Your Path to Book Publishing

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 you through a simple but powerful exercise that has helped both me and my clients uncover hidden writing time—sometimes up to 60 minutes a day. It’s called the Time Awareness Audit for Authors, and it might just be the thing that finally gets your book moving forward.

We’ll cover:

• Why waiting for “the perfect time” is the biggest myth in writing
• How to run your own 3-day time audit without guilt
• Where writing sprints hide in your current schedule (yes, even yours!)
• Why 15–30 minute blocks are more powerful than you think

Whether you're juggling work, family, or just too many Netflix shows, this episode will help you reclaim your writing momentum—no schedule overhaul required.

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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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 of Your Path to  Book Publishing, we’re talking about why writing and publishing a book is a team sport—and who you actually need on your side to finish strong, reach readers, and build your author business.

📚 Whether you're self-publishing, working with a hybrid publisher, or aiming for a traditional deal, this episode will help you figure out who belongs on your book dream team.

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

• The 5 key publishing phases and who helps you win in each one
• The difference between editors (developmental, line, copy… oh my!)
• Why your author brand and platform team matter just as much as your manuscript team
• How to choose the right designer, marketer, or coach for your book
• And why your readers are one of the most important team members you’ll ever have

If you’re trying to do everything yourself—or not sure who to trust—this episode will give you 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 

You’ve seen the titles: Amazon Bestseller, Wall Street Journal Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller. But what does it actually take to become a bestselling author—and is it worth it?

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we break down the different types of Amazon bestseller statuses, how they work, and what they mean for your book’s success. If you're a nonfiction author, coach, consultant, or entrepreneur working on your book launch or building your author platform, this is the episode for you.

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

• The 3 types of Amazon bestseller status and how they’re calculated
• How many book sales you realistically need to hit #1 in your category
• Whether Amazon bestseller status will actually help you sell more books, grow your business, or boost your thought leadership
• When it’s worth the time, effort, and budget—and when it’s not

If you’re planning your book promotion or exploring publishing strategies to boost your marketing ROI, this episode gives you the clarity to decide what kind of success you want and how to define it on your own terms.

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 

How to Prevent Your Book Launch from Flopping: The Power of a Pre-Mortem

You’ve put everything into writing, editing, and launching your nonfiction book—but what if it doesn’t go the way you hoped?

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we’ll explore how to use a pre-mortem strategy to strengthen your book marketing plan, avoid common pitfalls, and increase your chances of success across every stage of your author journey.

Whether you're self-publishing, planning a business book launch, or building your author platform for thought leadership and entrepreneurial growth, this approach will help you anticipate challenges and take action now—before it's too late.

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

• How to spot your blind spots before your book launch begins
• Why traditional postmortems aren’t enough for publishing ROI
• How to apply the pre-mortem framework to your launch team, author marketing strategy, and beyond
• Real-world examples of authors who could have avoided mistakes with a little more foresight

This is a must-listen if you want to write a book that not only launches well—but sells consistently, connects with readers, and fuels your 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!
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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 just found Your Path to Book Publishing.

In this milestone episode, I’m doing things a little differently. I’m sharing lessons learned from 100 podcast episodes and nearly 15 years in the publishing industry. You’ll hear my thoughts on where the publishing world is headed, how AI is reshaping the author experience, and what I believe every nonfiction author should focus on first.

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

• What excites me most about the future of book publishing (including direct-to-reader sales and smarter AI tools)
• How to think like a long-term author—not just a first-time writer
• Why defining your author brand and testing your content should come before writing the book

Whether you’re just getting started or deep in your author journey, this episode is full of real talk, industry trends, and practical next steps. Here’s to the next 100 episodes!

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 

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 powerful—and often overlooked—way to grow your credibility, build reader connection, and keep your book in readers' hands: your local bookstore.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re diving into why bookstores still matter, how to approach them, and what you need to know before walking in with your elevator pitch.

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

• Why bookstore placement still holds value for nonfiction authors
• The three types of bookstores (and how they evaluate new titles)
• How to build relationships with local booksellers the right way
• The backend logistics you need to understand before your pitch
• How to combine online and in-person sales to grow your reach

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your book on a shelf—and keep it moving—this episode is your starting point.

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 

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 speaker, your book shouldn’t just sit on the shelf. It should bring you leads, build trust, and drive your business forward.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, we break down how to turn your nonfiction book into a lead-generating funnel—one that works behind the scenes to attract your ideal clients. We’ll walk through how the free + shipping model works, how to map out your funnel, and how to make your book more than just a passion project.

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

• How to use your book as the front-end offer in a larger funnel
• The key elements of a lead-generating book funnel (and what tools you need)
• Real-world examples of authors using the free + shipping model successfully
• What to offer beyond the book—and how to automate it all

Whether your book just launched or it’s been out for a while, this episode will show you how to create momentum that lasts long after launch week.

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 

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 this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re diving into how successful nonfiction authors actually earn a living—and how you can do the same by building smart, scalable income streams around your book.

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

• Why book royalties alone rarely pay the bills (and what to do instead)
• Five proven income streams authors use to grow a sustainable business
• How to choose the income path that fits your strengths, goals, and lifestyle
• Real-world ideas to start small and build momentum—even while you’re still writing

If you want to go beyond your book and build a career that lasts, this episode is your roadmap.

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 

Top Strategies on How to Market a Self-Published Book

You hit publish on your book—now what? Whether you're on a tight budget or just overwhelmed by options, marketing your book doesn't have to be complicated or chaotic.

In this episode of Your Path to Publish, Zach breaks down a simple, proven framework for self-published authors to build visibility, attract readers, and start selling books. From your author brand to advanced tools like ads and influencers, this episode will help you build a strong marketing foundation that scales over time.

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

• Why your author brand, website, and email list are the foundation of any successful book marketing strategy
• The biggest mistakes authors make when starting to market their books—and how to avoid them
• Practical tactics you can start today to get your book in front of more readers without burning out

If you're ready to move your book forward and finally feel confident about your marketing plan, don’t miss this episode.

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 

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 this episode of Your Path to Publish, we’re digging into the single most overlooked (and most important) part of book publicity: knowing exactly who your reader is before you launch your campaign. Whether you're working with a publicist or flying solo, this episode will help you ground your PR strategy in clarity, not guesswork.

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

• Why audience clarity—not a press release—is the real foundation of effective book publicity
• A simple three-part framework to define your target reader (demographics, psychographics, and preferred channels)
• How to tailor your PR approach so it resonates and actually moves the needle
• Actionable ways to research, refine, and realign your message for greater results

Whether your book is already out or still in the works, it’s never too late to dial in your message and amplify your reach. Stick around to the end of the episode for a challenge that will help you refocus your publicity strategy today.

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