Ashley D. Shepard | Self Publishing Consultant and Book Marketing Strategist
Self Publishing and Book Marketing for Authors, Coaches, Speakers with Profitable Publishing®
Welcome to Profitable Publishing™! This podcast is for coaches, consultants, speakers, and service providers who want to package their expertise into a book that builds their brand, attracts their clients, and supports real business growth . This isn’t for authors who just want to get their book out there. This is for business owners who want to position themselves as the go expert in their field and serve their audience on a deeper level. If you help your readers get a result it’s time to leverage your book to do the same for you: open doors to speaking opportunities, attract premium clients...
Author
Ashley D. Shepard | Self Publishing Consultant and Book Marketing Strategist
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 1, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
26. Is it Time to Write Your Next Book? | Self Publishing Decisions for Coaches and Indie Authors 01.07.2026 29:23
It’s common advice to say writing your next book will sell your last book, but that’s not always the case. Focusing on creating a good book that readers can’t put down can sometimes be a better option. Find out 5 ways to know when it’s time to write or publish your next book or if you should revisit your current book. Takeaways Why writing the next book to sell your last book is bad advice for yo...
25. Self Publishing Mistakes To Avoid for Coaches, Consultants, Authors, Speakers, & Business Owners 24.06.2026 23:58
Self published and indie authors have a lot of decisions to make in a short amount of time. Take a listen to five common mistakes to avoid on your journey to publishing a book. You’ll learn about the importance of breaking free from traditional publishing rules, starting marketing before the book is finished, and understanding that writing a book doesn't guarantee automatic sales. This episode als...
24. Should You Sell Your Book on Your Website? How to Increase Income and Connection with Readers 17.06.2026 18:21
Published your book on Amazon? Don’t let that be the only platform you focus on. Instead of only relying on Amazon or bookstores to sell your book, selling on your website increases your income and gives you closer access to your audience. Selling on your site provides more options for readers to connect with you and for you to include extra incentives for purchasing during the preorder period and...
23. Why Marketing Your Book Should Come Before Self Publishing for Authors | Book Marketing 11.06.2026 21:01
Most authors wait until their book is in their hands before thinking about book marketing. It's not just asking readers to buy it once it's done. Listen closely to see how to start your marketing before you even start writing. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The pros of starting to market process before publishing How market research makes a better book Why waiting until the book is done to market is backwards...
22. 5 Books to Help with Marketing for Authors | Book As a Business Asset When Self Publishing 03.06.2026 23:14
Successful authors treat their book like a business asset. If your goal is to sell a lot of copies or use it to build authority, you should think of your book as an extension of your brand. These 5 books show you how to apply sales, marketing, and strategies in business for your books. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Five books to read to treat your book like a business How using business principles increases...
21. How your book can shorten sales calls and better qualify clients | Self Publishing for Coaches 29.05.2026 19:15
A well written book can actually help you land more clients and qualify leads before they even get on a call with you. When your book is positioned properly, clients come to your sales calls knowing you’re a good fit for them because your book has already done the heavily lifting for them. Your book can also support your existing clients to feel more supported. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How a well writte...
20. How Book Preorders Made Vanity Scott $600 From Her Site | Indie Author Success Story 21.05.2026 14:49
Hosting a book preorder can be tricky, but doing it on your website is even more challenging. But Author Vanity Scott was able to generate $600 on her first preorder with the right support through coaching. Learn how she overcame overthinking and boosted her confidence during our time working together. TAKEAWAYS Strategies behind how Vanity made $600 in her first preorder How hiring a qualified c...
19. Why listening to general self publishing advice is stalling your progress | author coach 14.05.2026 23:47
When self publishing a book, your first thought may be to collect as much advice as possible and ask the internet in groups all of your questions. You collect information across YouTube University. But searching for random self publishing advice that's not specific to you, your book, or your goals can work against you. This episode explores the value of working with a coach or consultant who under...
18. What to focus on so your book sells itself | Marketing for Authors | Self Publishing 06.05.2026 36:46
Most authors focus on the wrong things to achieve their author goals. Don’t just focus on numbers like books sold or page read. To achieve your author goals, focus on these three main areas that help you create a book that it eventually sells itself. TAKEAWAYS The wrong things you’re probably focusing on as an author Three key goals that help you decide everything else How to get people to read,...
17. Is my book good enough? How to overcome self doubt as a self published author, coach, or speaker 29.04.2026 13:47
If you’re wondering if your book is “good enough” especially in self publishing, take a listen to this episode. Here, we explore how traditional publishing influences you’re going the indie or self publishing route. It’s important to be confident in your book and the value it brings to the reader. We also address imposter syndrome, self-doubt and how hiring the right support can help. WHAT YOU’LL...
16. How to Choose a Publishing Company to Hire- Red Flags to Avoid| Author 22.04.2026 23:27
Choosing a publishing company to hire is a big decision that affects your royalties, how your audience accesses your book, or whether you can make changes down the line. You’ll hear 5 publishing red flags that are widely used in the publishing industry that affect independent and self published authors. Find out how authors can protect their rights, ownership, and interests. We’ll also explore key...
15. Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which One Is Better? | Indie Author or Agent 15.04.2026 17:05
Not sure if self publishing vs traditional publishing is right for you? This episode explores the pros and cons of the two most popular choices to becoming a published author such as creative control, royalties, level of marketing support, and ownership. Plus you’ll learn two additional publishing strategies you might not have considered. Choose the best publishing route for your first or next boo...
14. Should you have a preorder? Marketing for Authors Book| Book As a Business Asset 01.04.2026 16:40
Imagine using your books to pay for themselves. That’s the power of a profitable preorder. Publishing, marketing, and launching a book can all be big tasks by themselves. Using the Preorder Profits™ Plan streamlines the marketing and book launch process while also paying while you complete your book. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: 5 reasons why you should host a preorder How preorders affect your overall boo...
13. Your Book Is Not For Everyone: Marketing for Authors |Book As a Business Asset |Self Publishing 26.03.2026 26:05
Marketing for authors means finding your reader before you write, publish, and market your book. Before you write your book, it’s important to know who you’re going to sell it to. Understanding your audience and knowing your book is not for everyone is key. In order to get people to buy your book you need to focus on identifying, serving, and engaging your ideal reader, as well as building confide...
12. When to Start Your Marketing | Book Preorders and Launching for Coaches, Speakers, and Authors 18.03.2026 25:55
The best way to sell your book is to tell people about it before you publish. Author marketing doesn’t start when your book is out. This is especially true when you’re building a brand or business. In this episode, you’ll learn about the best times to start your marketing, how preorders play an important role in the process, and how your capacity affects the whole marketing process. Waiting until...
11. Amazon KDP and Preorders: Avoid Common Self Publishing Mistakes | Author Marketing for Business 11.03.2026 30:01
Instead of assuming Amazon KDP is the only option for your preorder, find out about the drawbacks of using the platform for your initial sales and learn about another option that’s a better choice for most independently published authors. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The biggest mistake when hosting a preorder Which platform gives the most access to learn about readers Which platform I don’t recommend for...
10. How to Write a Good Book That Keeps Readers Engaged with Touchpoints | Book Writing for Coaches 04.03.2026 20:57
Your goal as an author is to write a book readers can’t put down so they turn into clients. In this episode, you’ll learn a strategy of how to write a business book people will read. Use touchpoints to keep reader attention, support learning, and gather reader details for business insights. TAKEAWAYS Include interactive touchpoints in your book increases engagement and comprehension. Touch points...
9. How Marketing for Authors with Preorders Made Veronica H Moore $4k in 4 Hours Self Publishing 25.02.2026 23:37
Book launching while self publishing takes careful planning and strategy. First time author Veronica H. Moore shares her journey using preorder strategies during her book launch to generate $4k in 4 hours once opening her presale. impact of working with Shep Publishing House. She highlights the importance of authentic storytelling, the value of concise and practical information, and the impact of...
8. How to make better decisions and take action | Self Publishing and Book Marketing for Coaches 18.02.2026 23:26
Business owners, speakers, authors, and coaches face thousands of choices a day. Whether it’s software related to what’s the next book to publish, in this episode Ashley discusses the common struggle of indecision faced by authors and marketers. She shares personal experiences and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of recognizing fears around publishing mistakes,...
7. Find Your Readers: Marketing for Authors | Book As a Business Asset When Self Publishing 11.02.2026 30:03
Marketing for authors doesn’t just mean selling your book after it’s released. Before you write your book, it’s important to know who you’re going to sell it to. This starts with finding out who your reader is and what they prefer. Whether you're navigating self publishing or working with an independent consultant, understanding your readers is essential for success. Ashley shares practical tips o...
6. Why Bestseller Status is Overrated for Your Book as a Business Asset | Publish and Market, Author 04.02.2026 25:31
This episode focuses on Amazon bestseller status particularly focusing on its relevance for coaches, consultants, and service providers. When marketing for authors, bestseller status should align with individual goals and the overall strategy of using a book to attract clients and generate leads. The conversation explores the realities of achieving Amazon bestseller status, the importance of build...
5. How Book Marketing with Preorders Made Kendra Pecci $4000 in 4 Weeks | Author Success Story 28.01.2026 30:47
In this conversation, author Kendra Pecci shares her journey with hosting a preorder that earned $4000 and paid for her multi city book launch tour. At first, Kendra wanted to traditionally publish, but after 27 years from writing a book to releasing it, she knew self publishing was the better option to get her book done. When it came to book marketing, Kendra knew she needed help to reach her goa...
4. When to Hire Help with Self Publishing: 3 Considerations To Help Decide | Coach, Author, Speakers 21.01.2026 23:41
Whether you choose to entirely self publish or work with a consultant, there are quite a few things to consider to bring your book baby to life. Before choosing your path, it’s important to be mindful of what steps are involved and consider your capacity. This episode explores what to think about when deciding what kind of help you’ll need to complete your publishing project. I also share what I o...
3. Is Social Media the Best for Book Sales? | Book Marketing | Business Owner | Coaching 14.01.2026 35:28
The podcast episode focuses on on whether using social media marketing for books is the best option for most authors. Find out the importance of choosing the right platform, developing clarity around social media goals, assessing capacity and consistency for social media engagement, and leveraging social media for book marketing. Get details on the Profitable Publishing™ Live 2 Day Intensive for e...
1. Purpose & Goal | Self Publishing for Business Owners, Author Marketing | Brand Building 05.01.2026 6:06
This intro episode of the Profitable Publishing™ podcast shares the goals and vision for the podcast with using a book as a business asset and explores book marketing strategies to support business growth. This episode covers the introduction to the podcast, the profitable publishing™ plan, the purpose of your book in your business, and the best book marketing strategies for coaches, consultants,...
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