Don't Write That Book

On this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss when your book launch is a complete disappointment. The pair break down all the different kinds of disappointments and flops that can occur during your launch and how to handle those. At the end of the day, something will likely go “wrong” and all you can do is your best.   Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your n...

Surprise! We have a very special bonus episode for you today. In this bonus episode, we interview debut Author Brian Herriot on crafting Time Freedom. The trio discuss creating a legacy that lasts and the commitment that comes with writing a book. Tune in to catch a complete breakdown of how Brian started with an idea and ended with a bestseller and continued marketing after launch. This is an epi...

Most authors have had this experience: someone approaches you and asks for a free copy of your book. And that request can hurt, since the best way to support an author is by buying a copy. But sometimes giving away copies is in your best interest. Mike and AJ dive into this week's topic and break down when to give away copies and when not to.   Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for mor...

AJ and Mike discuss how to handle your book blowing up in your face this week. In this episode, your favorite author co-hosts break down the devastating but necessary process of realizing a part of, or your whole book, simply isn’t working. Mike and AJ share their personal experiences and stories behind their own books and concepts “blowing up” and how they survived it.   Be sure to visit htt...

In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss the controversy sparked by Tim Ferriss's article,  "Has AI Already Killed How-To Nonfiction? " The two debate whether AI summaries have made prescriptive nonfiction obsolete or whether the use of AI everywhere has made humans more desperate for human-made content.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name...

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss panel discussions and why too many authors are not utilizing them. Panels are easier than solo talks and are often easier to get, but have been overlooked lately. They both share their experiences with them and why the invitation to discuss benefited their books more than simply talking about them. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information a...

This week’s episode covers all about pre-orders and when you can start getting orders in. Well, turns out you don’t need to wait for a pre-order link. Mike and AJ discuss their own experiences with taking orders before their books were even linked and other methods to start orders as early as possible. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receivi...

In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss adapting your writing to the environment you are in. Mike has extensive experience with writing on planes and even found that he sometimes writes best on planes. Mike and AJ all discuss their creative differences and how finding yours is extraordinarily important for becoming a bestselling author. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more informa...

What do you do when you get your dream traditional publisher, an offer of a lifetime, and then everything goes sour? Your publisher begins to bully you, completely bulldozes your story, and you… Well, sadly, this happens from time to time. But AJ and Mike know exactly how to handle this!  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsl...

Sometimes writing just stops- not writer’s block, but simply stuck. Life is busy, more urgent matters take precedence, and your body is exhausted. So what do you do? You pause on your book. But how do you decide when life is too much to do that? AJ and Mike cover just that in this latest episode and their own experiences, sharing their best strategies to get through the muck. Be sure to visit http...

When your publishing offers come in all at once, it can be hard to decide. Even the difference between two traditional publishing houses can be starkly different. In today’s episode, we tell you how to notice all of those little differences and what can be a make or break for your book’s life. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their...

Sometimes authors rewrite their books or create expanded versions of their books, so what do you do with your old book? This week, Mike and AJ answer that question and lay out all of the pros and cons of delisting your book. Mike has pondered the same question himself and shares his personal experience. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiv...

In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ cover a listener’s (shoutout Kathy) question: How to know when to move on after the book is complete? They share their own personal experiences with moving on when their launch is over and how to keep it alive after the fact. They also discuss how to not move on too quickly to your next project. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and a...

Today’s episode is inspired by a request from listener Mara: “Finding the legs when the original book you envision hits a stumbling point.” Almost every author has experienced a hard stop like this while working on their book. Mike and AJ bring up how many authors may immediately bulldoze their work, but counter how that may do more harm than good and how to save your book.  Be sure to visit https...

You would never believe this, but the last time we made an episode about audiobooks was 122 episodes ago! Today’s episode covers piracy in audiobooks and new ways to protect your books. Audiobook sales are on the fast rise and it’s time that the industry grows with it. Mike and AJ talk about their new ideas and some insider scoops on the changes occurring in publishing. Be sure to visit https://dw...

Shoutout to listener Irena for inspiring this week’s episode, all about the challenges of going from academic writing to transformational nonfiction. Mike and AJ discuss how to focus on the reader more and why the shift is so hard for those in academic writing. They give solutions on how academics can become more comfortable with writing for their readers. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com...

As an author, have you ever gotten offers in your inbox that promise you things like turning your book into a movie or getting it highlighted in a featured magazine or make your book an overnight Tiktok trend? Mike and AJ have received hundreds, maybe even thousands, of these emails. It’s simply fishing and scammers trying to pull the rug out from underneath new and aspiring authors. AJ and Mike b...

In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ talk about the use of Substack and newsletters as an author. They discuss what has worked for them and what has flopped. If you're struggling starting out and figuring out revenue generation, this episode is for you! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this...

In this episode, Mike and AJ talk about the pros and cons of hybrid and traditional publishing. Mike and AJ discuss their own personal journeys through publishing their books and why they chose the paths they did. Wherever you are in your journey of authorship, this episode will be full of information you need to know! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name...

Surprise! This week, we have a bonus episode all about what happens when your readers are upset with you. Author of Shrill, Lindy West, was a feminist sensation who became a millennial icon. But when her next memoir, Adult Braces, hit the market, it stirred up a frenzy of backlash. Articles started coming out, and West and her partners did not appreciate what was being said. Soon enough, it snowba...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss and reflect on the publishing industry and its evolution over the years. They even share what their predictions are for the future of book publishing. Mike and AJ will be making some pretty bold statements, you do not want to miss! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss all about validating your book’s content before and during writing. They call this “test driving” your content, to see if your content really resonates with readers. Identifying where your readers get confused, overwhelmed, or bored helps to improve your book to better serve your audience. Mike and AJ give actionable steps on how to execute these “test drives.”...

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about all things special editions and why they might just increase your audience engagement. Special editions are dominated by fiction books, but why not non-fiction? AJ and Mike weigh the pros and cons and why polling your fanbase first is always the best strategy. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving...

In this episode, AJ and Mike debate whether AI causes intellectual atrophy or is a potential augmentation tool for authors. AJ brings up both the loss of creativity and the ethical issues of AI’s training data. Mike argues that can be helpful with tools such as transcription and summarization. This is an episode you do not want to miss. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information...

In this episode, Mike and AJ address the stinky 800-pound gorilla rummaging through your pockets: the grifter authors. In this audience-inspired episode, they’ll share how authors can come across with authenticity and deliver on their book’s promise and not be the type of author who’s just looking to make a buck? In this world of easy money grabs, learn how to be an author who delivers. This is on...