From Draft to Demand: Publishing Strategies That Grow Your Business with Ally Machate

How to write a book that builds authority, drives leads, and fuels business growth, not one that gathers virtual dust

If you are a coach, consultant, or expert thinking about writing a book, this conversation is for you. Ally Machate, a publishing strategist and former Simon and Schuster editor, brings 25 plus years of industry experience to a simple but vital message. A book can be the single most powerful marketing asset you own, but only when it is written and published with strategy in mind.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

• Why books still win attention in a world of short form content

• The difference between the wrong book and the right book for your business goals

• Four publishing routes, and which one fits different business stages

• Practical ways to test your material before you publish

• How to use books as lead generation tools, not just sales items

• The launch priorities that create long term leverage and discoverability

Why books still matter

We live in an age of content overload. Short videos, social posts, and AI generated copy are everywhere. That flood of content makes honest long form thinking more valuable, not less. A full length book invites readers into your mind for hours. It builds depth of trust and demonstrates the intellectual framework behind your coaching or your methodology. That kind of sustained attention is rare and it creates durable influence.

The right book versus the wrong book

Ally’s most important point is straightforward. Many experts write a book because they feel they should, or because other people told them to. They end up with a book that might be good, but it fails to do the business job the author needs. The wrong book is a book that does not align with your business goals, your audience, or your stage as a practitioner. The right book is targeted, strategic, and designed to generate the kind of leads you want to serve.

Are you ready to write a book?

Timing matters. If you are early in your business and have not tested your ideas in the market, a book may be premature. Ally recommends testing your frameworks through shorter tools such as a mini book, an ebook lead magnet, a course, or a paid pilot program. This validates your approach and gives you case studies and testimonials that will make your book far more compelling.

The publishing options

Ally breaks publishing into four practical routes:

• Traditional publishing, via agent and Big Five publisher. This is competitive, slow, and reserved for a small percentage of authors.

• Hybrid publishing, which mixes author investment and publisher resources. It can offer broader distribution but may limit some author freedoms.

• Supported indie publishing, where the author owns the imprint and files, and a team provides professional production and marketing services. This route balances quality, speed, and control.

• Full DIY self-publishing. Lowest cost up front, but often lowest quality and highest risk for business authors.

For most coaches who want a professional, strategic, and timely result, supported indie publishing offers the best blend of control, quality, and speed.

Resources and links

Free training: Don’t Write the Wrong Book: https://offers.thewritersally.com/between2coaches

Connect with Ally on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads:

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonemachate

FB: https://www.facebook.com/allysonemachate

IG: https://www.instagram.com/allymachate/

GR: https://goodreads.com/allysonemachate

Explore The Writer’s Ally services: https://www.thewritersally.com

Join the next Digital Mentors Compass Workshop: https://CompassWorkshop.com