I didn’t set out to build a tech startup. I set out to write a book, which was a last-minute decision. In hindsight, I see the broader picture.
And like most first-time authors, I figured the hard part was behind me once I finished the manuscript. I had no idea how wrong I was.
The self-publishing world is… a lot. One moment, you’re proud of what you’ve created. The next, you’re drowning in trim sizes, file formatting errors, confusing metadata, distribution options, and a gazillion tabs open just to figure out how to get your book somewhere — anywhere — beyond your laptop.
I remember thinking, “This is a mess! Why isn’t there just one place that walks you through all of this, without making you feel like you need a publishing degree?”
So I built it.
It started with frustration. Not just at the system, but at myself. I’d like to think I’m organized. I’ve spent over 20 years in business development. I know how to get things done. But somehow, self-publishing made me feel completely lost.
And if I felt like that… how many other writers were going through the same thing?
It became a mission. What started as a messy Google Doc of “things I wish I knew before I hit publish” has turned into something much bigger: ManuscriptHQ — a platform built from scratch, from experience, and honestly, from the heart.
It’s not just another tool. It’s a command center for self-publishing. A checklist to keep you on track. A home for your manuscript. A way to stop spinning in circles and start seeing progress.
And more than that, we’re building the future — a foundation where anything written can eventually flow through. Whether it’s a memoir, a how-to guide, or the next breakout indie novel, this is where publishing begins and evolves.
It’s still personal. Every decision, every feature, every design detail — it’s rooted in my story. And it’s built for other writers who’ve felt what I felt: proud, overwhelmed, excited, and exhausted — sometimes all in the same day.
This isn’t some “I had an idea in the shower” origin story. It’s a “I hit publish and then hit a wall” kind of story. And I think that’s what makes it real.
If you’re a writer, coach, editor, or self-publishing vet who wants to simplify the process and support a platform that gets it, I’d love to hear from you. We’re getting ready for early testing, and the more feedback, the better.
📩 Reach me directly at zena@manuscripthq.com
Let’s build a better path together.
