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Don't Write That Book

Don't Write That Book

Mike Michalowicz, AJ Harper 143 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

The "Don't Write That Book" podcast guides aspiring authors through the process of crafting a bestseller and embracing their role as writers. Hosts Mike Michalowicz and AJ Harper act as personal experts, covering the intricacies of writing and publishing. They demystify every aspect of creating and releasing a book, sharing insights from their own experiences. The show aims to help listeners avoid writing the wrong book and instead produce something meaningful and successful.

Episodes

How to Choose Between Publishers
How to Choose Between Publishers Aug 20, 2026 00:46:41 When your publishing offers come in all at once, it can be hard to decide. Even the difference between two traditional publishing houses can be starkly different. In today’s episode, we tell you how to notice all of those little differences and what can be a make or break for your book’s life. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their
Should You De-list Your Book on Amazon?
Should You De-list Your Book on Amazon? Aug 14, 2026 00:28:20 Sometimes authors rewrite their books or create expanded versions of their books, so what do you do with your old book? This week, Mike and AJ answer that question and lay out all of the pros and cons of delisting your book. Mike has pondered the same question himself and shares his personal experience. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiv
The After the Book Launch Blues
The After the Book Launch Blues Aug 7, 2026 00:45:49 In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ cover a listener’s (shoutout Kathy) question: How to know when to move on after the book is complete? They share their own personal experiences with moving on when their launch is over and how to keep it alive after the fact. They also discuss how to not move on too quickly to your next project. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and a
When Your Book Needs to Change in Big Ways
When Your Book Needs to Change in Big Ways Jul 30, 2026 00:48:38 Today’s episode is inspired by a request from listener Mara: “Finding the legs when the original book you envision hits a stumbling point.” Almost every author has experienced a hard stop like this while working on their book. Mike and AJ bring up how many authors may immediately bulldoze their work, but counter how that may do more harm than good and how to save your book.  Be sure to visit https
New Ideas and Developments for Audiobooks
New Ideas and Developments for Audiobooks Jul 23, 2026 00:50:32 You would never believe this, but the last time we made an episode about audiobooks was 122 episodes ago! Today’s episode covers piracy in audiobooks and new ways to protect your books. Audiobook sales are on the fast rise and it’s time that the industry grows with it. Mike and AJ talk about their new ideas and some insider scoops on the changes occurring in publishing. Be sure to visit https://dw
Making the Shift from Academic Writing to Transformational Nonfiction
Making the Shift from Academic Writing to Transformational Nonfiction Jul 16, 2026 00:39:05 Shoutout to listener Irena for inspiring this week’s episode, all about the challenges of going from academic writing to transformational nonfiction. Mike and AJ discuss how to focus on the reader more and why the shift is so hard for those in academic writing. They give solutions on how academics can become more comfortable with writing for their readers. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com
Book Club Scams & Other Bad Ideas
Book Club Scams & Other Bad Ideas Jul 9, 2026 00:43:52 As an author, have you ever gotten offers in your inbox that promise you things like turning your book into a movie or getting it highlighted in a featured magazine or make your book an overnight Tiktok trend? Mike and AJ have received hundreds, maybe even thousands, of these emails. It’s simply fishing and scammers trying to pull the rug out from underneath new and aspiring authors. AJ and Mike b
Using Substack to Grow Your Author Platform
Using Substack to Grow Your Author Platform Jul 2, 2026 00:41:19 In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ talk about the use of Substack and newsletters as an author. They discuss what has worked for them and what has flopped. If you're struggling starting out and figuring out revenue generation, this episode is for you! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this
Hybrid vs. Traditional: Revisiting Publishing Path Decisions
Hybrid vs. Traditional: Revisiting Publishing Path Decisions Jun 25, 2026 00:56:42 In this episode, Mike and AJ talk about the pros and cons of hybrid and traditional publishing. Mike and AJ discuss their own personal journeys through publishing their books and why they chose the paths they did. Wherever you are in your journey of authorship, this episode will be full of information you need to know! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name
Lindy West: What Happens When Your Readers Are Mad at You
Lindy West: What Happens When Your Readers Are Mad at You Jun 23, 2026 00:50:45 Surprise! This week, we have a bonus episode all about what happens when your readers are upset with you. Author of Shrill, Lindy West, was a feminist sensation who became a millennial icon. But when her next memoir, Adult Braces, hit the market, it stirred up a frenzy of backlash. Articles started coming out, and West and her partners did not appreciate what was being said. Soon enough, it snowba
Five Years Out: Bold Predictions for Publishing
Five Years Out: Bold Predictions for Publishing Jun 18, 2026 00:41:33 In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss and reflect on the publishing industry and its evolution over the years. They even share what their predictions are for the future of book publishing. Mike and AJ will be making some pretty bold statements, you do not want to miss! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like
Why Your Book Probably Needs a Test Drive
Why Your Book Probably Needs a Test Drive Jun 11, 2026 00:36:16 In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss all about validating your book’s content before and during writing. They call this “test driving” your content, to see if your content really resonates with readers. Identifying where your readers get confused, overwhelmed, or bored helps to improve your book to better serve your audience. Mike and AJ give actionable steps on how to execute these “test drives.”

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