Michele DeFilippo has been a pioneer in the independent publishing world since 2001. As the founder of 1106 Design, she’s helped over 4,000 authors bring their book dreams to life — without giving up control or royalties. In this episode, Michele joins Nicholas Kuhne to debunk the myths of traditional publishing, discuss how to turn lead magnets into powerful brand tools, and explain how indie publishing can put four times the revenue in an author’s pocket.

🔗 Call to Action
💬 Get Michele’s free guide “Publish Like the Pros”
👉 Download it from 1106design.com and learn how to create a professional, market-ready book that keeps you in control.

📢 Connect with Michele DeFilippo
🌐 Website: https://1106design.com
📧 Email: info@1106design.com
📣 Services: Book editing, cover design, interior layout, typesetting, consulting

🎧 Podcast tools & links
🎙️ Edit your podcasts like a pro:
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🎤 Want to be a guest or start your podcast journey?
https://www.joinpodmatch.com/nickkuhne

🕒 Timestamps & Key Topics
00:00 – Michele exposes the double-dipping model of middlemen publishers

01:00 – Why Michele started 1106 Design & her 50-year industry legacy

02:00 – What makes a great lead magnet and how ebooks can drive revenue

03:30 – Understanding the customer journey through content

05:00 – Most people are better writers than they think — start writing

06:00 – Lead magnets often evolve into full books

07:00 – Following up after lead magnet downloads (without being spammy)

08:00 – Should you make one mega-ebook or a series of niche guides?

09:30 – 1106 Design's services and Michele’s “Publish Like the Pros” guide

10:00 – Why indie publishing keeps your rights and revenue

11:00 – The marketing side of book publishing: Start with your audience

12:00 – A book is the best business card you’ll ever have

13:00 – Traditional publishers rarely pick up self-published books

14:00 – Indie publishing = long-term control over your book and income

15:00 – Breaking down royalties: $1.50 vs $6 per book

16:00 – Why middleman publishing companies hurt authors

17:00 – Print on Demand: no inventory, no upfront printing costs

18:00 – 1106's full-service process: Editing, design, typesetting

19:00 – Why professional typesetting matters for reader experience

20:30 – Children's books: hire your designer before the illustrator

21:30 – Final thoughts: Don’t let your book die inside you

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