Don't Write That Book

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ pull back the curtain to expose the truth about Amazon Bestseller status, how it’s fleeting and doesn’t ultimately translate into on-going sales. They explain what it takes to get that orange banner and why it doesn’t really matter.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newslet...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, AJ explains to Mike what a Wall of No is. They’ll discuss all the fixable details that could lead to a publisher or agent rejecting a manuscript and share resources on how to find these Nos in your manuscript, as well as explain some of the reasons that are beyond an author’s control.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add y...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ share just how to track if your book marketing is working. You’ll hear what they’ve used in the past and what they are doing now, and learn how to interpret the data, make the most of your marketing energy,  what to keep doing, and what changes to make in marketing their must-reads. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike asks AJ about the time she stopped writing. For years she bought into the myth of writer’s block until finally learning that it’s not real. Listeners will not only learn what causes this blockage and how to get the words flowing. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ highlight the importance of good literary citizenship. Mike shares how he formed relationships with influential authors through acts of service, and AJ talks about how newbies can get started from zero, using then-unknown, now NYT bestselling author Julian Winters as an example. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, AJ and Mike have a candid conversation about how to decide if your next book is the right one to write, or if it’s something else. AJ admits she has three potential books and is unsure of which to pursue. Mike offers a filtration method the two use in writing their books: What does the reader need next? Listen to their impromptu discussion about the strugg...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, AJ and Mike talk about their varied experience in securing translation rights, what pitfalls to avoid, and what questions to ask your publisher. They’ll do a deep dive into how financially they are paid out and detail some red flags to ensure you’re dealing in good faith. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to st...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ face off in the podcast ring to debate the merits, good or bad, of pre-orders for upcoming books. You’ll also learn steps they’ve both used in the past to jockey for position as a best-seller on launch day. There is a definite winner at the end, but you’ll have to listen to find out who! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more informa...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, AJ and Mike share the method they’ve developed over thousands of interviews to pull great stories from people. You’ll learn how to prepare to maximize your time and even learn a trick from AJ to help with organizing information in the resulting transcriptions.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receivi...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ go in-depth on how authors can use their personal stories to connect with readers. They detail pitfalls to avoid, how to get to the turning points, and why dramatic stories for the sake of drama aren’t always effective. Authors will also come away with a better understanding of show versus tell, and why that matters. Be sure to visit https://dw...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, AJ and Mike talk through who needs to write a proposal, who doesn’t, and all the crucial details that most traditional publishers require in a proposal. They’ll also talk about what makes a proposal stand out for an acquisitions editor, increasing chances for publication. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to st...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ discuss a reality check from his publisher, Penguin Random House.  Instead of letting it get them down, you’ll hear them regroup and re-strategize in real time. 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 rev...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, AJ and Mike layout the key components of what makes a compelling book cover. They’ll explain why on-trend covers matter and detail the problems that can arise when you skip working with a professional cover designer. 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...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ recall their own experience of recording their audiobooks and explain why, for nonfiction, it’s important for the author to read their own book. They also get down to brass tacks with respect to costs and expectations for returns. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, listeners will hear step-by-step how Mike expanded the Michalo-verse into licensing his intellectual property to spread the message of his books without overworking himself. He’ll walk you through the process from start to finish. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d l...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ continue to discuss launch strategies with a focus this episode on post-launch. You’ll learn about the reading slump, how to track sales from available sources, and why authors should connect with other authors to keep their books alive. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their new...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book , Mike and AJ continue to discuss the book launch process, with a focus on the week leading up to, the week of, and the week just after a book is released to the public, and everything an author should know. 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...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book , Mike and AJ share hacks and ideas they’ve developed over the years for a successful book launch. Not only will you hear one of the craziest stories from Mike yet, but you’ll learn how to create a plan for your own book launch, what’s crucial for it to be a success, and everything in between. Be sure to visit  https://dwtbpodcast.com  for more information...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book , AJ and Mike will tell you everything you need to know about hybrid publishing, from how to vet the right publisher, what the real costs are, and how to flag an imposter. You’ll also learn about timeline expectations for publishing as well as the real scoop on royalties. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to sta...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book , AJ and Mike pull back the curtain on self-publishing, sharing all the pros and cons, how to determine if that’s the right path for you, and what team you’ll need to build to publish like a pro. They’ll also share what crucial steps most authors skip and how those shortcuts hurt your book in the end. You’ll learn the key steps to ensuring your self-publish...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ walk you through the pros and cons of working with a traditional publisher and answer the big questions: can you get a traditional deal, and if you do, can you make money? What’s the timeline? Do you need an agent to get a deal? Will you lose control over your intellectual property? Our hosts also go over some red flags to help you determine if...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ will tell you everything you need to know about the three primary publishing paths and how to decide which is right for you. With all the misinformation and disinformation from all corners of the publishing industry, it’s important for authors to learn enough to make decisions based on their own needs and to advocate for themselves and their go...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ focus on nonfiction second editions. What are they? What warrants the need for one? How the heck do you go about revamping a book for its second edition? They’ll share personal stories from creating revised and expanded editions of Mike’s books Profit First and Clockwork, including their “from the ground up” process. And as is often the case in...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ do a deep dive into how to title your book to appeal to your ideal readers. With so many misconceptions about what makes a good title, it’s no wonder many authors get stuck—stuck trying to come up with a title or stuck with a title that hinders discoverability. AJ shares her framework for brainstorming titles based on your book’s fundamentals a...

In this episode of Don’t Write That Book, Mike and AJ give a detailed breakdown of the editing process for a nonfiction book. Editing is more than fixing errors—there are bigger issues to solve before you get to the “polish” stage. Does your book work for your readers? Does it meet readers where they are? Is your book organized in a way that makes sense to them? Can they do all the things you’re a...