What exactly happens during the 15-minute Book Assessment?

This is a strategic consultation—not a sales pitch. You'll speak with our co-founder to evaluate three things: (1) whether your existing content and expertise can realistically become a revenue-generating book, (2) what the potential ROI looks like based on your current business model and goals, and (3) if now is strategically the right time to move forward or if you should wait. You'll walk away with clarity on your next steps, whether that's working with us, pursuing it independently, or focusing on other priorities first.

I'm not sure if I'm "ready" for a book. Should I still book an assessment?

Absolutely. In fact, most people who book aren't sure if they're ready—and that's exactly what the assessment helps you figure out. We'll look at your current content (speaking, writing, frameworks you use with clients), your business model, and your goals to determine if you have the foundation for a book that drives ROI. If you're ready, great—we'll show you the path. If you're not, we'll tell you exactly what needs to happen first so you don't waste time and money on a book that won't move the needle.

Is this really free, or is there a catch?

It's genuinely free with no obligation. We've found that not everyone is the right fit for a strategic book project—and that's okay. Some people need more time to build their platform, clarify their methodology, or validate their offers before a book makes sense. The assessment helps both of us determine if there's alignment. If there is, we'll discuss what working together looks like. If there isn't, you'll still walk away with valuable insights about your book's viability and what your next steps should be.

What should I prepare before the call?

Nothing formal. Just come ready to discuss your expertise, what content you're already creating (speaking, writing, social media, client conversations), your current business or career goals, and what you'd want your book to accomplish. The more context you can share about what you do and who you serve, the more specific and valuable our recommendations will be. But don't stress about preparation—this is a conversation, not a presentation.

How is this different from other book consultations or publishers?

Most book consultations focus on writing craft or traditional publishing metrics (like getting an agent or hitting bestseller lists). We focus on business outcomes. Our question isn't "Can you write a book?"—it's "Can your book realistically generate ROI through high-ticket clients, speaking opportunities, strategic partnerships, or new revenue streams?"

Who is the Author.inc process designed for?

We engineered our services from the ground up to help time-starved experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to share their expertise, elevate their brand, and make an impact. If you value efficiency and the highest quality results and don't want to go through the cumbersome and poor experience of working with traditional writers and publishers, we're the perfect partner for you.

What's the return on investment (ROI) beyond just book sales?

A book is a powerful tool to establish authority, boost your brand, and unlock new opportunities. Our clients have leveraged their books not just for sales, but to secure high-profile speaking engagements, attract new clients, and create multi-million dollar opportunities. By positioning the book as a strategic asset, they open additional revenue streams—such as consulting, coaching, workshops, digital courses, and strategic partnerships—that fuel long-term growth and broaden their business impact.

Can Author.inc help me market my book?

Yes! We integrate comprehensive marketing strategies into our publishing process to maximize your book's impact and ROI. Rather than a short pre-launch blitz, we help you develop a sustainable, long-term marketing approach that positions your book as a dynamic growth asset. From differentiating your book in a crowded market to crafting a compelling launch strategy and providing "done with you" marketing support, we're with you every step of the way. You're not just getting a book launch partner—you're gaining a growth partner. Our weekly "Author Hours" coaching sessions offer year-long support, ensuring your book continually attracts new clients and business opportunities. We focus on strategic guidance to help elevate all your marketing channels and assets, driving ongoing business success.

Do I retain ownership and control of my book?

Absolutely. At Author.Inc, you're in control—your book, your story. Unlike traditional publishers who keep rights and most royalties to drive profits, we empower you to own every detail. You decide everything from content and design to the final manuscript approval. We even encourage strategies like giving your book away for free when the opportunities it creates far outweigh per-copy sales. With our expert guidance and access to top creatives, you maintain creative freedom and retain all the benefits—royalties and beyond.

Book Blueprint

Validate the book before you write it.

A paid strategy engagement with Author.Inc’s Head of Publishing and an editor to pressure-test your book idea, clarify the business case, and determine whether now is the right time to build it.

Start Your Blueprint

$2,500 7 to 10 business days Custom Blueprint PDF Credited toward Publish for 6 months

Blueprint Diagnostic 4 lenses

Reader

Who needs this book most?

Promise

What transformation is strong enough?

Authority

Why should this come from you?

Business Case

What can the book make easier to create?

Proceed Refine Wait

Do not write the wrong book beautifully.

Most founders do not fail because they lack ideas. They fail because they start with the wrong book: too broad, too vague, too disconnected from the reader, or too detached from the business outcome it is supposed to create.

A topic is not enough. A serious business book needs a bullseye reader, a sharp problem, a clear transformation, a credible point of view, and a reason to exist now.

Start with clarity.

The Book Blueprint gives you a senior editorial read on whether your idea is strong enough to justify the next investment.

Blueprint Engagement $2,500 Applied to Publish if you move forward within 6 months.

Without It

You may be starting with a topic.

–

A broad audience The reader sounds important, but not specific enough to write for.

–

A vague promise The idea feels valuable, but the transformation is hard to name.

–

An unclear point of view The book risks sounding like advice the market has heard before.

–

An uncertain business case It is hard to know whether the book can justify the next investment.

After It

You leave with a book worth building.

✓

A bullseye reader A clear picture of who the book is for and why they should care.

✓

A sharper promise A stronger articulation of the problem, stakes, and transformation.

✓

A credible angle A point of view that fits your expertise, stories, and authority.

✓

A clear next step Proceed, refine, or wait, with a strategic reason behind the call.

The reader

Who the book is really for, what they already believe, and what they need to understand before they trust you.

The promise

The core problem your book solves, the transformation it creates, and why that promise is worth paying attention to now.

The authority

The expertise, stories, proof, and point of view that make the book unmistakably yours.

The business case

How the book can support authority, clients, speaking, partnerships, recruiting, media, or other business outcomes.

How It Works

A focused editorial sprint, not a generic assessment.

Intake

You share the raw material: your idea, audience, goals, expertise, and what you hope the book can make possible.

Strategy session

You meet with our Head of Publishing and an Author.Inc editor to clarify the strongest direction for the book.

Editorial review

Our team pressure-tests the idea against audience, positioning, authority, business value, and timing.

Blueprint delivery

You receive a custom Book Blueprint PDF with a clear recommendation: proceed, refine, or wait.

Mikey Mathews on a publishing strategy call

Who You Work With

Led by Mikey Mathews and an Author.Inc editor.

This is not a form response or automated report. Your Blueprint is shaped through a working session with our Head of Publishing and an editor trained to clarify serious nonfiction book ideas for founders, CEOs, and experts.

The goal is to leave with confidence: the right book, the right reader, the right business case, and the right next step.