Your Path to Book Publishing
Episodes
What Authors Need to Know About Book Launch Publicity Today | Expert Guest: Marissa Eigeenbrood
15 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Book launch publicity has changed. Big media opportunities can still be valuable, but the most effective book marketing often comes from knowing your ...
A Book Launch That Builds Buzz, Reviews, and Business Opportunities | Author Guest: Josh Porter
08 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A successful book launch does not happen by accident. It takes planning, focus, communication, and a clear understanding of what your book is meant to...
Ep. 144 - Your Book Launch Strategy Starts With Your Why
01 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
No two books are exactly alike, and no two authors have the same goals. So your book launch strategy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all either.In this e...
Author Habits That Help You Sell More Books and Build Reader Trust
25 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author habits are not just about writing every day, hitting a word count, or trying to create the perfect routine. They are about building momentum, c...
How to Make Your Book More Memorable Through Storytelling
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you make your book more than a collection of facts, ideas, or lessons?In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach is joined by author...
The Book Publishing Habits Successful Authors Learn Over Time
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the author habits series with guests Jones Loflin and Todd Musig, co-authors of Juggling ...
How to Build Better Author Habits Without Trying to Be Perfect
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What habits actually help authors make real progress?In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, a new series on author habits begins with a look...
What Your Author Brand Is Really Built On
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is an author brand really built on?This episode of Your Path to Book Publishing pulls together key insights from the recent author branding serie...
What Actually Builds an Author Brand? Relationships, Reputation, and Showing Up | Ty Schmidt
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Author Branding and Bravery: Moving Forward Before You Feel Ready | Jill Schulman
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 E...
What Author Branding Really Means for Nonfiction Authors
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Book Publishing, Branding, and Marketing Work Together for Nonfiction Authors
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been thinking about writing, branding, and marketing as separate parts of the author journey, this episode will help you see how connect...
How Ghostwriting, AI, and Strategy Shape a Better Nonfiction Book
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Publishing a Book Elevates Your Authority, Brand, and Speaking Opportunities | Denise M. Thomas
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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?F...
The 5 Phases of the Author Journey — Why It’s More Than Just Book Publishing
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 aut...
A New Chapter for Your Path to Book Publishing —And What It Means for Nonfiction Authors
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
You Don’t Want a Bestselling Book. You Want What It Brings You.
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Almost every nonfiction author says it at some point:“I want to be a New York Times bestselling author.”It sounds ambitious. It sounds impressive....
How to Choose the Right Book Idea: The First Step in Your Nonfiction Author Journey
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Many nonfiction authors believe the first milestone of writing a book is finishing a draft.It’s not.In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing,...
“I Don’t Know Where to Start My Book Publishing Journey” as a Nonfiction Author
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling stuck at the starting line of book publishing is more common than most authors realize.In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, the fo...
What Really Happens on Book Launch Day (A Launch Day Case Study: Connect Deeper)
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What Really Happens on Book Launch Day (A Real Hybrid Publishing Case Study)Book launch day doesn’t always go the way authors expect.In this episode...
The Hidden Writing Delays That Slow Down Book Publishing for Nonfiction Authors
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why does book publishing almost always take longer than expected?For nonfiction authors — especially coaches, consultants, speakers, and thought lea...
Why Your Publisher Won’t Sell Your Book (And Why Nobody Will Sell More Books Than You)
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a nonfiction author—especially a coach, consultant, speaker, or thought leader—there’s a moment you eventually reach in the publishi...
Brand First? Book First? Why the Two Must Grow Together
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a nonfiction author — especially a coach, consultant, speaker, or thought leader — you’ve probably wrestled with the question:"...
Year-End Reflections — What I Learned Working With 30+ Authors in 2025
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As 2025 comes to a close, this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing is a reflection on what has been learned after working with more than 30 nonfic...
How to Write Your Book When You Have No Time
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever said, “I want to write a book… I just don’t have time,” this episode was made for you.In this week’s episode of Your Path t...
37 Ways Nonfiction Authors Make Money (And Why You Only Need a Few)
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most nonfiction authors ask the same question at some point:“How do authors actually make money from their books?”In this episode, you’ll learn ...
You’re Not Just an Author — How to Publish and Market Your Book Like an IP Company
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most nonfiction authors think they’re “writing a book.”But the moment you decide to write one… you’ve actually become an intellectual proper...
Why Amazon Now Prioritizes Outside Traffic And How Authors Can Adapt Their Book Marketing
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If your Amazon rankings have been bouncing around lately or your ads suddenly feel less effective, there’s a reason. Amazon has quietly updated its ...
Self-Publishing That Pays: How to Market Your Book, Sell Direct, and Boost Your ROI
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can self-publishing actually pay off?If you’ve ever wondered whether you can make real profit from your book — not just cover your costs — this ...
The 4 Signals That Tell You Exactly How to Market Your Book
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel overwhelmed trying to market your book?Wondering if you should post on social media, run ads, hire a publicist, or just cross your fingers a...
Don’t Hit Publish Yet! 6 Book Publishing Essentials to Review Before Launching Your Book
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before you hit publish on your nonfiction book, there are a few crucial steps that can make—or break—your launch.In this episode of Your Path to B...
Why I Told This Author Not to Self-Publish Their Book
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Self-publishing gives authors incredible freedom—but it’s not the right fit for everyone.In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we’ll ...
The Most Overlooked Part of a Book Launch and Book Marketing (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You can write the best book in your field, hire a top editor, and design a beautiful cover—but if you miss this one critical piece of your launch st...
Is Self-Publishing Still Worth It? 7 Steps Every Nonfiction Author Needs to Know
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is self-publishing still worth it in 2025? For nonfiction authors, the answer depends on understanding the evolving publishing landscape and the strat...
Why Book Reviews Are the Secret Fuel Behind Every Successful Author
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 112: Why Book Reviews Are the Secret Fuel Behind Every Successful AuthorWhy do some books climb the Amazon charts while others stall out? The ...
Using AI as Your Developmental Editor — A Way to Strengthen Your Nonfiction Book
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many authors think of AI only as a shortcut to write faster. But what if it could actually serve as your developmental editor?In this episode of Your ...
Ai, Copyright, and the Future of Book Publishing
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A $1.5 billion settlement just shook the publishing world—and it directly affects you as an author. Anthropic, the creators of Claude AI, have agree...
Book Advances Explained: What Every Nonfiction Author Needs to Know
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here’s a riddle: why can a $150,000 “good” book deal leave you with less money this year than a $50,000 “very nice” deal?In this episode of ...
What I’ve Learned (So Far) Writing My First Nonfiction Book
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What actually happens when someone who helps authors every day finally sits down to write their own book?In this behind-the-scenes episode of Your Pat...
Stop Marketing Your Book. Start Building It With Your Fans.
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 flippin...
You Don’t Want a Bestselling Book. You Want What It Brings You
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 bel...
How to Identify and Reach the Right Audience for Your Nonfiction Book
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most nonfiction authors focus on writing and publishing—but overlook one crucial step that can make or break their book marketing efforts: deeply un...
How to Write a Book When You Have No Time
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
Writing a Book Is a Team Sport: How to Build the Right Author Support Team
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
What an Amazon Bestselling Book Really Means
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve seen the titles: Amazon Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller. But what does it actually take to become a bes...
Why Your Book Might Fail (and How to Prevent It): The Power of a Premortem
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to Prevent Your Book Launch from Flopping: The Power of a Pre-MortemYou’ve put everything into writing, editing, and launching your nonfiction b...
Celebrating 100 Episodes: My Thoughts on Book Publishing, Branding, and Building a Career as an Author
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Get Your Book on Local Bookstore Shelves (And Why It Still Matters)
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 powerfu...
How to Use Your Book to Build a Lead Generation Funnel
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 spe...
How Nonfiction Authors Make a Living (Hint: It’s Not Just Book Sales)
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Self-Publishing? Here’s Exactly How to Market Your Book for More Sales
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Top Strategies on How to Market a Self-Published BookYou hit publish on your book—now what? Whether you're on a tight budget or just overwhelme...
The Most Overlooked Part of Book Publicity (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Where to Find Book Publishers (and How to Avoid the Wrong Ones)
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, o...
The Realities of Author Rejection: What Happens After You Submit Your Book
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Do You Really Need a Platform to Get a Book Agent? Here’s the Reality for Nonfiction Authors
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're wondering whether a platform is really necessary to land a literary agent or traditional book deal, especially as a nonfiction author—...
What Actually Moves the Needle? Top Strategies to Boost Amazon Book Sales
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pat...
How to Stay Motivated and Actually Finish Writing Your Book
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Mastering the Nonfiction Book Theme – How to Craft a Book That Sticks
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Pa...
The 5 Biggest Book Marketing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Is There Really Room for Your Book? Having Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought, There are too many books out there—why would anyone want mine? Or I need to keep my ideas secret so no one steals them?If so,...
Top 10 Tips for Success in Indie Publishing
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've spent months (or years) writing your book, and now you're ready to publish—but how? Traditional publishing, self-publishing, hybrid...
How AI Writing Tools Are Changing the Game for Authors: Top AI Tools for Every Book Writer
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever struggled with writer’s block, spent hours editing, or wished you had a personal assistant to help with brainstorming? AI-powered writ...
The One-Second Rule: How to Make Your Book Title Stick
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can your book title pass the one-second test?In today's episode of Your Path to Publish, we break down why your book's title is more than ju...
Hybrid Publishing: The Best of Both Worlds or Buyer Beware?
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about hybrid publishing for your book? It promises the perks of traditional publishing with the freedom of self-publishing—but is it the ri...
The Ultimate Nonfiction Book Outline: Your Roadmap to a Seamless Writing Process
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by your nonfiction book project? You’re the expert on your topic, but when you sit down to write, it feels like you’re losing ...
How to Build a Book Marketing Plan That Actually Works (With 10 Proven Strategies)
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed about marketing your book? Whether you’re launching your first book or trying to boost sales for an existing one, a clear strate...
The Hidden Power of Word Count – Why It Can Make or Break Your Book
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine pouring your heart into writing your book, only to hear back from an agent or publisher that it feels too thin, too long, or overwhelming. Wha...
Building Your Author Brand: Why the World Needs Your Story and How to Make It Shine
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your book has the potential to change lives—but only if people know about it. At the heart of every successful author and book is a strong, authenti...
How to Get Your Book Published: 8 Essential Steps for Success
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dreaming of seeing your name on the cover of a book? Whether you’re aiming for bestseller status or want to share your story with the world, underst...
Mastering the Art of Nonfiction Writing: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to write a nonfiction book that captivates readers, solves their problems, and builds your authority? Whether you’re starting fresh or...
The Fearless Author: 4 Ways to Embrace Growth Over Goals
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we kick off a new year, many of us are setting goals and resolutions. But what if we approached this differently—focusing not just on outcomes bu...
Reflecting on 2024: Gratitude, Mentorship, and Ambition for Authors
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to build a meaningful author journey in 2025?In this reflective episode, we close out the year by exploring three powerful themes that can...
Is Hybrid Publishing Right for You?
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating today’s expansive publishing landscape can feel overwhelming, especially with the rising popularity of hybrid publishing. This model blen...
Choosing the Right Book Type to Write Your Best Book
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling stuck or unsure about the direction of your book? It might be because you’re not clear on the type of book you’re writing. Underst...
Is Building Your Author Brand and Social Media Worth It?
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you debating whether building an author brand and engaging on social media is worth the effort? You're not alone. Many authors question if th...
How to Thank an Author (And Why It Matters)
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Your Path to Publish, we reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving and explores meaningful ways to show gratitude to authors. Whether it’s ...
A Big Mistake Authors Make When they First Get Started
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we discuss an essential but often overlooked aspect of the author journey: creating an author strategy. If yo...
How Much Do You Pay a Literary (Book) Agent?
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we dive into a crucial question for authors pursuing the traditional publishing route: How much do you pay a ...
Can a Self-Published Book Become a New York Times Bestseller?
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we dive into the question many self-published authors ask: Is it possible for a self-published book to make the New York Times b...
Building Your Reader Community: How to Connect with Your Audience and Grow Your Author Platform
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the importance of building a reader community and how to effectively create and nurture that connection with your audien...
The Power of Beta Readers To Maximize Your Book’s Potentials
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the crucial role beta readers play in the success of your book. From refining your manuscript to building early marketing ...
Discover Your Author Model: The Key to Defining Your Author Journey
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know your author model or persona? Understanding this can provide clarity and direction for every phase of your author journey. In today’s ep...
Should You Use NetGalley to Promote Your Book?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Title: Should You Use NetGalley to Promote Your Book?Are you considering NetGalley to help build pre-launch buzz for your book? In today’s e...
Overcoming Procrastination and Building Consistency in Your Writing
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Getting your book finished can be a major hurdle, and often just starting each day can feel overwhelming. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to...
How Many Books Do You Need to Sell to Be a Successful Author?
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You're scrolling through social media and see fellow authors celebrating their bestseller status, and you wonder, how many copies do you really n...
Finding Legitimate Author Resources for Your Marketing Needs (Listener Q&A)
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Finding trustworthy and effective resources to help with your author journey can be overwhelming, especially with so much noise in the marketplace. In...
Is Your Book Idea Worth Pursuing? Try This Writing Exercise
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a book idea that’s been swirling in your mind, but you're unsure if it's worth the time and effort to write? How can you know ...
Why You Will Be Disappointed In Your Book Publisher
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For many authors, the dream of publishing with a traditional publisher is appealing due to the expertise, guidance, and prestige it offers. However, m...
Increase Your Book Royalties by Selling Directly to Readers
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could make a living solely from your book royalties by cutting out the retailer and earning 50% more per sale? What if you had the contac...
Using Neuroscience to Make you a Better Book Author.
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to finish your book? Getting feedback that your manuscript is missing something? It might not be a bad book but a blind spot based...
Create a Book Sub-Title that Excites Your Reader
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your book needs a great subtitle to create excitement and lead readers from the subtitle to the description and finally to purchase. This is especial...
Turn a Bad Book Title Into a Great One
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever heard the phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover?" The reality is that people do, and your book title is crucial for gr...
Are You Making These 6 Mistakes with Your Ideal Book Reader?
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Connecting and building trust with your audience is crucial for any author, especially when selling advice-driven content. Knowing your ideal reader i...
How to Overcome Author Imposter Syndrome
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough to write your book? Wondering who will listen to you or if you have enough credibility?In this empoweri...
What you must know to get your book on an Amazon Bestseller List
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you dream of seeing your book with that coveted Amazon bestseller banner? Imagine the credibility and opportunities it can unlock for you.In this n...
The One Thing You Must Know About Your Ideal Book Readers
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is the core problem or challenge your ideal book readers are struggling with?Nailing this crucial insight can mean the difference between a book ...
7 Ways to Leverage Your Book to Boost Your Business
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel like your business has hit a growth plateau despite your years of hard work and expertise?For entrepreneurs, consultants, and coaches, pub...
Launching a Successful Book with Limited Time
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to find time to properly launch your book while also juggling client work and other responsibilities?Many authors face an inevitabl...
6 Ways You are Losing Money by Waiting to Publish Your Book
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been putting off publishing your book because you're worried it's not quite perfect yet?Many aspiring authors fall into the perfect...
5 Common Mistakes of First-Time Authors and How to Avoid Them
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you found yourself stuck in the endless loop of trying to write the perfect book? Are you unsure of who you're even writing for?Many first-t...