About this episode
MEET US LIVE IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 20-22nd@ CRE8TIVE CON- www.cre8tivecon.com In this powerful, heart-centered episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast , hosts Julie Lokun and Dom Domasky sit down with Alexa Bigwarfe the inspiring—founder of the Women in Publishing Summit and the creative voice behind her rom-com pen name, Lexi Haddock. Alexa reveals how she transformed grief into purpose and built a thriving publishing empire that empowers writers—especially women—to share their stories with professionalism and profit. From her early blogging days to building Write | Publish | Sell , Alexa opens up about the power of storytelling, healing through writing, and how every entrepreneur can leverage a book as a credibility-building tool. What You’ll Learn How to turn writing into a healing practice and sustainable business Why professional editing, cover design, and formatting are non-negotiable The real cost of self-publishing or hybrid publishing in 2025-26 How to spot predatory publishing contracts and scams Why every entrepreneur needs a book as part of their business strategy The mindset shift from “writer” to “author-preneur” How Alexa balances her serious publishing work with her rom-com alter ego, Lexi Haddock Key Takeaways Writing is healing—and strategic. Alexa’s journey from grief blogging to publishing showed how words can heal the writer and inspire readers. Professionalism sells. Editing, design, and formatting matter. Even Stephen King has an editor. Know your numbers. A realistic publishing investment ranges from $5K–$15K for professional results. Protect yourself. Always vet publishers, ask questions, and read contracts carefully. Books build business. Your book is a lead magnet, credibility builder, and gateway to speaking and coaching opportunities. Perfection isn’t required—progress is. “Done is better than never published.” Community accelerates success. Surround yourself with mentors and other authors through resources like the Women in Publishing Summit. Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Julie & Dom introduce Alexa Bigwarfe and her incredible influence in the publishing world 03:15 – Alexa shares her accidental journey from Homeland Security to writing and blogging after loss 09:50 – How grief fueled her first book Sunshine After the Storm and led to a passion for publishing 13:45 – The creation of Write | Publish | Sell and her mission to help others publish professionally 18:20 – The thrill of book launch day and why it never gets old 22:00 – Red flags in publishing: avoiding scams and overpriced services 28:10 – Cost breakdowns for self, hybrid, and traditional publishing options 34:45 – Advice for first-time authors and bootstrappers publishing on a budget 40:00 – Why entrepreneurs and business owners must write a book 46:25 – How a book can generate consulting and speaking revenue 51:10 – Alexa’s alter ego Lexi Haddock: writing rom-coms for joy and creativity 55:30 – Favorite romantic comedies from Alexa, Julie, and Dom 59:00 – Where to find Alexa online and how to join her author community 1:01:45 – Final reflections on storytelling, credibility, and community Power Quotes “Books are more than just stories or business cards—they are vehicles for change, empowerment, and lasting impact.” — Alexa Bigwarfe “You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make your book professional.” — A lexa Bigwarfe “Done is better than never published.” — Alexa Bigwarfe Where to Find Alexa Bigwarfe Website: alexabigwarfe.com Women in Publishing Summit: womeninpublishingsummit.com Write | Publish | Sell: writepublishsell.com Instagram: @alexabigwarfe | @writepublishsell Perfect For Entrepreneurs, coaches, and speakers who want to use a book to build credibility First-time authors navigating the publishing world Writers seeking ethical, transparent publishing guidance Fans of empowering, heart-driven creative business stories LEARN MORE! If you’re ready to bring your story to life, start by downloading Alexa’s publishing checklist from Write | Publish | Sell . Join the Women in Publishing Summit to connect with mentors and peers, and visit cre8tivecon.com to attend the next Cre8tive Con live event. Subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and leave a review—because your story deserves to be heard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.