Not all who wander are lost. But sometimes you need a guide.
Welcome to the Forest of Words. I’m Michelle Buck, a self-published author with a background in digital marketing. I also write on my website called Tell the Trees.
This Substack focuses on helping non-fiction authors with book marketing and building an author platform. It’s more than just selling books — it’s also building an author business. I provide articles and resources to help authors get their books in the hands of readers.
You can expect posts once a week from me.
How it all started
I remember the exact moment everything changed. After eighteen months of shrinking myself smaller and smaller to fit into a toxic workplace, my body finally said “enough.”
My hands were shaking as I stared at my screen in horror. In my stressed and overwhelmed state, I accidentally sent an emotional rant to the entire leadership team. As my chest tightened and the familiar signs of a panic attack crept in, one crystal-clear thought cut through the chaos: “I can’t do this anymore.”
I clocked out early that day and drove home in a daze. By evening, my resignation letter was sent. After years of marketing experience and a “successful” corporate career, I found myself facing the terrifying question: “What now?”
That breaking point became my breakthrough. As I poured myself into updating my first book with a second edition, I discovered something that lit me up inside: helping other authors navigate the overwhelming world of book marketing.
What really breaks my heart is watching talented authors shrink themselves small, just like I once did. Their powerful stories and messages get lost in the maze of self-publishing and promotion. Their voices – voices that could change lives – go unheard because they’re overwhelmed by the complexity of marketing their work.
It angers me to witness the predatory “experts” who prey on authors’ dreams with overpriced, overcomplicated solutions. The toxic myth that you need to be loud, pushy, or inauthentic to market your book successfully. The way the publishing industry makes authors feel small and powerless.
This is the problem I’m here to solve: Authors shouldn’t have to choose between remaining invisible and feeling overwhelmed by marketing. With over a decade of marketing expertise and my own journey of reclaiming my voice, I create straightforward resources, templates, and strategies that empower authors to share their message authentically.
Because your story deserves to be heard. And you deserve to tell it your way.
Contact Me
To get in touch with me, you can contact me on Substack, LinkedIn, or through my website.
