Don't Write That Book
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
What to Do When You (or Someone Else) Blows Up Your Book
AJ and Mike discuss how to handle your book blowing up in your face this week. In this episode, your favorite author co-hosts break down the devastating but necessary process of realizing a part of, or your whole book, simply isn’t working. Mike and AJ share their personal experiences and stories behind their own books and concepts “blowing up” and how they survived it. Be sure to visit https
Is Prescriptive Nonfiction Dead
In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss the controversy sparked by Tim Ferriss's article, "Has AI Already Killed How-To Nonfiction?" The two debate whether AI summaries have made prescriptive nonfiction obsolete or whether the use of AI everywhere has made humans more desperate for human-made content. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to
Don’t Sleep on Panel Discussions as a Marketing Tool
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss panel discussions and why too many authors are not utilizing them. Panels are easier than solo talks and are often easier to get, but have been overlooked lately. They both share their experiences with them and why the invitation to discuss benefited their books more than simply talking about them.
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Get Pre-orders Way Before Your Pub Date
This week’s episode covers all about pre-orders and when you can start getting orders in. Well, turns out you don’t need to wait for a pre-order link. Mike and AJ discuss their own experiences with taking orders before their books were even linked and other methods to start orders as early as possible.
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How to Write on an Airplane
In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss adapting your writing to the environment you are in. Mike has extensive experience with writing on planes and even found that he sometimes writes best on planes. Mike and AJ all discuss their creative differences and how finding yours is extraordinarily important for becoming a bestselling author.
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When Your Publisher Bullies You
What do you do when you get your dream traditional publisher, an offer of a lifetime, and then everything goes sour? Your publisher begins to bully you, completely bulldozes your story, and you… Well, sadly, this happens from time to time. But AJ and Mike know exactly how to handle this!
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Should You Put Your Book on Pause?
Sometimes writing just stops- not writer’s block, but simply stuck. Life is busy, more urgent matters take precedence, and your body is exhausted. So what do you do? You pause on your book. But how do you decide when life is too much to do that? AJ and Mike cover just that in this latest episode and their own experiences, sharing their best strategies to get through the muck.
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How to Choose Between Publishers
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.
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Should You De-list Your Book on Amazon?
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.
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The After the Book Launch Blues
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.
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When Your Book Needs to Change in Big Ways
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.
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New Ideas and Developments for Audiobooks
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.
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Making the Shift from Academic Writing to Transformational Nonfiction
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.
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Book Club Scams & Other Bad Ideas
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
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!
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Hybrid vs. Traditional: Revisiting Publishing Path Decisions
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!
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Lindy West: What Happens When Your Readers Are Mad at You
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
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!
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Why Your Book Probably Needs a Test Drive
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.”
Creating Special Editions for Your Book
In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about all things special editions and why they might just increase your audience engagement. Special editions are dominated by fiction books, but why not non-fiction? AJ and Mike weigh the pros and cons and why polling your fanbase first is always the best strategy.
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AI is the Kiss of Death for Authors
In this episode, AJ and Mike debate whether AI causes intellectual atrophy or is a potential augmentation tool for authors. AJ brings up both the loss of creativity and the ethical issues of AI’s training data. Mike argues that can be helpful with tools such as transcription and summarization. This is an episode you do not want to miss.
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Grifters
In this episode, Mike and AJ address the stinky 800-pound gorilla rummaging through your pockets: the grifter authors. In this audience-inspired episode, they’ll share how authors can come across with authenticity and deliver on their book’s promise and not be the type of author who’s just looking to make a buck? In this world of easy money grabs, learn how to be an author who delivers. This is on
Two Ways to Make Progress This Summer
In this episode, AJ and Mike lay the groundwork for summer progress on your must-reads. Bonus, they don’t require you to actually open your manuscript and type! This hour, listeners will learn how to gather and bank information from their ideal readers at a time when many of us are taking vacations or otherwise struggling to stay super-focused on our manuscripts.
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How to Get Over Big Nerves
In this episode, Mike and AJ address feeling nervous about the book, either nervous that they don’t have the authority to write on it, to worries it could flop. (And all the other elements to book writing that can stymie an author!) Our duo shares the things that give them pause or outright nail-biting worry because surprise! Even successful authors have worries. But for this hour, Mike and AJ wil
ROI on Writing a Book
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss a question they hear from new authors often: What’s the ROI (return on investment) in writing a book? They each define what they believe the key point is with different points of view on how to achieve that result. Should authors treat their book like a business proposition or a bonus to their business? Tune in to hear it from our dynamic duo to find out!
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Twelve Hour Launch Day
In this episode, Mike walks AJ through THE MONEY HABIT’s launch day, a whopping twelve hours of special guests, marketing ideas, and more. Not even technical glitches could stop the show! Well, they did, but they got everything back on track quickly, due to Mike’s intrepid team behind the scenes. Listeners will learn the tech used, how the parade of authors and guests was managed, and ultimately i
Bulk Buys Debrief
In this episode, it’s all the data! Mike breaks down the numbers so far with respect to bulk buys for his new book, The Money Habit. Large and small orders, how the logistics of shipping played out, and more – nothing is left out. Did AJ manage to convince Mike that bulk buys are as important as individual sales, or did Mike finally win a debate? You’ll have to listen to find out!
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Influencers: How to Ask Other Authors to Support Your Book
In this episode, AJ and Mike answer one of the most common questions they get from first-time authors. How the heck are you supposed to get an endorsement for your book? How do you ask a Big Name someone for a shout-out? This week our duo not only tells you the dos, they give you the absolutely do nots so authors can ask the Big Ask in a way that feels good. They’ll even cover how to follow up on
Amy Griffin: A Breakdown and What You Can Learn From It
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, while not in detail, it may be disturbing and/or triggering to some listeners and viewers.
In this surprise episode, Mike and AJ break down the Amy Griffin controversy and how authors can learn from it. Amy Griffin authored the book The Tell, in which she recounts a repressed memory of alleged sexual abuse. However, Griffin’s classmate, Jane Do
The Big Book-Launch Debrief
In this episode, Mike breaks down all the data he’s managed to collect so far since publishing The Money Habit in January 2026. He updates AJ on bulk buys, individual orders, how he ran orders through third-party systems like Porchlight, and how pre-sales added up, and more. He’ll lay out whether they met or missed his team’s expectations. If you’re into juicy data, this is the week you won’t want
How to be Profitable as an Author
In this episode, Mike and AJ debunk the weird myth that persists that authors can’t make a profit from writing a must-read. What’s the ROI on writing a prescriptive nonfiction book? Sure, there’s parlaying your book sales into speaking gigs, but this week our duo lays out ways that authors can increase their sales and generate real income. The ideas might surprise you! (And you’ll learn our duo’s
Planning Your Launch 3 – 6 Months Out
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss what authors who don’t have the luxury of a long launch runway can do so they’re not ready to take a long walk off a short pier by publishing day! Our seasoned pros offer guidance on what authors should skip, and where they should focus their time and attention to maximize their launches without sacrificing their sanity.
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Planning Your Launch 12 – 18 Months Out
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss all the ways authors can maximize a longer runway for their book launch. They discuss big asks, relationship building, why pre-orders matter and everything in between. A year to half a year may seem like too much time, but our duo explains how that time will fly by – and how to manage that time so authors have the best launch they can.
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Finishing Your Book when Life Gets in the Way
In this episode, Mike and AJ share times in their authorship careers when life came hard and interrupted their flow. What steps do they take to keep “in the book” and keep it as a priority? Each shares moments that tested them and what concrete actions they took to persevere. AJ includes her “writing prescription” for when you want to walk away.
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New Publishing Path Decision Points
In this episode, Mike and AJ hold nothing back and give their listeners every question they should ask themselves when deciding their publishing path. And the sooner an author asks themselves some of the biggies, the less wasted time, heartbreak, and struggle down the road. It’s not as simple as you may think, and you may be surprised by the alternatives our duo shares!
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Deliver on the Promise
In this episode, Mike and AJ talk about the one thing your must-read book better do: deliver on its promise. It isn’t about making pie-in-the-sky promises but understanding your reader and what their chief concerns truly are. It’s about checking in along the way to offer tiny wins. And for the rest, you’ll have to tune in and give this week a listen!
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Publishing Pitfalls
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss potential pitfalls in the publishing process. They’ll share experiences they wish they could do over or avoid completely, like having too large a first print run and inviting strangers into your home to talk about their big book idea when they’re secretly nude yogis. (It turned out okay, but yikes!) This is definitely an episode you won’t want to miss!
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How to Leverage Readings for Book Sales
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss an area of promotion often associated with fiction authors, but one they know absolutely helps authors of prescriptive nonfiction: public readings! Listeners will learn how to create a reading, how to promote it, and how to use that opportunity to increase book sales and readership. And speaking of, you’re coming to Mike’s Monday Night Reading, aren’t you? Chec
Behind the Scenes, The Money Habit
Happy Money Habit Release Week! In this episode, AJ and Mike celebrate the release of their new book. Mike updates listeners on launch week activities, what the marketing team has been up to behind the scenes, and how listeners can apply some of the steps to their own launches. There’s even some deep book geekery in how you can print run for your physical copy. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of th
The First Draft: Structure v. Freedom
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the importance of structure when writing a prescription nonfiction book or even a creative nonfiction book, like a memoir. They’re prepared for all the pushback new authors have with respect to a structured outline and solid fundamentals, and will even explain how creating your book's scaffolding allows for creative freedom.
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Working on Multiple Books at the Same Time
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the organization that goes into working on multiple books at the same time. AJ likens it to a multilane highway – sometimes you’re zooming in the fast lane, other times you downshift to focus on other aspects. For Mike, he prefers to be all in, heh, on the writing, then put everything into the next phase of a book’s life. And of course, their admiration for Ste
All About Sponsorship
In this episode, AJ and Mike break down sponsorships for authors. Grab a pen and notebook, because this week is chock-full of how tos and details for any author, from nonfiction to memoir to fiction, to learn how to utilize the power of a sponsor to fund the book, the publication, the launch, and even ongoing programs, podcasts, and more. They hold nothing back!
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Writing Supportive Content for Your Book
In this episode, Mike and AJ address another listener’s question about how to write and share supportive content for one’s must-read book. From planting your flag as the authority in your area of expertise to building your newsletter and circle of authorial friends to even launching a podcast, our team covers the what, how, and why every author should be creating content that supports their transf
Author Bios
In this episode, authors will learn everything they need to include in their bios. AJ and Mike share the different types of bios, from short social media bios to longer bios meant for the interior of your book and everything in between. You’ll also learn what not to include to avoid looking like a newbie.
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You’re Done, Part Two
In this second of a two-part episode, AJ and Mike answer another reader email in which they’re asked to explain how authors know when they’re “done,” this time with a focus on marketing. They detail what they think keeps authors from even getting started with marketing, give clear examples of what authors can do right now to get it going, and explain when enough is enough.
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You’re Done, Part One
In this first of two parts episode, AJ and Mike answer another reader email in which they’re asked to explain how authors know when they’re “done.” How much outlining is enough? When does one know when their fundamentals are right? What about self-editing? Our duo tackles these tough questions with clear examples so authors know when it’s okay to move on to the next big thing in writing their must
Emotional Journey
In this episode, AJ and Mike answer a reader email in which they’re asked to describe the emotional journey they each face when writing a book. It’s a deeply personal episode where they both expose the highs and lows, the exalted moments, and the suffering that comes from pouring one’s heart out to write a must-read.
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What I Learned from TV
In this episode, Mike shares his experience of shooting his new TV show, The Four-Minute Money Maker on Vizio. They chat about how authorship can inform performance on stage or in front of a camera, and how being on camera can inform how you write and tell stories.
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Accessibility v. Amazon Exclusivity
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the pros and cons of giving Amazon exclusivity to your book, be it by print, eBook, or audiobook. How can this affect your reach? How can this affect your ability to get into a local store or library? Should you look for alternatives to the 800-pound publishing gorilla, and what would that look like? All this and more in today’s episode!
Guess what?! We started
What We Wish We Knew
In this episode, our duo take an audio walk down memory lane to share all the little and big picture items of authorship that they wish they’d known before starting the journey. They’ll talk about negotiating contracts, getting permission to share titles, fighting for tone, and more with editors, and even more in between. The hope is that it will make the listener’s journey easier!
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Leveraging Author Partnerships
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss one of the most important aspects of authorship: forming partnerships with other authors! Book bundles, speaking engagements, webinars, and more, our duo shares real-life examples of authors working together to have a greater impact.
Guess what?! We started a YouTube channel, where you can watch us in action. Subscribe and sign up for notifications to know whe
Navigating Disagreements with your Editor
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the to-dos and not-to-dos with working with your developmental and copy editors. They also share some cautionary tales and ways for authors to communicate more effectively with their editors and publishers during the production process of their must-reads.
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How to Structure a Co-Authoring Partnership
In this 100th episode, AJ and Mike first take a walk down memory lane with a gag they came up with to get big-name endorsements for Mike’s book and laugh so hard they can’t catch their breath. They also address a listener’s question about how two authors can write a book together. Our duo holds nothing back and gives it to listeners straight. If you’re going to have a partnership like theirs, you
Behind the Curtain: Being a Woman in Publishing
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the number of women in publishing today, and the answer might surprise you! They’ll also share their experiences in publishing with respect to their gender, with AJ offering a mindset shift she’d like to see in more women who publish. Mike also gives an update on some cool marketing coming for their next book, The Money Habit.
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Back Cover Do's and Dont's
In this episode, AJ and Mike address some important dos and don’ts for back cover copy. If you didn’t know, back covers were so important; now you do! They’ll walk through some cautionary tales, offer ways to increase your visibility and connection with your reader, and even explain what authors should consider when publishing a paperback versus a hardback with a dust jacket. See? There’s a lot to
Showing up for Your Book
In this episode, Mike and AJ answer a listener’s email about their fears of doing all the things with respect to marketing their book. Our duo offers sage advice on how to get in front of those fears, and one of the biggest ways to keep moving forward is to send in the troops! They’ll offer organic ways to connect with other authors, how to shift your mindset to go from fear to fearless, and when
Publishing is a Team Sport
In this episode, AJ and Mike answer a listener’s question about author collaboration. Not only can authors work together, but the whole process is a team sport! From interviews and co-authors to working with publicists, agents, and more, our duo breaks down the process of working on a book as a team.
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Life of a Book
In this episode, Mike and AJ have a frank conversation about an aspect of publishing many authors forget: the life of a good book is long! They’ll detail ways they’ve seen authors go wrong and, more importantly, offer ways for authors to go right. If you want to write a book that’s a must-read, this is a must-listen!
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Underdeveloped Core Message
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss AJ’s philosophy on a core message for a book, what it is, and most importantly, how to craft one. They’ll talk about ways to determine if you’ve got yours nailed or if you have to go back to the drawing board, and give listeners tips on how to refine their book’s core message.
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Cognitive Debt: The Dangers of Using AI to Write
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the newest findings of cognitive decline with heavy reliance on LLMs, language learning models, like ChatGPT and others. They’ll dive into ways authors can “ethically” use AI and what they miss when they lean too heavily on AI in developing their must-read books and beyond.
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Speaker Strategies for Authors
In this episode, Mike and AJ break down the strategy for parlaying writing books into a successful speaking career. Mike gets granular with pay structure, expectations from audiences, and where he believes speakers go wrong in their career. They also have a mini debate on whether organizers should bulk buy your book or if speakers should compel the audience to make a purchase live, and why.
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New Book Update: Surprising Marketing Challenges
In this episode, Mike and AJ catch listeners up on the state of production for their forthcoming book, The Money Habit, including working with Page Two’s graphics design team, efficient ways to power through proofreading, and Mike’s current state of getting an “in” with the MacMillan Publishing’s sales team for marketing purposes. We’re keeping hope alive!
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Help! Someone Already Wrote My Book
In this episode, AJ and Mike give listeners sage advice should they encounter a book on the topic the listener is currently writing. Spoiler alert: keep writing! Our duo will explain why it’s not as dire as the author may believe, and how they can leverage the other book into proof to nab a publishing deal. It’s another episode of keep calm and keep writing!
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What Would We Write if We Had All the Time and Buckets of Talent
In this episode, Mike and AJ do some much-needed navel gazing about the books they’d love to write if time and current commitments weren’t a factor. Their answers might surprise you! Plus, they’ll offer ways for authors to capture those ideas so they can have new ideas at the ready for that moment when life opens up for a new book.
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Book Sales: Alternatives to Amazon
In this episode, what if we not only ignored the 800-pound gorilla in the room, but paid attention to a smaller gorilla? Mike and AJ remind listeners of all the many ways to get around, relying on Amazon for book sales, and even include direct links in the show and in the show notes. Thanks for the listener email from author Josh Spodek that inspired this episode! (And be sure to check out his boo
Publishing Scams and How to Avoid Them
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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!Books/Resources Mentioned:Writer BewareDefy, by Dr. Sunita SahConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write A
How Long Does It Take to Publish Your Book
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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!Books/Resources Mentioned:The program AJ cautions againstWeller Smith DesignConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, w
Using Graphics and Illustrations in Your Book
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Books/Resources Mentioned:Time Anxiety, by Chris GuillebeauJohn Bates, speaking coach (for private training)HER
When to Take a Break from Your Book
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Books/Resources Mentioned:Between Two Kingdoms, by Suleika JoadConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write
Mike’s Best Book Marketing Ideas
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Books/Resources Mentioned:Illusions, Richard BachSPONSORSHIP:Connect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write A
How to Craft a Reader Statement
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!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 show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Books/Resources Mentioned:Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success, by Julie BeeSustai
Starting a Podcast to Support Your Book
In this episode, AJ and Mike share everything they know about podcasting as authors. Listeners will learn the nitty-gritty details of time management, which equipment they recommend, and maybe most importantly, what podcasting can do for authors’ platforms. They also share several podcasts that were leveraged into book deals!
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s
Make Your Book Accessible
In this episode, Mike and AJ share their realization about accessibility for a new audience with their forthcoming book, The Money Habit. They discuss multiple ways authors can ensure they aren’t leaving any potential readers behind by simply considering their differences.
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d
Book Development
In this episode, AJ and Mike break down all the elements that go into developing a must-read book, from the kernel of an idea to the long-term marketing plans. They even share what they’ve done in the past with their books and give hints at how their new book, The Money Habit, was developed and its next steps. They’ll also share areas that they see authors fail to consider.
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Understanding Bestseller Lists
In this episode, Mike and AJ demystify bestseller lists for The New York Times, USA Today, and others (RIP, WSJ List) and detail what it takes to get on them. There are still some secrets to selection that remain shrouded in mystery, but AJ has a good idea of what they are, and holds nothing back. They also give listeners straight talk about Amazon best-seller status and why you should never – eve
The Power of Inclusivity
In this episode, AJ and Mike address the 800-pound gorilla in publishing: inclusivity. In this crucial episode, they’ll talk about what inclusivity means—and what it doesn’t. They’ll share their own mistakes of the past and how to move forward in a way that improves the conversation as a whole. They firmly believe in an “all are welcome” approach to their books and audiences, and invite the listen
Post-Launch Reader Engagement
In this episode, Mike and AJ dive deep into one area of authorship most newbies never consider: post-reader engagement! Not only do they share their own strategies for keeping their books “alive” after launch, but they also talk about how long authors should plan to keep engagement. Hint: it’s more than a few weeks!
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The Great Trade Review Debate
In this episode, Mike and AJ enter the debate round once again in a friendly debate about trade reviews. Listeners will learn what they are, if they matter, and what the heck an author does with them if they have one. They also throw in some bonus information about publishers’ sales teams, share a listener email, and give you a secret tip about trade reviews that’s exclusive to folks who self-publ
The Power of Purpose
In this episode, AJ and Mike share what they each believe their purpose is, and even share an exercise that Mike uses at speaking engagements to help folks find theirs. It’s a fun fly-on-the-wall conversation where they share stories from their past that helped forge their sense of self. They’ll even talk about how listeners can rekindle their own fires of passion to keep moving forward.
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Are You a Career Author?
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the mind shift that must happen to go from someone who wrote a book to accepting the calling as an author. They each share the moment they realized they were authors and how their lives changed as a result.
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