By: Elowen Gray
Traditional publishing has long been associated with lengthy timelines, ghostwriters, and an intimidating process that often discourages everyday people from sharing their stories. Peterson Herard is challenging that model with Published in 90, a program designed to help individuals transform their life experiences into books that inspire and influence — without writing a single word.
Peterson’s philosophy is simple: no meaningful story should remain untold. Too often, people sit on life experiences that could inspire, educate, or comfort others because the publishing process feels out of reach. By developing Published in 90, he created a system that democratizes access to publishing, ensuring that stories rooted in pain, resilience, and triumph don’t disappear into silence.
On his site, www.petersonherard.com, Peterson outlines how this approach is reshaping what it means to be an author in today’s world — emphasizing impact, authority, and legacy over complexity. For many of his clients, publishing a book isn’t just about recognition; it’s about reclaiming their story and building something that will outlast them.
In an era where personal branding matters more than ever, Peterson sees a published book as “the modern-day business card.” Unlike a résumé or a social profile, a book captures depth, perspective, and credibility. Through Published in 90, entrepreneurs, coaches, and visionaries can position themselves as authorities while creating resources that endure beyond a marketing cycle.
His work reflects more than publishing mechanics; it’s about packaging lived experiences into narratives that resonate with readers while elevating the author’s voice in their industry. In Peterson’s view, a book is not just a marketing asset but a platform for transformation — one that combines healing, impact, and influence in ways no other medium can.
Peterson’s approach is rooted in lessons from his own entrepreneurial path. After leaving a decade-long career in banking, he built a digital agency, scaled it rapidly, and coached dozens of entrepreneurs. Along the way, he realized that clarity in messaging always outweighs sheer hustle.
This belief is woven into Published in 90. Authors aren’t pushed to “grind out pages” or get lost in endless edits. Instead, their focus is on clarity of message and authenticity — ensuring their book reflects not only their experiences but also their values and impact. Peterson emphasizes that the goal is never speed alone, but speed with substance.
While the publishing industry has flirted with shortcuts through ghostwriting and, more recently, AI-generated text, Peterson has taken a different stance. Published in 90 does not rely on artificial intelligence to replace human voice. Instead, the program structures the author’s own experiences into publishable form.
Peterson acknowledges that technology can have a role, but he cautions against overreliance. “AI might help organize ideas,” he has said, “but it can’t replace the blood, sweat, and scars that make a story real.” On his YouTube channel, he often shares insights on why authenticity is non-negotiable in publishing, and how technology should support — not replace — the human element of storytelling.
One of the unique aspects of Peterson’s work is its global reach. Having worked with clients outside the United States, he has seen firsthand how diverse stories still share universal threads. Divorce, oppression, addiction — the struggles may look different depending on where someone lives, but the desire for voice and recognition is the same.
Peterson believes that this universality makes storytelling one of humanity’s greatest tools for connection. The framework of story — pain, triumph, love, hope — remains the same, but the metaphors, language, and cultural anchors give each story its distinct flavor. “The framework is the same,” Peterson notes, “the flavor is different. And that’s why authenticity beats templates.”
Peterson’s short-term goal is to establish Published in 90 as the premier program for those ready to publish with purpose. Long term, he envisions hosting large-scale events that bring communities together around the transformative power of stories. He also hopes to collaborate with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to ensure underrepresented voices — particularly women and trauma survivors — are preserved and amplified.
By reimagining what publishing can look like, Peterson Herard is carving a path for storytellers who once thought they had no place in the industry. For him, it isn’t just about books — it’s about building a legacy, one story at a time.