PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP • LIMITED TO 40 MEMBERS

The Fractional CTO for Ambitious Storytellers

Get the high-level tech strategy, enterprise software suite, and implementation support you need to scale your empire—without the full-time overhead.

Mastermind program hero illustration - woman at desk with books and laptop
The Author Business Mastermind is a premium group coaching program led by Chelle Honiker for established indie authors earning $50K+ annually. Members receive weekly group calls, private Slack access, quarterly planning sessions, and direct access to Chelle’s automation expertise. The Mastermind focuses on scaling author businesses through systems, automation, and strategic publishing decisions.

Sound Familiar?

You’ve built something real. Books that sell. Readers who care. A business that’s growing.

But behind the scenes? Chaos.

Your tech stack is held together with digital duct tape. You’re paying for six different tools that don’t talk to each other. Every launch means late nights manually updating spreadsheets, copying data between platforms, and praying nothing breaks.

You know you need better systems. But when would you build them? You’re already stretched thin writing, marketing, and managing everything yourself.

And hiring help? A decent developer costs $100/hour. A marketing consultant, the same. A fractional CTO who actually understands author businesses? Good luck finding one.

What if you didn’t have to figure it all out alone?

The Mastermind: Your Author Business Command Center

Everything you need to automate, systematize, and scale—without hiring a full-time team.

Weekly Strategy Calls

Every Thursday at 10AM Central. Bring your questions about automations, websites, email deliverability, AI tools, WooCommerce, Shopify—anything. Get answers in real-time from someone who’s solved it before.

VIP Calendar Access

1-hour private strategy sessions and 2-hour co-working blocks available exclusively to members. Stuck on something? Book time and we’ll solve it together.

Direct Access to Chelle

No ticketing system. No waiting for office hours. Ask questions, share wins, troubleshoot issues—directly. Plus connect with 39 other ambitious authors building alongside you.

Premium Software Stack

Your membership includes licenses for: Late, Placid, Meetn, OnlyPrompts, Storylink, Amelia, Elementor Pro, and FluentBoards. That’s $300+/month in tools—included.

Done-For-You Workflows

Pre-built automations for Make.com, Zapier, and n8n—tested and ready to install. Plus prompt libraries and Claude agents designed specifically for author businesses.

Industry Connections

Need a developer, designer, or service provider who actually understands indie publishing? Get warm introductions to my trusted network of vendors and collaborators.

Plus 50% Off Every Course in My Catalog

AI & Marketing

Using AI to write smarter marketing copy, create blurbs, and build campaigns that sound like you.

  • AI for Marketing Basics
  • AI Marketing Advanced
  • ChatGPT for Blurbs

Automation & Tools

The tech stack that powers modern author businesses — databases, AI coding tools, and workflow automation.

  • Airtable for Authors
  • Claude Code for Non-Developers
  • Claude Cowork for Authors

Direct Sales & Email

Selling direct to readers, setting up your store, and building email systems that convert.

  • Direct Sales for Authors
  • FluentCart for Authors
  • FluentCart + FluentCRM Integration
  • FluentCRM Advanced: Automation Funnels

What We Cover

Automation Strategy Email Deliverability RSS & Newsletters Airtable Systems WordPress & WooCommerce Landing Pages Social Media Automation AI & Claude MCP Servers Stripe & Payments Direct Sales Shopify

AMAs with Thought Leaders

Exclusive access to live Ask-Me-Anything sessions with industry leaders who are shaping the future of indie publishing. These aren’t pre-recorded webinars — they’re interactive conversations where you get direct answers to your questions.

AMA Session • March 12

Dana Claire

Special Editions, Merch Strategy & Premium Products

Special editions, merch strategy, and premium products. Dana runs a production studio in Southern California and manages 60+ Kickstarter campaigns through Influence.

Thursday, March 12, 2026 • 10am Central

AMA Session • April 9

Oriana Leckert (Kickstarter)

What’s Working on Kickstarter Right Now

What’s working on Kickstarter right now, campaign strategy for books, and how to set yourself up for a successful launch.

Thursday, April 9, 2026 • 10am Central

AMA Session • April 30

Coral Hart (Authorhythm)

Building a Sustainable Author Business

Building a sustainable author business with a global perspective from South Africa.

Thursday, April 30, 2026 • 10am Central

Coming Soon

We are actively scheduling AMAs with more incredible experts. Dates will be announced to members first.


Why Me?

I’ve spent 30+ years in technology and training—from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits to indie publishing.

I founded Indie Author Magazine (going strong since 2021) and built the systems that let our small team publish monthly to thousands of authors worldwide.

I’ve spoken at Author Nation, Self Publishing Formula, The BookFest, and dozens of other industry events. I know this space. I know what works.

Most importantly: I built these systems because I needed them myself. Everything I teach, I use. Every automation I recommend, I’ve tested. This isn’t theory—it’s battle-tested infrastructure for author businesses.

What Authors Are Saying

AUTHOR NATION CONFERENCE FEEDBACK

“Chelle is amazing.”

“A top presentation from someone who knows what she’s doing.”

“Impressive and absolutely stunning.”

“Mind blown! Thank you for sharing your documents and prompts with us.”

“Incredible information.”

“As usual she knocked it out of the park. Unbelievable capability. Thanks for the first freebie.”

“Chelle always delivers!!”

“Astounding. Mind-melting. Incredibly well put together dump of an insane amount of info.”

“Excellent. Please have her repeat and update this session next year.”

“I loved it, but wish there’d been time for more detail.”

$2,500/year

or $250/month

That’s less than $210/month for weekly calls, $300+ in software, direct access, and a community of peers.

Optional add-on: StorytellerOS at founding rate $149/month

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Author Business Mastermind?

The Author Business Mastermind includes weekly group strategy calls with Chelle Honiker, a premium software stack for automation and publishing tools, direct access for one-on-one consulting, a private community of serious indie authors, and quarterly business reviews to track your progress.

Who is the Author Business Mastermind for?

The Mastermind is designed for indie authors who are serious about building a scalable, six-figure publishing business. Ideal members are already publishing and earning from their books, and are ready to invest in automation, strategy, and peer accountability to reach the next level.

How much does the Author Business Mastermind cost?

The Mastermind is a premium investment in your author business. Contact Chelle Honiker directly for current pricing and to discuss whether the program is the right fit for your goals. Book a free discovery call at chellehoniker.com/contact.

What makes this mastermind different from other author groups?

Chelle Honiker brings 30+ years of publishing industry experience plus deep expertise in business automation and AI tools for writers. The Mastermind focuses specifically on building automated, scalable systems rather than just writing craft, and includes a premium software stack valued at thousands per year.

Build a Million-Dollar Business Without a Million-Dollar Team

The right systems. The right support. The right community. Ready when you are.

Ready to Secure Your Fractional CTO?

Spaces are limited to ensure high-touch support for every member. Submit your application below, and I will be in touch within 48 hours to discuss your tech stack.

Mastermind Application

Name

Business Snapshot

What best describes your author business?
How Long Have You Been Publishing?

Tech Readiness

What Tools Are You Currently Using?
What's Your Comfort Level with the Use of AI
Are you currently an Author Automations Founder?