Self Publishing and Book Marketing for Authors, Coaches, Speakers with Profitable Publishing®

Your goal as an author is to write a book readers can’t put down so they turn into clients. In this episode, you’ll learn a strategy of how to write a business book people will read. Use touchpoints to keep reader attention, support learning, and gather reader details for business insights.

TAKEAWAYS

• Include interactive touchpoints in your book increases engagement and comprehension.
• Touch points help with lead generation
• Short attention spans require concise, engaging content.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction 

02:37 The Captivate Method Explained

05:41 Engagement Strategies for Readers

08:15 Implementing Touch Points in Your Book

10:53 Examples of Effective Touch Points

13:30 Gathering Reader Feedback and Data

16:33 Final Thoughts on Reader Engagement

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

→Apply to the Profitable Publishing™ Partner Service to outline, write, publish, and launch your book tied to your business or brand. https://www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Partner 

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY D. SHEPARD:

Website: www.sheppublishinghouse.com/contact  

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ShepPublishing 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sheppublishing 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sheppublishing 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sheppublishing 

Subscribe to Profitable Publishing™ on your favorite podcast platform, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

Profitable Publishing™ is the podcast for coaches, consultants, speakers, and service providers who want to package their expertise into a profitable book to build their brands, attract clients, and create multiple income streams.

How to write a nonfiction book readers will actually finish

How to write an engaging nonfiction book

How to make your nonfiction book more reader friendly

How to keep readers engaged in a business book

How to write a business book people will read

How to write a book to generate leads as a coach or consultant

How to use your book as a lead generation tool

How to leverage your business book to get coaching clients

How to use a self-published book to attract clients

How to write a nonfiction book for coaches and consultants

How to use your book to build authority and get clients

How to write a lead magnet book for your business

How to use a book to grow your coaching business

Self-publishing a book to grow your consulting business

How to write a book that builds your authority as a coach

How to get clients from a self-published book

Book launching while self publishing takes careful planning and strategy. First time author Veronica H. Moore shares her journey using preorder strategies during her book launch to generate $4k in 4 hours once opening her presale. impact of working with Shep Publishing House.

She highlights the importance of authentic storytelling, the value of concise and practical information, and the impact of launch strategies on her success. Veronica also emphasizes the personal touches and coaching style of Shep Publishing House as key factors in her positive experience.

Join the 4 Day Preorder Profits™ Challenge to learn about the top preorder mistakes and success strategies. Secure your spot here: www.PreorderProfits.com 

Takeaways

• Preorder strategies for book launches
• Authentic storytelling and personal touches
• Impact of launch strategies on success
• Value of concise and practical information
• Coaching style and approach of Shep Publishing House

Chapters

00:00 Intro
04:33 Transformative Mindset Shifts
07:22 Celebrating Wins and Successes
11:31 The Power of Authenticity in Marketing
14:15 Investing in Your Author Journey
18:23 Personal Touches in Coaching

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

→Join the Preorder Profits™ Challenge to find out preorder mistakes and success strategies: www.PreorderProfits.com 

→ Order your copy of Profitable Publishing™ with Preorders to learn this strategy start to finish - www.PreorderProfits.com/book

CONNECT WITH ASHLEY D. SHEPARD:

Website: www.sheppublishinghouse.com/contact  

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ShepPublishing 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sheppublishing 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sheppublishing 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sheppublishing 

Subscribe to Profitable Publishing™ on your favorite podcast platform, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

Book sales strategy Author marketing, marketing for authors, self publishing, publishing, book marketing, author strategies, profitable publishing, book research, marketing strategies, ideal reader, marketing strategies, author strategies, book marketing, branding

How to host a preorder

How do I market my self published book? 

What are some preorder success strategies? 

What are the best book marketing and tips and strategies?

How to be successful as a first time author

Self publishing success tips

Business owners, speakers, authors, and coaches face thousands of choices a day. Whether it’s software related to what’s the next book to publish, in this episode Ashley discusses the common struggle of indecision faced by authors and marketers. She shares personal experiences and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of recognizing fears around publishing mistakes, consistency, and perfectionism. Ashley encourages listeners to take actionable steps to alleviate fears and make decisions. The episode concludes with practical strategies for moving from indecision to action.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Indecision often stems from fear of perception.
• Perfectionism can slow down progress.
• Your only competition is yourself. 
• Focus on personal growth.
• Act before opportunities pass you by.
• Connect with your audience outside of social media.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:00 Overcoming Indecision in Publishing

09:00 Strategies to Combat Perfectionism

18:02 Decisive Action: Steps to Move Forward

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

→ Profitable Publishing™ with Preorders: www.PreorderProfits.com/Book 

→ Reach out via DM to let me know what you’re trying to decide on your author journey. Choose from Facebook or Instagram. 

Connect with Ashley D. Shepard on social media: 

Website: www.sheppublishinghouse.com 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ShepPublishing 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sheppublishing 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sheppublishing 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sheppublishing 

Subscribe to Profitable Publishing™ on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

publishing, audience engagement, book marketing, author strategies, reader insights, profitable publishing, self-publishing, book research, marketing strategies, ideal reader, marketing strategies, analysis paralysis, decision making, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, author strategies, book marketing

Traditional vs self publishing 

Should I self publish? 

How to Overcome Fear self publishing?

Marketing for authors doesn’t just mean selling your book after it’s released. Before you write your book, it’s important to know who you’re going to sell it to. This starts with finding out who your reader is and what they prefer. Whether you're navigating self publishing or working with an independent consultant, understanding your readers is essential for success. Ashley shares practical tips on researching your audience through direct engagement, online tools, and community involvement to tailor your book marketing effectively.

The conversation also highlights the importance of leveraging trends and keywords in your publishing and marketing efforts. Ashley explains how authors can use feedback to refine their work and enhance connections with their readers. 

Tune in to learn actionable strategies that will help you connect with your audience and grow your book sales. This episode is packed with expert advice to elevate your marketing for the author's journey and boost your publishing success.

Takeaways

• Your book should target a specific audience, not everyone.
• Research your audience before writing your book.
• Speak directly with potential readers to understand their needs.
• Join community groups on your book’s topic to observe and gather insights.
• Feedback from readers can help refine your book's content.
• Your book should serve the needs of your readers. 

Chapters

• 00:00 Finding Your Reader: The Foundation of Profitable Publishing
• 05:11 Understanding Your Audience: Research and Engagement
• 09:53 The Importance of Pre-Research Before Writing
• 14:43 Utilizing Online and Offline Spaces for Audience Insights
• 19:40 Analyzing Trends and Feedback for Book Development
• 23:59 Creating Value Through Your Book: Blueprint vs. Starting Point
• 28:29 Join the Pre-Order Profits Challenge: Next Steps for Authors

Resources Mentioned: 

• Preorder Profits™ Program https://www.preorderprofits.com/join - learn preorder mistakes to avoid to generate income before your book releases. 

Connect with Ashley D. Shepard on social media: 

Website: www.sheppublishinghouse.com 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ShepPublishing 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sheppublishing 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sheppublishing 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sheppublishing 

Subscribe to Profitable Publishing™ on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

publishing, audience engagement, book marketing, author strategies, reader insights, profitable publishing, self-publishing, book research, marketing strategies, ideal reader

This episode focuses on Amazon bestseller status particularly focusing on its relevance for coaches, consultants, and service providers. When marketing for authors, bestseller status should align with individual goals and the overall strategy of using a book to attract clients and generate leads. The conversation explores the realities of achieving Amazon bestseller status, the importance of building relationships with readers, and the need to focus on generating income through products and services tied to the book rather than solely on book sales. Ashley invites listeners to consider the long-term impact of their work. 

Takeaways: 

• Why bestseller status should not be your only or main goal
• Why focusing on using your book to attract clients is a better use of your time
• How the income potential from your book is more impactful than just bestseller status
• Why Amazon Bestseller status makes it harder to building relationships with readers

• 00:00 Introduction to Bestseller Status
• 02:42 The Overrated Nature of Bestseller Status
• 05:53 Understanding Amazon Bestseller Status
• 08:40 The Importance of Goals in Publishing
• 11:49 Building Relationships Over Status
• 14:21 Realistic Expectations for Authors
• 17:01 Legacy and Impact Beyond Sales
• 22:59 Conclusion and Invitation to Profitable Publishing Live
  

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

→ Profitable Publishing™ LIVE 2 Day Intensive (Feb 12th and 13th, 2026): Learn how to write, publish, and market a book that packages your expertise into a client attracting resource www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Live (Use code PODCAST at checkout for a special discount). 

→ Publisher Rocket: Find out how many books needed to reach best seller status https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/buy-rocket?aff=240 (affiliate link) 

→ Profitable Publishing™ with Preorders: www.PreorderProfits.com/Book 

CONNECT WITH Ashley D. Shepard on social media: 

Website: www.sheppublishinghouse.com 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ShepPublishing 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sheppublishing 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/sheppublishing 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sheppublishing 

Subscribe to Profitable Publishing™ on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!

bestseller status, profitable publishing, book marketing, lead generation, author goals, Amazon bestseller, coaching, consulting, book sales, client attraction

In this conversation, author Kendra Pecci shares her journey with hosting a preorder that earned $4000 and paid for her multi city book launch tour. At first, Kendra wanted to traditionally publish, but after 27 years from writing a book to releasing it, she knew self publishing was the better option to get her book done. When it came to book marketing, Kendra knew she needed help to reach her goals. She joined the Preorder Profits™ Challenge to help overcome mindset blocks and shift her author focus.  She discusses the importance of running preorders from her website, building a community of readers, and implementing effective marketing strategies while writing her book. 

Takeaways

• How she made $4000 using the Preorder Profits™ Framework to generate income before her book was released (At the time of the recording it was $3,300.) 
• How she abandoned traditional publishing dreams and found success with self publishing 
• The mindset shifts she had that changed her trajectory as an author
• How preorders paid for her book tour expenses
• Why authentic marketing resonates more with readers
• Investing in marketing is crucial for authors
• The importance of using a marketing approach that feels authentic

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Author's Journey

02:55 Mindset Shift: From Traditional to Indie Publishing

05:52 The Challenge Experience and Its Impact

09:00 Marketing Strategies During Book Creation

12:12 Building a Reader Community

14:51 Pre-Order Success and Financial Insights

17:56 The Importance of Authentic Marketing

20:51 Final Thoughts on the Pre-Order Profits Program

Links Mentioned: 

• Join the Preorder Profits™ Challenge at www.preorderprofits.com (waitlist when the challenge is not live). 
• Ready to put in the work to get massive results from your preorder? Join the the Preorder Profits™ Accelerator or secure your spot for a VIP Day to presell your book to raving fans and generate income: https://Www.PreorderProfits.com/Join 
• Grab the book, Profitable Publishing™ with Preorders here: https://www.preorderprofits.com/book   
• Book not finished yet? Secure your seat to Profitable Publishing™ LIVE 2 Day Intensive to to write, publish, and launch a profitable book that builds your authority, ties to your offers, and generates leads and clients. Visit https://www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Live and use code PODCAST for a rolling discount (the more you buy, the more you save). The event is Feb 12-13th, 2026 (virtual or in person attendance available). use code PODCAST for a rolling discount (the more you buy, the more you save). The event is Feb 12-13th, 2026 (virtual or in person attendance available).

indie publishing, author journey, marketing strategies, preorder profits, reader community, book launch, self-publishing, author mindset, book marketing, writing tips

Whether you choose to entirely self publish or work with a consultant, there are quite a few things to consider to bring your book baby to life. Before choosing your path, it’s important to be mindful of what steps are involved and consider your capacity. This episode explores what to think about when deciding what kind of help you’ll need to complete your publishing project. I also share what I outsource and also how to get the most out of relationships with contractors who support my book publishing processes. 

If you want to work directly with me to create a profitable book that builds your authority, ties to your offers, and generates leads and clients, then Profitable Publishing™ Live is for you. Join me Feb 12-13th, 2026 (virtual or in person attendance available) where you’ll not only learn the profitable publishing™ process, but also have time to implement the steps with feedback at the same time. Visit www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Live to secure your spot. Use code PODCAST for a rolling discount (the more you buy, the more you save) 

Takeaways

• Outsourcing Considerations
• Publishing is in an investment (time, money, energy) 
• Options beyond traditional publishing and self publishing

• 00:00 Introduction to Outsourcing
• 05:07 Investing in Expertise
• 10:23 Consulting vs Hybrid Publishing
• 16:17 Outsourcing Options
• 22:57 Outsourcing Personal Tasks

Links Mentioned: 

• Profitable Publishing™ LIVE 2 Day Intensive: It’s time to create a profitable book that builds your authority, ties to your offers, and generates leads and clients. Profitable Publishing™ Live on Feb 12-13th, 2026 (virtual or in person attendance available). Visit www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Live   Use code PODCAST for a rolling discount (the more you buy, the more you save) 
• Profitable Publishing™ with Preorders www.PreorderProfits.com/book

The podcast episode focuses on on whether using social media marketing for books is the best option for most authors. Find out the importance of choosing the right platform, developing clarity around social media goals, assessing capacity and consistency for social media engagement, and leveraging social media for book marketing.

Get details on the Profitable Publishing™ Live 2 Day Intensive for event to create a profitable book that builds your authority, ties to your offers, and generates leads and clients. Profitable Publishing™ Live on Feb 12-13th, 2026 (virtual or in person attendance available). Visit www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Live for more information and use code PODCAST for a discount when you secure your seat.  

Takeaways

• Social media is not the only option for marketing a book
• Choosing the right platform for social media is crucial
• Algorithm shifts actually work in your favor if you know how to capitalize on them

Chapters

• 00:00 The Myth of Social Media Marketing
• 08:32 Choosing the Right Platform
• 15:04 Clarity and Capacity
• 26:00 Platform Selection and Lifestyle
• 33:59 Leveraging Social Media for Book Marketing

Links

• Profitable Publishing™ Live: www.ProfitableSelfPublishing.com/Live

Connect with Ashley

• Website: Www.ShepPublishingHouse.com/Contact
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ShepPublishing
• LinkedIn:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/sheppublishing
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sheppublishing

Think writing a book means chasing royalties and hoping for bestseller status? Think again. In this episode, you'll discover why traditional publishing advice fails business owners and what to do instead.

Ashley D. Shepard breaks down the Profitable Publishing™ framework: a strategy that positions your book as a client-attraction tool, not just another product to sell. You'll learn how one author made $4,000 in her first four weeks, why book sales are the wrong metric for coaches and consultants, and how to align your book with your brand to generate qualified leads.

If you're a coach, consultant, speaker, or service provider considering writing a book (or you have one that's not working hard enough for you), this episode reveals the strategic shift that turns authors into sought-after experts.

In This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Profitable Publishing™

03:02 Understanding Profitable Publishing™ and Why it Matters 

05:41 The Shift from Traditional Publishing to Profitable Publishing™ 

08:24 Leveraging Your Book for Client Attraction

11:42 Creating a Profitable Book

14:30 Aligning Your Book with Your Brand

17:45 Building Credibility and Visibility

20:28 Conclusion and Resources

Links Mentioned: 

• Learn how to sell more books with Profitable Publishing™ Marketing Playbook: https://sheppublishing.kartra.com/page/MarketingPlaybookInterestList 
• Join the Preorder Profits™ Accelerator here: www.PreorderProfits.com/Join 
• Grab your copy of Profitable Publishing™ with Preorders to generate income before you publish Www.preorderprofits.com/book

Connect with Ashley

• Website: Www.ShepPublishingHouse.com/Contact
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ShepPublishing
• LinkedIn:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/sheppublishing
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sheppublishing

This intro episode of the Profitable Publishing™ podcast shares the goals and vision for the podcast with using a book as a business asset and explores book marketing strategies to support business growth. This episode covers the introduction to the podcast, the profitable publishing™ plan, the purpose of your book in your business, and the best book marketing strategies for coaches, consultants, speakers, and service providers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Profitable Publishing™ 

02:46 The Importance of Intentional Publishing

05:37 Building Your Brand Through Your Book

Connect with Ashley

• Website: Www.ShepPublishingHouse.com/Contact
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ShepPublishing
• LinkedIn:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-d-shepard
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/sheppublishing
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sheppublishing