Despite all the information that's out there, it never fails to surprise us how many folks get it absolutely wrong when it comes to what it takes to succeed, and what are outdated guidelines, ideas, and mindsets. In this episode we comb through a recent article from Esquire magazine that sheds light on the struggles debut authors face in today's literary world. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the industry's landscape and equip yourself with knowledge that could make all ...
Jul 26, 2024•30 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of we take a serious look at the Amazon Bestseller flag and unravel the myths behind this iconic orange banner. Many authors dream of that coveted orange "bestseller" banner gracing their book covers, but how do you actually get it? And more importantly, is it always a guaranteed indicator of success? Join us as we delve into the truths and misconceptions surrounding the Amazon bestseller status. We'll discuss the criteria, the challenges, and the realities of achi...
Jul 19, 2024•19 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast A few weeks ago you may have heard about Romance Writers of America (RWA) filing for bankruptcy - they aren't going away, per se, just reorganizing. And you may have thought this doesn't matter to you - but it does. This single development that holds significant implications for the entire writing community, so we're talking about the vital role organizations like RWA play in the literary world, from advocacy and support to networking and learning opportunities. Send us your feedb...
Jul 12, 2024•9 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast This is our third most downloaded episode of all time! Why do we think it's popular? Because being an author can be exhausting, and most of us don't have time to waste on marketing efforts that don't produce results. And social media is typically at the top of the list of time-wasters, at least when it comes to moving the needle on sales and reviews. If you're ready to say goodbye to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, let's learn how to forge your success off of the social me...
Jul 05, 2024•20 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we break down the recent announcement that Costco will no longer be carrying books in their warehouses—a decision with significant implications for authors. You may have heard this and thought it doesn't matter to you, but it does, and we'll unpack why. We’ll also explore the discouraging trend of shrinking shelf space and delve into the reasons behind the dwindling presence of books in big box stores. Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that wil...
Jun 28, 2024•19 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we tackle the challenging yet essential topic of recouping your book creation and marketing investment. Many authors face the harsh reality of under-planning and overspending during production, only to find themselves without the funds needed for aggressive marketing in an extremely competitive market. With 11,000 books being published every day, making a serious go at this requires a strategic approach. Join us as we dive into the major issues that prevent authors from recoverin...
Jun 21, 2024•27 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast In this exciting episode we're breaking away from traditional book marketing methods and exploring innovative, fun, and often easy-to-implement strategies to boost your book sales. If you're looking to make a splash in the literary world, don't miss this! We’ll delve into unique venues for book events and sales that go beyond the bookstore, discuss the benefits and tactics of selling books in bulk, and reveal a host of other creative ideas that can help you reach new audiences. Se...
Jun 14, 2024•34 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast In this eye-opening episode we dive into Amazon’s latest updates that are shaking up the way book descriptions are managed on the platform. For authors who use Author Central, these changes are crucial to understand if you want to keep your book pages in top form. Join us as we discuss how these updates can impact your book’s visibility and sales, and provide actionable tips to navigate the new system effectively. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is must-k...
Jun 07, 2024•10 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to a pivotal episode of our show where we shine a spotlight on a crucial aspect of the publishing process: how your name appears on Amazon. Join us as we dissect the intricacies that can make or break an author's visibility and success on the world's largest online retail marketplace. From the complexities of incorporating titles like PhD to the impact of middle initials and even spacing, we explore how seemingly small details can have significant repercussions on your book&apo...
May 31, 2024•10 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast Are you marketing to the wrong audience? As authors, we often find ourselves inadvertently targeting the wrong demographic, because while the reader may be obvious, they're not always the individuals buying or recommending (or gifting) your book. Join us as we unravel the complexities of audience targeting, uncover common pitfalls and offer practical strategies to ensure you're reaching the right audience for your work. From identifying your true buyers to navigating less obvious marke...
May 24, 2024•16 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we're talking about book endorsements, getting them, timing them, and what to do with them once they start coming in. Whether you're a seasoned author or a newbie, you're going to want our tips and advice! We'll explore the strategies and tactics for identifying the ideal personalities to lend their credibility to your work and outline the dos and don'ts of making your pitch. We'll also tackle the pros and cons of delaying your book release in pursui...
May 17, 2024•23 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's episode we're talking about the crucial role book descriptions play in sales conversions - specifically for non-fiction titles. We'll share our top five must-do strategies for crafting a compelling description on Amazon that will transform casual browsers into eager buyers. And the top mistakes authors make! Whether you're a seasoned author or new to the publishing game, this episode is a must-listen for maximizing your book's potential on the world's...
May 10, 2024•23 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Penny and Amy, the dynamic duo behind a successful book marketing and PR firm, invite listeners to join them for an intimate peek behind the curtain of their collaborative journey. While their chemistry is often praised, it's their ability to navigate different visions for growth that has been a cornerstone of their success. In this revealing episode, Penny and Amy share both triumphs and pitfalls with unfiltered, humorous honesty. But this isn't just a recounting of pa...
May 03, 2024•38 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's episode, we chat about connecting with the elusive reader who seems to dwell beyond the realms of mainstream social media platforms. Even though the digital age is dominating how a lot of us consume content, not every reader can be found scrolling through Instagram reels or TikTok videos. So how do they find the books they buy, and how can authors tap into a market demographic that tends to read prolifically and has disposable income? From unconventional platforms to grassroo...
Apr 26, 2024•18 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Not everyone talks about it, but all authors want to sell books. And we know a lot of you secretly (or not so secretly) would love to make enough to be a full-time author. But is achieving significant sales still a possibility? The surprising answer lies in the realm of self-publishing, where a lot of successful authors are find their footing. Join us as we go through some suprising statistics and dissect the advantages that heavily favor self-published authors in today's dynamic market. Fr...
Apr 19, 2024•29 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast This is another listener request and we're talking about trigger words that could potentially result in your hard-earned reviews being pulled from your retail page. We chat about the fine line between what reviewers should say to maintain authenticity and what words they should tactfully avoid to ensure their reviews don't get flagged or worse, their accounts blacklisted. And what's your role as an author? You must lead this charge! It's your responsibility to stay on top of ...
Apr 12, 2024•15 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered why some books seem to effortlessly rack up Amazon reviews while others struggle to even get noticed? This week we're unveiling a secret strategy that savvy authors have been using to bolster their review numbers. We chat about the art of prompting reviews from your readers in a way that feels natural and seamless. It's a genius tactic that surprisingly few authors employ, but the results speak for themselves. From crafting the perfect call-to-action to timing it...
Apr 05, 2024•13 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast This week we're talking about literary agents. Who they are, what they do, and whether you really need one. We'll explore the ins and outs of literary representation, breaking down the roles and responsibilities of literary agents, and shedding light on the services they provide for authors. We'll also discuss the darker side of the industry, including common scams to avoid and red flags to watch out for when seeking representation. Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentors...
Mar 29, 2024•28 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast Join us in this week's episode as we chat about the latest innovation from Amazon: the Virtual Voice. Imagine a world where authors can transform their written words into audiobooks using artificial intelligence. FOR FREE. It's a game-changer for indie authors, but what does it mean for the future of storytelling and the traditional audiobook industry? Is this advancement a boon for indie authors seeking accessibility and affordability in audiobook production, or does it signal a threa...
Mar 22, 2024•19 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we take a peek behind the curtain and dive into the sometimes harsh realities of the publishing world, shedding light on the obstacles that can slow an author's rise to the top – and sharing insights on how to avoid them. While we love authors who dream big, keeping expectations in check is essential. Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a bummer episode but rather a discussion of actionable things authors can do to avoid wasting precious time and resources on futile pursuits. From ...
Mar 15, 2024•38 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Penny and Amy decode the intricate world of big media outlets and help you understand what they're looking for and whether or not you’re right for a big media outlet. We kick off by addressing a common misconception – that success in media equals instant fame or a bestselling book. We’ll discuss the importance of finding your niche and leveraging various platforms to reach your target audience effectively. But who exactly is your target market? We’ll unpack that, too! We ex...
Mar 08, 2024•35 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on a common dilemma many memoir authors face: determining whether their book can be classified as self-help. While storytelling and imparting wisdom often go hand in hand, understanding the nuances between these genres is essential for maximizing the impact and success of your book. Too often, authors find themselves straddling the line between memoir and self-help, leading to confusion for both themselves and their readers. We dissect the key differenc...
Mar 01, 2024•20 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a candid discussion as we shine a light on the often-overlooked aspects of the author journey. In this episode, we tackle the things that many authors aren't adequately prepared for but are crucial to their success. From the seemingly mundane task of reading contracts to the sobering realization that publishing is indeed a business, we explore the facets of authorship that can catch even the most seasoned writers off guard. We understand that delving into legal jargon may not be...
Feb 23, 2024•40 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we delve into a crucial but often overlooked aspect of being an author: education in publishing. And we get it, it’s another thing to learn. But it’s crucial to your success and we’ll unpack why. But don't worry, you don't need a PhD in publishing to thrive. Join us as we explore why understanding the ins and outs of the industry can not only save you money but also significantly impact your success as a writer. From the ever-evolving landscape of Amazon to emerging tr...
Feb 16, 2024•26 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Whether you're a seasoned author navigating the industry or an aspiring writer with dreams of seeing your work on the screen, this episode is a must-listen. Join us in uncovering the hidden dangers, understanding the deceptive tactics, and learning how to safeguard your literary creations from potential exploitation. Don't let the allure of TV and movie deals become a pitfall – empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate these waters wisely. Send us your feedback! Check out our new...
Feb 09, 2024•23 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast We're delving into the recent changes that Amazon has implemented for international book buyers. The notable shift is the disallowance of gifting copies of books internationally, a move that carries significant implications for authors. Why the continued tightening of the reins? We have our theories, so tune in! Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: https://amarketingexpert.com/author-mentorship/ Help promote the podcast and earn ...
Feb 02, 2024•25 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast We're chatting about the often misunderstood differences between publicity, marketing, advertising, and branding. Why? Because knowing the differences can save you a lot of time and money in terms of what kind of support you need to achieve your goals. If you're looking to hire a team, or you're trying to develop a self-promotion plan, this episode is essential. Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: https://amarketingexp...
Jan 26, 2024•18 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Have your Amazon Ads suddenly stopped working? Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind why your carefully crafted ads may have taken a nose dive. We break down the complexities of Amazon advertising, and how oftentimes the elements that need some TLC aren't on the ad dashboard at all! Send us your feedback! Check out our new mentorship program that will definitely change your life: https://amarketingexpert.com/author-mentorship/ Help promote the podcast and earn free swag: If you're...
Jan 19, 2024•20 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast Beyond the cover, your book's title is its first impression. Dive into the discussion on why the right title, paired with a captivating subtitle, can be the key to converting more shoppers to buyers. - Discover what that make a book title memorable, intriguing, and reflective of its essence. - Explore the subtle art of crafting subtitles that add depth, intrigue, and additional layers to your book's narrative. - Learn how to tap into your creativity to generate title and subtitle ideas...
Jan 12, 2024•27 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Your book is priced well and the cover is great – so why isn’t it flying off the shelves? In this eye-opening episode, we demystify the confusion surrounding book sales. We’ll dig into the reader journey and explore why books, despite their relatively modest price tag, aren't impulse buys. Discover why books aren't just commodities but investments of time, a priceless currency in our fast-paced lives. Plus we provide some tips on how to hone in on your audience and position your book f...
Jan 05, 2024•24 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 
