Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast
A book marketing podcast for authors covering how to market a book, self-publishing, Amazon for authors, and proven strategies to sell more books. Hosted by bestselling author Penny Sansevieri and publishing insider Amy Cornell, each episode offers smart strategies, creative inspiration, and practical know-how. The show delivers real-world advice to help authors sell more books, build their platform, and thrive in the ever-evolving publishing landscape.
Episodes
What’s In, What’s Out: The Book Marketing Edition
Every so often, book marketing needs a good cleanout.So in this episode, we’re doing our own book marketing “In & Out” list—the strategies, habits, and author expectations we’re happily carrying forward, and the ones we think need to be shown the door.And yes, we have opinions.Out: stuffing keywords everywhere they’ll fit. Trying to show up on every social media platform because someone told y
Why Authors Avoid Marketing—and What’s Really Keeping You Stuck
If you’ve ever put off your book marketing, disappeared down another research rabbit hole, or told yourself you’ll get serious about promotion after the next book is finished, this episode is for you.And no, we’re not here to call authors lazy.Because what looks like laziness is often something else entirely: overwhelm, uncertainty, perfectionism, fear of making the wrong decision, or simply not k
What Bestselling Authors Know About Getting Readers to Click Buy
Top authors are not successful simply because they write good books or have bigger marketing budgets. The strongest authors understand something many writers overlook: readers are constantly deciding whether a book feels worth their time, attention, and money—and those decisions often happen before the first page is ever read.In this episode, we unpack what top-performing authors understand about
The Amazon AI Search Update That Could Change Your Book Sales
Amazon is changing how readers discover books, and authors who understand the shift now will be in a much stronger position than those who wait for the results to become obvious. Search is becoming more conversational, recommendations are becoming more context-driven, and AI is increasingly influencing how books are matched with reader interests, moods, questions, needs, and expectations.In this e
Should You Sell Books Direct? The Truth About Leaving Amazon Behind
Selling direct to readers can sound like the ultimate author-business upgrade: higher royalties, faster payouts, more control, and a customer list you actually own.But is it the right move for your book right now?In this episode, we unpack the real tradeoffs behind selling books from your own website—and why launching a direct-sales store before you have the audience, systems, or offers to support
Paid Author Newsletters: Smart New Income Stream or Expensive Distraction?
Could your author newsletter become a new income stream—or will charging readers create more work than revenue?Paid newsletters are everywhere right now, especially with platforms like Substack making it look easy to turn emails into monthly income. But for authors, the question is not whether someone is making money with a paid newsletter. It is whether your readers have a compelling reason to pa
15 Minutes to More Book Visibility: The Marketing Moves That Keep Working
You do not need a free afternoon—or an exhausting new marketing plan—to make meaningful progress with your book. In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell break down how authors can use just 15 focused minutes to improve the parts of their marketing that keep working long after the timer stops.They start by celebrating Penny’s new release, Think Local, Sell Global, then get straight to one
Get Your Book Into Libraries—and Build the Local Buzz That Travels
As Penny's new book, Think Local, Sell Global, heads into pre-order, this replay felt especially timely.One of the biggest mistakes authors make is assuming that local book marketing is somehow “small.” In reality, the relationships you build in your own community can become the foundation for stronger visibility, more reader connection, better word-of-mouth, and opportunities that continue e
Christmas in July: Your Holiday Book Sales Plan Starts Here
Holiday book sales do not start when shoppers begin panic-buying gifts in December. They start months earlier, when smart authors begin positioning their books for the gift guides, media mentions, newsletters, local segments, creator roundups, and seasonal recommendation lists that influence what readers actually buy.In this episode, Penny and Amy are talking Christmas in July — and why authors wh
Think Local, Sell Everywhere: Book Marketing That Actually Sells Books
Most authors overlook one of the most powerful marketing opportunities they already have: their local market. While everyone else fights for attention online, smart authors are building visibility, reader loyalty, and consistent book sales right in their own backyard — often with far less competition and far better results.In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell unpack the local marketin
Publishing Horror Stories: The Expensive Mistakes Authors Never See Coming
You hired help so publishing would feel easier. Instead, your Amazon listing disappears, your book ends up connected to the wrong author page, and suddenly nobody can figure out who actually owns the account. Sound dramatic? We wish it were rare.In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the publishing disasters they keep seeing behind the scenes, many caused not by
The Relaunch Blueprint: Four Ways to Revive Book Sales
Most authors treat launch day like a verdict: the book goes live, sales come in (or don’t), and suddenly it feels like the market has spoken. Quiet numbers can trigger a brutal spiral — exhaustion, disappointment, and the sinking feeling that maybe the opportunity already passed. We disagree completely.In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell break down a four-part relaunch strategy desig
Amazon’s AI Translation Shortcut: Smart Strategy or Costly Mistake?
Amazon just removed one of the biggest barriers to international publishing, and authors are going to be tempted to move fast. With Amazon quietly rolling out an AI-powered translation tool inside KDP, turning your book into Spanish, German, and other languages suddenly feels almost effortless. But easy and effective are not the same thing.In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell unpack w
The Dangerous Myth About Book Sales That’s Holding You Back
If your book sales have you questioning everything, the problem might not be your book—it might be the benchmark you’re using.In this episode, we’re dismantling one of the biggest misconceptions in publishing: what “normal” book sales actually look like. Because once you understand how few copies most books sell—even from traditional publishers—it completely reframes the narrative around success,
Readers Don’t Buy Books—Consumers Do. Here’s Why That Matters
Most authors think they’re selling to readers. That’s the first mistake.Because readers and book consumers are not the same—and confusing the two is one of the biggest reasons books don’t sell.In this episode, we break down the critical difference between someone who loves to read and someone who actually buys books, and why that gap quietly derails even the most well-intentioned marketing plans.
AI Is Scamming Authors: How to Spot Fake Book Marketing Before You Lose Money
Scam emails used to be obvious. Bad grammar, generic messaging, easy to ignore. That version is gone.Today’s scams sound like a real professional—someone who’s “read your book,” understands your audience, and has a polished, confident plan to grow your sales, land media, or build your platform. It feels legitimate because it’s designed to. AI has fundamentally changed the scam landscape, and autho
Your Amazon Retail Page Has a Problem and You Probably Can't See It
Your Amazon book page might be costing you sales—and the worst part is, you probably can’t see it.Most authors assume that once their book is uploaded, the hard part is done. But in reality, your Amazon page is a live sales environment, and small misses can quietly kill conversions every single day. A great book isn’t enough if the page around it isn’t doing its job.In this episode, we break down
Publicity Doesn’t Sell Books: What Authors Get Wrong (and What Works Instead)
Publicity feels like the breakthrough moment every author is chasing—but most big interviews, features, and media hits don’t translate into book sales the way you expect. In many cases, they don’t move the needle at all.In this episode, we unpack what publicity really is—TV, radio, magazines, online media—and why it’s rarely a direct path to sales. The core problem is simple: you’re often putting
The Word-of-Mouth Engine: How to Turn Readers Into Your Best Marketing Team
95% of books are sold through word of mouth—but most authors are still chasing reach instead of building relationships. That’s a problem, especially in a market where social media visibility is unpredictable and ad costs continue to climb.In this episode, we break down the one marketing engine that consistently works: a small, engaged group of readers who genuinely want to see your book succeed.We
Podcast Pitching Secrets For Authors: What Podcast Hosts Actually Say Yes To (Part 2)
“I’d love to come on your show and talk about my new book” is one of the fastest ways to get ignored.In Part 2 of this series, we move from mindset to execution—breaking down exactly how to pitch podcasts in a way that gets attention, earns replies, and leads to bookings. Because podcast hosts aren’t looking for guests who want promotion—they’re looking for conversations their audience will care a
Podcast Pitching Secrets for Authors: How to Get Booked on Podcasts (Part 1)
Most authors want podcast interviews to sell books—and that’s exactly why so many pitches get ignored.In this first episode of a two-part series, we break down the simple shift that changes everything: pitch value first. Your book is the credential—it proves you belong—but it’s not the content. What matters is what the audience walks away with after they listen.We unpack what podcast hosts and pro
Borrowed Buzz: The Smarter Way to Stay Visible Year-Round
Books aren’t “news” on their own anymore—and repeating “buy my book” is one of the fastest ways to burn out (and lose your audience’s attention).In this episode, we break down a smarter, more sustainable approach: borrowed buzz—anchoring your marketing to moments people are already paying attention to. Think holidays, awareness months, seasonal shifts, and even quirky observances that give you a n
Latest Goodreads Changes and Why They Matter for Authors
Goodreads recently rolled out changes that have authors and readers debating everything from review bombing to pre-publication ratings. In this episode, we break down what actually changed, what it means for authors, and how to respond without getting pulled into online panic.We start with review bombing—coordinated waves of ratings from people who often haven’t read the book—and how this behavior
How to Hire a Book Marketing Team Without Getting Burned
“Make you a bestseller.” It’s the loudest promise in book marketing—and often the least meaningful.In this episode, we break down how to distinguish real strategy from fear-based selling, AI-polished outreach, and high-pressure tactics designed to close a sale rather than build a career. From alarming emails about “missing metadata” to vague guarantees and unusual payment demands, we explain what’
How To Get And Keep Amazon Book Reviews Without Getting Banned
Amazon reviews are the currency of credibility—and one misstep can cost you both visibility and account standing. In this episode, we break down exactly how to earn more reviews, keep the ones you get, and build a system that works long term—without crossing Amazon’s invisible lines.We start with what actually moves the needle. Why the first five reviews matter more than most authors realize. Why
The Blueprint that Sells Books
The market doesn’t reward originality alone. It rewards clarity.Readers make buying decisions in seconds—and those seconds depend on signals: cover cues, category alignment, keyword precision, and a description that instantly communicates who the book is for.In this episode, we break down why following a proven framework isn’t creative compromise—it’s strategic positioning.A formula is not a box.
The 7-Day Amazon Ads Reset: What to Fix, What to Ignore, When to Scale
Most authors don’t have an ad problem.They have a patience problem.If you’ve ever stared at your Amazon dashboard 48 hours after launch and declared your campaign a disaster, this episode is for you.We’re breaking down the 7-Day Amazon Ads Sanity Check — a structured, data-driven framework that keeps you from sabotaging campaigns before the algorithm has time to work. You’ll learn what the learnin
How to Land Book Reviews Without Burnout, Begging, or Bribes
Getting book reviews shouldn’t feel exhausting, awkward, or ethically murky. Yet many authors are stuck chasing influencers, sending endless cold emails, or quietly wondering why all that effort isn’t translating into real momentum.In this episode, we break down a smarter, sustainable system for landing reviews that actually matter—the kind that build trust with readers, strengthen your Amazon pre
Why Readers Break Up With Books (and How to Make Yours a Long-Term Relationship)
Want more readers who buy, finish, and recommend your books? It starts with one thing most authors underestimate: keeping the promise your brand makes.In this episode, we break down the real driver of sustainable author growth—reader trust—and why clear genre signals, accurate positioning, and consistent delivery outperform hype every time.We begin with expectation alignment: how your cover, subti
Consistency That Sells: How Clear Branding Converts Browsers Into Buyers
A brand that doesn’t line up is a silent sales killer. We dig into why readers make snap judgments in under a second, how confusion and inconsistency create friction, and the small, practical moves that turn browsers into buyers. Think of branding as a trust filter: the clearer your patterns, the faster the “yes.”We start with the highest leverage fix—your bio. Using a simple four-line framework,
Finding the Right Book Positioning And Why It Changes Everything
Feeling like every promo is uphill? We unpack why marketing stalls when a book is presented to the wrong readers — and how smart positioning turns traffic into sales. Penny and Amy break down the signals that shape buying decisions in under five seconds: category choices, keywords that actually guide Amazon, cover conventions that telegraph sub-genre, and hooks that speak to what readers want righ
Turning Amazon Pages Into Conversion Engines With A+ Content
Want a simple, concrete way to sell more books on Amazon? We’re taking you inside A+ Content—the image modules beneath your description—and showing how smart visuals, tight copy, and brand consistency can raise conversions, reduce returns, and make your page feel like a pro built it. Together we map the shopper’s journey down the page: how the cover earns the scroll, how A+ tiles anchor expectatio
Why Your Book Isn’t Selling: Categories, Covers, And Clear Hooks
You can run ads, post daily, and grind all week—and still watch your book stall. The missing piece isn’t more hustle. It’s positioning. We pull back the curtain on the quiet issues that throttle sales!We start with the most common and costly mistake: treating categories like identity badges rather than traffic lanes. Amazon’s ecosystem pattern-matches behavior, so a miscategorized book gets shown
What Actually Predicts Book Sales And How To Focus Your Effort
Six years in, we’re starting the year by cutting through the noise and zeroing in on what truly predicts book sales. We unpack a practical framework that helps you diagnose why a launch spikes and stalls, why great reviews don’t always translate to revenue, and how small, targeted changes deliver outsized gains. If you’ve ever felt busy but not better off, this conversation will give you focus, la
New Year, New Launch, New Podcast Format = Smarter Author Wins
We are so excited to share our new podcast format! In this short episode we break down what to expect in the new year! Based on your feedback and input, we're changing up our podcast to serve YOU even better!Ready to stop guessing your next marketing move and start stacking real wins? We’re sharing a flexible monthly roadmap that pairs structure with freedom, so you can either follow along fr
Our Favorite Episodes of the Year (Plus a Few New Takeaways)
Last week, we counted down your favorite episodes based on downloads. This week? It’s our turn.In this end-of-year episode, Penny and Amy each revisit one standout episode they couldn’t stop thinking about — not just because listeners loved them, but because they perfectly captured what authors struggled with (and grew through) all year.This isn’t a nostalgia episode. It’s a clarity episode.Both p
Top Lessons From Our Most-Downloaded Episodes
As we wrap up the year, we’re celebrating you — the listeners who made this podcast such a powerful space for honest, practical conversations about author success.In this episode, we’re counting down the top 3 most-downloaded episodes of the year — and more importantly, unpacking what your listening choices reveal about what authors really care about right now.Spoiler alert: it’s not hacks, hype,
Stop Guessing, Start Selling: Positioning Your Book for Real Traction
Tired of shouting into the void with a book you believe in? We unpack a simple, proven path to clarity that makes every marketing move easier and cheaper: find your shelf, define your reader, and deliver the payoff your genre promises. Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on what actually drives sales velocity for authors—clear positioning, focused targeting, and small, high-impa
Book Marketing Without Burnout: Do Less, Reach More Readers
Feeling like you’re doing everything and getting nowhere? We’ve been there, and we’re pulling the brakes on burnout to rebuild your book marketing on a foundation that actually moves books. Because book marketing burnout is real—and if you’ve been feeling stretched thin by ads, social media, newsletters, and endless promotion tasks, this episode is your reset. In this week’s Book Marketing Tips &a
The New Media Strategy Every Author Needs Now
Want a media strategy that actually fits how authors work today? We’re flipping old-school media training on its head and showing how every post, interview, and Zoom window shapes your story. Instead of waiting for a big break, we walk through how to create your own opportunities, refine your message, and show up with the kind of presence that builds trust with readers, influencers, and journalist
The Marketing Shift You Can't Afford to Ignore
What if the biggest thing holding your book back isn’t the algorithm or your ad budget—but your attachment to a specific outcome? We dig into the hidden cost of expectation-driven marketing and show how to swap emotional gambling for a strategy that compounds. From launch-day myths to social comparison traps, we unpack the subtle ways authors derail progress and offer a practical reset rooted in c
Amazon’s A10 Shift: The Real Reasons Your Book Isn’t Selling (and How to Fix It Fast)
The algorithm finally caught up with reality: readers want real authors, not content mills. We unpack Amazon’s A10 shift and share a clear plan to stand out with signals that only humans can create—engaging pages, authentic reviews, meaningful off-site links, and a living brand that shows up beyond the buy button.We start with the quick wins you can tackle today. Then we raise the ceiling with str
How To Slay Book Marketing Nightmares Before They Scare Off Readers
A haunted house of marketing mistakes can scare off readers faster than any bad blurb—so we flipped on the lights and started slaying. We kick things off with Frankenstein’s platform, that stitched‑together mess of tactics that feels productive but burns time and cash. From there, we pull back the curtain on werewolf branding.We also drive a stake through the vampire vanity press. Predatory packag
Make Your Book Unforgettable: Creative Ways to Wow Reviewers
A reviewer gets thousands of books a month—so why did one plain-looking title jump to the top of the pile? The packaging signaled a story worth opening. We break down the art and strategy of creative mailers and author swag that make reviewers, influencers, and readers pay attention, share photos, and prioritize your book.We start with the first impression: simple upgrades like colored bubble mail
The Data-Driven Author: The Real Secret Behind Author Success
Hate refreshing your Amazon rank only to feel stuck? We walk through a saner, smarter way to measure progress—one that puts you back in control of your author career. Instead of chasing daily sales blips, we focus on the data you can influence: podcast bookings, media hits, website traffic spikes, newsletter clicks, and the kind of social engagement that signals real interest. Along the way, we sh
Smart Pre-Order Strategies for Authors Who Have Little or No Following
In this episode we dig into a practical, 30-day pre-order plan built for writers with small followings (or no following), limited time, and a whole lot of heart. No fluff, no clickbait—just smart moves that create real curiosity and guide readers toward a confident yes on release day.We start by reframing pre-orders for small platforms: you’re not shouting into the void, you’re leading with value.
Trophy Hunting for Authors: The World of Book Awards
Book awards can transform your author platform, yet they remain one of the most overlooked marketing opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're traditionally published or self-published, these accolades are more accessible than you might think—and they pack a powerful promotional punch.When your book displays an award seal or mention, readers take notice. Our re
Navigating Kindle Unlimited's Page Read Decline
The growing chorus of authors reporting mysterious declines in their Kindle Unlimited page reads has sparked anxiety throughout the indie publishing community. But before you panic about your own KU numbers, this episode dives deep into what's really happening behind the scenes.Penny and Amy explore the multifaceted reasons behind fluctuating page read counts, from seasonal shifts and algorit
Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch
Ever wondered why some books get noticed while others gather dust? The secret might be simpler than you think: a powerful elevator pitch.In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy reveal how one author transformed her fortunes at a writers' conference by crafting a compelling elevator pitch – going from zero interest to landing both an agent and a publishing deal for the exact same book. The
The Hollywood Blueprint: Creating a Film-Ready Book
Could your book be the next big streaming hit? Before you start dreaming of red carpets and Hollywood premieres, there's a reality check you need to hear.While Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other platforms are constantly hunting for fresh content, the journey from page to screen involves far more strategy than most authors realize. This candid conversation unpacks what truly makes a book "f
The Great Author Central Lockout: Amazon's Latest Frustration
Navigating Amazon's constantly shifting landscape is challenging enough for authors, but now there's a new frustration to contend with. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the latest Amazon Author Central crisis that's preventing authors from updating crucial marketing content on their profiles. Penny and Amy present the issue, as well as solutions!Drawing from their d
Your Newsletter Is Worth More Than Your Social Media Followers
Have you been neglecting the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal? Your email newsletter provides something social media simply cannot—a direct line to readers without algorithm interference.Many authors resist starting newsletters because they believe they don't have enough subscribers or content ideas. This mindset creates a significant missed opportunity. Those first few subscribe
Goodreads Evolution: Amazon's Game-Changing Integration
Amazon has finally unleashed the full potential of its Goodreads acquisition, and savvy authors should be paying close attention. After years of minimal integration, Amazon has introduced a game-changing feature that transforms the Goodreads "Want-to-Read" shelf from a simple bookmarking tool into a powerful sales catalyst.When readers browse Amazon, they'll now receive reminders ab
Broke the Marketing Bank But No Sales? Here's Why!
Ever wonder why your marketing efforts aren't translating to book sales? The answer might be simpler than you think. Marketing and sales are often used interchangeably in the publishing world, but they're fundamentally different beasts. This distinction isn't just semantic—it's crucial for your success and sanity as an author. When you confuse these two functions, you set yours
The Amazon Sledgehammer: How One Author Lost Everything Over Metadata
What would you do if your entire author career disappeared overnight? That's exactly what happened to one unfortunate writer who shared their devastating experience on Reddit—all 30 of their books, representing four years of work and a significant portion of their income, vanished without warning when Amazon banned their account.The shocking part? This catastrophic ban stemmed from a single b
Your Book Isn't Enough: How to Develop a Platform Media Responds To
Gone are the days when simply having a book positioned you as a media-worthy expert. Modern journalists, podcasters, and TV producers have become increasingly selective, requiring authors to demonstrate substantiated expertise, professional credentials, and the ability to deliver value beyond what's already available. Your book should complement your platform, not be your only qualification.B
Selling Cats to Dog People: Your Amazon Ad Comedy of Errors
Ever felt like you're throwing money into the Amazon advertising abyss with nothing to show for it? You're not alone—and the problem might be simpler than you think.When your Amazon ads aren't performing, it's rarely about bad ad copy or poor bidding strategies. The real culprit is usually genre confusion: putting your book in front of the wrong readers. Think about walking int
Christmas in July: Why Authors Need to Prep Now for Holiday Sales
The holiday season represents a golden opportunity for authors to boost book sales—but only for those who start planning early enough. In this strategic episode, we dig into why "Christmas in July" isn't just a retail concept but a vital timeframe for authors who want holiday marketing success.We reveal the shocking truth about holiday marketing timelines: if you're waiting unt
Beyond Boredom: Your Book Could Be Every Parent's Summer Solution
The summer break scramble is real! Parents everywhere face the same challenge when school lets out: keeping kids entertained without surrendering to endless screen time. For authors of children's and young adult books, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for solutions.Drawing inspiration from Jennifer Garner's brilliant parenting strategy (she tells her
From Beach Reads to Bestsellers: Marketing Your Book in Summer
Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell dive into the evolving definition of "summer reads" and reveal practical strategies for positioning any book to capture readers' attention during these warmer months.The podcast challenges traditional notions of wh
The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think
Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success.Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your book promotions will stand. But her
The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage
With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibility is real. But does paying for reviews or influencer features actually work? And more importantly… is it worth the risk?In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the rapidly shifting world of paid book promotion. From o
Unlocking ChatGPT’s Creative Power for Authors
AI isn’t a threat to creativity—it’s a secret weapon, and savvy authors are already tapping into its power. In this episode, Penny and Amy explore how ChatGPT can transform the way you write, market, and manage your author business.Discover how to use ChatGPT as a creative collaborator to generate fresh story ideas, refine your prose, spot plot holes, and develop engaging bonus content for readers
What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success
Unrealistic expectations can destroy an author's career before it truly begins. We've seen it countless times—talented writers who become discouraged, bitter, and ultimately abandon their writing dreams because their first book didn't land them on bestseller lists or bring financial freedom.In this deeply practical conversation, Penny and Amy challenge authors to rethink what succes
Amazon's New Algorithm Changes: What Authors Need to Know
When Amazon quietly shifted from its A9 to A10 algorithm in May, many authors felt panic rising. Would their books suddenly disappear from search results? Would years of keyword optimization become obsolete overnight? The good news is that if you've been focusing on quality and reader experience all along, you're already aligned with Amazon's new direction.Amazon is increasingly beh
The Power of Reddit: Reach Millions Through Ask Me Anything Events
Imagine reaching a million potential readers without spending a dime on advertising or having a massive social media following. This episode unveils one of publishing's best-kept secrets: Reddit AMAs (Ask Me Anything) as a powerful tool for authors at any career stage.Penny and Amy explore how Reddit's unique culture offers authors something increasingly rare in today's marketing la
Creating Memorable Author Book Signing Events That Sell Books
In this game-changing episode, we reveal the secrets that turn ho-hum author book signings into unforgettable experiences.Discover why the classic author signing model is broken—and how to fix it. We dive deep into proven strategies for pitching bookstores and other venues, creating irresistible event formats, and building connections that keep readers coming back for more. Whether you write thril
Too Good to Be True? The Bookstore Scam That's Breaking Hearts
In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on a heartbreaking scam targeting authors—promising dream book deals that quickly turn into financial nightmares. We explore how scammers craft elaborate schemes that seem too good to be true, preying on authors' hopes with promises of massive book orders, media coverage, and exclusive events. But beneath the glossy promises lie red flags:
Dust It Off: The Author's Guide to Book Resurrection
Your older books aren't outdated—they're untapped potential. In this episode, we explore how a strategic refresh can breathe new life into your backlist and help you recapture reader interest. From updating covers and content to rethinking your positioning and marketing assets, we’ll show you how to treat every previously published title as a fresh opportunity.Whether you’ve got one back
Building Your Author Brand for Media Recognition
The elusive goal of media coverage keeps many authors awake at night, dreaming of that big break on national television or in major publications. But what if everything you thought about securing media attention was based on misconceptions? In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on what really matters to media gatekeepers and why so many authors sabotage their chances before they ev
Book Bundling: How to Turn Your Backlist Into a Marketing Goldmine
Book bundling represents an untapped opportunity for authors seeking to revitalize their backlist, attract new readers, and generate fresh marketing momentum. This strategic approach – combining multiple books into a single e-book package – offers benefits far beyond simply grouping titles together.Originally popularized by romance authors who packaged multiple books into value-driven collections,
The Grey Box Syndrome: Why Authors Who Skip the Basics Get Ignored
When authors dream of book marketing success, they often fixate on bestseller campaigns, major media appearances, and viral social media moments. But what if these splashy strategies are actually built on something far less glamorous yet infinitely more important?Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the unsexy side of book marketing – the foundational elements that truly drive
Naming Your Book: Avoiding Title Mistakes That Kill Sales
Have you ever judged a book by its title? Most readers do. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the surprisingly overlooked aspect of book marketing that could be silently sabotaging your sales: your book title.Drawing from years of marketing experience, the hosts break down the three critical mistakes authors make when naming their books. First, they examine titles that lack clarity
Amazon News: How to Navigate Amazon's Inconsistent Ad Guidelines
Ever feel like you're banging your head against a wall trying to get your Amazon ads approved? You're not alone. When a mystery thriller author's cover featuring a bloody knife was rejected because it looked "too menacing" and appeared to be "pointing at the consumer," we knew we had to address this frustration head-on.The absurdity reaches new heights when you d
The Strategic Author's Guide to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited Program
Demystifying Kindle Unlimited might be one of the most requested topics from our podcast audience—and for good reason. The confusion between Amazon's KDP platform and the Kindle Unlimited subscription service continues to trip up both new and experienced authors alike.After five years hosting this podcast, we've noticed certain questions appear in our inbox repeatedly: "Should my bo
Starting Your Own Publishing Company: Myth vs. Reality
Should you start your own publishing company? Word seems to be getting around in author circles that this may be the key to unlocking greater credibility, bookstore access, or even “jumping the line” beyond the self-published category. But is that really true? In this episode, we break down the myths and realities of becoming your own publisher, exploring when this strategy works—and when it doesn
Savvy Book Pricing Strategies That Sell
Pricing your book isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a strategy that can make or break your success on Amazon. In this episode, we’re busting the biggest pricing myths, like whether your eBook really needs to be $0.99 or free to gain traction. We’ll dive into the realities of price positioning, share savvy strategies to make your book competitive, and reveal how the right pricing can fuel sales, visib
Amazon News: Author Central Changes and Search Result Trends
Amazon Author Central just made a quiet but significant change—no more URLs in author bios. What does this mean for your author platform, and how can you make sure your website still gets traffic? We break down why keeping your bio fresh matters more than ever and share a simple, proven workaround to keep your readers connected.Plus, we dive into emerging shifts in search result trends, particular
The Sneaky Ways Authors Sabotage Their Own Success
Success as an author isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about making smart marketing and business decisions. But what if you’re unknowingly getting in your own way? In this eye-opening episode, we’re unpacking the sneaky ways authors sabotage their own success, from marketing missteps to mindset traps that hold you back. You’ll discover the subtle mistakes that could be costing you book sa
Don't Give Up on Your Book: When to Push and How to Pivot
Every author hits a point where they wonder: Should I just give up? If your book isn’t selling, your marketing efforts feel like a dead end, and hope seems lost—don’t throw in the towel just yet. In this episode, we’re digging into the real deal-breakers that can make or break a book’s success, but more importantly, we’re exploring powerful ways to turn things around.Sometimes, it’s not about givi
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