Hi, I’m Maya Fisher — an award-winning independent author and the founder of One-Legged Woman Publishing LLC.

I don’t usually ask for help like this. I’ve funded my work through book sales, appearances, and years of careful budgeting. But I’ve reached a timing gap I can’t bridge alone.

Over the past year, my debut novel, Reborn In Shadows: From The Ashes, has received multiple national awards, been selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress, and led to confirmed invitations to major 2026 literary conventions. These opportunities are real, earned, and already in motion — and they also require significant expenses months before related income arrives.

Independent publishing is a heavily front-loaded industry. ISBN registration, cover art, production, marketing, and travel costs all come due long before sales have time to catch up. Even with strong recognition, most book sales pay slowly and incrementally over time.

As a disabled creator who relies on Social Security Disability benefits, I don’t have the ability to safely carry large upfront expenses on credit cards or loans. I can’t “float” thousands of dollars and hope sales catch up later — that would put my long-term stability and safety at risk.

This fundraiser exists to bridge that gap.

What’s at Risk Without Help

Without support, I will be forced to forgo opportunities I have already paid for.

Specifically:

I would lose nonrefundable table spaces and sponsorships already secured for 2026 conventions — a loss of well over $2,000.

I would be unable to pay my cover artist for commissioned work on Reborn In Shadows: Phoenix Rising (Book Three).

Without cover art, Book Three cannot proceed to production — meaning its planned release would be halted.

These are not speculative risks. They are immediate, concrete consequences of front-loaded costs colliding with limited cash flow.

How Your Support Helps

Funds raised will directly support:

ISBN registration for upcoming titles

Cover art and production costs for Reborn In Shadows: Phoenix Rising (Book Three)

Travel and lodging for confirmed 2026 convention appearances, including:

The BookFest (Knoxville, TN) — May 2–3, 2026

Indy Lit Con (Indianapolis, IN) — May 16, 2026

RAWR (Columbus, GA) — June 27, 2026

These expenses must be paid well in advance of sales revenue. This fundraiser is intended to prevent sunk losses and allow work already in progress to continue.

Important Note

This fundraiser does not include raffles, giveaways, sweepstakes, or rewards. It is mutual aid.

I can’t promise perks — but I can promise transparency, care, and responsible use of every dollar toward the work and commitments already underway.

Even small contributions matter. A $10 or $25 donation directly offsets real, fixed costs and helps keep this project moving forward.

Thank you for reading, sharing, or supporting in any way you can. Your help allows me to continue publishing responsibly — and to honor opportunities my work has already earned.