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Zeitgeist: Dolly Parton, Female Sleuths, and Clean Comedy
Zeitgeist shifts evidenced by a unifying entertainer, a clean comedian, and female detective novels.
Get More Time to Write by Using a Grok Bot
Transform your writing process by learning how to create an AI agent for authors that performs tasks while you focus on creativity.
Will Your Back Matter Get Your Book Banned on Amazon?
Discover the key to effective back matter in books. Learn how to engage readers and enhance your marketing strategy in those final pages.
Zeitgeist: Why AI Writes Better than You: It Reads Aristotle and You Don’t
“AI slop” critics take note: parallel structure and antithesis aren’t AI tics, they’re Aristotle’s rhetoric, still shaping language 2,300 years later.
The Atlantic Just Declared the Age of Reading Is Over
Post-literate America, the Google Gemini lawsuit, AI audiobooks winning, and indie authors out-earning traditional. Plus: is the debate hurting your creativity?
Zeitgeist: Trad Publishers Sell Fewer Books Than Indie Authors
Uncover the real conversation as writers compare indie and traditional publishing. What defines success in writing?
The 5 Tiers of Audiobooks: Which One Should You Publish?
Finding out how to make an audiobook can be easier than you think. Learn affordable ways to bring your book to life.
Zeitgeist: How Shifting Public Attitudes on the U.S. Military Are Reshaping Storytelling
Two U.S. military veterans discuss how attitudes toward service members have changed since the Gulf War, the rise of military “zero-defect culture,” the impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal and COVID-era policies on morale and recruitment, and how these shifts are influencing a new generation of military fiction.
Platform
Platform
Networking for Authors with Dale L. Roberts
12 tips for networking with other authors to create mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.
Why Most Authors Don’t Need Social Media in 2026
Social media changes so quickly. Find out which platforms and strategies work for selling books in 2022.
A Nonfiction Author’s Guide to Substack
Learn how nonfiction authors are using Substack to reach audiences and convert them into paying subscribers seamlessly.
Thomas’s Office Tour & 4th Wall Breach
Get the much anticipated tour of Thomas’s office, complete with a run-down of the books on his shelves that best absorb sound.
Author Website Review: Christian Historical Romance
Explore strengths and weaknesses in website design and functionality for several bestselling historical Christian romance authors.
Read This Before Your Next Podcast Guest Interview
Learn how to sound like a pro during your podcast interview. Get tips on achieving good podcast sound without breaking the bank.
A Storytelling Revolution: Inside the World of Serialized Fiction
Learn how platforms like Royal Road and Ream Stories are revolutionizing serialized fiction and offering a path to building an audience.
Networking for Authors: How to Build Relationships Without Being Awkward
Many authors feel stuck. They're toiling away in obscurity, and none of their...
Publishing
Publishing
The Cultural Zeitgeist Shift That’s Making Indie Authors Rich
Discover the cultural shift in zeitgeist that reflects the changing preferences of American readers.
Your Author Toolbox: Part 2
Discover the best tools for writers to streamline your author business, or turn podcasts into optimized blog content with the powerful Novel Marketing Patron Toolbox suite.
How to Become a Professional Writer With Joanna Penn
Learn the mindset and approach to create a sustainable professional author business that appeals to readers and builds your career.
Why Your Book Isn’t Selling: Metadata with Dave Chesson
Discover how metadata for books can significantly improve your book sales and visibility in online stores like Amazon.
The Author’s Guide to AI with Joanna Penn
Discover how authors use AI to gain more time for creative writing and how you can get useful output instead of bland AI slop.
When to Ignore Your Editor
Discover 7 issues authors must beware of when getting editorial suggestions from humans or AI and when to ignore or accept the feedback.
Announcing the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference
Find out what makes the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference unique and find out how you can join us.
Is Your Traditional Publisher Going Bankrupt? 8 Warning Signs to Look Out For
Understand the signs and implications of a publisher going bankrupt and what authors can do if their traditional publisher closes.
Promotion
Promotion
Author’s PR Playbook: How to Get Media Coverage Without a Publicist
Discover why being a podcast guest is more effective than hiring a publicist. Learn how to generate publicity and sales on a budget.
How to Revive a Dead Book With Promo Stacking
Learn how promo stacking can rescue a dead book and reach new readers. Amazon ad specialist Bryan Canter shares the exact services, order, and budget to make it work.
15 Rules for Book Advertising with David Gaughran
Learn 15 book advertising tips to help you save money and increase your profits while attracting more readers.
Stop Guessing: How to Know If Your Book Marketing Is Working
Discover how to make your book marketing profitable by tracking your online and in-person marketing and advertising in a single dashboard.
The Shopify Trap: Why Authors Keep Losing Money
Discover the best ecommerce platform for authors and several surprisingly good options for selling books directly to readers.
2025 Desktop Printer Guide for Authors
Learn what kind of home printer an author needs and which one will get you the best bang for your buck.
How to Build an Email List Before You Publish Your Novel
Discover the many ways to grow your email list before you publish your book.
How to Boost Sales With Permafree Books
Discover how giving a book away might actually boost sales. Learn to use a permafree book to drive sales, grow your list, or book events.