Karla Marie of Fiction Profits Academy: Inside the Strategy to Scale Digital Publishing and Transform Financial Freedom

As a part of our series about Women Founders, we had the pleasure of interviewing Karla Marie.

Karla Marie founded Fiction Profits Academy in 2015 after years of earning six figures from publishing fiction novels. Karla has published 60+ novels on Amazon and has professionally critiqued thousands of books. Karla has a passion for helping others and loves teaching. Karla is now able to stay home, raise her son, and work from anywhere.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I always had a strong desire for as much autonomy in my work life as possible. Conventional 9 to 5 jobs always left me feeling unfulfilled, stifled, and exhausted. Once I had my son, I really started to feel the need for work that was location-independent and had more time freedom. I didn’t want to keep trading my time for dollars. I wanted to spend more time with my son and not have to leave my home in order to make a living. I discovered the ebook publishing opportunity in late 2013, and within 15 months, I had an ebook publishing business that was bringing in $10K per month. This transformed my life at that time as I was able to take my son out of daycare and be at home with him. Over a few months, my monthly income grew to $20K per month, and some publisher peers started to take notice of my success and asked me to teach them. As I started teaching people how to build their own ebook publishing businesses, I realized how rewarding it was to me to be able to share with others the process I used to completely transform my life. I started teaching one-on-one, and then small groups, and then created a digital course, which now has resulted in what Fiction Profits Academy is today, with nearly 10K students to date.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

The journey of growing Fiction Profits Academy from just me by myself coaching a few people in 2015 to the 8-figure company it is today has been incredibly fascinating to me. At each level of growth, I’ve learned something new about myself and how I respond to challenges. What has also been really interesting to me is how rewarding it is to have a big team and know that the success of my company is contributing to the lives of so many people that are onboard with the vision and mission of FPA. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from this experience of growing FPA is that building anything extraordinary cannot be done in solitude. If entrepreneurs want to remain lone wolves, they may be able to go fast, but they won’t be able to go far. We need other people who are aligned with us to make big things happen and impact as many people as possible.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

A guy with an entrepreneur-focused channel on Youtube invited me to do a “podcast interview”. This was the first time anyone ever interviewed me. Even though it was on Zoom, I mistakenly thought it was only going to be an audio interview and that he wouldn’t be using the video I put no effort into putting myself together and while being interviewed I was sitting way too close up to the camera. That interview went on to get a lot of views, even though I wasn’t my most attractive self. I learned to always confirm with interviewers if the interview will be just audio or video too!

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I am so very grateful for my business partner Roy. He was an FPA student who started the program back in 2016 and he created a 7-figure ebook publishing empire based on the training from the program. He believed in me and the program so much that he agreed to partner with me and lead the operational side of our business. FPA would not be as successful as it is today if it wasn’t for Roy’s work ethic, drive, determination, persistence and strong leadership. I lead the fulfillment side of our business, and we both recognize each other’s unique strengths. We are opposites to each other in some ways, but it just works well. We both allow each other to be who we are and that has contributed a lot to how well our company operates.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only about 20 percent of funded companies have women founders. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women to create companies. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from founding companies?

It’s a multi-faceted challenge. Societal norms and expectations, lack of representation in leadership roles, and limited access to resources can deter many women from pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

Can you help articulate a few things that can be done as individuals, as a society, or by the government, to help overcome those obstacles?

Several measures can bolster women’s entrepreneurial spirit. Individually, fostering mentorship is crucial; experienced women leaders mentoring and guiding newcomers can make a vast difference. Societally, promoting success stories of women founders can shift the narrative, inspiring others to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. Also, it’s essential to address and challenge stereotypes that limit women’s roles in business. From a governmental standpoint, offering incentives, grants, or specialized training programs tailored for women entrepreneurs can level the playing field. Additionally, implementing policies that support work-life balance, like extended maternity leaves and flexible work hours, can be a game-changer for women.

This might be intuitive to you as a woman founder but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become founders?

Women bring a unique perspective to the business world. Firstly, our empathetic approach often leads to more inclusive and holistic decision-making. Secondly, diversity in leadership has been shown to increase creativity and profitability. When women helm businesses, we also pave the way for the next generation, showing them that they, too, can break barriers. Lastly, founding a company allows women to craft environments that cater to their needs, ensuring work-life balance and fostering cultures of respect and growth.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a founder? Can you explain what you mean?

A myth I often hear is that founders must be experts in every domain of their business. When I started with ebooks, I wasn’t a writer or a designer. But with the right mindset and resources, I learned the art of digital publishing. Another myth is that founders always start with a breakthrough idea. Sometimes, it’s about spotting a gap or trend and acting on it, as I did when I transitioned to publishing fiction.

Is everyone cut out to be a founder? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful founder and what type of person should perhaps seek a “regular job” as an employee? Can you explain what you mean?

To be a successful founder, one needs resilience, adaptability, and a passion for constant learning. My journey from teaching yoga to pioneering in digital publishing is a testament to that. Additionally, the belief that you have the power to shape your life is vital. Individuals who prefer structured roles with defined boundaries and less risk might find more happiness in traditional employment..

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)

1. First, we can’t in fact “have it all” or “do it all”. There is this common belief that people, especially women, can have it all. I tried at different points earlier in my entrepreneurial journey to take on way too many roles and wear too many hats in my life. I learned the importance of sacrifice and that I may have to let go of the idea of being a mom who volunteers for every school activity if I’m working on building a business. And, I had to be forgiving of myself for that knowing that I was building something that would benefit my family one-hundred fold. I set my life up so that time at home with my son was a priority, so I would always take him to school and pick him up after, and I’d be with him and present in the evenings. However, those hours when he’s at school are my business-building hours.
2. Secondly, although sacrifice is necessary, never ever sacrifice anything that enhances health and well-being. When I was first starting my business, I would regularly sacrifice sleep. My son at that time was 18 months old, and I would regularly start working at 4 am so I could get a few solid hours in before he woke up. That would’ve been fine if I had going to bed early, but I was also working after my son went to sleep, usually until midnight. I was sleep-deprived and over time it wore me down and I was burnt out physically, mentally, and emotionally. The resulting lack of clarity from the burnout was starting to negatively affect my business and all aspects of my life. Things only started to dramatically turn around for the better once I started to prioritize sleep and self-care.
3. Thirdly, When you’re a “lone wolf” entrepreneur, you can get started fast, but you can’t go far. I was a solo entrepreneur for years, always telling myself that I could just do everything by myself and I didn’t need anyone. I had always been very independent and kind of prided myself on that. However, DIYing everything only took me so far in the growth of my business and led to burnout. It was only when I partnered with a few key, amazing people that my business took off and grew beyond what I ever imagined.
4. Fourthly, Investing in courses, trainings, workshops, and mentorships is never a waste of money! When I first started, I was hesitant to pay for training or masterminds, and I thought I could figure it all out on my own. I quickly realized that is the slow path to success. It was only once I started to invest in myself and pay for mentorship that I saw my business start to grow significantly. Essentially, we don’t know what we don’t know. Learning from someone else who is further along in their entrepreneurship journey is priceless. And, paying to be in the room with other entrepreneurs can surround you with some amazing people, which can result in amazing opportunities. I actually met a new friend in a $25K mastermind who a couple of years later partnered with me and was pivotal in growing my business to 7 figures and then the 8-figure mark.
5. Lastly, focus is the most powerful resource we have, and the only way to make any business grow to its potential is to go all in. The first couple of years into my business I was dabbling in a lot of different opportunities, and I easily fell prey to “shiny object syndrome” and sometimes serious FOMO. At different points, I was a yoga teacher, tried to start a freelance writing platform, and ran a digital marketing agency for authors, tried to launch a supplement company. I did all of these things while running and trying to build Fiction Profits Academy, and the dilution of my focus across all of these opportunities resulted in my time and energy getting maxed out, and none of the businesses gaining much traction and going very far. I had to take inventory of everything I had going on and be decisive about what business deserved my all-in undivided attention and focus. In 2020 I chose to abandon all opportunities other than FPA, and I never looked back. Without choosing to go “all-in” like I did, FPA never would’ve grown into the company it is today.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

My journey into the world of digital publishing wasn’t just about personal success; it was about empowering others with the knowledge I’d acquired. By founding Fiction Profits Academy, I aimed to democratize the process of digital publishing, breaking down barriers that might’ve prevented many from pursuing this avenue. We’ve cultivated an ecosystem of teaching and support, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and nurtured. While our academy caters to all, most of our students are women and mothers. Many of our students have turned to digital publishing as a means to achieve financial independence, all while having the freedom to set their schedules around their families. This way, we’re not only facilitating financial empowerment but also fostering deeper family connections and work-life balance By providing them with tools and mentorship.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

If I were to inspire a movement, it would be centered around the power of continuous learning and adaptability, irrespective of one’s background or profession. The world is evolving at an unprecedented rate, and with advancements like AI becoming integral in various sectors, there’s an immense potential for individuals to reshape their careers. I envision a movement where people are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new technologies, and redefine their career paths. It’s about realizing that you have the power to shape your destiny, and with the right mindset and resources, the possibilities are limitless.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

I would love to meet Leila Hormozi. I admire how she emphasizes the importance of authenticity as a foundation for success. I also like the example she and Alex set for a healthy romantic partnership, and how their partnership is foundational for the growth and thriving of their businesses. It gives me inspiration that such an aligned partnership is possible.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests. Click on this link to learn more and apply.