Your Path to Book Publishing

Juxtabook
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Writing a nonfiction book is one thing. Publishing it with purpose—and turning it into a powerful platform for your business—is another. You’ve poured your heart into your nonfiction book—and now you’re ready to publish it, market it, and use it to grow your business. But with so many book publishing options (self-publishing, hybrid, traditional), how do you choose the best one for your goals? Welcome to Your Path to Book Publishing—the podcast that guides nonfiction business and self-help authors through the five essential phases of the author journey: Book Development, Book Publishing, Author Branding, Launch & Book Marketing, and Beyond the Book. Hosted by publishing strategist Zach Kristensen and powered by Juxtabook, each bite-sized episode helps you answer the real questions: What’s the best book publishing path for me—self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional?How do engage in book marketing effectively?How do I use my book to boost visibility, increase sales, and attract new clients or speaking gigs? This show isn’t just about book publishing—it’s about turning your book into a strategic business asset. Whether you want to build your authority, streamline your marketing, or sell 10,000+ copies in your first year, we’re here to help you make it happen. Turn Your Book Into a Business Asset—Not Just a Passion Project Hit play to discover how to confidently publish your book, launch with purpose, and build a legacy that lasts.

  1. What Authors Need to Know About Book Launch Publicity Today | Expert Guest: Marissa Eigeenbrood

    2h ago

    What Authors Need to Know About Book Launch Publicity Today | Expert Guest: Marissa Eigeenbrood

    Book launch publicity has changed. Big media opportunities can still be valuable, but the most effective book marketing often comes from knowing your audience, understanding where they spend time, and showing up with consistent value. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the book launch series with Marissa Eigenbrood, President and Partner of Smith Publicity. Marissa shares what authors need to know about publicity today, how publishing options have evolved, and why a successful launch starts with clarity around the real job of your book. We also talk about why authors should prepare their network early, create content beyond the manuscript, and focus on audience-building opportunities instead of chasing visibility for visibility’s sake. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why book publicity is more targeted than ever  How content and network engagement support a stronger launch  Why “value over viral” is a better mindset for authors building their platformConnect with Marissa and Smith Publicity To learn more about Marissa Eigenbrood and Smith Publicity, visit SmithPublicity.com or connect with Marissa on LinkedIn. Smith Publicity works with nonfiction authors, thought leaders, and publishers on book publicity, author promotion, content strategy, and media outreach.  Smith Publicity Website: SmithPublicity.com Contact Email: Info@SmithPublicity.com Smith Publicity Phone: (856) 489-8654  Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    36 min
  2. A Book Launch That Builds Buzz, Reviews, and Business Opportunities | Author Guest: Josh Porter

    Jun 8

    A Book Launch That Builds Buzz, Reviews, and Business Opportunities | Author Guest: Josh Porter

    A successful book launch does not happen by accident. It takes planning, focus, communication, and a clear understanding of what your book is meant to do after it enters the world. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the book launch series with Josh Porter, author of The Last Human Marketer: Turning AI into Stories That Win Customers. Josh shares what it was like to turn his expertise in AI product marketing into a business parable designed to support his consulting work. The conversation explores how Josh approached the book publishing process as a first-time author, from writing and editing to design, pre-launch marketing, and launch week strategy. You’ll hear how he built a launch team, used a virtual publication-day event to create momentum, and hosted an in-person book launch party to build connection, content, and business opportunities. For nonfiction authors who want their book to do more than sit on a shelf, this episode offers a helpful look at how a thoughtful launch can build buzz, generate reviews, and support long-term author goals. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How pre-launch marketing and a launch team can create momentum before publication day  Why book launches work best when they create strategic moments, not just social media posts  How a book can build authority, support your business, and open new opportunities Pick up a copy of The Last Human Marketer Connect with Josh Porter at www.thunderwolf.co  Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    41 min
  3. Your Book Launch Strategy Starts With Your Why

    Jun 1

    Your Book Launch Strategy Starts With Your Why

    No two books are exactly alike, and no two authors have the same goals. So your book launch strategy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all either. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we’re kicking off a new series on book launches and what authors need to think about before launch day arrives. Whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or traditionally publishing, your launch should start with your “why”—why you wrote the book, who you want to reach, and what success looks like for you. You’ll learn why no one will care more about your book launch than you, how to think about sales goals versus impact goals, and why audience clarity should guide your book marketing decisions. We’ll also look at how your budget, publishing path, and reader experience can shape the launch plan that fits you best. This episode also previews upcoming conversations with Josh Porter, author of The Last Human Marketer, and Marissa Eigenbrood, president and partner of Smith Publicity, as we continue exploring what makes a strong, strategic book launch. In This Episode You’ll hear about:  Why your book launch should match your goals  How your “why” shapes your book launch strategy  The difference between sales, impact, and business-growth goals  Why audience clarity matters before choosing launch tactics  How to think about the reader experience before and after launchLearn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    12 min
  4. Author Habits That Help You Sell More Books and Build Reader Trust

    May 25

    Author Habits That Help You Sell More Books and Build Reader Trust

    Author habits are not just about writing every day, hitting a word count, or trying to create the perfect routine. They are about building momentum, creating a better experience for your readers, and developing the consistency needed to make a lasting impact with your book. In this wrap-up episode of the author habits series, we look at the biggest takeaways from recent conversations with Todd Musig, Jones Loflin, and Platte Clark. The episode explores why authors need to think beyond the book itself and consider the full experience they are creating — from the first time someone encounters their message to the way they read, remember, and share it. You’ll also hear why proof of concept matters in book publishing, how generosity with your book can become a smart book marketing strategy, and why strong nonfiction authors use story to add meaning to the facts they share. For any author trying to publish, market, and build trust with readers, these habits can help turn a book into something much more meaningful than words on a page. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why author habits are about more than consistencyHow to create a stronger experience for your readerWhy proof of concept matters for nonfiction authorsHow generosity can support book marketing and long-term opportunitiesWhy story helps readers trust and remember your messageLearn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    10 min
  5. How to Make Your Book More Memorable Through Storytelling

    May 18

    How to Make Your Book More Memorable Through Storytelling

    How do you make your book more than a collection of facts, ideas, or lessons? In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach is joined by author, ghostwriter, editor, and screenwriter Platt Clark to talk about one of the most important author habits: learning how to create meaning through story. Platte shares why authors are not just in the information-sharing business. They are in the meaning-making business. Whether you are writing nonfiction, fiction, memoir, business, or self-help, your readers need more than facts. They need stories that help them see, feel, remember, and apply what you are teaching. You’ll learn why story is facts plus meaning, how conflict, character, change, and stakes help readers engage with your ideas, and why your job as an author is to serve the reader’s experience—not just transfer information. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why facts alone are not enough to make your book memorableHow storytelling helps readers create meaning from your ideasWhy conflict, character, change, and stakes matter in writingHow nonfiction authors can use story to build trust with readersWhy authors should think about the experience they are creating for the readerFeatured Guest Platte Clark is a bestselling author, ghostwriter,  and screenwriter. He is the author of the Bad Unicorn series, has worked on numerous books as a ghostwriter and editor, and contributed to the film adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. His upcoming book, Author Unknown, explores writing, storytelling, and meaning-making. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    40 min
  6. The Book Publishing Habits Successful Authors Learn Over Time

    May 11

    The Book Publishing Habits Successful Authors Learn Over Time

    In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the author habits series with guests Jones Loflin and Todd Musig, co-authors of Juggling Elephants and Getting to It. Jones and Todd share what they’ve learned from both traditional publishing and self-publishing, including how they used a self-published version of their book to prove demand before landing a traditional publishing deal. They also discuss the habits that help authors succeed beyond the writing process: getting useful feedback, building a platform, choosing the right publishing path for your season, and being generous with your book so it can create new opportunities. Whether you’re still developing your book idea or thinking about how to market your book after launch, this episode will help you think more intentionally about the habits that support long-term author success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why co-authoring requires trust, clarity, and complementary strengthsHow feedback can strengthen your book before publicationWhy your publishing path may change as your platform growsHow generosity with your book can lead to speaking, training, and business opportunitiesWhy your book should be treated as a tool, not the entire strategyFeatured Guests Jones Loflin is a speaker, trainer, and author of Focused as a Bee, Always Growing, Juggling Elephants, and more. Todd Musig is an author and business professional whose books include Five Simple Habits for Successful Change, Juggling Elephants, and Getting to It. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    34 min
  7. How to Build Better Author Habits Without Trying to Be Perfect

    May 4

    How to Build Better Author Habits Without Trying to Be Perfect

    What habits actually help authors make real progress? In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, a new series on author habits begins with a look at how routines, consistency, and mindset shape progress across the author journey. The episode explores one of the most common beliefs people have heard about habits — that it takes 21 days to build one — and offers a more realistic perspective. Instead of focusing on perfection, the conversation encourages authors to think about habits as something built through repetition, grace, and steady forward movement. It also highlights how the habits an author needs may change depending on the season they are in. For some, that means building a writing routine. For others, it may mean creating stronger habits around branding, platform-building, or book marketing. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:  Why many authors need to rethink what they believe about habits  Where the “21 days to build a habit” idea came from  Why consistency matters more than perfection  How habits can support writing, branding, and marketing progress  What it looks like to build routines that help you keep moving forward The episode also includes a behind-the-scenes example from the writing of Trust Me, I’m an Author, showing how a protected block of time each morning helped build momentum and move the manuscript forward. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    13 min
  8. What Your Author Brand Is Really Built On

    Apr 27

    What Your Author Brand Is Really Built On

    What is an author brand really built on? This episode of Your Path to Book Publishing pulls together key insights from the recent author branding series, including lessons inspired by conversations with Jill Schulman, author of The Bravery Effect, and branding expert Ty Schmidt.  At the center of the discussion is a simple but important truth: an author brand is not built only through visuals, content, or visibility. It is built through reputation, relationships, clarity, and consistent action over time.  The episode explores why a book often acts as an ambassador for an author’s brand, why genuine engagement matters more than passive posting, and why many authors delay meaningful progress by telling themselves “someday.” It also offers a reminder that author branding is often a messy process, but that does not mean something is going wrong. In many cases, the mess is part of building something real.  By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:  Why reputation is one of the strongest foundations of an author brand  How relationships help shape visibility and long-term trust  Why authors need to move beyond “posting and ghosting”  How “someday” can quietly delay a book and brand for years  Why authors should think of themselves as the guide, not the hero, in their readers’ journey For authors who have been thinking about their brand but are unsure where to focus, this episode offers a practical invitation: choose one takeaway and apply it. A stronger author brand is built one decision, one relationship, and one action at a time.  Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    12 min
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Writing a nonfiction book is one thing. Publishing it with purpose—and turning it into a powerful platform for your business—is another. You’ve poured your heart into your nonfiction book—and now you’re ready to publish it, market it, and use it to grow your business. But with so many book publishing options (self-publishing, hybrid, traditional), how do you choose the best one for your goals? Welcome to Your Path to Book Publishing—the podcast that guides nonfiction business and self-help authors through the five essential phases of the author journey: Book Development, Book Publishing, Author Branding, Launch & Book Marketing, and Beyond the Book. Hosted by publishing strategist Zach Kristensen and powered by Juxtabook, each bite-sized episode helps you answer the real questions: What’s the best book publishing path for me—self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional?How do engage in book marketing effectively?How do I use my book to boost visibility, increase sales, and attract new clients or speaking gigs? This show isn’t just about book publishing—it’s about turning your book into a strategic business asset. Whether you want to build your authority, streamline your marketing, or sell 10,000+ copies in your first year, we’re here to help you make it happen. Turn Your Book Into a Business Asset—Not Just a Passion Project Hit play to discover how to confidently publish your book, launch with purpose, and build a legacy that lasts.

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