Publish & Prosper

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 i...

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 Y...

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 ! Dive Deeper 💡 Copyright...

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 | Boo...

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...

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 ! Dive Deeper 💡 Resources       →  Research: Consumers’ Sustainab...

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...

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...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt deep dive into book metadata and how it can better position your book in the market. Maximize your discoverability and reach with tips on choosing bookstore categories and BISAC codes, tools for keyword research, and best practices for making the most of your metadata.   Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Complete BISAC Subject Headings List 💡 Bublis...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore different ways print-on-demand technology can support your business. We share ideas for creating books for internal use, brand awareness and loyalty projects, and new product lines to consider.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Listen to These Episodes Episode #22 | Using Customer Data to Grow Your Business Episode #33 | Books You Can Create...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt make a case for why every indie author should try using a preorder campaign to support their prelaunch marketing efforts and boost their book sales. We talk through how preorder campaigns can help you reach your target audience, different kinds of campaigns, and ways to collect your preorders.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 To Be Fair… 💡 BookBub...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren answer questions about moving your books from Amazon to other ecommerce solutions, including global distribution and direct sales. Learn how to maximize your book’s availability, forge stronger connections with loyal readers, and grow your revenue when you go wide.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Wide for the Win Facebook Group 💡 The Truth On Sel...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt share tips for aspiring public speakers. We talk through presenting your best pitch to event organizers, targeting your ideal audience with your session title and description, and representing yourself with your speaker bio. Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Learn About CEX 2025 💡 Joe Pulizzi on LinkedIn 💡 Mic Drop Workshop 💡 Jeff Sieh 💡 Andrew D...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren tell you why publishing a book can do more for your business than just adding a new revenue stream.. Learn how books can establish your expert reputation, connect you with new audiences, and strengthen relationships with your existing fans. Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 The Tilt Newsletter 💡 The Business Book ROI Study 💡 Listen to These Episode...

Is this the year you’re finally going to publish that book? Or maybe you just want to write more than you did last year. In this episode Lauren & Matt share tips for building a writing habit in a way that works best for you… and set a few lofty goals of their own.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Lulu Blog |  Writing & Editing , Software Reviews 💡 Audrey Hughey | The Write...

In this episode Matt & Lauren recap some of the hottest topics and trends in the publishing industry from 2024, and make a few predictions for 2025.    Thanks for a great year of publishing and prospering with us!  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Written Word Media | 2024 Indie Author Survey Results: Insights into Self Publishing for Authors 💡 Louis Grenier | $16k in 5 Days Boo...

In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the journey to successful audience growth by finding your content niche, defining your ideal reader, and identifying your target audience. We also discuss the value of learning from other creators, ways to inject new life into your marketing efforts, and the correct way to pronounce niche, among other things .  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren tackle some of the most common misconceptions about self-publishing. We debunk myths like:  ❌ You won’t make any money self-publishing ❌ You have to spend a lot of money to self-publish ❌ There’s no credibility in self-publishing And most importantly: fake M&Ms are just as good as real M&Ms.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Listen to The...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss the New York Times Best Seller lists. Learn how the lists are decided, what disqualifies a book from being a potential NYT Best-Seller, and why self-published authors rarely make the cut.   Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 The New York Times | About the Best Sellers 💡 Novlr | The New York Times Bestseller Lists Explained 💡 Wikipedia | The...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren have a conversation about Taylor Swift’s upcoming book, talking through her decision to self-publish it, and what that says about the future of traditional publishing.  Disclaimer: This episode was Matt’s idea, not Lauren’s. Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Target Press Release 💡 Related Episodes Ep #2 | Is Self-Publishing the Best Path for Today&a...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt review the important metrics you need to be tracking to boost your book sales, grow your brand, and connect with a loyal audience. We take a look at social media, email, website, and customer data and share valuable tools and tips to help you make the most of the data you collect.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Check Out These Resources Shopify |...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share tips for maximizing your return on investment when you attend a conference. We have our top picks for note-taking, strategies for putting your ideas into action, and using your conference experience to establish yourself as a thought leader.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Otter. AI 💡 Ecamm Live 💡 Ann Handley’s Total Annarchy Newsletter 💡...

It’s officially been one year of Publish & Prosper! Join Lauren & Matt for a special Ask Us Anything episode, where we take listener questions about publishing, marketing, Lulu products, and - of course - Disney.  We answer questions like:  Do you start building your audience first and then write your book, or do you start writing your book first and then build your audience?  What trends...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review the best ways to repurpose content for social media. They talk through reusing your existing social content, reposting other people’s social content, and repurposing your book material as social content.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Listen to These Episodes Episode #12 | Social Media Marketing for Authors & Creators Episode #25 | Aut...

Custom and special edition books are more popular than ever - and more accessible than ever. In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie authors can create custom editions of their self-published books. We look at popular customizations like sprayed edges, embellished covers, specialty bindings, and more!  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Read How to Convince Readers to Buy...