Don't Write That Book

Time to bust some myths! In this episode, Mike and AJ will share everything they know about publishing contracts. Can you negotiate with a publisher, or do authors just have to accept contracts as given? What about royalties? Delivery dates? Will they pass if you push back? What are red flags to look out for and green flags to help you feel confident signing on the dotted line? Be sure to visit ht...

Another fly-on-the-wall episode, where listeners get to hear Mike and AJ map out their next book's writing and editing schedule in real time! They’ll hold nothing back about their process, including the game they play with copy edits. This is insider baseball on their co-writing process. If you ever wondered how they do it, be sure to listen in! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more in...

In this episode, Mike and AJ have another friendly battle answering the question: Do endorsements matter? Tune in to hear their individual takes on endorsements from big-name authors and listen to the end to find out who won the debate. You’ll hear how Mike goes about getting endorsements, if ghostwriting endorsements is even a thing, and how a newbie author’s entire life was changed because of on...

Well? What did they pick? In this episode, Mike and AJ will each reveal the decisions they’ve landed on with respect to their next books and why they made that choice. They also speak frankly about timelines, when they can expect publishing milestones to occur, and how they’re feeling about this new development. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to sta...

In this episode, it’s AJ’s turn to discuss ways to monetize books beyond sales. She has three key questions authors should ask themselves before starting, and she will go into detail about her plans and why she chose them. She’ll also explain how to artfully plant seeds in your book before publishing in a way that won’t feel icky and pushy. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more informa...

In this episode, Mike shares his insights into monetizing books beyond sales. He holds nothing back and gives honest data about speaking engagements, how often and how much he gets paid, strategies he tried, as well as what didn’t work, and what he stopped doing. You’ll come away inspired to try something new! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start...

In this episode, AJ and Mike share how their ghostwriter/client relationship evolved into a co-writing partnership. AJ also shares the different ways authors can work with a ghostwriter, red flags to watch out for, and what you can do to get the results you want. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to su...

In this episode, Mike and AJ chat about the importance of frontloading the good stuff in Chapter One. Once your reader feels seen and you’ve introduced your book’s core message and promise, your next step is to make sure readers understand your framework, method, or process so they can start taking action within the first two chapters. Mike and AJ will also talk about how to give your readers an “...

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the all-important job of Chapter One. AJ will break down the necessary elements: meeting the reader where they are, breaking down the core message, and sharing the promised transformation. They will also cover how to decide if your opening story should focus on pain or promise. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to s...

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...