The Indie Author's Playbook with Debut Author Jourdana Webber (pt 2)
Part 1 | March 24, 2026
Featured Guest:
Jourdana Webber
Jourdana Webber is the bestselling author of Unconventionally, Elle, a heartfelt contemporary romance about ambition, love, and redefining success. Her stories blend humor, vulnerability, and the messy magic of real relationships while celebrating women’s voices, resilience, and found family.
She lives in New Orleans with her husband and four dogs and is known for crafting emotionally resonant romances that remind readers happily-ever-afters still exist—even when life doesn’t go as planned.
In Part 2 of our conversation with author Jourdana Webber, we go deeper into the reality of building an author career from the ground up—no gatekeeping, no shortcuts, just figuring it out as you go.
We talk about what it actually looks like to put yourself out there (spoiler: it’s uncomfortable), how Jourdana landed her book in Times Square, and why asking the right questions can change everything. From cold emails to audiobook production to navigating reviews, this episode is a candid look at the trial-and-error behind indie publishing.
We also get into the emotional side of it all—the identity shifts, the fear of putting your work out into the world, and the reality that not everyone is going to love what you create. Jourdana shares what helped her push through that fear, why she stopped reading reviews, and how she reframed what it means to be “selfish” as a creative.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like you’re just making it up as you go—this one’s for you.
If you’re an aspiring author—or just love behind-the-scenes conversations about the publishing world—this episode is packed with honest advice, hilarious moments, and plenty of margarita-fueled encouragement.
In This Episode
Jourdana’s Times Square billboard moment (and how she made it happen)
Why “just asking the question” is the real unlock
The power of community over gatekeeping in publishing
Trial-and-error marketing (and what didn’t work)
How indie authors can access opportunities like Publishers Weekly
Behind the scenes of audiobook production
The emotional reality of publishing your work
Why you should probably stop reading your reviews 👀
Reframing “selfish” as choosing yourself
Letting go of other people’s opinions
Links & Resources
Grab your copy of Unconventionally Elle (Times Square Special Edition):
👉 https://jourdanawebber.com/products/times-square-special-edition-sprayed-edges-unconventionally-elle
Shop Margs & Manuscripts merch:
👉 https://margs-manuscripts-shop.fourthwall.com
About the Book
Unconventionally, Elle
Elle Watson climbed the corporate ladder and achieved everything she thought she wanted—until burnout and betrayal force her to rethink everything. As she leaves the corporate world behind to pursue her dream of becoming a writer, Elle finds herself caught between a new love and the past she thought she left behind.
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Carley Fortune, Abby Jimenez, and Sophie Kinsella, the novel blends romance, humor, and emotional depth with themes of ambition, love, and building an unconventional life.
Follow Jourdana
Instagram: @authorjourdanawebber
Website: https://jourdanawebber.com
