Your Path to Book Publishing

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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 Actually Builds an Author Brand? Relationships, Reputation, and Showing Up | Ty Schmidt

    4 DAYS AGO

    What Actually Builds an Author Brand? Relationships, Reputation, and Showing Up | Ty Schmidt

    Building an author brand can feel messy. You are trying to figure out how your brand connects to your book, how your book supports your brand, and how to actually show up online in a way that feels clear, consistent, and real. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach talks with Ty Schmidt about what actually helps people pay attention to your brand. Together, they unpack why branding is not just about graphics, logos, or posting content. It is about the relationships and reputation you build over time and what people come to know you for. Ty shares insights from her background in journalism, social media, and brand-building, along with practical advice for authors who feel overwhelmed by all the different platforms and pressure to do everything at once. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: Why relationships and reputation are such a powerful part of author brandingHow to get clearer on who you are and what your brand stands forWhy authors do not need to be on every platform to build momentumHow to engage online in a way that actually builds connectionWhy “posting and ghosting” is not enough if you want people to remember youTy also shares a simple but challenging question authors should ask themselves: Who are you in 12 words or less? That clarity can become a foundation for how you show up online, communicate your message, and connect with the people you want to serve. If you have been overthinking your author brand or feeling like you need to do more before you can start, this episode is a helpful reminder that progress matters more than perfection, and that sometimes the best place to begin is by choosing one platform, one message, and one way to start showing up consistently. 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

    28 min
  2. Author Branding and Bravery: Move Forward Before You Feel Ready | Jill Schulman

    13 APR

    Author Branding and Bravery: Move Forward Before You Feel Ready | Jill Schulman

    What does bravery really look like for authors? In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach talks with Jill Schulman, author of The Bravery Effect, about fear, uncertainty, and what it takes to keep moving forward as you write, publish, and build your author brand. Jill shares her journey from researching bravery in graduate school to publishing her book, growing her brand, and opening doors to more speaking, PR, and thought leadership opportunities. Together, Zach and Jill unpack why fear is not always a sign to stop. Often, it is a sign that what you are doing matters. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: How publishing a book can strengthen your author brandWhy fear and uncertainty are a normal part of the processHow Jill’s book helped create more visibility and opportunitiesWhy “someday” can keep authors stuck longer than they realizeIf you have been waiting to feel fully ready before moving forward with your book, this episode is a reminder that bravery is not the absence of fear. It is taking the next step anyway. 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

    24 min
  3. What Author Branding Really Means for Nonfiction Authors

    6 APR

    What Author Branding Really Means for Nonfiction Authors

    If the phrase author branding feels vague, overused, or like it only applies to logos and visuals, this episode will help you think about it in a much more practical way. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach introduces a new series on author branding and explores what branding really means for nonfiction authors. He shares lessons from his own career, personal stories, and examples from authors he has worked with to explain why your brand is not just about visuals. It is about your reputation, your message, and what you want people to remember about you. This episode is especially relevant for coaches, consultants, speakers, and thought leaders who want to think more clearly about what they want to be known for as they write, publish, and market their book. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why author branding is more than logos, visuals, and taglinesHow to think about what you want to be known for as an authorWhy reputation and messaging are such an important part of your brandWhy being memorable matters in book publishing and book marketingHow your brand can evolve over time as your clarity growsA simple question to ask yourself as you think about your author brandMany nonfiction authors spend a lot of time thinking about their book, but not enough time thinking about the reputation and message behind it. This episode will help you start thinking more intentionally about your author brand and how it connects to your book publishing journey.  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
  4. How Book Publishing, Branding, and Marketing Work Together for Nonfiction Authors

    30 MAR

    How Book Publishing, Branding, and Marketing Work Together for Nonfiction Authors

    If you’ve been thinking about writing, branding, and marketing as separate parts of the author journey, this episode will help you see how connected they really are. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach reflects on key insights from his recent conversations with Emily Crookston and Denise Thomas to show how book publishing, author branding, and book marketing influence one another. He explores the role of clarity, vulnerability, trust, relationships, and long-term strategy in building a stronger nonfiction book and author platform. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why clarity matters early in the author journeyHow collaboration, interviews, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help strengthen your bookWhy vulnerability and storytelling make your book more relatableHow your book can strengthen your brand and build trustWhy relationships often matter more than authors expect in book marketingWhy marketing is not just a launch sprint, but a long-term marathonWhy this episode matters Many nonfiction authors think of publishing, branding, and marketing as separate steps. In reality, each one shapes the others. This episode will help you think more strategically about your author journey so you can build a book that supports your bigger goals 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

    15 min
  5. How Ghostwriting, AI, and Strategy Shape a Better Nonfiction Book | Expert guest Emily Crookston

    23 MAR

    How Ghostwriting, AI, and Strategy Shape a Better Nonfiction Book | Expert guest Emily Crookston

    If you’ve ever wondered whether you should write your book yourself, hire help, or use AI in the process, this episode is for you. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach talks with ghostwriter and author Emily Crookston about what it really takes to turn your ideas into a strong nonfiction book. They explore how ghostwriting, collaboration, strategy, and AI can all play a role in helping authors create a book that reflects their voice and supports their bigger goals. This conversation is especially relevant for coaches, consultants, speakers, and thought leaders who want to write a nonfiction book but are unsure what kind of support they need. What You’ll Learn  What ghostwriters actually do  How to decide whether to write your book yourself or get help  How AI can support your writing process without replacing your voice  Why your goals should shape your book development process  Why clarity and strategy lead to a stronger book Resources & Links The Pocket PhD: https://www.thepocketphd.com/ Unwritten: https://www.thepocketphd.com/unwritten-book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycrookston/ Write and Rise: https://thoughtful-budget-258.notion.site/Write-Rise-The-Newsletter-for-Authorpreneurs-2ae88c6705eb808b814dcf78d5414ee3?source=copy_link 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

    29 min
  6. How Publishing a Book Elevates Your Authority, Brand, and Speaking Opportunities | Denise M. Thomas

    16 MAR

    How Publishing a Book Elevates Your Authority, Brand, and Speaking Opportunities | Denise M. Thomas

    Many aspiring nonfiction authors hope that publishing a book will open new doors for their career. But what actually happens after you publish a book? For many coaches, consultants, speakers, and thought leaders writing a nonfiction book, publishing is about more than becoming a published author. It’s about building authority, strengthening credibility, and creating new opportunities to grow a personal brand or business. Yet many aspiring authors still wonder: Will writing a book actually help grow my brand? Will publishing a book lead to speaking opportunities or new clients? And how do authors turn a book into something that continues creating impact long after launch? In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach Kristensen sits down with Denise Thomas, executive communication coach and author of The Only One in the Room, to talk about her real-world experience writing and publishing her nonfiction leadership book. Denise shares what it was like moving from the idea of writing a book to becoming a published author—and how the book has already influenced her author brand, leadership work, and speaking opportunities just months after its release. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Denise’s journey writing and publishing a nonfiction bookHow publishing a book can elevate your authority and credibilityThe role relationships play in supporting a successful book launchHow Denise used print-on-demand book publishing and e-commerce to sell books directly to readersWhy organizations often purchase books in bulk for leadership development and professional growthDenise also shares advice for aspiring nonfiction authors who feel called to write a book but aren’t sure where to start. Coming Next Next week’s episode features ghostwriter and author Emily Crookston, where we’ll discuss: Working with a ghostwriter to write a bookHow authors can get their ideas onto the page fasterThe evolving role of AI in the book-writing process 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

    38 min
  7. The 5 Phases of the Author Journey — Why It’s More Than Just Book Publishing

    9 MAR

    The 5 Phases of the Author Journey — Why It’s More Than Just Book Publishing

    Many aspiring nonfiction authors think the journey is simple: write the book and publish it. But book publishing is only one phase of a much bigger author journey. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach Kristensen reviews the five phases every author navigates and explains why understanding the full picture can help you make better decisions about your book, your brand, and your long-term goals as an author. The 5 Phases of the Author Journey Book Development – Writing the book, defining your ideal reader, and shaping a clear message.Book Publishing – Choosing between self-publishing, traditional publishing, or hybrid publishing.Author Branding – Clarifying what you want to be known for and the problem you help your audience solve.Launch & Marketing – Planning how your book reaches readers and supports your larger goals.Beyond the Book – Using your book to open doors to speaking, coaching, consulting, and other opportunities.What’s Coming Next This episode marks the beginning of a four-part series on the Author Journey. Next up: An interview with Denise Thomas, author of The Only One in the RoomA conversation with a professional ghostwriter about writing support and using AI thoughtfullyA final episode pulling together insights and answering listener questionsIf you're writing a nonfiction book—or thinking about becoming an author—understanding these phases can help you move forward with greater clarity and strategy. 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

    14 min
  8. A New Chapter for Your Path to Book Publishing —And What It Means for Nonfiction Authors

    2 MAR

    A New Chapter for Your Path to Book Publishing —And What It Means for Nonfiction Authors

    After 130 episodes, it’s time for an evolution. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why we are shifting the format of the show and how these changes are designed to help you—the nonfiction author—navigate the "team sport" of publishing with more clarity and real-world insight. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The Power of the "Team Sport": Why going it alone is the hardest way to publish and how a team of experts elevates your brand.Why Failure is a Teacher: Why I’m committed to sharing the "real-time" struggles and setbacks of the authors I work with, not just the highlights.The New 4-Part Monthly Format: A breakdown of how each month will now be structured to provide a 360-degree view of the publishing process.The New Monthly Roadmap Starting March 16th, every four episodes will follow a specific theme (e.g., Marketing, Ghostwriting, Editing) using this flow: Episode 1: The Foundation – A solo deep dive where I share my personal insights and what you need to consider regarding the month's theme.Episode 2: The Author’s Journey – An interview with an author I have personally worked with. No fluff—just real stories of their current struggles and successes.Episode 3: The Expert’s Lens – I’ll bring in the pros (editors, ghostwriters, marketers) to fill the gaps and share technical expertise I don't provide alone.Episode 4: The Recap & Listener Q&A – We’ll pull the insights together and answer your specific questions about the topic.Key Quotes from the Episode "A book is a team sport. No matter how hard or how smart you are, you need the expertise of others to produce a book people actually want to read. What’s Next? Mark Your Calendars: We are taking a brief break next week (look out for a possible preview!), and our first official themed series kicks off on March 16th.Get Involved: We are bringing back the Q&A segment! If you have questions about writing, publishing, or building your brand, I want to hear them for our Episode 4 recaps.Share the Love: Know a fellow speaker, consultant, or coach who is ready to write their book? Share this episode with them and help us spread the word about the new format! 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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