Podcasts about book marketing

Learn how to market your book in a way that aligns with your values, builds genuine reader connections, and feels sustainable instead of draining.Book Marketing. These two words make most writers want to close their laptops and hide forever. But what if it didn't have to feel that way?In this episode, I'm joined by award-winning science fiction and fantasy novelist and certified creativity coach Beth Barany to talk about what she calls heart-centered book marketing: A values-driven approach to promoting your story that actually feels aligned with who you are.We break down how to market your book without feeling salesy, how to identify the core values behind your writing, and how to build meaningful reader relationships that energize you rather than drain you.Here's what we cover:[04:35] What heart-centered book marketing actually means and how it differs from the traditional advice you'll find everywhere online.[07:57] Why chasing other people's book marketing strategies leads to burnout, and a key question to ask yourself before adopting any tactic.[11:01] How to uncover your core values as a writer and why your novel characters can actually help you do it.[15:47] A real example of how Beth uses her values to choose her book marketing platforms, including a creative Reddit strategy she's currently exploring.[22:18] Why you should ditch the "buy my book" approach and use your story's tropes to invite the right readers in instead.[24:36] Why fangirling authors you love is the easiest free marketing strategy and how it can lead to real collaborations and unexpected opportunities.Whether you're pre-launch, mid-series, or just exhausted by marketing advice that doesn't feel like you, this episode will give you a refreshing, permission-giving framework to promote your book in a way that's sustainable, authentic, and actually kind of fun.

How do you capture something as enormous and personal as the feeling of “home” in a book? How can you navigate the chaotic discovery period in writing something new? With Roz Morris. In the intro, KU vs Wide [Written Word Media]; Podcasts Overtake Radio, book marketing implications [The New Publishing Standard]; Tips for podcast guests; The Vatican embraces AI for translation, but not for sermons [National Catholic Reporter]; NotebookLM; Self-Publishing in German; Bones of the Deep. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Roz Morris is an award-nominated literary fiction author, memoirist, and previously a bestselling ghostwriter. She writes writing craft books for authors under the Nail Your Novel brand, and is also an editor, speaker, and writing coach. Her latest travel memoir is Turn Right at the Rainbow: A Diary of House-Hunting, Happenstance & Home. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes How being an indie author has evolved over 15 years, from ebooks-only to special editions, multi-voice audiobooks and tools to help with everything Why “home” is such a powerful emotional theme and how to turn personal experiences into universal memoir Practical craft tips on show-don't-tell, writing about real people, and finding the right book title The chaotic discovery writing phase — why some books take seven years and why that's okay Building a newsletter sustainably by finding your authentic voice (and the power of a good pet story) Low-key book marketing strategies for memoir, including Roz's community-driven “home” collage campaign You can find Roz at RozMorris.org. Transcript of the interview with Roz Morris JOANNA: Roz Morris is an award-nominated literary fiction author, memoirist, and previously a bestselling ghostwriter. She writes writing craft books for authors under the Nail Your Novel brand, and is also an editor, speaker, and writing coach. Her latest travel memoir is Turn Right at the Rainbow: A Diary of House-Hunting, Happenstance & Home. Welcome back to the show, Roz. ROZ: Hi, Jo. It's so lovely to be back. I love that we managed to catch up every now and again on what we're doing. We've been doing this for so long. JOANNA: In fact, if people don't know, the first time you came on this show was 2011, which is 15 years. ROZ: I know! JOANNA: It is so crazy. I guess we should say, we do know each other in person, in real life, but realistically we mainly catch up when you come on the podcast. ROZ: Yes, we do, and by following what we're doing around the web. So I read your newsletters, you read mine. JOANNA: Exactly. So good to return. You write all kinds of different things, but let's first take a look back. The first time you were on was 2011, 15 years ago. You've spanned traditional and indie, you've seen a lot. You know a lot of people in publishing as well. What are the key things you think have shifted over the years, and why do you still choose indie for your work? ROZ: Well, lots of things have shifted. Some things are more difficult now, some things are a lot easier. We were lucky to be in right at the start and we learned the ropes and managed to make a lot of contacts with people. Now it's much more difficult to get your work out there and noticed by readers. You have to be more knowledgeable about things like marketing and promotions. But that said, there are now much better tools for doing all this. Some really smart people have put their brains to work about how authors can get their work to the right readers, and there's also a lot more understanding of how that can be done in the modern world. Everything is now much more niche-driven, isn't it? People know exactly what kind of thriller they like or what kind of memoir they like. In the old days it was probably just, “Well, you like thrillers,” and that could be absolutely loads of things. Now we can find far better who might like our work. The tools we have are astonishing. To start with, in about 2011, we could only really produce ebooks and paperbacks. That was it. Anything else, you'd have to get a print run that would be quite expensive. Now we can get amazing, beautiful special editions made. We can do audiobooks, multi-voice audiobooks. We can do ebooks with all sorts of enhancements. We can even make apps if we want to. There's absolutely loads that creators can do now that they couldn't before, so it's still a very exciting world. JOANNA: When we first met, there was still a lot of negativity here in the UK around indie authors or self-publishing. That does feel like it's shifted. Do you think that stigma around self-publishing has changed? ROZ: I think it has really changed, yes. To start with, we were regarded as a bit of the Wild West. We were just tramping in and making our mark in places that we hadn't been invited into. Now it's changed entirely. I think we've managed to convince people that we have the same quality standards. Readers don't mind—I don't think the readers ever minded, actually, so long as the book looked right, felt right, read right. It's much easier now. It's much more of a level playing field. We can prove ourselves. In fact, we don't necessarily have to prove ourselves anymore. We just go and find readers. JOANNA: Yes, I feel like that. I have nothing to prove. I just get on with my work and writing our books and putting them out there. We've got our own audiences now. I guess I always think of it as perhaps not a shadow industry, but almost a parallel industry. You have spanned a lot of traditional publishing and you still do editing work. You know a lot of trad pub authors too. Do you still actively choose indie for a particular reason? ROZ: I do. I really like building my own body of work, and I'm now experienced enough to know what I do well, what I need advice with, and help with. I mean, we don't do all this completely by ourselves, do we? We bring in experts who will give us the right feedback if we're doing a new genre or a genre that's new to us. I choose indie because I like the control. Because I began in traditional publishing—I was making books for other people—I just learned all the trades and how to do everything to a professional standard. I love being able to apply that to my own work. I also love the way I can decide what I'm going to write next. If I was traditionally published, I would have to do something that fitted with whatever the publisher would want of me, and that isn't necessarily where my muse is taking me or what I've become interested in. I think creative humans evolve throughout their lives. They become interested in different things, different themes, different ways of expressing themselves. I began by thinking I would just write novels, and now I've found myself writing memoirs as well. That shift would have been difficult if someone else was having to make me fit into their marketing plans or what their imprint was known for. But because I've built my own audience, I can just bring them with me and say, “You might like this. It's still me. I'm just doing something different.” JOANNA: I like that phrase: “creative humans.” That's what we are. As you say, I never thought I would write a memoir, and then I wrote Pilgrimage, and I think there's probably another one on its way. We do these different things over time. Let's get into this new book, Turn Right at the Rainbow. It's about the idea of home. I've talked a lot about home on my Books And Travel Podcast, but not so much here. Why is home such an emotional topic, for both positive and negative reasons? Why did you want to explore it? ROZ: I think home is so emotional because it grows around you and it grows on you very slowly without you really realising it. As you are not looking, you suddenly realise, “Oh, it means such a lot.” I love to play this mind game with myself—if you compare what your street looks like to you now and how it looked the first time you set eyes on it, it's a world of difference. There are so many emotional layers that build up just because of the amount of time we spend in a place. It's like a relationship, a very slow-growing friendship. And as you say, sometimes it can be negative as well. I became really fascinated with this because we decided to move house and we'd lived in the same house for about 30 years, which is a lot of time. It had seen a lot of us—a lot of our lives, a lot of big decisions, a lot of good times, a lot of difficult times. I felt that was all somehow encapsulated in the place. I know that readers of certain horror or even spiritual fiction will have this feeling that a place contains emotions and pasts and all sorts of vibes that just stay in there. When we were going around looking at a house to buy, I was thinking, “How do we even know how we will feel about it?” We're moving out of somewhere that has immense amounts of feelings and associations, and we're trying to judge whether somewhere else will feel right. It just seemed like we were making a decision of cosmic proportions. It comes down so much to chance as well. You're not only just deciding, “Okay, I'd like to buy that one,” and pressing a button like on eBay and you've won it. It doesn't happen like that. There are lots of middle steps. The other person's got to agree to sell to you, not do the dirty on you and sell to someone else. You've got all sorts of machinations going on that you have no idea about. And you only have what's on offer—you only get an opportunity to buy a place because someone else has decided to let it go. All this seemed like immense amounts of chance, of dice rolling. I thought, yet we end up in these places and they mean so much to us. It just blew my mind. I thought, “I've got to write about this.” JOANNA: It's really interesting, isn't it? I really only started using the word “home” after the pandemic and living here in Bath. We had luckily just bought a house before then, and I'd never really considered anywhere to be a home. I've talked about this idea of third culture kids—people who grow up between cultures and don't feel like there's a home anywhere. I was really interested in your book because there's so much about the functional things that have to happen when you move house or look for a house, and often people aren't thinking about it as deeply as you are. So did you start working on the memoir as you went to see places, or was it something you thought about when you were leaving? Was it a “moving towards” kind of memoir or a “sad nostalgia” memoir? ROZ: Well, it could have been very sad and nostalgic because I do like to write really emotional things, and they're not necessarily for sharing with everybody, but I was very interested in the emotions of it. I started keeping diaries. Some of them were just diaries I'd write down, some of them were emails I'd send to friends who were saying, “How's it going?” And then I'd find I was just writing pieces rather than emails, and it built up really. JOANNA: It's interesting, you said you write emotional things. We mentioned nostalgia, and obviously there are memories in the home, but it's very easy to say a word like “nostalgia” and everyone thinks that means different things. One of the important things about writing is to be very specific rather than general. Can you give us some tips about how we can turn big emotions into specific written things that bring it alive for our readers? ROZ: It's really interesting that you mention nostalgia, because what we have to be careful of is not writing just for ourselves. It starts with us—our feelings about something, our responses, our curiosities—but we then have to let other people in. There's nothing more boring than reading something that's just a memoir manuscript that doesn't reach out to anyone in any way. It's like looking through their holiday snaps. What you have to do is somehow find something bigger in there that will allow everyone to connect and think, “Oh, this is about me too,” or “I've thought this too.” As I said, we start with things that feel powerful and important for us, and I think we don't necessarily need to go looking for them. They emerge the more deeply we think about what we're writing. We find they're building. Certainly for me, it's what pulls me back to an idea, thinking, “There's something in this idea that's really talking to me now. What is it?” Often I'll need to go for walks and things to let the logical mind turn off and ideas start coming in. But I'll find that something is building and it seems to become more and more something that will speak to others rather than just to me. That's one way of doing it—by listening to your intuition and delving more and more until you find something that seems worth saying to other people. But you could do it another way. If you decided you wanted to write a book about home, and you'd already got your big theme, you could then think, “Well, how will I make this into something manageable?” So you start with something big and build it into smaller-scale things that can be related to. You might look at ideas of homes—situations of people who have lost their home, like the kind of displacement we see at the moment. Or we might look at another aspect, such as people who sell homes and what they must feel like being these go-betweens between worlds, between people who are doing these immense changes in their lives. Or we might think of an ecological angle—the planet Earth and what we're doing to it, or our place in the cosmos. We might start with a thing we want to write about and then find, “How are we going to treat it?” That usually comes down to what appeals to us. It might be the ecological side. It might be the story of a few estate agents who are trying to sell homes for people. Or it might be like mine—just a personal story of trying to move house. From that, we can create something that will have a wider resonance as well as starting with something that's personally interesting to you. The big emotions will come out of that wider resonance. JOANNA: Trying to go deeper on that— It's the “show, don't tell” idea, isn't it? If you'd said, “I felt very sad about leaving my house” or “I felt very sad about the prospect of leaving my house,” that is not a whole book. ROZ: Yes. It's why you felt sad, how you felt sad, what it made you think of. That's a very good point about “show, don't tell,” which is a fundamental writing technique. It basically tells people exactly how you feel about a particular thing, which is not the same as the way anyone else would feel about it—but still, curiously, it can be universal and something that we can all tap into. Funnily enough, by being very specific, by saying, “I realised when we'd signed the contract to sell the house that it wasn't ours anymore, and it had been, and I felt like I was betraying it,” that starts to get really personal. People might think, “Yes, I felt like that too,” or “I hadn't thought you'd feel like that, but I can understand it.” Those specifics are what really let people into the journey that you're taking them on. JOANNA: And isn't this one of the challenges, that we're not even going to use a word like “sad,” basically. ROZ: Yes. It's like, who was it who said, “Don't tell me if they got wet—tell me how it felt to get wet in that particular situation.” Then the reader will think, “Oh yes, they got wet,” but they'll also have had an experience that took them somewhere interesting. JOANNA: Yes. Show me the raindrops on the umbrella and the splashing through the puddles. I think this is so important with big emotions. Also, when we say nostalgia—we've talked before about Stranger Things and Kate Bush and the way Stranger Things used songs and nostalgia. Oh, I was watching Derry Girls—have you seen Derry Girls? ROZ: No, I haven't yet. JOANNA: Oh, it's brilliant. It's so good. It's pretty old now, but it's a nineties soundtrack and I'm watching going, “Oh, they got this so right.” They just got it right with the songs. You feel nostalgic because you feel an emotion that is linked to that music. It makes you feel a certain way, but everyone feels these things in different ways. I think that is a challenge of fiction, and also memoir. Certainly with memoir and fiction, this is so important. ROZ: Yes, and I was just thinking with self-help books, it's even important there because self-help books have to show they understand how the reader is feeling. JOANNA: Yes, and sometimes you use anecdotes to do that. Another challenge with memoir—in this book, you're going round having a look at places, and they're real places and there are real people. This can be difficult. What are things that people need to be wary of if using real people in real places? Do you need permissions for things? ROZ: That book was particularly tricky because, as you said, I was going around real places and talking about real people. With most of them, they're not identifiable. Even though I was specific about particular aspects of particular houses, it would be very hard for anyone to know where those houses were. I think possibly the only way you would recognise it is if that happened to be your own house. The people, similarly—there's a lot about estate agents and other professionals. They were all real incidents and real things that happened, but no one is identifiable. A very important thing about writing a book like this is you're always going to have antagonists, because you have to have people who you're finding difficult, people who are making life a bit difficult for you. You have to present them in a way that understands what it's like to be them as well. If you're writing a book where your purpose is to expose wrongdoing or injustices, then you might be more forthright about just saying, “This is wrong, the way this person behaved was wrong.” You might identify villains if that's appropriate, although you'd have to be very careful legally. This kind of book is more nuanced. The antagonists were simply people who were trying to do the right thing for them. You have to understand what it's like to be them. Quite a lot of the time, I found that the real story was how ill-equipped I sometimes felt to deal with people who were maybe covering something up, or maybe not, but just not expressing themselves very clearly. Estate agents who had an agenda, and I was thinking, “Who are they acting for? Are they acting for me, or are they acting for someone else that we don't even know about?” There's a fair bit of conflict in the book, but it comes from people being people and doing what they have to do. I just wanted to find a good house in an area that was nice, a house I could trust and rely on, for a price that was right. The people who were selling to me just wanted to sell the house no matter what because that was what they needed to do. You always have to understand what the other person's point of view is. Often in this kind of memoir, even though you might be getting very frustrated, it's best to also see a bit of a ridiculous side to yourself—when you're getting grumpy, for instance. It's all just humans being humans in a situation where ultimately you're going to end up doing a life-changing and important thing. I found there's quite a lot of humour in that. We were shuffling things around and, as I said, we were eventually going to be making a cosmic change that would affect the place we called home. I found that quite amusing in a lot of ways. I think you've got to be very levelheaded about this, particularly about writing about other people. Sometimes you do have to ask for permission. I didn't have to do that very much in this book. There were people I wrote about who are actually friends, who would recognise themselves and their stories. I checked that they didn't mind me quoting particular things, and they were all fine with that. In my previous memoir, Not Quite Lost, I actually wrote about a group of people who were completely identifiable. They would definitely have known who they were, and other people would have known who they were. There was no hiding them. They were the people near Brighton who were cryonicists—preserving dead bodies, freezing them, in the hope that they could be revived at a much later date when science had solved the problem that killed them. I went to visit this group of cryonicists, and I'd written a diary about it at the time. Then I followed up when I was writing the book to find out what happened to them. I thought, I've simply got to contact them and tell them I'm going to write this. “I'll send it to you, you give me your comments,” and I did. They gave me some good comments and said, “Oh, please don't put that,” or “Let me clarify this.” Everything was fine. So there I did actually seek them out and check that what I was going to write was okay. JOANNA: Yes, in that situation, there can't be many cryonicists in that area. ROZ: They really were identifiable. JOANNA: There's probably only one group! But this is really interesting, because obviously memoir is a personal thing. You're curating who you are as well in the book, and your husband. I think it's interesting, because I had the problem of “Am I giving away too much about myself?” Do you feel like with everything you've written, you've already given away everything about yourself by now? Are you just completely relaxed about being personal, for yourself and for your husband? ROZ: I think I have become more relaxed about it. My first memoir wasn't nearly as personal as yours was. You were going to some quite difficult places. With Turn Right at the Rainbow, I was approaching some darker places, actually, and I had to consider how much to reveal and how much not to. But I found once I started writing, the honesty just took over. I thought, “This is fine. I have read plenty of books that have done this, and I've loved them. I've loved getting to know someone on that deeper level.” It was just something I took my example from—other writers I'd enjoyed. JOANNA: Yes. I think that's definitely the way memoir has to happen, because it can be very hard to know how to structure it. Let's come to the title. Turn Right at the Rainbow. Really great title, and obviously a subtitle which is important as well for theme. Talk about where the title came from and also the challenges of titling books of any genre. You've had some other great titles for your novels—at least titles I've thought, “Oh yes, that's perfect.” Titling can be really hard. ROZ: Oh, thank you for that. Yes, it is hard. Ever Rest, which was the title of my last novel, just came to me early on. I was very lucky with that. It fitted the themes and it fitted what was going on, but it was just a bolt from the blue. I found that also with Turn Right at the Rainbow, it was an accident. It slipped out. I was going to call it something else, and then this incident happened. “Turn Right at the Rainbow” is actually one of the stories in the book. I call it the title track, as if it's an album. We were going somewhere in the car and the sat nav said, “Turn right at the rainbow.” And Dave and I just fell about, “What did it just say?!” It also seemed to really sum up the journey we were on. We were looking for rainbows and pots of gold and completely at the mercy of chance. It just stayed with me. It seemed the right thing. I wrote the piece first and then I kept thinking, “Well, this sounds like a good title.” Dave said it sounded like a good title. And then a friend of mine who does a lot of beta reading for me said, “Oh, that is the title, isn't it?” When several people tell you that's the title, you've got to take notice. But how we find these things is more difficult, as you said. You just work and work at it, beating your head against the wall. I find they always come to me when I'm not looking. It really helps to do something like exercise, which will put you in a bit of a different mind state. Do you find this as well? JOANNA: Yes, I often like a title earlier on that then changes as the book goes. I mean, we're both discovery writers really, although you do reverse outlines and other things. You have a chaotic discovery phase. I feel like when I'm in that phase, it might be called something, and then I often find that's not what it ends up being, because the book has actually changed in the process. ROZ: Yes, very much. That's part of how we realise what we should be writing. I do have working titles and then something might come along and say, “This seems actually like what you should call it and what you've been working towards, what you've been discovering about it.” I think a good title has a real sense of emotional frisson as well. With memoir, it's easier because we can add a subtitle to explain what we mean. With fiction, it's more difficult. We've got to really hope that it all comes through those few words, and that's a bit harder. JOANNA: Let's talk about your next book. On your website it says it might be a novel, it might be narrative nonfiction, and you have a working title of Four. I wondered if you'd talk a bit more about this chaotic discovery writing phase when we just don't know what's coming. I feel like you and I have been doing this long enough—you longer than me—so maybe we're okay with it. But newer writers might find this stage really difficult. Where's the fun in it? Why is it so difficult? And how can people deal with it? ROZ: You've summed that up really well. It's fun and it's difficult, and I still find it difficult even after all these years. I have to remind myself, looking back at where Ever Rest started, because that was a particularly difficult one. It took me seven years to work out what to do with it, and I wrote three other books in the meantime. It just comes together in the end. What I find is that something takes root in my mind and it collects things. The title you just picked out there—the book with working title of Four—it's now two books. One possibly another memoir and one possibly fiction. It's evolving all the time. I'm just collecting what seems to go with it for now and thinking, “That belongs with it somehow. I don't yet know how, but my intuition is that the two work well together.” There's a harmony there that I see. In the very early stages, that's what I find something is. Then I might get a more concrete idea, say a piece of story or a character, and I'll have the feeling that they really fit together. Once I've got something concrete like that, I can start doing more active research to pursue the idea. But in the beginning, they're all just little twinkles in the eye and you just have to let them develop. If you want to get started on something because you feel you want to get started and you don't feel happy if you're not working on something, you could do a far more active kind of discovery. Writing lists. Lists are great for this. I find lists of what you don't want it to be are just as helpful as what you do want it to be because that certainly narrows down a lot and helps you make good choices. You've got a lot of choices to make at the beginning of a book. You've got to decide: What's it going to be about? What isn't it going to be about? What kind of characters am I interested in? What kind of situations am I interested in? What doesn't interest me about this situation? Very important—saves you a lot of time. What does interest me? If you can start by doing that kind of thing, you will find that you start gathering stuff that gets attracted to it. It's almost like the world starts giving it to you. This is discovery writing, but it's also chivvying it along a bit and getting going. It does work. Joanna: I like the idea of listing what you don't want it to be. I think that's very useful because often writers, especially in the early stages—or even not, I still struggle with this—it's knowing what genre it might actually be. With Bones of the Deep, which is my next thriller, it was originally going to be horror and I was writing it, and then I realised one of the big differences between horror and thriller is the ending and how character arcs are resolved and the way things are written. I was just like, “Do you know what? I actually feel like this is more thriller than horror,” and that really shaped the direction. Even though so much of it was the same, it shaped a lot about the book. It's always hard talking about this stuff without giving spoilers, but I think deciding, “Okay, this is not a horror,” actually helped me find my way back to thriller. ROZ: Yes, I do know what you mean. That makes perfect sense to me, with no spoilers either. It's so interesting how a very broad-strokes picture like that can still be very helpful. Just trying to make something a bit different from the way you've been envisaging it can lead to massive breakthroughs. “Oh no, it's not a thriller—I don't have to be aiming for that kind of effect.” Or try changing the tone a little bit and see if that just makes you happier with what you're making, more comfortable with it. JOANNA: You mentioned the seven years that Ever Rest took. We should say the title is in two words—”Ever” and “Rest”—but it is also about Everest the mountain in many ways. That's why it's such a perfect title. If that took seven years and you were doing all this other stuff and writing other books along the way, how do you keep your research under control? How do you do that? I still use Scrivener projects as my main research place. How do you do your research and organisation? ROZ: A lot of scraps of paper. My desk is massive. It used to be a dining table with leaves in it. It's spread out to its fullest length, and it's got heaps of little pieces of paper. I know what's on them all, and there are different areas, different zones. I'm very much a paper writer because I like the tangibility of it. I also like the creativity of taking a piece of paper and tearing it into an odd shape and writing a note on that. It seems as sort of profound and lucky as the idea. I really like that. I do make text files and keep notes that way. Once something is starting to get to a phase where it's becoming serious, it will then be a folder with various files that discuss different aspects of it. I do a lot of discussing with myself while writing, and I don't necessarily look at it all again. The writing of it clarifies something or allows me to put something aside and say, “No, that doesn't quite belong.” Gradually I start to look at things, look at what I've gathered, and think, “How does this fit with this?” And it helps to look away as well. As I said with finding titles, sometimes the right thing is in your subconscious and it's waiting to just sail in if you look at it in a different way. There's a lot to be said for working on several ideas, not looking at some of them for a while, then going back and thinking, “Oh, I know what to do with this now.” JOANNA: Yes. My Writing the Shadow, I was talking about that when we met, and that definitely took about a decade. ROZ: Yes. JOANNA: I kept having to come back to that, and sometimes we're just not ready. Even as experienced writers, we're not ready for a particular book. With Bones of the Deep, I did the trip that it's based on in 1999. Since I became a writer, I've thought I have to use that trip in some way, and I never found the right way to use it. I came at it a couple of times and it just never sat right with me. Then something on this master's course I'm doing around human remains and indigenous cultures just suddenly all clicked. You can't really rush that, can you? ROZ: You absolutely can't. It's something you develop a sense for, the more you do—whether something's ready or whether you should just let it think about itself for a while whilst you work on something else. It really helps to have something else to work on because I panic a bit if I don't have something creative to do. I just have to create, I have to make things, particularly in writing. But I also like doing various little arty things as well. I need to always have something to be writing about or exploring in words. Sometimes a book isn't ready for that intense pressure of being properly written. So it helps to have several things that I can play with and then pick one and go, “Okay, now I'm going to really perform this on the page.” JOANNA: Do you find that nonfiction—because you have some craft books as well—do you find the nonfiction side is quite different? Can you almost just go and write a nonfiction book or work on someone else's project? Does that use a different kind of creativity? ROZ: Yes, it does. Creativity where you're trying to explain something to creative people is totally different from creativity where you're trying to involve them in emotions and a journey and nuances of meaning. They're very different, but they're still fun. So, yes, I am an editor as well, and that feeds my creativity in various unexpected ways. I'll see what someone has done and think, “Oh, that's very interesting that they did that.” It can make me think in different ways—different shapes for stories, different kinds of characters to have. It really opens your eyes, working with other creative people. JOANNA: I wanted to return to what you said at the beginning, that it is more difficult these days to get our work noticed. There's certainly a challenge in writing a travel memoir about home. What are you doing to market this book? What have you learned about book marketing for memoir in particular that might help other people? ROZ: Partly I realised it was quite a natural progression for me because in my newsletter I always write a couple of little pieces. I think they're called “life writing.” Just little things that have happened to me. That's sort of like memoir, creative nonfiction, personal essays. I was quite naturally writing that sort of thing to my newsletter readers, and I realised that was already good preparation for the kind of way that I would write in a memoir. As for the actual campaign, I actually came up with an idea which quite surprised me because I didn't think I was good at that. I'm making a collage of the word “home” written in lots of different handwriting, on lots of different things, in lots of different languages. I'm getting people to contribute these and send them to me, and I'm building them into a series of collages that's just got the word “home” everywhere. People have been contributing them by sending them by email or on Facebook Messenger, and I've been putting them up on my social platforms. They look stunning. It's amazing. People are writing the word “home” on a post-it or sticking it to a picture of their radiator. Someone wrote it in snow on her car when we had snow. Someone wrote it on a pottery shard she found in her drive when she bought the house. She thought it was mysterious. There are all these lovely stories that people are telling me as well. I'm making them into little artworks and putting them up every day as the book comes to launch. It's so much fun, and it also has a deeper purpose because it shows how home is different for all of us and how it builds as uniquely as our handwriting. Our handwriting has a story. I should do a book about that! JOANNA: That's a weird one. Handwriting always gets me, although it'd be interesting these days because so many people don't handwrite things anymore. You can probably tell the age of someone by how well-developed their handwriting is. ROZ: Except mine has just withered. I can barely write for more than a few minutes. JOANNA: Oh, I know what you mean. Your hand gets really tired. ROZ: We used to write three-hour exams. How did we do that? JOANNA: I really don't know. JOANNA: Just coming back on that. You mentioned mainly you're doing your newsletter and connecting with your own community. You've done podcasts with me and with other people. But I feel like in the indie community, the whole “you must build your newsletter” thing is described as something quite frantic. How have you built a newsletter in a sustainable manner? ROZ: I've built it by finding what suited me. To start with I thought, “What will I put in it? News, obviously.” But I wasn't doing that much that was newsworthy. Then I began to examine what news could actually be. The turning point really happened when I wrote the first memoir, Not Quite Lost: Travels Without a Sense of Direction. I thought, “I have to explain to people why I'm writing a memoir,” because it seemed like a very audacious thing to do—”Read about me!” I thought I had to explain myself. So I told the story of how I came to think about writing such an audacious book. I just found a natural way to tell stories about what I was doing creatively. I thought, “I like this. I like writing a newsletter like this.” And it's not all me, me, me. It's “I'm discovering this and it makes me think this,” and it just seems to be generally about life, about little questions that we might all face. From then, I found I really enjoyed writing a newsletter because I felt I had something to say. I couldn't put lists of where I was speaking, what I was teaching, what special offers I had, because that wasn't really how my creative life worked. Once I found something I could sustainably write about every month, it really helped. Oh, it also helps to have a pet, by the way. JOANNA: Yes, you have a horse! ROZ: I've got a horse. People absolutely love hearing the stories about my ongoing relationship with this horse. Even if they're not horsey, they write to me and say, “We just love your horse.” It helps to have a human interest thing going on like that. So that works for me. Everyone's got different things that will work for them. But for me, it builds just a sense of connection, human connection. I'm human, making things. JOANNA: In terms of actually getting people signed up—has it literally just been over time? People have read your book, signed up from the link at the back? Have you ever done any specific growth marketing around your newsletter? ROZ: I tried a little bit of growth marketing. I have a freebie version of one of my Nail Your Novel books and I put that on a promotion site. I got lots of newsletter signups, but they sort of dwindled away. When I get unsubscribes, it's usually from that list, because it wasn't really what they came for. They just came for a free book of writing tips. While I do writing tips on my blog—I'm still doing those—it wasn't really what my newsletter was about. What I found was that that wasn't going to get people who were going to be interested long-term in what I was writing about in my newsletter. Whatever you do, I found, has got to be true to what you are actually giving them. JOANNA: Yes, I think that's really key. I make sure I email once every couple of weeks. And you welcome the unsubscribes. You have to welcome them because those people are not right for you and they're not interested in what you're doing. At the end of the day, we're still trying to sell books. As much as you're enjoying the connection with your audience, you are still trying to sell Turn Right at the Rainbow and your other books, right? ROZ: Absolutely, yes. And as you say, someone who decides, “No, not for me anymore,” and that's good. There are still people who you are right for. JOANNA: Mm-hmm. ROZ: I do market my newsletter in a very low-key way. I make a graphic every month for the newsletter, it's like a magazine cover. “What's in it?” And I put that around all my social media. I change my Facebook page header so it's got that on it, my Bluesky header. People can see what it's like, what the vibe is, and they know where to find it if they're interested. I find that kind of low-key approach works quite well for what I'm offering. It's got to be true to what you offer. JOANNA: Yes, and true for a long-term career, I think. When I first met you and your husband Dave, it was like, “Oh, here are some people who are in this writing business, have already been in it for a while.” And both of you are still here. I just feel like— You have to do it in a sustainable way, whether it's writing or marketing or any of this. The only way to do it is to, as you said, live as a creative human and not make it all frantic and “must be now.” ROZ: Yes. I mean, I do have to-do lists that are quite long for every week, but I've learned to pace myself. I've learned how often I can write a good blog post. I could churn out blog posts that were far more frequent, but they wouldn't be as good. They wouldn't be as properly thought through. In the old days with blogs, you had an advantage if you were blogging very frequently, I think you got more noticed by Google because you were constantly putting up fresh content. But if that's not sustainable for you, it's not going to do you any good. Now there's so much content around that it's probably fine to post once a month if that is what you're going to do and how you're going to present the best of yourself. I see a lot on Substack—I've recently started Substack as well—I see people writing every other day. I think they're good, that's interesting, but I don't have time to read it. I would love to have the time, but I don't. So there's actually no sin in only posting once a month—one newsletter a month, one blog post a month, one Substack a month. That's plenty. People will still find that enough if they get you. JOANNA: Fantastic. So where can people find you and your books and everything you do online? ROZ: My website is probably the easiest place, RozMorris.org. JOANNA: Brilliant. Well, thank you so much for your time, Roz. As ever, that was great. ROZ: Thank you, Jo.The post Writing Emotion, Discovery Writing, And Slow Sustainable Book Marketing With Roz Morris first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Memoirist and filmmaker Curtis Chin on pitching for national press, booking venues through cold emails, and making a high-volume book events strategy financially sustainable.   You'll learn:Why Curtis booked readings before his memoir released to drive pre-orders, and what that early push unlocked. How he found venues by researching programs and series online, then sending cold outreach without overcomplicating it. A practical way to define your “audience” so your outreach targets the right communities and institutions. How to write a venue email that creates urgency (a “hook” and a reason to say yes now), without sounding gimmicky. A press pitching approach that starts local, builds credibility, and then moves toward national outlets. What his spreadsheets are (and aren't) for, and a lightweight way to track outreach and payments without building a complicated system. How he initially used a publisher budget, then supplemented it with community funding when the budget wasn't enough. Why momentum compounds (your growing “resume” of events and media makes the next invitations easier), and how to lean into that effect. How he structures his day to keep writing, business logistics, and book marketing moving at the same time. How getting paid for talks changed the economics of touring, and why nonfiction subject expertise can create more paid speaking opportunities.  Resources & Links:

Page One, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books. About the guest author: Crystal King's latest book The Happiness Collector was published by Mira. King is also the author of In the Garden of Monsters, The Chef's Secret and Feast of Sorrow, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction's First Novel Prize and was a Must Read for the MassBook Awards. Her poetry has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and she served as the former co-editor of the online literary arts journal Plum Ruby Review. In addition to her literary gifts, fueled by a passion for the food, language and culture of Italy, King is a culinary enthusiast and marketing expert. With an MA in critical thinking, she has taught writing, creativity and social media at multiple universities including Boston University, UMass, Mass College of Art, Grub Street and Harvard Extension. A native of the Pacific Northwest, King has made Boston her home. You can find her and lots of wonderful offerings at crystalking.com and IG @crystallyn14. About the host: Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com or find her at Instagram and Twitter @hollylynnpayne. If you have a first page you'd like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here. As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU.  After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I'm opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they're currently writing.  If your page is chosen, you'll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One's master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.   You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players.  Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime.  The Page One Podcast is created at the foot of a mountain in Marin County, California, and is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community!  Be well and keep reading. ~Holly~ Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com

With special guests Christine Gunderson and Gabi Coatsworth.We pour everything into our debut books. But what actually gets meaningful results, and what's just noise? In this episode, two authors who've done it more than once give us the honest debrief.Christine Gunderson is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling author. Gabi Coatsworth is an award-winning British-born authorThey'll share what worked, what they'd cut without hesitation, and what they'd tell their debut selves.⁠Join our⁠ Substack⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠for posts with quick tips, and a chance to pose questions to Lainey and Paulette! Connect with Christine Gunderson.Connect with Gabi Coatsworth .Episode Sponsor:12 Weeks to Book Launch Success . In this group mastermind program, Lainey works one on one with a group of authors and helps you create a plan to successfully launch your book. ⁠⁠⁠Join the waitlist⁠ ⁠⁠for next time, or ⁠⁠⁠full program info here⁠⁠⁠.

In a crowded marketplace, a well-executed in-person event can do more than sell books—it can elevate a publisher's brand, build lasting reader relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.  In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” W. Brand Publishing Founder JuLee Brand will dive into practical, real-world advice for independent publishers who want to turn live events into powerful marketing and sales engines.  Topics Include:   what materials you need to bring   smart logistical planning that keeps your event running smoothly  proven strategies for promoting your appearance and drawing a crowd  and more!  If you're ready to boost book sales and expand your publishing company's visibility, this conversation is for you. PARTICIPANTS JuLee Brand is a graphic designer, art director, publisher, and storyteller with over 30 years of experience across music, television, and publishing. Founder of W. Brand Publishing and StorySessions™, she specializes in helping authors uncover clarity, meaning, and connection through guided conversation. Her work is rooted in a simple belief: words—and how they're presented—matter. Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKS Learn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/ Check out JuLee Brand's books at https://www.wbrandpub.com/ Follow IBPA on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent-book-publishers-association Follow W. Brand Publishing on: Facebook & Instagram: @wbrandpub Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way.  Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

Are you struggling to turn readers into high-paying coaching clients with your book? You're not alone. Many nonfiction authors assume their book will naturally lead to premium clients. Then they wait. And wait. This week's guest, client acquisition strategist Jesse Holmes, specializes in strategic word-of-mouth. He reveals what turns readers into coaching clients. If you're a nonfiction author, coach, or consultant who wants meaningful conversations, steady referrals, and high-value clients without cold outreach or paid ads, this episode will open your eyes.Jesse shares practical, relationship-driven strategies to help you move beyond passive book promotion and into purposeful connection. The payoff? More warm introductions, better-fit prospects, and conversations that lead to real opportunities. You'll also discover the missing link between book readers and premium clients: intentional relationship building rooted in generosity, clarity, and consistent daily connection.Key TakeawaysYour book builds trust. Conversations create clients. What happens after someone reads your book determines whether they ever hire you.Word of mouth can be engineered. Warm introductions don't have to be random when you build intentional referral relationships.One conversation a day can transform your pipeline. Small, consistent outreach compounds into steady opportunities and ideal clients.Give first to become top of mind. Strategic generosity sparks the reciprocity that leads to referrals and invitations.Clarity makes you referable. When people know exactly who you help, they know exactly who to send your way.Tune in now to start turning conversations into clients.Here's how to connect with Jesse:EmailWebsiteFaceBook*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************

Hi Everyone! I'm going to be sharing my book marketing and publicity efforts at this time for Sun, Moon, and Star, published by Holiday House today!!!Here is more about me:Nancy So Miller is a Korean American children's book author/illustrator and art teacher based in Savannah, Georgia. She creates handmade, dimensional paper worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood, inviting viewers to feel part of the moment. Her work conveys subtle narratives and emotions brought to life through photography. When she's not teaching or creating art, she enjoys watching K-dramas, cooking Korean food, reading, podcasting, and crocheting. She shares her home with her husband and son.​ Her debut author/illustrator picture book is Sun, Moon, and Star published by Holiday House (Spring 2026).Visit my website:https://www.nmillerillustration.com/Thanks for listening!

“Marketing and selling, especially learning how to do it in written form, is also a form of magic. It's just using words in a different way.” — Beth BaranyAre you ready to learn the skills needed to market your novel? In this episode of How To Write the Future podcast, titled “Marketing and Selling Tips for Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writers” Beth takes listeners on an encouraging journey to guide you over the fear of marketing your novel. From crafting effective marketing hooks to using emotional tropes to how your own writing can market itself. Own your fear and get marketing ready with the supportive guidance from host and award-winning science fiction and fantasy author Beth Barany. FOR CREATIVE WRITING PROFESSIONALS - BUILD YOUR BUSINESS SERVING WRITERSSign up to be notified when our training opens and get a short Creative Business Style Quiz to help you create success.https://bethbarany.com/apprenticeship/Support our work for creatives!Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbaranyGET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HEREFree World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world-building-resources/GET SOME FREE WRITING COACHING LIVE ON THE PODCASTSign up for the 30-minute Story Success Clinic with Beth Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/story-success-clinic/SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth BaranySHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDadeEDITORIAL SUPPORT by Iman Llompartc. 2026 BETH BARANYhttps://bethbarany.com/Questions? Comments? Send us a text!--- For fiction writers! You've finished your first draft! Congrats! Now what? Are you ready to edit your novel? If you're not sure, then get this checklist and video series and find out! => https://bethbarany.com/htwtfreadytoedit Want to be interviewed on the podcast?Email us! CONNECT WITH BETH via email via LinkedIn CREDITSEDITED WITH DESCRIPT (Affiliate link)MUSIC: Uppbeat.ioDISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1994465

What if the reason book marketing feels uncomfortable isn't because you're “bad at selling,” but because you've been taught the wrong approach?This week's guest expert, Susan Trumpler, founder of Unstoppable Women in Business and the SheBoss Café, helps women entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses without riding the revenue roller coaster. In this episode, she tackles one of the biggest blocks authors face: how to market and sell a book without feeling awkward, pushy, or inauthentic.Susan breaks down why so many authors hesitate to talk about their book, what's really behind the discomfort, and how to shift from “selling” to something far more natural and effective. You'll also hear how AI, when used intentionally, can support your voice rather than replace it—making outreach easier, more human, and more aligned with who you are.If you want your book to open conversations rather than create resistance, this episode offers a practical, grounded blueprint.In this episode, you'll learn how to:Reframe selling as sharing something valuable Shift from self-promotion to service so talking about your book feels natural and purposeful.Create buyer-centric connections that resonate Focus on what your readers are already thinking, feeling, and searching for—so your message lands without pressure.Replace rigid scripts with a real process Build an outreach approach that adapts to conversations instead of forcing them.Use AI without losing your voice Train AI tools with your language, stories, and perspective so your marketing sounds like you—not a template.Move past procrastination and perfectionism Learn how co-creating with AI can help you show up consistently without overthinking every word.If you're ready to let go of marketing anxiety and start treating your book like the gift it's meant to be, this conversation will change how you think about visibility, connection, and selling.Here's how to connect with Susan:AI Voice Brand Inventory Guide.WebsiteLinkedIn  FaceBook  Instagram *************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************

In this episode, Jodi breaks down what sustainable book marketing really looks like for business owners and leaders, and why long-term promotion should feel manageable rather than exhausting. She explains how marketing energy shifts after launch, why business owners need a different approach than traditional authors use, and how combining active and passive strategies creates a marketing plan your book (and your schedule) can sustain.   Time Stamps: 00:00 — Introduction: Why sustainable book marketing matters 01:00 — Burnout and overwhelm in book marketing 02:20 — Launch energy vs. long-term marketing energy 03:30 — Why business owners market books differently than traditional authors 04:45 — Experimentation and data in book marketing 05:40 — Active vs. passive marketing explained 06:45 — Practical day-to-day marketing approaches 07:15 — Simple visibility tactics that work quietly 08:15 — Quarterly promotion pushes and marketing cycles 09:30 — Building a sustainable long-term marketing plan   Keywords: sustainable book marketing, book marketing for business owners, long-term book marketing strategy, author marketing plan, book promotion strategy, passive book marketing, active book marketing, book launch vs long-term marketing, marketing a business book, entrepreneur author marketing, book marketing burnout, evergreen book funnels, book marketing systems, book marketing for CEOs, book ROI strategy, business book promotion, marketing after book launch, author platform growth, book visibility strategy, marketing books sustainably, book writing for business owners, business owners writing books   Resources Mentioned: Coffee + Commas signup: https://bit.ly/coffeeandcommassignup Write Publish Market Episode 179: Effective Long-Term Book Marketing for Business Owners Writing Books Write Publish Market Episode 143: Think Beyond the Book Launch   LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15HlbN4esX56SHyL9fgJlh0hyTYoF6txEsGTfoOQkeqc/edit?usp=sharing  

He lost $65,000 USD to a bad publishing deal.Two years later, he built a 6-figure business using LinkedIn DMs.In this episode of LinkedIn Riches, I sit down with HJ Chammas to unpack how he went from a devastating business loss to landing 50+ clients — without paid ads, spammy outreach, or chasing vanity metrics.If you're a coach, consultant, or small business owner wondering whether LinkedIn lead generation still works in 2026, this episode is proof that it does - when you do it the right way.WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:0:54 - The $65k mistake that changed everything2:22 - How HJ rebuilt after getting burned5:34 - How a free book sparked a new business6:35 - The relationship-first LinkedIn DM strategy that actually converts9:12 - Why books are still the best authority builder15:03 - The business model behind turning a book into clients20:57 - Publish, Promote, Monetize - HJ's 3-part framework28:47 - How to structure your LinkedIn profile for inbound leads32:08 - The exact LinkedIn DM flow that opens real conversations33:22 - The “icebreaker” message that gets 50%+ reply rates39:06 - The free audit strategy that builds instant trustEPISODE LINKSConnect with HJ Chammas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hjchammas/Visit the Authority Publishing Website: https://authority-publishing.com/ 

What if expert authority isn't something you claim—but something the market recognizes?Many nonfiction authors publish a book and expect credibility to follow. Then nothing happens. The book exists, but doors stay closed.This week, Christine Blosdale—five-time #1 bestselling author, award-winning broadcaster, and expert authority coach, unpacks what actually turns a book into leverage.Christine has spent decades in media and marketing. She understands why some authors get invited, quoted, and remembered—while others struggle to be seen. In this conversation, she breaks down how expert authority is built, sustained, and translated into visibility that supports book sales and brand growth.Relevant takeaways:Why authority isn't something you announce What actually causes the market to recognize you as an expert.The mistake most authors make after publishing And how to reposition your book so it opens doors instead of sitting quietly.The messaging shift that changes how readers respond Why centering the audience—not your credentials—builds faster trust.A cleaner way to move past imposter syndrome How focusing on service dissolves self-doubt without waiting for confidence to appear.What keeps expert authority from fading The ongoing adjustments that keep your book and message relevant over time.Listen to the episode to learn how to position your expertise so your book does more than exist—it works.Here's how to connect with Christine:Christine's 10-question quiz Free expert authority callWebsite LinkedIn *************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************

If you want to be successful in writing and marketing a book, the first fundamental is simple: Change your attitude. Control your attitude. Your attitude is the only thing in all of marketing a book that you have any control over. Be sure to keep it positive.This book marketing tip and the song lyrics for Changing Attitudes are adapted from a speech by Charles Swindoll.Changing Attitudes LyricsThe longer I live, the more I realizeThe impact of attitude on lifeAttitude is more important than factsAttitude is more important than the past,Than educationThan moneyThan circumstancesThan failureThan successThan what other people think or say or doAttitude is more importantThan appearance, giftedness or skillAttitude will make or breakA company…a church…a homeWe have a choice every dayAbout the attitude we embraceWe cannot change our pastWe cannot change how people actWe cannot change the inevitableThe only thing we can do is playOn the one string we haveAnd that is our attitude every dayLife is 10 percent what happens to usAnd 90 percent of how we react to itWe are in charge of our attitudesWe can make or break every dayIt is our choice. It is our gift.Life is 10 percent what happens to usAnd 90 percent of how we react to itWe are in charge of our attitudeWe can make or break every dayIt is our choice. It is our gift.Book Marketing Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookmarketing.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how to evaluate the legitimacy of marketing companies approaching authors, particularly those claiming to feature books in book clubs for a fee. Other questions include: Can Amazon print author copies in Australia for local book tours, or must they be shipped from the US How can authors get their print-on-demand books into independent bookshops when distributors list them as "firm purchase" Where can authors find reliable ratings for contests and awards to determine which are reputable What should authors consider when planning their year, including setting achievable goals and maintaining flexibility How can authors balance business growth with personal health and sustainable creative output And more! Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-Publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of nearly 2,000 blog posts and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. And, if you haven't already, we invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. About the Hosts Michael La Ronn is ALLi's Outreach Manager. He is the author of over 80 science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He writes from the great plains of Iowa and has managed to write while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings (now graduated!). You can find his fiction at www.michaellaronn.com and his videos and books for writers at www.authorlevelup.com. Sacha Black is a bestselling and competition winning author, rebel podcaster, speaker and casual rule breaker. She writes fiction under a secret pen name and other books about the art of writing. When Sacha isn't writing, she runs ALLi's blog. She lives in England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son. You can find her on her website, her podcast, and on Instagram.

email chris@drchrisloomdphd.com with "Podcast freebie" to book a coveted FREE guest spot on the show. To book a PREMIUM spot on the Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/_paylink/AZpgR_7f⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a 1-on-1 coaching call: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/booking-calendar/introductory-session⁠⁠⁠⁠ Become a member of our Podcast community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drchrisloomdphd.com/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our email list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://financial-freedom-podcast-with-dr-loo.kit.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to join PodMatch (the "AirBNB" of Podcasting): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.joinpodmatch.com/drchrisloomdphd⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to purchase my books on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/2PaQn4p⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to purchase my audiobooks, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audible.com/author/Christopher-H-Loo-MD-PhD/B07WFKBG1F⁠⁠⁠⁠To help support the show:CashApp- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cash.app/$drchrisloomdphd⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://account.venmo.com/u/Chris-Loo-4⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chrisJx⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: Not advice. Educational purposes only. Not an endorsement for or against. Results not vetted. Views of the guests do not represent those of the host or show.  

What if your book wasn't the end of the journey, but the doorway to the stage?If you're a nonfiction author who wants more credibility, influence, and real-world impact, speaking may be the missing link.This week's guest is Jim Johnson—legendary high school basketball coach, sought-after inspirational speaker, and author of A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons from a Man Who Believed in an Autistic Boy. Jim brings a rare blend of coaching discipline, lived experience, and platform wisdom to the conversation.In this episode, Jim breaks down how authors can turn their books into powerful speaking platforms—without being born a “natural speaker” or waiting for perfect conditions. He shares how he transitioned from coach to speaker, the systems he relies on, and why the stage is one of the fastest ways to build authority and expand your reach.Key takeaways:Why great speakers aren't born—and what that means for you The mindset shift that turns speaking from a fear into a skill you can intentionally build.A simple framework that makes talks land every time The SPEAC system Jim relies on to open strong, keep attention, and close with purpose—without sounding scripted.How your book quietly holds multiple speeches inside it A practical way to extract talks, workshops, and keynotes from what you've already written.The subtle shift that makes audiences lean in How to stop presenting to an audience and start creating an experience they feel part of.The overlooked conversations that lead to repeat invitations Why what happens before and after the talk often matters more than the presentation itself.Listen to this episode if you want to see how your book can move beyond the page, and start opening doors on the stage.Here's how to connect with Coach Jim:WebsiteFaceBookLinkedInInstagram X (formerly Twitter) *************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************

Welcome to the Pencils&Lipstick Book Marketing Hour! We will be here every month...and we will be working on that title...Every third Monday of every month, Becky Grogan (https://www.beckythebookcoach.com/) will be joining me to talk about book marketing. In this episode we go through what we will be handling, we you can expect and when as well as the dates for the LIVE marketing Q&As that we will have. Be sure to listen!Marketing is NOT just social media, but we will be talking about social media. If you don't have anything set up and want to get things moving, you can check out these Youtube videos for setting up Instagram and TikTok:https://youtu.be/j4nBDjsyGZ0?si=XsSVq_hbiLSaxSAMhttps://youtu.be/KJeU6SP548w?si=hWB6IgopanEdvGwjhttps://youtu.be/KJeU6SP548w?si=hWB6IgopanEdvGwjSign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. AND to get reminders about the live marketing Q&As that will be happening twice this coming semester. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @author_katcaldwell

We love our book babies, but sometimes they don't sell as well as we'd hope. In this episode of the Best of Book Marketing podcast, we tackle book marketing tips for what to do when you have slow book sales. Hint: sometimes it's the book! We'll cover lots of practical ideas to help get your book sales back on track.Episode Sponsor:12 Weeks to Book Launch Success . In this group mastermind program, Lainey works one on one with a group of authors and helps you create a plan to successfully launch your book. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our⁠ Substack⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠for posts with quick tips, and a chance to pose questions to Lainey and Paulette!

Lee Wind joins us to talk about the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Boot Camp for Author Publishers, and how to bring all the pieces together when publishing to find your success.Lee Wind is the Chief Content Officer for the IBPA. He is also an author, who writes the books that would have changed his life as a young Gay Jewish kid. Lee was recently awarded BISG's Industry Champion Award for co-founding We Are Stronger Than Censorship, a program that buys and donates two books to offset every one book challenge.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Podcast guesting isn't about showing up and hoping for the best. It's about showing up strategically.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what actually makes podcast guesting work for nonfiction authors—and what quietly sabotages it.My guest is Noemi Beres, co-owner of Podcast Connections, one of the most respected podcast booking agencies in the industry. She shares what hosts look for, what turns them off instantly, and how authors can use podcast guesting to build real authority, not empty exposure.We talk about pitching the right way, showing up as a guest hosts want to re-invite, and turning a single interview into long-term visibility and book sales—even if your book isn't published yet.This is not about chasing interviews. It's about earning them and making them count.Key TakeawaysResearch Before You Pitch Why generic pitches fail and how doing your homework instantly sets you apart.Value Beats Promotion How authors lose credibility when they sell instead of serve—and what to do instead.Treat Interviews Like Conversations What keeps listeners engaged and hosts grateful you showed up.Make One Interview Work Harder How to extend the life of every appearance across your platform.Relationships Matter More Than Reach Why professionalism, gratitude, and follow-up lead to more opportunities than downloads ever will.If podcast guesting is part of your book marketing strategy—or should be—this episode will change how you approach it from here on out.Podcast Connections is an official sponsor of Book Marketing Mentors. Please consider supporting them. See more information below.Here's how to connect with Noemi Website LinkedIn:Instagram:*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************

Join us for an inspiring episode of "The Brand Called You" featuring bestselling author and entrepreneur Kae G Wagner, founder of The Bold Authors Network. In this rich conversation, Kae unveils her remarkable journey from winning her first writing award at 13, through her transition from nonfiction to fiction, and her success with the "Frankie Girl" series. She shares the personal stories that shaped her novels and her mission to empower authors—especially introverts—who struggle with marketing.Discover actionable strategies for book promotion, the vital role of metadata in getting noticed by AI and search engines, the power of reader engagement, and the importance of building your own audience asset through newsletters. Kae also highlights unique collaborative opportunities for writers and gives an inside look at how The Bold Authors Network supports its members in mastering both the mindset and skillset needed for successful book marketing.

Welcome to 2026! Each new year brings the opportunity to begin anew, yet that can be daunting. Rather than start the new writing year feeling overwhelmed out of the gate, Mark Leslie Lefebvre provides encouragement on how to set realistic goals to keep you and your book publishing aspirations on track in 2026.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Are you curious how a “go-giver” mindset can supercharge your book marketing success and transform your author journey?This week's guest expert is Bob Burg, co-author of the international bestseller "The Go-Giver" and a renowned speaker on relationship-driven success and media training. Bob reveals how authors can leverage authentic value, influence, and media to promote their books more powerfully than ever.Discover proven frameworks for building trust, increasing your reach, and cultivating a thriving fanbase—by focusing on giving immense value and embracing a true abundance mentality.Key Takeaways:The Law of Value: Why giving more than you charge is the real key to selling books that matter.Expanding Your Reach: How income grows when impact grows—and what that means for authors.Authenticity and Influence: Why being real builds trust faster than any marketing tactic.Opening Yourself to Abundance: The mindset shift authors need to receive what their work is worth.Overcoming Obstacles: 24 rejections, one yes—and the lesson every author needs to hear.An inspiring conversation packed with insights for authors who want their books to reach further and work harder.Here's how to connect with BobDownload Bob's free giftWebsiteBuy a copy of "The Go-Giver"*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co *************************************************************************

Autumn A. Arnett joins us to talk about the EFA and what you should keep in mind when looking for the right editor for your book.The Editorial Freelancers Association is a nonprofit organization that advances excellence among a dynamic community of freelance editorial professionals by providing opportunities for business development, learning, and networking. EFA members are editors, writers, indexers, proofreaders, researchers, desktop publishers, translators, and others who offer a broad range of skills and specialties.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Does your book marketing feel forced, awkward, or exhausting?In this episode, Jenn Grace, award-winning author and founder of Publish Your Purpose, shares a smarter way to market your book—one that actually fits who you are. With nearly two decades of experience and more than 200 nonfiction authors supported, Jenn explains how marketing can feel natural, sustainable, and effective.You'll hear why trying to copy someone else's strategy backfires, what thought leadership really means for authors, and how to avoid the post-launch drop-off that leaves so many books invisible.You'll discover:Why marketing works best when it aligns with your strengths and energyWhat thought leadership looks like without hype or a huge platformJenn's Aspen Method: a simple framework for long-term book promotionHow to stop doing everything and focus on what actually moves the needleWhy author success goes beyond sales to impact, connection, and serviceIf you want book marketing that feels good and gets results, this conversation will change how you approach promotion.Get your copy of Jenn's latest book Promote Your PurposeHere's how to connect with Jenn:LinkedInWebsite*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Uncover the latest trends in book marketing innovation straight from three industry disruptors who are reshaping the author's journey. Juliet Clark sits down with Kathleen Kaiser of the ProBookLaunch; Desireé Duffy, founder of the PR agency Black Château and The BookFest; and Jared Kuritz, CEO of Strategies Public Relations and CMO of the cutting-edge audio platform Zoundy. They tackle the shift in publishing, beginning with the explosive growth of the audiobook market, which has now surpassed e-books in sales. They also explore new platforms like Zoundy that offer authors unprecedented marketing and list-building control. Learn why Kathleen asserts that marketing is a science and how her agency uses AI to automate media kit creation. Desireé highlights the resurgence of listicle articles and the enduring importance of human connection, even as technology speeds up. Finally, Jared breaks down the essential business model every author needs. He covers the critical mindset shift: building your community, not just selling your book, starting 12 to 24 months in advance.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://superbrandpublishing.com/podcast/

In this week's AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Dr. Judith Briles, host of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast, has invited book marketing guru John Kremer to step up and reveal his key tips for 2026 success for authors. Your goal: You want to create what others want to read. Smart 2026 strategies include: -Revisiting your website and updating each page's metadata. -Why you need to visually post the price of your books and other “products for sale” on your website. -Hooking onto existing bestseller titles and authors in your genre with ongoing posts. - Hooking onto names of authors and their titles that are bestsellers in bookstores you want to work with. -Commit to "knocking on doors" 20 times a week. Pitching you and your book--speaking, podcast guesting. -80% of book sales come from "word of mouth." Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It's ranked in the Top Ten of bookmarketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.

Thomas Dean Donnelly has been a professional screenwriter for over 30 years. In that time he has written on major projects, from Voltron to Uncharted, and from Marvel's Doctor Strange to The Walking Dead. During the Hollywood writers strike he wrote his first novel: YEAR OF THE RABBIT and just release its sequel YEAR OF THE HORSE, both spy thrillers. T.D. Donnelly joins us to share practices he has used in his writing to build memorable characters and stories for the screen.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Are you guessing what works on your author website, or do you actually know?In this episode, you'll hear expertise from Philippa Gamse, a veteran digital marketing strategist and author of Website Wealth. She shows you how to use website analytics to make smarter marketing decisions. And how to spot new opportunities already hiding on your site.If numbers make your eyes glaze over or you've never opened your site stats, this conversation will change how you see analytics. Philippa breaks it down into clear, practical steps any author can use, without any tech overwhelm.What you'll discover:What web analytics really tell you about reader behavior and why they matterSimple, free tools that show not just what visitors do, but whyWhere calls to action actually belong and why one at the bottom isn't enoughHow site search data can spark new content ideas, book topics, and marketsThe biggest analytics mistakes authors make and how to focus on metrics that matterYour website is already collecting valuable information. This episode shows you how to use it to attract readers, improve conversions, and make your book marketing work harder.Download Philippa's "Hidden Gems" ebookHere's how to connect with Philippa:WebsiteLinkedInGet a copy of Philippa's latest book "Website Wealth: A Business Leader's Guide to Driving Real Value from your Analytics"*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Ready to make 2026 your best publishing and book marketing year yet? In this essential guide, host Juliet Clark dives deep into the hottest trends shaping the publishing world. From the explosion of genre-bending fiction (think Sci-Fi Mystery and Romantic City!) and the ongoing demand for authentic, human-written content, to leveraging cutting-edge AI tools for editing and marketing—we've got your roadmap. Discover the genres set to dominate, tech trends you can't ignore, and monetization strategies that work! If you're an author looking to lead, connect with readers, and reach your publishing goals, you need to hear this now. Tune in and get your 2026 strategy locked down!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://superbrandpublishing.com/podcast/

This special Christmas Day 2025 episode is a pre-recorded one with Mark Leslie Lefebvre who introduces a series of clips that highlight just 14 of the amazing episodes that have been brought to you every week in this past year.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

Every single day, there are news stories about artificial intelligence (AI)—most notably, controversies about unethical practices by companies that offer AI services—so independent publishers are trying to determine if using AI is the right fit for their businesses.Author and Indie Author Magazine Co-Founder and Publisher Chelle Honiker joins “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA)” to share her expertise on the subject, including the ethical concerns about using AI, what the most effective AI platforms are for publishers, how AI can be used to help publishers run their businesses more efficiently, and much more.PARTICIPANTSChelle Honiker is the co-founder and publisher of Indie Author Magazine, IndieAuthorTraining, Indie Author Tools, and Direct2Readers.com. Her team of more than 80 writers, editors, trainers, and support staff provides resources and insights that help authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing. Her role as the programming director for Author Nation, an annual conference in Las Vegas, further exemplifies her commitment to fostering a community where authors can grow and succeed.With a career spanning over two decades in executive operations and leadership, Chelle has honed her skills in managing complex projects and delivering impactful training programs. Her experience as a speaker and TEDx Organizer has taken her to many countries, where she has shared her insights with diverse audiences.Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures.LINKSLearn more about the many benefits of becoming a member of Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) here: https://www.ibpa-online.org/Check out Chelle Honiker's books at https://chellehoniker.com/Also, learn more about Indie Author Magazine at https://indieauthormagazine.com/Follow IBPA on:Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonlineX – https://twitter.com/ibpaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/Today's episode is presented by Gatekeeper Press — where authors are family. Gatekeeper Press empowers indie authors with expert publishing, editing, and global distribution services—providing full, white-glove concierge support every step of the way. Retain 100% of your rights, royalties, and creative control at gatekeeperpress.com.

Does book marketing feel confusing, overwhelming, or like something everyone else understands but you? You're not alone. And more importantly, you're not stuck.In this episode, Jason Fishman, CEO of Digital Niche Agency is my guest expert. With over 15 years of experience scaling digital marketing strategies, Jason pulls back the curtain on what actually works when it comes to marketing a nonfiction book. Not hype. Not hustle. A clear, practical path you can follow with confidence.You'll learn why most authors struggle because they blur the line between marketing and selling, and how separating the two instantly brings focus. We also discuss why understanding your niche and your competition saves time, money, and frustration before you promote anything.We explore simple ways to build momentum using content, partnerships, and small tests that show you what works without blowing your budget. You'll hear how to create early interest, activate your existing network, and make your launch work harder.In this episode, you'll discover:• What your competitors can teach you (without copying them) One quick audit that reveals how to position your book more clearly.• Why most content fails and how to fix it How simple offers and funnels turn attention into real interest.• The hidden purpose of a pre-launch It's not about hype. It's about momentum and visibility that lasts.• Why reviews are easier than you think How repetition, follow-up, and volume do the heavy lifting for you.If you want a simpler, smarter way to market your book and stop guessing what might work, this episode gives you a clear place to start.Here's how to connect with Jason:LinkedIn  YouTube Website*************************************************************************How to Turn Your Ideas into Endless Content Feeling stuck every time you try to write for your business? Lisa Bloom's free training, AI Storytelling for Business Growth, is here to change that. She'll show you how to tap into the stories you already have, build a reusable content vault, and use AI to stay creative and authentic. No more blank pages or forced ideas. Three live sessions to choose from. Grab your free seat now and make storytelling your easiest growth tool.

What happens when curiosity, resilience, and storytelling collide over a lifetime of building What does it really take to build an Unstoppable career in publishing without shortcuts or hype? In this episode, I sit down with publicist Mickey Mickelson to talk about the real work behind book promotion, author branding, and long-term visibility. Mickey shares his journey from banking into publishing, how Creative Edge grew from one client to over one hundred, and why most authors misunderstand marketing, social media, and publicity. We explore why relationships matter more than bestseller lists, how authors limit themselves by staying inside their genre, and why professionalism is non-negotiable in media. This conversation is a practical look at what it takes to build trust, credibility, and an Unstoppable presence in today's publishing world. Highlights: 00:09 – Hear why relationships, not hype, sit at the core of an Unstoppable publishing career.03:56 – Learn how real-world work experience shaped a practical approach to marketing and publicity.05:33 – Discover how Creative Edge was built around connection, vision, and long-term thinking.10:29 – Understand what publicists actually look for before agreeing to represent an author.12:16 – See why traditional publishing myths still hold authors back today.16:37 – Learn why social media presence directly impacts the success of media opportunities.21:09 – Understand how authors limit themselves by focusing only on genre.27:08 – Hear why professionalism and follow-through matter more than talent alone.39:28 – Learn why books do not stop being marketable after six months.54:09 – Discover what authors can do right now to build stronger branding and visibility. About the Guest: Mickey Mikkelson is the founder of Creative Edge Publicity.  Mickey graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a Marketing Diploma in 1996. In 2006, he began his work in the literary and bookseller industry as the Special Events Manager for Chapters/Indigo, Canada's largest bookstore chain, in St. Albert, Alberta.   In 2015, he formed Creative Edge Publicity, an aggressive publicity firm that specializes in advocating for both the traditional and independent artist. Since founding Creative Edge, Mickey has signed some of the top talents in the literary industry, including multiple award-winning authors, New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors, and successful indie authors, many of whom have become international bestselling authors while working within the Creative Edge brand. Creative Edge was also listed at the Publicist Of The Year for 2024 by USA Global TV and works in tandem representing a number of authors with the award-winning social media and book marketing firm, Abundantly Social located in Houston TX. Ways to connect with Mickey**:** Website:  Creative Edge Publicity - Home Facebook: (19) Facebook Instagram: Instagram LinkedIn: Creative Edge | LinkedIn About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:

The way readers search for their next book is changing dramatically. With Google's generative search and Amazon's upcoming AI-driven recommendation engine, authors face a completely new landscape for book discovery. But how exactly will these changes affect your books' visibility? Reedsy's Ricardo Fayet joins us to share practical steps to make sure your books remain discoverable and compelling to readers in this rapidly shifting landscape.//Draft2Digital is where you start your Indie Author Career//  Looking for your path to self-publishing success? Draft2Digital is the leading ebook publisher and distributor worldwide. We'll convert your manuscript, distribute it online, and support you the whole way—and we won't charge you a dime.  We take a small percentage of the royalties for each sale you make through us, so we only make money when you make money. That's the best kind of business plan.  • Get started now: https://draft2digital.com/• Learn the ins, the outs, and the all-arounds of indie publishing from the industry experts on the D2D Blog: https://Draft2Digital.com/blog  • Promote your books with our Universal Book Links from Books2Read: https://books2read.com  Make sure you bookmark https://D2DLive.com for links to live events, and to catch back episodes of the Self Publishing Insiders Podcast.

What if the secret to a more powerful author brand isn't working harder… but thinking more like a storyteller?If you've ever felt your nonfiction writing or marketing could use more spark, this episode will open your eyes. USA Today bestselling author, psychologist, and writing mentor Anne Bartolucci, PhD, reveals how fiction techniques can transform the way readers experience your message.Anne shows you how mythic beats, character arcs, and narrative flow don't belong only in novels. They can make your nonfiction more engaging, more memorable, and far more marketable. If you want your book to stand out and your marketing to stick, this conversation is your guide.You'll hear how to use storytelling to move past self-sabotage, own your voice, and create content that feels irresistible to the people you want to reach.Here's a taste of what you'll discover:• Why story-driven nonfiction pulls readers in faster than facts. Narrative momentum makes your message stick and your expertise unforgettable.• How mythic and fairy-tale structure reshape your nonfiction. Once you see these patterns, you'll never outline a book the same way again.• How to turn setbacks into storytelling fuel. Reframing obstacles keeps you moving and makes your message more relatable.• How fiction techniques upgrade your marketing. Add hooks, emotion, and narrative so every piece of content feels irresistible.• Why writing alone slows you down. Discover how critique partners and masterminds boost clarity, confidence, and creativity.If you want your nonfiction book to make a bigger impact — and you're curious how story structure can help you get there — this episode will change the way you write and market your idPress play and step into a new way of thinking about your book.Here's how to connect with Anne:Start Your Book ChallengeFree Values-Based Goal-Setting for Writers workshopWinter 2026 AcceleratorWebsiteLinkedInInstagram*************************************************************************How to Turn Your Ideas into Endless Content Feeling stuck every time you try to write for your business? Lisa Bloom's free training, AI Storytelling for Business Growth, is here to change that. She'll show you how to tap into the stories you already have, build a reusable content vault, and use AI to stay creative and authentic. No more blank pages or forced ideas. Three live sessions to choose from. Grab your free seat now and make storytelling your easiest growth tool.

On this episode, Steve Richards interviews book publicity veteran Brian Feinblum, founder of Book Marketing Buzz Blog. and one of the most respected voices in book marketing. They discuss today's publishing landscape, how authors can get published, and what promotional strategies still deliver results.Brian Feinblum, the creator and author of BookMarketingBuzzBlog, was the chief marketing officer for the nation's largest book promotions firm, Media Connect, and has been involved in book publicity and marketing since 1989. He has served several book publishing companies as a publicist, book editor, and acquisitions editor. Brian, who earned a BA in English from Brooklyn College, became a published author in 1995 when he penned The Florida Homeowner, Condo and Co-Op Handbook. He resides in Westchester, New York with his wife, two children, and an 80-pound American Bulldog.#bookmarketing #bookmarketingbuzzblog #podcast #speakingofwriterspodcast

Most authors stop at “bestseller.” That's cute. But if your book isn't building your brand, landing clients, or breaking open locked doors… what's the point?This week, Amber Gaige brings her experience as a third-generation entrepreneur and StoryBrand expert to show you how smart authors turn books into revenue-generating assets.She's flipping the usual marketing fluff on its head and showing you how to weaponize your book with real strategy.Inside This Episode:Books Don't Build Authority—Smart Authors Do Get blunt about what it really takes to turn pages into power and why media exposure isn't optional.Funnels Aren't Sleazy—Yours Just Sucks Learn how to build a funnel that actually converts without feeling like a spam bot.Repurpose or Be Irrelevant If your content dies in your book, you're wasting gold. Here's how to cut it up, spread it out, and stay top of mind.Marketing Before the Launch or Don't Bother Stop scrambling post-publish. Amber breaks down how to lay the groundwork before your book ever drops.Clarity Is Currency If you don't know who you're talking to or what you want, no tactic will save you. Let's fix that.This isn't another “book launch tips” episode. It's a wake-up call for authors who want real ROI.Here's how to connect with Amber:Want Amber's free gift - her special marketing planning documentWebsiteLinkedInFaceBookInstagramBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.*************************************************************************How to Turn Your Ideas into Endless Content Feeling stuck every time you try to write for your business? Lisa Bloom's free training, AI Storytelling for Business Growth, is here to change that. She'll show you how to tap into the stories you already have, build a reusable content vault, and use AI to stay creative and authentic. No more blank pages or forced ideas. Three live sessions to choose from. Grab your free seat now and make storytelling your easiest growth tool.

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Episode 150 provides the reset many authors quietly crave as Jenn Hanson-dePaula returns to help us modify (if not outright rebuild) our expectations, systems, and perspectives when it comes to book sales.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:• How to implement a "2 sales a day" strategy.• Becoming "profitable, not popular." (Hint: Clicks matter. Likes and views don't.)• The simple link path that outperform complicated funnels every time.• The easiest daily selling you're probably NOT doing. We also walk through how to measure what actually moves readers, not what flatters the algorithm. Jenn breaks down clean DM workflows, repeatable content, and approaches that spark joy so you can stop force-feeding content.We also look at the quieter parts of growth: handling criticism, building systems before you're “big,” and treating your author life like a business, even when it still feels small.If you want calm, clarity, and a plan that won't chew through your energy the way I'm currently going through the pantry pack of Peppermint Patties in my freezer, this episode lands exactly where you need it.CONNECT WITH JENNWebsite: jenndepaula.comInstagram: READY TO FINALLY BE IN THAT "CAN'T STOP WRITING" FLOW?Grab the free nonfiction or memoir kickstart that's helped hundreds of authors get out of their heads and into the flow: 

Today's episode is with Rebecca Paciorek. Rebecca is a woman in the middle entrepreneur who went from a traditional magazine publishing career to creating captivating digital marketing content that integrates well to enhance brand visibility.In this episode, you will learn:The importance of creating a business (book marketing) that works with your life, not against it in midlife.Why having the belief that you can run a successful business in midlife is critical.How it's possible to do it while taking of yourself and others.The importance of the appreciation to get help when needed; you can create a tribe of friends, biz besties, and coaches to make it happen.Connect with Rebecca at:https://www.bluedotdigitalmarketing.com/https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsAlliesOnlinehttps://www.facebook.com/BlueDotCommunications/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccapaciorekConnect with Suzy:Midlife Happiness Jumpstart Experience: Enjoy a powerful experience of tiny joys and big shifts! Get ready for 14 Days of Happiness “Boosts,” which are tiny, science-backed actions delivered to your inbox daily, with a private WhatsApp group for connection and sharing together. Each happiness boost only takes approximately 5 - 10 minutes or less and builds your momentum for more of the same. Feel more grounded, present, and connected to more happiness now! Sign Up HereWomen in the Middle® Entrepreneurs: Are you a 50+ woman business owner or entrepreneur who's dealing with navigating classic midlife issues that are affecting the way you run your business? We're looking to interview guests just like you from a wide variety of different businesses! Apply now: www.midlifeinterviews.com. LISTEN HERE for iTunes and HERE for Suzy's website.HAPPINESS BREAKTHROUGH COACHING SESSION: Imagine having a private 2-hour coaching call to get some solid clarity about what's holding you back and be confident about your next steps forward! Time for a breakthrough! Limited spots available. Book here.THE WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE® ACADEMY: The “Academy” is an exciting, life changing, 12-month, online group coaching program and community for midlife women. You will develop a roadmap to help you go from being unclear about what you want to be crystal clear about how to create a more fun, meaningful, and regret free next chapter! Head over to www.womeninthemiddleacademy.com and apply and book your free call. I can help you find what's missing so that you love your life after 50.WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE SHOP: https://suzyrosenstein.com/shop/BUY SUZY'S BOOK: 50

Discover how a teacher built a thriving ghostwriting business by writing and editing over 200+ books for clients while maintaining authenticity in an AI-saturated market. Danielle Hutchinson reveals the real strategies behind scaling from side hustle to Chief Creative Officer (CCO), including her unique client process, how she humanizes AI-generated content, and why most authors fail at marketing their books. This episode cuts through the typical success guru nonsense to show you practical steps for building a sustainable writing business that generates consistent income.

Dressing the Part With Kate Breen: The Power of Personal Style in Thought LeadershipIn this episode of 'All Things Book Marketing with Smith Publicity,' CEO Sandy Smith interviews Kate Breen, the owner of Get Dressed Go, a top personal styling service in Washington, DC.Kate shares her experience styling executives, speakers, and professionals whose work demands an exceptional visual presence on stage and on camera.Discussing the importance of thoughtful clothing choices, Kate highlights common wardrobe mistakes and provides actionable advice on how to dress authentically and powerfully for professional events.Kate's process for working with clients involves deep dives into personal history, brand goals, and practical styling sessions that ensure clients look and feel their best.This episode offers valuable insights for authors, thought leaders, and speakers seeking to elevate their brand through their visual presence.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:30 Meeting Kate Breen: First Impressions02:36 The Importance of Visual Presence04:00 Dressing for Your Brand08:01 Common Mistakes in Professional Attire17:13 The Power of Authentic Style19:22 Commanding Attention Through Style23:18 Introduction to Working with Clients23:48 The Importance of Understanding Personal Style25:21 Gathering Client Information and Assets26:22 Creating a Personalized Style Plan27:49 Shopping and Outfit Coordination29:44 The Role of Authenticity in Style31:53 Empowering Clients Through Style36:25 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout Kate BreenKate Breen is the owner of GetDressedGo, Washington, D.C.'s top-ranking private personal styling business. She has built a reputation for helping executives, speakers, and high-performing professionals look and feel their best in every setting. Through focused, productive styling sessions, Kate delivers immediate results for all aspects of her clients' lives—from high-stakes presentations and keynote stages to charity events and casual weekends.About Smith PublicitySmith Publicity is an international book publicity firm specializing in non-fiction, business, lifestyle and thought-leadership projects. Since 1997, they have helped authors and experts amplify their voices, reach the right audiences, and make a meaningful impact through media placements, strategic campaigns, and expert guidance. For more information visit Smith Publicity.  

Crafting Genuine Connections and Building Thought Leadership on LinkedIn with Owen Sammarone In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast by Smith Publicity, this episode's host Marissa Eigenbrood, Smith Publicity's President, interviews Owen Sammarone, founder of Unleash the Knowledge—a personal branding and ghostwriting agency. Owen shares his journey from a non-reader to an influential content creator with a 200,000-follower community. The discussion centers on how founders, executives, and authors can leverage LinkedIn to build their brands, emphasizing the importance of authentic, value-driven content and genuine human connections. Owen also offers practical tips on avoiding automated 'pitch slapping,' using AI judiciously, and nurturing relationships through personalized engagement. As they reflect on their longstanding professional relationship, Marissa and Owen explore actionable strategies to enhance online presence and drive business growth, stressing the significance of maintaining a human touch in the increasingly digital landscape.00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:00 Meet Owen Sammarone : Founder of Unleash the Knowledge04:17 Owen's Journey: From Non-Reader to Book Enthusiast05:13 Building a Community and Personal Brand15:00 The Power of Niching Down18:27 Effective LinkedIn Strategies24:03 The Value of Giving Without Expectation25:11 Personalized Outreach Strategies27:35 The Role of AI in LinkedIn Engagement29:14 Maximizing LinkedIn's Potential34:37 Effective Connection Requests38:33 The Billboard Analogy for LinkedIn Profiles44:24 Looking Ahead to 2026: Staying Human in a Digital WorldOwen Sammarone is the founder and CEO of Unleash The Knowledge, a personal-branding and thought-leadership agency that helps B2B founders, consultants, and executives turn their LinkedIn presence into a powerful, consistent driver of authority. He's become known in the industry as a go-to “LinkedIn Growth Guy,” offering insights on how to turn content into consistent inbound demand, build authority, and scale influence — whether you're an author, consultant, or executive looking to expand your impact Smith Publicity is an international book publicity firm specializing in non-fiction, business, lifestyle and thought-leadership projects. Since 1997, they have helped authors and experts amplify their voices, reach the right audiences, and make a meaningful impact through media placements, strategic campaigns, and expert guidance. For more information visit Smith Publicity.  

Visual Storytelling for Authors and Speakers with John DeMato In this episode of the All Things Book Marketing podcast, this episode's host Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, welcomes visual storytelling strategist and photographer, John DeMato.They delve into John's background, from his early days in photography to his evolution as a strategist helping professionals enhance their visual presence.  John shares insights on the importance of having a well-rounded visual library, including core assets, visual evidence, and personal touches, highlighting how these elements contribute to an expert's brand credibility and marketability.  The discussion also covers strategies for effectively capturing key moments, the necessity of regular updates to visual content, and practical advice on hiring the right photographer. The episode concludes with anecdotes reflecting John's passion for his work and the meaningful connections he forms with his clients.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:32 John's Impressive Bio and Career Highlights01:49 The Physical Demands of Photography02:53 How Marissa and John Connected04:34 John's Journey into Photography10:02 Building a Visual Storytelling Library17:07 The Importance of Consistent Visual Content22:38 Evaluating Your Brand's Visual Assets23:44 Importance of Event Visuals24:22 Capturing the Full Event Experience28:28 Starting Your Visual Storytelling Journey33:50 Choosing the Right Photographer36:44 The Value of Authentic Imagery39:40 A Photographer's Favorite Moments42:57 Conclusion and Contact InformationJohn DeMato is a New York–based branded lifestyle photographer who specializes in creating strategic, story-driven images for authors, speakers, and thought leaders. A former TV producer, he brings a marketing mindset to every shoot, helping experts show up confidently and consistently across their platforms. Visit John DeMato for more information.Smith Publicity is an international book publicity firm specializing in non-fiction, business, lifestyle and thought-leadership projects. Since 1997, they have helped authors and experts amplify their voices, reach the right audiences, and make a meaningful impact through media placements, strategic campaigns, and expert guidance. For more information visit Smith Publicity. 

Drowning in a noisy book market? This episode hands you the lifeline.Author and keynote speaker David Newman reveals why playing it safe is the fastest way to be ignored—and how boldness, generosity, and a clear point of view flip that script. If your message feels buried under the competition, this is your blueprint to rise.Inside this episode:Why “middle of the road” marketing kills momentumHow to craft a viewpoint that challenges and connectsWhy giving away your best ideas builds unstoppable trustThe exact prompts that unlock your unique brand voiceHow to build loyal fans before they ever buy your bookGet ready to workshop your way to visibility, credibility, and true brand power. David Newman doesn't just talk strategy—he shows you how to own your space.This episode is your permission to stand out and stay unforgettable.Here's how to connect with David and claim your Market Eminence toolkit LinkedIn Instagram FaceBook *************************************************************************The 90-Day Bulk Book Breakthrough Your nonfiction book deserves more than random visibility. Bulk buyers don't reward effort. They reward clarity. If your message is blurry, organizations ignore you. The 90-Day Bulk Book Breakthrough Bundle fixes that with a sharp message, proven outreach templates, and a simple plan that gets real opportunities. Plus a private 30-minute coaching session to steer your strategy. Only 25 spots. $97 (80% discount) Claim yours before they're gone.

What if your voice could sell more books than your marketing plan?This week, audiobook pro Todd Eflin joins me to reveal what happens when authors step behind the mic. Todd is an award-winning narrator, voice actor, and DIY audiobook coach with a clear message: your voice can become a powerful sales tool when you know how to use it.Together we explore the real story behind self-narration: the nerves, the tech, the performance pressure, and the surprising freedom that comes when you take control of your own audio.Inside this episode:• Why audio builds deeper trust than the page Listeners let you into their daily life. Your voice creates loyalty that silent words cannot match.• The truth about narrating your own book Authentic? Yes. Easy? No. Todd explains how to decide if you should grab the mic or hire a pro.• The hidden hurdles no one warns authors about Voice fatigue, messy edits, tiny home studios, and the mental chatter that tells you to quit.• A simple path to voice confidence Todd's exercises help you hear your voice without cringing and build a sound that fits your message.• The marketing edge most authors ignore Audiobooks open new sales channels. Readers expect them. Skipping audio leaves money on the table.If you want your book to travel farther, your voice may be the key. Todd shows you how to tap into it and turn narration into one of your strongest assets.Here's how to connect with Todd:Download his free listener gift:3-Step Guide to Create Your Own Professional Sounding AudiobookWebstite FaceBook *************************************************************************The 90-Day Bulk Book Breakthrough Your nonfiction book deserves more than random visibility. Bulk buyers don't reward effort. They reward clarity. If your message is blurry, organizations ignore you. The 90-Day Bulk Book Breakthrough Bundle fixes that with a sharp message, proven outreach templates, and a simple plan that gets real opportunities. Plus a private 30-minute coaching session to steer your strategy. Only 25 spots. $97 (80% discount) Claim yours before they're gone.

If your Amazon rankings have been bouncing around lately or your ads suddenly feel less effective, there's a reason. Amazon has quietly updated its A9/A10 algorithm, and it's now heavily prioritizing external traffic from your author platform.In this episode, we break down what this shift means for nonfiction authors, why outside traffic now matters more than Amazon's internal discovery, and how to adjust your book marketing strategy so your book stays visible.You'll learn:What changed in Amazon's latest algorithm updateWhy Amazon is prioritizing high-intent external trafficHow LinkedIn, email newsletters, podcasts, and social media impact your rankingWhy your author platform now matters more than your Amazon pageHow this affects self-published and traditionally published authorsWhat nonfiction authors should update right now to stay competitivePlus: The type of external traffic Amazon rewards the most for nonfiction, business, and self-help authors.Make your mark as an author.Learn more about The Author's Mark — Juxtabook's 12-month professional publishing experience that helps nonfiction authors go from idea to published platform in 12 months or less.Juxtabook.com/authorsmarkLearn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you. It's time to make your mark and connect with like-minded authors to publish your book, build your author brand, and book marketing. Join TodayLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabkLove the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Are you craving a calmer, more intuitive way to grow your author platform? Tired of forcing yourself into formulas that never fit?This week's guest expert is Chelsea Fournier, intuitive business mentor and creator of The Rooted Method. Together, we explore a fresh path to visibility, alignment, and steady growth. Chelsea shares how sensitive, visionary authors can release the pressure, trust their inner wisdom, and build a brand that feels like home.If the hustle game drains you, or you feel overshadowed by louder authors, this conversation opens a different door. One built on ease, clarity, and truth.Key Takeaways:• Define success your way. What happens when you stop following the “shoulds” and create success on your own terms?• Honor your capacity. What if your energy—exactly as it is—could become your biggest advantage?• Use the Rooted Method. How would your author life change if you only planned 90 days at a time?• Trust intuitive signals. Ever wonder what those quiet nudges are trying to tell you?• Choose aligned marketing. What if the most effective marketing plan is the one that feels good to you?Listen now to learn how to step into marketing that feels like you. The momentum and peace of mind you want are waiting on the other side of alignment.Here's how to connect with Chelsea and download her free listener gift:3 Simple Ways to Use Intuition in Your Business DecisionsWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You'll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay.

#895 I'm a New York Times bestselling author! This is thanks to my new book, Lean Learning, and a massive pre-launch promotional effort. So, what's changed in my life since earning this prestigious badge? Almost nothing. But writing books is still worth it, and I'll tell you exactly why in today's episode. I'll also share the strategies to help you unlock the true benefits of becoming an author. Importantly, I also want to help you succeed without getting sidetracked by goals that won't move the needle for your brand and business! Listen in to hear what traditional publishers will and won't do for you and why I wouldn't go down this route again. I'll discuss the BILF, books-in-lieu-of-fee, tactic that enabled me to move copies and build relationships around this release. I'll also dive into the promotional methods I've been using since Superfans and Will It Fly? that are still delivering massive results today. Tune in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session895.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.