Lead Magnets, Books, and the Creative Decisions Behind Them

A free live Q&A with Berenice Howard-Smith

Monday 5th October, 6pm BST — live on Zoom

Do you have knowledge or a story to tell and no idea how to turn it into something people can actually hold, download, or buy? This is for you.

If you dream of self-publishing your book, the leap from "words in a document" to a "finished, professional product" can feel like the hardest part. It isn't, once you know the pathway.

In this session, I'll cover:

The real differences between a lead magnet and a book, and how to know which one your idea actually wants to be. The practical steps from manuscript to print-ready file, including what platforms like KDP and IngramSpark need. The creative decisions that separate a book that looks self-published from one that looks like it came from a publishing house. Where most people get stuck, and how to get unstuck.

This is a Q&A. Please submit your question when you register, and I'll make sure it gets answered on the night.

This is for you if:

You've got a book in progress, in mind, or gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. You've hit the "how do I actually get this into print" wall and want a straight answer, no jargon.

Register for the free Q&A and submit your question →

Already know you're ready to go further?

If you are thinking "right, I just need to actually do this," Self-Publishing Foundations walks you through the whole journey — manuscript to print-ready book, cover design, interior layout, platform setup, file prep for KDP and IngramSpark — at your own pace, with lifetime access.

Save 15% with code GORGEOUSSPF.

Explore Self-Publishing Foundations →

Meet Your Guide

A woman with curly pink hair and glasses smiling at the camera in a colorful room.

Berenice Howard-Smith

Leading the course is Berenice Howard-Smith, a Cambridge-based designer, artist, and font enthusiast. With an MA in Graphic Design and Typography and a background working with clients like Penguin, Pearson, and the National Trust, Berenice brings a wealth of experience to the table. She's passionate about making design accessible and believes that everyone should have access to the power and appeal of accessible, font-led design .

Beyond her professional accolades, Berenice is an urban sketcher, lino printer, and avid explorer of "fonts in the wild." She's also a certified coach and has been recognized as Designer of the Year by Digital Women .

Here's a sneak peek of what we’ll cover:

  • Learn what “good design” actually means

  • Make colours, fonts, and grids your best friends

  • Understand how to design accessibly

  • Learn about tools like Canva & Adobe (without the overwhelm)

  • Get a taste of how AI can support your design work

  • Get support + encouragement every step of the way

Join our club!

Join the waitlist and you’ll get the free intro lesson + first dibs when the full course launches!

I’ve loved spending time with you and learning about the practical bits of design that nobody taught me. I know enough to work on my own website.
— M, Coach and Author