Publish & Prosper

Publish & Prosper

Where publishing, ecommerce, and marketing collide. Brought to you by Lulu.com.

Episodes

July 9, 2025 48 mins

In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down one of Tilt Publishing's most successful book launches of the year. Meet Justin Moore, author of Sponsor Magnet and founder of Creator Wizard, and hear how he’s used proven strategies to successfully (and profitably) release his book.


Justin will be at Content Entrepreneur Expo this August… will you? Don’t miss THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.event...

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In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore different ways generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help you sell more books (without creating any public-facing copy or content). We share so many tips for using AI, including ways to: 

  • Help you brainstorm, refine, and execute marketing strategies.
  • Facilitate your market research to better position and promote your book. 
  • Identify and target your ideal audience of readers or buyers based...
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In this episode, Lauren finally gets to explain the intricacies and impact of fanfiction to Matt. Listen now for a slightly chaotic dive into fanfiction origins, the evolution of fanfiction as we know it today, the legal gray area of  transformative works, and how fanfiction has impacted modern publishing. 

Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and us...

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In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie authors and content entrepreneurs can use partnerships and collaborations to grow their audience, establish authority, and build long-term relationships that outlast any algorithm. We break down strategies for how to identify the right partners, pitch yourself, and make the most of a mutually beneficial collaboration. 

Watch this episode on YouTube!


You know where you’ll have ...

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June 11, 2025 56 mins

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review how to publish your book in 7 steps! Check out these resources to help with each one: 


💡 Step 1: Brainstorm Your Book Idea →
[6:06]

💡 Step 2: Write & Organize Your Book → [9:46]

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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 lear...

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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 ...

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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...

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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 LULU100 t...

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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 ...

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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 🎉

Watch this episode on YouTube!

<...

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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.

Watch this episode on YouTube!


💡 Check Out These Resour...

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April 16, 2025 53 mins

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...

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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, and watch this episode on YouTube!


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💡 Watch Thes...

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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.

Watch this episode on YouTube!


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💡 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.

Watch this episode on YouTube!


Dive Deeper

💡 BookFunnel

💡 BookBub 

💡 Written Word Media | BookBub for Authors 

💡 Listen ...

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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...

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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. 

Watch this episode on YouTube!


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💡 Resources

      →  Research: Consumers’ Sustainability Demands Are Rising 

...

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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.

Watch this episode on YouTube!


Dive Deeper

💡 Learn more about Lulu’s Print API

💡 Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore

💡 Listen to These Episodes

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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!

Watch this episode on YouTu...

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