Don't Write That Book

In this episode, Mike shares his experience of shooting his new TV show, The Four-Minute Money Maker on Vizio. They chat about how authorship can inform performance on stage or in front of a camera, and how being on camera can inform how you write and tell stories. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to...

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the pros and cons of giving Amazon exclusivity to your book, be it by print, eBook, or audiobook. How can this affect your reach? How can this affect your ability to get into a local store or library? Should you look for alternatives to the 800-pound publishing gorilla, and what would that look like? All this and more in today’s episode! Guess what?! We started...

In this episode, our duo take an audio walk down memory lane to share all the little and big picture items of authorship that they wish they’d known before starting the journey. They’ll talk about negotiating contracts, getting permission to share titles, fighting for tone, and more with editors, and even more in between. The hope is that it will make the listener’s journey easier! Guess what?! We...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss one of the most important aspects of authorship: forming partnerships with other authors! Book bundles, speaking engagements, webinars, and more, our duo shares real-life examples of authors working together to have a greater impact.  Guess what?! We started a YouTube channel, where you can watch us in action. Subscribe and sign up for notifications to know whe...

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the to-dos and not-to-dos with working with your developmental and copy editors. They also share some cautionary tales and ways for authors to communicate more effectively with their editors and publishers during the production process of their must-reads. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their n...

In this 100th episode, AJ and Mike first take a walk down memory lane with a gag they came up with to get big-name endorsements for Mike’s book and laugh so hard they can’t catch their breath. They also address a listener’s question about how two authors can write a book together. Our duo holds nothing back and gives it to listeners straight. If you’re going to have a partnership like theirs, you...

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the number of women in publishing today, and the answer might surprise you! They’ll also share their experiences in publishing with respect to their gender, with AJ offering a mindset shift she’d like to see in more women who publish. Mike also gives an update on some cool marketing coming for their next book, The Money Habit. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodca...

In this episode, AJ and Mike address some important dos and don’ts for back cover copy. If you didn’t know, back covers were so important; now you do! They’ll walk through some cautionary tales, offer ways to increase your visibility and connection with your reader, and even explain what authors should consider when publishing a paperback versus a hardback with a dust jacket. See? There’s a lot to...

In this episode, Mike and AJ answer a listener’s email about their fears of doing all the things with respect to marketing their book. Our duo offers sage advice on how to get in front of those fears, and one of the biggest ways to keep moving forward is to send in the troops! They’ll offer organic ways to connect with other authors, how to shift your mindset to go from fear to fearless, and when...

In this episode, AJ and Mike answer a listener’s question about author collaboration. Not only can authors work together, but the whole process is a team sport! From interviews and co-authors to working with publicists, agents, and more, our duo breaks down the process of working on a book as a team. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving...

In this episode, Mike and AJ have a frank conversation about an aspect of publishing many authors forget: the life of a good book is long! They’ll detail ways they’ve seen authors go wrong and, more importantly, offer ways for authors to go right. If you want to write a book that’s a must-read, this is a must-listen! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name t...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss AJ’s philosophy on a core message for a book, what it is, and most importantly, how to craft one. They’ll talk about ways to determine if you’ve got yours nailed or if you have to go back to the drawing board, and give listeners tips on how to refine their book’s core message. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to st...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the newest findings of cognitive decline with heavy reliance on LLMs, language learning models, like ChatGPT and others. They’ll dive into ways authors can “ethically” use AI and what they miss when they lean too heavily on AI in developing their must-read books and beyond. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start...

In this episode, Mike and AJ break down the strategy for parlaying writing books into a successful speaking career. Mike gets granular with pay structure, expectations from audiences, and where he believes speakers go wrong in their career. They also have a mini debate on whether organizers should bulk buy your book or if speakers should compel the audience to make a purchase live, and why. Be sur...

In this episode, Mike and AJ catch listeners up on the state of production for their forthcoming book, The Money Habit, including working with Page Two’s graphics design team, efficient ways to power through proofreading, and Mike’s current state of getting an “in” with the MacMillan Publishing’s sales team for marketing purposes. We’re keeping hope alive! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com...

In this episode, AJ and Mike give listeners sage advice should they encounter a book on the topic the listener is currently writing. Spoiler alert: keep writing! Our duo will explain why it’s not as dire as the author may believe, and how they can leverage the other book into proof to nab a publishing deal. It’s another episode of keep calm and keep writing! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.co...

In this episode, Mike and AJ do some much-needed navel gazing about the books they’d love to write if time and current commitments weren’t a factor. Their answers might surprise you! Plus, they’ll offer ways for authors to capture those ideas so they can have new ideas at the ready for that moment when life opens up for a new book. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and...

In this episode, what if we not only ignored the 800-pound gorilla in the room, but paid attention to a smaller gorilla? Mike and AJ remind listeners of all the many ways to get around, relying on Amazon for book sales, and even include direct links in the show and in the show notes. Thanks for the listener email from author Josh Spodek that inspired this episode! (And be sure to check out his boo...

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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app. Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode! Books/Resources Mentioned: Writer Beware Defy , by Dr. Sunita Sah Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper , website...

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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app. Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode! Books/Resources Mentioned: The program AJ cautions against Weller Smith Design Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Har...

Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode! 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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Time Anxiety , by Chris Guillebeau John Bates, speaking coach (for private trainin...

Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode! 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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Between Two Kingdoms , by Suleika Joad Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper , website...

Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode! 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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Illusions , Richard Bach SPONSORSHIP: Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper , website ...

Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode! 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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success , by Julie Bee S...

In this episode, AJ and Mike share everything they know about podcasting as authors. Listeners will learn the nitty-gritty details of time management, which equipment they recommend, and maybe most importantly, what podcasting can do for authors’ platforms. They also share several podcasts that were leveraged into book deals! Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s...