Month: July 2026 (Page 2 of 2)

By Don Schmidt – The Book Kahuna

One of the questions that appeared repeatedly in my recent survey of aspiring first-time authors surprised me. It was not about finding an agent. It was not about Amazon rankings. It was not even about book marketing.

Instead, many authors asked a much more practical question.

“How can I start making money before my book becomes successful?”

After more than forty years in the publishing industry, I understand that concern completely. I have watched thousands of books move through the publishing process. I have worked with bestselling authors, first-time writers, university presses, independent publishers, and commercial publishing houses. One lesson has remained remarkably consistent throughout my career.

A book should never be viewed as the finish line.

It should be viewed as the beginning of an entire business.

One of the least discussed opportunities available to nonfiction authors is the corporate lunch-and-learn presentation. These programs allow companies to bring in outside experts who educate employees during a scheduled lunch hour. Organizations are constantly searching for speakers who can provide practical information, motivate employees, improve workplace skills, or introduce new perspectives.

If you have written a book, chances are you already possess enough expertise to become that speaker.

Better yet, these presentations can become one of the fastest ways to generate revenue while simultaneously marketing your book.

Why Companies Pay Outside Experts

Businesses spend billions of dollars every year on employee education.

Human resource departments continually seek fresh voices who can educate their teams on subjects including:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Productivity
• Wellness
• Personal finance
• Technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Customer service
• Sales
• Creativity
• Diversity
• Professional development
• Mental health
• Career growth

Notice something?

None of those topics require celebrity status.

They require expertise.

If you have spent months—or even years—researching your book, you have already developed knowledge that many organizations find valuable.

Your manuscript becomes your credibility.

Your presentation becomes your product.

Your Book Is Your Business Card

Many first-time authors believe they must sell thousands of books before anyone will hire them.

That is simply not true.

Throughout my publishing career, I have seen experts build six-figure consulting businesses from books that never appeared on bestseller lists.

Why?

Because companies do not hire bestselling books.

They hire knowledgeable people.

Imagine two candidates applying to speak at a corporation.

The first says:

“I know a great deal about leadership.”

The second says:

“I literally wrote the book on leadership.”

Which one immediately establishes greater credibility?

Exactly.

A published book positions you as an authority long before someone reads the first chapter.

Understanding the Lunch-and-Learn Format

Most corporate lunch-and-learn sessions last between thirty and sixty minutes.

Some organizations provide lunch.

Others encourage employees to bring their own meals.

The goal is simple.

Teach something useful.

That is all.

These presentations are educational rather than promotional.

The audience expects practical information they can apply immediately.

If your presentation feels like a sales pitch, you probably will not receive another invitation.

However, if employees leave saying, “That was one of the best lunch sessions we have had,” your opportunities expand dramatically.

Almost Every Book Can Become a Corporate Program

One misconception I hear frequently is this:

“My book is not about business.”

That does not automatically eliminate corporate opportunities.

Consider these examples.

A cookbook author can teach healthy meal preparation for busy professionals.

A history author can discuss leadership lessons from famous historical figures.

A memoir author can present resilience, overcoming adversity, or adapting to change.

A finance author can discuss retirement planning or budgeting.

A parenting author can teach work-life balance.

A technology author can explain cybersecurity.

A writing author can improve business communication.

A publishing expert—like myself—can teach professionals how writing a book enhances credibility, develops thought leadership, and creates new business opportunities.

Every subject contains lessons that organizations can appreciate.

The challenge is identifying the business application.

Think Like a Problem Solver

Corporations invest in solutions.

Ask yourself these questions.

What workplace problem does my expertise solve?

Can I help employees communicate more effectively?

Can I improve leadership?

Can I increase productivity?

Can I reduce stress?

Can I improve teamwork?

Can I teach creativity?

Can I help professionals build their personal brands?

Once you identify the business problem, your presentation practically writes itself.

Building Your Signature Presentation

One mistake I see repeatedly is authors trying to cover their entire book.

Please do not.

Your audience cannot absorb two hundred pages of information during lunch.

Instead, develop one signature presentation around one specific outcome.

For example:

“Five Ways to Communicate Like a Published Author.”

“The Leadership Lessons Hidden in History.”

“Using Storytelling to Improve Sales.”

“Writing That Wins Customers.”

“How Experts Become Industry Authorities.”

Your goal is transformation, not information overload.

Employees should leave feeling they learned something practical they can implement immediately.

That is what companies remember.

Create an Experience

People rarely remember PowerPoint slides.

They remember experiences.

Ask questions.

Tell stories.

Share personal examples.

Discuss mistakes.

Explain lessons learned.

After four decades in publishing, I have accumulated countless stories that illustrate why books succeed or fail.

Those stories create memorable presentations.

Facts educate.

Stories inspire.

The combination builds lasting credibility.

The Real Opportunity

Many authors think they will earn most of their income from book royalties.

Unfortunately, publishing economics often tell a different story.

Corporate presentations can generate hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars for a single hour of speaking.

Now consider the bigger picture.

One presentation introduces you to fifty employees.

Some purchase your book.

Others invite you to another company.

Someone recommends you to a professional association.

A manager hires you for consulting.

Another organization books a keynote.

Suddenly, one lunch presentation becomes an entire marketing system.

That is why I encourage authors to think beyond royalties.

Your expertise is considerably more valuable than the price printed on your book’s back cover.

Packaging Multiple Programs

Once you have created one successful presentation, build another.

Then another.

Soon your speaking portfolio may include:

• Leadership
• Writing
• Publishing
• Personal branding
• Business communication
• Creativity
• Innovation

Different audiences require different presentations.

The more options you offer, the more opportunities you create.

Remember, corporations appreciate speakers who can return with fresh content every year.

That turns one client into a long-term relationship.

Instead of chasing book sales every month, you begin building recurring income.

That is a much stronger business model.

#BookPublishing, #SelfPublishing, #FirstTimeAuthors, #WritingCommunity, #AuthorTips, #IndieAuthors, #WritingAdvice, #PublishingTips, #BookMarketing, #AuthorLife, #WritingJourney, #WriteYourStory, #BookPromotion, #PublishingJourney, #NewAuthors, #BookWriting, #WriteABook, #PublishingAdvice, #AuthorGoals, #BookLaunch

One of the questions that surfaced repeatedly in my recent survey of aspiring first-time authors was this: “How do I turn what I know into a dependable source of income?” It is an excellent question because writing a book is no longer the only way to build a successful author business. In fact, many authors and publishing professionals discover that their greatest asset is not merely the book they wrote. It is the knowledge they have accumulated along the way.

After more than forty years in the book publishing industry, including earning a Master’s in Publishing Science from Pace University, I have learned one important lesson. Experience has value. Unfortunately, many professionals underestimate that value because the knowledge comes so naturally to them.

If you have spent years learning how to write, publish, manufacture, market, or distribute books, you possess information that someone else desperately needs. The challenge is packaging that expertise into a consulting business that provides consistent monthly income instead of relying on one-time projects.

That is where the author consulting model comes into play.

Instead of constantly searching for your next client, you develop ongoing relationships with authors who value your guidance month after month. Rather than selling hours, you provide solutions. Rather than chasing new business every week, you build recurring revenue through monthly retainers.

For many publishing professionals, this can become one of the most stable and rewarding parts of their business.

Why Expertise Has Become More Valuable Than Ever

The publishing world has changed dramatically.

Self-publishing has lowered the barriers to entry. Artificial intelligence has made it easier to produce written content. Thousands of new books enter the marketplace every single day.

Yet one thing has not changed.

People still need experienced guidance.

Technology can generate words. It cannot replace four decades of real-world publishing experience.

An aspiring author who has never published a book faces hundreds of decisions.

Should I pursue traditional publishing?

Should I self-publish?

How do I hire an editor?

What should my production schedule look like?

How much should printing cost?

How do I avoid expensive mistakes?

Those questions are difficult to answer through a quick internet search because every project is unique.

That is exactly why consulting has become such a valuable service.

People do not simply purchase information.

They purchase confidence.

Stop Selling Hours

One of the biggest mistakes I see new consultants make is believing they are selling their time.

They are not.

They are selling decades of accumulated experience.

Imagine walking into a doctor’s office.

You do not pay for the fifteen minutes you spend in the examination room.

You pay for the physician’s education, training, and experience.

Publishing consulting works the same way.

Clients are not paying for sixty minutes on Zoom.

They are paying to avoid six months of frustration.

That difference changes everything.

When you understand this principle, pricing becomes much easier.

What Does an Author Consultant Actually Do?

Many people hear the word consultant and immediately picture someone who simply answers questions.

A successful publishing consultant does far more than that.

You become a trusted advisor.

Your responsibilities might include:

• Evaluating book ideas.
• Reviewing publishing options.
• Helping authors create realistic production schedules.
• Explaining printing specifications.
• Reviewing contracts.
• Developing publishing budgets.
• Creating book marketing strategies.
• Recommending editors and designers.
• Helping clients avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Keeping projects moving toward publication.

Notice something important.

None of those services require writing an entire book for the client.

Instead, you guide the client toward making better decisions.

That guidance becomes incredibly valuable.

The Power of Monthly Retainers

Here is where many consultants leave money on the table.

They complete a two-hour consultation.

The client leaves satisfied.

The relationship ends.

Then the consultant starts searching for another client.

That cycle becomes exhausting.

Instead, think about creating monthly retainers.

A retainer is simply an agreement where a client pays a fixed monthly fee in exchange for ongoing access to your expertise.

The arrangement benefits everyone.

The client receives continuous guidance throughout the publishing journey.

The consultant enjoys predictable monthly income.

Predictability reduces financial stress.

It also allows you to spend less time marketing yourself and more time serving your clients.

Building Your Consulting Packages

One lesson I learned during my publishing career is that people appreciate structure.

Instead of offering unlimited consulting, develop several clearly defined packages.

For example:

Starter Package

Ideal for first-time authors preparing their manuscript.

Monthly manuscript review.

One video consultation.

Email support.

Publishing roadmap.

Professional Package

Designed for authors actively preparing their book for publication.

Two consultations each month.

Publishing schedule.

Production guidance.

Vendor recommendations.

Marketing planning.

Premium Package

Comprehensive publishing mentorship.

Weekly meetings.

Priority email access.

Publishing strategy.

Marketing strategy.

Launch preparation.

By organizing your services this way, clients understand exactly what they are purchasing.

Clarity builds confidence.

Confidence leads to sales.

Choosing the Right Clients

One of the greatest advantages of consulting is that you can decide whom you want to serve.

Not every author will be the right fit.

Personally, I enjoy helping first-time authors because they are eager to learn.

They appreciate honest advice.

They ask thoughtful questions.

Watching someone publish their first book successfully is tremendously rewarding.

As your consulting practice grows, you may choose to specialize even further.

Perhaps you help nonfiction authors.

Perhaps you focus on business books.

Perhaps your expertise centers on book manufacturing and production.

Specialization often makes your services even more valuable.

Pricing Your Knowledge

Many experienced professionals struggle with pricing.

They worry they are charging too much.

I would encourage you to think differently.

Consider the cost of making a major publishing mistake.

Printing thousands of books incorrectly.

Hiring the wrong editor.

Signing an unfavorable publishing contract.

Choosing poor distribution.

Those mistakes can cost thousands of dollars.

If your advice prevents even one of those errors, your consulting fee becomes a wise investment.

Remember this.

Clients are purchasing outcomes.

Not hours.

Creating Long-Term Relationships

Consulting is ultimately about trust.

The strongest consulting businesses are built on relationships rather than transactions.

Answer emails promptly.

Listen carefully.

Be honest when you do not know something.

Celebrate your clients’ successes.

Stay connected after publication.

Many consultants focus only on acquiring new clients.

I believe serving existing clients exceptionally well is often the better strategy.

Satisfied clients become repeat clients.

They also become enthusiastic referral sources.

Word-of-mouth marketing remains one of the most powerful forms of advertising in the publishing industry.

Marketing Your Consulting Business

Fortunately, if you already have a blog, you have an excellent foundation.

Every article you publish demonstrates your expertise.

Readers begin to trust your advice long before they schedule a consultation.

That trust shortens the sales process considerably.

You can also share valuable content through:

• LinkedIn.
• YouTube.
• Instagram.
• Email newsletters.
• Podcasts.
• Speaking engagements.
• Author conferences.
• Writers’ organizations.

The objective is not simply attracting visitors.

It is establishing credibility.

People hire experts they trust.

The Business Beyond the Book

For many years, authors believed success depended entirely upon book sales.

Today, books often serve as introductions.

Your book demonstrates your knowledge.

Your consulting generates recurring income.

Your speaking engagements expand your audience.

Your courses educate more people.

Your digital products create additional revenue streams.

Each component supports the others.

That creates a stronger, more resilient business.

Final Thoughts

Looking back over four decades in publishing, I can honestly say that experience becomes more valuable with time.

The lessons you have learned.

The mistakes you have witnessed.

The production challenges you have solved.

The countless conversations you have had with authors.

Those experiences represent intellectual capital.

Do not allow that knowledge to remain trapped inside your head.

Turn it into a consulting practice that genuinely helps aspiring authors while creating dependable monthly income for yourself.

The publishing industry needs experienced professionals willing to mentor the next generation of writers.

Perhaps that professional is you.

If you possess publishing expertise, now is the time to put it to work. Build relationships. Create value. Develop recurring revenue. Most importantly, help authors achieve their publishing dreams while building a business that rewards the experience you have spent a lifetime acquiring.

Google Keywords

Author consulting, book publishing consultant, publishing consultant, author coaching, self-publishing consultant, book publishing expert, publishing services, book marketing strategy, author business, recurring revenue, monthly retainers, publishing advice, first-time author, book publishing guidance, author consulting services.

Long-Tail Keywords

How to build a book publishing consulting business, monthly retainer consulting for authors, how to earn recurring income as an author consultant, book publishing consulting services for first-time authors, turning publishing expertise into monthly income, how experienced publishing professionals can become consultants.

Call to Action

Thank you for reading The Book Kahuna Chronicles. If you found this article helpful and would like more practical publishing advice drawn from more than forty years in the book publishing industry, please follow my blog at www.bookkahunachronicles.com. I regularly share insights designed to help authors navigate the publishing process, avoid costly mistakes, and build successful, profitable writing careers. I look forward to seeing you there.

#BookPublishing, #SelfPublishing, #FirstTimeAuthors, #WritingCommunity, #AuthorTips, #IndieAuthors, #WritingAdvice, #PublishingTips, #BookMarketing, #AuthorLife, #WritingJourney, #WriteYourStory, #BookPromotion, #PublishingJourney, #NewAuthors, #BookWriting, #WriteABook, #PublishingAdvice, #AuthorGoals, #BookLaunch