Before The Bestseller
This show is for book lovers and creators who want to go behind the scenes with their favorite authors to hear about how they were able to not just write a book but create a movement.
Before The Bestseller
BTB174: Sierra Melcher, Author & CEO, Red Thread Publishing, on Publishing in 2026, Reader Psychology, and Book Marketing Strategy
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Our special guest for today is Sierra Melcher, CEO of Red Thread Publishing, who has guided over 350 authors across 28 countries to write and publish meaningful nonfiction that actually serves a purpose beyond just being a book. With deep experience across hybrid publishing and hands-on work with authors at every stage, she has built a reputation for helping writers create books that are intentional, reader-focused, and aligned with real outcomes.
In this episode, we explore how publishing is evolving and why most authors are still approaching it the wrong way. Sierra shares how she helps authors clarify what their book is really about, who it is actually for, and why shorter, simpler books often outperform longer ones. We also get into a different way of thinking about your reader, one that goes beyond surface-level targeting, and a practical exercise she uses to help authors reconnect with the people who need their message. On the marketing side, we talk through a few real-world examples that show how small, intentional moves can outperform scattered effort.
Tune in to hear how Sierra thinks through choosing the right publishing path, defining your reader beyond surface-level demographics, building a book that actually gets read, and using targeted strategies like events, giveaways, and reviews to get your book into the hands of the right people.
Check out redthreadbooks.com and book a call with Sierra to explore your next steps.
Check out Sierra Melcher’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B085LM5WZR?ingress=0&visitId=f4d1c214-e885-4492-9e95-02549234e12d&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
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