Your Path to Book Publishing

How to Make Your Book More Memorable Through Storytelling

How do you make your book more than a collection of facts, ideas, or lessons? In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach is joined by author, ghostwriter, editor, and screenwriter Platt Clark to talk about one of the most important author habits: learning how to create meaning through story. Platte shares why authors are not just in the information-sharing business. They are in the meaning-making business. Whether you are writing nonfiction, fiction, memoir, business, or self-help, your readers need more than facts. They need stories that help them see, feel, remember, and apply what you are teaching. You’ll learn why story is facts plus meaning, how conflict, character, change, and stakes help readers engage with your ideas, and why your job as an author is to serve the reader’s experience—not just transfer information. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why facts alone are not enough to make your book memorable * How storytelling helps readers create meaning from your ideas * Why conflict, character, change, and stakes matter in writing * How nonfiction authors can use story to build trust with readers * Why authors should think about the experience they are creating for the reader Featured Guest Platte Clark is a bestselling author, ghostwriter,  and screenwriter. He is the author of the Bad Unicorn series, has worked on numerous books as a ghostwriter and editor, and contributed to the film adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. His upcoming book, Author Unknown, explores writing, storytelling, and meaning-making. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.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 [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

The Book Publishing Habits Successful Authors Learn Over Time

In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the author habits series with guests Jones Loflin and Todd Musig, co-authors of Juggling Elephants and Getting to It. Jones and Todd share what they’ve learned from both traditional publishing and self-publishing, including how they used a self-published version of their book to prove demand before landing a traditional publishing deal. They also discuss the habits that help authors succeed beyond the writing process: getting useful feedback, building a platform, choosing the right publishing path for your season, and being generous with your book so it can create new opportunities. Whether you’re still developing your book idea or thinking about how to market your book after launch, this episode will help you think more intentionally about the habits that support long-term author success. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why co-authoring requires trust, clarity, and complementary strengths * How feedback can strengthen your book before publication * Why your publishing path may change as your platform grows * How generosity with your book can lead to speaking, training, and business opportunities * Why your book should be treated as a tool, not the entire strategy Featured Guests Jones Loflin is a speaker, trainer, and author of Focused as a Bee, Always Growing, Juggling Elephants, and more. Todd Musig is an author and business professional whose books include Five Simple Habits for Successful Change, Juggling Elephants, and Getting to It. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.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 [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

How to Build Better Author Habits Without Trying to Be Perfect

What habits actually help authors make real progress? In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, a new series on author habits begins with a look at how routines, consistency, and mindset shape progress across the author journey. The episode explores one of the most common beliefs people have heard about habits — that it takes 21 days to build one — and offers a more realistic perspective. Instead of focusing on perfection, the conversation encourages authors to think about habits as something built through repetition, grace, and steady forward movement. It also highlights how the habits an author needs may change depending on the season they are in. For some, that means building a writing routine. For others, it may mean creating stronger habits around branding, platform-building, or book marketing. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: *  Why many authors need to rethink what they believe about habits  *  Where the “21 days to build a habit” idea came from  *  Why consistency matters more than perfection  *  How habits can support writing, branding, and marketing progress  *  What it looks like to build routines that help you keep moving forward  The episode also includes a behind-the-scenes example from the writing of Trust Me, I’m an Author, showing how a protected block of time each morning helped build momentum and move the manuscript forward. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.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 [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

What Your Author Brand Is Really Built On

What is an author brand really built on? This episode of Your Path to Book Publishing pulls together key insights from the recent author branding series, including lessons inspired by conversations with Jill Schulman, author of The Bravery Effect, and branding expert Ty Schmidt.  At the center of the discussion is a simple but important truth: an author brand is not built only through visuals, content, or visibility. It is built through reputation, relationships, clarity, and consistent action over time.  The episode explores why a book often acts as an ambassador for an author’s brand, why genuine engagement matters more than passive posting, and why many authors delay meaningful progress by telling themselves “someday.” It also offers a reminder that author branding is often a messy process, but that does not mean something is going wrong. In many cases, the mess is part of building something real.  By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: *  Why reputation is one of the strongest foundations of an author brand  *  How relationships help shape visibility and long-term trust  *  Why authors need to move beyond “posting and ghosting”  *  How “someday” can quietly delay a book and brand for years  *  Why authors should think of themselves as the guide, not the hero, in their readers’ journey  For authors who have been thinking about their brand but are unsure where to focus, this episode offers a practical invitation: choose one takeaway and apply it. A stronger author brand is built one decision, one relationship, and one action at a time.  Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.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 [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

What Actually Builds an Author Brand? Relationships, Reputation, and Showing Up | Ty Schmidt

Building an author brand can feel messy. You are trying to figure out how your brand connects to your book, how your book supports your brand, and how to actually show up online in a way that feels clear, consistent, and real. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, Zach talks with Ty Schmidt about what actually helps people pay attention to your brand. Together, they unpack why branding is not just about graphics, logos, or posting content. It is about the relationships and reputation you build over time and what people come to know you for. Ty shares insights from her background in journalism, social media, and brand-building, along with practical advice for authors who feel overwhelmed by all the different platforms and pressure to do everything at once. By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn: * Why relationships and reputation are such a powerful part of author branding * How to get clearer on who you are and what your brand stands for * Why authors do not need to be on every platform to build momentum * How to engage online in a way that actually builds connection * Why “posting and ghosting” is not enough if you want people to remember you Ty also shares a simple but challenging question authors should ask themselves: Who are you in 12 words or less? That clarity can become a foundation for how you show up online, communicate your message, and connect with the people you want to serve. If you have been overthinking your author brand or feeling like you need to do more before you can start, this episode is a helpful reminder that progress matters more than perfection, and that sometimes the best place to begin is by choosing one platform, one message, and one way to start showing up consistently. Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.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 [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]