Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

If you’re writing a book right now… you might want to pause.

Because the reason most books don’t sell has nothing to do with the writing—and everything to do with what you’re building around it.

In this episode, Rodney Washington breaks down why your book isn’t the business… and what you need to build before you publish if you actually want influence, income, and opportunities.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Why publishing your book is NOT the finish line

The biggest mistake most self-published authors make

Why Amazon is a fulfillment platform—not your marketing strategy

How to stop writing in isolation and start building demand

The Published Creator Flywheel (visibility → audience → offers → book → opportunities)

How to validate your ideas before your book is finished

Why authority, not your manuscript, is what drives sales

⚙️ THE CORE SHIFT

Most people follow this path:

Write the book → Publish → Hope people buy

Authorpreneurs do this instead:

Build visibility → Attract audience → Create offers → Then publish

👉 The book becomes a result—not the starting point

🔥 READY TO APPLY THIS?

If this episode clicked for you, don’t stop at understanding it.

*Join my next Authorpreneur Decision Live Masterclass*
I’ll help you map your idea into an authority platform and show you how to turn your content into a book and a business.

👉 Register here: https://publishedandthriving.com/authorpreneurmasterclass

👥 CONNECT & GO DEEPER

👉 Join the Published Creator Skool Community
🔗 https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

👉 Subscribe on YouTube for more episodes
🔗  @thepublishedcreator  

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAY

If you don’t have authority…

You don’t have a book problem.

You have a visibility, audience, and positioning problem.

📌 FINAL INVITATION

Don’t just write a book.

Build something that makes the book inevitable… valuable… and profitable.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

If you’re an author, coach, speaker, or expert, you’ve probably been told your next step is to “build an online course.”

We're often told:

👉 “Build an online course.”
👉 “Create passive income.”
👉 “Record modules and scale.”

But what happens when people buy… and never finish?

In this conversation, I sit down with Executive Learning Producer Parchelle Osumaré to unpack why traditional online courses are struggling — and what smart experts are building instead.

This isn’t about information anymore.
It’s about transformation.

Parchelle has helped hundreds of authors, coaches, and organizations turn their intellectual property into immersive learning experiences that actually move people — and generate real impact and income.

If you have expertise, a book, or a message you want to monetize, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about packaging what you know.

🎯 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

✔ Why course completion rates are collapsing
✔ The real reason people buy educational products
✔ Why more content does NOT equal more results
✔ How to design learning experiences people actually finish
✔ The role of community, cohorts, and facilitation
✔ How to build an ecosystem around your expertise
✔ What to create instead of another self-paced course

👤 About Parchelle Osumaré

Parchelle is an Executive Learning Producer and Founder of The Author’s Leverage. They specialize in helping experts transform their knowledge into premium learning assets, including private podcasts, interactive frameworks, facilitated cohorts, and strategic educational experiences.

Connect with Parchelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parchelle/

🚀 Ready to Turn Your Expertise Into Real Income & Impact?

Take the FREE Authorpreneur Readiness Assessment
👉 https://forms.gle/aPVR5cV7RzG4KNnAA

Discover your next best step to build a book, offer, or experience that actually sells.

🔔 Subscribe for More

If you’re an author, coach, speaker, or content creator who wants to build a business around your ideas — not just sell information — subscribe for weekly insights on publishing, positioning, and monetization.

🎧 Listen on Podcast Platforms

(Search “Published Creator Podcast” on your favorite platform)

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Uncover where you are and what your next step should be as an Authorpreneur by taking the 👉 Authorpreneur Readiness Assessment

Most authors believe the path to making money from their book is selling more copies.

It’s not.

The authors who build thriving businesses from their books focus on something deeper. They get clear on their WHY.

Your WHY determines who buys from you, what opportunities find you, and whether your book becomes a one-time project… or a lifelong asset that fuels your brand, income, and impact.

In this video, I break down why clarity on your WHY is the real foundation of building a book that attracts clients, collaborators, and opportunities beyond book sales.

If you're writing a book, or thinking about writing one, this may be the most important decision you make.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why selling more book copies is not the real goal
• The hidden reason most authors never monetize their book
• How your WHY determines your income potential as an author
• Why clarity attracts clients, collaborators, and opportunities
• How to position your book as the foundation of a thriving ecosystem

This is for you if:

• You’re writing your first book
• You’ve published a book but aren’t seeing meaningful income
• You’re a coach, creator, or expert with a message
• You want to build a business around your book
• You want to become an Authorpreneur, not just an author

Learn how to turn your book into clients, income, and opportunities.

New videos weekly: Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos on building a thriving book-based business:

Connect with Rodney Washington
👉 On Instagram
👉Join my free Published Creators Skool Community https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Authorpreneur Strategist | Founder of Published & Thriving
Helping creators turn books into thriving brands and ecosystems

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

What if a single leaf could open the door to a lifetime of curiosity?

In this episode, longtime educator and author Rosetta Wood shares the story behind her beautifully illustrated science storybook, The Miracle of Changing Leaves: A Journey Through Seasons.

After more than 25 years in the classroom, Rosetta witnessed firsthand how children light up when they connect with the natural world. A simple moment during a fall field trip, watching a woodpecker tap into a tree, sparked questions from her students that would eventually grow into a book designed to help children understand why leaves change color, how trees grow, and what happens during each season of the year.

Her mission is to nurture curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lifelong love of learning in children.

This conversation explores how storytelling can make science accessible, memorable, and meaningful for young readers.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschool educator, this episode will inspire you to see nature as a classroom—and help your child do the same.

📘 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why children are naturally drawn to trees, leaves, and seasonal change
• How Rosetta turned classroom moments into a science storybook
• Simple ways to help children understand photosynthesis and plant growth
• Why emotional connection make learning science more effective
• How parents and educators can nurture curiosity through observation
• The deeper mission behind The Miracle of Changing Leaves

🌱 About the Book

The Miracle of Changing Leaves: A Journey Through Seasons is a beautifully illustrated science storybook that helps children ages 7–11 understand:

• Why leaves change color
• How trees grow and transform
• What happens inside a leaf during each season
• How to observe and appreciate the natural world

Written by educator Rosetta Wood, this book blends STEM education with gentle storytelling to help young readers fall in love with nature.

🍁 Order the book on Amazon

Download the free coloring pages:
👉 The Miracle of Changing Leaves: A Journey Through Seasons

⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please follow, rate, and share this episode with a parent, teacher, or educator who would love helping children discover the miracle happening in every leaf.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Rodney and Chela are hosting a live virtual experience called The Authorpreneur Decision, designed to help you clarify your authority, map your monetization ecosystem, and turn your book into a credibility engine.

💸 Join Us For The Live Cohort 💸
https://publishedandthriving.com/decision

Publishing a book doesn’t make you an authority.

In this conversation, Rodney Washington is joined by publishing project manager and author support specialist Chela Hardy to break down a truth most professionals discover too late: the book is not the business, it’s the engine.

They unpack why so many smart, experienced creators publish a book, put it on Amazon, and then wonder why nothing changes… and what actually needs to be in place before and during the publishing process for a book to create credibility, clients, and momentum.

This episode reframes the entire idea of “writing a book” into something far more powerful: building an ecosystem.

You’ll hear:

Why Amazon is a fulfillment tool, not an authority strategy

How existing content (podcasts, blogs, talks, YouTube) is already your book

The mindset shift from “writing” to building a book

Why most authors get stuck after publishing — and how to avoid it

What it really means to make the Authorpreneur Decision

How books become entry points into communities, programs, and experiences

Why authority is built through intention, mapping, and experience — not sales alone

This isn’t about writing faster, selling more copies, or chasing bestseller lists.

It’s about deciding how you want to show up in the world — and designing your book to support that decision.

If you’re a coach, consultant, speaker, content creator, or professional with a message — and you want your book to do more than sit on a shelf, this conversation will change how you think about publishing.

✅ Follow Rodney:
https://instagram.com/thepublishedcreator
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

🚀 Join The Published Creator Skool Community 🚀
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

✅ Follow Chela:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelahardy/
https://www.reggiebrownreads.com/
https://www.askchela.com/

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Most authors think marketing means promotion, pressure, or constantly “selling themselves.”

In this episode of the Published Creator Podcast, I sit down with Keisha Williams, creator of the Money Alphabet: ABC of Money Activity Coloring Book, to explore a very different approach—one that feels natural, relational, and effective.

What began as a simple idea to help her nephew learn about money has grown into a book that sparks conversations, builds confidence, and spreads organically through everyday interactions. No hype. No ads. No aggressive tactics. Just clarity, consistency, and sharing the work in real life.

This episode is a real-world case study in how authors can market their books simply by talking about them in meaningful ways—and why that approach often outperforms waiting on Amazon or social media algorithms to do the work for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the most effective book marketing rarely feels like marketing
• How everyday conversations can become your most powerful promotional tool
• What makes a book naturally shareable
• How simplicity and clarity help ideas spread
• Why books that create dialogue tend to create opportunities

If you’re an author (or aspiring author) who wants your book to do more than sit on a sales page, this episode will help you rethink how momentum is really built.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Money Alphabet: ABC of Money Activity Coloring Book and grab a sample.
• Click here if you're interested in bulk orders, community use, or collaboration opportunities
• Want help turning your book into a living ecosystem? Take the free Book-to-Ecosystem Assessment 

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

 🎯 Ready to turn your content into a book or paid offer?
Grab your spot in the free masterclass: 👉 5 Costly Mistakes Masterclass

If you’ve ever stared at a pile of content and wondered, “How do I turn this into a book or paid offer?” This episode is for you. 

Rodney sits down with Andy Clark, a former lawyer turned business coach, who breaks down the real reason most books never get finished (hint: it’s not a lack of ideas).

Andy introduces us to his “Whole PIE Framework” — a powerful, repeatable process that helps small business owners create more Profit, Impact, and Enjoyment in their work. 

This conversation is packed with actionable insights on turning chaos into clarity through structure, and how a strong framework can make your book — and business — sustainable.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

• Why more ideas aren't the answer — and what your book really needs
• How to identify your “superpower” and turn it into a teachable system
• The difference between messy content and a marketable framework
• Andy’s 3-step recipe to transform your expertise into a book
• What a “Whole PIE” really means for small business success
• How to avoid the common mistakes when turning content into a paid offer

🔗 Resources & Links:

 🎯 Ready to turn your content into a book or paid offer?
Grab your spot in the free masterclass: 👉 5 Costly Mistakes Masterclass

Follow Rodney Washington:

• Instagram: @thepublishedcreator
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
  
  

Guest: Andy Clark

• 📖 Getting The Whole PIE: How to Create More Profit, Impact, and Enjoyment in Your Small Business
  • Amazon (USA)
  • Amazon (Canada)
• Connect with Andy on LinkedIn
  
  

📚 Recommended For:

• Coaches & consultants looking to turn frameworks into books
• Podcasters, YouTubers, and content creators ready to monetize
• Creatives struggling to organize their ideas into teachable systems
• Small business owners who want to enjoy running their business again

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

🌟 Join the Published Creators Skool Community
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Sick of pouring your energy into social media and getting almost nothing back?

You're not alone. And you're not doing anything wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning, best-selling author and book coach Lana McAra, who shares how authors can sell more books—faster—without relying on algorithms, ads, or endless posting.

We dive deep into the lost art of in-person book promotion and why it still works (maybe better than ever). Whether you're introverted, writing fiction, or just burned out by digital hustle, this conversation will give you a fresh, fun, and human approach to marketing your books.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why online marketing alone isn’t enough (and never really was)
• How to turn your book into a live experience readers love
• Where to find venues that actually want you to speak
• Easy ways to make events interactive—even if you hate public speaking
• How in-person events help you grow your email list and online sales, too
• Stories from real authors making real money… without a single boosted post

🧩 Episode Highlights:

• The forgotten power of face-to-face connection
• Creative examples of book events that sell (even fiction!)
• What bookstores and libraries really want from authors
• Why “marketing” can be the most fun part of publishing
• A powerful mindset shift for long-term author success

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 🎧 Lana’s Fiction Writer’s Podcast
• 📕 Lana's Publishing Company
• ✍️ How To Write A Novel That Sells Course
• 📸 Follow Rodney on Instagram
• 💼 Connect on LinkedIn
• 📺 Watch The Episode on YouTube

💬 Let’s Connect:

If this episode gave you a lightbulb moment 💡 — or reminded you that yes, you can promote your book in ways that feel fun and aligned — I’d love to hear from you.

📥 DM me on Instagram or join the Published Creators Skool community and let’s talk about YOUR next live event idea!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Join the Published Creator Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Ready to take your book sales to the next level—beyond Amazon?

In this conversation, Rodney Washington chats with publishing expert Michelle Vandepas about expanding your reach through library sales, gift shops, international rights, and more.

If you're an author wondering how to distribute your book worldwide (and not just digitally), this episode is packed with real-world strategies.


*📌 Mentioned in this Episode:*

🎁 Michelle’s Free eBook – “26 Questions to Ask Before You Publish”: https://gracepointpublishing.com/25-publisher-services

📘 Marketing Your Book – Free Webinar:
Watch here - https://gracepointpublishing.com/marketing-your-book-webinar

🔗 Michelle Vandepas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellevandepass/

*Connect With Us:*

🎙 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublishedcreator

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodneywashington.creative

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert interviews and author tips.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

📝 Join the Published Creator Skool community (At the time of this recording, it's free)

✨ Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and strategy-packed episode, I sit down with Micaela Benn, children’s book author, marketer, and founder of The Children’s Book Marketing Lab, to talk about how authors can create powerful, purpose-driven children’s books and sell them before they even go to print.

Whether you’re a writer, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is filled with insights that will shift how you think about publishing, storytelling, and selling with heart.

🧠 What We Cover:

Why good stories start with connection, not just content

How to sell your children’s book before it's printed

The difference between bulk sales and wholesale, and how to find the right buyers

Real-life stories of emotional impact from readers

Why your book can be more than a product,  it can be part of a movement

How authors are partnering with schools, dentists, and even shelters to reach more readers

🔗 Links Mentioned:

*Connect with Micaela Benn:*
📚 Join The Children’s Book Marketing Lab:
https://www.skool.com/childrens-book-marketing-lab-8402/about

📺 Watch her on Children’s Book Marketing TV:
https://www.youtube.com/@childrensbookmarketingtv

📷 Follow her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/micaelasbenn

💻 Follow her on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micaelasbenn/

*Connect with Me (Rodney Washington):*
🎓 Join The Published Creator Skool community:
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

📺 Subscribe to The Published Creator on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thepublishedcreator

📷 Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rodneywashington.creative

💻 Follow me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

📣 Call to Action:

If this episode inspired you, here’s how to take the next step:

Join our communities to get support, ideas, and connections with like-minded creatives

Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if this helped you see your book — and business — in a new way

Your story deserves to be told. And there’s someone out there waiting to read it. 💛