Your Path to Book Publishing

Your Path to Book Publishing

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 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, Publishing, Branding, Launch & 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 publishing path for me—self, hybrid, or traditional? How do I launch and market my book 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 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.

Episodes

August 18, 2025 8 mins

What if your most effective book marketing strategy starts long before you type “The End”?

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re flipping the script on how to promote a nonfiction book. Instead of waiting until launch week to start generating buzz, we explore how to invite your audience into the process from the very beginning—so that by the time your book is ready, you’re not marketing to strangers... you’re celebrating wi...

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Many nonfiction authors dream of becoming a “bestselling author,” but the truth is—what most really want isn’t the title. It’s what they believe that title will unlock: more clients, paid speaking opportunities, credibility, and momentum.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re unpacking the real reasons behind the bestseller obsession—and reframing it into a strategy that actually delivers results. Because the goal isn’t jus...

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Most nonfiction authors focus on writing and publishing—but overlook one crucial step that can make or break their book marketing efforts: deeply understanding their audience.

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we break down the three essential things every author must know about their readers to publish and market a successful nonfiction book.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Why vague audience defini...
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You’ve got the idea. You’ve got the passion. But you can’t seem to find the time.

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful exercise that has helped both me and my clients uncover hidden writing time—sometimes up to 60 minutes a day. It’s called the Time Awareness Audit for Authors, and it might just be the thing that finally gets your book moving forward.

We’ll cover:

  • Why waiting...
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You may be the only name on the cover—but behind every successful nonfiction book is a team of experts who helped bring it to life.

In this episode of Your Path to  Book Publishing, we’re talking about why writing and publishing a book is a team sport—and who you actually need on your side to finish strong, reach readers, and build your author business.

📚 Whether you're self-publishing, working with a hybrid publisher, or aimin...

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You’ve seen the titles: Amazon Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller. But what does it actually take to become a bestselling author—and is it worth it?

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we break down the different types of Amazon bestseller statuses, how they work, and what they mean for your book’s success. If you're a nonfiction author, coach, consultant, or entrepreneur working ...

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How to Prevent Your Book Launch from Flopping: The Power of a Pre-Mortem

You’ve put everything into writing, editing, and launching your nonfiction book—but what if it doesn’t go the way you hoped?

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we’ll explore how to use a pre-mortem strategy to strengthen your book marketing plan, avoid common pitfalls, and increase your chances of success across every stage of your author journey.

W...

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It’s our 100th episode, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey—whether you’ve tuned in from the beginning or just found Your Path to Book Publishing.

In this milestone episode, I’m doing things a little differently. I’m sharing lessons learned from 100 podcast episodes and nearly 15 years in the publishing industry. You’ll hear my thoughts on where the publishing world is headed, how AI is r...

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In today's online-heavy world, it’s tempting to think that selling your book on Amazon is the only option that matters. But there’s a powerful—and often overlooked—way to grow your credibility, build reader connection, and keep your book in readers' hands: your local bookstore.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re diving into why bookstores still matter, how to approach them, and what you need to know before walk...

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You’ve launched your book—congrats! But after the buzz fades, you might find yourself wondering: Now what? If you’re a coach, consultant, or speaker, your book shouldn’t just sit on the shelf. It should bring you leads, build trust, and drive your business forward.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we break down how to turn your nonfiction book into a lead-generating funnel—one that works behind the scenes to attract your ide...

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Think publishing your book is the finish line? Not quite. If you want to turn your writing into a sustainable career, you need more than royalties. In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re diving into how successful nonfiction authors actually earn a living—and how you can do the same by building smart, scalable income streams around your book.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Why book royalties alone rarely ...
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Top Strategies on How to Market a Self-Published Book

You hit publish on your book—now what? Whether you're on a tight budget or just overwhelmed by options, marketing your book doesn't have to be complicated or chaotic.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, Zach breaks down a simple, proven framework for self-published authors to build visibility, attract readers, and start selling books. From your author brand to advan...

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You can have the best-written book in the world—but if the right people never hear about it, it’s not going to get the attention it deserves.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re digging into the single most overlooked (and most important) part of book publicity: knowing exactly who your reader is before you launch your campaign. Whether you're working with a publicist or flying solo, this episode will help you ground...

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You’ve probably Googled “publishers for my book” and found dozens of lists—but how do you actually know which ones are legit, the right fit, or just a waste of time?

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re cutting through the noise and diving into how to find credible publishers, research them effectively, and spot the red flags that can derail your publishing journey. Whether you’re writing a nonfiction book, memoir, or busi...

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You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, polished your proposal, and finally hit submit. Now what?

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re tackling one of the hardest parts of the publishing process—rejection. Whether you’ve already received a “thanks, but no thanks” or you’re dreading your first, this episode will help you reframe rejection and stay in the game.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • What ac...
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If you're wondering whether a platform is really necessary to land a literary agent or traditional book deal, especially as a nonfiction author—this episode is for you.

You’ve probably heard conflicting answers. Some say you need thousands of followers. Others say it doesn’t matter. So what’s the truth?

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re cutting through the confusion and breaking down what agents actually want to see...

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If you want to sell more books on Amazon, you're not alone—but you might be focusing on the wrong things.

In this actionable episode of Your Path to Publish, we cut through the noise and share the five strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to promoting your book on Amazon. Whether you're overwhelmed by options or not sure where to start, this episode is your guide to using Amazon the right way.

BY THE TIME ...

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Writing a book can feel like running a marathon with no finish line in sight. Starting is easy, but staying motivated? That’s the real challenge.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re tackling why motivation fizzles out, how to hack your brain to keep writing, and actionable strategies to help you cross that finish line.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • The science behind why your motivation fades (and how ...
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Episode Description:

Your book is full of brilliant ideas, but without a clear theme, it might feel scattered or incomplete. In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re diving into how to find, develop, and refine your nonfiction book theme so it’s cohesive, compelling, and memorable.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Why your theme is the glue that holds your book together
  • How to uncover the core message you want ...
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You could have the most incredible book, but if your marketing isn’t working, it won’t sell. Many authors struggle with marketing—whether it’s not knowing where to start, feeling like they’re talking about themselves too much, or simply running out of momentum after launch.

In this episode, we’ll break down the biggest book marketing mistakes and give you actionable strategies to build awareness, sell more books, and create long-ter...

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