Episode 40 - Writing Naked: Vulnerability, Reinvention, and Longevity in Publishing with NYT bestseller Jennifer Probst

Back Jennifer’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jenniferprobst/write-naked-the-official-course

In this inspiring episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee sit down with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst to explore the realities of a long-term writing career. Jennifer shares insights from 35+ years in the industry, reflecting on vulnerability, resilience, and the cycles of growth and reinvention every author faces. Together, they discuss balancing creativity with business, the importance of community, and how to embrace both failures and breakthroughs as part of the journey. The conversation also dives into Jennifer’s Write Naked philosophy, scaling strategies, and how to build sustainable systems that support both creative freedom and financial security.

Topics Covered:

* Jennifer Probst’s 35-year career and hitting 60 published books

* The raw beginnings of writing and finding your first readers

* Building impact versus just chasing income

* Authenticity, vulnerability, and balancing private vs. public life as an author

* Product-led growth and how books grow by being shared

* The evolution of publishing: from query letters to Substack, Patreon, and community platforms

* Navigating shame, pivots, and rebuilding after setbacks

* Root systems: unseen growth periods that lead to future breakthroughs

* Creating space in life and career versus chasing endless hustle

* The value of resilience and the ability to reinvent repeatedly

* Understanding growth seasons vs. monetization seasons

* Simplifying your message and focusing on what truly carries

* Scaling by doing fewer things exceptionally well

* The importance of systems and middle-ground solutions between burning out and blowing up projects

* Why effort doesn’t directly equal income in writing

* Jennifer’s Write Naked course and its focus on joy, craft, and authenticity

* The balance between consistency, reinvention, and longevity in an author career

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com