Publish & Prosper

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.

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• Spa...

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).

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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.

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💡 Copyright Resources

• Creative Commons 
• Register Your Work → How...

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.

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💡 BookFunnel

💡 BookBub 

💡 Written Word Media | BookBub for Authors 

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• 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.

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💡 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. 

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💡 Resources

      →  Research: Consumers’ Sustainability Demands Are Rising 

      →  B Lab US & Canada

...

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. 

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💡 Learn more about Lulu’s Print API

💡 Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore

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• Ep #31 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online Boo...

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.  

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💡 Complete BISAC Subject Headings List

💡 Bublish's AI Author Toolkit

💡 Publisher Rocket 

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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. 

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💡 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. 


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💡 To Be Fair…

💡 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. 


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💡 Wide for the Win Facebook Group

💡 Kindlepreneur Survey | The Truth On Selling Books Direct: Insights from...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt share tips for aspiring public speakers. We talk through presenting your best pitch to event organizers, targeting your ideal audience with your session title and description, and representing yourself with your speaker bio. 


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💡 Learn About CEX 2025

💡 Joe Pulizzi on LinkedIn

💡 Mic Drop Workshop

💡 Jeff Sieh

💡 Andrew Davis

💡 Mike Pacchione

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• ...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren tell you why publishing a book can do more for your business than just adding a new revenue stream.. Learn how books can establish your expert reputation, connect you with new audiences, and strengthen relationships with your existing fans.


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💡 The Tilt Newsletter

💡 The Business Book ROI Study

💡 Listen to These Episodes

• Ep #22 | Using Customer Data to Grow Your Business
• E...

Is this the year you’re finally going to publish that book? Or maybe you just want to write more than you did last year. In this episode Lauren & Matt share tips for building a writing habit in a way that works best for you… and set a few lofty goals of their own. 

Let us know what your writing goals are for this year! Email us at podcast@lulu.com. 

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💡 Lulu Blog |  Writing & Editing, Software Reviews

💡 Au...

In this episode Matt & Lauren recap some of the hottest topics and trends in the publishing industry from 2024, and make a few predictions for 2025.   

Thanks for a great year of publishing and prospering with us! 


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💡 Written Word Media | 2024 Indie Author Survey Results: Insights into Self Publishing for Authors

💡 Louis Grenier | $16k in 5 Days Book Launch Breakdown

💡 Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. M...

In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the journey to successful audience growth by finding your content niche, defining your ideal reader, and identifying your target audience. We also discuss the value of learning from other creators, ways to inject new life into your marketing efforts, and the correct way to pronounce niche, among other things. 


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💡 Check Out SparkToro

💡 Read Written Word Media’s 2024 ...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren tackle some of the most common misconceptions about self-publishing. We debunk myths like: 

❌ You won’t make any money self-publishing
❌ You have to spend a lot of money to self-publish
❌ There’s no credibility in self-publishing

And most importantly: fake M&Ms are just as good as real M&Ms. 


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💡 Editorial Freelancers Association Editorial Rates Chart

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