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...

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....

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 industry...

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 just...

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. Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula...

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 threat to...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 trends...

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. Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula...

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! Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcast email [email protected] and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!...

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.  Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcast email...

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!   Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcast email [email protected] and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your...

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 that...

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 for...

Drumroll, please! Tune in for a big announcement about Penny's latest book that just hit Amazon! This book is bigger and better than any previous Amazon title and you definitely want to tune in to find out why. We're also going to be running a lot of special promos so keep an eye out on all Penny's social media channels to win special swag and great bonuses!  Penny on Instagram Penny on Facebook Penny on X FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcast email...

This is our second most downloaded episode of all time! Why do we think it's popular? Well, as an author you want people to love your work, we get it. You also put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into getting your book made and it's normal to have moments of, "it's good enough" because you just want to move on to the next thing. But good enough and assuming you've created the field of dreams can be a dangerous mindset to get into. Two of the biggest pitfalls we see in author marketing are...

This is our most downloaded episode of all time! Why? Well, because display advertising has been a part of marketing and promotion forever. It's also tempting to be able to run display ads to take some of the pressure off of coordinating other kinds of marketing that require a lot more hands on work. But does display advertising stack up in terms of getting the best return for your investment? Check out our thoughts! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcast email...

Welcome to another insightful episode of our podcast where we will deep dive into all things book pricing, a vital yet often overlooked facet of your book marketing journey. Pricing is your silent powerhouse. Is a discounted price a boon or a bane?  How do you know if you've hit the pricing bullseye for your market?  Learn from the missteps of others as we dissect the most common pricing blunders and sidestep the pitfalls and avoidable mistakes that can hinder your success. FREE BONUS If you...

Ever wished you had a crystal ball to foresee your book's success? Say no more! Penny and Amy are decoding the mysteries of effective book marketing, empowering you to plan your 2024 without the daily struggle of figuring out your next move.  Tune in to discover pre-planned strategies that not only ensure consistency but also guarantee more attention.  No more pondering, "What's my next move?" We're laying it all out – the smart, actionable steps that will make your book stand out. Remember...

Calling all aspiring and seasoned authors! It's a great time of year to reassess what's working and what isn't!  In this episode, we share insights on how to distinguish game-changing strategies from outdated ones.  Learn how to amplify your author brand, captivate your audience, and find more readers, and what that sometimes means doing less of some things, and trying new tactics.  Remember to leave a review for the podcast and email us to let us know, we're always finding creative ways to...

Join us as we unravel the secrets of the author success mindset. This isn't your typical "stay positive" pep talk; we're dissecting the distinct mental strategies that set go-getter authors apart from the rest.  Learn how to navigate challenges with resilience, and witness firsthand the extraordinary impact a refined mindset can have on your writing career. Whether you're a seasoned wordsmith or just starting your literary adventure, this episode is your compass to navigate the maze of all...