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 withAlexa 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

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  How to turn writing into a healing practice and sustainable business

  
  


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  Why professional editing, cover design, and formatting are non-negotiable

  
  


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  The real cost of self-publishing or hybrid publishing in 2025-26

  
  


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  How to spot predatory publishing contracts and scams

  
  


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  Why every entrepreneur needs a book as part of their business strategy

  
  


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  The mindset shift from “writer” to “author-preneur”

  
  


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  How Alexa balances her serious publishing work with her rom-com alter ego, Lexi Haddock

  
  

Key Takeaways

1. 
   

   Writing is healing—and strategic. Alexa’s journey from grief blogging to publishing showed how words can heal the writer and inspire readers.

   
   


2. 
   

   Professionalism sells. Editing, design, and formatting matter. Even Stephen King has an editor.

   
   


3. 
   

   Know your numbers. A realistic publishing investment ranges from $5K–$15K for professional results.

   
   


4. 
   

   Protect yourself. Always vet publishers, ask questions, and read contracts carefully.

   
   


5. 
   

   Books build business. Your book is a lead magnet, credibility builder, and gateway to speaking and coaching opportunities.

   
   


6. 
   

   Perfection isn’t required—progress is. “Done is better than never published.”

   
   


7. 
   

   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.” — Alexa Bigwarfe
“Done is better than never published.” — Alexa Bigwarfe

Where to Find Alexa Bigwarfe

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  Website: alexabigwarfe.com

  
  


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  Women in Publishing Summit: womeninpublishingsummit.com

  
  


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  Write | Publish | Sell: writepublishsell.com

  
  


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  Instagram: @alexabigwarfe | @writepublishsell

  
  

Perfect For

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  Entrepreneurs, coaches, and speakers who want to use a book to build credibility

  
  


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  First-time authors navigating the publishing world

  
  


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  Writers seeking ethical, transparent publishing guidance

  
  


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  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.

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