Novel Marketing

For most of publishing history, creating an audiobook meant writing a check for thousands of dollars and hoping you'd earn it back in sales. Because of the expense, many authors decided it wasn't worth the risk. So, they skipped audio entirely.Here's the problem. That decision now backfires in a way nobody saw coming.The number one sign that a book was written by AI isn't bad writing. It's the missing audiobook.In this week’s episode, audiobook expert Derek Doepker will map out exactly how to avoid that trap. We discuss the five tiers of audiobooks.You’ll discoverWhy skipping the priciest tier might be the smartest move for some authorsWhich budget-friendly option still makes your book look unmistakably human-writtenThe tier almost no author is using, even though it’s cheaper and sounds like a full productionListen to the full episode to get the complete map of all five audiobook tiers, so you can pick the right one for your book and your sales goals.Blog link: https://www.authormedia.com/the-5-tiers-of-audiobooks-which-one-should-you-publish/Authormedia.social link:  https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/the-5-tiers-of-audiobooks-which-one-should-you-publishYT Link:https://youtu.be/oEYxV2iE-iMYT Collab Link: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCB_jQHE1Jz8f2Gq40_zZz2w/collaboration/UCT-0HmBAtZpaLX2liUNebiQSupport the show

You will die. It could be today, it could be 15 years from now, but no one lives forever. Your books, however, can outlive you. In fact, seventy years after you're gone, they’ll live in the public domain.That means your grandchildren's grandchildren could end up responsible for your intellectual property. Most authors have done zero planning for what happens to their books, passwords, and royalties when they're no longer around to manage them.In this week’s episode, attorney Kelley Way (one of the rare lawyers who practices both estate planning and copyright law) joins us to map out exactly what every author needs to know before it's too late.You'll learn:The one document your heirs are powerless to undo, even if they hate the deal you made with your publisher.Why giving your book away for free after you die might be the single best thing you can do for it.The unglamorous, ten-dollar-a-month tool that prevents more estate disasters than any will or trust ever could.Listen in or read the blog version to make sure your books don't end up in a paper prison, where your hard work can no longer make an impact.Blog link: https://www.authormedia.com/estate-planning-for-authors-how-to-protect-your-books-and-your-family-after-you-die/AuthorMediaSocial link: https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/estate-planning-for-authors-how-to-protect-your-books-and-your-family-after-you-dieYT Link: https://youtu.be/eJjYPCqKPbwSupport the show

What do you do if your Amazon account gets suspended but you didn’t do anything wrong? Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't care if you're innocent.That's not pessimism. It's strategy.Once you understand what Amazon cares about (hint: it's not you, the law, or fairness), you can start speaking a language they respond to.In this week’s episode, I spoke with Lesley Hensell, co-founder of one of the largest Amazon consulting firms in the world. She has helped thousands of authors claw their accounts back from suspension, and she knows Amazon's enforcement machine like the back of her hand.In this episode, you'll learn:The one thing you must include in the first two sentences of any email to Amazon (skip it and they won't even look up your account)Whether you should admit to something you didn't do to get your account reinstatedThe subject line trick that makes Amazon's executive team read it, and why most authors do wrongIf your account has never been suspended, this episode is still for you. Prevention is easier than recovery. Listen in or read the blog version to find out what you’re doing right now that could get you flagged.Blog link: https://www.authormedia.com/why-amazon-is-terminating-innocent-authors/Author Media social link: https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/why-amazon-is-terminating-innocent-authorsSupport the show

Is hiring a publicist a waste of money or not?A typical book publicist charges between $3,000 and $10,000 per month, and they often require a three-month minimum. At $3 of profit per book, you'd need to sell 5,000 copies just to break even. Most PR campaigns don't come close to selling 5,000 copies.But the publicist gets paid either way, while the author takes all the risk.Here's what most authors don't know: the access publicists used to sell is now free.There are tens of thousands of podcasts looking for guests, and you don't need a gatekeeper to get in. You just need to know how to pitch a podcast.In this week's episode, Podcast Hall of Famer Dave Jackson shares exactly how to do that. You’ll learnWhat makes a host delete your pitch after reading one sentenceHow to identify podcasts that will yield the best results for sales and growing your readership.How to nail the interview and get invited back (hint: you’ll need the right microphone and the right content)Which tools can save you time and headacheIf you want to spread the word about your book but don’t want to spend the money hiring a public relations professional, listen in or read the blog version to discover how you can.Blog Link: https://www.authormedia.com/authors-pr-playbook-how-to-get-media-coverage-without-a-publicist/Guest: Dave Jackson (School of Podcasting, Podcast Hall of Fame) Topic: Earned media for authors, with podcast guesting as the core strategyYT Link: https://youtu.be/r14ixF0WLJUSupport the show

Do you feel like an imposter as a writer?You probably are. Most authors who experience imposter syndrome are imposters, but they don't have to be!As the saying goes, “There are no good writers; just bad writers who didn’t quit.”Every author starts off as a bad writer. To make a living at writing you must improve through hard work, determination, and training. In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from Chris Fox, author of over 80 books and three million copies sold. You'll learn:Why not knowing your reader's emotional motivation is costing you salesHow word order affects your readers experienceHow Grammarly is making your writing worseHow authors accidentally protect their characters and ruin their books.If something isn’t clicking with your writing, listen in or read the blog version to find out what you should be looking for and how you can fix it.Blog Link: https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-level-up-your-writing-with-chris-fox/Authormedia.social:  https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/how-to-level-up-your-writing-with-chris-foxYT Link: https://youtu.be/DanstjzQs6ASupport the show

Are your book sales stuck? Maybe sales have slowed. Maybe your launch never took off. Or maybe you're spending money on ads without seeing results.This week on Novel Marketing, Amazon ad specialist Bryan Canter explains how "promo stacking" can revive a struggling book and put it in front of new readers.You'll learn:What promo stacking is and why it worksWhich promotions deliver the best ROI for your genreThe ideal order and timing for each promotionHow promo stacking can generate more reader reviewsWhether your book launched last month or five years ago, you’ll learn how promo stacking can rescue a dead book and reach new readers when you listen in or read the blog version.Blog Link: https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-revive-a-dead-book-with-a-promo-stacking/AuthorMedia Social Link: https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/how-to-revive-a-dead-book-with-promo-stackingYouTube Link: https://youtu.be/v2KN46pdbRwSupport the show

Instead of a guest interview or a marketing deep-dive, in this week’s episode I'm inviting you to something I've spent years building for authors who want to be taken seriously.You’ll discover:How you can get lifetime access to my $249 course this month for $0How you can get your questions answered by me live on a monthly basisHow you can get my digital doppelgänger (ie. AI Thomas) to answer your questions faster and (sometimes better) than I can.Listen to this short episode or read the blog version to take advantage of these benefits before the end of the month.Blog link: https://www.authormedia.com/why-im-giving-away-a-249-course-this-month/Support the show

A writers conference with no pitch appointments, no breakout tracks, and no recordings? What’s left? A conference that sold out last year! The Novel Marketing Conference is different, and every single attendee that responded to our survey said they were glad they came in 2026. In this week's episode, I break down exactly why I removed those traditional writers conference elements and what we added instead. Here are three things you'll learn: Which feature past attendees consistently name as the most valuable part of the entire weekend.Which parts of the Novel Marketing method you can only learn in person at the conference.What we’re adding to Thursday night’s ice-cream social in 2027! The 2027 conference is already filling up. Super tickets are gone, but standard and gallery tickets are still available. Don’t wait to secure your spot. There's a live count of available tickets at NovelMarketingConference.com. When they're gone, they're gone. Listen to the full episode, read the blog version, or watch on YouTube to get the complete schedule and see why this might be the best investment you make in your writing career this year. Blog link: https://www.authormedia.com/announcing-the-2027-novel-marketing-conference/Support the show

Have you ever finished a book you loved, handed it to a friend, and heard back, "It was fine"?That disconnect has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. It has everything to do with a principle C.S. Lewis understood well enough to write classics that have endured for decades.In this week's episode, I sat down with bestselling novelist Angela Hunt to break down the four ancient loves that drive all fiction, and how mastering them can help you produce a bestseller and a classic.You’ll learnThe type of love almost every genre needs more of, and why the most violent stories need it most.How the loneliness epidemic is creating a massive hunger in readers, and which type of love lonely readers are yearning for.The type of love that makes for a classic but is hardest to write and easiest to botch. Get it wrong and your climax feels cheesy. Get it right and readers won't shut up about your book.We also explore the dark side of each love and how to use that tension to propel your plot forward.If the stakes in your story aren’t working or you’re sick of cheap, salacious storylines, listen in or read the blog version to learn how to incorporate these four types of love into your story. This one might change how you outline your next book or build your characters.Blog link: https://www.authormedia.com/the-four-loves-that-drive-fiction/Support the show

The difference between making thousands of dollars on your next book and losing money can come down to a few cents per click.If your ads generate even a few pennies of net profit, you can run them until you've sold tens of thousands of books. But if you're losing money, no amount of spending will fix it. In this week's episode, David Gaughran, a veteran of digital advertising, joins me to talk about how to make your book advertising actually pay you back.Here's a taste of what you’ll learn:Why the authors spending the most on Facebook ads are often doing it wrong (and what to do instead)The marketing asset that makes every advertising endeavor more profitableHow to reach your exact readers on Facebook now that author targeting is goneListen in or read the blog version to discover how to approach book advertising strategically. You will feel more confident about when to advertise and when to invest your time (and dollars) elsewhere.Blog Link: https://www.authormedia.com/15-rules-for-book-advertising-with-david-gaughran/Author Media.social link: (Live at 11:02 AM on May 6) https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/15-rules-for-book-advertising-with-david-gaughranSupport the show

We’ve arrived! It’s the 500th episode of Novel Marketing.To celebrate, I’m giving away the MacBook Neo I reviewed a few episodes ago, but I’m also revealing my worst takes and biggest mistakes over the past 500 episodes.Some of those takes were correct, but when circumstances changed, the advice was no longer good. But sometimes, I was wrong from the start. Gather ‘round and hear the tale of the evolution of the host and his book marketing advice.Listen in or read the blog to find out which pieces of advice have stood the test of time (and always will) and which pieces you can cast off like a crumpled first draft.And don’t forget to enter to win the MacBook Neo! You can find links and details on the blog or YouTube.Support the show

Most authors can tell you their royalties but not their net profit per book. They spend money on ads, see sales come in, and assume things are fine. But are they? Sales and profit are not the same thing.How can you find out if you’re making money or just making sales?In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from Eiri Theodorou, founder of Publisher Champ, an analytics platform used by over 25,000 authors.You’ll learnHow one of Amazon’s metrics is somewhat misleading (and how to find the truth)How you can track real-world marketing (like speaking and interviews) in a dashboardHow to find out if your best-selling book is masking problems with your other books.If you want to stop guessing about your profitability, listen in or read the blog version. You’ll be able to invest in marketing with more certainty and become truly profitable.Support the show

There’s a culture shift underway that most authors aren’t seeing. Even traditional publishers can’t figure out why their titles are resonating. If your book isn’t selling, it could be a cover or craft problem, but it might be a zeitgeist problem.  In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from fantasy and LitRPG author Seth Ring. We discuss the biggest cultural shift in storytelling in two decades and what it means for your books.You’ll discoverWhat’s become of the morally conflicted anti-hero tropeWhat readers are tired of and hungry forA sure-fire way to write a story that resonates for this new zeitgeistThis cultural shift puts authors in a uniquely strategic place. If you want to make an impact with your writing and bring hope and change to the world through stories, it’s your time to shine. Listen in or read the blog version to find out how.Blog Link: https://www.authormedia.com/the-cultural-zeitgeist-shift-thats-making-indie-authors-rich/AuthorMedia.social link:  https://authormedia.social/c/novel-marketing/the-cultural-zeitgeist-shift-that-s-making-indie-authors-richYouTube Link:https://youtu.be/zVz0pd-P3TUSupport the show

I bought and tested Apple's cheapest laptop so you don't have to.I stress-tested the MacBook Neo with a 250,000-word document, ran every major writing app, and pushed the machine to its limits. Whether the Neo is right for you depends on what you use your computer to do, because authors do more than just type words into a word processor.In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, you’ll learnWhat you should look for (and ignore) when buying a laptop in 2026Which laptops I recommend for authors, podcasters, and PC usersWhether the MacBook Neo is the right choice for you as an authorWhich laptop I will not recommend in 2026Listen in or read the blog version to find out which machine is the best bang for your buck and your use cases as an author.Support the show

Your author friends are lying to you about your book cover.Well, not on purpose. They can’t help it.When authors are trying to pick a book cover, they often ask their friends which cover they like best. But that strategy doesn’t work because your friends look too closely. They think about your feelings. They vote based on which cover has more votes.But your cover isn’t for your friends.It’s for strangers.In this week’s episode, we unpack why beautiful covers, which are loved by your friends, fail to help your book sell. You’ll hear how one author made his losing ads profitable without rewriting a single word of his book.In this week’s episode you’ll learnWhat makes a cover “good”How you can get accurate data on what will make readers click to buyHow much you’ll need to spend to get a cover that sellsIf your ads aren’t working, it may be time to examine the elements of your cover. Listen in or read the blog version to find out how.  Support the show

Many authors say reader magnets don’t work anymore. But when done right, a good reader magnet can grow your email list from zero to thousands of subscribers before your first book even launches.In this episode, you’ll hear from author, podcaster, and producer of the Novel Marketing podcast, Laurie Christine, who built an email list of thousands using various reader magnet strategies, all while writing for Christian moms and middle-grade boys.You’ll discover:How many reader magnets you actually needThe surprising promotion strategy that yielded more than 500 solid subscribersHow to create reader magnets that attract buyers, not just freebie seekersA tool to help you discover which reader magnets may work for youYou’ll also learn how you can use reader magnets to refine your message, craft, and audience before publishing your first book.Listen in or read the blog version to learn techniques for building (or growing) an email list regardless of where you are in your writing journey.Support the show

Do you ever wish you had a team of writing, publishing, or marketing professionals to consult? Do you wish you had an assistant to help with the business and marketing side of writing?What if you could have both for less than the cost of a couple of lattes?In this week’s episode, you’ll hear about the newest additions to the Novel Marketing Patron Toolbox, a growing suite of practical tools designed specifically for authors like you.Inside this episode, you’ll discover:New editing tools that can help you at each stage of the editing processNew business tools to help you create an overall strategy and analyze resultsNew book promotion tools to help you connect with new readersAnd many moreWhether you’re producing an audiobook, building a fictional world, planning classroom resources, or have questions for an agent or a CPA, these tools are designed to save you time, sharpen your strategy, and give you a head start before working with real human professionals.Listen in or read the blog version to learn more.Support the show

Is your writing a hobby or a profession? The answer to that question changes everything.Many authors claim to be professionals but act like hobbyists. They write what they want instead of what readers will pay for. They try to fit a finished book into a genre instead of studying the genre first. They publish without a marketing plan or budget and are shocked by low sales and few reviews.They expect professional results from a hobbyist approach.If that sounds familiar, there’s good news. You can choose the professional path.In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from author and podcaster Joanna Penn, who hosts the longest-running indie publishing podcast.You’ll discover:How to build a sustainable author career in an era of AIWhich marketing activities you should choose and which to ignoreBusiness principles that apply to your writing careerHow to use AI to do the business tasks you dislike so you have more time for creativity and storytellingTo learn how to build a sustainable author business in an era of rapid change, listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

If your book isn’t selling, it may not be your writing.It may be your metadata.In this week’s episode of the Novel Marketing Podcast, you’ll hear from Dave Chesson, creator of Publisher Rocket, and learn about the hidden engine behind book sales on Amazon.Even if your book is well-written and professionally edited, Amazon doesn’t read your book. It reads your metadata. And if your metadata is unclear, inconsistent, or confusing, Amazon won’t show your book to readers, even if it’s amazing.In this episode you’ll learn:What your book’s metadata isWhere you can manage it (and make it most effective!)How to include the most effective elements and language in your metadataAnd common metadata mistakes to avoidIf you want your book to show up in search results, convert better when readers click, and avoid the dark recesses of the “miscellaneous shelf,” listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

Many authors assume book formatting is complicated, expensive, or something only professionals can handle.In ​this week’s episode​, I talk with Bryan Canter about why that assumption is outdated, and how tools like Vellum have changed what authors can do. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to pay a pro or learn to format your book’s interior yourself, this conversation will give you clarity.In this episode, you’ll discover:When you should format the book or reader magnet and when you should hire a proHow Vellum can prevent common design mistakesHow you can update back matter, fix typos, add reader magnets as needed​Listen to the episode​ or ​read the blog version​ to see how Vellum can save you money, time, and headache when formatting your next book or reader magnet.Support the show

American Taxes, pay too little and you go to jail. Pay too much and you lose the money you need to reach more readers with advertising and promotion.  If your records feel like a mess of Amazon deposits, Ingram payments, Kickstarter funds, affiliate income, coaching fees and dozens of random expenses you’re not alone. In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from a CPA who works specifically with authors, about how to handle bookkeeping and taxes with confidence. Seth Norris welcome to the Novel Marketing Podcast!You’ll learn:A simple bookkeeping rhythm that prevents tax-time chaos.How the IRS decides if your writing is a business or a hobby.The most common mistake that costs authors the most money.Discover how to simplify your approach and how to avoid paying more taxes than you actually owe.If you want to keep more money for advertising, marketing, or feeding your family, stop treating taxes like a deadline of doom. Instead, listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

Do you ever feel like your book is taking forever to write?Maybe you’ve been working on the same manuscript for years, and then you look up and see other authors publishing a book a year, or more. How do they do it?In this week’s episode, I ask Jerry B. Jenkins that very question. He has sold more than 73 million books, including his mega-bestselling Left Behind series, and he breaks down the habits and mindset that helped him produce quality work on deadline for decades.You’ll discover:A practical way to establish a writing scheduleThe counterintuitive way to combat procrastinationOne way to silence your inner editor without eliminating it completelyIf you’re ready to get out of your own way, build a sustainable writing rhythm, and finish what you start, you’ll want to hear this one.Listen in or read the blog version to discover how you can finish your book and write better books for the rest of your writing career.Support the show

Most authors begin writing as a solitary pursuit and soon realize they don’t know other writers or industry professionals who can help them grow. So how do you go from a solitary outsider to a connected insider who knows designers, editors, marketers, and more?In this week’s episode, we talk with Dale L. Roberts, an award-winning indie author and host of Self-Publishing with Dale, about how genuine networking can strengthen your career and relationships.In this interview, you’ll discover:How to reframe your mindset about networking (it shouldn’t feel sleazy)How to follow up after conferences and events without feeling awkwardSimple habits for remembering names and details so people feel seen and valuedWhen (and how) to make introductions inside your networkIf you’ve ever wondered how successful authors seem to know so many industry experts, this conversation will give you practical, real-world networking tips to help you build and facilitate mutually beneficial publishing connections.Listen in or read the blog version to discover 12 tips to help you connect generously, authentically, and for the long haul.Support the show

If you ask a bestselling novelist how long it took to go from aspiring writer to published success, the answer is usually about ten years. One reason it takes so long is that most authors learn about writing in a haphazard way. They read a blog post here, listen to a podcast there, attend a conference where they receive a firehose of information, and then watch YouTube videos hoping to fill in the gaps.It is an overwhelming way to learn. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by everything you need to know about publishing, you know exactly what this feels like.But what if you could cut that ten-year learning curve in half?In our latest podcast episode, I talk with Christy Award Hall of Fame author James L. Rubart about the Five-Year Plan for Becoming a Professional Author. It’s a step-by-step training approach designed to help fiction writers build skills in the right order (without the overwhelm).This isn’t a “shortcut” or gimmick course. It’s a craft-first path that helps writers avoid wasted years, bad habits, and out-of-order learning.In this week’s episode, you’ll discover:Why most authors stall outHow to accelerate the mastery of storytellingWhat separates “good” writers from professional-level authors in the current publishing landscapeIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re developing your craft in the smartest way possible, or where you should start, listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

ChatGPT used to be the go-to AI for authors, but it's no longer the best choice for every task. New models like Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok are outperforming it in specific areas, from creative writing to research to automation.In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from The Nerdy Novelist, Jason Hamilton. We discuss which AI tools work best for your writing, your budget, and your genre.You’ll learnWhich tools can help expedite your researchWhich AI models help you write the best dialogueHow open-source models can spur fresh fiction ideas and structuresTo stay up to date on which models can help you with various parts of your writing and marketing (and which can’t), listen in or read the blog version to feel confident experimenting with new platforms.What does ChatGPT Actually Know About Your Book?AI Optimization for AuthorsBook Promotion in 2025: How AI Gives Authors More Time to WriteTikTok, Iran, and AI: What Authors Need to Know NowThe Author’s Guide to AI with Joanna PennSupport the show

I am not a big fan of Substack for novelists. Most novelists are better off using the free version of Kit and WordPress. However, Substack is a completely different story for nonfiction authors.If you’re a nonfiction author who wants to grow your platform without juggling five different tech tools, this week’s Novel Marketing episode is for you.In this week’s episode, I talk with screenwriter and Substack superuser James Cary about how nonfiction authors can use Substack to attract readers, deepen engagement, and earn recurring income.You’ll learnWhen Substack is (and isn’t) a good fit for authorsHow to get your first 100+ subscribers When and whether to monetize your SubstackIf you’ve been wondering whether you should start a Substack or what to do with the one you already have, listen in or read the blog version to get help on your decision and guidance on your plan.Support the show

Hardcover books are back. Beautiful, premium, collector-quality editions are gaining momentum with readers who want books that look and feel special. But how do you know if you should create a premium hardcover edition of your book?In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from author Paul Millerd, who created a luxury edition of his bestselling book. We dig into the strategy, psychology, risks, and rewards behind premium hardbacks and whether they make financial sense.You’ll learn:How to know if your book is a good candidate for a premium editionWhat it costs to produce a premium hardcover (and what you can charge for it)How different readers view different price pointsIf you’ve ever wondered whether a premium edition could elevate your brand, thrill your readers, or create a new revenue stream, listen in or read the blog version to find out.Support the show

Authors talk about “the algorithm” the way the little aliens in Toy Story talk about “the claw.” Does the algorithm randomly choose your book, or is someone else controlling the claw?In this week’s episode, you’ll discover what we know about how Amazon decides which books to show, and how to get your book in front of the readers most likely to love it.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Amazon “decides” which book recommendations to give shoppersWhich readers you should persuade to click Amazon’s “buy now” button, and which you should sell to yourselfHow Amazon’s algorithm is changing and tips to help you adapt your strategyIf your book is on Amazon, this episode is not optional listening. Poor optimization can quietly poison the recommendation engine against you. Listen in or read the blog version to keep your book in front of your Timothy.Support the show

Lately, I’ve been getting swamped with emails from authors asking about Shopify. Many are losing money and wondering what went wrong and how to fix it.Here’s the truth most authors don’t want to hear: Shopify is usually a bad deal for most authors.In this week’s episode, you’ll learn✅ Why Shopify sounds so good but often backfires✅ The math behind why most authors lose money by using it✅ Better alternatives that save time, stress, and moneyShopify is lauded as an attractive option for authors, but for most, it becomes a drain for your time and money. Before you decide on an ecommerce platform, listen in or read the blog version and find out what actually works better for authors.Support the show

Are you wasting money, time, and paper by using the wrong printer?Before you buy your next printer, make sure it has the features every author needs. The wrong setup can cost you hundreds of dollars a year or, worse, stop working altogether when your Wi-Fi service fails.In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:The critical printer features authors needHow to cut your paper use (and clutter) in halfHow to make your printer more reliable and easier to useThe subtle trap you must avoid when purchasing a home printerSave money, space, and sanity by getting the right printer. Read the blog version to get links to my recommendations, or listen to the podcast to make your next printer purchase a smart one.Support the show

Audiobooks have been the fastest-growing segment in publishing for a decade, and for many readers, an audiobook signals a real, human-written book. In fact, audiobook sales have recently outpaced ebook sales!Now is the time to get your book on audio. But where do you even begin?In this week’s episode, audiobook consultant Bryan Canter gives us an overview of the entire process of how ACX (Audiobook Creative Exchange) works and how to publish your book on audio without blowing your budget.You’ll learnWho should (or shouldn’t) narrate your bookHow much it’s likely to cost (it might be less than you think!)How to get started (and who can help you!)If you know you need an audiobook, listen in or read the blog version to learn the ACX basics, pick the right narrator, and avoid costly mistakes. Your future listeners are waiting. 🎧Support the show

Many authors make the mistake of writing a book first and then trying to find readers. This is backwards and rarely works. However, if you follow these three steps, your book will be set up for success.Step #1: Identify your target reader.Step #2: Start growing an audience of readers like that person.Step #3: Launch your book.But how do you find your Timothy? How do you grow your audience? And how do you write the kind of book they'll love?In this week's episode, you'll hear from Josiah DeGraaf, a fantasy author and program director of the Young Writers Workshop, who did exactly that. He found his Timothy, added thousands of subscribers to his mailing list before publishing his first novel, and wrote the book his readers wanted. That strategy set him up for a wildly successful Kickstarter launch and a strong Amazon release.In this interview, you'll discoverHow to determine who your target reader isStrategies to get you from 0 subscribers to 1,000+How to write a book that your readers feel was written just for them.If you want to launch your book to an eager audience instead of crickets, listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

The faster you write, the more books you can publish and the more money you can make from your writing.We all type slower than we speak, and if you’re typing and creating a story at the same time, you type even slower. But what if you could regularly produce 50 words or more per minute? You’d be able to write a 120,000-word book in a 40-hour work week!Authors who can write that fast all use dictation. So why do so many authors hesitate to use it?If you’ve ever tried dictation and felt awkward, slow, or tangled up in the tech, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode, dictation expert Sarah Sawyer shows us the calm, practical way to ease into dictation so it feels natural and actually helps you write more.Here’s what you’ll learn:Which tech tools make it easy? (Hint: You probably already have them!)Techniques that help synchronize your creativity, brain, and mouthHow dictation can propel your writing and possibly save your healthAudio & Blog VersionsFor authors, dictation can skyrocket writing speed. Listen in or read the blog version to find out which tools and strategies will help you master the skill and write faster.Support the show

Giving away your hard work for free doesn’t seem to make good business sense. So why do authors give away ebooks for free?What if “free” didn’t kill your revenue, but primed it? In this week’s episode, we’ll dig into the permafree strategy with Dale Roberts, author of Secrets of the Permafree Book.You’ll learn:Where permafree works (and where it flops)How to make Amazon price-match a free bookHow to determine whether the permafree strategy is working for youWhich kinds of standalone books might benefit from being permafreeIf you’ve got a strong series and a tight budget, permafree may be the fastest path from obscurity to discovery. Listen in or read the blog version to see if it will work for your book or books.Support the show

So you wrote a good book, but you can’t seem to get reviews. Do you just throw up your hands? Why do reviews and ratings even matter?Well, the more reviews a book has, the better it will sell and the more reviews it will get. Without the social proof of reviews, readers scroll past your book listing, algorithms ignore you, and sales flatline.So, how do you get more book reviews?In this week’s episode, we’ll hear from Joe Walter of Independent Book Review. You’ll learnThree different kinds of reviews that can help your book gain visibilityHow ratings and reviews differ (and the easiest places to get each)Which tools can make the process of gathering reviews more efficientNo reviews = no trust = no sales. Find out how to fix that. Listen in or read the blog version and learn to use book ratings and reviews to increase your author credibility, book visibility, and sales.Support the show

Most authors either avoid AI or use it badly. Let’s fix that.Authors who learn to use AI find that they have more time to write better books.In this week’s episode, Joanna Penn and I break down where to start, which tools are actually worth using, and how to get useful output instead of bland tasteless, voiceless, AI slop.You’ll learnHow to prompt ChatGPT like a coworkerThe best tools for images, deep research reports, audio, and marketing tasksWays to use AI that you probably haven’t considered beforeThe most important AI prompting tip you will ever learnListen now or read the blog version to learn how AI can do tasks you hate, sharpen your author voice, and give you more time to do the creative work you wanted to do when you first started writing.Support the show

Every author needs editorial feedback. But not all feedback is good.If you accept every edit, you risk losing your voice and writing something bland. If you ignore all edits, you risk writing something sloppy that readers won’t buy. So how do you know which edits to take and which to toss?In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:7 “Bewares” to help you sort out good and bad editorial suggestionsWhether AI or human editors are helpful or hurtfulHow to develop good tastes that guide your writing voiceEditing is supposed to sharpen your writing, not smother your voice. Listen in or read the blog version to find out when you should (and shouldn’t) ignore feedback.Support the show

Most writing conferences teach you how to write a better book or how to pursue a literary agent. But what if you have already written a great book and you need help selling it? Is there a conference for you?Yes! Announcing the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference, a live, in-person event focused on helping you market and sell more books.The 2026 conference is packed with innovations you won’t find anywhere else:100% live, interactive sessionsA small group of writers who write in your genreGuidance on creating a customized plan for your upcoming yearExcellent teaching by expertsYou’ll leave the conference with a 100-page workbook full of actionable steps to grow your author platform, increase book sales, and start the year with a clear plan.🎟️ Early bird tickets are on sale now through September 30, 2025. Prices start at just $299, and our limited number of Super Tickets are going fast, so reserve your spot today at ​NovelMarketingConference.com​.​Listen in​ to hear more details or ​read the blog version​ to see the tentative schedule as well as photos from past conferences. Support the show

If you write picture books, chapter books, or middle-grade fiction, you know the challenge: kids read your books, but adults buy them.So how can you let young readers know about your books? Where can you connect with your readers? By meeting them in person in school classrooms!In this week's episode, award-winning author Becca Wierwille shares how school visits became her best book marketing strategy and how you can start doing them too.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to get your first (and second!) school visitWhat to include in your presentation to keep students engaged and coming back for moreHow to make it easy for school administrators to say "Yes!" to your visitSchool visits are fun! Listen in or read the blog version to discover how you can connect with young readers, positively impact schools, and sell more books.Support the show

What’s up with ruthless heroes and romantasy?And what if the real reason your book isn’t selling has nothing to do with your writing and everything to do with the zeitgeist?In this week’s Novel Marketing episode, we’re ​featuring an episode of Author Update​. We unpack the massive cultural shift that's changing what readers crave. From romantasy's domination to the hunger for noble dark heroes, we explore what sells and why in the new "spirit of the age."In this episode, you’ll discover:The future of books with morally gray, sword-wielding protagonistsHow Gen Z’s love for brutal heroes reveals a deeper desireWhat the shift from grimdark to noble bright means for your next story​Listen in​ or read the ​blog version​ to dive into the vibes shaping the future of fiction.Support the show

Ever wonder how some authors consistently sell a thousand books a month?What marketing tactics are they using? How can I get those results too?In the latest episode of the Novel Marketing Podcast, I talk with Susan Neal, author of nine books and CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association. Susan shares how she layers her marketing efforts—from podcast interviews to press releases—to drive book sales month after month.Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:Which tactics helped her sell 7,000 books in 8 monthsHow to successfully pitch podcasts, blogs, and media outletsHow to avoid common author mistakes that hinder salesWhether you’re launching your first book or looking to grow sales of your back list, listen in or read the blog version. You’ll be inspired by Susan’s method and eager to try her tactics.Support the show

Publicity has always been important for authors. Mark Twain promoted his books by writing letters to the paper, and even Agatha Christie, who was known for being very private, still did interviews with prominent newspapers. Yet some authors think this kind of publicity is old-fashioned. In a world dominated by social media, do we even need traditional PR anymore?If you've ever wondered how to get your book featured in the media—or whether it's even worth trying—you won’t want to miss this episode of Novel Marketing.In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from veteran publicist Marika Flatt from PR by the Book to talk about:Whether or not traditional media still mattersThe difference between earned media, paid media, and everything in betweenWhat mistakes to avoid when giving interviewsThe surprising way Good Morning America and Joe Rogan differ when it comes to book salesWhether you’re ready to hire a PR firm or just want to understand how media can help spread the word about your book, listen in or read the blog version of this episode.Support the show

You’ve optimized your book for AI, updated your website, polished your metadata, maybe even watched our AI Optimization for Authors episode.But how do you know if any of it is working?In this week’s episode, you’ll discover how to measure your AI optimization success. Because the hard truth is that if ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini doesn’t know your book exists, it won’t recommend it to readers.In this episode, you’ll discover:    How to find out if AI has read your book    Which LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok know about your book    A new tool that shows how visible your book is to AIIf you’re a Novel Marketing patron, you already have access to exclusive tools that test the “big six” AIs and help you pinpoint what to improve.For your book to rise, AI must recognize it.Listen or read about how these tools work, and then unlock the tools at www.PatronToolbox.comSupport the show

Well, this is embarrassing.After 12 years of teaching authors how to build better websites, I realized I’ve never covered the most important page on your site: your book page.Your book’s webpage isn’t just for selling your book anymore. It’s now key to showing up in Google search results and getting recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT.In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:The biggest mistake authors make when creating book pages (and the easy fix!)The elements your book page must have to help AI and human searchersWhat your book page needs to outrank Amazon and Barnes & NobleThe critical section most authors skipYour book deserves a better web presence, and your readers deserve an easy way to find it. Listen in or read the blog version to learn how to design an effective page that helps readers discover you and your books.https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-create-sales-optimized-book-pages-for-your-author-website/Support the show

The publishing industry is facing significant challenges. We just went through a major zeitgeist shift, and reader preferences radically changed. AI also showed up in a big way, so it should be no surprise that several traditional publishers are struggling to adapt.What happens to you and your book if your publisher goes bankrupt? How will you know if your publisher is headed that way?In ​this week’s episode​, we uncover eight warning signs your publisher might be on the brink and what you can do now to protect your rights, royalties, and your book’s future.Tune in to learn:• The #1 red flag that predicts publisher collapse• What you can do to ensure your book doesn’t end up in publishing purgatory• How you can sustain your readership and career through a publisher bankruptcyWhether you’re with a small press or a major house, ​listen in​ or ​read the blog version​ to learn the signs of publisher bankruptcy. If you’re on alert, you can avoid some major hindrances to your career.Support the show

You work hard to create content for your audience. But how do you get more mileage and reach out of each piece you create?One way is to adapt your content for another platform. I recently started adapting my podcast into a YouTube channel.But how do you do that?I learned the hard way how not to do it.To gain traction on YouTube, you have to respect YouTube as a platform. You can't just shovel your podcast audio onto it and expect good results.I had an interesting conversation about this on the School of Podcasting hosted by Dave Jackson. Dave has been podcasting for 25 years, and we discussed the differences between YouTube and podcasting and how to successfully adapt a podcast to YouTube.If you've ever wanted to get more mileage out of your content, this week's episode is for you.You'll learn:How YouTube viewers behave differently from podcast listeners, and what that means for your contentWhen is a good time to launch your YouTube channelThe secret ingredients that make titles and thumbnails perform wellWhether you're launching a new YouTube channel or trying to grow an existing one, listen in or read the blog post to discover how to avoid common pitfalls and grow your audience with confidence.Support the show

Have you been dreaming about publishing a book that actually sells?The hard truth is that most authors fail because they jump straight into writing. They spend months writing a book only to find out later they made a key mistake, and nobody wants to buy the book.I've helped thousands of authors go from blank page to profitable launch, and in this week's episode, I'm giving you the roadmap. You'll learn my complete six-step process as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and rookie mistakes.In this episode, you'll discover:The first thing you should do (even before writing chapter one)Which people and tools can help you polish your manuscript (and the right order to use them)How you can get free lifetime access to my course How to Get Published (Only in June!)If you're serious about publishing a book that sells, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.Listen in or read the blog version to learn how to successfully publish a book and avoid common mistakes.Support the show

Have you ever followed popular marketing advice that worked wonders for someone else but completely fell flat for you? Or have you watched another author succeed with a strategy you were told would never work?That’s because book marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all.In this week’s episode, I talk with USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty about Author Ecosystems—a framework that helps you understand the type of author you are and which marketing strategies are most likely to work for you.You’ll discover:Why some authors succeed with rapid release while others succeed with traditional launchesHow to identify your own ecosystem and tailor your marketing strategy accordinglyWhich types of authors complement one another bestWhether you’re struggling to gain traction or just want to work smarter, this conversation will give you clarity and direction.Listen in or check out the blog post to find links to the Author Ecosystems quiz and other resources to help you determine where you fit in the author ecosystem. It’s a great place to start.Support the show

Most authors are thinking about AI the wrong way. AI isn’t really a tool for writing books, but it’s quickly becoming the most powerful tool for selling them. Even if you’re not using LLMs like ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, or Claude, your readers are.In fact, today, readers across the globe asked AI, “What book should I read next?”Did ChatGPT recommend your book? How can you make sure it does?If your book isn’t showing up in AI-generated recommendations, this week’s episode will tell you how you can make it happen.Tune in to discover:Which of your digital assets is the most important AI optimization toolHow to structure your website’s book pages so AI can read and understand themWhich social media platforms AI trains on (and where your book info should be!)Soon, there will be two types of authors: those recommended by AI and those wondering why their sales plummeted.Don’t be left wondering why your sales took a dive! Listen in or read the blog version of this episode to help readers more easily discover your book with all the new search options they’re using.Support the show

What if you had a toolbox filled with over 30 expert-level resources to help you sell more books and spend less time marketing?In this week’s episode, I reveal the suite of powerful tools I’ve built to simplify writing and marketing for authors like you. From crafting irresistible blurbs to designing reader magnet covers, optimizing email campaigns, and even generating book launch plans, these tools are changing the game.In this episode, you’ll discover tools to help you:·   Get almost any book marketing question answered (by “me”)·   Generate killer book blurbs in minutes·   Create a professional-looking cover for your reader magnet·   Generate a reader magnet (and other resources) for your book or topicIf you’ve ever wished for a personal assistant who works 24/7 and has more than 30 tools to advance your career, save you time, and sell your book, this episode is for you!Listen in or read the blog version (with links!) to discover this innovative suite of tools that can streamline your work and give you more time to write.Support the show