In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Dr. Nicole Audet, a bilingual family doctor, author, entrepreneur, and publisher, embarked on her path to success through her company, Dr. Nicole Publishing. Join us as Dr. Audet shares her experiences, accomplishments, leadership philosophy, and the mission that drives her dual career in medicine and publishing. Discover how she bridges the worlds of healthcare and storytelling, what sets her work apart in today’s publishing landscape, and how she continues to inspire readers and young minds across the globe.
The Journey of Becoming an Author and Establishing Dr. Nicole Publishing
Dr. Nicole Audet’s journey as a writer began alongside her career as a family medicine doctor. From childhood, she was captivated by picture books, and the dream of becoming an author remained close to her heart. Inspired by the works of Dr. Jacques Ferron, she discovered a way to merge her two greatest passions—writing and medicine. This realization guided her educational and professional pursuits, allowing her to thrive in both fields simultaneously.
Her medical career enabled her to earn a master’s degree in medical pedagogy and teach family medicine at McGill, Laval, and Montreal Universities. During this time, she also wrote numerous medical articles and books, eventually becoming the Editor-in-Chief of the French medical magazine Le Médecin Du Québec. After facing several rejections from traditional publishers, she decided to take control of her destiny. In 2015, she founded her own publishing company, Dr. Nicole Publishing, with the mission of changing the world, one reader at a time.
As a mother of two boys, Dr. Audet wanted to share the stories she wrote for them with a wider audience. Her true intention as an author is to inspire children to read, explore their imagination, and make responsible decisions about health, safety, and moral values. Writing children’s books became her way of giving back to society—an opportunity to influence young minds positively while expressing herself creatively. Through her stories, she aims to motivate children to think freely, dream boldly, and build a brighter future.
The Mission That Drives Her Work
At the heart of Dr. Nicole Publishing lies a simple yet powerful mission—to change the world, one reader at a time. As a doctor, Dr. Audet understands that human beings, with their freedom of choice, have the power to change, and art can serve as a catalyst for that transformation. For her, writing is both therapeutic and purposeful. She writes to express herself and publishes to help others find solutions to their problems, as seen in her book The Magic of Empathy.
Her beloved picture book series Felix and Booboo brings to life a magical stethoscope named Booboo and eight other medical instruments. Through these engaging stories, she addresses children’s questions about common illnesses such as allergies, lice, chickenpox, otitis, broken arms, gastroenteritis, and vaccinations, along with a book dedicated to understanding the human body.
What Sets Her Storytelling Apart
Dr. Audet’s storytelling stands out in today’s market because no other family doctor has written books specifically for young children that address their curiosity about their health and bodies. She has also authored two bilingual books in French and English, reflecting the linguistic reality of Quebec, where most parents raise their children to be bilingual. Recognizing a lack of bilingual educational materials for children, she took the initiative to fill this gap. A third book in this bilingual series is also on the horizon.
Her credibility as a doctor enhances her relationship with readers. During book signings, parents and children often engage her with health-related questions, and they value the rare opportunity to meet an author who is also a medical professional.
Overcoming Professional Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Dr. Audet faced significant challenges in marketing and branding her business. Establishing Dr. Nicole Publishing required her to build her name as a brand from the ground up. Marketing is an expensive yet essential aspect of business growth. In today’s digital world, companies must remain active across multiple online platforms and consistently publish engaging content. She emphasizes that if marketing stops, sales often decline immediately, underscoring the importance of consistent visibility and communication.
Defining Success
For Dr. Audet, success is measured by the impact her books have on readers. She recalls a memorable experience when a mother purchased Felix and Booboo: Maya’ Head Is Itching (Lice), and shortly afterward, her son willingly asked to wash his hair—a behavior change the book inspired. In another instance, a mother shared that her 10-year-old son, who previously refused to read, laughed aloud while reading Parents for Sale and immediately asked for another book. Such stories confirm for Dr. Audet that her mission is truly making a difference.
Readers of The Magic of Empathy have also expressed how the book improved their communication skills, which she considers one of her most meaningful achievements as both a writer and educator.
Key Milestones and Recognitions
Dr. Audet’s journey is filled with notable accomplishments. In 2012, she published Votre Guide Santé Info with Gaetan Morin Éditeur, which sold over 125,000 copies after a major Quebec drugstore chain distributed it as a Christmas gift to customers. It became a bestselling non-fiction book in the province.
She was also honored by the Maman Dion Foundation—founded by Celine Dion’s mother—as one of the ten most influential women in Quebec, following her generous donations of books to underprivileged children. Her works, including Parents for Sale, the Felix and Booboo series, and her bilingual books, have earned multiple literary awards. Additionally, Total Prestige magazine recognized her as one of the most important leaders in the world.
Most Recent Project and Future Plans
Dr. Audet has recently released the third book in her bilingual picture book series, Le Taxi d’Édouard / Edward’s Taxi. This latest installment features toy animals and follows the success of the previous zoo- and farm-themed editions. She believes children have a natural love for animal stories, making this new release especially engaging and accessible for young readers.
The Role of Innovation and Technology
Dr. Audet attributes much of her publishing success to technological advancements like Print on Demand, which she considers one of the most significant innovations in the book industry. This system allows authors to distribute their work globally without printing large quantities or managing shipping logistics. Amazon’s platform, in particular, has enabled her to reach readers worldwide efficiently and affordably.
Balancing Multiple Roles
Writing remains a lifelong passion that Dr. Audet refuses to abandon. Alongside her work as an author and entrepreneur, she continues to contribute to public health through research and prevention programs for pregnant women in the workforce. This blend of creativity and medical service keeps her motivated and fulfilled across her many roles.
Vision for the Future
Dr. Audet envisions writing one new book per year over the next decade. She also aims to sell the rights to a major publishing company to expand the reach of her work, given that larger publishers have more substantial marketing resources. She believes her books deserve to be translated into multiple languages to reach diverse global audiences. Furthermore, she sees cinematic potential in Parents for Sale and believes The Magic of Empathy could serve as a valuable resource for improving communication among managers, parents, and educators.
Advice to Her Younger Self
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Audet admits that if she could go back in time, she would think even bigger and take more calculated risks. She would also invest more in professional marketing and hire experts to promote her work effectively, recognizing that these are vital steps in achieving long-term success.
Open Letter to Aspiring Authors and Entrepreneurs
Dr. Audet’s message to aspiring leaders, educators, and authors is both inspiring and practical. She encourages them to dream big, stay focused, and seek professional help when needed. Whether it’s hiring an editor, marketing expert, or writing coach, she stresses that no one can do everything alone. Understanding one’s purpose for writing and clearly identifying the target audience are essential. Above all, she reminds young creatives never to give up on their dreams.
Thoughts on Work-Life Balance
Dr. Audet believes that achieving work-life balance begins with focus and support. She advises young authors to remain committed to their goals, invest in professional expertise, and avoid spreading themselves too thin. Delegating tasks and hiring the right people can create space for personal well-being without compromising ambition.
Lessons Learned Throughout Her Career
Over the years, Dr. Audet has learned that entrepreneurship is not an easy journey. It presents legal, financial, and personal challenges. However, she firmly believes that those who truly believe in their projects should not hesitate to take risks. Faith in one’s vision, coupled with determination, is what ultimately leads to success.
In conclusion, Dr. Nicole Audet’s inspiring journey beautifully intertwines the art of healing and the power of storytelling. Through her dual roles as a family doctor and author, she has built a legacy rooted in education, empathy, and empowerment. Her commitment to helping others—whether through her medical expertise or the imaginative worlds she creates for children—reflects her unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in society. With innovation, compassion, and vision guiding her every step, Dr. Audet continues to transform lives, one reader at a time.
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