Publish & Prosper
Where publishing, ecommerce, and marketing collide. Brought to you by Lulu.com.
Episodes
In this episode, Matt & Lauren review how to publish your book in 7 steps! Check out these resources to help you with each one:
💡 Step 1: Brainstorm Your Book Idea → [6:06]
- Listen to: Ep #32 | 5 Things to Know Before You Start Publishing
- Read: Turning Your Content Into a Book
💡 Step 2: Write & Organize Your Book → [9:46]
- Listen to: Ep #38 | 5+ Tools to Help You Draft, Publish, and Sell Your Book
- Listen to: Ep...
In this episode Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, blog writer, and master of copy, Paul Hobday. Paul responds to episode #53, How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually Sticks, and offers practical advice for aspiring writers ready to level up their writing habit into a purposeful writing practice.
Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to...
In this episode Matt & Lauren debate the value and staying power of audiobooks, especially for indie authors. We take a look at market trends for audiobooks worldwide, different ways for authors and creators to produce and distribute their own audiobooks, and the pros and cons of creating audiobook versions of your books.
Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events ...
In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the design options available for print books. We review the distinctions between trim sizes, binding types, paper types, ink quality, and cover finish, and popular choices for different product types.
Watch the episode on YouTube for visual examples!
Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo co...
In this episode, Matt & Lauren talk through what you need to know about licensing your book rights with foreign publishers. We debate the merit of reaching out to new markets, what that process looks like, and how to use an agency like DropCap to secure international rights deals.
Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo code...
We’ve mentioned, once or twice, the value of selling direct. But how does it actually work? In this episode, Lauren & Matt walk through the direct sales cycle and answer some common questions, including:
How do transactions work?
Who handles customer issues?
What am I supposed to do with my customer data?
Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn...
In 2023, Lulu bought Content Entrepreneur Expo, an event for content creators and content entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matt & Lauren share an inside look into why we got involved in CEX, what we’ve learned about events after owning one, and why we think content creators, entrepreneurs, and authors should join us in Cleveland this August!
Use promo code LULU100 to save $100 on your CEX ticket 🎉
Dive Deeper
💡 Le...
In this episode, Lauren & Matt dig into what discoverability looks like in a world where generative AI is changing how readers find books online. We look at what generative AI looks at when choosing what to cite or recommend, and share practical tips to help authors & creators appear in AI search results and, more importantly, to build lasting audience connections.
Learn more about CEX
💡 Check Out These Resources
Whether you’re a food blogger, travel blogger, business blogger, lifestyle blogger, finance blogger, or any kind of blogger, you all have one thing in common: your content would make a great book.
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore the value of publishing your blog as a physical book. We also review the key steps to getting from blog to book, including how to choose the right content to include, outlining and formatting you...
In this episode of POD Pod, Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Education & Community Manager (and YouTube celebrity) Chelsea Bennett! Tune in for a conversation on the value of adding long-form video content to your marketing strategy, how authors can use video to connect with their audience, and getting comfortable on camera (and ignoring the haters).
Like & Subscribe!
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💡 Check Out Lulu on YouTube
💡 Watch Thes...
In this episode, Matt & Lauren–who are definitely not lawyers–take on copyright law. We talk through what indie authors need to know about copyrighting their books in the US, why and how authors should register their work for copyright, and how fanfiction and generative AI may impact copyright in the future.
Again: we are not attorneys.
Dive Deeper
💡 Copyright Resources
In this episode, Lauren and Matt are ready to inject new life into your backlist book titles. We share ideas for using your backlist to experiment with new formats and distribution channels, turning your older books into lead magnets, and generating passive income from your content long after launch.
Dive Deeper
💡 BookBub
💡 Written Word Media | BookBub for Authors
💡 Listen to These Episodes
- Ep #15 | ...
Recorded Live from London Book Fair!
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore the value of relationship marketing (tailoring your efforts to connect with your audience) versus algorithm marketing (tailoring your efforts to satisfy algorithms). We debate the merits of both strategies and share actionable steps to use them together to grow your brand.
Dive Deeper
💡 Watch the Session on YouTube
💡 Learn More About Lulu...
In this episode, Matt & Lauren take a critical look at wasteful practices in the publishing industry. We share insight into what it takes to become a certified B Corp (like Lulu!), how book printing creates both physical and carbon waste, and what we can all do to make publishing more sustainable.
Dive Deeper
💡 Resources
In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore Lulu’s open source Print API. Don’t know what an API is? We’ve got you covered. We also talk through the value of personalized products and creative ways to use Lulu’s Print API to power your custom book business.
Dive Deeper
💡 Learn more about Lulu’s Print API
💡 Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore
💡 Listen to These Episodes
In this episode, Matt & Lauren are joined by Sarah Franklin, Lulu’s Public Relations Manager and expert book publicist! Hear about book publicity simplified as Sarah answers questions like:
→ What’s the value in hiring a publicist vs. doing your own publicity?
→ What exactly is a publicist’s role in book marketing?
→ How do you make the most of earned publicity once you have it?
And more! Listen now or watch Episode #60 on Yo...
In this episode, Lauren & Matt deep dive into book metadata and how it can better position your book in the market. Maximize your discoverability and reach with tips on choosing bookstore categories and BISAC codes, tools for keyword research, and best practices for making the most of your metadata.
Dive Deeper
💡 Complete BISAC Subject Headings List
💡 Listen...
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore different ways print-on-demand technology can support your business. We share ideas for creating books for internal use, brand awareness and loyalty projects, and new product lines to consider.
Dive Deeper
💡 Listen to These Episodes
- Episode #22 | Using Customer Data to Grow Your Business
- Episode #33 | Books You Can Create Using Your Existing Content
- Episode #54 | Can Books Add V...
In this episode, Lauren & Matt make a case for why every indie author should try using a preorder campaign to support their prelaunch marketing efforts and boost their book sales. We talk through how preorder campaigns can help you reach your target audience, different kinds of campaigns, and ways to collect your preorders.
Dive Deeper
💡 BookBub | How Authors Use Preorders to Promote New Books in 20...
In this episode, Matt & Lauren answer questions about moving your books from Amazon to other ecommerce solutions, including global distribution and direct sales. Learn how to maximize your book’s availability, forge stronger connections with loyal readers, and grow your revenue when you go wide.
Dive Deeper
💡 Wide for the Win Facebook Group
💡 Kindlepreneur Survey | The Truth On Selling Books Direct: Insights from...
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