Host: Cristan Engelke
Guest: Anissa Short
VIDEO
DESCRIPTION
You have a book idea, but no clear path to publish it.
This episode shows how first-time authors go from idea to published book in 3 to 6 months.
In this episode of Southaven Business Beat, you sit down with Anissa Short, founder of Chosen Pen Group, a hybrid publishing company helping people turn ideas into professionally published books.
If you have ever thought about writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the process, this conversation gives you clarity. Anissa walks you through what publishing actually looks like, what authors should expect, and how mentorship shortens the learning curve.
You will learn:
•What hybrid publishing really includes
•How editing, formatting, and cover design work together
•Why ISBN and Library of Congress registration matter
•The real timeline to publish, 90 to 180 days
•How authors stay involved without being overwhelmed
•Why mentorship changes outcomes in business and publishing
Chosen Pen Group has helped publish an estimated 300 titles since 2013. In one year alone, Anissa personally facilitated 30 Amazon bestsellers. Even during a year of relocation and transition, her team still helped 23 authors publish their books.
This episode also goes deeper than publishing. Anissa shares the story behind Books and Bridges, a literacy initiative born from delivering more than 750 books to students in South Africa. That moment reshaped her mission and reinforced why books still matter.
If you are an entrepreneur, professional, or creative with experience worth sharing, this episode shows how publishing becomes a platform, not just a product.
This episode is for:
•First-time authors
•Entrepreneurs with a message
•Professionals thinking about legacy
•Anyone unsure where to start with publishing
CHAPTERS
- Why most book ideas never get published (00:00 – 01:09)
- Meet Anissa Short and Chosen Pen Group (01:09 – 02:12)
- How writing one book changed her career (02:12 – 03:19)
- The role mentorship played in her success (03:19 – 05:18)
- What hybrid publishing actually includes (05:18 – 07:09)
- How many books Chosen Pen Group has published (07:09 – 09:27)
- Types of books authors are creating today (09:27 – 11:06)
- Why your voice has value (11:06 – 12:16)
- Three keys to success in business and publishing (12:16 – 14:18)
- Balancing structure, life, and leadership (14:18 – 15:59)
- Books to Africa and literacy impact (15:59 – 18:56)
- Why Books and Bridges exists (18:56 – 23:06)
- What growth looks like heading into 2026 (23:06 – 26:11)
- How to connect with Chosen Pen Group (26:11 – 34:25)
- Final thoughts and next steps (34:25 – 34:52)
If you are thinking about writing a book, share this episode with the person who keeps telling you to do it.
Supported by Wisdom Integrators
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Produced by Pure Focus Media
Video, podcast, and content production for local businesses. Visit purefocus.media to schedule your strategy call.
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