About the Episode:
In this episode, I'm getting honest about the business side of being an author because it's something not nearly enough people talk about. I've now written five books, and along the way I've learned a ton about book deals, publicity, and how to actually turn writing into a sustainable business rather than just a passion project.
I take you back to where it all began: my journalism roots, my early blog posts for Modern Mommy Doc, and how those posts turned into my first two books with the American Academy of Pediatrics. From there, I get real about what authors actually make from book deals (it's probably less than you think), and why the book itself is rarely where the money is.
I also open up about publicity, including the publisher-funded PR that shaped my early career, why I said yes to almost everything back then, and what shifted when I started paying for my own PR with my book Doing It All. I share the exact litmus test I now use to decide which media opportunities are actually worth my time.
Plus, I talk about how getting selective led to some of my biggest press moments finding me instead of the other way around.
In this episode, I cover:
- My path from journalism major to five-time published author
- What book advances really look like (and why the book itself isn't where the money is)
- The value — and hidden cost — of publisher-funded PR
- Why I said yes to everything early on, and what I'd do differently
- The pivot that changed my publicity strategy
- How getting selective leads to bigger press
Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today?
📘 Order the Books
Raising Body-Confident Kids
If you've ever caught yourself saying something to your kid about their body that sounded exactly like what your mother said to you, this book is for you. Raising Body-Confident Kids is a research-backed, judgment-free guide for parents who want to break the cycle of diet culture and body shame without swinging into toxic positivity or giving up all structure around food and movement. It answers the real questions parents are actually asking about Ozempic, about picky eaters, about what to say when your kid is being bullied for their body, and about social media influences. This is a practical, values-based game plan you can actually use, even if your own relationship with your body is still a work in progress.
My One-of-a-Kind Body
My One-of-a-Kind Body gives kids the language and understanding they need to care for their bodies with respect without fear, shame, or appearance-based messaging. Through inclusive illustrations and evidence-based health education, the book teaches body literacy, boundaries, and self-trust in a way kids can actually grasp.
