Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

In this eye-opening episode, we’re tackling one of the most underrated tools in your book marketing arsenal: your Amazon author bio. Could this often-overlooked section be costing you book sales? Quite possibly! Many authors leave their bios as an afterthought, but it’s a vital piece of the puzzle that can either engage readers or turn them away. Join us as we break down what makes a stellar bio, what you should avoid, and how to c...

We're taking a deep dive into the world of publishers—what they can do for authors, and more importantly, what they can’t. We'll explore the benefits of working with a publisher, the potential drawbacks, and why choosing to work with one could either boost or hinder your success. Join us for a frank and honest conversation that will help you make informed decisions about your publishing future!

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We're tackling the Author Success Checklist—a crucial exercise that helps identify any issues preventing your book from reaching its full potential. And this isn’t your typical to-do list. Instead, it’s a thoughtful evaluation that ensures both your book and your author brand are as polished and market-ready as possible. Inspired by a call with an author on the verge of giving up, we walk you through the checklist we use to he...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of author tools—those must-have apps, time-saving shortcuts, and money-saving methods that can make a huge difference in your author journey. We'll share our favorite tools that every author should consider, highlighting why we love them and how they can boost your productivity. But it doesn't stop there—stay tuned for the second half of the show, where we discuss some com...

We're shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of indie bookstores. These hidden gems are more than just places to buy books—they're vibrant communities that can play a crucial role in your book's success. We'll explore why indie bookstores matter, how to build relationships with them, and actionable steps to get your book onto their shelves. 

From understanding their unique culture to crafting...

Join us in this exciting episode as we bring one of our most popular blog posts to life! We're unpacking the best book marketing strategies that every author should have in their toolkit. Whether you're looking to spark new ideas or re-evaluate your current approach, we've got you covered. We talk about the tactics that work, expose those that don't, and offer a fresh perspective to help you market your book mor...

In this episode we delve into the power of a well-crafted reader profile. Understanding who you’re writing for can transform your marketing strategy and elevate your writing to the next level. We'll explore the essential elements that make up a comprehensive reader profile—demographics, interests, reading habits, and more. Plus, you'll learn actionable steps to leverage this information you compile to connect with your au...

We're often asked, "How can I find the best publisher for my book?" And we've done publisher episodes before, but now we're focused on critical marketing questions to ask before making your decision.

Publishers are appealing to some authors because they promise to ease a lot of the production work, but more often than not the marketing piece is overlooked. Don't find yourself trapped with a bo...

Today we're exploring the confounding new security features around Goodreads author profiles that have left many authors frustrated and puzzled. 

Join us as we discuss practical workarounds and provide step-by-step guidance on how to easily claim and manage your Goodreads author profile despite the new security hurdles and how your Amazon Author Central account plays a critical role.

Love it or hate it, Goodr...

Despite all the information that's out there, it never fails to surprise us how many folks get it absolutely wrong when it comes to what it takes to succeed, and what are outdated guidelines, ideas, and mindsets. 

In this episode we comb through a recent article from Esquire magazine that sheds light on the struggles debut authors face in today's literary world. 

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of...

In this episode of we take a serious look at the Amazon Bestseller flag and unravel the myths behind this iconic orange banner. 

Many authors dream of that coveted orange "bestseller" banner gracing their book covers, but how do you actually get it? And more importantly, is it always a guaranteed indicator of success?

Join us as we delve into the truths and misconceptions surrounding the Amazon bestselle...

A few weeks ago you may have heard about Romance Writers of America (RWA) filing for bankruptcy - they aren't going away, per se, just reorganizing. And you may have thought this doesn't matter to you - but it does. 

This single development that holds significant implications for the entire writing community, so we're talking about the vital role organizations like RWA play in the literary world, from advoca...

This is our third most downloaded episode of all time!

Why do we think it's popular? Because being an author can be exhausting, and most of us don't have time to waste on marketing efforts that don't produce results. 

And social media is typically at the top of the list of time-wasters, at least when it comes to moving the needle on sales and reviews. 

If you're ready to say goodbye to...

In this episode we break down the recent announcement that Costco will no longer be carrying books in their warehouses—a decision with significant implications for authors. You may have heard this and thought it doesn't matter to you, but it does, and we'll unpack why. 

We’ll also explore the discouraging trend of shrinking shelf space and delve into the reasons behind the dwindling presence of books in big box s...

In this episode we tackle the challenging yet essential topic of recouping your book creation and marketing investment. Many authors face the harsh reality of under-planning and overspending during production, only to find themselves without the funds needed for aggressive marketing in an extremely competitive market.

With 11,000 books being published every day, making a serious go at this requires a strategic approach. 

In this exciting episode we're breaking away from traditional book marketing methods and exploring innovative, fun, and often easy-to-implement strategies to boost your book sales. If you're looking to make a splash in the literary world, don't miss this!

We’ll delve into unique venues for book events and sales that go beyond the bookstore, discuss the benefits and tactics of selling books in bulk, and revea...

In this eye-opening episode  we dive into Amazon’s latest updates that are shaking up the way book descriptions are managed on the platform. For authors who use Author Central, these changes are crucial to understand if you want to keep your book pages in top form. 

Join us as we discuss how these updates can impact your book’s visibility and sales, and provide actionable tips to navigate the new system effectively. Whethe...

Welcome to a pivotal episode of our show where we shine a spotlight on a crucial aspect of the publishing process: how your name appears on Amazon. Join us as we dissect the intricacies that can make or break an author's visibility and success on the world's largest online retail marketplace.

From the complexities of incorporating titles like PhD to the impact of middle initials and even spacing, we explore how s...

Are you marketing to the wrong audience?

As authors, we often find ourselves inadvertently targeting the wrong demographic, because while the reader may be obvious, they're not always the individuals buying or recommending (or gifting) your book. 

Join us as we unravel the complexities of audience targeting, uncover common pitfalls and offer practical strategies to ensure you're reaching the right audien...