Breaking into publishing is no longer just about finding the right agent or waiting for a traditional house to say yes. It’s about taking ownership of your voice, your story, and your platform. This is exactly what Kelly Morgan did when faced with betrayal, rejection, and self-doubt.
How Aspiring Authors Get Scammed—and What to Watch Out For
Scams in the publishing world are rampant, and aspiring authors are often the prime target. Kelly Morgan experienced this firsthand. After writing her debut novel You Sound White, she was approached by a publisher who promised her the world. All he needed? A $700 “investment” in her dream.
That $700 bought her nothing but heartbreak. He ghosted her. No royalties. No support. No books. This is the reality many face when they jump into publishing without guidance.
Turning a Publishing Scam into a Creative Breakthrough
The experience crushed Kelly. It impacted her health, her confidence, and her motivation. But it also became the catalyst for a personal and professional transformation. She began writing again. Her next book, Wait For It, became a form of therapy—raw, honest, and reflective of the struggles many face but rarely speak about.
From that pain, she found purpose.
Building a Publishing Empire from Scratch
Kelly took control. She fought to reclaim her rights, learned the mechanics of publishing, and eventually launched Bright Headed Publishing—an independent press dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices. Her goal is simple: to make sure no aspiring author ever goes through what she did.
Bright Headed Publishing offers a path forward for writers who feel unheard and unsupported. It removes the gatekeepers and puts the power back where it belongs—with the storyteller.
Key Takeaways from Kelly Morgan’s Journey
- Trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
- Don’t wait for permission. Start where you are, with what you have.
- Your voice matters. Even if it’s just one page at a time.
- Rejection is redirection. Use every “no” as fuel.
- You don’t need thousands to publish. Knowledge, consistency, and community matter more.
Progress Over Perfection: Your Story Deserves to Be Told
Kelly’s story is a powerful reminder that your dream isn’t defined by how much money you have or who validates you. It’s defined by your willingness to keep going. Whether you’re sitting on your story or scared to start, know this: perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
Start Your Story Today
If you’ve ever felt held back by fear, lack of resources, or past failures, it’s time to flip the script. Download Kelly’s free step-by-step guide at brightheadedpublishing.com and get the roadmap used by hundreds of aspiring authors.
You don’t need permission. You need persistence.
Because $700 should never be the thing that stops you.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now:
👉 Kelly Morgan on Spicy Bananas – Episode 12