Publish & Prosper

In this episode, Lauren finally gets to explain the intricacies and impact of fanfiction to Matt. Listen now for a slightly chaotic dive into fanfiction origins, the evolution of fanfiction as we know it today, the legal gray area of  transformative works, and how fanfiction has impacted modern publishing.  Watch this episode on YouTube . Dive Deeper 💡 About the OTW | Organization for Transformat...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie authors and content entrepreneurs can use partnerships and collaborations to grow their audience, establish authority, and build long-term relationships that outlast any algorithm. We break down strategies for how to identify the right partners, pitch yourself, and make the most of a mutually beneficial collaboration.  Watch this episode on YouT...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review how to publish your book in 7 steps! Check out these resources to help with each one:  💡 Step 1: Brainstorm Your Book Idea → [6:06] Listen to: Ep #32 | 5 Things to Know Before You Start Publishing Read: Turning Your Content Into a Book 💡 Step 2: Write & Organize Your Book → [9:46] Listen to: Ep #38 | 5+ Tools to Help You Draft, Publish, and Sell Your...

In this episode Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, blog writer, and master of copy, Paul Hobday. Paul responds to episode #53,  How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually Sticks , and offers practical advice for aspiring writers ready to level up their writing habit into a purposeful writing practice.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper Audible Expands Catalog with AI N...

In this episode Matt & Lauren debate the value and staying power of audiobooks, especially for indie authors. We take a look at market trends for audiobooks worldwide, different ways for authors and creators to produce and distribute their own audiobooks, and the pros and cons of creating audiobook versions of your books.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Data on Audiobooks  Audi...

In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the design options available for print books. We review the distinctions between trim sizes, binding types, paper types, ink quality, and cover finish, and popular choices for different product types.  Watch the episode on YouTube for visual examples!  Dive Deeper Watch The Life of a Book   💡 Explore These Resources Pricing Calculator Resources Page 💡 Li...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren talk through what you need to know about licensing your book rights with foreign publishers. We debate the merit of reaching out to new markets, what that process looks like, and how to use an agency like DropCap to secure international rights deals.  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Explore These Resources DropCap Marketplace DropCap Blog Jericho W...

We’ve mentioned, once or twice, the value of selling direct. But how does it actually work? In this episode, Lauren & Matt walk through the direct sales cycle and answer some common questions, including:  How do transactions work?  Who handles customer issues?  What am I supposed to do with my customer data? Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Check Out These Resources Joanna Penn’s...

In 2023, Lulu bought Content Entrepreneur Expo, an event for content creators and content entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matt & Lauren share an inside look into why we got involved in CEX, what we’ve learned about events after owning one, and why we think content creators, entrepreneurs, and authors should join us in Cleveland this August!  Watch this episode on YouTube ! Dive Deeper 💡 Learn...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt dig into what discoverability looks like in a world where generative AI is changing how readers find books online. We look at what generative AI looks at when choosing what to cite or recommend, and share practical tips to help authors & creators appear in AI search results and, more importantly, to build lasting audience connections. Watch this episode on Yo...

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...