Episode 156: What Every Nonfiction Author Should Know About Publishing

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Welcome to Season 6 of The Book Marketing Action Podcast with Becky Robinson, where we give you information you can immediately implement to increase your influence and market your books more successfully.

In this episode, Becky welcomes back Stephanie Chandler—founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association and Nonfiction Writers Conference—for a deep dive into publishing paths for nonfiction authors. Stephanie shares candid advice on navigating traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing, including how to vet hybrid publishers, how to protect your creative work, and what platform-building really looks like today. If you’re trying to decide how to publish your next nonfiction book, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:35] Stephanie shares about herself and her work in the world. 

[03:58] Stephanie reveals what she has learned about selecting the ideal book publishing path. 

[05:45] Discover what Stephanie asks authors and listens for when helping them select the right path for their book.

[09:41] Stephanie talks about the timeline of hybrid publishing and what can slow it down. 

[11:26] (AD) Schedule a call with Becky Robinson to discover how Weaving Influence’s custom strategies can support your book launch. 

[12:38] With so many hybrid publishers in the world, what should an author look for when they’re selecting a partner to publish their book? Stephanie shares her expert insights. 

[15:29] Stephanie explains how her organization vets manuscripts and what they look for in manuscripts selected for publication. 

[17:03] Stephanie shares guidance for nonfiction authors who want to set their work apart from the noise of all the books that are currently being published.

[19:25] Stephanie discusses the various projects, initiatives, and opportunities that the Nonfiction Authors Association has to offer. 

Action Steps:

1. Explore the resources below or visit the Nonfiction Authors Association website so you can learn more about what Stephanie is up to. Invest in a membership and submit your book for an award—there are numerous opportunities for nonfiction authors.
2. Get very specific about your book’s niche. Take the time to really think about the audience you’re writing for and the angle that makes your book unique.

Resources:

• Become a member of the Nonfiction Authors Association. 
• Apply for a nonfiction book award. 
• Consider attending the next Nonfiction Writers Conference.
• Run a book promotion or become a member of the nonfiction book club. 
• Explore the courses offered by the Nonfiction Authors Association, including a 90-day write your book course with Stephanie. 
• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.
• Follow the Nonfiction Authors Association on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Key Quotes:

I just love that I get to work with nonfiction writers every day, because most of us have some sort of mission to make the world a better place. —Stephanie Chandler 

I think hybrid publishing is a great option. You maintain control of all of your work, but you’re hiring people to produce it professionally. —Stephanie Chandler 

If you want a large book deal, you need to bring an audience to the table. —Stephanie Chandler 

Editing is the most labor-intensive part of publishing. —Stephanie Chandler

Vet carefully and check references as you’re selecting a publishing partner. —Becky Robinson 

Carving out a niche is essential. —Stephanie Chandler

We really do judge books by their covers, and design can make or break a book. —Stephanie Chandler

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The Book Marketing Action Podcast is featured as one of the 20 best podcasts for authors on writing, publishing, and book marketing in this article from BookBub Partners.