Don't Write That Book

In this episode, Mike and AJ share their realization about accessibility for a new audience with their forthcoming book, The Money Habit. They discuss multiple ways authors can ensure they aren’t leaving any potential readers behind by simply considering their differences. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d...

In this episode, AJ and Mike break down all the elements that go into developing a must-read book, from the kernel of an idea to the long-term marketing plans. They even share what they’ve done in the past with their books and give hints at how their new book, The Money Habit, was developed and its next steps. They’ll also share areas that they see authors fail to consider. Be sure to visit https:...

In this episode, Mike and AJ demystify bestseller lists for The New York Times, USA Today, and others (RIP, WSJ List) and detail what it takes to get on them. There are still some secrets to selection that remain shrouded in mystery, but AJ has a good idea of what they are, and holds nothing back. They also give listeners straight talk about Amazon best-seller status and why you should never – eve...

In this episode, AJ and Mike address the 800-pound gorilla in publishing: inclusivity. In this crucial episode, they’ll talk about what inclusivity means—and what it doesn’t. They’ll share their own mistakes of the past and how to move forward in a way that improves the conversation as a whole. They firmly believe in an “all are welcome” approach to their books and audiences, and invite the listen...

In this episode, Mike and AJ dive deep into one area of authorship most newbies never consider: post-reader engagement! Not only do they share their own strategies for keeping their books “alive” after launch, but they also talk about how long authors should plan to keep engagement. Hint: it’s more than a few weeks! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to...

In this episode, Mike and AJ enter the debate round once again in a friendly debate about trade reviews. Listeners will learn what they are, if they matter, and what the heck an author does with them if they have one. They also throw in some bonus information about publishers’ sales teams, share a listener email, and give you a secret tip about trade reviews that’s exclusive to folks who self-publ...

In this episode, AJ and Mike share what they each believe their purpose is, and even share an exercise that Mike uses at speaking engagements to help folks find theirs. It’s a fun fly-on-the-wall conversation where they share stories from their past that helped forge their sense of self. They’ll even talk about how listeners can rekindle their own fires of passion to keep moving forward. Be sure t...

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the mind shift that must happen to go from someone who wrote a book to accepting the calling as an author. They each share the moment they realized they were authors and how their lives changed as a result. 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, rat...

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a kerfuffle brewing in the publishing world, which leads to the main topic: authors are responsible for doing their due diligence. Do you need to give credit for a concept? What if it’s in the zeitgeist and you are the person who simplified the concept? What if you took someone’s simplified concept and made it something else? (They go into the Mel Robbins/Le...

In this episode, Mike and AJ bring you into the workroom. They talk about their must-have gear that makes it possible for them to write their must-reads. From chairs, standing desks, to all the tech Mike uses when writing on the go, you’ll hear about everything these two feel is essential to authors.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receivin...

In this episode, AJ and Mike share everything they’ve learned author websites and book sites. They offer tips on ways to improve SEO (findability), how to maximize your investment, and what they each think makes a website a standout. Every element necessary is discussed! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d li...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss where they often see authors go wrong with their marketing plan (hint: it’s when they get started versus when they should get started), go into detail about why a longer runway is almost always better, and hint at some of the new ideas Mike is cooking up for their next book. This is a topic on which everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros, can use a little refr...

In this episode, Mike and AJ spill the beans on The Secret: all authors of Prescriptive Nonfiction need to write a book that connects with their readers and ultimately delivers on its promise: The List. What it is, how to get it, how to use it, don’t worry, listeners. They’ll tell you everything.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving th...

In this episode, AJ and Mike share cautionary tales of authors behaving badly and what the listeners can do to ensure their metaphorical pinkies are out. From how to approach an author for endorsements to asking for promotional help all the way to leaving reviews for other authors, you’ll be confident in your ability to practice proper literary citizenship. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com...

In this episode, Mike and AJ break down everything listeners and authors need to know about substantive edits and the editors who do this crucial work. They’ll talk about timelines for books past and where they are with their current book and will even share some author horror stories as a forewarning for newcomers to authorship. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and ad...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss writing difficult and emotional stories from our own lives. How much is enough? What should we include? Is anyone even going to read it? AJ shares her term, a Healing Draft, as a guide to put painful experiences in your rearview mirror, and Mike reflects on writing about his father as he died, which became the close of their book, All In. Writers will learn how...

In this episode, Mike and AJ explain what advanced reader feedback is, how to get it, and more importantly, what to do with it. AJ shares case studies from several of her students and how they used their reader feedback to build marketing assets, hopefully to serve as inspiration to you! Mike wraps up the episode with an incredibly exciting bit of news, one that rhymes with “schmelevision.” You’ll...

In this episode, Mike and AJ once again pull back the curtain to show how the sausage gets made. They break down what research authors may—or may not—need, how to weave it into the text, and when there is enough. You’ll also find out how saunas factor into Mike’s creative process… but you might want to skip it. (Don’t make it weird. Are you? Did you make it weird? It’s perfectly natural!) It’s ano...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the dreaded second book slump, also known as the sophomore slump. They get real about the fears that many published authors feel, what that fear is rooted in, and most importantly, what to do about it. (Because of course, they have a solution, and it’s nothing you’d expect!) Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to star...

In this episode, Mike kicks over the soapbox for one of AJ’s rants. She’ll share what she knows is the biggest barrier for authors of prescriptive nonfiction’s success, and not only that, she’ll explain how they can avoid making the same mistake. It’s shockingly simple, and yet it’s the most common mistake she sees in authors throughout her career as an editor and teacher. Even better, she’ll give...

In this episode, AJ and Mike give in to their natures and have a wild chat about research for their forthcoming book, allowing space for new discoveries. They not only reveal the title for the book, but also share some current interviews that lead to an on-air pivot in how they can create bonus content for readers. It’s a secret, so pinky promise that you won’t share. It’s a live lesson in how aut...

In this episode, Mike and AJ share some harrowing experiences of some author pals, notably that of Miles Taylor, whistleblower and author of Blowback. Rather than wallow in fear, they share some reasonable and actionable steps authors can take to ensure they have the interactions they want with fans, and how to avoid the negative experiences. They also have some exciting updates, so stick around u...

In this episode, Mike and AJ share their vast knowledge about developing, writing, and performing keynotes based on teaching points from books they’ve written. Mike deep dives into the multiple performances he’s given over the years, how he gauges what worked with an audience and what didn’t, and how he hones his performance. AJ shares her experience as the Speech Writing Mastery Coach for HEROIC,...

In this episode, AJ and Mike break down derivatives: what they are, who gets to write them, and how authors can avoid pitfalls with respect to the original content. With over 20 derivatives from their books, they are more than qualified to break it down! They also give an update (and a sneaky spoiler) about the book they’re currently writing together. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for m...

In this episode, Mike and AJ not only discuss what key marketing assets are needed when promoting your book, but they also warn newbies about the harm of a cold, unprepared ask for free promotion. They detail all the elements of a top-level media and marketing kit and what you need to have on hand to ensure your book’s success. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add...