Author Marketing Minute

The A10 Shift: Why Your Amazon Ads Stopped Working If your Amazon sales have dropped and your ads aren't doing what they used to, you're not imagining it — and you probably didn't do anything wrong. Amazon shifted to a new search algorithm called A10, and it changed what the platform rewards. This episode breaks down what that shift means, why authors are feeling it now, and what actually helps under the new rules. In this episode: Why Amazon's A10 algorithm changed the math on paid advertising What A10 is actually looking for — and why internal ads alone no longer move the needle The foundation problem A10 is exposing for authors who built everything inside Amazon Two metadata quick wins worth checking right now (categories and keywords) What relationship-based marketing looks like in practice Resources mentioned: Book an Unstuck Appointment — a 30-minute diagnostic call to identify where your book strategy is breaking down: lynnmcginnis.me/contact

158 million Americans listen to podcasts every month — not as one large audience, but as thousands of smaller, engaged communities built around specific interests. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis walks through why podcast guesting can be a powerful visibility tool for authors, and why it requires more strategy than it did even a few years ago. This episode covers: – How podcast audiences function differently from social media – Why podcast guesting works for reaching new readers – What’s changed in the podcast landscape – Why response rates are lower and ghosting is common – The rise of pay-to-play podcast opportunities – How to think about podcast tiers and where you fit – What you need in place before you start pitching Podcast guesting is one of the visibility strategies Lynn helps authors evaluate inside coaching, consulting, and done-for-you work. The 30-minute Unstuck appointment is the best place to start — it helps Lynn see where you are, where you want to be, and what’s getting in the way. Learn more and schedule here: https://lynnmcginnis.me

Finishing and publishing a book puts you in a very small group of people. Most think about writing one. Fewer start. Even fewer follow through. So what you’ve done matters. But once your book is out in the world, the next phase begins — and it’s the one most authors aren’t prepared for. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis talks about what comes after publishing: learning how to market your work in a way that actually connects with readers. This episode covers: – The difference between transactional “buy my book” marketing and relationship-based author marketing – How to start building a platform around your reader – Why marketing feels unfamiliar at first – How to filter out advice that doesn’t apply to your genre or audience – What it means to treat marketing as a skill that develops over time Marketing is a different language. It takes time to learn, but it becomes clearer as you go. If you’re in that early stage and trying to figure out what to focus on next, Lynn offers a 30-minute Unstuck appointment to help you understand where you are and what needs attention. You can learn more and schedule here: https://lynnmcginnis.me

A new book can feel invisible on Amazon — especially in the early days. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis explains why that happens and what authors should check before assuming something is wrong. Amazon needs time and interaction data to understand where your book belongs, and early quiet doesn’t automatically mean your book isn’t being found. This episode covers: – Why new books often don’t appear in search right away – How Amazon learns from reader behavior over time – Why searching for your own book can give you misleading results – What to review in your categories, keywords, and description – How small setup decisions influence long-term discoverability If you want additional insight into how books are categorized and what readers are actually searching for, tools like Publisher Rocket can help you see how your book fits into the larger landscape. You can learn more about Publisher Rocket here: https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/buy-rocket?aff=456 You can read the full Substack post here: https://lynnmcg.substack.com/ Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at: https://lynnmcginnis.me

It’s one of the most common questions authors ask when they start marketing their books — and it usually comes after a discouraging stretch where nothing seems to be moving. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis talks about the reality behind marketing timelines and why the answer is rarely as simple as authors hope. Sustainable visibility takes longer than most people expect, and the work that creates traction often happens quietly before the results appear. This episode explores: Why most authors underestimate the real timeline for gaining traction How visibility compounds over time instead of arriving in sudden spikes Why sequencing your marketing steps matters more than speed The invisible work that supports long-term momentum Why uneven progress is normal — and not a sign that your strategy is broken Marketing a book isn’t a short sprint. It’s a system that builds over time through consistency, sequencing, and patience. You can read the full Substack post here: https://lynnmcg.substack.com/ Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at: https://lynnmcginnis.me

You know something isn't working. You just can't name what it is. That's exactly where an Unstuck Appointment starts — not with tactics, but with one question: Why did you write this book? In this episode, I walk you through what actually happens in those 30 minutes: the first lightbulb, the real diagnosis, and why the problem you show up with is almost never the real problem. If the book is out and something isn't clicking, this episode is for you. Book your Unstuck Appointment: https://lynnmcginnis.co/book-unstuck-call

New authors are navigating an overwhelming amount of advice. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis breaks down six common marketing mistakes first-time self-published authors make — many of them fueled by loud, confident misinformation online. From believing the book will sell itself, to ignoring keywords and categories, to rushing publication out of sheer exhaustion, these are the decisions that quietly cost authors momentum before they realize it. This episode covers: – Why publishing a book is not a marketing plan – How metadata impacts discoverability – Why distribution is a strategic decision – What your author presence signals to readers – The cost of skipping professional editing and design – How rushing a launch can change your book’s trajectory You can read the full Substack post here: https://lynnmcg.substack.com/ Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at: https://LynnMcGinnis.me

Do you need social media to sell books? In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis answers that question directly: no, you don’t. But you do need visibility. Social media is one way to build awareness. It’s not the only way, and for many authors, it isn’t the most sustainable way. This episode explores the difference between rented attention and owned visibility, why algorithms shouldn’t dictate your marketing decisions, and what actually matters when building long-term momentum. If social media feels draining or performative, this episode offers permission to choose differently. Visibility can be built through email, backlist strategy, reader relationships, and systems that continue working even when you’re not actively posting. Marketing isn’t about copying what feels loudest. It’s about choosing what you can sustain long enough for it to work. Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at https://lynnmcginnis.me

Many authors get stuck trying to decide which marketing activity to focus on next — building an email list, running ads, or posting more consistently. But before choosing what to do, there’s a more important question: who is your book actually for? In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis explains why vague audience definitions lead to vague marketing results. If your answer to “Who is this for?” is “everyone,” you’re not ready to market — you’re still avoiding clarity. This episode walks through why audience definition comes before tactics, why emotional specificity matters more than demographics, and why no marketing activity can compensate for unclear positioning. If your messaging feels scattered or your efforts aren’t gaining traction, the issue may not be the tactic. It may be the foundation. To help with this, Lynn created the Know Your Reader GPT — a guided tool designed to help authors define their audience clearly and intentionally. You can try it here: https://lynnmcginnis.co/know-your-reader-gpt Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at https://lynnmcginnis.me

One of the most common questions self-published authors ask is whether disappointing sales mean there’s a problem with their book — or their marketing. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis walks through how to diagnose what’s actually happening before jumping to conclusions. Instead of guessing or self-blaming, this episode breaks down what different signals can tell you about visibility, packaging, consistency, and quality. You’ll learn how to interpret sales data more clearly, why most authors stop too early, and why diagnosis has to come before tactics. In many cases, the problem isn’t talent or effort — it’s misidentifying what needs to be fixed. This episode is for authors who feel stuck, unsure where to focus, and tired of throwing time or money at the wrong solution. Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at https://lynnmcginnis.me

Getting book reviews can feel frustrating and confusing, especially when readers tell you they loved your book — but nothing shows up publicly. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis explains why book reviews are statistically rare, why a lack of reviews is not proof that your book failed, and what actually influences whether readers take the time to leave one. This episode breaks down the most common reasons reviews don’t happen, including reader hesitation, lack of clarity, and unrealistic expectations around launch results. It also covers practical, ethical ways to increase reviews over time — without pressure, gimmicks, or putting your account at risk. Reviews are not a verdict on your work. They’re the result of systems, guidance, and consistent reminders — and they build momentum gradually, not overnight. If you’re trying to grow reviews in a way that feels sustainable and aligned with your work, this episode will help you reset expectations and focus on what actually works. Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at https://lynnmcginnis.me

Social media can quietly wear authors down. What starts as sharing meaningful work often turns into performance — showing up out of obligation rather than intention. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis talks about why sustainable visibility doesn’t require being everywhere. It requires being intentional. Performing for attention is exhausting, and for many authors, it pulls energy away from the work that actually matters. This episode explores how exhaustion is information, not failure — and how stepping away from digital noise can create clarity, momentum, and control again. Visibility doesn’t have to be loud to be effective. It has to fit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by marketing expectations, this episode offers permission to slow down, choose fewer things on purpose, and focus on what genuinely connects you to your readers. Learn more about Lynn and her work with authors at https://lynnmcginnis.me

A quiet book launch can feel like failure — even when you didn’t expect a bestseller. In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis reframes what disappointing launch sales actually mean. A book launch isn’t a verdict on your work or your ability as an author. It’s a stress test that reveals what already existed underneath — audience, visibility, momentum, and infrastructure. Low initial sales don’t mean your book has no future. They usually mean something in the system around the book is missing or incomplete. And that distinction matters, because it changes what you do next. Instead of asking “Why didn’t this work?” this episode offers a more useful question: “What’s missing?” Clarity, connection, and consistency matter far more than a single launch week. If you’re feeling stuck after a launch — or trying to avoid repeating the same pattern — you can book a free 30-minute Unstuck appointment here: https://lynnmcginnis.me/contact

January has a way of making us feel behind before the year has even really started. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or questioning your visibility strategy, this episode is a pause button. What feels like a marketing problem is often just a Q4 hangover — not a sign that something is broken. In this episode, I talk about why January doesn’t require a fresh start, but a Visibility Reset. A reset is a realistic check-in that helps you decide what to resume, what to adjust, and what to stop so your visibility actually fits your life. I cover why advertising has become unavoidable, why content still matters more than ever, and how recent platform changes have raised the cost of inconsistent visibility. More importantly, we talk about why chasing trends and copying other people’s strategies rarely leads to sustainable momentum. This episode is for self-published authors who are tired of playing catch-up and want a visibility approach that’s intentional, realistic, and sustainable. If you’re feeling stuck around visibility — unsure what to focus on, what to revive, or what to stop — I offer a 30-minute Unstuck appointment for self-published authors. This is not a strategy session. It’s a focused conversation designed to identify where you’re stuck, what’s contributing to it, and whether working together makes sense. If I can help, I’ll tell you. If not, you’ll leave with clarity about what’s actually holding you back. Book your 30-minute Unstuck appointment here: https://lynnmcginnis.me/contact If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reset too. And if you’re enjoying the show, leaving a review helps more people find it. Thank you for listening.

For the final episode of 2025, I’m pausing the usual teaching to reflect. This year was, in equal measure, a very good year and a very hard one. In this episode, I look back on the work that mattered, the lessons that shaped my approach, and the realities of building visibility and authority as an author in a constantly changing landscape. I talk about the wins and the setbacks, what experimenting with AI, advertising, and long-term content reinforced for me, and why consistency and intention continue to outperform chasing trends. I also share a more personal reflection on loss, progress, and what it means to carry both forward. This episode isn’t a how-to. It’s a moment to take stock—and to look ahead to 2026 with clarity, steadiness, and purpose. Thank you for listening, and for being here. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, we explore practical, thoughtful ways readers and writers can support their favorite authors during the final weeks of the year. From gifting Kindle books and writing meaningful reviews to sharing quotes, lifting up fellow writers, and practicing generosity online, these simple actions can make a big impact during the holiday rush. Whether you’re an author looking to encourage your audience or a reader wanting to give back, you’ll find easy, last-minute strategies that strengthen the literary community and help stories reach the people who need them most. To learn more about author marketing coaching, consulting, and done-for-you services, visit LynnMcGinnis.me. Or follow Lynn on social media - @LynnMcG

In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, we’re breaking down six quick, high-impact holiday marketing moves you can use even if December already feels chaotic. From crafting a scroll-stopping hook to sharing standout review lines, book quotes, short personal videos, small ad experiments, and heartfelt holiday messages, you’ll learn simple, doable actions that help you stay visible during the busiest season of the year. These strategies require minimal time but create meaningful connection with readers—and they’re perfect for authors who want to maintain momentum without adding stress. https://lynnmcg.substack.com/

As the holidays approach, visibility pressure ramps up — but that doesn’t mean you have to. In this episode, we’re talking about how to stay visible without burning out. I’ll share a few simple ways to prep your content ahead of time, what to post when your energy is low, and how a light-week plan can protect your attention while still keeping your presence warm. Takeaway: A little prep now gives you freedom to step away later — without guilt, without scrambling. Let’s Connect: If this helped you breathe a little easier, I’d love to hear how you’re planning your light week.

If you’re an indie author gearing up for holiday sales, don’t sleep on these three underrated—but powerful—marketing tools. In this episode, Lynn McGinnis breaks down how to optimize your Amazon Author Central profile, use BookBub to boost visibility (even without paid ads), and why Goodreads is a set-it-and-forget-it SEO powerhouse you shouldn't ignore. Whether you’re updating old assets or launching your first book, these tools can quietly do the heavy lifting—especially when readers are actively gift shopping. You’ll learn: - How to tell if your Amazon Author profile is costing you sales - The BookBub feature most authors skip—but shouldn't - Why Goodreads matters for your author platform (even if you're not social) 🎁 Grab the free Holiday Author Marketing Guide: LynnMcG.com

The holiday season can pull authors in every direction — family, work, and the pressure to “do it all.” In this episode of Author Marketing Minute, Lynn McGinnis shares why this time of year isn’t about doing more; it’s about focusing on what matters most. Her hope is that the 2025 Holiday Author Marketing Guide helps you use the time you have in a more impactful way, so you can keep your momentum without sacrificing the season that matters most. Grab your free copy of the guide at LynnMcG.com

Feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re “supposed” to do to market your book? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lynn shares why momentum doesn’t come from doing everything — it comes from doing one small, strategic thing at a time. Through real-world examples and insights from her coaching work, she explains how to shift from scattered effort to focused progress — and why clarity, not complexity, is what truly builds visibility. Learn more and connect: 🌐 Website: https://LynnMcG.com 📬 Email: [email protected] 💡 Free Resource: Book Launch Starter GPT - https://lynnmcginnis.co/freebooklaunchgpt ✉️ Substack: https://lynnmcg.substack.com Follow Author Marketing Minute for weekly insights on building visibility and relationships that last.

Most authors think marketing means selling more books — but real author marketing is something entirely different. In this episode, Lynn breaks down the difference between book marketing and author marketing, showing why the first feels exhausting and the second creates real, lasting visibility. If you’ve ever wondered why your ads, posts, or promotions aren’t working, this short episode will help you see the bigger picture — and rethink what marketing can look like when it’s built on relationships, not transactions. Learn more and connect: 🌐 Website: https://LynnMcG.com 📬 Email: [email protected] 💡 Free Resource: Book Launch Starter GPT - https://lynnmcginnis.co/freebooklaunchgpt ✉️ Substack: https://lynnmcg.substack.com Follow Author Marketing Minute for weekly insights on building visibility and relationships that last.

In this first episode, host Lynn McGinnis introduces Author Marketing Minute — a podcast created to help indie authors build lasting visibility without burnout or gimmicks. She shares what listeners can expect, why author marketing is different from book marketing, and how meaningful visibility starts with relationships, not transactions. Lynn also introduces her philosophy on making one small move at a time to create real, sustainable momentum. Learn more and connect: 🌐 Website: https://LynnMcG.com 📬 Email: [email protected] 💡 Free Resource: Book Launch Starter GPT: https://lynnmcginnis.co/freebooklaunchgpt ✉️ Substack: https://lynnmcg.substack.com Follow Author Marketing Minute for weekly insights on building visibility and relationships that last.