Publishing CEOs Review: Should You Join?

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be running a 6-figure online business, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Like many entrepreneurs, my journey started with a string of side hustles-testing out everything from freelance gigs to e-commerce, always searching for that elusive formula for real, sustainable income online. I tried it all, often juggling my day job while hustling late into the night, determined to break free from the nine-to-five grind.

Fast forward to today, and I’m fortunate enough to have built a full-time online business that consistently brings in six figures annually. Along the way, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and the importance of spotting genuine opportunities in a sea of overhyped promises. That’s why, when I came across Alex Kaplo’s Publishing CEOs program, I was both curious and skeptical. Could this be the next big thing for aspiring digital entrepreneurs-or just another shiny object?

In this review, I’ll share my honest, firsthand impressions of Publishing CEOs from the perspective of someone who’s been in the trenches, tried countless online business models, and knows what it takes to turn a side hustle into a thriving, full-time venture. If you’re considering this program or just want an inside look from someone who’s walked the path, you’re in the right place.

What is Publishing CEOs?

Publishing CEOs is a digital publishing coaching program designed to teach you how to build a profitable self-publishing business-without having to write a single word yourself. The core of the program is built around Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), but it also covers other platforms like Draft2Digital and IngramSpark to help you maximize your reach and earnings. What really sets Publishing CEOs apart is its focus on outsourcing: you learn how to find profitable book topics, hire freelancers to write and design your books, and even create audiobooks with professional narrators. The training is structured as a “done-with-you” accelerator, which means you get step-by-step guidance, live group coaching, and four 1-on-1 sessions with Alex Kaplo himself. The ultimate goal is to help you create a scalable, passive income stream by building a portfolio of books that sell on autopilot.

The program teaches you everything from researching in-demand topics, managing freelancers, publishing and marketing your books, to scaling your business for consistent royalties. It’s not just about uploading a few books and hoping for the best; you’re shown how to validate ideas, optimize your listings, and leverage multiple platforms to diversify your income. If you want to become a “digital author” without ever writing a book yourself, this is the business model Publishing CEOs is built around.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Publishing CEOs?

Publishing CEOs was founded by Alex Kaplo, a self-made digital publishing entrepreneur with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. Alex’s story is relatable: he started out in a traditional 9-to-5 job, tried and failed at numerous online ventures, and eventually found his breakthrough with Amazon digital publishing. Today, he claims to have published hundreds of books-none written by himself-earning him significant royalties and the freedom to live life on his own terms.

Alex is open about his journey, sharing both his wins and setbacks. He’s built a reputation for being transparent and approachable, often highlighting that he’s just a regular guy who figured out a system that works. While there aren’t a ton of independent reviews outside his own community, the feedback from students on his platform is overwhelmingly positive. He’s active on YouTube and social media, where he shares free tips and insights, further establishing his credibility as someone who actually practices what he preaches.

Who is Publishing CEOs For?

Publishing CEOs is designed for anyone interested in building a self-publishing business, especially those who want to generate passive income online without the hassle of writing books themselves. It’s a good fit if:

• You’re a beginner with zero experience in publishing or writing.
• You want a step-by-step system and personal coaching to avoid common mistakes.
• You have some capital to invest in outsourcing and marketing (beyond the course fee).
• You’re willing to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to building your business.
• You’re looking for a business model that doesn’t require inventory, shipping, or physical products.

It’s also ideal if you’re tired of side hustles that never scale, or if you want to transition from a traditional job to a more flexible, location-independent lifestyle. However, if you’re passionate about writing your own books or want to be a hands-on author, this program may not be the best fit-the focus here is on building a publishing business, not on personal authorship.

In short, if you’re serious about creating a sustainable online income and are open to leveraging other people’s skills to get there, Publishing CEOs offers a clear, actionable path to making it happen.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is Publishing CEOs Structured?

One thing I appreciate about Publishing CEOs is how organized and actionable the program is. The core training is broken down into seven modules, each designed to guide you step-by-step through building your publishing business. Here’s what you get when you join:

• Publishing CEOs Video Course: Seven modules covering everything from niche research to scaling your publishing company.
• Live Bi-Weekly Group Coaching Calls: Regular Zoom calls with Alex Kaplo and the community, where you can get your questions answered in real time.
• 1-on-1 Coaching Calls: Four private sessions with Alex himself, giving you personalized guidance through the four-step process.
• Exclusive Members-Only Community: Access to a private group where you can connect with other students and get support from Alex’s team.
• Publishing CEOs BlackBox: A collection of done-for-you templates and resources to help you launch and manage your publishing business efficiently.
• Bonus Materials: If you sign up during special webinars, you get access to additional bonuses that can accelerate your results.

The course itself follows a clear four-step process:

1. Find: Identify high-demand, low-competition book topics.
2. Outsource: Hire freelancers to write, design, and narrate (for audiobooks) your books.
3. Publish: Launch your books on Amazon and other platforms.
4. Scale: Optimize and expand your publishing business for greater passive income.

Are Publishing CEOs Students Getting Results?

As someone who’s always cautious about online programs, I dug into student feedback before joining. Publishing CEOs features a range of testimonials from people who’ve built profitable publishing businesses through the program. On their official site, you’ll find screenshots and stories from students who have published books, earned royalties, and even replaced their previous incomes.

For example, one student shared, “I published my first book within two months of joining and started seeing sales almost immediately. The coaching calls and community support made all the difference.” Another mentioned, “I’d tried other self-publishing courses, but Alex’s hands-on approach helped me finally break through and earn consistent passive income.” While I can’t independently verify every testimonial, the sheer number of positive reviews and detailed success stories is a good sign that students are seeing real results.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does Publishing CEOs Cost?

Publishing CEOs is definitely an investment. The current price for the full coaching program is $1,997, with payment plans available if you need to spread out the cost. While it’s not cheap, you’re getting a lot more than just a video course-the live coaching, 1-on-1 sessions, and done-for-you resources add significant value.

There’s also a six-month money-back guarantee, which is reassuring. However, it’s an action-based refund policy: to qualify, you need to have published at least one ebook, gathered at least 25 reviews, and participated in at least two coaching calls with Alex. This ensures you actually put in the work before requesting a refund, which I think is fair for a program of this caliber.

Overall, while the price is on the higher side, the structure, support, and results I’ve seen from students make Publishing CEOs a serious contender for anyone looking to build a real online publishing business.

Praises For Publishing CEOs

After going through the program myself and connecting with other students, I’ve found several standout strengths that make Publishing CEOs worth considering:

• Comprehensive, Step-by-Step System:
  The course doesn’t just throw information at you and leave you to figure it out. Every module builds on the last, taking you from absolute beginner to running a real publishing business. The process is broken down into actionable steps, so you always know what to do next. This structure is a huge help, especially if you’re prone to overwhelm like I am.

• Personalized Coaching and Support:
  The live group calls and 1-on-1 sessions with Alex are game-changers. You’re not left on your own to troubleshoot problems or second-guess your decisions. Alex and his team genuinely care about your progress and are available to answer questions, review your work, and hold you accountable. That level of support is rare in online courses.

• Focus on Outsourcing:
  As someone who’s built several online businesses, I know how important it is to leverage other people’s skills. Publishing CEOs teaches you how to find and manage freelancers for writing, design, and narration, so you can scale quickly and focus on growing your business rather than getting bogged down in the details.

• Active Community:
  The private members’ group is full of motivated, like-minded people. It’s a great place to share wins, ask for advice, and stay inspired. I’ve found the community to be both supportive and practical, which helps keep you on track when things get tough.

• Real, Actionable Results:
  The program isn’t about theory; it’s about getting books published and earning royalties. The focus on taking action, combined with the accountability from coaching calls, means you’re far more likely to see real results if you put in the work.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Criticisms For Publishing CEOs

No program is perfect, and Publishing CEOs has a few drawbacks you should be aware of before jumping in:

• High Upfront Cost:
  At $1,997, the program is a significant investment, especially if you’re just starting out. While there’s a payment plan, you’ll also need additional funds for outsourcing book creation and marketing. This isn’t a “shoestring budget” side hustle.

• Action-Based Refund Policy:
  While I appreciate that the refund policy encourages you to take action, it does mean you need to commit to publishing a book and participating in coaching calls before you’re eligible for a refund. If you’re looking for a risk-free trial, this isn’t it.

• Not for DIY Authors:
  If you’re passionate about writing your own books or want to be hands-on with every part of the process, you might find the heavy focus on outsourcing a turn-off. The business model is about publishing, not authorship.

• Limited Independent Reviews:
  Most of the testimonials and success stories come from within the Publishing CEOs community. While the feedback is positive, I’d love to see more independent reviews and case studies from outside sources.

• Requires Ongoing Effort:
  Despite the “passive income” appeal, you’ll still need to put in consistent effort, especially in the beginning. Researching niches, managing freelancers, and optimizing your listings all take time. This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme.

Overall, while there are some hurdles to consider, I believe the strengths of Publishing CEOs outweigh the drawbacks for anyone serious about building a real, scalable online publishing business.

Should You Join Publishing CEOs?

After spending time inside Publishing CEOs, I can say it’s a solid program for anyone serious about building a digital publishing business-especially if you like the idea of earning passive income by leveraging other people’s skills. The step-by-step structure, direct access to Alex Kaplo, and active community make it much easier to avoid common pitfalls and actually get your first book published. The focus on outsourcing is a breath of fresh air if you want to scale quickly without getting bogged down in the details.

However, the high upfront cost and the need for additional investment in outsourcing and marketing mean this isn’t for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for a side hustle that requires minimal startup capital, you might find the financial commitment a bit daunting. The action-based refund policy is fair, but it does require you to put in the work before you can get your money back, so you need to be ready to commit.

If you’re motivated, have some capital to invest, and want a business model that doesn’t require you to be the author, Publishing CEOs is a legitimate and well-structured option. Just be prepared to put in consistent effort and treat it like a real business, not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Publishing CEOs Alternative

If Publishing CEOs doesn’t feel like the right fit-maybe because of the cost, the business model, or you’re just looking for a broader approach to making money online-I highly recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate. As someone who’s tried dozens of online business models, Wealthy Affiliate stands out as the best platform for learning how to make money online, especially through affiliate marketing.

Wealthy Affiliate teaches you how to build and monetize your own websites, choose profitable niches, and leverage SEO, content marketing, and affiliate partnerships to generate sustainable income. The training is beginner-friendly, the community is incredibly supportive, and you get access to all the tools you need-including web hosting, keyword research, and live expert classes-all under one roof.

Here’s why I think Wealthy Affiliate is the best alternative:

• Low Barrier to Entry: You can start for free (no credit card required), and the premium membership is just $49/month, making it accessible to almost anyone.
• Diverse Business Models: You’re not limited to publishing; you can build affiliate sites, offer consulting, or even sell your own products.
• Proven, Long-Term Success: The training is always up-to-date, and there are countless success stories from people who started with zero experience and now make a full-time income online.
• Supportive Community: You’re never alone. The active community and direct access to experienced entrepreneurs (including the founders) mean you always have help when you need it.
• No Upsells or Hidden Fees: Everything you need is included, and there’s no pressure to buy expensive “add-ons.”

If you want to learn how to make money online in a way that’s flexible, scalable, and doesn’t require a big upfront investment, Wealthy Affiliate is a fantastic place to start. It’s the platform that helped me build my first successful online business, and I still use it today to stay ahead of the curve.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative