The Author Platform Strategy That Changed Everything | with Z.S. Diamanti

Nobody knows who you are. Why would they buy your book?

That's the question Z.S. Diamanti asked himself before publishing his first novel. He had nothing in the bank, a maxed out credit card, four kids, and one year to make it work.

He built his author career from nothing—and you can too, if you keep his advice in mind.

In this conversation, Zac reveals:

✅ - The question he asked himself with $0 in the bank and a maxed-out credit card

✅ - Why your author vision is probably WAY too short-sighted

✅ - The ONE filter that decides if an opportunity is worth your time

✅ - Why every social media platform provides something valuable

✅ - What Kickstarter backers actually want (it's not what most authors think)

✅ - Why he's pulling back from author conferences and started doing THIS instead

✅ - The through-thread that should run through everything you create – that EVERY career-minded author should have

Whether you're pre-launch or ten books deep, this one’s going to challenge how you think about the business side of writing.

If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe on YouTube, or leave a rating or review on your podcast app of choice.

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro
• 04:29 – Welcome
• 07:49 – Starting the Author Journey
• 12:57 – Building a Platform
• 15:10 – Sponsor: Wise
• 16:32 – Becoming Relevant as an Author
• 33:38 – Evaluating Opportunities
• 38:16 – Building a Legacy
• 48:18 – AI and Authenticity
• 55:16 – Author Marketing in 2026
• 01:01:16 – Kickstarter for Authors
• 01:14:22 – Assassin in the Ale House
• 01:16:13 – Final Advice

---

Make your money work worldwide, for less.
Send, spend and get paid — 40 currencies, all at your fingertips.

Sign up for Wise and get your first international transfer (up to $800 CAD or ~$550 USD) FREE.

Check out WISE today and Help support the show:

https://wise.prf.hn/l/RlANJvG/

---

Additional Links

• Z.S. Diamanti's Kickstarter – Assassin in the Alehouse (until Feb 10)
• Z.S. Diamanti’s Books
• Herman Steuernagel’s Books
• Recorded using RiversideFM

Media Credits

• Theme Song: Commercial Rock by StudioKolomna (Envato License)
• Background Music: Soft Chill Background by sonicscope (Envato License)
• Stock Video: Licensed via Envato

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. Using them costs you nothing extra and helps support the show.

© Herman Steuernagel The Pint & Portal Podcast