Your Path to Book Publishing

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 strategy, your book risks fading into the background after just a few weeks.

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, you’ll learn:

•  The #1 overlooked element in most nonfiction book launches
•  Why audience engagement must start months before your release date
•  How pre-launch engagement builds momentum, fuels reviews, and drives sales long after launch week
•  Practical ways to engage your audience—even if your launch is right around the corner

Too many authors think their launch begins on release day. The truth? It starts months earlier—when you bring your readers into the process and make them part of the journey.

Whether you’re self-publishing, going hybrid, or working with a traditional publisher, audience engagement is the foundation for a successful book launch and long-term book marketing strategy.

Listen now to learn how to avoid the mistakes most nonfiction authors make and how to build the kind of connection that keeps your book visible for the long haul.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

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Is self-publishing still worth it in 2025? For nonfiction authors, the answer depends on understanding the evolving publishing landscape and the strategies that drive long-term success.

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, discover seven essential steps to successfully self-publish a nonfiction book in today’s market. The episode also explores why more authors are choosing self-publishing over traditional or hybrid publishing — and the exact strategies being used to make it work.

Listeners will learn how the industry continues to shift: Amazon KDP and IngramSpark adjusting fees and policies, new print-on-demand platforms like BookVault creating fresh opportunities for direct sales, and AI tools supporting editing, book marketing, and metadata optimization. With reader trust in self-published books higher than ever, the bar for professional design, editing, and early reviews has also been raised.

What you’ll take away from this episode:

• The 7 key steps to self-publishing success in 2025
• How to navigate the trade-offs of cost vs. quality, speed vs. strategy, and control vs. credibility
• Distribution strategies that combine Amazon, IngramSpark, and direct-to-consumer sales
• Why early reviews fuel Amazon’s algorithm and long-term visibility
• How to think beyond the book by bundling with coaching, courses, and events

Whether exploring publishing options for authors, evaluating hybrid publishing, or ready to take the self-publishing route, this episode breaks down what it takes to publish and market a book that continues to work long after launch.

Tune in now to learn how nonfiction authors can build momentum, credibility, and impact through self-publishing.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
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Episode 112: Why Book Reviews Are the Secret Fuel Behind Every Successful Author

Why do some books climb the Amazon charts while others stall out? The answer isn’t just ads, bulk sales, or clever book marketing tactics—it’s reviews.

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we dive deep into why reviews are one of the most powerful tools you have as a nonfiction author. You’ll learn how they boost your book’s visibility, fuel your Amazon ads, build trust with readers, and keep your book selling long after launch week.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why book reviews matter more than most authors realize
• How reviews fuel algorithms, ads, and long-term book sales
• Three simple, natural ways to ask for reviews (without being pushy)
• How to repurpose reviews for your book marketing strategy—on your Amazon description, website, speaking proposals, and LinkedIn
• Why a mix of positive and even a few negative reviews actually builds credibility

Whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or traditionally publishing, reviews are not optional—they’re essential. Start building your review strategy today to increase your author credibility, connect with readers, and sell more books.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

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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 Path to Book Publishing, I share the exact AI strategy I used on my own book draft—how it flagged weaknesses I completely missed and how you can use it to sharpen your writing without losing your voice.

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

• Why good prompts are the difference between vague notes and actionable editing feedback
• How to use audience details to get targeted insights from AI
• A step-by-step method to handle AI’s feedback without feeling overwhelmed
• Practical ways to keep your unique voice while still improving structure, flow, and clarity

If you’re working on a nonfiction manuscript—whether you’re pursuing self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or traditional publishing—this episode will help you see how AI can save you hours of editing while making your book more engaging and impactful for your readers.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

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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 agreed to pay one of the largest copyright recoveries in U.S. history for using pirated books to train their models.

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we’ll break down what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect your work in the age of AI, whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or working with a traditional publisher.

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

• What the Anthropic settlement means for authors, publishers, and the future of copyright in AI
• Why your publishing contract (and rights ownership) matters more than ever
• How to check if your book is part of the settlement database this fall
• Practical steps you can take right now to protect your work and strengthen your legal standing

This is one of the biggest shifts in modern publishing. Don’t miss this chance to understand how it impacts your book, your royalties, and your author business.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

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 Your Path to Book Publishing, we’re unpacking the reality of book advances—what they are, how they’re paid, and the contract details that matter more than the headline number.

If you’re a nonfiction author exploring traditional publishing as a path to boost your credibility, speaking opportunities, consulting pipeline, or business growth, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How book advances actually work (and why you don’t usually have to pay them back).
• The three factors that matter most: math, timing, and terms.
• How payouts are structured across signing, manuscript delivery, and publication.
• The five categories of book deals—from “nice” to “major.”
• Why most books never “earn out” their advances—and how that impacts your royalties.
• Two critical clauses to check in your contract: accounting methods and sub-rights.

Whether you’re thinking about publishing strategies, comparing self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, or just curious how author royalties really stack up, this episode will help you understand what’s behind those big book deal announcements.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to evaluate a book advance and decide if it’s the right move for your author career.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

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 Path to Book Publishing, I’m sharing a personal update on my writing process—what’s working, what’s surprising me, and the things I’ll absolutely do differently next time. If you’re writing your first book or somewhere in the messy middle, you’ll find encouragement and practical takeaways from the trenches.

Whether you’re self-publishing or exploring traditional or hybrid publishing, this episode is full of honest insights that will help you stay on track—and grow through the process.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What outlining taught me about staying focused and flexible
• How I’m using speech-to-text and why it’s both a shortcut and a slowdown
• Why beta reader feedback is shaping my book (and how to collect it effectively)
• Real-life book writing tips for staying motivated and making progress
• What I’d do differently next time—from involving readers earlier to adding more stories

Whether you’re writing a business book, a memoir, or a self-help title, this episode will help you better navigate the early stages of writing a nonfiction book—with less frustration and more momentum.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

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 with a team of believers.

You'll learn:

• Why traditional launch plans often fall flat for nonfiction authors
• How co-creation builds your author platform while you write
• Practical ways to involve readers early (even if your book isn’t finished yet)
• How to create what we call “The Belonging Loop” to turn readers into raving fans

🎧 Listen now and start your nonfiction book launch with community, clarity, and confidence.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

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 just to hit a list. The goal is to build a book that moves your business and brand forward.

Whether your path is self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional, this episode breaks down the steps to align your book with your long-term goals—so it keeps working for you long after launch week.

You’ll learn:

• Why bestseller status often leads to a dead end—and how to avoid it
• How to reverse engineer your book based on what you want it to do for you
• The four-part framework for building a book that brings real results
• What to do after launch to keep your book generating value

🎧 Tune in to learn how to shift from chasing a title to creating a strategic, sustainable publishing plan.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

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CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

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 definitions (like “first-time managers”) fall flat—and what to do instead
• How to align your book’s content with your readers’ stage of awareness and needs
• Where to find your audience online and offline, and how one author found surprising traction in a forgotten niche

Whether you're self-publishing or going the traditional route, this episode will help you create a sharper, smarter book marketing strategy—starting with the audience that matters most: your readers.

Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. 

Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress

Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen

Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!
CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook