It seems obvious, doesn't it? But Amy's got strong feelings about this, and she's not wrong. Marketing and sales are not the same but they are often used interchangeably, which can create unrealistic expectations and divert your attention from elements of your platform and promotion that really matter. Amy will explain more (as only Amy can). Our goal for this episode is to ensure you fully understand how to focus on sales and marketing as two separate elements of your business an...
Nov 04, 2022•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you’ve ever been pulled into a book by the enticing headline on the book retail page, chances are you were reading an elevator pitch. Our goal for this episode is to unveil the secrets behind a great elevator pitch, and tips for how to create one that will help you pull in readers and sell more books. Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email us to let us know, we're always finding creative ways to reward followers! Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program t...
Oct 27, 2022•36 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast We see this all the time but it still surprises us how many authors do this one thing. Want to know what it is? Tune in! Our goal with this episode is to help you convert more website browsers to buyers and fans. Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email us to let us know, we're always finding creative ways to reward followers! Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: https://amarketingexpert.com/author-mentorship/ Help pr...
Oct 21, 2022•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast The first 30-days of the life of your book is really exciting, isn't it? But what happens after that? If you're like most authors, not much. So we're unpacking what starts after the 30-day honeymoon is over. We'll share how long you can still pitch your book for review, what you ideally want to be doing at the six month mark, and one thing you should never wait too long to do! Our goal for this episode is to help you create a tangible checklist you can follow the first 12 mon...
Oct 13, 2022•21 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast Having your book up on Amazon for pre-order can be a really fun and exciting time, and we admit, the allure of racking up additional sales is real, but there are also some potential downsides to pre-orders if not planned for and managed properly. Our goal for this episode is to ensure you understand the pros and cons of pre-orders so you can strategically prepare to reap the benefits of an early marketing campaign for your next release. Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email us to ...
Oct 07, 2022•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast We get it, your book came out and five hundred other things were vying for your attention. While book launches are important, sometimes we miss the mark, or life happens and your efforts fell short, or your marketing ideas didn't quite hit it out of the park. If this resonates with you, you're going to love this episode! Our goal for this episode is to get candid about limitations, while also uncovering some things you can do to come back from a failed book launch, whether your release...
Sep 29, 2022•19 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast Not all marketing is created equal! In this episode we're uncovering some ways that book marketing firms waste your money, specifically calling out common products and services that seem good on paper, but don't actually move the needle on book sales or help build more reader fans. Our goal for this episode is to cut through the smoke and mirrors, so you can make more educated requests and decisions about your marketing investments. Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email ...
Sep 23, 2022•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast You've got big book marketing goals but very little time. If this statement resonates with you you're going to love this week's episode! Effective book marketing doesn't have to consume days, or even hours. If done smartly, and strategically, you can power through your list and make some pretty extraordinary gains! Our goal for this episode is to help you carve out ways to effectively promote your book without it turning into a part-time job. Remember to leave a review for th...
Sep 15, 2022•23 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast Sometimes the things you can do to improve your book sales require little effort, and while Amazon often seems confusing there are a lot of very simple things you can do to dramatically improve your chances of turning shoppers into buyers and fans. Our goal for this episode is to dig into an often-overlooked issue when it comes to bringing your A-game to Amazon. Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email us to let us know, we're always finding creative ways to reward followers! Se...
Sep 09, 2022•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode was inspired by a series of frustrated comments we got on our blog, many of which lamented that nothing they were doing was moving the needle when it came to book sales. We've got some remedies for that! Our goal for this episode is to tackle several popular scenarios related to book marketing challenges, and we encourage you to take notes! Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email us to let us know, we're always finding creative ways to reward followers! Send u...
Sep 01, 2022•39 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Have you heard what's happening with audio book content? Audible's new offerings have really leveled up audio books, and today we're talking about the future of audio books and how this matters to you! Our goal for this episode is to help you plan for a successful audiobook launch if you have it on your list of long-term goals. Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: https://amarketingexpert.com/author-mentorship/ Help pro...
Aug 19, 2022•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's been one heck of a week. An author called us, having sent $7,000 to a firm promising him the moon, and guess what?The firm was pretending to be Author Marketing Experts. We're dishing the dirt in this special episode and sharing all the details of what happened, who did this, and how it affects the industry as a whole. Our goal for this episode is to help you avoid getting scammed! Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: h...
Aug 12, 2022•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast We see you. You're exhausted by trying to learn how to gain some traction on social media. You've flunked out of TikTok and find that the best use for Instagram is looking for cute emu videos (hello....Emmanuel!) or scouring for recipes. Or you flat out don't even want to even start. If you're reading this and nodding, then you've come to the right place. Say goodbye to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and let's learn how to forge your success off of the social media h...
Aug 11, 2022•20 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Display advertising has been around a long time, and it can be really effective for some products and services - but does it work for books? Our goal for this episode is to discuss our thoughts on display advertising, the pros and cons, and what to watch out for and consider if you're offered an opportunity to advertise your book. Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: https://amarketingexpert.com/author-mentorship/ Help promote th...
Aug 05, 2022•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast This idea was born from a listener request, specifically they wanted some tips on how to work with libraries to book more events. So we decided to cover that, and more! Because libraries are a great way to build your reader-base, but getting involved with libraries is also a great way to support your community and even garner local media attention. Get ready to jot down some of our creative tips and recommendations for easy (and honestly fun) ways to claim your spot as a well-known local author....
Jul 28, 2022•17 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Want to grab your share of holiday sales? Then now is the time to plan! In this special bonus episode, Amy and Penny break down what you need to do - and how you can prepare - for big holiday book sales! Packed with tips and some insider scoop, we'll get you ready for the biggest shopping market of the year! July Promotion: We talk a lot about Amazon, and for good reason - it can make or break your success as an author. Download your free copy of our Amazon Cheatsheet Download your free cop...
Jul 22, 2022•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you've ever considered hiring a book marketing company, are already interviewing potential teams, or still feeling a bit burned by your last book promotion campaign - this episode is not-to-be missed! We're getting candid about what to expect (and what's often off the table), smart questions to ask about the work, ways to evaluate what you're being offered, and even tips that can save you money. August Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So i...
Jul 14, 2022•37 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Your website says a lot about you, so you really don't want to risk giving potential visitors the wrong impression. But sadly, we see authors miss seemingly small, yet critically important details all the time that are setting them back. Check out our tips for ensuring your website is primed to help you convert more shoppers into buyers and fans. July Promotion: We talk a lot about Amazon, and for good reason - it can make or break your success as an author. Download your free copy of our A...
Jul 08, 2022•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast We see this a lot: an author puts a bunch of stuff on their website because they think that’s what goes on a website. But they’re missing the point that their website should be focused on a very particular market, and rarely does turning it into a digital resume or superficial biography of your life work in your favor. This show will unpack what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to your website. Packed with tips, insider info and some ideas for those of you who don't have a website y...
Jun 30, 2022•42 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast Online media alerts have seemingly taken a back seat in recent years because there's just so much distracting us online - but that's exactly why you need them! Honestly, they're a really valuable tool for building and maintaining your brand. Review our tips and recommendations before getting yourself set up to know everywhere your brand is mentioned online, and how to make the most of the exposure! June Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So if you’r...
Jun 24, 2022•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you are writing under a pen name, or considering one, you won't want to miss this show. Amy and Penny discuss a lot caveats and (avoidable) mistakes authors make when it comes to establishing and using pen names. Learn how to plan for success, issues and challenges to consider and avoid, and how to maximize on your pen name once you feel confident you're ready to introduce your "other" self to the world! June Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realiz...
Jun 16, 2022•25 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast We got to chat with a team at Goodreads and wow, we got a lot of insight into their future plans, but also, a great reminder about what really moves the needle when it comes to effective book marketing. Listen in to see what we learned! June Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So if you’re releasing a book this year, or you’re open to breathing new life into an already existing title by creating a new cover worthy of the bestseller list -- please let us help! Check...
Jun 10, 2022•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amy volunteered at her kids' book fair this year and came out of the experience with a lot of cool and exciting insight into what kids are looking for, so she and Penny were inspired to chat about what's working in the children's book market, and how authors can really stand out and build their kiddo super fan base! June Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So if you’re releasing a book this year, or you’re open to breathing new life into an already e...
Jun 02, 2022•30 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast A lot of authors when thinking about “editions” of their books think: audio! Hardcover! Translation! But so few think of large print books - which are a hugely underserved market with a dedicated clientele: librarians. May Promotion: Let's celebrate the good ones. If you've worked with a great editor, cover designer, interior designer, agent, author assistant, website designer - or someone else you credit for your success in getting your book "out there" - then we'd love...
May 27, 2022•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast We thought it was time that we did a show on Tiktok, because while I realize it’s not a new-new platform per se, as social media sites go it’s fairly young, and it’s gotten such great buzz, and especially with the #BookTok hashtag and such building so much interest for books, which we always love! May Promotion: Let's celebrate the good ones. If you've worked with a great editor, cover designer, interior designer, agent, author assistant, website designer - or someone else you credit f...
May 19, 2022•30 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Are you interested in creating a Kickstarter campaign to finance your next book? Tune in to listen to our take on one crowdfunding campaign that worked because he outlined it as a business venture - not as a way to get free money! Here's the link to the author's page we discussed for your reference: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonsteel/surprise-four-secret-novels-by-brandon-sanderson?ref=msa May Promotion : Let's celebrate the good ones. If you've worked with a gr...
May 13, 2022•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast We did this episode because there still seems to be a lot of confusion around the differences between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and using a publishing service. Which is understandable! But there's a lot of grey area in the industry today that really needs to be explored and understood before you can confidently make the publishing decision that's going to be right for you right now and down the road too. Keep an open mind, you might be surprised at how much your opinion ...
May 05, 2022•20 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast We get it, bad reviews can be hard. But instead of focussing on the negative, it's important to understand all of the positive benefits that can come from reviews. In this episode, we talk about how to approach reviews and what you can learn from them- yes, even the bad ones! April Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So if you’re releasing a book this year, or you’re open to breathing new life into an already existing title by creating a new cover worthy of th...
Apr 29, 2022•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Separating fact from fiction, in this episode we tackle the myths, untruths and yes, even a few urban legends - all of which can tank your publishing career. Tune in as Penny and Amy share 10 myths you maybe thought were true, but actually aren't! April Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So if you’re releasing a book this year, or you’re open to breathing new life into an already existing title by creating a new cover worthy of the bestseller list -- let us h...
Apr 21, 2022•30 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast We hear a lot about paid reviews and many authors are eager to get their book into these services, but are there drawbacks to paid reviews? In this episode we take a candid look at paid vs. organic reviews - what to look for in paid reviews and what to what out for, and maybe why you need both! April Promotion: Book covers matter, more than a lot of authors realize. So if you’re releasing a book this year, or you’re open to breathing new life into an already existing title by creating a new cove...
Apr 15, 2022•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast