Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

In this game-changing episode, we reveal the secrets that turn ho-hum author book signings into unforgettable experiences.

Discover why the classic author signing model is broken—and how to fix it. We dive deep into proven strategies for pitching bookstores and other venues, creating irresistible event formats, and building connections that keep readers coming back for more. Whether you write thrillers, romance, or nonfiction, you’ll learn how to captivate readers, collect emails, and even secure local media coverage.

This isn’t just about selling books on the day. It’s about creating a ripple effect o...

In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on a heartbreaking scam targeting authors—promising dream book deals that quickly turn into financial nightmares. We explore how scammers craft elaborate schemes that seem too good to be true, preying on authors' hopes with promises of massive book orders, media coverage, and exclusive events. But beneath the glossy promises lie red flags: upfront fees, lack of formal contracts, and guarantees that no legitimate publicist would ever make.

Join us as we dissect the common tactics used in these scams, reveal the emotional and financial devastation they cause, an...

Your older books aren't outdated—they're untapped potential. In this episode, we explore how a strategic refresh can breathe new life into your backlist and help you recapture reader interest. From updating covers and content to rethinking your positioning and marketing assets, we’ll show you how to treat every previously published title as a fresh opportunity.

Whether you’ve got one backlist title or a dozen, this episode reveals how to apply what you’ve learned since those books launched and make them work harder for your author brand. You'll get practical ideas, easy wins, and creative...

The elusive goal of media coverage keeps many authors awake at night, dreaming of that big break on national television or in major publications. But what if everything you thought about securing media attention was based on misconceptions? 

In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on what really matters to media gatekeepers and why so many authors sabotage their chances before they even make their first pitch. The hard truth? Media outlets don't exist to promote your book—they exist to serve their audience. Your success hinges on how well you position yourself as valuable to...

Book bundling represents an untapped opportunity for authors seeking to revitalize their backlist, attract new readers, and generate fresh marketing momentum. This strategic approach – combining multiple books into a single e-book package – offers benefits far beyond simply grouping titles together.

Originally popularized by romance authors who packaged multiple books into value-driven collections, book bundling has evolved into a sophisticated marketing tool applicable across genres. When you bundle your books, you're essentially creating a new product that deserves its own promotional campaign, giving you permission to approach marketing with renewed enthusiasm rather than feeling like you're pushing the same...

When authors dream of book marketing success, they often fixate on bestseller campaigns, major media appearances, and viral social media moments. But what if these splashy strategies are actually built on something far less glamorous yet infinitely more important?

Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the unsexy side of book marketing – the foundational elements that truly drive long-term success. Through real-world examples and candid insights, they reveal why authors who chase high-level strategies while neglecting their foundation often find themselves disappointed with results, regardless of their marketing budget.

One author with a...

Have you ever judged a book by its title? Most readers do. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the surprisingly overlooked aspect of book marketing that could be silently sabotaging your sales: your book title.

Drawing from years of marketing experience, the hosts break down the three critical mistakes authors make when naming their books. First, they examine titles that lack clarity or are difficult to pronounce, revealing how authors often "bury the lead" by creating mysteriously worded titles that confuse rather than intrigue potential readers. Fiction writers take note – even complex character names can pu...

Ever feel like you're banging your head against a wall trying to get your Amazon ads approved? You're not alone. When a mystery thriller author's cover featuring a bloody knife was rejected because it looked "too menacing" and appeared to be "pointing at the consumer," we knew we had to address this frustration head-on.

The absurdity reaches new heights when you discover Amazon approved the print version with the identical cover but rejected the ebook ads. This is just one example of Amazon's maddening inconsistency across its various platforms and departments. While the ads team remains vague...

Demystifying Kindle Unlimited might be one of the most requested topics from our podcast audience—and for good reason. The confusion between Amazon's KDP platform and the Kindle Unlimited subscription service continues to trip up both new and experienced authors alike.

After five years hosting this podcast, we've noticed certain questions appear in our inbox repeatedly: "Should my book be in Kindle Unlimited?" "What's the difference between KDP and KU?" "Will I make more money in KU or by going wide?" Today's episode tackles these questions head-on, cutting through the noise to help you make strategic decisions ab...

Should you start your own publishing company? Word seems to be getting around in author circles that this may be the key to unlocking greater credibility, bookstore access, or even “jumping the line” beyond the self-published category. 

But is that really true? In this episode, we break down the myths and realities of becoming your own publisher, exploring when this strategy works—and when it doesn’t. We’ll also lay out what truly makes an author successful, so you can make the best decision for your publishing journey. If you’ve ever wondered whether launching your own imprint i...

Pricing your book isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a strategy that can make or break your success on Amazon. In this episode, we’re busting the biggest pricing myths, like whether your eBook really needs to be $0.99 or free to gain traction. We’ll dive into the realities of price positioning, share savvy strategies to make your book competitive, and reveal how the right pricing can fuel sales, visibility, and long-term profits. Whether you're launching your first book or fine-tuning your backlist, this episode is packed with insights to help you price with confidence. Tune in and learn...

Amazon Author Central just made a quiet but significant change—no more URLs in author bios. What does this mean for your author platform, and how can you make sure your website still gets traffic? We break down why keeping your bio fresh matters more than ever and share a simple, proven workaround to keep your readers connected.

Plus, we dive into emerging shifts in search result trends, particularly impacting genre fiction authors. Could this be a sign of bigger changes ahead for book discoverability across all categories? Tune in for the latest updates, strategies, and what yo...

Success as an author isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about making smart marketing and business decisions. But what if you’re unknowingly getting in your own way? In this eye-opening episode, we’re unpacking the sneaky ways authors sabotage their own success, from marketing missteps to mindset traps that hold you back. You’ll discover the subtle mistakes that could be costing you book sales, visibility, and career momentum—plus, we’ll share actionable strategies to help you course-correct before it’s too late. Don’t let self-sabotage derail your success—tune in and take control of your a...

Every author hits a point where they wonder: Should I just give up? If your book isn’t selling, your marketing efforts feel like a dead end, and hope seems lost—don’t throw in the towel just yet. In this episode, we’re digging into the real deal-breakers that can make or break a book’s success, but more importantly, we’re exploring powerful ways to turn things around.

Sometimes, it’s not about giving up—it’s about making the right adjustments. From common pitfalls to creative solutions, we’ll help you assess what’s really going on with y...

An investment in book marketing and publicity is an investment in all the hard work you've poured into your book. But why is book marketing so expensive? And are those cheaper, one-off services really worth it? In this episode, we're breaking down the true cost of book marketing—what you’re really paying for, what actually moves the needle on book sales, and whether a big budget always equals big results. Is it a case of "you get what you pay for," or is there more to the story? If you’ve ever wondered whether to spend a little or a l...

We spend a lot of time talking about Amazon (and that matters) but when was the last time you searched for your name or book on Google? Did your website show up? Or is your author website getting lost in the vast expanse of the internet? While Amazon visibility is crucial, Google matters just as much when it comes to connecting with readers and maintaining relationships with them beyond the purchase. This is especially critically if you plan to release more than one title. In this episode, we’ll explore how to play nice with the Google machine using st...

Ever gotten on Amazon to search for your book and—BAM—nothing? If your title isn’t appearing for search terms you think should be working, you’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we’re lifting the curtain on Amazon’s elusive algorithm to explain why some books get prime visibility while others remain hidden in the shadows. We’ll walk you through the key factors that influence Amazon search results, reveal common challenges that can keep your title from being discovered, and share proven strategies to secure the spotlight your book deserves. Tune in to learn how to snag crucia...

Is your book lost in a sea of titles on Amazon? If you feel like your title is dead in the water, you’re not alone. In this episode we’re digging into the horror of feeling rudderless on Amazon—why it happens and, most importantly, how to fix it. We chat about the telltale signs of a lost book and proven strategies that can reignite your engagement. Don’t waste anymore time hiding in the shadows—tune in and learn how to resurrect your book’s visibility!

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