AMPLIFY Sexology - Oct. 2026

I recently participated in a panel at AMPLIFY Sexology titled From Fiction to Non-Fiction: How to Turn Your Idea Into a Book That Changes the Conversation. We talked about writing, publishing, and the challenges of finding readers. Here are a few things I learned from publishing Prostranal, along with some resources.

From Idea to Impact: Writing, Publishing, and Changing the Conversation

1. Start With a Problem Worth Solving

A great book doesn't necessarily need a revolutionary idea. Sometimes it simply needs to address something that others have overlooked. When I began writing Prostranal, I found that existing books about prostate orgasms often lacked the techniques, details, and nuances readers needed. My goal was to bring that information together into one comprehensive, practical guide. Find what's missing, bring your unique perspective, and authentically create something that helps others.

2. The Writing Process: Use AI Without Losing Your Voice

I wish I'd done this with my prostate book, but I'm doing it now with my next one. Use your phone to dictate ideas, thoughts, or even random sentences into your notepad as they come to you. Bring that raw material into a large language model (LLM) to organize and refine it. Provide samples of your previous writing so AI can better understand your natural voice and style.

Then take control. Edit, cut, rewrite, and add your own substance. AI is a useful assistant, but it shouldn't replace your creativity or perspective. You are going to have to wrestle with every sentence, word and paragraph no matter what. It's also helpful for research and fact-checking, but you will have to research on your own to independently verify important claims. 

3. Publishing: Understand It's a Business Before You Commit

It's a predatory world out there, so be careful! You're not just becoming a writer. You're becoming an entrepreneur, a marketer, a financial manager, a tech expert, a salesperson, and everything in between. It's a lot of hats to wear, but have fun learning each role. It's all part of the adventure!

Traditional publishers generally assume the financial risk, while literary agents typically earn commissions from deals they secure. Be cautious of publishers requiring large upfront payments, mandatory print runs, or expensive book purchases while also taking a percentage of your sales.

Print-on-demand (POD) services, including Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu, allow books to be printed as customers order them. This eliminates the need for large inventories and gives independent authors greater flexibility, although per-book costs can be higher. This is the hardest, too.

Getting published and actually selling books are two very different challenges. Understand your rights, costs, royalties, and distribution options before signing anything.

4. Finding Readers and Building an Audience

For me, when I finally published my book, it felt like I'd thrown something into the sun. Nothing came back. No response, no acknowledgment. It was terribly sad and wonderful all at once.

Writing the book is only half the journey. You're also building a world around it, a community of like-minded people who connect with your ideas. Websites, blogs, social media, podcasts, and partnerships can help you find that audience. Ask for help. Be persistent and consistent. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. You're building something that takes time, and you never know where it might lead.

And prepare for censorship... For authors addressing sexuality or other sensitive subjects, traditional publishing, advertising, payment processing, and promotional channels can present additional obstacles. It is a gut punch every time. Be ready for it.   

5. Changing Someone's World

Think about a book that changed your life. For me, books like The Tao of Sex, Blood Meridian, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, and Joe Dispenza's Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, among many others, permanently changed the way I see myself and the world around me.

You don't have to write something that changes the entire world. Sometimes changing just one person's world is enough. Reaching one person can create a butterfly effect, influencing their life and ultimately people you'll never meet. That is powerful and majestic!

Above all, be authentic. Don't write a book trying to be somebody you're not. Be you.

And have no attachment to the outcome. Put your work into the world without expectations of money, recognition, or success. When you approach writing this way, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Recommended Publishing Resources

Cliff Carle | Editor & Publishing Consultant

An experienced editor, author, comedy writer, and former publisher who has worked extensively in manuscript development and publishing. A trusted resource for editing, creative guidance, and navigating the publishing process. This guy is the real deal. 

Contact: cliffcarle@earthlink.net

Books Forward / Books Fluent | Publishing & Marketing

Helpful resources for independent authors navigating editing, book production, print-on-demand, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, distribution, and marketing. Authors working in sexual wellness should discuss potential content and promotional restrictions in advance.

Websites: booksforward.com | booksfluent.com

Additional Resources

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing - Self-publishing and print-on-demand

• IngramSpark - Book printing and distribution

• Lulu - Print-on-demand publishing (best royalty and more control)

• Authors Guild - Publishing contracts, author rights, and industry guidance

Business, Marketing & Creative Inspiration

• Alex & Leila Hormozi: Practical advice on entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and growing a business.
• Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee): Branding, social media, content creation, and building an audience.
• Dan Koe: Writing, creativity, personal branding, and building a business around your ideas.
• Alan Watts: Surrender and enjoy life.

All have been valuable sources of inspiration as I've navigated the business side of becoming an author.

Charles Bukowski, the legendary American poet and writer, struggled for years before finally finding success. Engraved on his gravestone are the words “Don't Try.” I couldn't disagree more!