Novel Marketing

Have you been dreaming about publishing a book that actually sells?The hard truth is that most authors fail because they jump straight into writing. They spend months writing a book only to find out later they made a key mistake, and nobody wants to buy the book.I've helped thousands of authors go from blank page to profitable launch, and in this week's episode, I'm giving you the roadmap. You'll learn my complete six-step process as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and rookie mistakes.In this episode, you'll discover:The first thing you should do (even before writing chapter one)Which people and tools can help you polish your manuscript (and the right order to use them)How you can get free lifetime access to my course How to Get Published (Only in June!)If you're serious about publishing a book that sells, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.Listen in or read the blog version to learn how to successfully publish a book and avoid common mistakes.https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-is-patron-130533769 Support the show

Have you ever followed popular marketing advice that worked wonders for someone else but completely fell flat for you? Or have you watched another author succeed with a strategy you were told would never work?That's because book marketing isn't one-size-fits-all.In this week's episode, I talk with USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty about Author Ecosystems—a framework that helps you understand the type of author you are and which marketing strategies are most likely to work for you.You'll discover:Why some authors succeed with rapid release while others succeed with traditional launchesHow to identify your own ecosystem and tailor your marketing strategy accordinglyWhich types of authors complement one another bestWhether you're struggling to gain traction or just want to work smarter, this conversation will give you clarity and direction.Listen in or check out the blog post to find links to the Author Ecosystems quiz and other resources to help you determine where you fit in the author ecosystem. It's a great place to start.Support the show

Most authors are thinking about AI the wrong way. AI isn't really a tool for writing books, but it's quickly becoming the most powerful tool for selling them. Even if you're not using LLMs like ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, or Claude, your readers are.In fact, today, readers across the globe asked AI, “What book should I read next?”Did ChatGPT recommend your book? How can you make sure it does?If your book isn't showing up in AI-generated recommendations, this week's episode will tell you how you can make it happen.Tune in to discover:Which of your digital assets is the most important AI optimization toolHow to structure your website's book pages so AI can read and understand themWhich social media platforms AI trains on (and where your book info should be!)Soon, there will be two types of authors: those recommended by AI and those wondering why their sales plummeted.Don't be left wondering why your sales took a dive! Listen in or read the blog version of this episode to help readers more easily discover your book with all the new search options they're using.Support the show

What if you had a toolbox filled with over 30 expert-level resources to help you sell more books and spend less time marketing?In this week's episode, I reveal the suite of powerful tools I've built to simplify writing and marketing for authors like you. From crafting irresistible blurbs to designing reader magnet covers, optimizing email campaigns, and even generating book launch plans, these tools are changing the game.In this episode, you'll discover tools to help you:·   Get almost any book marketing question answered (by “me”)·   Generate killer book blurbs in minutes·   Create a professional-looking cover for your reader magnet·   Generate a reader magnet (and other resources) for your book or topicIf you've ever wished for a personal assistant who works 24/7 and has more than 30 tools to advance your career, save you time, and sell your book, this episode is for you!Listen in or read the blog version (with links!) to discover this innovative suite of tools that can streamline your work and give you more time to write.Support the show

Are you leaving money on the table every time you share a link to your book?In this week's episode, we talk with Jesse Lakes, co-founder of Geniuslink, to explore how universal book links and affiliate marketing can help you reach more readers and earn extra income.You'll learn:Why Amazon.com links could be costing you salesThe tools that make it easy to start earning today (and keep you compliant!)How to future-proof your book linksYou've already done the work to write the book and make it available online. Now, make your book links work harder for you.Listen in or check out the blog version (with all the links) to find your roadmap to universal book links.Support the show

Without advertising, most books only sell to the author's friends, family, and neighbors. People across the country or across town may never hear about your book. Amazon ads can help you reach beyond your social bubble.Many authors think they need a series to make ads work, but that's not true. You can run profitable ads even if you only have one book published.In the latest episode of Novel Marketing, you'll hear from author and Amazon advertiser Scott LaPierre. We discuss proven strategies to reach readers beyond your network and turn clicks into sales.You'll learnWhich type of ads are most efficient for a stand-alone bookHow you can work smarter, not harder when setting up your adsHow much you should spend on ads to get good data about whether they're working for youListen in or read the blog version to get actionable tips and start advertising to unlock the power of Amazon's search engine to boost your book's visibility and sales.Support the show

Publishing is changing faster than ever before. New AI tools are dropping every time you turn around, and the way authors write, publish, and sell books is being rewritten in real-time.On Novel Marketing has been committed to sharing evergreen marketing principles that do not change, which is why it's become such a trusted resource for authors.However, this strategy has left many authors on their own to sort out weekly publishing news. The result is that they find a lot of sensationalistic hearsay that spreads on author Facebook groups.So, I asked myself, "How do I connect my audience with reliable publishing news while maintaining the evergreen nature of the podcast?"With a brand-new show called Author Update!Author Update is where we break down the latest news in publishing, from Amazon feature rollouts to global events that could affect book printing. We go beyond the headlines to talk about what it means for you as an author.This week on Novel Marketing, we're sharing ​an episode of Author Update​ so you can get a taste of what the new show is like.We'll coverAmazon AI-Powered SearchTariffs on BooksThe New "Read Sample" Option on AmazonThe EconomyChina's American Book BanHow to Sound SmartAnd much more!Blog & Audio Version​Listen in​ or read the blog ​version of this episode​ to go beyond the headlines and find out what these changes mean for you as an author.P.S. Author Update now airs live on YouTube Fridays at 4 PM Central and is available on all major podcast apps.Support the show

Too many writers waste hundreds or thousands of dollars on laptop features they'll never use. Worse yet, some struggle along with outdated, unreliable machines that sabotage their creativity and productivity.Here's what tech companies don't want you to know: That pricey laptop with all the bells and whistles? Most of those features are totally useless for authors.​This week's episode​ is my 2025 Laptop Buying Guide for Authors. You'll discover:• Why the processor everyone obsesses over barely matters for writers • Why most professional authors choose Apple • What to avoid when shopping for your next laptop • Links to my laptop recommendations for every budgetAs a tech nerd who's been building computers since age 12 and helping thousands of authors over the last 15 years, I'll cut through the hype and show you what really matters.​Listen in​ or ​read the blog version​ and finally get a laptop that works for you, not against you.Support the show

Description & TimesBuilding an email list made up of more than friends and family can feel impossible, especially before you've launched your first book. Eventually, you have to attract strangers. But how?How do you convince strangers to join your email list?We've been using a surprisingly effective method for years, yet I have never dedicated an entire podcast to it.In this week's episode, you'll hear from author Kelly Jo Wilson, who grew her email list to over 7,000 subscribers using a surprising tool (hint: it's not ads).You'll learn:How to turn giveaways into a powerful email growth engine using KingSumoHow to attract your ideal readers (not just freebie hunters)How to collaborate with other authors to multiply your reach and your resultsNo matter what genre you write, Kelly's strategy is very reproducible. Listen in or read the blog version for ideas on how to grow your network, serve your readers, and grow your audience.Sign up for the Send Your First Email Challenge at FirstEmailChallenge.com Support the show

Are you having trouble starting or finishing your writing? A subtle and sinister phenomenon may be keeping you from success. It may even be the reason your book is not finished yet. It might be why your book isn't selling.What is it? Procrastination.You can't beat procrastination by hustling harder; you need a plan that's smarter.So, how do you escape the procrastination prison? One step at a time.In this week's episode, you'll learn 10 practical steps to help you overcome distractions, reclaim your focus, and take your next step without burning out.You'll discover:✅ One easy (but hard) step that will instantly free up mental space for writing✅ How to determine what your next action should be✅ Tools to keep you focused, motivated, and on schedule✅ A new Novel Marketing challenge that will get you started…for free!Listen in or read the blog version to find out how to beat procrastination and get back to your meaningful work.Sign up for the Send Your First Email Challenge at FirstEmailChallenge.com Support the show

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How effective is your author website? In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, I review the websites of top Christian Historical Romance authors, analyzing what they're doing well and where they could improve. From SEO wins to missed opportunities, you'll discover practical ways to enhance your own website. Find out:  What bestselling authors get right about website design  Common mistakes that could cost you readers and sales  Simple fixes to improve SEO, navigation, and revenue Listen in or read the blog version to explore strengths and weaknesses in website design and functionality that you can apply today. This episode is an experiment! Let me know if you'd like to hear more website reviews in future episodes!Support the show

It's 2025, and authors are at war over AI. Some are embracing it, others are retreating to bunkers, and a few think it's just another passing fad. But amid all the controversy, most authors are missing out on the AI advantage that everyone can agree on: AI can help you market your books, which gives you more time to write.   Most of us became authors because we love writing, not because we love marketing. But what if AI could handle some of the heavy lifting for you? What if you could spend less time on book promotion and more time crafting stories?   In this week's episode, I sit down with Alexander Macris, an author, game creator, and expert in AI-powered marketing. We discuss:    The AI tools that help authors sell more books (without replacing their creativity)  How to use AI to improve book descriptions, pitches, and cover designs  The surprising way AI can analyze your data to help you serve your readers Listen in or read the blog version to learn how you can use AI to reclaim your writing time! I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you used AI in your marketing? Join the conversation in AuthorMedia.Social, a no-drama space where authors share their AI experiences with civility and curiosity.Support the show

Science fiction is changing, and so are its readers. The cultural landscape that shaped the last 40 years of sci-fi is shifting, including thoughts about wokeness, AI, WWIII, population, and more. If you're still writing about overused and cliched sci-fi themes, you're missing the mark.In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, we explore:Why climate-change narratives are losing their grip on sci-fi readersHow population change can impact the next big sci-fi storiesThe new role of AI in the sci-fi genreHow today's global conflicts hint at the future of war in sci-fiUnderstanding these shifts will help you write more compelling stories that stand out in a genre desperate for fresh perspectives. Listen in or read the blog version to dive into the essentials of writing a sci-fi novel amidst evolving themes like population collapse and AI advancements.https://www.authormedia.com/the-sci-fi-zeitgeist-has-shifted-what-authors-need-to-know/Support the show

To indie publish or traditionally publish? That is the question.For years, indie publishing was seen as a fallback for authors who couldn't land a traditional contract. But times have changed. Many indie authors now outsell and out-earn their traditionally published counterparts.And yet, while many traditionally published authors are switching to indie, it's far less common to see a successful indie author sign with a major publisher.What would make an indie author turn down a traditional publishing deal?I spoke with Scott LaPierre, an author and conference speaker, to find out.In this week's episode, we discuss:The biggest myths about traditional publishingHow signing a contract affected book salesTraditional publishing's take on pricing and marketingThe cost of getting your rights back and why it mattersScott gives a first-hand account of working as a traditional and indie author and where he landed after experiencing both routes.If you've ever wondered which path is right for you and your book, listen in or read the blog version of our conversation.Support the show

If you're thinking about writing a book series, you might want to reconsider, especially if you're a new author. That's not to say you should never write a series, but it can be a risky endeavor, and I can prove it with math.In this week's episode, I break down why writing a series may limit your potential readership. You'll learn:The four steps every reader must take for your sequel to sell wellThe math behind why sequels struggle to sellThe hidden dangers of "battered reader syndrome" and how it affects new authorsA pre-series strategy for new authorsIf you've ever wondered whether you should commit to a series or focus on standalones, listen in or read the blog post for a fresh perspective and a smarter strategy.Support the show

Have you ever set up a book table and stacked your books neatly, only to walk away with disappointing sales? You're not alone.But there is a better way to sell books from your book table at in-person events.In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, I sit down with Sarah Hickner, an expert in book table sales, to uncover:Common mistakes authors make at book tables (and how to avoid them)Simple tricks to draw readers in without feeling pushyHow to use giveaways, bundles, and book covers to boost salesWhy in-person events aren't just about selling booksWhether you're an introvert or a seasoned seller, listen in or read the blog version to learn how to set up an eye-catching table, use giveaways effectively, craft the perfect pitch, and avoid common mistakes that cost authors sales.Support the show

Congrats on getting booked for a podcast interview! Whether you're promoting your book or lead magnet, your audio quality on the podcast can make or break your credibility.In our latest episode, we share pro tips on:How to prepare for your interview (beyond just showing up)Microphone techniques that make you sound like a proThe gear you need (that doesn't break the bank)What to do after the interview is doneI've been podcasting since 2007, I've tested a lot of gear, and I've made some classic podcast blunders. This episode will help you avoid those mistakes, sound professional, and have fun.Whether you're planning a podcast tour for your book launch or wanting to purchase your first microphone, listen in or read the blog to learn how to make the most of your podcast guest opportunities.Support the show

Serialized fiction has been captivating readers for centuries, from nightly bedtime stories to Charles Dickens' Great Expectations to modern writers on platforms like Royal Road and Wattpad.In this episode, I interview bestselling author Seth Ring, who shares how serialized fiction helped him write 25+ books, build a dedicated fanbase, hone his craft, and achieve financial success.Discover:The benefits of writing serialized storiesThe key differences between Wattpad, Royal Road, and other serial writing platformsWhat serialized fiction means for the future of publishingWhether you're curious about trying serialized fiction or wonder if your genre is a good fit, this conversation will give you insight and direction.Blog & Audio VersionListen in or check out the blog version to discover the methods and advantages of writing in installments for your readers.Support the show

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Many authors feel stuck. They're toiling away in obscurity, and none of their promotion efforts seem to go anywhere.Success in publishing is as much about who you know as what you know. And sometimes, the lack of knowing the right people keeps you from finding success.We still live in a world that's run by human people, and your connection to those humans will lead to your success. If the word networking makes you feel awkward, you need to change your mindset.Networking is about relationships.So, how do you network with other authors, influencers, industry professionals, and customers at the bookstore? And how do you network in a way that makes you and the person you're connecting with feel amazing?I asked Steve Garrity. He's spent more than 20 years in sales and leadership. He coaches and develops others to thrive, and he is the author of the upcoming book Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life. His book is currently live on Kickstarter and has raised over $10,000 in preorders.In this week's episode, you'll discover·     How to change your mindset about networking·     How to stop worrying about what to say when meeting people·     Tools and tips for building and maintaining relationships in your networkListen in or read the blog version of this episode to gain the courage and tools to connect with people and bless them.2024 Novel Marketing ConferenceSupport the show

2024 Novel Marketing ConferenceSupport the show

Your author platform is your ability to spread the word about your book. As an indie author, your platform is directly linked with how large your book launch can be. Bigger platforms lead to bigger launches. All else being equal, traditional publishers always prefer large-platform authors to authors with no platform.So, how do you grow your author platform?This week's episode is a webinar I recently presented.You'll learn·      Two myths about author platform·      What you'll need to build an enduring platform·      Answers to three common questions from authors about email, social media, and money.Listen in or read the blog post to learn why having a solid author platform is crucial for indie and traditional authors. Find out how to build a platform that will give your book the best chance for success. Support the show

Is your website's Contact page serving your readers and web visitors?In the past, authors simply shared their email addresses on their websites. But that opened the door to a flood of spam, which drowned out real messages from readers.Connecting with your readers is essential to building your readership, so you can't simply remove your email address from your website. But how do you create an effective Contact page that helps readers connect but keeps spammers out?In this week's episode, we'll discuss the best practices for creating a contact page that truly works.You'll learnWhich “Contact” page elements are necessaryHow to help readers to contact you by their preferred methodHow to keep spammers out of your inboxListen in or read the blog version to learn how to create a successful author contact page and form that helps readers and influencers find you and makes spammers leave you alone.Support the show

Choosing the right setting can supercharge your book sales. Some people read a book just for its setting. A good setting can lead to spin-off products like board games, art books, coloring books, calendars, comic books, and even movies.Setting not only turns people on to a story, but it also turns people off.Every author must answer the question, “How can I place my story in a setting that readers want to spend time in?” And the answer to that question is an art and practice called worldbuilding.In this week's episode, you'll hear from Seth Ring, an author and expert worldbuilder. He co-hosts the WorldCraft Club podcast and teaches people how to build the worlds for their stories.You'll learnThree techniques for building a captivating worldHow to choose the right setting for your readersHow setting can impact sales and reader enjoymentListen in or check out the blog to discover the power of creating immersive settings that captivate readers, leave a lasting impact, and boost book sales.Support the show

Sometimes in marketing, it pays to zig when everyone else is zagging. In this digital age, when authors race to do everything online, it's easy to forget the magic of face-to-face interactions. Personal connections can transform your relationship with your readers and fellow authors.A book festival is a fantastic way to meet with readers and writers at the same time in real life. But what is a book festival, and how can you organize one?In this week's episode, I asked Dave Cohen to talk with us about book festivals. He's a British writer with more than four decades of experience writing comedy for the BBC. He saw a void in his community and stepped up to the plate for readers and authors_._ You'll learn·      What a book festival is·      Three types of book festivals (and which might fit your book best)·      How the format could boost your book salesIf you've wished for an in-person venue to sell books and connect with readers and authors, listen in or read the blog version and see how you might be able to grant your own wish. Support the show

As Yoda says, “Difficult to see the future is.” But difficult is not impossible. Causes have effects, and the more you have a sense of the rhythms of the past, the better you can sense the future.If it takes you two years to write a book, you owe it to yourself to ask, “What kinds of books will be popular in two years?” Reader preferences change over time, but sometimes they change rapidly. If you don't keep up, you may get stuck writing a book people no longer want to read.So, how can you determine what will be popular in a few years?In this week's episode, I speak with Alexander Macris about how history's cyclical patterns can give us clues about what types of literature will resonate in the future. You'll learnWhy certain themes and plots are failing miserably in our current momentWhere to find past ideas that are likely to resonate in the futureWhy certain themes resonate at different times in historyListen in or read the blog version of this episode to get a head start on writing a book with themes that will resonate with readers in the future. Support the show

Has inflation eaten away at your book profits? Perhaps you want to start advertising and need some margin. Or maybe readers are not taking you seriously with your book's current low price.You need to raise the price of your book, but how should you do it?Most authors raise prices quietly. One day, the price just goes up, and they hope no one notices. But that approach is a massive mistake and a missed opportunity.A future price increase is a rare opportunity, and in this week's episode, you'll learn how toIncrease your price the right wayGain favor with readers by announcing a price increaseMake the current price seem like a bargainListen in or read the blog version of this episode to discover how you can do a kindness for your readers, help them take action, and sell more books at a higher price with a reverse coupon. Support the show

The last time I visited Barnes and Noble, I marveled at the comic book section. Western comic books only filled a couple of shelves, while around the corner, there was an entire aisle of manga comic books.I wondered, “Why is Eastern manga so much more popular than Western comic books from DC and Marvel?” As I investigated, I discovered an interesting and shockingly ancient answer.Western storytelling is typically based on the three-act structure, which dates back to Aristotle. But one ancient story structure that dates back to the time of oral storytelling and is still popular in the East, yet it appeals to modern Western readers.Many Western storytellers have rediscovered it and used it to write some of the most enduring bestsellers in the English language, including Pride and Prejudice, Goodnight Moon, and Dracula.In this week's episode, we'll discussA story structure based on only two actsHow to create a two-act structure for a sentence or a seriesHow this structure might rescue a story you've been struggling to finishListen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to learn about this ancient story structure and how can you use it to make your book more appealing to readers. Support the show

Reader magnets are like real magnets. Sometimes, they aren't very magnetic, and other times, they're so magnetic that we can rapidly grow an email list of tens of thousands of readers.A reader magnet is supposed to magnetically draw readers onto your list so that when you have a book to announce, lots of folks are ready and eager to learn more or buy.But what if your reader magnet doesn't seem to be working?In this week's episode, I interviewed Jonathan Shuerger to learn how his company, The Strategic Author, can help authors target their ideal market and create super magnetic reader magnets.You'll learnHow to gather intelligence on your target readerWhat questions you should ask to gather useful dataHow to use that intel to create a reader magnet they'll loveListen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to discover why your reader magnet might not be having the impact you want and how you can make it more attractive. Support the show

Are your book sales starting to dip a bit? Perhaps your book sales were once great and are now starting to fall. You may see this drop in sales for several reasons, but you don't have to stand by and watch them drop indefinitely.Most bestselling books see their highest sales during the pre-order period, followed by the launch month, and then experience a slow, steady decline. But you can extend a book sales lifecycle.In this week's episode, we'll talk aboutWhy your sales may be decliningWhich sales problems you can fix (or not)How to reinvigorate your sales (sometimes with very little extra investment!)Listen in or check out the blog post to discover why your sales might drop and get a robust list of marketing strategies to boost them back up. Support the show

The Holy Grail for many authors is to write a popular book series where readers of book one go on to read book two and so on. Writing a popular book series provides many marketing advantages, namely that your advertising is far more profitable.But writing a series is also risky. Generally, you can only sell subsequent books to folks who purchased, read, and enjoyed the first book in the series.For some authors, writing books in a series has shackled their otherwise good books to a relatively unappealing freshman effort.So, how do you know if your book is a good fit for a series?In this week's episode, you'll hear from Kristina Stanley, best-selling, award-winning author and the founder of Fictionary.co. We discussTwo types of seriesHow to know if your idea can sustain a seriesStrategies for release and promotion of books in a seriesListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to learn about the many marketing advantages a completed series provides and how you can write a successful series.Support the show

I'm excited to announce that tickets are now for sale for the 2025 Novel Marketing Conference. The conference will be held in Austin, Texas, on January 17th and 18th. This event is not a typical writer's conference where you learn how to write and publish a book. Our conference is focused on book marketing, and our goal is to help you make 2025 the best year of your author career so far!In this episode, you'll find out·      Three special ingredients that make the Novel Marketing Conference unique·      How this year's conference will differ from last year's·      Why we've made certain deliberate choices for this year's conferenceListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to get details about the 2025 Novel Marketing Conference.Support the show

A few weeks ago, Dazed Digital published an article asking why men no longer read novels. The article itself had no satisfying answers, but the question triggered a big discussion online, particularly on X, where everyone had a hot take.But men are buying and reading books. And authors who write what men want to read are making millions of dollars.In this week's episode, you'll hear from Alexander Macris, who wrote a rebuttal of sorts to the assumption that men don't read novels.In our conversation, you'll learn·      What men are (and are not) reading and why·      How to write for male readers·      Which storylines male and female readers want to read·      How to market books to menListen in or check out the blog version of this episode for some surprising insight into what male readers are (and aren't) looking for in a novel.Support the show

Authors often refer to their books as "babies." As I've worked in the publishing world with authors and now that we are awaiting the birth of our fourth child, I'm starting to see a lot of similarities between birthing a book baby and a human baby.We can learn a lot about delivering a book baby by looking at the process of delivering a real baby. In this week's episode, you'll gain insight onThe author's experience in each stage of book-baby developmentHow to cover the expenses related to holding your book baby for the first timeHow to nourish your book baby and promote healthy growthListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to find out what to expect when publishing a book and what your "book baby" needs for a healthy gestation, birth, and life.Support the Show.

Novelists often struggle with what to write or say in their email newsletters, blogs, and podcasts. Unpublished novelists often feel like they have nothing to talk about, and published authors know readers tire of constant book promotion emails.So, what should novelists write about?Writing a novel is a bit like woodworking. When you craft something from wood, you often have leftover pieces of lumber you can use elsewhere.Savvy carpenters and writers know how to put the leftovers to use.A novelist's leftover lumber is research!In this week's episode, we'll visit with a historical novelist about how you can repurpose research.You'll discoverHow to share your research in a way that interests your readersLogistical tips for conducting research on-siteHow to engage readers in different stages of your book's developmentListen in or check out the blog version of this episode. You might discover you have plenty of interesting bits about your novel to share with your readers.Support the Show.

Have you ever wondered if a course would be a better way to present the material in your book? Have your readers asked you to develop your book into an online course?You probably know that online courses tend to sell at higher price points than books, but you also know they are a lot of work.Will it be worth it for you? For your readers?I've been creating and teaching online courses for over a decade and had to learn many things the hard way.In this week's episode, you'll learn the easy way about the lessons I learned the hard way.We'll discussWhich types of online courses work in different situationsHow you can make sure your course will sellTips for creating your first courseListen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to discover whether the material in your book could be presented in a course and become a secondary source of revenue for you.Support the Show.

You probably know that offering a reader magnet on your website is imperative to growing your email list, tantalizing readers with a sample of your writing, and eventually getting them to buy your book.If you write novels, your reader magnet should be a short story, but if you don't know how to write a great one, you'll miss out on the many advantages short stories provide.In this week's episode, Steve Diamond, author and cohost of the Writer Dojo podcast, and I discuss the art of writing short stories.You'll learnThe biggest mistake authors make when publishing short storiesHow short story techniques differ from those used in long-form piecesTwo exercises that will build your short-story-writing muscles Listen in or read the blog version to discover all the ways writing short stories can benefit you, and learn to write a great one.Support the Show.

Your website is one of your most critical book marketing assets. It's where you manage your online reputation, grow your email list, and sell books. But before you build a website, you need web hosting.You have thousands of web hosting options, which can feel a bit overwhelming. How do you know what kind of host you need for your website?In this week's episode, you'll discoverWhat a web host does for your websiteWhich kind of web hosting is best for authors (and which to avoid!)How much you should (or shouldn't) spend on web hostingIf you've been wanting to build a website or have considered switching web hosts, listen in or check out the blog post version of this episode for some recommendations on finding the best service for your situation.Support the Show.

Feeling overwhelmed by book marketing can lead authors to look for shortcuts. Shortcuts lead to expensive complications. Expensive complications lead to dead ends. Dead ends lead to suffering. Yoda would call this “The path to the dark side.”Does this sound familiar? How do you escape this overwhelming cycle?There are ten different stressors that can lead to book-marketing overwhelm. Most authors face at least one, and if you are completely overwhelmed, you may be facing all of them.In this week's episode, you'll learn:Ten factors that may be causing your marketing stressHow free courses may be contributing to your overwhelmHow to improve your publishing vocabularyListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to discover which stressors are hounding you and how to implement simple solutions to mitigate your marketing stress.Support the Show.

Being an author requires you to have hundreds of online accounts for different software and services. Websites such as Amazon, ConvertKit, Publisher Rocket, Patreon, K-lytics, Bookvault, AuthorMedia.social, AuthorsXP, BookBub, Kickstarter, Teachable, Bluehost, WordPress, Grammarly, and Plottr (to name a few) all require a username and password.Some authors avoid using helpful tools simply because they don't want to create and remember yet another username and password. It seems like too much hassle, and their writing and publishing efficiency and quality suffer as a result.But what if there was a simple way to eliminate your password problems? There is!In this week's episode you'll learnFour password mistakes to avoidWhich tools provide password securityMy recommendation (which has changed in recent years)If you're ready to eliminate your password problems, listen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to find password peace of mind.You can become a patron at NovelMarketing.com/patron. Support the Show.

Can you make a living as an author without selling through Amazon? Many authors wonder.Amazon is the sole revenue source for many indie authors, but Amazon's algorithms can disable your KDP accounts and cut off your income without any human reviewing the action.Authors find themselves pleading with a computer to reactivate their accounts while their livelihoods hang in the balance. While this scenario is rare, it does occur.That's why some authors connect with their readers without relying on Amazon. How do you do that, and what type of author can pull it off?In this week's episode, Connor Boyack shares his strategy for success and sustainability as a career author.You'll learnHow to earn income from your books outside of Amazon's ecosystemHow to increase your profit margins without increasing costsHow to attract and connect with the right kinds of readersListen in or check out the blog post version to find out how Connor's reproducible strategy can also work for you.You can become a patron at NovelMarketing.com/patron. Support the Show.

With the rise of AI authors, how do you prove you are a human author? Most authors prove their humanity with their names and photos. Your identity protects you from being called a bot writer.But what if you use a pen name? Will AI bring the age of pen names to an end? While pen names are going out of style, there are some reasons you might still consider using one.In this week's episode, you'll learn seven reasons authors use pen names and if those reasons still make sense in an era where your verifiable humanity has become a marketing asset.You'll learnWhen it makes sense to use a pen nameWhether a pen name can protect your true identityWhat a pen name does to your metadataThere are several great reasons (and a few bad ones) to use an author pen name. If you're still trying to decide what your author name should be, or if you've used a pen name for years, this episode will give you some direction, so listen in or check out the blog version today.You can become a patron at NovelMarketing.com/patron. Support the Show.

I remember watching Steve Jobs's keynote presentation for the original iPhone. This magical new device, he said, would revolutionize our productivity.And at first, it did.But then, along came apps. Soon, user experiences were scientifically optimized to be as addictive as possible. An author's productive output is inversely correlated with time spent on the phone.In this week's episode, we'll talk about how to spend less time on your phone and more time writing. You'll learnHow to boss your phone instead of letting your phone boss you.A revolutionary setting change that may drastically reduce your desire to look at your phoneHow to use your phone to write more productivelyListen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to discover ten tips for leveraging your phone to increase your productivity and limiting its ability to keep you from writing your book.You can become a patron at NovelMarketing.com/patron. Support the Show.

Authors around the world are trying to reduce their reliance on Amazon. However, most of us still use and like Amazon. In fact, many authors earn most of their money from Amazon. But any company with a 90% market share can't be fully trusted.One way indie authors can reduce their reliance on Amazon is by selling directly from their own author websites. Selling directly provides protection from the changes at an international company. It allows you to retain more money, control, and flexibility over pricing, bundling, and so much more.In this week's episode, you'll learn about a new service called Bookvault that can print your special edition hardback, help you sell directly to readers, and take care of order fulfillment.You'll learnWhich specialty features Bookvault offers that KDP and Ingram don'tHow to sell directly to your readers (and keep more profit!)How Bookvault can help with order fulfillmentHow you can get a free upload from BookvaultListen in or check out the blog post version to find out how you can print high-quality hardbacks, outsource fulfillment, and sell directly from your author website, all without using Amazon.You can become a patron at NovelMarketing.com/patron. Support the Show.

One key to becoming a bestselling author is the selling. And one element of sales is the sales pitch. Some authors think pitches are only to be used for pitching agents at writers conferences, but you can actually use a sales pitch whenever you talk about your book.Your sales pitch convinces readers to care about and read your book. The stronger your pitch, the better your sales.I've talked a lot about pitching novels in the past, but in this week's episode, we'll discuss a powerful recipe for pitching nonfiction that works so well that it can even work for fiction.You'll learnWhat elements you'll need to write a compelling pitchFour formulas for writing your pitchHow the formulas are used for different booksIn the blog post version of this episode, you can download the 8-page companion worksheet to help you discover which pitch formula works best for you and use it as a guide for writing a great sales pitch for your book.Support the Show.

My first DOS computer had no mouse. Its screen had two colors: green and white. Today, computers have mice and complex graphics, and there is no need to be a computer programmer in order to use a computer.Technology gets easier to use each year. Even though it's easier than it used to be, sometimes you still need help. Many authors find that the biggest obstacle keeping them from writing, publishing, or marketing is technology.Authors lacking technical sophistication often get pulled into overpriced schemes like hybrid publishing and struggle to succeed.So, how can you learn to learn technology?In this week's episode, you will learn the keys toviewing technology as less scary and more funconquering your fear of technologylearning how to learn a new technologyIf you're ready to have a little fun and fewer tech headaches, listen in or check out the blog version of this episode and learn how to master technology.Support the Show.

A few months ago, we released an episode called The Starving Author: How to Market Books When You Have No Money.After the episode aired, several authors asked me a similar question: “What do we do if we do have money to spend?” You see, not all authors are starving. Some writers have spent years saving money, and they want to know how to get the best return on that money when they invest it in book marketing.So, how do you supercharge book sales if you have money to spend?In this week's episode, we'll discuss marketing opportunities available to authors with a sizable marketing budget. You'll learnWhere to spend your marketing money before you publishWhich marketing opportunities are more available to authors with money to spendHow a publishing team can help you If you have a bigger budget for book marketing, opportunities abound. Listen in or check out the blog post version to find out which marketing expenses will yield the best return on your investment.Support the Show.

Author Media has a list of over 10,000 subscribers, and around half of them open our emails, which means our open rates hover around 50%. That's a high open rate!It's partly because new subscribers join our email list through webinars I present for writers and authors. By the end of each webinar, attendees know enough to want to open emails from Author Media and me. Plus, the comments, questions, and polls associated with the webinar allow me to get to know my audience better.If you want to get to know your “Timothy” and grow your email list by adding subscribers who want to open your emails, it might be time for you to host a webinar.But how do you deliver webinars readers want to attend?In this week's episode, you'll learn 12 tips for hosting educational and entertaining webinars people want to attend.You'll learnHow to capture and retain your attendees' attentionHow much time to spend on your presentation or Q&AWhat to do after the webinar to continue to the attendeesListen in or check out the blog version to find out how you can build an email list full of your “Timothys” and grow an engaged tribe through hosting an author webinar.Support the Show.

An Uber driver's most valuable asset is his car. A photographer's camera is critical. An Uber driver with a broken car can't make money, and a photographer with a cheap camera will slowly starve.What is the critical tool for an author? What tool will help you earn money and keep you from starving?Your laptop!You write, edit, and promote your book on your laptop. A reliable, compatible computer is key to your success. Put another way, an old, unreliable computer is a terrible liability.Investing in a good laptop is not just a smart move, it's a potential tax-deductible business expense for professional authors.But how do you know what kind of laptop is best for you?In this week's episode, you'll find out:What kind of speed and storage an author's laptop needsWhat to avoid when buying a laptopWhat you don't need in a laptopListen in or check out the blog version of this episode to find out what kind of computer will best help you in your writing career.Support the show

When readers browse Amazon, they have already decided to purchase a book. The only question is: Which book will they choose? What if there was a way to reach readers at this pivotal moment and persuade them to pick your book from the list they're considering?There is! It is called Amazon Advertising, and it has become one of the most popular forms of book promotion for indie authors.However, many authors feel intimidated by the idea of running Amazon ads.In this week's episode, you'll hear from Alana Terry, a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 books and Amazon ads expert.You'll discoverWhy Amazon ads might be a good place to startSix steps to quickly create your first adHow to determine whether your ads are workingAnd much more If you've wanted to sell more books on Amazon but have felt overwhelmed by the process of running ads, listen in or check out the blog version of this episode to find out the quickest way to get started.BookLaunch.fun Support the show