In this unabashedly honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the rookie mistakes that can make authors look like amateurs—and even open them up to being taken advantage of. From networking missteps to pitching for reviews or media consideration, we’re covering the blunders that cost time, money, and reputation. Everyone starts as a newbie, but you don’t have to look like one! If you’re attending events, presenting your book, or putting yourself out there, tune in to learn the essenti...

It seems like now, more than ever, scammers and hacks are everywhere. Penny can't go a week without someone offering to "turn her book into a movie" and if you've listened for a while, you know how we feel about that! In today’s world of book publishing, scammers and inexperienced providers are everywhere, and knowing who to trust can be tough. In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into the art of spotting legitimate vendors versus the ones who may be out to scam you or simply don’t know ...

Like Amazon, Goodreads is cracking down on spam and bot author accounts, many of which are producing subpar AI generated content — but protecting the platform means adding a stricter vetting process before authors get to network with readers. In this urgent episode, we dive deep into these changes with insights from Amy, our resident Goodreads expert, who unpacks what’s required and how to navigate the approval process with ease. If you’re planning to establish your author presence on Goodrea...

We thought we'd drop in with another urgent Amazon PSA! Amazon delays can be a nightmare for authors, especially when everything is set for a carefully planned launch day, and your book still hasn’t gone live. Recently, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has been experiencing lengthy approval delays, sometimes taking weeks to process books. In this crucial episode, we’ll guide you through what to do if Amazon’s hold-ups affect your launch. We’ll discuss practical steps to t...

Struggling to get media attention for your book? You’re not alone. In today’s ever-changing media landscape, landing interviews and features has become more difficult than ever. In this episode, we dig into the reasons why it’s so hard to get a “yes” and more importantly, what you can do to change that. We’ll reveal strategies for cutting through the noise and still securing valuable media coverage, even in a tough market. Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, or expert looking to elevate y...

Audiobooks are all the rage, but are you truly ready to dive in? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the audiobook world, revealing why it’s not as simple as it seems. Yes, thanks to AI it’s easier (and cheaper) than ever to create an audiobook, and with its booming popularity, the revenue potential is tempting—but rushing in could be a costly mistake. We’ve got a real-time story for you, featuring a disastrous audio narration (with an actual audio sample brought by Penny!) that...

In this episode we’re exploring a unique but underutilized strategy that even the biggest publishers swear by—having a backup book cover! Join us as we dive into why our very own author, Marlene Bell, is always prepared with a second cover, and why you should be, too. We'll share her experience and how her sleuthing around the strategies of major publishers has served her well. We’ll break down the unexpected benefits and how you can implement it to maximize your book’s success.Send us your f...

We’re dropping a special, urgent episode into your feed! Amazon is cracking down hard on claims like "100,000 books sold" and "Amazon bestseller" and even "Award-winning author." If you’ve used these statements on your cover, your book description or author bio - really anywhere on your retail page - this is a must-listen episode. We’re breaking down the reasons behind this strict enforcement, the proof Amazon is now requiring, and the serious consequences of not complying. Don’t wait—tune in...

Don’t let the wrong vendors hold you back! We're talking about finding the best service providers for your book project. From choosing the right cover and interior designers, to selecting the perfect website developer, we’re giving you all the inside knowledge to avoid the common (and costly) mistakes authors often make. We’ll discuss key questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and expert tips to ensure you pick the right team to bring your vision to life. Don't fall victim to sub...

In this eye-opening episode, we’re tackling one of the most underrated tools in your book marketing arsenal: your Amazon author bio. Could this often-overlooked section be costing you book sales? Quite possibly! Many authors leave their bios as an afterthought, but it’s a vital piece of the puzzle that can either engage readers or turn them away. Join us as we break down what makes a stellar bio, what you should avoid, and how to craft the perfect one to capture attention and boost your book’...

We're taking a deep dive into the world of publishers—what they can do for authors, and more importantly, what they can’t. We'll explore the benefits of working with a publisher, the potential drawbacks, and why choosing to work with one could either boost or hinder your success. Join us for a frank and honest conversation that will help you make informed decisions about your publishing future!Send us your feedback!Help promote the podcast and earn free swag! If you're willing to put our podc...

We're tackling the Author Success Checklist—a crucial exercise that helps identify any issues preventing your book from reaching its full potential. And this isn’t your typical to-do list. Instead, it’s a thoughtful evaluation that ensures both your book and your author brand are as polished and market-ready as possible. Inspired by a call with an author on the verge of giving up, we walk you through the checklist we use to help authors turn things around. If your book isn't selling as well a...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of author tools—those must-have apps, time-saving shortcuts, and money-saving methods that can make a huge difference in your author journey. We'll share our favorite tools that every author should consider, highlighting why we love them and how they can boost your productivity. But it doesn't stop there—stay tuned for the second half of the show, where we discuss some common shortcuts that we've seen authors use, and why we're not fans. Whether yo...

We're shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of indie bookstores. These hidden gems are more than just places to buy books—they're vibrant communities that can play a crucial role in your book's success. We'll explore why indie bookstores matter, how to build relationships with them, and actionable steps to get your book onto their shelves. From understanding their unique culture to crafting a collaborative offer that piques their interest, you'll walk away with a wealth of ti...

Join us in this exciting episode as we bring one of our most popular blog posts to life! We're unpacking the best book marketing strategies that every author should have in their toolkit. Whether you're looking to spark new ideas or re-evaluate your current approach, we've got you covered. We talk about the tactics that work, expose those that don't, and offer a fresh perspective to help you market your book more effectively. Tune in and discover creative strategies that might just chang...

In this episode we delve into the power of a well-crafted reader profile. Understanding who you’re writing for can transform your marketing strategy and elevate your writing to the next level. We'll explore the essential elements that make up a comprehensive reader profile—demographics, interests, reading habits, and more. Plus, you'll learn actionable steps to leverage this information you compile to connect with your audience, tailor your content, and maximize your book's impact on the mark...

We're often asked, "How can I find the best publisher for my book?" And we've done publisher episodes before, but now we're focused on critical marketing questions to ask before making your decision.Publishers are appealing to some authors because they promise to ease a lot of the production work, but more often than not the marketing piece is overlooked. Don't find yourself trapped with a book that can't take off!Whether you're a first-time author or looking to switch publishers, this episod...

Today we're exploring the confounding new security features around Goodreads author profiles that have left many authors frustrated and puzzled. Join us as we discuss practical workarounds and provide step-by-step guidance on how to easily claim and manage your Goodreads author profile despite the new security hurdles and how your Amazon Author Central account plays a critical role.Love it or hate it, Goodreads is a crucial element to marketing and branding in today's market, where 11k n...

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 th...

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 achieving th...

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 feedback!Buy ...

Send us a Text Message.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...

Send us a Text Message.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.Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula ...

Send us a Text Message.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 ...