Everything I Learned the Hard Way

by L.A. Witt

A Guide to Writing and Publishing Without (completely) Losing Your Mind

Writing and publishing a novel is a daunting task, and there are myriad ways it can all go wrong.

Lucky for you, Author L.A. Witt has been a pro for over fifteen years… and a master at learning things the hard way for much longer.

In this guide, she’ll offer tips and pointers on everything from plotting your book to marketing it. Whether you’re struggling to outline, weighing traditional versus self-publishing, or wondering how to have your books translated or made into audiobooks, Witt has been there, done that, and wishes she’d known everything in this book a decade ago.

So strap in, maybe enjoy a little schadenfreude, and go forth with the wisdom to make fewer mistakes than she did.

534 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

L.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.

Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.

Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This does what it says on the tin and is informative, detailed and entertaining. It’s a cheat code for new authors to help them avoid problems in areas they may be familiar with, ones that never crossed their minds, and ones that seem straightforward but can easily become emotionally and/or financially draining.

The book’s core theme is, “figure out what works for you and ditch the rest.” Sounds simple and obvious. But in a sea of conflicting information/advice and flame wars of “this is the way”, there can be pressure to choose “correctly” and continue with something that isn’t suitable.

A lot is covered, but the book isn’t overwhelming or overburdened with unproductive minutia as the writing style feels like vegging on the couch with an old friend. This book isn't interested in the craft of writing or “how to do xyz”; it explores the nitty-gritty of some of the many hidden emotional and practical pitfalls of the art that I haven’t seen covered—from there being no right way to feel after publication to book signings.

A great tool for authors and a fascinating "how the sausage gets made" look for book lovers.

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive book about how to be an author… Everything from setting goals for yourself, how to deal with feeling inadequate, to the routine of writing, reviewing what you’ve read, getting published & beyond. It’s definitely a must read for anyone even thinking about becoming an author, you’ll get all of this & more… As for me, I’m saving this book to reread if I ever decide to move forward with writing.

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and funny advice for writers of all experience levels!

This book has some fantastic advice presented alongside some very entertaining anecdotes. I love the focus on finding what works for you and kicking your imposter syndrome to the curb. I would reccomend this book to anyone who has an interest in writing their own works, or anyone who is interested in a peek behind the curtain of their favorite authors' work.