Business networking becomes more memorable when you have more than a business card to share. A professionally published book can build authority, support referrals, and keep your expertise in front of potential clients.
Liz Mrofka, Chief Creative and owner of What If? Publishing, joins Andrew Johnson to share lessons from her 30-year career in publishing, marketing, and graphic design. Liz explains how print-on-demand has opened new opportunities for independent authors—and why publishing a successful book involves much more than writing a manuscript.
From professional typography and cover design to Amazon categories, keywords, reviews, and author pages, Liz reveals the details that help a book look credible, reach the right readers, and strengthen an author’s professional reputation.
Episode Highlights
🔹 How print-on-demand made professional publishing more accessible.
🔹 Why typography, layout, and cover design affect the reader’s experience.
🔹 How a book can establish authority and create new business opportunities.
🔹 Creative ways businesses can use books as interactive marketing tools.
🔹 How Amazon categories, keywords, reviews, and author pages improve visibility.
🔹 Why the best place to begin writing a book is with the table of contents.
🔹 How writing groups and intentional networking create valuable relationships.
Why You Should Listen
🔹 You have a book idea but do not know how to begin.
🔹 You want to use a book to establish yourself as an expert.
🔹 You need help understanding the publishing, design, or marketing process.
🔹 You want to make your business networking more intentional and memorable.
Businesses Liz Mrofka Recommends
🔹 Writing Heights Writers Association — A supportive writing community offering education, networking, collaboration, and opportunities to connect with other writers and publishing professionals.
https://writingheights.com
🔹 Bargain Booksy — A promotional resource for discounted book campaigns that can help authors reach new readers, generate reviews, and improve their rankings.
https://www.bargainbooksy.com
How to Contact Liz Mrofka
🔹 Website: https://www.whatifpublishing.com
🔹 Email: liz@whatifpublishing.com
Want to meet Andrew, connect with podcast guests, and build relationships with other Northern Colorado business leaders? View upcoming networking events here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909
Timestamps
00:25 Introducing Liz Mrofka
01:01 Liz’s path into publishing and print-on-demand
03:24 The details behind professional book design
04:28 Cover research, categories, and keywords
10:53 Using a book to build business authority
12:47 The story behind a successful coloring book
15:02 Generating authentic book reviews
17:23 Author pages and search visibility
18:08 The best way to begin writing
19:28 Intentional networking and writing groups
21:41 Becoming an authority through publishing
24:20 How to connect with Liz
