You’re the best at what you do, and the world doesn’t know it yet.
I’m David Moldawer. For more than two decades, I’ve helped accomplished leaders and experts translate their experience and ideas into authority and influence. Together, we will develop a body of work that commands attention and a strategic plan for sharing it.
Today’s leaders want to go direct by speaking to customers, clients, peers, and decision-makers in their own words without a layer of press releases and spokespeople in between. Doing it right is an art form.
Many aspire to publish a book that changes the conversation. To succeed, you must reverse-engineer the approach of the most successful authors on the shelf.
No matter how successful you are, your ideas will always be your most valuable asset. So we get to the right idea first. Everything else is built on that.
Podcasts, speaking, social media: the channels keep changing. What lasts is a targeted portfolio built on what you do best. A career spent working with world-class experts has taught me where your time, money, and effort will pay off, and where they won’t.
The next step is a free, 30-minute exploratory call.
The record
Twenty years of helping experts make their ideas stick.
I’ve worked in nearly every key seat in the book business: editor, collaborator, and literary agent. I’ve built new publishing imprints, run an online education channel, and helped some of the world’s most trusted experts sharpen their thinking.
James Clear, Atomic Habits
I developed the book proposal. More than 25 million copies sold, a #1 New York Times bestseller, in 60+ languages.
Ali Abdaal, Feel-Good Productivity
I developed the book proposal.
Deepak Chopra, Brotherhood, with Sanjiv Chopra
I edited the book.
Paul Allen, Idea Man
I edited the book.
Josh Kaufman, The Personal MBA
I edited the book.
Chase Jarvis, Creative Calling
I collaborated on the book.
My book proposals have secured six- and seven-figure deals and launched numerous New York Times bestsellers.
The advisory practice, which broadens my approach to meet the demands of modern thought leadership, is new as of 2026.
When I came to Dave for help on my book proposal, I had an unclear title, a mountain of loosely connected ideas, and no idea how to create a compelling book proposal. Thanks to his work, I landed in-person meetings with seven publishers and signed a major book deal with Penguin Random House.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits
Where I can help
Does any of this sound like you?
- You’re a successful founder, CEO, senior executive, academic, or expert.
- You seek the regard of peers and a place on your field’s short list: prestige, recognition, an invitation into the next circle up.
- You want to go direct: to speak to the public in your own voice, without a layer of press releases and spokespeople in between.
- You have more ideas than you can organize, and no time to work out which ones should lead.
- You don’t want to become a full-time content creator.
- You want the credibility and influence to fill the rooms that matter, not superficial fame.
Credibility earns its keep when it serves your goals: raising your fees, getting booked solid, garnering support for your cause. I can help you develop your intellectual property and make it credible. When it comes to influence, who you are is as important as what you say.
This isn’t for everyone. If you want a quick book launch or publicity push, or you aren’t ready to grow your public presence, this won’t be the right fit. My ideal clients are serious about their work, eager to change the world, and ready to take the spotlight.
The work
Three phases designed to work in sequence.
Each phase ends with a strategic planning document ready to implement, and each builds on the one before it. Every engagement starts with Authority Foundation, and the phases run in order from there. Each is priced separately. Engagements begin at $12,500.
Authority Foundation
Why should anyone listen to you?
Find out who you’re really for, which ideas to lead with, and how to bring them forward.
You walk away with: The Authority Foundations Brief, an overarching vision to guide your thought leadership efforts.
Idea Forge
What will you be known for saying?
Turn what you know into one argument people can repeat, and the frameworks and language to carry it. An intellectual property masterclass.
You walk away with: The Playbook, ready for adaptation into anything from a book to a course to an ongoing podcast.
Platform Strategy
Where do you show up, in what order, and with whom?
Short- and long-term plans for your public platform and connections to the very best in the business at each specialty.
You walk away with: The Platform Strategy Plan, with a nine-month plan and a five-year direction, along with provider referrals.
Getting started
Are you ready to take the next step?
Your creative partner
An editor, collaborator, and agent who now advises.
I’ve spent two decades in publishing and have helped shape numerous New York Times bestsellers. Through Moldawer Advisory Practice I serve as a strategic advisor to founders, executives, and experts who want to be known for their best work. I also write The Maven Game, a weekly newsletter on the craft of expertise.
Questions
What people ask first.
Do I need to want a book?
No. The work starts with the idea, and the right vehicle follows from it. Our approach is tailored to your strengths, goals, resources, and personal preferences.
Do I have to do all three phases?
No. Each phase is bought on its own. Every engagement starts with Authority Foundation, and after that you decide whether to go further. The phases build on one another, so they run in order.
Which phase should I start with?
Authority Foundation. Every engagement starts there, because the later phases build on its brief. If you already know your intended audience and your big idea, it tests them. We talk about what comes next on the exploratory call.
Will I have to become a full-time content creator?
No. The strategy is designed to be both effective and sustainable.
Can you guarantee press, a deal, or a list?
No one can. Our work together will sharpen your ideas and establish a credible public persona to back them up.
Who handles the execution?
I will connect you with vetted experts in each discipline as needed, and you hire them directly.
What does it cost?
Engagements begin at $12,500. On the exploratory call we talk through the timeline and pricing for your situation.
Next step
Start with one conversation.
A free, 30-minute exploratory call. We’ll talk about you, your goals, and how I can help.
Prefer to write? Email david@moldawer.com.