Episode 176: Maximizing Self-Publishing Success for Business Owners Writing Books
Release Date: 01/28/2025
Write Publish Market
Think writing your book is the hard part? Think again. In this episode, Jodi busts five of the most common myths that trip up business owners navigating the book writing, publishing, and marketing world. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction 01:25 – Myth #1: You need to cast a wide net 03:10 – Reality: Go narrow and deep with your target audience 04:18 – Myth #2: If you write it, readers will find it 06:05 – Reality: Strategic marketing is key to visibility 07:55 – Myth #3: No platform means no point in publishing 10:00 – Reality: Followers ≠ readers or...
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In this episode, Jodi shares a progress update on the relaunch process for the third edition of Write.Publish.Market. She discusses self-editing, beta reader feedback, working with her copy editor, and how she's using strategic pockets of time to prepare sales pages and other launch materials/plans. Jodi emphasizes the importance of ongoing book marketing rather than focusing solely on launch day and invites listeners to join her email list for exclusive updates as the release approaches. Time Stamps: 00:00 Manuscript progress and beta feedback 04:06 Publishing process and book marketing prep...
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In this episode, Jodi welcomes podcast coach Kim Stewart to discuss how nonfiction authors can use podcast hosting and guesting as powerful, long-term book marketing strategies. Kim shares insights about the evolving podcast landscape, tips for simplifying the process of starting a podcast, and creative ways to repurpose podcast content to support both book writing and business growth. Time Stamps: 00:00 Podcast strategies for book marketing 03:32 Guesting grows your podcast audience 06:38 Podcast hosts' networking advantage 09:59 Using podcasts for business leads 14:00 Embracing breaks and...
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In this episode, Jodi interviews writer, speaker, and content strategist Rebecca Stanisic about the power and strategy behind long-form content for business owners. Jodi and Rebecca discuss how blogs, newsletters, and podcasts can serve as anchor content, helping entrepreneurs create intentional messaging and reduce stress while maximizing content value. Rebecca also shares practical tips for building authority—like leveraging a media page—and highlights the importance of human connection and strategic planning in today’s content-driven world. Time Stamps: 00:00 Long-form content as...
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In this episode, Jodi talks with sales copywriter and author Nicole Kepic about her book journey with Don't Ask Me to Be the Introverted Girl's Guide to Online Business. Nicole shares her journey of writing and marketing her book as an introverted business owner and offers insights on how introverts can thrive in the online business world without having to be loud or bold. The conversation covers the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and practical strategies for using a book to build credibility and serve as a powerful marketing asset. Time Stamps: 00:00 Interview with...
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In this episode, Jodi is joined by business scaling strategist AnnMarie Rose. AnnMarie shares her insights around refining business models for growth without overwhelming business owners and leaders. AnnMarie explains the benefits of using books and paid workshops as strategic tools for scaling, creating trust, and attracting high-quality leads. Jodi and AnnMarie also explore the benefits of repurposing content and testing book ideas through workshops. Time Stamps: 00:00 Considering business overhaul: key signs 04:58 Paid workshops as a sales strategy 08:52 Optimizing business models...
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In this episode, Jodi shares an update on the third edition of Write.Publish.Market., set to launch in October 2025. Jodi talks about using her Master Book Project Planner to stay organized with timelines, budgeting, and team coordination. Jodi also revisdits the idea for a companion workbook and begins to share her potential marketing and publicity strategies. Time Stamps: 00:00 Book editing and planning process 06:09 Pockets of time in publishing schedules 08:11 Holiday season book publishing tips Keywords: book publishing, marketing asset, business owners, writing retreat, book draft,...
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In this episode, Jodi chats with Teddy Smith about Amazon ads for authors. Teddy walks listeners through Amazon as a search engine and underscores the importance of relevancy and purchase history in ad success. He also shares strategies for setting up effective ad campaigns, the role of ads in book relaunches, and the balance between manual and automated ad management. Time Stamps: 00:00 Write Publish Market Podcast intro 05:51 Amazon as a search engine 09:30 start ads immediately and seek reviews 12:05 Amazon automatic ads: pros and cons 15:44 optimizing free promotion with ads 19:20...
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In this episode, Jodi is joined by business strategist Diane Mayer, who offers a grounded perspective on the importance of assessing the right timing for writing a book, particularly when considering its impact on business growth. The conversation underscores the significance of evaluating financial readiness, time management, and strategic planning before taking on book writing. Diane also shares her unique approach to writing a book in real-time through an email series. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome to Write Publish Market podcast 04:16 Business books: credibility and strategy 09:15...
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In this episode, Jodi discusses the potential synergy between books and podcasts, revealing how business owners can leverage both to amplify their message and engage their audience. Jodi shares practical strategies for using the content from one medium to benefit the other, such as creating podcasts based on book chapters or referencing podcasts in book content. She also highlights real-world examples from business owners who have successfully integrated their books and podcasts, offering listeners fresh ideas for maximizing their impact and business growth. The strategies Jodi mentions can be...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jodi chats with self-publishing expert Monique Mensah about how business owners writing books and other self-publishing authors can achieve traditional publishing quality. They discuss essential steps like hiring genre-specific professional cover designers, understanding the various editing types available in the marketplace, and leveraging platforms beyond Amazon to maximize control and profit. Monique also shares practical tips on building an author's brand, maintaining design consistency, and the significance of owning your ISBN for true publishing independence.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Self-publishing doesn't mean doing everything yourself.
05:39 ISBN gives authors publishing rights and control.
08:41 Professional editing is essential for quality books.
10:03 Professional editor essential for high-quality manuscript.
15:10 Lack of developmental editing undermines memoir structure.
17:40 Subscribe to Coffee and Commas newsletter.
20:25 Use published books as benchmark for quality.
24:01 Book cover duplicated; not a custom design.
25:58 Interior design requires expertise and understanding.
30:16 Sell books via platform with profit-sharing costs.
35:32 Drive traffic to your site, not Amazon.
37:41 Define goals for writing or marketing books.
39:36 Sign up for Monique's list for insights.
42:38 Connect via my website for self-publishing insights.
Keywords:
self-publishing, traditional publishing, book quality, book benchmarks, genre alignment, DIY design platforms, professional cover designers, template covers, unique book design, professional typesetting, book interiors, developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, editing misconceptions, book cover design, professional editing, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, ISBN ownership, print-on-demand distribution, direct book sales, strategic marketing, building author brand, self-publishing pitfalls, customer data control, professional publishing assistance, high-quality self-publishing, authorpreneurs, Monique Mensah
Resources Mentioned:
Ready Set Write Challenge: www.jodibrandoneditorial.com/readysetwrite
Mastery of Self by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.
The Last Party by A.R. Torre
About Our Guest:
Monique Mensah is a Personal Self-Publishing Assistant, who helps authors in all genres--fiction to nonfiction--take their books from Manuscript to Masterpiece. Through her signature done-for-you self-publishing service, Monique guides independent authors in producing professional, premium-quality books that don't look self-published and can stand out in a crowded market. Known for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach and deep understanding of the publishing process, Monique ensures authors maintain full ownership and control of their work so they can transform into Savvy Saelf-Publishers. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, and now living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, she brings passion and strategic insight to every project, making self-publishing both achievable and rewarding for authors who are serious about success.
Website: www.moniquemensah.com
Free Self-Publishing Guide: www.moniquemensah.com/free-guide
Book a Free Strategy Call: www.moniquemensah.com/book-a-call
Instagram: instagram.com/theminiquemensah
TikTok: tiktok.com/themoniquemensah
LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qG4utCiUNSY98O12Pc051ZeSKhBS8Ja_2DcHWSy-4cQ/edit?usp=sharing