Write Publish Market

In this episode, Jodi reacts to recent industry reports on declining nonfiction sales and explains why business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to use a book as a marketing asset shouldn't let these numbers/trends derail their book plans.

Time Stamps: 00:00 Nonfiction book publishing is not in peril 01:56 The sources sparking the "collapse" conversation 04:00 The numbers: Bookscan, the AAP, and Publishers Marketplace 05:53 Traditional publishing's goal vs. your goal 07:46 Are business owners still reading? (Yes.) 08:45 Why nonfiction sales are declining 10:45 "Why would someone buy my book if the info is free?" 11:45 Using media to draw readers in, not check them off 13:00 Why the front-end work matters more now 14:00 Don't let traditional publishing numbers stop your book

Keywords: nonfiction book publishing, state of publishing 2026, nonfiction book sales, self-help book sales decline, business book, book as a marketing asset, book for business owners, self-publishing nonfiction, hybrid publishing, traditional publishing, intangible ROI, book ROI, author platform, building authority, building trust with readers, AI and nonfiction, how-to nonfiction, prescriptive nonfiction, book marketing strategy, BookScan data, six-figure book deals, professional author vs. business owner, writing a book for your business, thought leadership book, podcast guesting for authors

Resources Mentioned: Jane Friedman's "Publishing Industry Update: First Half 2026" Tim Ferris blog post "Has AI Already Killed How-To Nonfiction? Sales Trends, My Personal Data, and What It Might Mean for the Future" Sean DeLone's Dear Head of Mine Substack by Sean DeLone "The Nonfiction Book Market Is Collapsing"Book Brainstorm Session with Jodi: https://tidycal.com/jodibrandon/book-brainstorm Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13lil_M0lbUG8CqgDbhGI0cYXc4BHYm2dDCo7RrGRrJo/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Jodi breaks down why this happens to almost every business owner writing a book — and the two opposite mistakes that can derail your manuscript if you don't catch them.

Time Stamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:45 – The "uh-oh, is this even the right book?" moment 2:10 – Why book ideas evolve mid-draft 3:40 – Trap one: ignoring the shift 5:00 – Trap two: overreacting and the hamster wheel 6:30 – How to tell refinement from a real rewrite 7:45 – Factoring in the cost of changing direction 9:00 – Wrap-up + conclusion

Keywords: book writing process, book idea evolution, nonfiction book outline, working outline, book coaching strategist, business owner book, book manuscript clarity, book writing momentum, self-publishing deadlines, beta reader feedback, book audience research, knowledge gap, book transformation, refining a book idea, restarting a manuscript, book project misalignment, writing rabbit hole, book planning, manuscript revision, book coaching, nonfiction writing process, business book strategy, book outline tweaks, writing momentum loss, finishing your manuscript

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

Write Publish Market Episode 218: 5 Tools for Business Owners to Write Your Book Faster

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lBYsxxKO5Xb02-G9peOO1i730cjd7lITNDRBN1O77B0/edit?usp=drive_link

In this episode, Jodi breaks down why overcomplicating your nonfiction book actually backfires, overwhelming readers, diluting your message, and making your book harder to market. She walks through how to identify the real knowledge gap between you and your reader, why "more information" doesn't equal "more value," and how messaging, positioning, and reader outcomes work together like a three-legged stool.

Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Write.Publish.Market. 00:45 – Why business owners overcomplicate their books 02:00 – The fear of leaving something out 03:15 – Finding the knowledge gap between you and your reader 05:00 – Why overteaching weakens a book 06:30 – The real cost: reader implementation and satisfaction 08:00 – How an unclear book makes marketing harder 09:30 – Messaging, positioning, and reader outcomes as a three-legged stool 10:45 – Final thoughts on keeping your book on poin

Keywords: nonfiction book writing, business book strategy, book marketing, author positioning, book messaging, reader transformation, knowledge gap, overteaching, book clarity, imposter syndrome, business owner author, book ROI, simplifying your book, point A to point B, book reader outcomes, book launch strategy, author expertise, book as marketing asset, business book ROI, writing for your audience, book positioning strategy, nonfiction author tips, book writing process, foundational book work, write publish market

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

Ready Set Write Challenge: www.jodibrandoneditorial.com/readysetwrite

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F0PFNiz6QJZLftHsfZ9xNri2NM_1xpDTLPoe3wW01AY/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Jodi welcomes email marketing strategist and Kit-certified expert Bev Feldman back to the show to talk about how business owners should use their email lists before, during, and after writing a book. They dig into the real difference between a newsletter platform like Substack and an email marketing tool like Kit, why welcome sequences are non-negotiable, and how to use your launch team and beta readers as one of the highest-engagement segments you'll ever build.

Time Stamps:

0:00 – Welcome and episode setup

1:13 – Why email marketing tools come up in book conversations

3:00 – How to choose the right email marketing platform

5:25 – Newsletter platforms vs. email marketing software (Substack, Beehiiv, Kit)

11:26 – Using your email list before you've even committed to writing

14:22 – Building excitement and getting feedback pre-launch

16:38 – The post-launch mistake almost everyone makes

19:07 – Segmenting your list: beta readers and launch teams

23:19 – Why email marketing is ongoing relationship building

27:18 – Welcome sequences and automated emails, explained

Keywords:

email marketing for authors, book marketing strategy, Kit email marketing, ConvertKit for authors, Substack vs Kit, Beehiiv newsletter platform, welcome sequence, email automation, launch team, beta readers, pre-launch marketing, evergreen book marketing, list segmentation, email newsletter strategy, business owner author, nonfiction book marketing, email list growth, lead magnet sample chapter, book launch sequence, post-launch marketing, relationship marketing, thought leadership newsletter, email open rates, book as marketing asset, Write Publish Market podcast, book writing for business owners, book writing for leaders, business owners criting books

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

Kit: www.kit.com

Jessica Lackey (newsletter-to-book example)

Haley Dale/Your Content Empire

About Our Guest:

Bev Feldman is an email marketing strategist and Kit Certified Expert at Your Personality Tech Fairy who helps credentialed professionals - think financial advisors, therapists, and other expertise-based business owners - build email systems that actually work for how they run their business. Her approach in email marketing is grounded in consent, simplicity, and sustainability.

Website: https://yourpersonaltechfairy.com/

Services guide: https://yourpersonaltechfairy.com/email-marketing-services-guide

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17wQFsMDv0LfcclF-sDxjVi_HrkkwYnyzT9Q2uxt7MHc/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Jodi welcomes back Ashley Shepard to talk about book publishing project management and dispel one of the biggest myths in book publishing today: that self-publishing equals total DIY. Jodi and Ashley talk about how publishing is an investment, whether of time, money, energy, or a mix of all three.

Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome back, Ashley 02:00 – The myth that self-publishing means total DIY 04:00 – Publishing as an investment: time, money, energy 06:00 – Capacity vs. bandwidth, and why we overestimate our energy 11:00 – The "if you want it fast, it's not going to be cheap" rule 14:00 – Project management for publishing: aligning your book with your business goals 18:00 – Coaching, consistency, and the value of an outside perspective 21:00 – Vetting a publishing partner: referrals, reviews, and the Olivia Benson approach 24:00 – Red flag: bulk book packages and why Ashley avoids them 26:00 – Reading your contract and asking about rights and royalties 29:00 – The non-negotiables: cover designer, formatter, editor 33:00 – The "queen bee" concept and protecting your income-producing activities

Keywords: self-publishing, book publishing strategist, business owner authors, publishing as an investment, capacity vs bandwidth, book formatting, cover design, professional book editing, hiring a book editor, publishing project management, vetting a publishing partner, book contracts, rights and royalties, lead magnet book, nonfiction book for business, author coaching, profitable publishing, book launch strategy, queen bee role, income-producing activities, DIY book publishing myths, traditional vs self-publishing, publishing red flags, book as a marketing asset, hiring contractors for your book, book editing myths

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

Profitable Publishing Episode 16

Profitable Publishing Episode 7Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz

About Our Guest:

Ashley Shepard is a self-publishing consultant and book marketing strategist based in the metro Atlanta, GA area. As the owner of Shep Publishing House, Ashley helps self-published authors get from the page to the people™with efficient and effective marketing strategies.

Client wins include selling 100 books sold in a week, $10,000 made in presale revenue, speaking gigs secured, book launch parties sold out, and much more. Shep Publishing House focuses on helping authors connect with their audience to publish profitably.

With a background in literacy, teacher coaching, and staff development, Ashley is able to explain complex marketing and publishing ideas in simple terms to help authors and entrepreneurs reach their goals. Unlike most book marketers and publishers, Ashley has the unique quality of being a best selling author herself. This insight helps her to make realistic suggestions and effective options to support client needs.

Book Site: www.preorderprofits.com/book Main Site: Www.ProfitablePublishing.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ProfitablePublishing Threads: www.threads.com/@profitablepublishing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfitablePublishing Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ProfitablePublishing

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gQRNy4il7q1fni72sVY0QzlMbtaJVeuXblf0PX5lan0/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Jodi breaks down five tools you're probably already using in your business — Google Docs, your calendar, dictation, transcription, and your content library — and shows you exactly how to put them to work so you get your book written sooner.

Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome and episode intro 01:30 – Why "it all counts," even 15 minutes a day 02:30 – Tool #1: Google Docs vs. Microsoft Word vs. Scrivener 04:30 – Tool #2: Your calendar (and why writing retreats don't always work) 08:00 – Coffee + Commas newsletter mention 08:45 – Tool #3: Dictation and your notes app 10:00 – Tool #4: Transcription tools (Otter, Rev, Zoom, Google Meet) 12:30 – Tool #5: Your content library 15:30 – Recap and closing thoughts

Keywords: book writing tools, business book writing, write a book faster, book marketing asset, book planning intensive, Google Docs for authors, Scrivener vs Google Docs, writing schedule for business owners, calendar for writers, writing retreat alternatives, dictation for writers, notes app writing, transcription for book writing, Otter.ai, Rev transcription, content repurposing for authors, content library, nonfiction book writing, business owner author, book manuscript first draft, table of contents planning, book production timeline, writing without AI, book publishing strategist, entrepreneur book writing, manuscript editing tips

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup Write Publish Market Episode 152: The Role of Capacity for Business Owners Writing Books

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1As4RrQOLirCBWmyTQq3M0wFuDSRRKxX6M0LPJkd1_u8/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode Jodi breaks down exactly what a strong nonfiction book introduction needs to accomplish, why so many business owners overcomplicate it, and the simple framework that makes writing your book introduction easier.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction

01:15 – Why book introductions feel so intimidating

03:05 – The real job of your introduction

04:12 – Making sure readers recognize themselves in your book

06:02 – "Tell them what you're going to tell them"

08:05 – Building buy-in and reader investment

09:11 – Why readers need to trust you as the guide

11:35 – The role of the know-like-trust factor in business books

13:10 – Explaining what makes your book different

14:44 – How to end your introduction with momentum

16:10 – Structuring and formatting your introduction

18:05 – The overall purpose of a strong introduction

19:22 – Pro tip: write your introduction last

22:05 – Final encouragement and wrap-up

Keywords:

book introduction, nonfiction book introduction, business book writing, writing a business book, book introduction tips, author platform, book marketing, book writing process, nonfiction writing, business author, thought leadership, writing a book introduction, book structure, book outline, business book strategy, know like trust factor, author credibility, book transformation, reader journey, business book coach, book publishing strategist, book writing for business owners, book writing for leaders, leaders writing books, business owners writing books

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XPXP37Rp3XXoIm7y1xjhKVfTcLjlHeptdNnhQ6SBvms/edit?usp=drive_link

In this episode, Jodi explains how business owners can turn scattered ideas into a workable table of contents, and shares why an outline should be viewed as a flexible, living document rather than a restrictive set of rules. If you've been avoiding the outline phase of your book project, this episode will change how you think about the entire writing process.

Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Write.Publish.Market. 01:10 – Why business owners resist outlines 02:15 – The real problem with "figuring it out as you go" 03:35 – Why thinking about writing is not the same as writing 05:00 – Reframing the outline as a working document 07:15 – How outlines reduce decision fatigue and build momentum 09:10 – Introducing the "book brain dump" exercise 11:00 – Finding themes, patterns, and sections in your ideas 13:20 – How your outline evolves into a working table of contents 15:05 – Using your outline to repurpose existing content 17:10 – Why outlines actually fuel creativity 18:35 – Final encouragement to stop fearing the "O word"

Keywords:

business book outline, book outline for entrepreneurs, writing a business book, book planning process, working outline, working table of contents, business book strategy, book brain dump exercise, how to outline a nonfiction book, writing process for business owners, book coaching for entrepreneurs, writing momentum, repurposing content into a book, nonfiction book structure, overcoming writer overwhelm, book planning for CEOs, author productivity, writing a manuscript, content repurposing for authors, writing your first business book, business owners writing books, book writing for business owners, book writing for leaders, leaders writing books

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

Book Brain Dump Exercise: https://bit.ly/bookbraindump

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OGnkwVTpzBSY6ryVFFU0M6gn0trGt9Gt957OPsvjuWg/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Jodi interviews Heidi Yarger to break down three of the biggest myths around book visibility—and what actually moves the needle for business owner authors.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro and welcome back to Heidi

03:00 – Myth #1: Sharing your book cover is enough

07:30 – Why readers need to connect with you, not just your book

10:15 – Myth #2: Your launch is months away, so you can wait to market

12:00 – What a 6–9 month visibility runway looks like

16:30 – What to share before your book comes out (content ideas)

20:45 – Visibility vs. trust: what actually matters

23:30 – Myth #3: A great book will sell itself

27:00 – Why your presence gives your book meaning

30:00 – What happens after launch (and why most authors stop too soon)

34:00 – How Heidi works with authors (strategy + execution)

38:30 – Recap of the three myths

40:30 – Reading recommendations

Keywords:

ook marketing, author platform, book visibility, nonfiction authors, business books, personal brand, book launch strategy, book marketing myths, author marketing, social media for authors, book promotion, publishing strategy, hybrid publishing, self-publishing marketing, traditional publishing marketing, content strategy for authors, thought leadership, book business strategy, author brand building, prelaunch marketing, business owners writing books, leaders writing books

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

Your Publisher Won't Do It for You: 3 Ways Authors Can Build Brand and Buzz Before Launch: https://spitfiregirldesign.com/publisher

Dog Medicine by Julie Barton

Take What You Can Carry (linked in show notes)

How to Read a Book (novel)

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

About Our Guest:

Heidi Yarger is founder & creative director of Spitfiregirl, an award-winning agency for visionaries, leaders and doers ready to take the next step. Using brand strategy and thoughtful design, Heidi & her team help authors go beyond traditional book marketing to help them show up and show out online - creating a personal brand that will serve you before, and long after your book launch.

Website: https://spitfiregirldesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespitfiregirl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiyarger/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thespitfiregirl/

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FCblgRDIqFxQgH85Js-F11LP_LJyo4JzrjXxFEDmq20/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Jodi breaks down why focusing on sales numbers alone can mislead you, and what you should be tracking instead to measure the real ROI of your book. Book sales might be the most visible metric—but for business owners, they're rarely the most meaningful. From lead generation to visibility and client conversion, this episode will help you redefine what success actually looks like.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro and recap of last week's episode

02:00 – Why book sales are the default (but flawed) metric

04:00 – What book success really looks like for business owners

05:30 – Metric #1: Client conversion & sales cycle

08:00 – Metric #2: Visibility opportunities (speaking, podcasts, partnerships)

10:15 – Metric #3: Lead generation and calls to action

12:30 – Why defining success early matters

14:30 – Understanding "invisible ROI"

17:00 – Real-world examples (speaking, bulk books, indirect revenue)

19:00 – Final takeaway: define success before publishing

Keywords:

book marketing strategy, business book ROI, book sales vs ROI, author marketing metrics, lead generation from a book, book as a marketing tool, business book strategy, publishing for entrepreneurs, book sales cycle, thought leadership books, nonfiction marketing strategy, book funnel strategy, author visibility strategy, speaking opportunities from a book, book lead magnets, measuring book success, business ecosystem marketing, ROI of writing a book, book marketing for entrepreneurs, strategic book writing, business owners writing books, book writing for business owners

Resources Mentioned:

Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUQLCUrzkHo_8QA38ISvZ_8KJUoojxbMcnL7ajwzaRM/edit?usp=sharing