Imagine a Door: A writer's guide to unlocking your story, choosing a publishing path, and honoring the creative journey

If you want to publish your manuscript, read this book. It offers information delivered with gentleness, unlike other books that may promise something like a secret handshake or golden key. Author and publisher Laura Stanfill interviewed over seventy-five authors and industry experts, including Wendy Chin-Tanner, Tove Danovich, Omar El Akkad, Erin Harris, Ari Honarvar, Juhea Kim, Dan Lazar, Fonda Lee, Emme Lund, Daniel A. Olivas, Rosanne Parry, Keith Rosson, Amy Stewart, Sonja Thomas, Addie Tsai, and Lidia Yuknavitch.

The book explores questions like whether a writing routine is worthwhile, how to pinpoint the why behind storytelling, and what distribution means. It also reframes success beyond sales numbers and prioritizes genuine community over platform building. This book includes case studies, sidebars, and checklists interspersed with personal stories about writing, revising, and the emotional complexities of sending work into the world.