Publish & Prosper

In this episode, Matt & Lauren examine the ways book marketing has changed in an AI and algorithm-driven world. We identify a few of the biggest shifts we’ve seen, like prioritizing trust signals over keywords, and share our insights into:😱 Common mistakes we see authors & creators making🤩 Proactive moves we see authors & creators making🤔 Things you can do right now to better position your strategyListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLulu Blog | Discoverability in the Age of AI Search💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI SearchEp #78 | How to Use Generative AI to Sell More BooksEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention EconomySound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [18:39] “The more evergreen content that you have out there, the more content that you put out there that will stand the test of time and again prove that you are human, that you write for humans, that your content speaks and relates to humans, the better off you're going to be.”🎙️ [51:45] “We are not saying write content that is targeted towards the robots. We're saying write content that is targeted towards humans, because that's what the robots are looking for.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt share strategies for how to get your readers and fans to help sell your books for you! We break down the importance of building a dedicated audience around your brand, review the different ways authors and entrepreneurs mobilize their fans, and offer up tips for putting these ideas into action. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesCosmopolitan | Bring Back Men Who YearnLulu Blog | How to Turn Casual Followers into Dedicated Super FansLulu U | How to Build a Community of True Fans 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #15 | Can You Really Support Your Business With Just 1,000 True Fans?Ep #24 | How to Turn Your Casual Fans into Super FansEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention EconomySound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [11:45] “But I think that all of that advice and all that strategy and all that how to, really actually just boils down to: you have to give your audience a reason to care about you and a reason to want to talk about you.”🎙️ [31:20] “And that's where I think micro-influencers are really useful. Not in the traditional way that we think of influencer marketing, but that building relationships through relationships kind of marketing.”🎙️ [55:32] “Building that ecosystem is extremely important. Nobody wants to do this on their own. It's not easy. And so when you can build yourself a little army, I think that just exponentially increases your success rate.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down the elements of a print book. We review exterior and interior design choices, explain how different elements fit together, examine variance in print copies, and share tips for how to avoid confusion between your digital designs and print book. Dive in from the beginning for a complete crash course in print book design, or skip ahead to learn about:[7:00] – Exterior Book Design (Trim Size, Binding Type, Cover Finish)[18:11] – Interior Book Design (Paper Types, Ink Types)[26:01] – Print Variants  [33:08] – Fitting Design Elements Together[37:49] – Designing for Print vs. Digital[43:43] – Understanding Print Variance[53:55] – Being Proactive with Your Book Design[1:03:58] – Episode Wrap UpTo maximize your print book mastery, we recommend watching this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLulu’s Pricing CalculatorCheck Out Matt’s Book! 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #72 | Build Your Own Book: Design Choices for Print BooksEp #93 | Tales from the Scrypt: Self-Publishing Horror Stories (and How to Survive Them)💡 Read These Blog PostsThe Anatomy of a BookHow Books Are Made: From PDF to Printed & Bound5 Visual Indicators Your Book Is Self-Published💡 Watch The Life of a Book💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren successfully cons Matt into talking about fanfiction again. This time we explore the recent shift in the way traditional publishing approaches fanfiction, and the new trend of openly acquiring popular fanfiction like Manacled and All the Young Dudes. Learn more about the legality of publishing fanfiction, how these practices have changed in the last few years, and what we think this says about the future of the publishing industry. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesNPR | 3 Harry Potter fan fiction authors are coming to a bookstore near youWired | Lots of People Make Money on Fanfic. Just Not the AuthorsBustle |  SenLinYu Reveals How 'Alchemised' & Their Fanfic, 'Manacled,' Came To Be 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #65 | How to Copyright the Copy That You WroteEp #77 | Lauren Finally Gets to Talk About FanfictionEp #111 | Plot Twist: Indie Authors are Landing More Traditional Publishing Deals than Ever💡 Read These Blog PostsWhat Is Fanfiction and Why Does It Matter?Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [11:44] “Never have I wanted to jump out of this seat so badly in the two years that we've done this.” – Matt🎙️ [39:55] “I just think it's all indicative of this bigger sign that, that publishing is moving in this direction of more and more – like, they're looking to indie creators for proven value, for proven audience, for like, we're not taking a risk on unknown, on people that don't have an audience base, people that don't have any kind of proof of concept whatsoever.” – Lauren💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share strategies for how to find, research, and hire the best possible freelancers to help you bring your book to life. Whether you need help with editing, formatting, designing, or marketing, these guidelines can help you assemble your dream team for long-term publishing success! We talk through steps like: Understanding different types of freelancers The three best places to start your search (and research)Narrowing your pool of applicants to a shortlist of top candidatesListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLulu’s Trusted Partners & ProsEditorial Freelancers AssociationFiverr💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #8 | Self-Publishing is a Team SportEp #20 | Do You Need to Hire Professional Editors for Your Book?Ep #93 | Tales from the Scrypt: Self-Publishing Horror Stories (and How to Survive Them)💡 Read These Blog PostsBuild Your Publishing TeamHow to Choose an Editor💡 Watch These VideosTypes of Book Editing and How to Get Them DoneHow to Build Your Publishing Dream TeamWebinar | Take Your Story to the Next Level with Experts from Lulu and Fiverr   💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, the mechanics behind distributing your book to online and brick-and-mortar bookstores are the same. But for indie authors doing it on their own, it’s imperative that you get the details just right. So in this episode, Lauren & Matt embark on an exciting adventure through the retail distribution cycle! We talk through: 🔑  Understanding the key players in the distribution game📚  The 4 most important stages from book publication to bookstore shelf🎯  What indie authors need to do to set their book up for success Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #37 | How to Get Your Book Into Indie BookstoresEp #59 | Mastering Book Metadata to Maximize Market ReachEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI SearchEp #90 | How to Get Your Book Into Libraries💡 Read These Blog PostsWhat the Hell Is Metadata?Genres, BISAC Subject Codes, and You💡 Explore These Resources from the Lulu Knowledge BaseGlobal Distribution: The BasicsMandatory Print Book Distribution RequirementsCommon Retail Distribution Rejection Reasons💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren reflect on their recent trips to two dramatically different events: London Book Fair and Sponsor Games.One is an international event attended by over 33,000 publishing industry professionals from around the world; the other is an intimate, interactive gathering of content entrepreneurs dedicated to learning how to secure brand deals and sponsorships.Attending these two events back-to-back highlighted the overlap and discrepancies between two types of creative audiences, so we’re asking the questions:🤔 What can authors learn from content creators/entrepreneurs?💡 What can content creators learn from authors? 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 What does it look like when someone is taking the best from both worlds? Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Learn More About These EventsPublishers Weekly’s LBF Recap | A ‘Buzzy and Busy’ Fair Sponsor GamesMomentumIBPA Publishing UniversityLulu’s 2026 Event Schedule💡 Learn More About These CreatorsThe Maker’s Table with Jeff Sieh and Katie FawkesKatie CrossAustin L. Church💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #63 | Beyond the Algorithm: Relationship Marketing for Authors & Publishers [Video: Live from London Book Fair 2025]Ep #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention EconomyEp #111 | Plot Twist: Indie Authors are Landing More Traditional Publishing Deals than Ever💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Emily Bair, Lulu’s VP of Business Development to explore how brands, publishers, and creators are using print products. Emily shares her insights on topics like: Why more businesses are revisiting and rethinking print productsThe “aha moments” when print-on-demand solutions clickWhat authors and creators can learn from these larger brands and businessesListen now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Connect with Emily on LinkedIn💡 Learn more about Lulu’s Enterprise Business Solutions💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #80 | Scaling Up: What to Know About Bulk Book PrintingEp #97 | How Print-On-Demand is Fueling the Resurgence of MagazinesEp #102 | What the Publishing Industry Should Learn from Heated Rivalry💡 Read These Blog Posts5 Ways Large Organizations Can Benefit from Lulu's Book SolutionsDigital Printing for Traditional PublishersHow to Create Print-On-Demand Magazines for Your BusinessSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [6:00] “Some of these larger, like, Fortune 1000 companies, and some of the bigger brands, also are seeing a renaissance in print in and of itself… It's starting to become now one of like, the main channels that they're using to break the noise in the space as well.”🎙️ [16:46] “Right now when it seems like AI, it's just accelerated everybody's path to market. If you're not, you know, a first mover in certain things, like, that can be a big deal. That can be a make or break moment for you. So having more speed and more flexibility, I think, is super important right now.”🎙️[9:14] “It's funny, earlier you said, you know, this, this whole shift to digital, but it's, it's somewhat ironical that, you know, it's a shift to digital to go back to analog.”💡 Ironical → The irony of pointing out someone else’s derivations while also making up your own words (as coined by Matt)🎙️ [26:26] “We've also had larger organizations, like that do, like, electricianal... like recertifications and things like that.” “Electricianal. Is that a word now?” “I made it up.”💡Electricianal → Of or relating to the work, practice, and training all electricians do (as coined by Emily) 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore the rapidly rising trend in indie authors signing major traditional publishing deals. The real plot twist? These days the authors are the ones with the negotiating power and leverage. We talk through:🔮 How media influences publishing trends💡 Outdated self-publishing stigmas (and what publishers are actually interested in)🤔 Why indie authors would want to secure a publishing dealAnd answer a few key questions to help indie authors interested in securing traditional publishing deals! Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube.Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #36 | The Indie Author’s Guide to Self-Publishing vs. Traditional PublishingEp #65 | How to Copyright the Copy That You WroteEp #71 | International Book Rights for Indie Authors💡 Explore These ResourcesWall Street Journal (Paywalled) | Interview with Hugh HoweyWired (Archive) | Interview with Hugh HoweyPublishers Weekly | Book Deals FeedSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ “This is an opportunity for you to have a team of people that are helping you with your brand expansion, or with getting you in front of new audiences or licensing your, your foreign rights or your media rights and handling all that for you.”🎙️ “The point is, you have leverage and you can use that to get a more flexible contract and something that works better for you.”🎙️ “Anytime you can break norm, anytime you can affect, you know, some mundane, archaic practice that's been in place for hundreds of years? Do it. And this is just another example of that. And whether you want to chalk that up to they're just a business and they're following the dollars, who cares? There’s evolution happening.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt have a conversation exploring why print needs to be part of your creator strategy. We consider the current state of digital content, influenced by algorithms and AI, and how content entrepreneurs can use print books to better establish their brand longevity and legacy (and, of course, to make money). Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #33 | Books You Can Create Using Your Existing ContentEp #58 | Creative Ways to Use Print-On-Demand to Support Your BusinessEp #79 | How Justin Moore Sold Over 1,000 Books in 90 Days💡 Read These Blog PostsCreators’ Guide to Monetizing Your ContentTurning Your Content Into a Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creators💡 Watch These VideosHow to Launch a Print Subscription6 Unique Ways to Use Print-on-Demand Ep #105 [Video] | Are You Selling Books or Selling with Books? Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [8:34] “How do you make that content last? How do you make it tangible? And how do you use it to reach people in a way that isn't going to immediately disappear?”🎙️ [33:47] “'I’ve yet to ever receive a book or a piece of printed content or something where I was as quick to toss it as I am 90% of the emails that come into my inbox every day.”🎙️ [51:21] “I think, honestly, in an age where everybody's attached to devices, the obvious play is to do something different. And that's print.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore three different ways creators can get started selling direct, and the tools you’ll need along the way! Learn about:💡 Using direct assisted platforms like Books.by to build a website for you💰 Selling on marketplaces like Etsy for a hybrid sales approach📚 Connecting Lulu Direct to your site for true direct-to-consumer sales🧰 Stocking your toolkit with some of our favorite sales and marketing solutionsListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube! Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLearn More About Lulu DirectLearn More About Books.by and Stck.meBuy Matt’s Book Profit-on-Demand💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #31 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online BookstoreEp #70 | How Does Selling Direct Actually Work?Ep #96 | Building a Landing Page for Your Book💡 Read These Blog PostsChoosing the Right Direct-to-Consumer Solution for Selling Your BooksShopify vs. Wix vs. WooCommerce: Which Ecommerce Platform is Right for Your Book?Licensing Your Foreign Book Rights with DropCap Marketplace💡 Watch These VideosDirect Sales PlaylistHow to Get Started with Direct Sales Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [4:47] “So for those of you that are interested in selling direct, but you don't have the time or the experience, or you just want to give it a quick try and you don't want to invest too much in it… These direct assisted platforms, I think, are really great for that.”🎙️ [23:41] “There's no better way to control the customer experience from beginning to end and grow your business and capture all that data.”🎙️ [38:23] “If your goal is long term growth and scalability, that should be a factor that you consider while you're deciding on your solutions.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Lulu’s Chief Technology Officer Christoph Kepper! Christoph shares his insights into what makes Lulu a publishing technology powerhouse, and his vision of an accessible, sustainable future for publishing.Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLearn more about Wikimedia and Pedia PressLearn more about Lulu’s Order Import tool💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #62 | Sustainability in Publishing: Reducing Waste One Print Book at a TimeEp #102 | What the Publishing Industry Should Learn from Heated Rivalry Ep #106 | Building Your Book Business Using Lulu’s Print APIsSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [13:19] “I always say ideas are cheap, you know? Because having a good idea is not a problem. Executing and getting it to that stage where it's really working well takes so much more effort.”🎙️ [17:03] “It's not the latest technology that Ingram uses. And I thought there were a few things that we could do better. And so we did them at Lulu."🎙️ [35:32] “That's where also the notion of Lulu being a tech company is valid, because we are much less of a publishing company than traditional publishing companies or publishing companies at all. We are just providing some infrastructure for authors, for publishers, for whoever wants to use our services.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

Manual fulfillment works…until it doesn’t. In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down the risks and realities of manually packing and shipping orders, signs it’s time to update your existing solutions, and the backend automations that can help you successfully scale with your growing sales. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLearn More About Lulu’s Sales & Fulfillment Options💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #32 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online BookstoreEp #80 | Scaling Up: What to Know About Bulk Book PrintingEp #106 | Building Your Book Business Using Lulu’s Print APIs💡 Read These Blog PostsSimplify Selling Books with Lulu’s Order Import ToolPOD Solutions for Growing BusinessesDirect Sales Basics for Selling Your Book with LuluChoosing the Right Direct-to-Consumer Solution for Selling Your Books💡 Watch These VideosHow to Get Started with Direct SalesDistributing Your Book With Lulu: What You Need to Know  Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [9:00] “You also want to be prepared for those one-off situations, I can handle this as is right now, but if there's any unexpected spike or roadblock that's going to throw off the whole system, you need to have a plan in place for how to manage that and how to handle that.”🎙️ [31:20] “Small problems become big problems if you let them.”🎙️ [44:01] “Being able to open up over 150 new markets, you know, overnight with virtually no money up front and just a little bit of your time? Like, that is – there's no faster way to scale a business like that.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss how entrepreneurs are using Lulu’s suite of APIs to build brand-first book businesses. We break down how savvy creators can use API integrations to automate, personalize, and scale their printing and fulfillment, and why you may want to do the same.Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLearn More About Lulu’s APIsLulu’s API Knowledge BaseDevelopers PageThe Pathless Path by Paul Millard 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #61 | Creating a Custom Book Business Using Lulu's Print APIEp #70 | How Does Selling Direct Actually Work?💡 Read These Blog PostsScaling Your Business with Custom Books Using the Print APIChoosing the Right Direct-to-Consumer Solution for Selling Your BooksPersonalization at Scale: How Lulu’s API Enables Customized Printing💡 Watch These VideosSelling Direct with a Print APIWebinar | The Business of Books:  How To Use Lulu's Print API To Scale Your BusinessSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [2:58] “Right now, it's easier than ever to take something like our suite of APIs that are open to, you know, open source and create some really cool front end for like, personalized books. And then we just handle all of the fulfillment. It makes everything super easy.”🎙️ [14:37] “We give you all the tools you need. You have to go build your sandcastle in the sandbox by yourself.”🎙️ [37:24] “The APIs’ best and built for three things: automation, personalization, and scalability.” 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

Books can be the product or the tool that helps sell the product…and sometimes even both. In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore how print-on-demand empowers creators and businesses to use books to build their business, earn revenue, generate leads, and fuel brand growth. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #33 | Books You Can Create Using Your Existing ContentEp #54 | Can Books Add Value to Your Business (Beyond Just Revenue)?Ep #58 | Creative Ways to Use Print-on-Demand to Support Your Business💡 Read These Blog Posts5 Ways Large Organizations Can Benefit from Lulu's Book SolutionsScale Your Book Printing with Lulu💡 Watch These VideosEp #79 | Book Launch Blueprint: How Justin Moore Sold Over 1,000 Books in 90 Days8 Reasons Your Business Needs Print-On-Demand6 Unique Ways to Use Print-on-Demand  Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [7:40] “Even people that I talk to that are enthusiastic about the idea of publishing a book…that are just like, yeah, I think it would be really valuable for me, for some reason or another, to publish a book with my content. But I'm not much of a writer, so I don't really know if I can. And I always push back on that.”🎙️ [12:35] “If the concept will fall victim to technology or progress or AI, then that's going to happen regardless of the medium that you use to put the content out there.”🎙️ [39:00] “How many of them are creating a custom piece of content and getting it into the mailbox of one of their prospective clients, versus you just landing another piece of white noise in their inbox? I'd rather be in the mailbox, not the inbox.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt cover five different types of paid ads that can help you sell more books. We review the pros, cons, and best practices for:🔍 Paid Search🗣️ Paid Social Media Campaigns 📧 Email & Newsletter Sponsorships🎙️ Pre-Roll & Mid-Roll Ads 📖 Trade Publication Print AdsListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesSparkToroThis Old MarketingWritten Word MediaBookBubBookFunnel💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #47 | Metrics That Matter: A Guide for Authors & CreatorsEp #76 | Making the Most of Partnerships to Grow Your AudienceEp #96 | Building a Landing Page for Your Book💡 Read These Blog PostsBoost Book Sales with Paid Search AdsTracking Your Marketing Efforts With UTM TagsSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [12:34] “With paid search you don't need to be creating the coolest, greatest graphics and video content of all time. You can still do really effective things without a creative bone in your body.”🎙️ [18:21] “One of the biggest mistakes people make too, in any type of paid ad scenario, is they drive everybody to Amazon to buy their book. Like, you're spending money to capture traffic, but then you're turning around and driving them right over to Amazon. It doesn't make any sense.” 🎙️ [41:04] “Just add value. That's all. If your content is valuable, if somebody finds value in it, whether the value is entertainment, education, whatever, it doesn't matter. If you're adding value, and they feel like it's worth their time to read it, it doesn't matter if it's a sponsored ad or not.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate the merits of using social media as a book marketing tool in 2026. Short answer? Yes, social still plays an important role! Long answer? Listen to learn about: Why social platforms should be used for discovery, not as the home base for your entire brand.How to show up with content that adds value and supports your long-term goals.Common mistakes that turn social media into a black hole time vortex. Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesPew Research Center | Americans’ Social Media Use 2025Katie Brinkley’s Podcast Episode on Instagram | Apple | SpotifyAdobe Express | Social Media Marketing Strategies: Complete 2025 Guide Deloitte Digital | 2025 State of Social Research💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #44 | How to Repurpose Your Book and Other Content for Social MediaEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention EconomyEp #94 | Crafting a Content Strategy That Actually Works💡 Read the Social Media 101 Series on the Lulu BlogSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [3:39] “Chasing virality is an exhausting and never ending tactic that in the end, for most authors, small publishers, even the larger publishers, is just not a winning tactic.”🎙️ [29:58] “If you don't bring anything to the table, don't expect to eat.” 🎙️ [44:53] “That's the difference between building on rented land and building on owned land. You're using your social media as a content delivery platform to get people interested in your content that you're creating. And then they're coming to those content channels from social media.” 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In December 2025, a sports romance series off Harlequin’s backlist, with modest sales and a niche fanbase, exploded into an overnight international sensation when the first two episodes of Heated Rivalry aired on Crave and HBO Max. New fans scrambled to get their hands on copies of the six-book series and were quickly disappointed by the realization that the titles were sold out everywhere. What could Harlequin have done to meet the unexpected demand and avoid unknown losses in book sales? What can other publishers and authors do to capitalize on the moment? To start, they can listen to Lauren & Matt explore solutions for publishers and authors facing unexpected virality and demand that outpaces inventory supply. Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper📚 Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #64 | Extend Your Books’ Shelf Life with Backlist Book MarketingEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI SearchEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention Economy💡 Read These Blog PostsDigital Printing for Traditional PublishersPrint-on-Demand is the Perfect Solution for Selling Backlist Titles5 Ways Large Organizations Can Benefit from Lulu's Book SolutionsSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [6:06] “As I was watching this unfold in real time, the whole time I was thinking, God, this would be a perfect opportunity to implement a hybrid solution here where a traditional publisher could supplement their inventory with print-on-demand books.”🎙️ [19:27] “When you dig into the traditional publishing world and you look at where their revenues come from, most, if not all of them make more money off their backlist than they do their front lists. And not having these systems in place to protect yourself, to future proof your inventory when virality hits or some sort of marketing surge happens…it's just wild to me that every publisher doesn't have this stopgap in place these days.”🎙️ [42:32] “Just because one book went viral doesn't mean everyone is going to go viral, but it still means that you have opportunities to seize that moment too.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore four different ways publishers integrate AI tools to better support and streamline internal workflows. While we never advocate for using AI as a substitute for human creativity or editorial judgment, these tools can be a great way to help: Clean up and optimize book metadataRoute and triage manuscript submissions Track version changes and content updatesTrack, plan, and modify production schedulesListen now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Learn More AboutIBPA | The Fast-Changing World of AI and Publishing Publishers Weekly | When It Comes to AI, Adapt or Else, Says Keith Riegert 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #59 | Mastering Book Metadata to Maximize Market ReachEp #78 | How to Use Generative AI to Sell More BooksEp #100 | Looking Ahead at Publishing Trends for 2026💡 Read These Blog PostsThink Outside the Bot: How AI Can Help Content CreatorsGenres, BISAC Subject Codes, and YouWhat the Hell Is Metadata?Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [4:46] “The simple rule of thumb here is that AI can click, copy, sort, summarize. But humans should choose, shape, and approve.” 🎙️ [22:05] “I just think that any time you're dealing with multiple drafts of something and you're using an outdated tool and workflow and process, you're just bound for all kinds of heartache and trouble.”🎙️ [45:34] “Use it as a tool to free up the creative people on your team, or yourself personally. So that you can devote more time to those creative pursuits, that creative work and the things that specifically need that human touch. Let it do the boring work so that you can do the fun stuff.” 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt peer into their crystal balls for a look into the future (or make some very sound projections grounded in knowledge and experience). We take turns sharing our insights and expectations for what’s to come in the publishing industry in 2026, including: 🔮 Print-on-demand will become as important to the publishing supply chain as other tech solutions over the years🔮 Authors will explore more ways to build their brand by blending self-publishing and traditional publishing strategies🔮 Traditional publishers will adopt direct sales practices, both to increase their profit margins and to build relationships with readersBut the real question is…was there confetti in Matt’s future? Watch the episode on YouTube to find out! Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesCheck out Matt’s book Profit On-Demand: The Creator’s Guide to Building a Profitable Business with Print-on-DemandLulu’s 2025 Books & Business Insights Report💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #78 | How to Use Generative AI to Sell More BooksEp #97 | How Print-On-Demand is Fueling the Resurgence of MagazinesEp #99 | 2025 Plot Twists in Publishing (That Everyone Saw Coming)💡 Read These Blog PostsDigital Printing for Traditional PublishersAmazon Isn’t the Only Option: Going Wide to Diversify Your Book SalesWhat Can Lulu Do For You?Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [5:58] “Print-on-demand models will become as important, I think, to the publishing supply chain as some of the other things that have surfaced over the years.”🎙️ [29:23] “Anytime you can gain a full percentage point, multiple or even double digit percentage points, like that's an opportunity you want to jump at. So when you look at what direct sales affords you, when that's implemented properly, especially with a print-on-demand model, there's just no arguing with that.”🎙️ [35:35] “I think if we…let's say six months from now, we talk about the trend of POD for new users coming into the ecosystem. Yeah, I bet it's more than an uptick.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren look back on this year in publishing. We review some of our predictions from 2024 and how those trends impacted the industry in 2025, including: How AI continued to dominate the conversation Why more and more authors and publishers are exploring direct salesHow traditional publishers are adopting print-on-demand solutionsWhy building community is more important than everListen now, or watch the full episode on YouTube! Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLulu | 2025 Books & Business Insights ReportKajabi | State of Creator Commerce Report 2025Jane Friedman | The Key Book Publishing Paths: 2025–2026 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #52 | Did Indie Authors Publish and Prosper in 2024? Ep #56 | The Indie Author's Guide to Going Wide With Your Book DistributionEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI SearchEp #96 | Building a Landing Page for Your Book💡 Read These Blog PostsAuthor Research: What the Top 5% of Creators Do DifferentlyDigital Printing for Traditional PublishersSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [18:20] “[Selling direct] has become so common and so easy that I think that not only will it continue, but I think you're really gonna start seeing a lot of major players adopting it now going into 2026.”🎙️ [27:15] “I don't think we're gonna be living in a world much longer where it's an us versus them mentality, indie publishing versus traditional publishing.”🎙️ [40:25] “I think that this year people really kind of had the reality check of, oh shit, we can't do it this way. I cannot put all of my eggs in this basket if I'm not the one holding the basket.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren interviews everyone’s new favorite author…Matt Briel! Lauren & Matt talk through the experience of writing, editing, and publishing a book. Hear firsthand how Matt developed a writing practice that worked for him, what it was like working with a professional editor and beta readers, and where he found the motivation and inspiration to get his book published. Check out Matt’s new book Profit On-Demand: The Creator’s Guide to Building a Profitable Business with Print-on-Demand. Watch the video episode, streaming now on YouTube. Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #53 | How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually SticksEp #75 | 7 Steps to Publishing Your BookEp #93 | Tales from the Scrypt: Self-Publishing Horror Stories (and How to Survive Them)💡 Read These Blog PostsHow to Write a Book: A 6-Step Guide for BeginnersPre-Publishing Checklist For Your BookTurning Your Content Into a Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creators💡 Watch These VideosLulu U Playlist | Start Here! Lulu U Playlist | Publishing on Lulu How to Get Started with Direct SalesSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [8:55] “When it comes to nonfiction book publishing you are inherently going to become even more of an expert in whatever it is you're talking about. Because you have to actually do research and process the thing that you're working on and become articulate about how to explain these things.” 🎙️ [24:01] “Making progress, I think, tangible progress that you feel good about really helps you stay locked in.”🎙️ [41:50] “But you know, a lot of it is you're making these changes because if you have trust in your editor and you have a good editor, then I mean, that's the point. You should take those suggestions and make them.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore one of our current favorite industry trends: the resurgence of print magazines! We talk through the many ways creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses are using print-on-demand, and: Why print magazines are making a comebackHow creators are publishing, selling, and distributing magazinesDifferent types of magazine products Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Learn How to Create a Magazine with Lulu💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #33 | Books You Can Create Using Your Existing ContentEp #58 | Creative Ways to Use Print-On-Demand to Support Your BusinessEp #81 | Printing Money: How to Turn Subscription Content into Books💡 Read These Blog PostsHow to Create Print-On-Demand Magazines for Your BusinessBooklet Printing With Lulu: Fast, Flexible, and Inventory-FreePrint-on-Demand is the Perfect Solution for Selling Backlist Titles💡 Watch These VideosLulu U | How to Launch a Print SubscriptionPlaylist | Content Monetization  Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [8:32] “Magazines as traditionally or historically referenced, you would think of things like US Weekly, Time, People, Cosmopolitan, and some of the others. But what's happening in resurgence right now are more of the niche publications, things that focused on very specific topics - crafts, trades, collectibles, tech things.”🎙️ [24:48] “It positions them as thought leaders in that space, as experts. And then secondarily acts as a lead magnet for them. So that when those businesses find themselves in the market, or have a need for what that brand offers, the first thing they're gonna think about is that brand. Because they're used to getting that content in the mail from them and looking at it as a very trusted resource.”🎙️ [38:08] “Magazines, catalogs, things like that, they're not new, but the accessibility of them is. The idea that the average person could just print a magazine right now, that's still something that a lot of people haven't really had access to ever.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt simplify your website down to a single landing page with one goal in mind: selling your book. We talk through reasons why you may choose to build a landing page instead of a full website, what you need to consider before building out your page, and how to use different tools and platforms to build your custom page. Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the episode on YouTube.Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesJustin Moore’s Sponsor Magnet Landing PageBooks.byStck.meKitCarrdMake💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #31 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online BookstoreEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI SearchEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention Economy💡 Read These Blog PostsHow to Create High-Converting Landing Pages for Your Book Marketing Campaigns7 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Author WebsiteCarrd Review: Simplified Author Websites💡 Watch These VideosLulu U Playlist | Selling Books Through Your Website Lulu U Playlist | Direct SalesSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [14:40] “That's the beauty of a landing page, too. Oftentimes a website is really aimed at, kind of everybody, you know, you're just trying to attract everybody, to a degree. But landing pages, you can really sort of dig in at a per audience or per vertical level.”🎙️ [45:34] “The main goal of selling direct is that you want access to your customer data. So the whole reason that you would, in theory, want to be doing this is so that you can be collecting your customer data, so that you can continue to build a relationship with them.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

Celebrate two years of Publishing & Prospering with us! In this episode, Matt & Lauren reflect on two years of podcasting, sharing what we’ve learned since the beginning, how podcasting has changed the way we create, share, and understand content, and where we see Publish & Prosper going next. Whether you’re curious about how a podcast could impact your brand or just want to sneak a behind-the-scenes look at Publish & Prosper, this is for you! Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the video episode on YouTube. Dive Deeper💡 Listen to Our Top 5 EpisodesEp #31 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online BookstoreEp #79 | How Justin Moore Sold Over 1,000 Books in 90 DaysEp #61 | Creating a Custom Book Business Using Lulu's Print API Ep #38 | From Manuscript to Market: 5+ Tools to Help You Draft, Publish, and Sell Your BookEp #10 | Marketing Your Book Pre-Launch, At-Launch, and Post-Launch💡Show These Episodes a Little LoveEp #23 | How to Survive (and Thrive) at Conferences and EventsEp #54 | Can Books Add Value to Your Business (Beyond Just Revenue)?Ep #64 | Extend Your Books’ Shelf Life with Backlist Book Marketing💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, Paul Hobday, for an inside look at content strategy with two content marketing nerds. We dive into:🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Understanding your different content channels and how they support each other💡 How to build an effective content strategy (and why it’s essential that you do)🧰 Making good use of the tools and resources at your disposal to design the best possible planAnd more! Listen now, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesAsanaTrelloSparkToro💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #47 | Metrics That Matter: A Guide for Authors & CreatorsEp #74 | Paul's Pod: Your Guide to Taking Your Writing Habit to the Next LevelEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention Economy💡 Read These Blog PostsTracking Your Marketing Efforts With UTM TagsWhat Is Content Marketing for Authors and Creators?Recommended Writing, Planning, and Strategy Tools Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [3:17] “People who are naturally creative are more creative when there's constraints, because it forces you to work within a constraint. It really forces you to focus on your message or what you're trying to convey or whatever. So I like to think of strategy as self-imposed, but very thoughtful constraints.”🎙️ [19:13] “It's easy to fall into the habit if you don't have a strategy in place of just posting whatever's top of mind.”🎙️ [36:12] “The biggest thing your strategy should do is help relieve you of the stress so that you can actually enjoy creating the content, and enjoy getting to know your audience or capturing new email subscribers or whatever it is your goal is.” 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share three chilling scenarios bound to keep you up at night and our tips for surviving your worst book publishing nightmares! Hear the horrifying tales of: 🕸️ The Monstrous Cover Art Mockup👻 The Proof Possessed by Problems🔪 The Beta Reader ButcherListen now, or watch the full episode on YouTube…if you dare.Dive Deeper🕸️ Monstrous Cover Art MockupEp #21 | Cover to Cover: Getting Your Book Design RightThe Secret to Cover Design SuccessWebinar | What Makes a Good Book Cover with Bailey Designs Books 👻 Proof Possessed by Problems5 Visual Indicators Your Book Is Self-PublishedBlog Posts on Book FormattingVideos on Book FormattingLulu’s Free Publishing Resources🔪 The Beta Reader ButcherEp #20 | Do You Need to Hire Professional Editors for Your Book?10 Errors Writers Make That Editors HateTypes of Book Editing and How to Get Them Done Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ “This episode is for you if you've ever woken up in a cold sweat from nightmares about a truly horrible cover design.”[3:23] 🎙️ The Monstrous Cover Art Mockup → You get your cover art back from your designer and you absolutely hate it. Now you have to figure out how to share that feedback with your designer, and how to better make your dream cover a reality.  [16:18] 🎙️ The Proof Possessed by Problems → You order a print proof and it comes back riddled with cover or interior errors. Now you need to figure out where it all went wrong, and what you need to do in order to fix it. [30:19] 🎙️ The Beta Reader Butcher → You asked a few friends to beta read your book and they tore it to shreds. Now you need to figure out how to process that critical feedback…and maybe how to save your friendship. 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt share their strategies for providing top tier support for your customers. Whether you’re taking preventative measures, planning a proactive approach, or providing solutions to unexpected problems, we’re here to help you help your customers. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesPreparing Your Site for Holiday Book SalesJoanna Penn’s Bookstore FAQ Page 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #39 | Pain Point Solutions for Your Ecommerce StoreEp #40 | Getting Your Bookstore Ready for the HolidaysEp #70 | How Does Selling Direct Actually Work?💡 Read These Blog PostsCustomer Service and Your Ecommerce Business5 Ways to Get Your Lulu Direct Store Ready for the HolidaysDirect Sales Basics for Selling Your Book with Lulu💡 Watch These VideosCustomer Service Tips for Your Ecommerce Business Onboarding Customers for Your Ecommerce Business The Life of a Book Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [2:42] “I think these things will help anybody who is operating their own digital storefront and finds themselves in a situation where they are selling something to somebody else online.”🎙️ [21:21] “We've gotten so Amazon lately where we just expect everything overnight and not even they can fulfill that half the time anymore. So putting a very human element to your product, the production time that it takes, that really helps temper people's expectations.”🎙️ [35:07] “I think oftentimes as creators, solopreneurs, small business owners, we think we have to be everywhere at all times, not only for creating content, but also for supporting people. And that's just not true. It's not true. And it's not sustainable.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate and discuss a variety of writing, publishing, editing, and marketing prompts. Hear their insights, opinions, and ideas on topics like: Exclusively Selling Direct vs. Going Wide with Your Book SalesWhich Social Media Platform Would You Use to Promote a Book? What Would You Use to Entice New Email Subscribers? And, of course, a few tangents too. Listen now, or watch the full episode on our YouTube channel! Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #56 | The Indie Author's Guide to Going Wide With Your Book DistributionEp #74 | Paul's Pod: Your Guide to Taking Your Writing Habit to the Next LevelEp #82 | The Email Marketing Podcast with Laurie & Lauren💡 Read These Blog PostsEditing Best PracticesSocial Media Marketing 101The Publishing Journey: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-PublishingSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [9:16] “You cannot control that part of the customer experience if you're selling on a third party website, but you can if you're selling direct. And I think that's really neat.”🎙️ [19:30] “It's such an important part of launching a book. I think, and the people that we've talked to that have made that part of their launch process, you know, their marketing plan, they tend to have really good success with it.”🎙️ [36:59] “I think no matter what you write, whether it's fiction or nonfiction or how to manuals for lawnmowers, your goal shouldn't be transactions. It should be relationships.” 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt want indie authors to see their books on library shelves! Whether you dream of your hardcover on display in your local public library or hope to find your ebook in digital catalogs nationwide, we’re here to help make it happen. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesOverDrive | Libraries Break Digital Lending Records in 2024Library of Congress | About the CIP Program | Cataloging in PublicationLibrary of Congress | Understanding MARC RecordsHow To Get Your Self-Published Book Into Libraries 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #37 | How to Get Your Book Into Indie BookstoresEp #59 | Mastering Book Metadata to Maximize Market ReachEp #65 | How to Copyright the Copy That You Wrote💡 Read These Blog PostsHow to Get Your Book Into LibrariesSelling Your Book on Consignment with Indie Bookstores5 Visual Indicators Your Book is Self-Published💡 Watch These VideosDistributing Your Book With Lulu  What the Hell is Book Metadata?What is an ISBN? Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [14:00] “The discoverability that we often talk about is lacking on so many other distribution or retail options is still very much active in libraries in both digital and physical libraries.” 🎙️ [27:09] “You need to be where librarians are going to be. Besides the library.”🎙️ [45:30] “You’re fostering relationships in your local community, which can only ever be a good thing for your brand and your career.”  💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

Tune in for another episode of The Email Marketing Podcast with Laurie & Lauren! In this episode, Laurie & Lauren walk through the steps to prepare for an important email marketing campaign series like holiday sales or a new book launch. We review: Why you should plan ahead for an email campaignYour pre-campaign planning timelineHow to monitor your campaign once it’s liveWrapping up your campaign (and setting yourself up for success with the next one)Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #82 | The Email Marketing Podcast with Laurie & LaurenEp #86 | Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention EconomyEp #87 | Live From Content Entrepreneur Expo!💡 Read These Blog PostsWhat Is an Author Brand and Why Does It Matter?Mastering Email Marketing for Authors💡 Watch These VideosLulu University | Holiday Marketing PlaylistSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [10:23] “If you're not clear with what your campaign is trying to achieve, your click through or your call to action is going to most likely be a little bit confusing for the recipient. Because if I'm just like, throwing a bunch of stuff in an email, the recipient is not going to know where to focus.”🎙️ [36:09] “It is really important for email to provide that value so that people continue to open your emails.”🎙️ [55:03] “Because email is always going to be one of your number one channels for success for a big launch. So take advantage of it.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren sit down with our friend Lynette Greenfield, author and founder of Limelight Publishing. Learn how Lynette turned her prolific writing career and passion for helping aspiring authors into a successful hybrid publishing company. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Meet Lynette & Learn More About LimelightWrite Publish RepeatLynette Greenfield Author SpotlightLimelight Publishing💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #53 | How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually SticksEp #79 | Book Launch Blueprint: How Justin Moore Sold Over 1,000 Books in 90 Days💡 Read These Blog PostsRaising EyebrowsIt Is Just as Important to Be Noticed as It Is to Be Remembered💡 Watch These VideosHow to Start Your Own Publishing Company Using Print-on-Demand Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [11:41] “Every time something stresses me out, I always automatically think to myself, it's okay, I've got writing.”🎙️ [37:17] “I want to be transparent, I want to be honest. I don't ever want to say, I mean, this is the most incredible book. It's gonna sell, it's gonna – I won't do that. But at the same time, everybody's stories are amazing. Everybody's books are incredible.”🎙️ [48:16] “That's what I want Limelight to be. I want it to be a place that people can go. It's not just about publishing. There are so many reasons why you can publish a book.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt chat with old and new friends live from the show floor at Content Entrepreneur Expo! Tune in to hear from five industry experts about content creation and strategy, content entrepreneurship, book publishing, and most importantly, the great niche vs. niche debate. 3:42 → Austin L. Church on Writing a Book (and What He’ll Do Differently Next Time)18:15 → Lou Mongello on the Value of Community and Authentic Relationships24:41 → Julia Levine on Building Your Content Pillars31:57 → Joe Pulizzi on Making Your Content Entrepreneur Goals a Reality41:48 → Robbie Fitzwater on How to Use Customer Data (and How to Get Even More)💡 Watch this episode on YouTube!💡 Meet These Awesome Content Entrepreneurs Austin L. ChurchLou MongelloJulia LevineJoe PulizziRobbie Fitzwater💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #53 | How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually SticksEp #69 | We Love Content Entrepreneur Events So Much, We Bought One!Ep #83 | Calendars Are Still Cool (We Can Prove It)💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

You only get one shot to make a first impression when inviting new guests into your brand–don’t scare them away before they even make it to the front door! In this episode, Lauren & Matt share essential tips for capturing attention quickly, maximizing your ‘curb appeal,’ and making your first look count. We talk through nailing your elevator pitch, sprucing up your social media real estate, designing an inviting website, and delivering a warm welcome email.  Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #25 | Author Branding 101: Building a Brand Beyond Your BooksEp #31 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online BookstoreEp #34 | Hooking New Readers With a Compelling Book Description💡 Read These Blog PostsBasic Book Promotion on Social MediaMastering Email Marketing for Authors: A Comprehensive Guide6 Author Website Tips for Success💡 Watch These VideosPlaylist | Author BrandingHow to Use Social Media to Grow Your Author Brand Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [5:31] “We live in an attention economy. Everybody's vying for the same attention span that you are, and attention spans are short right now. It's uber important that your first impression hits.”🎙️ [18:43] “Those posts that you're posting on social media that you're hoping the algorithm puts it on their for you page or on their feed, or a friend of theirs shares it and it shows up or whatever… That is your elevator pitch to get people to come check out your profile. So if you're putting all your work into crafting those posts and you're ignoring the profile part of it, you're losing people.” 🎙️ [27:38] “Websites are often now thought of as either A. SEO fuel or B. a place to sell your books, right? So a lot of people don't necessarily think of them as their first impression, their front door to their brand. But you should. You should still build your homepage, build your front page, as if that's the first impression somebody's going to get of you, or your brand, or your books.”🎙️ [41:20] “There are three things you want from a fan, reader, follower, customer. You want their attention. You want their trust. You want their money. The first two are the ones you have to work the hardest for.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share tips for making the most of your post-launch marketing and extending the sales cycle of your book. We talk through how to maintain the momentum of your brand growth, professional growth, and book sales by: Exploring new ways to approach earned promo opportunitiesReinforcing your relationship with your existing readers or new audiencesInvesting in yourself and your expertise as an author and as a brandUpdating your brand strategy with post-launch feedbackWatch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #35 | Designing the Right Go-to-Market Strategy for Your BookEp #37 | How to Get Your Book Into Indie BookstoresEp #56 | The Indie Author's Guide to Going Wide With Your Book Distribution💡 Read These Blog PostsAmazon Isn’t the Only Option: Going Wide to Diversify Your Book SalesHow to Turn Casual Followers into Dedicated Super FansHow to Earn Media Attention: Essential PR Tips for Authors💡 Watch These VideosYou're Doing it Wrong: Marketing Mistakes to Avoid Why People Buy: Using Psychology to Sell More Books How to Build a Community of True Fans 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

Reader personas are a powerful tool for understanding your target audience! In this episode, Lauren & Matt explain the value of niching down into your target audience, how to create your ideal reader personas, and applying those to inform every step of your publishing journey. Whether you’re still drafting your first book or looking to inject new life into the end of a sales cycle, you have to understand who your readers are. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #35 | Designing the Right Go-to-Market Strategy for Your BookEp #51 | Finding Your Niche, Your Ideal Reader, and Your Target AudienceEp #78 | How to Use Generative AI to Sell More Books [How to Use AI for Reader Personas] 💡 Read This Blog PostBuilding Effective Reader Personas for Authors and Creators💡 Watch These VideosLulu U Playlist | Audience BuildingWhy People Buy: Using Psychology to Sell More BooksSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [10:22] “A reader persona, for all intents and purposes, is nothing different or short of what we would call a customer persona or a buyer persona in marketing and sales, right? Understanding who your ideal candidate is, who's the person that you're talking to within what would be a broader target audience.”🎙️ [30:25] “I think that when you know who you're writing to and you know how to actually authentically connect with them, it does kind of subconsciously build that rapport already.”🎙️ [44:43] “I think that's the key with post-launch, and persona updates as well, is that you really have to be able to get that data and that information. You can't go back and update a persona if you're not getting that real time information. The only way you're getting that real time information is through selling those titles direct, or having some other direct way to come in contact with the buyers of your book.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In 2024, Lulu printed almost 57,000 calendars for creators and customers worldwide. In this episode, Matt & Lauren examine why wall calendars are so popular, the ROI on calendars, and different ways calendars can support your brand efforts. We also share calendar ideas for different types of creators, and our tips for making an awesome project. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Create Your Own Calendar Now! 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp 58 | Creative Ways to Use Print-On-Demand to Support Your BusinessEp 67 | Turning Your Blog Into A Book💡 Read How to Make a Custom Calendar for Your Wall💡 Watch These VideosCreating a Custom Calendar with Lulu Creating a Calendar | Tutorial 💡 Check Out These CreatorsRobbie FitzwaterMike Melnotte / Reuben the BulldogSophie Gamand Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [6:17] “Of all the things that you could create on Lulu, or other sites that involve printed materials like books and pamphlets and calendars and things. Calendars are probably the easiest thing to create.”🎙️ [36:13] “I don't think there's any genre or area or vertical out there where we couldn't find helpful content that they could use for a calendar.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode Lauren is joined by Laurie Shipley, Lulu’s Email Marketing Manager, to explore the value of email marketing…beyond just newsletters! Laurie shares insights into growing and segmenting your email lists, using automated emails to increase revenue, and creating personal connections with your subscribers. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesBookFunnelHow Creator Lindsay Dollinger Found Her Tilt 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #11 | Email Marketing for Authors & CreatorsEp #22 | Using Customer Data to Grow Your Business💡 Read These Blog PostsMastering Email Marketing for AuthorsHow to Build an Author Email List On Your Website💡 Watch These VideosCEX 2024 | 3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Grow Your Business Through Email with Robbie Fitzwater Webinar | Maximize Your Marketing with Emails with Terezia BarnaSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [5:08] “So one thing that you want to do…is really to figure out like what's the goal of your email marketing? Ideally, you've got something to sell because, you know, you can have a newsletter all day long that you share your thoughts or give some tips, but you're never gonna really maximize your email marketing resources if you leave it to that.” 🎙️ [20:48] “I think some people are a little bit hesitant to send these types of emails. But someone subscribed, they want to hear from you, they're interested in your product. I mean, email marketing works.”🎙️ [40:34] “That's part of the reason why I love email… It's very revenue driven for most companies, but it's also in my mind, extremely creative. And there's so many ways you can go about it. And it produces results, so it keeps you energized. And once you start doing it, you're like, I'm seeing the results of the work that I'm doing here.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review the power of print-on-demand books for subscription-based creators. Whether your content is behind a paywall, time-boxed, frequently updated, or even just spread out over multiple channels, print books can be a great way to support your fans, reach new subscribers, and further establish your expertise and authority. Learn why we think POD print books are a great value add for your subscribers, different ways to monetize your printed content, and how to easily sell and distribute your new products. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Learn more about Lulu’s Order Import Tool💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #58 | Creative Ways to Use Print-On-Demand to Support Your BusinessEp #67 | Turning Your Blog Into A BookEp #75 | 7 Steps to Publishing Your Book💡 Read These Blog PostsUsing Subscriptions to Create Recurring RevenueHow Lulu Makes Short-Run Printing Easy6 Steps to Create and Print a Book for Beginners💡 Watch These Videos8 Reasons Your Business Needs Print-On-DemandContent Monetization PlaylistSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [10:36] “For people who create content that is educational in nature, something somebody might want to use for reference later on, giving them a source that is easily reviewable, something that they can have on their desk or a bookshelf where they can just turn around and grab it… It's just much easier to access.”🎙️ [24:47] “It's just a different way to show off your content. It's a different gateway to entry for people.”🎙️ [38:07] “But I think as a content creator, as anybody listening that considers themselves a content creator or does a subscription service, there's just so many ways that you could create some sort of printed content that you can offer your readers, listeners, subscribers, whatever you want to call them, that really adds value to the chain and brings in some passive revenue for you.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

With print-on-demand, you can print just one copy of your book… But you can also print 100. Or 500. Or 1,000. Or 3,159. You do you.In this episode, Lauren & Matt talk bulk book orders; when you need them, how they work with print-on-demand, and all the logistics (and discounts!) you should know about.Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesLearn more about Lulu’s Bulk PrintingCheck out Lulu’s Pricing Calculator 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #39 | 3 Steps to Prep for an Author Event (and What to Do When You’re There)Ep #55 | How to Hit Your Perfect Pitch for Speaking EngagementsEp #62 | Sustainability in Publishing: Reducing Waste One Print Book at a Time💡 Read about Simplify Selling Books with Lulu’s Order Import Tool💡 Watch The Life of a BookSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [10:35] “If you are not selling your books through Lulu, but you want to use us to order 500 copies of your print book without having your book for sale in the bookstore or using our Lulu Direct plugin, you can do that. We have plenty of customers that use Lulu exclusively as their just book printer.”🎙️ [25:47] “The number one top priority is to make sure that you are planning ahead.”🎙️ [37:37] “That's the beauty of ecommerce technology and print-on-demand technology having caught up to where they're at right now at this intersection of time.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down one of Tilt Publishing's most successful book launches of the year. Meet Justin Moore, author of Sponsor Magnet and founder of Creator Wizard, and hear how he’s used proven strategies to successfully (and profitably) release his book.Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Meet Justin MooreCreator WizardSponsor MagnetPartner Assets PageThe ChallengeYouTubeInstagramLinkedin💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #57 | How to Use a Preorder Campaign to Boost Your Book LaunchEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI SearchEp #76 | Making the Most of Partnerships to Grow Your AudienceSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [1:56] “We wanted to use him as our first creator spotlight because Justin really has, I think, embodied all of the things that we've talked about in the last 78 episodes and just done it really, really well.”🎙️ [6:30] “I just kept doing this, looking to different and new content formats to educate people. Really, it was all about kind of the North Star of impact and reaching people with the things that I believe.”🎙️ [33:55] “He wanted to go as wide as possible. He wanted people to be able to find his book anywhere, but he still pushes all of his promotion to his website. Because there's a difference – and I think that's a really important distinction that we should all understand – there's a difference between going wide with your book sales and having your book available everywhere and going wide with your promotional efforts.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore different ways generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help you sell more books (without creating any public-facing copy or content). We share so many tips for using AI, including ways to: Help you brainstorm, refine, and execute marketing strategies.Facilitate your market research to better position and promote your book. Identify and target your ideal audience of readers or buyers based on your goals. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #18 | How Writers Can Harness the Power of AIEp #51 | Finding Your Niche, Your Ideal Reader, and Your Target AudienceEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI Search💡 Read These Blog PostsDiscoverability in the Age of AI SearchThink Outside the Bot: How AI Can Help Content CreatorsUsing Custom AIs to Grow Your Content Business💡 Watch This VideoHow Authors Can Use AI Sound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [3:59] “We're talking about how to use it as a brainstorming tool, as an admin tool, as a market research tool. Basically ways to help you automate your operational tasks or at least support your operational tasks so that you can focus more of your efforts and energy on the actual content creation or the creative elements of your job.”🎙️ [28:13] “One of the ways that we fight for attention is by being authentic and genuine. And I know that seems outrageous for me to say in an episode where we're talking about how to use AI. But that's my point. Use AI to help you…so then you can turn around and create authentic content.”🎙️ [45:02] “Having that extra person on your staff, i.e. ChatGPT, that can analyze your data and help you make smart business decisions, is a huge game changer for people that figure out how to make that work.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren finally gets to explain the intricacies and impact of fanfiction to Matt. Listen now for a slightly chaotic dive into fanfiction origins, the evolution of fanfiction as we know it today, the legal gray area of  transformative works, and how fanfiction has impacted modern publishing. Watch this episode on YouTube.Dive Deeper💡 About the OTW | Organization for Transformative Works 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #33 | Books You Can Create Using Your Existing ContentEp #65 | How to Copyright the Copy That You Wrote💡 Read This Blog PostWhat Is Fanfiction and Why Does It Matter?🎙️[The Only Sound Bite That Matters] 🎙️Lauren: It is absolutely an undeniable fact that fanfiction is having a direct influence and impact on modern publishing.Matt: I agree with that.Lauren: Whether that's trad pub or indie pub. Matt: Yeah, I mean now, you know, after talking through this, I agree with that. 💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie authors and content entrepreneurs can use partnerships and collaborations to grow their audience, establish authority, and build long-term relationships that outlast any algorithm. We break down strategies for how to identify the right partners, pitch yourself, and make the most of a mutually beneficial collaboration. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesSponsor Magnet by Justin MooreSparkToroBuzzSumo💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #13 | Earning Free Publicity for Your BookEp #46 | How to Maximize ROI on In-Person EventsEp #68 | Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI Search💡 Read These Blog PostsHow to Pitch Your Book for Earned PromotionHow to Grow Your Author NetworkYour Guide to Blog Tours and At-Home Marketing💡 Watch This WebinarHow To Reach a Wider Audience By Working With Micro-InfluencersSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [2:22] “I think it's even more critical right now that people understand the importance of them, but also how to do it. Because right now everything is white noise.”🎙️ [10:10] “That level of authority and recognition, I think, is really important and that's a great benefit of collaborating with other creators and authors.” 🎙️️ [27:31] “Nothing can ruin a potential friendship or partnership a relationship faster than not delivering on something that the other deems important.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review how to publish your book in 7 steps! Check out these resources to help with each one: 💡 Step 1: Brainstorm Your Book Idea → [6:06]Listen to: Ep #32 | 5 Things to Know Before You Start PublishingRead: Turning Your Content Into a Book💡 Step 2: Write & Organize Your Book → [9:46]Listen to: Ep #38 | 5+ Tools to Help You Draft, Publish, and Sell Your BookListen to: Ep #67 | Turning Your Blog Into A Book💡 Step 3: Edit & Revise Your Book → [18:33]Listen to: Ep #20 | Do You Need to Hire Professional Editors for Your Book?Read: EFA Editorial Guide💡 Step 4: Format Your Book → [27:40]Read: 5 Visual Indicators Your Book is Self-PublishedWatch: Book Formatting Lulu U Playlist💡 Step 5: Design Your Book Cover → [34:28]Listen to: Ep #21 | Getting Your Book Design RightWatch: Cover Design Lulu U Playlist💡 Step 6: Proof & Prepare Your Book → [47:17]Listen to: Ep #59 | Mastering Book Metadata to Maximize Market ReachRead: Get a Proof Copy💡 Step 7: Finalize & Publish Your Book → [50:00]Ep #10 | Marketing Your Book Pre-Launch, At-Launch, and Post-LaunchEp #57 | How to Use a Preorder Campaign to Boost Your Book LaunchWatch this episode on YouTube!💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, blog writer, and master of copy, Paul Hobday. Paul responds to episode #53,  How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually Sticks, and offers practical advice for aspiring writers ready to level up their writing habit into a purposeful writing practice. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive DeeperAudible Expands Catalog with AI Narration and Translation for Publishers  💡 Listen to This EpisodeEp #53 | How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually Sticks💡 Read These Blog PostsOrganization and Note-Taking With Obsidian [Product Review]Atticus Review: The All-in-One Writing and Formatting Tool for Indie AuthorsWriting with AI: Using Sudowrite for Serial FictionSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [6:05] “The way you structured the conversation that you had about habits was around planning, goal setting, timing, repetition. And while those are all things that you should be thinking about, the actual writing habit should start becoming thoughtless. And it just becomes a thing you do so that you can then have a bigger goal.”🎙️ [18:37] “But my point with that is: editing is writing… Taking the words that you've already written and making them words that you actually want someone to read is still writing. And I think there's a lot of important value in that.”🎙️ [39:06] “It's all about like, knowing yourself well enough to know what you need to control in order to create the environment that you need to get your writing done.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode Matt & Lauren debate the value and staying power of audiobooks, especially for indie authors. We take a look at market trends for audiobooks worldwide, different ways for authors and creators to produce and distribute their own audiobooks, and the pros and cons of creating audiobook versions of your books. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Data on Audiobooks Audio Publishers Association | Research Surveys Press ReleaseStatista.com | Statista Market Forecast Overdrive | Audiobook Stats That Speak Volumes💡 Audiobook Distribution PlatformsFindaway Voices Transition to INaudioSpotify x ElevenLabsAudiobrary BookFunnel 💡 Audiobook Tools & News[Announced After Recording]: Audible Expands Catalog with AI Narration and Translation for Publishers Dave Chesson | Audiobook NarratorsBrandon Sanderson | Regarding AudibleEleven Labs | AI Toolkit for Publishers💡Listen to These EpisodesEp #35 | Designing the Right Go-to-Market Strategy for Your BookEp #56 | The Indie Author's Guide to Going Wide With Your Book Distribution💡 Read This Blog PostWhy Multiple Book Formats Matter💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the design options available for print books. We review the distinctions between trim sizes, binding types, paper types, ink quality, and cover finish, and popular choices for different product types. Watch the episode on YouTube for visual examples! Dive DeeperWatch The Life of a Book 💡 Explore These ResourcesPricing CalculatorResources Page💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #35 | Designing the Right Go-to-Market Strategy for Your BookEp #43 | Make Your Self-Published Books Stand Out with Custom Details💡 Read These Blog PostsThe Anatomy of a BookHow Books Are Made: From PDF to Printed & Bound5 Visual Indicators Your Book Is Self-PublishedSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [3:24] “The hope is that maybe after this episode, you'll be a much more educated person when it comes to the fundamentals of print and print books and print on demand.”🎙️ [31:58] “Understanding those things, what value they might add to your end user, you know, in your project versus just satisfying your need to see something super crazy and frilly and whatever, that's really important before choosing what you ultimately go to market with.” 🎙️ [42:22] “So again, it all comes down to functionality and keeping in mind how you want your readers and buyers to use these things.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

In this episode, Matt & Lauren talk through what you need to know about licensing your book rights with foreign publishers. We debate the merit of reaching out to new markets, what that process looks like, and how to use an agency like DropCap to secure international rights deals. Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Explore These ResourcesDropCap MarketplaceDropCap BlogJericho Writers | Book Translation Rights: Everything You Need To KnowDave Chesson | How to Get Your Book Translated 💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #56 | The Indie Author's Guide to Going Wide With Your Book DistributionEp #65 | How to Copyright the Copy That You Wrote💡 Read These Blog PostsLicensing Your Foreign Book Rights with DropCap MarketplaceCopyright Law Basics For AuthorsSound Bites From This Episode🎙️ [6:31] “There are so many differences that we don't really think about domestically versus internationally in terms of what is trending in different markets.”🎙️ [29:00] “They've really simplified, and I think made this accessible, to such a large group of people that otherwise, as we've just been talking about, would have some pretty daunting barriers to entry.”🎙️ [38:43] “The end result is that you are essentially allowing, granting permission to foreign publishers and distributors the ability to publish and sell your book in different languages or versions in countries outside of your home country.”💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.

We’ve mentioned, once or twice, the value of selling direct. But how does it actually work? In this episode, Lauren & Matt walk through the direct sales cycle and answer some common questions, including: How do transactions work? Who handles customer issues? What am I supposed to do with my customer data?Watch this episode on YouTube!Dive Deeper💡 Check Out These ResourcesJoanna Penn’s Store FAQsLulu Direct Knowledge BaseLulu’s Pricing CalculatorLulu Direct💡 Listen to These EpisodesEp #22 | Using Customer Data to Grow Your BusinessEp #31 | Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online BookstoreEp #39 | Pain Point Solutions for Your Ecommerce Store💡 Read These Blog PostsCustomer Service and Your Ecommerce BusinessSetting Up and Managing Shipping Options in Lulu Direct5 Tax Tips for Authors: A Tax Guide for Independent Creators💡 Watch These VideosWebinar | Lulu Direct Best Practices + Q&A Playlist | Selling Books Through Your WebsiteShopify, WooCommerce, and Wix Playlists🎙️ [30:59] “To me, there's only two reasons to sell direct. It's one, to maximize your profits. You're literally cutting out all the💀 Can’t wait for our next episode? Check out our Resources page for links to our blog, our YouTube channel, and more. 💀 Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at luludotcom!💀 Email us at [email protected]💀 Sign up for our mailing list.