Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

Join us in this exciting episode as we bring one of our most popular blog posts to life! We're unpacking the best book marketing strategies that every author should have in their toolkit. Whether you're looking to spark new ideas or re-evaluate your current approach, we've got you covered. We talk about the tactics that work, expose those that don't, and offer a fresh perspecti...

In this episode we delve into the power of a well-crafted reader profile. Understanding who you’re writing for can transform your marketing strategy and elevate your writing to the next level. We'll explore the essential elements that make up a comprehensive reader profile—demographics, interests, reading habits, and more. Plus, you'll learn actionable steps to leverage this information...

We're often asked, "How can I find the best publisher for my book?" And we've done publisher episodes before, but now we're focused on critical marketing questions to ask before making your decision. Publishers are appealing to some authors because they promise to ease a lot of the production work, but more often than not the marketing piece is overlooked. Don't find...

Today we're exploring the confounding new security features around Goodreads author profiles that have left many authors frustrated and puzzled.  Join us as we discuss practical workarounds and provide step-by-step guidance on how to easily claim and manage your Goodreads author profile despite the new security hurdles and how your Amazon Author Central account plays a critical role. Love it...

Despite all the information that's out there, it never fails to surprise us how many folks get it absolutely wrong when it comes to what it takes to succeed, and what are outdated guidelines, ideas, and mindsets.  In this episode we comb through a recent article from Esquire magazine that sheds light on the struggles debut authors face in today's literary world.  Tune in to gain a deeper...

In this episode of we take a serious look at the Amazon Bestseller flag and unravel the myths behind this iconic orange banner.  Many authors dream of that coveted orange "bestseller" banner gracing their book covers, but how do you actually get it? And more importantly, is it always a guaranteed indicator of success? Join us as we delve into the truths and misconceptions surrounding the...

A few weeks ago you may have heard about Romance Writers of America (RWA) filing for bankruptcy - they aren't going away, per se, just reorganizing. And you may have thought this doesn't matter to you - but it does.  This single development that holds significant implications for the entire writing community, so we're talking about the vital role organizations like RWA play in the l...

This is our third most downloaded episode of all time! Why do we think it's popular? Because being an author can be exhausting, and most of us don't have time to waste on marketing efforts that don't produce results.  And social media is typically at the top of the list of time-wasters, at least when it comes to moving the needle on sales and reviews.  If you're ready to say go...

In this episode we break down the recent announcement that Costco will no longer be carrying books in their warehouses—a decision with significant implications for authors. You may have heard this and thought it doesn't matter to you, but it does, and we'll unpack why.  We’ll also explore the discouraging trend of shrinking shelf space and delve into the reasons behind the dwindling pres...

In this episode we tackle the challenging yet essential topic of recouping your book creation and marketing investment. Many authors face the harsh reality of under-planning and overspending during production, only to find themselves without the funds needed for aggressive marketing in an extremely competitive market. With 11,000 books being published every day, making a serious go at this require...

In this exciting episode we're breaking away from traditional book marketing methods and exploring innovative, fun, and often easy-to-implement strategies to boost your book sales. If you're looking to make a splash in the literary world, don't miss this! We’ll delve into unique venues for book events and sales that go beyond the bookstore, discuss the benefits and tactics of sellin...

In this eye-opening episode  we dive into Amazon’s latest updates that are shaking up the way book descriptions are managed on the platform. For authors who use Author Central, these changes are crucial to understand if you want to keep your book pages in top form.  Join us as we discuss how these updates can impact your book’s visibility and sales, and provide actionable tips to navigate the new...

Welcome to a pivotal episode of our show where we shine a spotlight on a crucial aspect of the publishing process: how your name appears on Amazon. Join us as we dissect the intricacies that can make or break an author's visibility and success on the world's largest online retail marketplace. From the complexities of incorporating titles like PhD to the impact of middle initials and even...

Are you marketing to the wrong audience? As authors, we often find ourselves inadvertently targeting the wrong demographic, because while the reader may be obvious, they're not always the individuals buying or recommending (or gifting) your book.  Join us as we unravel the complexities of audience targeting, uncover common pitfalls and offer practical strategies to ensure you're reaching...

In this episode we're talking about book endorsements, getting them, timing them, and what to do with them once they start coming in. Whether you're a seasoned author or a newbie, you're going to want our tips and advice! We'll explore the strategies and tactics for identifying the ideal personalities to lend their credibility to your work and outline the dos and don'ts of...

In this week's episode we're talking about the crucial role book descriptions play in sales conversions - specifically for non-fiction titles. We'll share our top five must-do strategies for crafting a compelling description on Amazon that will transform casual browsers into eager buyers. And the top mistakes authors make! Whether you're a seasoned author or new to the publishi...

In this episode Penny and Amy, the dynamic duo behind a successful book marketing and PR firm, invite listeners to join them for an intimate peek behind the curtain of their collaborative journey. While their chemistry is often praised, it's their ability to navigate different visions for growth that has been a cornerstone of their success. In this revealing episode, Penny and Amy share both...

In this week's episode, we chat about connecting with the elusive reader who seems to dwell beyond the realms of mainstream social media platforms. Even though the digital age is dominating how a lot of us consume content, not every reader can be found scrolling through Instagram reels or TikTok videos. So how do they find the books they buy, and how can authors tap into a market demographic...

Not everyone talks about it, but all authors want to sell books. And we know a lot of you secretly (or not so secretly) would love to make enough to be a full-time author.  But is achieving significant sales still a possibility? The surprising answer lies in the realm of self-publishing, where a lot of successful authors are find their footing. Join us as we go through some suprising statistics an...

This is another listener request and we're talking about trigger words that could potentially result in your hard-earned reviews being pulled from your retail page.  We chat about the fine line between what reviewers should say to maintain authenticity and what words they should tactfully avoid to ensure their reviews don't get flagged or worse, their accounts blacklisted.  And what&apos...

Have you ever wondered why some books seem to effortlessly rack up Amazon reviews while others struggle to even get noticed? This week we're unveiling a secret strategy that savvy authors have been using to bolster their review numbers. We chat about the art of prompting reviews from your readers in a way that feels natural and seamless. It's a genius tactic that surprisingly few authors...

This week we're talking about literary agents. Who they are, what they do, and whether you really need one.  We'll explore the ins and outs of literary representation, breaking down the roles and responsibilities of literary agents, and shedding light on the services they provide for authors. We'll also discuss the darker side of the industry, including common scams to avoid and red...

Join us in this week's episode as we chat about the latest innovation from Amazon: the Virtual Voice.  Imagine a world where authors can transform their written words into audiobooks using artificial intelligence. FOR FREE. It's a game-changer for indie authors, but what does it mean for the future of storytelling and the traditional audiobook industry? Is this advancement a boon for ind...

In this episode, we take a peek behind the curtain and dive into the sometimes harsh realities of the publishing world, shedding light on the obstacles that can slow an author's rise to the top – and sharing insights on how to avoid them.  While we love authors who dream big, keeping expectations in check is essential. Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a bummer episode but rather a discussion of ac...

In this episode, Penny and Amy decode the intricate world of big media outlets and help you understand what they're looking for and whether or not you’re right for a big media outlet.  We kick off by addressing a common misconception – that success in media equals instant fame or a bestselling book. We’ll discuss the importance of finding your niche and leveraging various platforms to reach y...