Don't Write That Book

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...

In this episode, Mike and AJ get real about what they want to accomplish in 2025 as authors. They’ll each share their goals, counter with must-do tasks, and give insights into how they plan on accomplishing them. Listen to their approach to authorship next year to help you plan your year and set your authorship goals. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss how to connect with your ideal reader from the jump: to identify their “page one” desire. This is the secret to getting your reader to keep turning the page! They also provide an update on their current writing status and what lies ahead for their next book’s schedule. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start rece...

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a potential downfall all authors face: inner critic trolls. They’ll not only share their own, but will go into detail about what steps they each take to keep those trolls at bay. It’s another “fly on the wall” episode demystifying the writing process with these two pros! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start...

In this episode, Mike and AJ are back in the debate ring to hammer out which is better for authors: Amazon ads or a TikTok presence. (Spoiler alert, it’s a secret third thing, but you’ll have to listen to learn what that is!) Demystify discoverability, findability, and algorithms in this juicy, fact-filled episode. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to...

In this episode, AJ shares her methodology of outlining, writing, and editing a book based on the reader’s experience and knowledge base, a process she defines as mapping the reader’s journey. She and Mike share how they’ve approached this process in their books and how Mike applies it to speaking engagements. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the importance of having a community of authors to keep you motivated, connected, and moving forward. They share what their communities look like and how listeners can create their own. 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 lea...

In this episode, listeners will get the inside scoop on how Mike and AJ keep all of their ideas organized. Both will share their process for collecting ideas and organizing them while working on other projects. 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...

In this episode, Mike and AJ catch us up on where they are in the writing process, interviews they’re excited about, and hint at the book’s topic. It’s another fly-on-the-wall episode with a never-before-shared look into the process. 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, subscri...

In this episode, Mike and AJ are back in the debate ring with their opinions on live book launch events. They both explain their values (no ego-centered events!) and even discuss the ROI of big launches. Who will win this round? For those keeping score, it’s AJ: 2, Mike: 0. Will Mike get on the board? Tune in to find out! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your n...

In this episode, Mike and AJ address the 800-pound gorilla in the writing room: how to keep the reader on the page until the very end. AJ explains that by just acknowledging where a reader might push back or become riddled with self-doubt, an author can keep the reader turning pages to the very end. (And then telling everyone about the amazing book they just read!) Be sure to visit https://dwtbpod...

In this episode, inspired by a listener’s questions, AJ and Mike dive into ways authors can use their books to create engaging content. From social media posts to video, the duo shares what is easy to repurpose and how to keep it reader-focused. From newsletters to videos to programs and even to new books, they’ll cover it! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your...

In this episode, Mike and AJ do a deep dive on how authors should conclude their manuscripts, what elements must be present, and what authors should avoid including. You’ll learn about AJ’s Call to Greatness, the way she recommends closing nonfiction books, with a touching tribute to the man behind the Call to Greatness in Mike and AJ’s latest book, All In.  Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.co...

In this episode, AJ and Mike spill the tea on Introductions, when you need one, and when you don’t. Most importantly, they’ll break down what it should contain and what it absolutely should not if you want your readers to keep turning the page! Listeners will also learn when in the writing process an Introduction should be written. (Spoiler: it’s not at the start of the writing process!) Be sure t...

In this episode, AJ and Mike break down the realities of the life of an author. You’ll hear them discuss their own approaches to time management and share what impact it’s had on their personal lives. They also share their own strategies for prioritization of all the tasks that go into authorship and how they accomplished all they have in their respective careers. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodc...

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss a question they get more than almost any other: “Am I qualified to write about my topic?” They’ll share the instances when credibility absolutely matters to readers and when it doesn’t. Listeners will learn how authors can get in front of the credibility issue and even hear AJ’s tips for speaking directly to readers on the page about why the author is, in fact,...

In this episode, AJ and Mike explain what is meant by “author voice.” They share how they struggled to find Mike’s as coauthors, and what aspiring authors can do to get started developing their voice on the page. AJ shares the time she lost hers as a ghostwriter and what it took to find it once again, and how this applies to all authors.   Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more informat...