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 the allure of quick-fix marketing campaigns to the importance of reader reviews and social proof, we dissect the common traps authors fall into when seeking book success and we offer ideas for the right steps to take.  Ultimately, this episode serves as a reality check for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of patience, perseverance, and strategic thinking in navigating the treacherous path to literary success. So, if you're an author with big dreams of hitting the big leagues, tune in to learn how to avoid the pitfalls and keep climbing toward your goals. 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 reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team at www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast