The Author’s Studio
The Author’s Studio is a online creative lab and community for published authors ready to master the business of books without sacrificing the joy of writing.
We are publishing model agnostic. Traditional, indie, or hybrid—our systems work across all paths because they’re built around you and your readers.
Get ongoing support and accountability for your platform-building and marketing efforts, so you can spend more time writing!
Most authors don't have a marketing problem. They have an “I’d rather be writing” problem.
The Author's Studio is a mentorship group designed for authors with a published book or a manuscript nearing completion, experts and founders building a book for their business, and multi-book authors or micropublishers who want consistency and clarity in marketing and publishing efforts.
The author’s studio includes a mostly-weekly Q&A session with Julie or a hand-selected expert, and monthly educational webinars, tools, and challenges. It also includes community coaching portal and discussion board to connect with your fellow authors and to request feedback.
Come to the studio for hands-on help with:
Developing an author brand
Starting an email newsletter or growing one
Approaching social media strategically
Developing a launch plan for a new book
Support for self-publishing production, printing, and publishing
Support for querying or working with publishers
Evaluating tools or other resources
Any other publishing-related question you’ve got. Come to the studio for expert answers!
Discounts on Paperbacks & Pixels services and courses
This is not for you if you're looking for quick bestseller tactics or viral growth, you want someone to do the work for you, you're not willing to show up, or you're very early and still defining your book.
Investment: $2,000 lifetime.
If you want steady progress and a clear structure for growing your author platform, the Studio may be the right fit. Enrollment details and upcoming start dates are shared via email.
I don't dread things anymore. It used to be like every time I sent out a newsletter, I had to reinvent everything, and now there's more processes.
Absolutely do it. There's so much good that comes from it. There's the ideas. There's the accountability. There's the camaraderie.
Megan Preston Meyer,
Author, Max Entropy
Julie's Author Studio helped me solve my biggest challenge: I didn't know who I was as an author or what I stood for. Using her framework and AI tools, I discovered my 'high ground' as an author—what makes me uniquely valuable to readers.
Marcia Heath, Author,
Little Giant
If you're an author trying to turn your writing into something sustainable, especially if you're curious about using AI alongside your creative process, Julie's program is exactly the kind of support that can get you there.
Kevin Sari,
Weird Moons Publishing
Julie's guidance transformed my publishing journey from overwhelming to joyful. I've created marketing systems that feel as creative and meaningful as my writing itself. For the first time, I'm connecting with readers in a way that energizes rather than depletes me."
Cynthia Abulafia, Author,
Embodying the Goddess
FAQs
How often do you meet live?
1
We meet live most weeks on Wednesdays at noon Eastern for open coaching sessions. There’s also a monthly workshop focused on a specific skill or system. If you can’t attend, you can submit a question in the community for a reply.
What happens in the live sessions?
2
These are working sessions. Authors bring real questions, decisions, or work in progress. I coach/mentor in the moment, and everyone learns from the conversation.
What’s the community like?
3
Thoughtful, generous, and practical. This is a space for authors who want feedback, momentum, and smart conversation. Self-promotion is not the point. Progress is.
Is this for brand-new writers?
4
The Studio works best for authors who already have a project, a book, or a clear intention to build a writing career. If you’re still figuring out whether you want to write at all, this may be premature.
Is this about traditional or self-publishing?
5
Both. The Studio supports authors across paths. The focus is on making decisions that align with your goals and then executing on them well.
Can I get one-on-one help?
6
Yes. Live coaching happens in a group setting, but individual questions and situations are addressed directly. Each new member gets a 1:1 goal setting session with Julie when you join.
Is the investment refundable?
7
Because this is a lifetime membership with immediate access, refunds are not offered. If you’re unsure, I recommend booking a short conversation first.
THE STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Mostly-Weekly Q&A Sessions
Live workshops to get expert guidance on your publishing adventures, build your systems with supportive feedback, and maintain momentum through shared accountability.
PaperbackU Online Community Hub
Your 24/7 resource space to access session recordings, submit work for feedback, connect with fellow authors, and use our exclusive templates, guides, and AI-powered tools.
Adventure Playbooks & Digital Tools
Ready-to-implement frameworks including our Reader Connection Playbook, Literary Agent Querying Playbook, the “Little Black Dress” Branding AI, and your own AI Marketing Assistant.
Meet Julie, Your Publishing Mentor
Julie Trelstad brings unparalleled expertise to your publishing journey:
30+ years spanning traditional and independent publishing
15+ years as a non-fiction acquistions editor
Head of US Publishing at StreetLib
Manager of Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books marketing
Former Director of Digital Rights and publishing pioneer
"I've held every publishing role from page designer to publisher to entrepreneur. Working with me means you bypass costly mistakes, focus more on your writing, and build a sustainable publishing practice that connects with the readers who need your stories most."
