Meet Alyssa Ohnmacht

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alyssa Ohnmacht. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alyssa below.

Alyssa, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose in an unexpected way, through helping an author who had been struggling after a difficult experience with a publisher. She had published several books but felt lost and disappointed when the company she trusted didn’t provide the support she needed. As a first-time author, she had no idea what to expect or ask, and unfortunately, they didn’t take the time to educate and inform her of the process and details that would have helped her and her books so much. Her books were published without proper editing, and after signing the contract, she was left to deal with a faceless customer service system. In the end, she paid high costs for her own books and never saw any royalties.

When she came to me for help, I was able to guide her through republishing her books, giving her and her books the care and attention they deserved. Watching her regain control of her work and take pride in the result was incredibly fulfilling. She shared how many others could benefit from having similar support. That experience sparked a realization in me: I could help not only her, but also many others who felt overwhelmed or misled by the self-publishing process.

Since that time, I’ve been able to help other authors avoid similar pitfalls. I created a clear roadmap to guide them through the complex decisions of independent publishing. It brings me so much joy to see authors go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered and confident in their journey.

For me, publishing isn’t just about getting a book on the shelf. It’s about helping people tell their stories, navigate a sometimes confusing industry, and take pride in their achievements. It is through these experiences that I continue to find my purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a graphic designer by trade, and over the years, I’ve discovered a deep passion for helping people navigate the self-publishing journey. My background spans design, newspaper, and magazine publishing, so I have a strong understanding of printing and production. In fact, I ran a small, local newspaper for over 10 years, which in many ways is where my self-publishing journey began.

In 2009, one of the newspaper’s columnists approached me about compiling her stories on local family histories into a book. It was my first experience using Print on Demand, and it opened my eyes to a revolutionary shift in publishing. Suddenly, authors no longer needed to invest in a large print run to make their books affordable. Self-publishing became accessible to so many more people.

A few years later, the author I mentioned in the first question came to me after the frustrating experience she had with her other books. With my background, I was able to help her republish her entire collection. It was such a rewarding experience—she felt heard and supported, and that’s when I knew this was more than just a side project. She told me, “Alyssa, there are so many people who need your services!” That moment marked the beginning of my journey as a Publishing Coach.

What excites me most about my work is the diversity of authors with which I get to work. I’ve helped people from all walks of life, each with their own unique story, audience, and goal. Whether they’re writing memoirs, children’s books, or professional books, or limited-edition/small audience books, I take pride in simplifying the publishing process and making it enjoyable for them.

I offer a variety of services and am able to help authors no matter which stage of the publishing process they are in.

One of the services I’m most excited about is the “Comprehensive Road-Map to Independent Publishing.” This is for authors at the beginning of their publishing journey and it includes a one-on-one session where I guide authors on the key questions to ask, what details to watch for, and how to make informed decisions. This roadmap helps authors feel confident in their choices moving forward either with me or another company. If they decide to work with me throughout their publishing journey, their small investment in the session is credited toward their custom project.

I also offer a thorough evaluation service for authors who are already in the middle of the publishing process. I review their printing and basic distribution plans and provide feedback on the design and layout of their book. This helps ensure they’re on the right track, and I love being able to step in and provide that extra bit of support.

Another exciting project I’m working on is the Possibilities & Publishing Program. This combines my publishing expertise with my experience as an Infinite Possibilities Trainer, helping authors not only with the practical aspects of publishing but also with the mindset and deliberate thinking strategies they can use to approach their work.

And of course, I offer full-service publishing options for independent authors who want someone to handle the entire process—from layout and design to account setup and printing. I collaborate with experienced editors, proofreaders, and marketing experts to ensure a professional and seamless publishing experience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have impacted it the most are my experience, the ability to listen and problem-solve, and my passion for helping others.

First, my years of experience have given me a strong foundation in publishing, but more than that, they’ve allowed me to understand the nuances of what independent authors need.

Second, listening to my clients and being able to problem-solve alongside them has been a crucial part of my success. Publishing can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time authors, and being able to hear their concerns, understand their vision, and provide clear solutions has made all the difference.

Finally, my genuine passion for helping others is at the core of everything I do. I love guiding people through the process and seeing them succeed. It is always an amazing experience to watch them hold their book for the first time, or listen to their excitement on the phone after they receive the first copy of their book!

One of the best pieces of advice I received years ago was, “Do what you love, and find others to do the parts you don’t love, and then everyone is happy!” At the time, I was trying to manage every aspect of the publishing journey by myself, and it wasn’t sustainable. That advice taught me the value of collaboration and surrounding myself with people who excel in areas that aren’t my specialty. This approach allows me to focus on what I’m passionate about and ensures that my clients receive the best possible service in every aspect of the process.

For those just starting out, I’d encourage you to play to your strengths and seek out partners or collaborators who complement your skills. It’s more effective and enjoyable when you can share the journey with others who bring their expertise and passion to the table.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Collaborating with other passionate professionals has been a key to offering amazing services to our clients. I am always looking for editors, proofreaders, book or writing coaches, and illustrators to refer my clients to. The best way for people to connect with me is through my email: [email protected].

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