody Tells You About Getting Your Book Published

**What if getting published didn't have to feel like an escape room with no exit?** In this episode of The Soulful Catalyst, I'm joined by Deborah Kevin, Chief Inspiration Officer and Founder of Highlander Press, bestselling author of *Shelf Life: A Field Guide to Long-Term Author Success*, and an unapologetic disruptor of the status quo. Deborah is on a mission to elevate women's voices and help changemakers share their stories with impact and heart. Deborah built Highlander Press after noticing that brilliant writers kept wandering into the publishing maze believing there was only one legitimate way in. Traditional publishing. The long road, full of gatekeepers, that hasn't changed much since the late 1800s. What she wanted to create was something that felt genuinely supportive, transparent, and collaborative, rather than leaving authors to figure it out alone. What struck me most in this conversation is how clearly Deborah sees the full spectrum of publishing options, and how honest she is about what each one actually means for an author's work, reputation, and bigger mission. If you've ever wondered whether your book could do something beyond just existing in the world, this episode is worth your time. **In this episode we explore:** ➤ **The three main publishing paths and what nobody tells you about each one**, including why traditional publishing hasn't really changed since the 1800s and what the "wild west" middle ground actually looks like ➤ **What vanity presses are and why they matter**, and the one question Deborah says every author should ask before signing with any publisher ➤ **The kind of author Highlander Press is built for**, and why curiosity and a bigger mission matter far more than genre when it comes to finding the right publishing fit ➤ **How AI fits into the writing and editing process**, and why Deborah believes no tool replaces the unique voice only you can bring to your story ➤ **Why your book is an intellectual asset, not just a finished product**, and how authors can use it to speak, teach, podcast, and expand their reach long after publication This episode is for anyone who's been sitting on a book idea and wondering whether publishing it is really worth the effort, or who's felt put off by how opaque and gatekeep-y the industry can seem. **Connect with Deborah Kevin** Website: highlanderpressbooks.com Instagram: @debbykevinwriter | @highlanderpress LinkedIn: Deborah Kevin TikTok: @highlanderpress Facebook: Highlander Press Substack: debbykevin.substack.com **Connect with Joanna Ingram** Website: joannaingram.com Instagram: @iamjo.ingram LinkedIn: Joanna Ingram **Messaging Impact Audit:** Get a personalised review of your messaging using my six-pillar framework, plus a clear report with your scores, gaps, and the opportunities you're missing to attract higher-frequency clients. Book here: joannaingram.link/audit **Want to be a guest on The Soulful Catalyst?** If you're a coach, healer, or spiritual expert doing powerful work that transforms lives, and you'd love to share your story and methods with a global audience, I'd love to hear from you. 👉 Apply here: go.joannaingram.com/soulfulcatalyst