An investment in book marketing and publicity is an investment in all the hard work you've poured into your book. But why is book marketing so expensive? And are those cheaper, one-off services really worth it? In this episode, we're breaking down the true cost of book marketing—what you’re really paying for, what actually moves the needle on book sales, and whether a big budget always equals big results. Is it a case of "you get what you pay for," or is there more to the sto...
Feb 07, 2025•31 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast We spend a lot of time talking about Amazon (and that matters) but when was the last time you searched for your name or book on Google? Did your website show up? Or is your author website getting lost in the vast expanse of the internet? While Amazon visibility is crucial, Google matters just as much when it comes to connecting with readers and maintaining relationships with them beyond the purchase. This is especially critically if you plan to release more than one title. In this episode, we’ll...
Jan 31, 2025•39 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Ever gotten on Amazon to search for your book andâBAMânothing? If your title isnât appearing for search terms you think should be working, youâre not alone. In this eye-opening episode, weâre lifting the curtain on Amazonâs elusive algorithm to explain why some books get prime visibility while others remain hidden in the shadows. Weâll walk you through the key factors that influence Amazon search results, reveal common challenges that can keep your title from being discovered, and ...
Jan 24, 2025•37 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Is your book lost in a sea of titles on Amazon? If you feel like your title is dead in the water, you’re not alone. In this episode we’re digging into the horror of feeling rudderless on Amazon—why it happens and, most importantly, how to fix it. We chat about the telltale signs of a lost book and proven strategies that can reignite your engagement. Don’t waste anymore time hiding in the shadows—tune in and learn how to resurrect your book’s visibility! Send us your feedback! Check out our new m...
Jan 18, 2025•31 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast Dreaming of seeing your book featured in libraries—and even appearing there in person to meet eager readers? This episode is for you! We’re unlocking the secrets to getting your title onto library shelves, plus sharing insider tips on securing author events right where your audience is waiting. Discover how to approach librarians, learn what makes your book appealing to them, and leverage strategies that position you as a must-invite guest. Whether you’re looking to boost your book’s visibility ...
Jan 10, 2025•18 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Everyone wants to guest on podcasts these days—but landing the spot is just the beginning. In this episode, we’re going beyond pitching and diving into the art of being a truly unforgettable podcast guest. Discover how to prep effectively, calm your nerves, and bring your A-game to the mic. We’ll share insider tips on what hosts and audiences really value, plus a few last-minute adjustments that can give you that extra edge. Whether you’re brand new to the podcast scene or looking to level up yo...
Jan 03, 2025•14 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast In a crowded digital landscape, authors are always on the hunt for new ways to reach readers. Substack has risen as a newsletter platform that promises creative freedom and direct audience connection—but is it right for you? In this episode, we’re diving deep into Substack’s features, benefits, and challenges. We’ll explore who it’s best suited for, how it can fit into your existing marketing strategy, and what kind of commitment it requires. If you’ve been wondering whether this platform could ...
Dec 27, 2024•23 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast It’s almost time to flip the calendar and embrace a brand-new year—and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh, reset, and reinvigorate your author brand. In this episode, we’re sharing a step-by-step checklist to help you usher in the next twelve months with confidence. From the one thing authors almost always forget to update on their website, to easy ‘housecleaning’ tasks that ensure your books and brand are poised for success, we’ve got you covered. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s ...
Dec 20, 2024•40 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Ready to supercharge your book’s visibility on Amazon? In this episode, we’re revealing some of the best-kept secrets for optimizing your Amazon retail page to drive traffic and boost sales—just in time for the holiday shopping season! From insider tips to easy-to-implement strategies, you’ll learn how to fine-tune your page, attract more readers, and stand out in the crowded marketplace. If you’re eager to take advantage of the busiest buying season of the year, this episode is a must-listen. G...
Dec 13, 2024•25 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast What’s the secret to writing a book readers can’t wait to pick up? In this episode, we’re uncovering the overlooked strategies that make a book not only fit its market but also compel readers to buy. From crafting the perfect book idea to aligning your work with reader expectations, we’ll deep dive into the steps most authors miss when creating and bringing their books to market. And if your book is already out, don’t worry—this episode is for you, too! We’ll share actionable tips to identify wh...
Dec 06, 2024•26 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve got something truly special for you in this episode and we're launching it on Small Business Saturday! We've just launched a program created by and for *you*, our amazing listeners! After four years of incredible questions, feedback, and requests, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new mentorship program. If you’ve loved the insights and advice shared on this podcast, you’re going to adore this opportunity to dive deeper, get personalized guidance, and take your a...
Nov 30, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re closing out the year with a bang in this special episode where Amy and Penny answer some of the best book marketing questions we’ve received all year! From “How many books do I need to write to be successful?” to predictions for next year’s trends, and even “What’s the most successful marketing strategy you’ve ever seen?”—we’re diving into it all. Plus, we’ll share insights on how much authors can realistically earn from their books and reveal our favorite strategies that truly work. This ...
Nov 29, 2024•57 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast In this unabashedly honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the rookie mistakes that can make authors look like amateurs—and even open them up to being taken advantage of. From networking missteps to pitching for reviews or media consideration, we’re covering the blunders that cost time, money, and reputation. Everyone starts as a newbie, but you don’t have to look like one! If you’re attending events, presenting your book, or putting yourself out there, tune in to learn the essentials...
Nov 22, 2024•38 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast It seems like now, more than ever, scammers and hacks are everywhere. Penny can't go a week without someone offering to "turn her book into a movie" and if you've listened for a while, you know how we feel about that! In today’s world of book publishing, scammers and inexperienced providers are everywhere, and knowing who to trust can be tough. In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into the art of spotting legitimate vendors versus the ones who may be out to scam you or s...
Nov 15, 2024•26 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Like Amazon, Goodreads is cracking down on spam and bot author accounts, many of which are producing subpar AI generated content — but protecting the platform means adding a stricter vetting process before authors get to network with readers. In this urgent episode, we dive deep into these changes with insights from Amy, our resident Goodreads expert, who unpacks what’s required and how to navigate the approval process with ease. If you’re planning to establish your author presence on Goodreads,...
Nov 08, 2024•20 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast We thought we'd drop in with another urgent Amazon PSA! Amazon delays can be a nightmare for authors, especially when everything is set for a carefully planned launch day, and your book still hasn’t gone live. Recently, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has been experiencing lengthy approval delays, sometimes taking weeks to process books. In this crucial episode, we’ll guide you through what to do if Amazon’s hold-ups affect your launch. We’ll discuss practical steps to take...
Nov 02, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Struggling to get media attention for your book? You’re not alone. In today’s ever-changing media landscape, landing interviews and features has become more difficult than ever. In this episode, we dig into the reasons why it’s so hard to get a “yes” and more importantly, what you can do to change that. We’ll reveal strategies for cutting through the noise and still securing valuable media coverage, even in a tough market. Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, or expert looking to elevate your...
Nov 01, 2024•23 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Audiobooks are all the rage, but are you truly ready to dive in? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the audiobook world, revealing why it’s not as simple as it seems. Yes, thanks to AI it’s easier (and cheaper) than ever to create an audiobook, and with its booming popularity, the revenue potential is tempting—but rushing in could be a costly mistake. We’ve got a real-time story for you, featuring a disastrous audio narration (with an actual audio sample brought by Penny!) that sh...
Oct 25, 2024•18 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we’re exploring a unique but underutilized strategy that even the biggest publishers swear by—having a backup book cover! Join us as we dive into why our very own author, Marlene Bell , is always prepared with a second cover, and why you should be, too. We'll share her experience and how her sleuthing around the strategies of major publishers has served her well. We’ll break down the unexpected benefits and how you can implement it to maximize your book’s success. Send us yo...
Oct 18, 2024•14 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast We’re dropping a special, urgent episode into your feed! Amazon is cracking down hard on claims like "100,000 books sold" and "Amazon bestseller" and even "Award-winning author." If you’ve used these statements on your cover, your book description or author bio - really anywhere on your retail page - this is a must-listen episode. We’re breaking down the reasons behind this strict enforcement, the proof Amazon is now requiring, and the serious consequences of not co...
Oct 11, 2024•15 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast Don’t let the wrong vendors hold you back! We're talking about finding the best service providers for your book project. From choosing the right cover and interior designers, to selecting the perfect website developer, we’re giving you all the inside knowledge to avoid the common (and costly) mistakes authors often make. We’ll discuss key questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and expert tips to ensure you pick the right team to bring your vision to life. Don't fall victim to subpar...
Oct 04, 2024•33 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast In this eye-opening episode, we’re tackling one of the most underrated tools in your book marketing arsenal: your Amazon author bio. Could this often-overlooked section be costing you book sales? Quite possibly! Many authors leave their bios as an afterthought, but it’s a vital piece of the puzzle that can either engage readers or turn them away. Join us as we break down what makes a stellar bio, what you should avoid, and how to craft the perfect one to capture attention and boost your book’s v...
Sep 27, 2024•26 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast We're taking a deep dive into the world of publishers—what they can do for authors, and more importantly, what they can’t. We'll explore the benefits of working with a publisher, the potential drawbacks, and why choosing to work with one could either boost or hinder your success. Join us for a frank and honest conversation that will help you make informed decisions about your publishing future! Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your...
Sep 20, 2024•29 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast We're tackling the Author Success Checklist—a crucial exercise that helps identify any issues preventing your book from reaching its full potential. And this isn’t your typical to-do list. Instead, it’s a thoughtful evaluation that ensures both your book and your author brand are as polished and market-ready as possible. Inspired by a call with an author on the verge of giving up, we walk you through the checklist we use to help authors turn things around. If your book isn't selling as...
Sep 13, 2024•38 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we're diving into the world of author tools—those must-have apps, time-saving shortcuts, and money-saving methods that can make a huge difference in your author journey. We'll share our favorite tools that every author should consider, highlighting why we love them and how they can boost your productivity. But it doesn't stop there—stay tuned for the second half of the show, where we discuss some common shortcuts that we've seen authors use, and why we'r...
Sep 06, 2024•51 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast We're shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of indie bookstores. These hidden gems are more than just places to buy books—they're vibrant communities that can play a crucial role in your book's success. We'll explore why indie bookstores matter, how to build relationships with them, and actionable steps to get your book onto their shelves. From understanding their unique culture to crafting a collaborative offer that piques their interest, you'll walk away wi...
Aug 30, 2024•19 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast Join us in this exciting episode as we bring one of our most popular blog posts to life! We're unpacking the best book marketing strategies that every author should have in their toolkit. Whether you're looking to spark new ideas or re-evaluate your current approach, we've got you covered. We talk about the tactics that work, expose those that don't, and offer a fresh perspective to help you market your book more effectively. Tune in and discover creative strategies that migh...
Aug 23, 2024•38 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we delve into the power of a well-crafted reader profile. Understanding who you’re writing for can transform your marketing strategy and elevate your writing to the next level. We'll explore the essential elements that make up a comprehensive reader profile—demographics, interests, reading habits, and more. Plus, you'll learn actionable steps to leverage this information you compile to connect with your audience, tailor your content, and maximize your book's impact...
Aug 16, 2024•31 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast We're often asked, "How can I find the best publisher for my book?" And we've done publisher episodes before, but now we're focused on critical marketing questions to ask before making your decision. Publishers are appealing to some authors because they promise to ease a lot of the production work, but more often than not the marketing piece is overlooked. Don't find yourself trapped with a book that can't take off! Whether you're a first-time author or lo...
Aug 09, 2024•29 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast Today we're exploring the confounding new security features around Goodreads author profiles that have left many authors frustrated and puzzled. Join us as we discuss practical workarounds and provide step-by-step guidance on how to easily claim and manage your Goodreads author profile despite the new security hurdles and how your Amazon Author Central account plays a critical role. Love it or hate it, Goodreads is a crucial element to marketing and branding in today's market, where 11...
Aug 02, 2024•15 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast 
