Self Publishing for Thought Leaders

The Secret to Podcast Growth That Most Creators Miss

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I talk with Michael Nguyen, founder of Take This Podcast, a production company that assists real estate and finance creators in growing their shows without burnout. With seven years of experience and successes like Coach Carson's show (130,000+ YouTube subscribers), Michael makes the case for why authors should consider podcasting. Blog readership is declining in the AI era, while the active podcast landscape is far less crowded since most shows fade out before reaching ten episodes.

Michael stresses that the first step is identifying your ideal listener, their age, routine, and pain points. We explore two core formats: interview episodes, which create audience cross-pollination through guest swaps and networking, and solo episodes, which let you go deep on a topic and position yourself as the expert. For authors, a book is a goldmine of podcast content, including excerpts, behind-the-scenes stories, character inspiration, and writing process details, all of which act like Amazon's "Look Inside" preview, hooking listeners while leaving them wanting the full book.

Consistency is the through-line of the entire conversation. Michael breaks production into three phases and notes that even a 15-minute episode takes far more than 15 minutes to deliver. That workload drives podfade, which is where his production service steps in, handling editing, publishing, and admin so creators can focus on recording.

The strongest argument for podcasting is the trust factor. Listeners integrate shows into their daily commutes, meals, and walks, and that recurring presence creates a loyalty that is hard to replicate. Get organized with a content calendar, set mini-deadlines, and commit to a consistent schedule, because consistency and relevancy are key to podcasting success.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Get Michael’s free cheat sheet on How to Launch Your Podcast

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have.

The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

How to Use a Book as Your Business Card to Get More Clients with David Barnett

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I sat down with David Barnett, an author of ten books who has spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs buy and sell small businesses. David shares how a simple PDF lead magnet he created in 2014 evolved into his first published book, Invest Local, and how that experience revealed the power of books to serve as a lasting business card—one that opens doors to podcast appearances, speaking engagements, and unsolicited client inquiries from strangers discovering him on Amazon. Since then, he has built an entire catalog of titles, each designed to answer the exact questions his audience is already searching for.

David's approach to titling is deliberately data-driven. Several of his books began as free PDF downloads and only became full-length published works once the content expanded enough to justify it. His evergreen titles, like Franchise Warnings, have sold steadily for over a decade with no marketing push, proving that the right book in the right niche can quietly pay dividends year after year.

The conversation dives deep into David's 2024 launch strategy for Buying vs. Starting a Small Business, which marked a significant shift from his earlier approach of simply uploading a manuscript and walking away. The campaign revealed a frustrating reality about Amazon's review filter—roughly forty people told him they left a review, but many never appeared on the platform. Reviews from established Amazon reviewers were far more likely to survive the filter, and he repurposed unpublished reviews by placing them directly into the book's front pages, where they're visible in the free "Look Inside" preview and serve as marketing copy for prospective buyers.

Beyond book launches, David shares broader lessons from his eleven-year YouTube journey and his philosophy that the right audience matters far more than a large one. He also discusses how he uses transcription tools and AI-assisted editing to turn podcast conversations into case studies for updated book editions. The episode is a practical, grounded look at how a nonfiction author can build authority, generate leads, and create a self-reinforcing body of work without relying on paid advertising or viral moments.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Get David’s Free Download about Buying and Selling Small Businesses at https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com

Use Your Business Book to Fill Your Lead Pipeline

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Ray Hartjen is the author of five published books, including Revenue Orchestration in Today's New Era of B2B Sales and Marketing, to discuss how your business book can drive your inbound sales pipeline. Ray wrote his book because B2B buyers have dramatically changed how they purchase over the last five years, wanting to self-serve part of their buying journey just like they do as B2C consumers, yet most go-to-market teams remain stuck in archaic selling processes.

Ray designed his book as a thought leadership piece and calling card rather than a primary revenue source, introducing readers to his concepts as a quick read with his contact information inside. The key to writing a focused book is knowing your avatar or ideal customer profile before you start, then choosing topics within your genuine area of expertise rather than cramming everything you know into one book. A narrow focus lets you share thought leadership that sparks conversations expanding your network and business.

Some authors give books away free on LinkedIn as lead magnets while others charge on Amazon, and paperbacks provide a "thud factor" of authority when placed on a table at in-person events. Books also lend themselves to repurposing into website excerpts and tangential content that wins at search and AI answer engine optimization, guiding prospective customers back to your book and into your pipeline.

The biggest obstacle is simply getting started. Ray emphasizes that a twenty-thousand-word book written at five hundred words daily takes only about forty days. If you have a pitch deck, you already have a book since the talk track and concepts exist in your slide notes, ready to be translated into written words. Ray and I recommend writing first thing in the morning when energy is fresh, treating your book as a big rock to tackle before smaller tasks like email, blocking out dedicated time on your calendar, and tracking your daily word count for built-in motivation and accountability since creating a business book is a job function, not a hobby.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Visit Ray and get a free gift! https://rayhartjen.com/store/ols/products/outflanked

The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereafter based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

Finish Writing Your Book: Tips to Avoid Writer’s Block

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0700

The key distinction is between creative rest and destructive procrastination, since procrastination involves avoidance and guilt with no end point, while creative breaks involve intention and restoration with defined boundaries.

Signs you are procrastinating include endlessly researching without writing, constantly rewriting the same chapter, and waiting for perfect inspiration. Signs you need a creative break include forced mechanical writing, mental fatigue, and feeling disconnected from your story.

Creative break ideas include taking a walk, gardening, and journaling by hand, but always set a date to return so you don't fall into the procrastination rabbit hole. For story development, even nonfiction books need a story arc built around transformation showing who your reader is before and after your book, anchored by your inciting moment. Sources of inspiration include recurring client questions, old journals, industry trends, and your contrarian perspective since readers buy your book for your unique framework.

Accountability systems make a major difference including writing sprints, a writing partner, a book coach, public goals, and scheduled writing appointments. I recommend weekly goals over daily since life happens, and a word count chart helps you reverse-engineer your target so a 40,000-word book finished in six months requires 310 words daily. Finally, maintain a positive mindset by celebrating small wins, reviewing your why, and practicing self-compassion since finished books can be improved but unfinished books cannot.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline? Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently.

Your Roadmap to Self-Publishing

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Let’s walk through a complete high-level roadmap to self-publish your book from concept to KDP upload, with most steps applying even if you use a hybrid or traditional publisher. Before writing anything, identify four key components: why you are writing, what your focus is, what your message is, and who your target audience is. Your "why" might be becoming a known author, making money, using the book as a business card, or leaving a legacy, and this keeps your book focused.

Identifying your target audience requires being specific because if you write for everyone, you write for nobody. Most readers decide whether to buy in less than 10 seconds based on the cover and back description, so speak directly to your ideal reader's situation.

When building content, every story must support the point in that specific chapter rather than including random tales. Hiring a professional editor is vital for credibility since unprofessionally edited books receive reviews calling out mistakes that permanently damage your reputation. The four editing types in order are developmental, line, copy, and proofreading. Vet editors to ensure they work in your genre, edit full-time, communicate promptly, and respect your voice.

Purchase your own ISBNs through Bowker and buy a set of 10 since you need separate ISBNs for each format. While your editor works, begin book cover design asking for samples and client referrals. Avoid formatters using Microsoft Word, instead using Adobe InDesign, Atticus, or Vellum. For KDP upload you need your final manuscript, ebook cover, paperback cover, and assigned ISBNs, uploading about a week before launch.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Can You Query Agents After Hybrid Publishing and Still Get Signed?

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this Book Blueprint episode, I welcome Bob Martin, a former mob lawyer turned mindfulness teacher and author. Bob shares his origin story of becoming a mob lawyer after hitting the Gambino family's southern branch with a 72-million-dollar racketeering case while working for Janet Reno in Miami.

Johnny from the Gambino family walked into his office and offered to send clients since Bob beat their lawyers, teaching him that integrity means doing what you say or saying you won't. Their arrangement worked for years until Johnny's son faced serious charges and Bob refused illegal actions, prompting him to move to North Carolina, where they parted as friends.

Bob's publishing history includes a self-published first novel where consultants took advantage of him, then two books accepted by the hybrid publisher Innovative Inc. Now querying agents for his historical fiction, he asks whether mentioning hybrid publishing hurts his chances.

Bob's first question addresses a developmental challenge in his sweeping historical drama covering 140 years and three continents about a Hungarian man born in 1898 who came to America pursuing the American dream through popcorn businesses. The antagonist is his grandmother, Julia, who does terrible things because her traumatic past hardened her heart after being married off at 15, having a bastard child, and later projecting shame onto her daughter's illegitimate son.

Beta readers nearly put the book down when Bob broke from Martin's engaging story to jump to 1960s New Jersey for Julia's entire backstory, creating too big a consciousness break.

I recommend weaving small pieces of grandmother's backstory throughout Martin's story rather than one large dump, or putting her backstory in a three to four-page prologue. I reference All the Water in the World as an example and suggest the Fiction Writers Toolkit podcast and YouTuber Alyssa Matesic for fiction writing guidance.

Finally, Bob received an offer from a Hong Kong publisher for his East-West religious book including an advance, asking if he could mention this to agents already queried for the historical fiction. I recommend having a literary lawyer review the contract.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereafter based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

You Don’t Need a Publisher to Get Your Books Into Bookstores with Lisa Rabey

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I welcome Lisa Raby of Nerd Girl Industries to discuss getting books into bookstores beyond Amazon. Lisa explains why bookstores matter, including passive income opportunities, access to new reader communities, free promotion through author events, and bookstores ordering back catalogs.

The myth that traditional or hybrid publishers automatically get books into more bookstores is false since publishers only push marketing for a specific percentage of titles, leaving most authors responsible for their own marketing, event scheduling, and social media, regardless of publishing method. Advanced Reader Copies distributed physically or electronically through platforms like NetGalley help booksellers decide whether titles fit their collections, though ARCs cannot legally be sold since they're unfinalized copies.

Check bookstore websites for submission information first, then email or call keeping communication short and polite. Create a one-page sell sheet in PDF format including cover image, title, publisher, page count, two to three sentence blurb, and professional reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, or book trade magazines rather than Goodreads or Amazon since booksellers read trade publications for purchasing decisions. Include accolades or awards bringing credibility.

Contact bookstores about a month before publication date for new titles, but work with your back catalog first to solidify relationships and prove your books sell before pushing new releases since bookstores plan events up to a year in advance. For authors with multiple genres under different pen names, research each bookstore's collection balance and create separate sell sheets for each book.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Visit Lisa Rabey at https://nerddgirl.net/shop/ and use the coupon code HILISA, to get 20% off!

The Biggest Rookie Mistake That Makes Agents Reject Your Book on Page One

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this essential episode, I welcome John DeDakis, former CNN Situation Room editor and author of six novels, to discuss his "weed whacking" service for shortening manuscripts.

John cautions that content over 100,000 words becomes a disincentive for readers with short attention spans and for traditional publishers concerned about production costs for unknown authors. Non-professional writers tend to be wordy, over-explaining easily assumed details.

Pantsers tend to get wordy in first drafts, requiring right-brained writers to activate left-brained editorial discipline to cut and polish. John draws on his broadcast journalism background, where screaming arguments over five seconds proved that slashing content makes writing punchier.

His process follows macro to micro principles, starting with reading entire manuscripts without fixing anything to see it objectively, and in totality—which is the only time you'll view your book content that way before getting deep in weeds.

First, determine if you need to rearrange chapters. Then examine each chapter for sensory engagement, followed by microscopic word choice scrutiny, ensuring succinct sentences, and finally granular spelling checks, since agents care about details separating amateurs from professionals.

Reading manuscripts out loud really slows down your reading and is best for spotting typos and identifying clunky phrasing, with Google Docs and Microsoft Word offering read-aloud features in Accessibility tabs.

Be aware of the biggest rookie mistake agents identify: backstory dumping on first pages, with agents at conferences raising hands simultaneously when anonymously submitted manuscripts take them out of the moment explaining context from 15 years ago rather than hooking readers immediately with character dialogue and action.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Visit John at his website www.johndedakis.com

Avoid These Mistakes When Hiring a Book Editor!

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Here’s the 411 on why hiring the right editor makes all the difference; since choosing the wrong book editor lowers book quality, which I've witnessed with clients who hired two professional editors, yet their books showed little to no editing.

The right editor must be well-practiced in your genre, never use AI for editing since traditional publishers, including the big five, pull contracts for any AI use due to copyright infringement liability, understands your target audience expectations, has experience with similar books, and maintains communication styles. They also must be open to working collaboratively.

Test editors by requesting industry-standard 500-word free samples rather than unprofessionally demanding full chapter edits creating "Franken editing" when authors collect chapter edits from multiple editors producing incoherent results. After reviewing free samples from your shortlisted editors, pay two or three editors to edit a chapter or 2000 words, determining fit before committing to full manuscripts.

Critical questions include how many books in your genre they've edited, their process and timeline, what's included in packages, revision rounds, and how they handle follow-up questions.

Major red flags include editors claiming they can do everything since real professionals specialize, refusing client contact until books are finished, working only part-time without industry experience, being friends or English majors rather than professional editors, pricing significantly below market, having unclear pricing, offering no contracts or unlimited revisions creating cycles, and being dismissive while unable to articulate editing philosophy.

Self-editing is not professional editing, and Amazon's algorithm identifies low-quality unedited books downranking them, making professional editing an investment protecting your reputation. Working relationships matter since you'll collaborate closely for weeks or months, requiring personality compatibility, good chemistry, clear communication, and professional yet personable combinations where trusting instincts about compatibility proves reliable.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

What You Need to Know About the New Amazon KDP Algorithm

Tue, 26 May 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What You Need to Know About the New Amazon KDP Algorithm

Did you know that Amazon KDP recently changed their book algorithm?

Yes! KDP finally made changes which rewards quality content and genuine engagement over previous gaming systems, finally leveling the playing field for professional authors.

The major shifts include greater emphasis on read-through rates and completion where ebooks people finish get pushed up in search results, quality signals now outweighing keyword stuffing, authentic reviews with comments weighted more heavily than star-only reviews, author platform and engagement metrics mattering more, improved content quality detection identifying AI-generated low-quality material, and long-term performance valued over launch day spikes that previously required massive coordinated pushes causing author burnout.

The old system allowed keyword stuffing titles and descriptions, review manipulation through buying services, launch tricks gaming short-term rankings, and low-quality books ranking high temporarily while professional authors got buried. Quality content finally gets rewarded since well-written professionally edited books rank better, readers finishing books signals quality to Amazon, professional presentation stands out, expertise and depth create competitive advantages, and investment in quality pays off long-term rather than rewarding cheap content mills and fake reviews.

Strategies to leverage the new algorithm include optimizing for read-through and completion with compelling openings that hook readers immediately, chapters flowing logically with consistent content rather than uneven detail levels, quality editing removing friction points and misunderstandings, appropriate book length for content and audience with clear value delivery throughout every chapter, and testing with beta readers to identify issues.

Build authentic reviews through advanced reader copies to genuine readers via email list strategies while never buying reviews or using manipulation services since quality reviews matter more than quantity. Continue using keywords focused on genuine search terms readers actually use, accurate categories reflecting content, and descriptions that sell and inform without promising what books don't deliver.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Transform Your Expertise into a Bestselling Book

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Ready to transform your expertise into a bestselling book that resonates and sells with your target readers?

Your expertise and voice make your book unique even if similar topics exist, but expertise alone doesn't create a good book without the right strategy. I cover mining your expertise for book-worthy content including years of professional experience, repeated client questions, frameworks or methodologies you've developed, industry insights others lack, case studies, success stories, and mistakes you've learned that others can avoid. The key is identifying what people consistently seek your advice about, what problems you solve better than others in your industry, what knowledge gaps you can fill, and where your passion intersects with market need.

The right angle requires focused topics rather than broad expertise since niching down doesn't lose authority but attracts audiences who love your specific brand of work. I use my book From Idea to Outline as an example, designed specifically for busy professionals outlining their books in a weekend rather than generalizing for bigger audiences. Structure your expertise into a book framework by moving from knowledge to narrative since readers need a journey from point A to point B, not just information dumps. Create signature frameworks that are memorable and actionable ensuring the framework becomes associated with your brand.

Organize chapters with logical flow building on complexity, keeping chapters under 6000 words and total chapter count ideally under 15 for nonfiction business books. Balance theory with practical application through exercises, worksheets, action steps, and pro tips. Choose clarity over cleverness for titles and subtitles using keywords your audience searches, testing three options with target audiences, and understanding that Amazon keyword rules prohibit using any words from your title or subtitle in your keyword fields since those words won't show up for purchase discovery.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

How to Market Your Book Before It's Even Finished

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I’ve got another Book Blueprint episode for you, today!

Welcome Stephanie Jordan, author and speaker who retired from her 27-year cosmetology career and has written multiple books including The Narcissistic Bride of Christ and her upcoming Legacy Builders.

Stephanie asks how to get people interested in your book. I explain the ideal approach is to start marketing three to six months before your publishing date since you don't need a finished book to market. The critical foundation is knowing your audience, which is why I created my Book Clarity Blueprint, helping authors flesh out their purpose, message, and target reader before investing time and money.

When you publish as an expert without professional editing, readers see errors and lose trust in your credibility, questioning why they should hire your services if you won't invest in a professional book. Remember, damaged reputations are harder to rebuild than the upfront editing investment.

Stephanie shares her nightmare first editor experience where the editor sent scathing emails about hating her book and would have destroyed it if Stephanie hadn't protected her voice. This never should have happened—editors who dislike your genre shouldn't accept projects, and authors can send 500-word samples for free editing to test compatibility before committing.

She asks how long should you promote a book before moving on to the next one? That depends on your goals and whether you have a single book or series. For her situation, I recommend continuing to promote her book at conferences and events matching her "flavor" of Christianity rather than Barnes and Noble. In addition, she should start marketing her new book in May, telling current followers they can pre-order on Amazon, creating natural overlap where fans of the first book discover the second.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

How to Win Book Awards and Use Them to Skyrocket Your Author Credibility with Melanie Johnson from Elite Online Publishing

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Melanie Trela Johnson, the visionary founder of Elite Online Publishing, has taken over 3000 authors to number one bestseller status and is herself an 18-time Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author.

Melanie explains how Elite Online Publishing differs from traditional publishers by providing high-level service throughout the entire publishing journey, handling the publishing triathlon of writing, publishing, and marketing so authors can use their books as credibility and marketing tools. She emphasizes that finishing your book isn't the finish line; you’ll need to promote your book.

Book awards involve applying to specific competitions where groups of readers evaluate your book alongside others in the category and decide if your work merits gold, silver, or bronze recognition, with even silver awards meaning you're above everyone else in that category just like Olympic medalists. The key is researching thousands of available awards to find ones with categories matching your book's niche, then applying to multiple categories within each award to maximize chances.

Most awards charge fees and require physical books since evaluators spend time reading submissions. Awards provide lifelong credibility since this title further distinguishes you from authors without awards.

Books are never too old for awards as long as content remains current, so authors can use awards for a new announcement, which reignites interest. Awards don't happen immediately, like bestseller launches, since many competitions announce results five to six months later, creating natural promotional opportunities.

Basic requirements include quality professionally edited content, beautiful covers, proper titles and subtitles, professional formatting, established sales and reviews. Elite Online Publishing works with authors to provide book awards services, bestseller launches.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Visit Melanie at Elite Online Publishing

Traditional vs Hybrid Publishing Explained by a Professional Book Editor

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this special Book Blueprint episode, I welcome Dave Letterfly-Notar, a five-time published author with three memoirs and two guidebooks who takes readers into the traveling circus world through his passion for horsemanship, adventure, and artwork.

Dave started writing as catharsis 37 years ago, evolved into marketing essays for his art career, then, he was encouraged by professors who helped him craft his first book ten years ago in his mid-forties. Now he's completed his next manuscript about his relationship with a horse and their adventures together, professionally edited and ready, but he wants to publish through traditional publishing rather than self-publishing again.

My first advice for finding an agent is checking Publishers Weekly for reputable agents. The critical factor is finding an agent who specializes in your genre and subgenre.

Traditional publishing takes three to five years, even with an agent, so patience is essential. I also introduce the hybrid publisher option where authors maintain more creative control including choosing editors. Dave doesn't need an agent to submit to publishers, though agents shortcut the process by knowing which companies want specific book types.

The mindset shift Dave needs is keeping his animated, passionate storytelling approach, since that sells publishers. His advantage is understanding the publishing process as a seasoned professional, making him easier for publishers to work with.

I offer book coaching services for author support since promoting books is harder than writing them, and Dave's positive service-minded paradigm from his recovery journey 37 years ago drives his mission helping readers transform obstacles into growth.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Never Hire the Wrong Book Editor With This 22-Question Checklist

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Here are the 22 crucial questions to ask before hiring a book editor, based on a thorough questionnaire a prospective client sent me that covers major considerations when vetting professional editors for your self-published book.

The fundamental questions covered in this episode include: genre expertise, comparable books edited, and what excites editors about your manuscript, though many ghostwriters have NDAs preventing public client lists.

Voice preservation questions are critical, including how editors maintain your voice while strengthening clarity, pacing, and story structure. My process involves onboarding sessions, listening to podcasts if available, editing chapter one, then meeting to make corrections before continuing to ensure I capture voice accurately. This prevents the devastating mistake where authors hire editors, don't see them until the book is finished, then discover their book isn't what they wanted, requiring complete rewrites.

Practical business questions address turnaround time, flat fee versus hourly rates, availability, contracts, NDAs, communication preferences, and references. I work on flat fees including two passes and three 30-minute meetings, typically book two to three weeks out, provide contracts through client intake forms, sign NDAs since confidentiality is key, stay available via text for quick questions and email during standard work hours, and provide references once prospects shortlist me.

The dealbreaker question reveals what makes editors turn down projects. I'm easy to work with as a fellow author and creative who gives clients final say in their books, preserving voice while offering professional advice they can accept or decline because the author always has the last call on which content stays in their book.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

How You Actually Finish Writing a Book While Working Full-Time

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I recently had another podcaster in a coaching group ask me about how to break down the overwhelming process of writing a self-published book into manageable, smaller goals. The core problem: the thought of writing a book paralyzes aspiring authors because it's an undefined goal with no clear starting point, creating blank page paralysis compounded by comparing themselves to finished books with bestsellers and awards rather than focusing on next steps.

The critical mindset shift I teach is moving from "I need to write a book" to "what is my very next step?” Our brains want to resist undefined, enormous tasks but respond well to small, clear milestones, where you can see measurable progress and celebrate small wins!

Stop thinking about bestseller lists and awards—simply focus on why you want to write your book and how you'll get there one step at a time. Your goal isn't finishing the entire book. Your goal is to complete your next milestone. Whether that's your chapter outline, brainstorming topics, creating a mind map, or writing 15 minutes three times weekly.

Establish a realistic writing schedule by honestly assessing your available time and protecting the time you are blocking off to write. And fiercely protect that time! Unprotected time ends up going towards our life’s daily tasks, only pushing off what we really want to do: completing our self-published book.

Complete your first draft by writing one chapter at a time, but you don’t have to write them in order! Start with whatever chapter feels easiest and save your introduction for last, since it will likely change after developmental editing.

The absolute non-negotiable milestone is hiring a professional editor—never hire friends or family members as one client hired her 18-year-old niece and it sounded like a high schooler wrote her book, requiring complete re-editing at an additional cost to her.

I’ve seen unprofessionally edited books getting called out in Amazon book reviews, with one author receiving four reviews specifically mentioning she clearly didn't hire a professional editor. Complete all editing before formatting and use a book formatter who doesn't work in Word.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Podcast Resources

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Get the support you need for self-publishing your book in my community, Publishing for Leaders. Join today while membership is still free!

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Four Secrets to Never Experience Writer's Block From Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Dr. David Grueder

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Dr. David Gruder, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of eight books and award-winning psychologist, shares his four secrets to never experiencing writer's block.

David's unique writing gift came from childhood when his father, an accomplished technical writer, and his mother, a published poet, mercilessly edited his homework with input that drove him crazy but ultimately gifted him the rare ability to write with precision yet poetically. Learning that books serve as front-ends for deeper engagement, he shifted his approach to say less while delivering huge value, leaving readers wanting more.

David cured any possibility of writer's block as executive editor of his college newspaper when he consistently had 20 minutes before drop-dead deadline to write his weekly column with zero prep time, teaching him to write final copy without the luxury of writer's block.

One of David’s secrets he reveals is marathoning rather than sprinting, where David goes into seclusion for week-long writing sessions from wake to sleep because marathoning keeps everything fully present while sprinting causes him to lose connections between details. I’ve marathoned my own book on a two-week Atlantic cruise sitting poolside.

David's wife uses sprints and data dumping information onto sticky notes, clustering themes together which reveals chapters and sequence, creating a literal paper trail.

Writing becomes much easier through flow state, where all effort vanishes and content channels through, using the criterion that if what comes through isn't smarter than him, then it goes in the trash.

David triggers flow state by uttering his favorite four-letter word "help" and surrendering to ask higher resources to channel through him, or by playing and listening to music, always using soothing instrumental background music like light jazz, classical, or new age when actually writing since vocal music with words prevents the brain from processing writing efficiently.

I recently discovered lo-fi music acts like a metronome for your brain helping regulate brain waves, particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals by calming the brain for deeper flowstate.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Get a Free Copy of the first two books in Dr. David Grueder’s SPARC Trilogy!

How to Build Your Email List to 50,000 Subscribers for Book Marketing Success with Scott Carson

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this game-changing episode, I sit down with Scott Carson, nationally recognized note investing authority, who built his email list to 50,000 subscribers using strategies any author can apply.

Scott opens with a powerful American Marketing Association statistic showing email marketing delivers 4,400% ROI, earning $44 for every dollar spent. The critical insight: you only truly own three platforms—your email list, website, and RSS feed—while social media platforms can shut you down anytime, making email list building essential for authors wanting marketing control.

Scott's journey began over 20 years ago when his coach advised treating networking events as list-building opportunities, turning business card collection into a competitive game aiming to collect one-tenth of attendee cards from each event. His genius strategy involved business cards with blank backs so when people lacked cards, he gave them to him to fill out and return, never missing connections.

Every night after events, he meticulously transferred contacts into Excel spreadsheets recording names, emails, niche focus, and conversation notes for personalized outreach. The immediate follow-up email thanked people for meeting with conversation details. Then he strategically sent second follow-ups on Tuesday after weekend events, avoiding Monday when people travel, offering value through podcast links, free books, or class invitations because 80% of sales happen after the fifth contact.

Scott's success foundation came from genuinely helping solve problems rather than pushing sales, asking attendees about challenges and offering solutions through content, connections, or resources without expecting immediate returns. His book strategy involved converting titles to free PDF lead magnets in exchange for email addresses, building his list while establishing authority.

Scott's strategies translate into book marketing gold. Authors can replicate his process by starting small, staying consistent, and focusing on genuine relationship building, making it a game while maintaining discipline to follow up when others won't.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Chat with Scott Carson or sign up for one of his virtual classes here!

The 30-Minute Document That Makes Your Book Look Professional

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Want to know about the 30-minute document that saves you countless hours when writing, working with editors, and self-publishing? Then you want to know about (and create) a style guide for your self-published book.

A style guide instructs professionals working on your book how you want your book written, specifying whether "donut" is spelled D-O-U-G-H-N-U-T instead of D-O-N-U-T (Dunkin' Donuts branding), whether certain words are italicized or bolded, whether you say "Baby Yoda" instead of just "Yoda," whether titles appear in all caps or only first words capitalized. Style guides prevent embarrassing errors and represent industry standards for serious authors.

Almost every client that I’ve worked with didn’t know about a style guide, let alone how much time, money, and hassle that having one would make for their publishing journey. Creating a comprehensive style guide by reading manuscripts, making suggestions, adding client-specific requirements, and providing advice, then delivering a PDF they attach to emails for anyone working on their book including editors, formatters, designers, co-authors, or virtual assistants.

Reason one for needing a style guide is consistency across your entire book because different editors have different ideas about how your book should look, but the style guide shows them exactly what you want. Style guides also save time and money because editors work faster understanding your style preferences upfront rather than constantly emailing questions, preventing costly revisions since editors know what you want from the beginning, avoiding re-editing expenses from style mistakes.

If you want to look professional, you’ll need to maintain consistency across all content including blogs, social media, courses, future books, or second editions. You can edit your style guide when you update preferences.

Style guides assist in maintaining a professional presentation and credibility. Professional authors use style guides demonstrating attention to detail and thoughtful effort. When event coordinators read inconsistent books from speakers, you won't get the job, but when they read consistent professional books created with style guide standards, you get the job—along with higher pay.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Podcast Resources

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Get the support you need for self publishing your book in my community, Publishing for Leaders. Join today while membership is still free!

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Costliest Mistakes to Make When Formatting Your Self Published Book

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I’m revealing the five costliest mistakes I see new authors make when self-publishing. If you're using your book as a business card, you cannot afford amateur formatting giving bad first impressions to readers who immediately notice wrong fonts and layouts, especially if they read extensively in your genre.

Let’s start with the number one mistake that cost my client thousands: formatting your book before all editing is complete. My client paid for formatting before we finished all four editing types—developmental, line, copy, and proofreading—then had to pay for reformatting again after editing changed content.

Mistake two involves not understanding different format requirements where authors assume one format works for all book types. However, each book format has specific technical requirements with separate file types that Amazon won't accept if improperly formatted.

Mistake three is using manual formatting with hard returns and extra spaces instead of professional paragraph styles, or worse, formatting in Word which looks unprofessional and Amazon often rejects. Mistake four means ignoring industry standards where every genre has specific formatting expectations professional readers recognize instantly.

Join my free School community "Publishing for Leaders" at school.com where first 100 members get complimentary access to monthly group coaching sessions plus casual coffee chats. Book your discovery call at write4u.me for formatting, editing, or publishing support.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Five Essential Facts Every Author Should Know About Book Editing

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Lately, I’ve talked to several clients and found out they have made mistakes surrounding hiring a book editor—mistakes that cost them upwards of $10,000, so I created this informational episode so you don’t make those same costly mistakes!

I share five critical facts every author must know about book editing. First, I address the blind spot reality where you cannot edit your own book effectively because your brain auto-corrects what you meant to write. This cognitive limitation causes repeated mistakes that disempower writing, and missing unclear explanations your brain automatically fills in. Professional writers, including myself, hire editors because even big authors need fresh eyes for objectivity that transforms good books into great books.

Fact two explains the four editing types in critical order: developmental editing first for big picture structure, content, and audience alignment; then line editing for sentence-level clarity and pacing; followed by copy editing for grammar and style guide compliance; finally proofreading for typos before publication. The biggest mistake is authors hiring line editors first then wanting developmental editing afterward, wasting money since they'll need another line edit after adding developmental content.

Fact three covers realistic timelines for editing. I work on faster timelines, completing developmental edits in one week if you're in a timeline crunch. Good editors book out weeks or months in advance, and rushing editing backfires because rush jobs cost more and deliver less. Work backwards from your launch date and add buffer time since editing is not a once and done process.

Fact four addresses pricing. Cheap editing ends up costing you in missed opportunities because inexperienced editors miss critical issues and one lost speaking opportunity costs more than quality editing. Professional editing delivers higher speaking fees, attracts better clients, and creates immediate opportunities. Red flags include prices significantly below market, editors who don't specialize in your genre, unclear pricing, and "I can do it all" editors claiming every specialty. Authors will want to put aside and invest $2,000-$5,000 for book editing because skipping these damages reputation and costs income.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Why Every Professional Needs a Book Plus How to Finally Start Writing When Overwhelmed

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I coach Tom Fox in this Book Blueprint episode. Tom has won 42 podcasting awards and has written 38 books through his transition into traditional nonfiction.

When speaking with Tom, I explained Edelman studies and how these consistently show that professionals with books get more traction, exposure, and authority, separating them from competitors because prospects usually choose authors over non-authors. Tom adds three motivations: it's the best business card, the research process forces you to become a subject matter expert, and the ego satisfaction of seeing your name on the cover.

For overwhelmed professionals, I recommend identifying time wasters and then redirecting your time toward writing with reward systems. Time blocking works well for focused time specific to writing your book. The most difficult hurdle when writing a book is creating a sustainable writing habit. Our brains resist change, so stop listening to negative thoughts and just sit down and write.

Tom shares his challenge with wandering thoughts when writing nonfiction. I advise writing those wandering thoughts directly into the story to get them out of your head, because nonlinear creative thinking adds powerful depth.

When hiring ghostwriters or editors, I always recommend finding a professional who has published their own books, answers all your questions, and has a compatible personality. I recommend starting your book marketing a minimum of three months before publication, building email lists, and using social media schedulers.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Podcast Resources

Start on your author journey today by booking a Discovery Call

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Connect with Tom at compliancepodcastnetwork.net or tfox@tfoxlaw.com

The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereafter based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

How to Avoid Publishing Scams and Choose the Right Publishing Path for Your Book

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this Book Blueprint episode, I coach AJ Tyler, author of "Immigrant Men" which hit number one in two Amazon categories and debut novel "Death and Short," through critical publishing challenges.

AJ opens with a pressing issue facing newly published authors: floods of scam solicitations from fake reviewers and fraudulent marketing services. I advise verifying any unsolicited offers through national writers' associations, checking LinkedIn to confirm company affiliations, and requesting author references because these scammers easily fabricate contact information.

We tackle publishing options where AJ asks how to choose between self-publishing, hybrid, and traditional publishing. Publishers often want to mainstream your book, changing your voice to fit their vision. I emphasize 90% of readers never notice the publishing company, they only care about quality content, professional editing, good flow, and valuable information or compelling plots with well-developed characters.

For marketing, I recommend reverse engineering by determining your budget first, then building campaigns around platforms you already use and content formats you enjoy.

Start marketing six months ahead, recruit beta readers, and leverage Substack's author community plus BookTube and BookTok. I warn against paying someone to get you on podcasts as those are typically scammers charging thousands for two or three placements. Book awards are worth the investment if you’re building an author career or writing series, especially in saturated fiction markets where awards provide crucial social proof.

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Podcast Resources

Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Connect with AJ Tyler at his author website

AI Writing Tools and Copyright Law Explained by Intellectual Property Lawyer Gordon Firemark

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this crucial legal episode, I sit down with Gordon Firemark, intellectual property entertainment and media lawyer, to navigate the Wild West of AI in publishing.

With 50 lawsuits currently underway against AI companies, most dealing with training on pre-existing copyrighted material, Gordon explains that Anthropic just agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement with a group of authors, noting if the trained system outputs material substantially similar to an existing copyrighted work, that is infringement. We can't hold the machine responsible for damages, meaning the person or company who publishes AI generated material bears full liability.

Beyond copyright concerns, AI systems hallucinate, requiring meticulous fact-checking especially for nonfiction work. Gordon shares an alarming example where an AI-generated article about a person with a common name incorrectly attributed a felony conviction from someone in Colorado to an innocent person in Florida, creating defamation liability.

Gordon emphasizes that authors cannot own AI-generated work because copyright law has been clear for a century that if the author isn't human, the work gets no copyright protection. Courts have consistently ruled this way with AI-generated images, with one case currently petitioning the Supreme Court for review. However, if human authors show sufficient creative input, they can claim copyright in elements they contributed.

When publishing on Amazon, there's a checkbox requiring disclosure if you used AI to create your material, and failing to check it could result in delisting, violating terms of service, or accusations of fraud. If you use AI and don't disclose it, you can be accused of defrauding the copyright office, invalidating your copyright entirely and leading to damages and penalties if you try to sue for infringement. Those advertisements promising six figures by having AI write your book in one day are misleading because you can't claim copyright infringement if someone else copies, distributes, or creates derivatives.

Gordon recommends safe ways to use AI as a tool. His strongest advice: there's nothing like making writing a habit. The act of writing, rereading, rewriting, and reorganizing is what authorship truly is, and while mainstream publishing involves editors and copy editors, they guide the fundamentally human process.

Ready to write your authority-building book? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Podcast Resources

Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Get Gordon’s online class Easy Legal for Entrepreneurs or Easy Legal for Podcasters

The Truth About New York Times Bestsellers and Other Publishing Myths Authors Believe

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

I sat down with Terry Whalin to debunk common misconceptions that trip up aspiring authors. Terry tackles the biggest misunderstanding among new authors, which is the belief that publishers will sell and promote your book for you.

While publishers invest in marketing, they have hundreds of books published, meaning authors must take 100% responsibility. The person with the greatest investment in your book is you, not your publisher, making author-driven promotion essential regardless of whether you're self-published or working with a publisher.

He also addresses the New York Times bestseller dream, which Terry calls almost like winning an Oscar in the book business. The New York Times list isn't purely numbers-based, but editorial, meaning you need approximately 11,000 copies sold in a seven-day period through their list of brick-and-mortar and online bookstores, plus editorial approval from Times editors who decide whether your book deserves the list. Terry knows authors who sold enough copies but didn't make the list because editors deemed it unsuitable. However, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists are slightly more accessible.

The key is consistency and perseverance in promotion. He warns authors against spending $30,000 on the wrong PR firm and emphasizes building assets you control like your own newsletter, blog, and website rather than relying solely on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Terry demolishes the myth surrounding the glamorous writer's life. Other common mistakes include pitching children's books "for all ages" and submitting 190,000-word manuscripts from first-time authors. Terry stresses that everyone needs professional editors providing developmental feedback, not just AI tools. He warns against using ChatGPT or Claude to edit books because AI-generated phrases slip into your work that you would never write yourself, becoming an immediate cause for rejection.

Ready to write your authority-building book? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!

Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

Podcast Resources

Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call

Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

Get Terry’s book 10 Publishing Myths