Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

We’ve got something truly special for you in this episode and we're launching it on Small Business Saturday! 

We've just launched a program created by and for *you*, our amazing listeners! After four years of incredible questions, feedback, and requests, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new mentorship program. If you’ve loved the insights and advice shared on this podcast, you’re going to adore this opportunity to dive deeper, get personalized guidance, and take your author journey to the next level. Tune in for all the details about how this program came to l...

We’re closing out the year with a bang in this special episode where Amy and Penny answer some of the best book marketing questions we’ve received all year! From “How many books do I need to write to be successful?” to predictions for next year’s trends, and even “What’s the most successful marketing strategy you’ve ever seen?”—we’re diving into it all. Plus, we’ll share insights on how much authors can realistically earn from their books and reveal our favorite strategies that truly work. This fun and informative episode is also available in video format, so don’...

In this unabashedly honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the rookie mistakes that can make authors look like amateurs—and even open them up to being taken advantage of. From networking missteps to pitching for reviews or media consideration, we’re covering the blunders that cost time, money, and reputation. Everyone starts as a newbie, but you don’t have to look like one! If you’re attending events, presenting your book, or putting yourself out there, tune in to learn the essentials for making a polished, professional impression. This episode is packed with the insights and tips y...

It seems like now, more than ever, scammers and hacks are everywhere. Penny can't go a week without someone offering to "turn her book into a movie" and if you've listened for a while, you know how we feel about that!

In today’s world of book publishing, scammers and inexperienced providers are everywhere, and knowing who to trust can be tough. In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into the art of spotting legitimate vendors versus the ones who may be out to scam you or simply don’t know what they’re doing. With our trademar...

Like Amazon, Goodreads is cracking down on spam and bot author accounts, many of which are producing subpar AI generated content — but protecting the platform means adding a stricter vetting process before authors get to network with readers. In this urgent episode, we dive deep into these changes with insights from Amy, our resident Goodreads expert, who unpacks what’s required and how to navigate the approval process with ease. If you’re planning to establish your author presence on Goodreads, this is a must-listen! Get the latest on what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can successf...

We thought we'd drop in with another urgent Amazon PSA! 

Amazon delays can be a nightmare for authors, especially when everything is set for a carefully planned launch day, and your book still hasn’t gone live. Recently, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has been experiencing lengthy approval delays, sometimes taking weeks to process books. In this crucial episode, we’ll guide you through what to do if Amazon’s hold-ups affect your launch. We’ll discuss practical steps to take if your release day is at risk, plus creative backup plans to help you stay on tra...

Struggling to get media attention for your book? You’re not alone. In today’s ever-changing media landscape, landing interviews and features has become more difficult than ever. In this episode, we dig into the reasons why it’s so hard to get a “yes” and more importantly, what you can do to change that. We’ll reveal strategies for cutting through the noise and still securing valuable media coverage, even in a tough market. Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, or expert looking to elevate your profile, this episode will equip you with actionable tips to uncover the right opportun...

Audiobooks are all the rage, but are you truly ready to dive in? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the audiobook world, revealing why it’s not as simple as it seems. Yes, thanks to AI it’s easier (and cheaper) than ever to create an audiobook, and with its booming popularity, the revenue potential is tempting—but rushing in could be a costly mistake. We’ve got a real-time story for you, featuring a disastrous audio narration (with an actual audio sample brought by Penny!) that shows how the wrong choice can wreck your brand. We’...

In this episode we’re exploring a unique but underutilized strategy that even the biggest publishers swear by—having a backup book cover! Join us as we dive into why our very own author, Marlene Bell, is always prepared with a second cover, and why you should be, too. We'll share her experience and how her sleuthing around the strategies of major publishers has served her well. We’ll break down the unexpected benefits and how you can implement it to maximize your book’s success.

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