Before The Bestseller

We’re back with Nicole Gebhardt, publishing strategist and CEO of Niche Press, for a conversation about what publishing looks like in a world shaped by AI, shifting reader behavior, and shorter attention spans. Nicole has helped entrepreneurs, experts, and business owners turn books into long term brand and business assets, and in this episode, she breaks down why the books people buy and finish today are fundamentally different from the books that worked even a few years ago.We talked about why “how-to” books are becoming easier to replace, why storytelling is becoming more important than ever, and how authors can design a reader experience that keeps people emotionally invested from beginning to end. Nicole also shared insights on Michael Hague’s storytelling framework, the difference between a reader’s outer and inner journey, how AI can quietly push authors toward the wrong book idea, and why the smartest marketing decisions happen before the first chapter is even written. The conversation also explored identity transformation, strategic positioning, influencer relationships, and how great books naturally create opportunities for speaking, referrals, and long term business growth.If your book is meant to last longer than the current trend cycle, tune in to this episode.Check out www.nicheleaders.com to learn more or take the assessment. —Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Today we welcome Nicole Gebhart, CEO of Niche Press, where she has worked with hundreds of business leaders, advisors, and experts to help them clarify what they want to be known for and turn that into a book that actually drives opportunity. With a background leading communications strategy at Caterpillar Inc. and years of consulting experience, she brings a structured, strategic lens to publishing. In this episode of Before the Bestseller, Nicole breaks down what it really means to treat a book as a business asset rather than a standalone product.We get into why the “wrong book” can quietly limit your growth, how different publishing strategies like signature, pep talk, and niche books each serve a specific role, and why most people approach writing from the past instead of where they want to go. Nicole shares how books should connect to your offers, brand, and long term business model, not just book sales, along with how to think in terms of frameworks, client conversion, and positioning yourself in the top tier of your niche. We also touch on what it looks like to fix a misaligned book, why owning your publishing rights matters, and how the right strategy can turn a book into a consistent source of opportunities.Tune in to hear how to turn a book into something that actually builds your business instead of just sitting on a shelf.Check out www.nicheleaders.com to learn more or take the assessment. —Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.—Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:  https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.comIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]