Novel Marketing Episode Archive
How to Publish Your Book as an Audiobook With Scott Sigler
The booming audiobook market is prompting many authors to consider publishing their own audiobooks. Discover how to get your book on audio and increase your sales.
Time-Saving Tools for Authors
If you’re losing time or simply want to fine-tune your writing systems, check out these time-saving tools for authors.
How to Successfully Self Publish Your Book in 2023 with James Blatch
Learn the seven critical steps to successfully self-publishing your book, and find out how to excel at each step of the process.
Black Friday Book Promotion Tips for Authors
Eight tips and three warnings to help you make the most of your Black Friday book promotion and marketing plan.
How to Protect Your Writing From Reputation Theft
Learn how to protect your writing from copyright infringement and which legal tools help you deal with AI-generated fraudulent versions of your books.
Book Marketing 101: Price
Learn how book pricing impacts sales and discover 14 strategies for finding the optimum price for your new or backlist books.
How Larry Correia Became a Mega-Bestseller by Writing for Overlooked Readers
Find out how to be an authentic author, sell more books, and expand your writing career by finding and writing for a specific group of readers.
How to Sell Books Directly to Readers with Joanna Penn
With the explosion of AI and a slew of paperbacks and ebooks for sale online, how can you make your book stand out and earn more per sale? Joanna Penn tells us how.
How to Win Friends and Pitch Your Book
Discover 6 steps to crafting a short pitch for your book and yourself before you attend your next conference or cocktail party.
The Most Important Lessons from 10 Years of Novel Marketing
Discover our list of the most important episodes we’ve recorded in the past ten years of podcasting about book marketing.
How Karyne Norton Successfully Kickstarted Her Book in 1 Hour
Find out how running a Kickstarter campaign for your book can solve one of the biggest challenge indie authors face.
Announcing the 2024 Novel Marketing Conference
Find out how the 2024 Novel Marketing Conference will help you apply your book-marketing knowledge and facilitate in-person connections.
Workshops, Retreats, and Pitches: How to pick the best writers conference for you
Learn what types of events are available and discover how to pick the best writers conference for your stage in the publishing journey.
Book Marketing 101: Product
If your book isn’t a good product, marketing gets harder. Find out whose opinion counts and learn to create a good book readers want to buy and read.
From Passion to Print: How to Run an Independent Publishing Company
Learn how running your own independent publishing company compares with publishing with a small house and how you can start your own company.
How to Get Book Clubs to Pick YOUR Book
Authors dream of having a book club pick their book to read and discuss. Find out how to make your book book-club-friendly.
From Book Blurb to Bestseller: How to Craft Compelling Amazon Pages With Dave Chesson
Learn how a free tool can help improve your book description, increase your sales, and improve the effectiveness of your Amazon sales page.
How the Hollywood Strikes Will Help (& Hurt!) Authors
Find out how the actors and screenwriters strikes will affect authors and provide some unprecedented opportunities.
Substack for Authors: An Exciting Opportunity or Just Hype?
Find out the advantages and limitations of Substack for authors with various platform-building strategies.
How to Make Money as an Author Assistant
If your publishing journey is sapping your bank account, learn how working as an author assistant will help you earn and learn simultaneously.
The Tortoise Release Method: Why Slow and Steady Beats Rapid Release
Avoid author burn out by establishing a sustainable publishing pace for the next 20 years. Learn how and when to plan your publishing tasks.
The Lifecycle of a Book: How to Extend Your Book’s Life With Effective Marketing
Find out how to market your book in the four stages of its lifecycle and how to extend book sales on older books.
Trim to Win: Why Saying ‘No’ is Crucial for Publishing Success: A Pruning Story
I have crepe myrtle trees in my front yard that have grown out of control. A neighbor noticed and gave me some tips on how to prune them to a manageable size. I took her advice and pruned the trees aggressively, but soon they were out of control again. Again, my...
Good Brands Vs. Big Brands
Find out if it’s better to create an author brand that is good or big. Discover the difference between the two and which should come first.
How to Hook Readers in the First 50 Pages
Learn how to optimize that tiny window to grab your reader within the first 50 pages and convince them to finish your book.
The Amazing Power of Reader Surveys
Find out why and how creating a reader survey can improve and transform your writing and relationship with readers.
How to Get Good Website Stats
Two important tools will help you see your website’s stats clearly. Find out which tools you need and what they tell you.
How to Turn a Podcast Episode into a Blog Post
Learn how turning your podcast content into a blog post can benefit you, your readers, and your website, and discover tools to help you get it done.
How to Thrive as an Author in Your Twilight Years
Learn how to clarify your writing goals, avoid damaging shortcuts, and write a book in retirement. You’re never too old to start writing.
How to Find Your Timothy
One person’s opinion about your book is more important than anyone else’s. Discover who it is and how to find them before you publish.
How to Take Advantage of Email Drip Marketing as an Author
Find out what to write in your first emails to new subscribers so they’re thrilled to read your emails and reluctant to unsubscribe.
How to Convince Readers to Read *Your* Book Next
Learn five steps to creating a compelling pitch that will pique the interest of publishers, agents, editors and readers.
How to Nail a Hostile Media Interview
Don’t shy away from a potentially hostile interview. Instead, follow these tips to give the journalist what you want them to publish.
How to Always Write Better Than Chat GPT
You have a major advantage over AI writing tools like GPT-4 and ChatGPT. Learn how to discover and leveraging your edge in your genre.
How to Prepare for Your First Webinar
Grow your email list, get to know your audience, and boost your income potential by learning how to host an author webinar.
The 2023 Book Launch Blueprint
Registration for our annual course is now open. Find out what you’ll learn, what’s been updated, and if it’s the right course for you.
Why Many People Are Afraid to Buy Books (Marketing Psychology)
Find out how a powerful marketing tool of loss aversion can be an ally for authors and not an enemy of sales.
How to Successfully Market a Children’s Book
Learn the innovative and old-fashioned ways successful authors market a children’s book to kids, parents, teachers, and librarians.
How a War Between China and Taiwan Would Change Reading, Writing, and Publishing
Learn how geopolitics affect supply chain issues for authors and how to continue writing amid political or economic disruptions.
AI Book Covers & ChatGPT
Find out how authors use ChatGPT, Midjourney, and other AI tools to create book covers, characters, and plot ideas for their books.
How to Look and Sound Professional on Zoom, Webinars, and Podcasts
Give yourself an edge over most authors by following these tips to look and sound professional on webinars, Zoom calls, and podcasts.
How to Get More Book Reviews With Derek Doepker
Bestselling author and marketing strategist Derek Doepker shares tips to help you get more book reviews before, during, or after your launch.
Brandon Sanderson’s Crop Rotation Method for Restful Rapid Writing
If writing seems harder than it used to or you feel burnt out, consider this four-step method of rotation to revive your writing career.
How to Build Hype for a Debut Novel
Learn which book launching techniques a debut YA author used to successfully crowdfund and launch her first novel.
Whisper and the World Whispers Back
When readers can’t hear about your book, they can’t read it, even if it’s really good. Learn three reasons your book promotion may fall flat.
Trolls, Haters, and Critics Oh My – How to Handle Negative Feedback as an Author
The cold reality of being a writer is that some people will hate you and your writing. What do you do about those people?
20 Ways to Promote Your Book During the Holiday Season
If you want to maximize your holiday book promotion, implement some or all of these 20 strategies to boost your book sales this Christmas.
How to Grow your Platform Without Social Media – with Sandy Cooper
Can you leave social media and still grow a platform from which to launch your books? Sandy Cooper has the answer in this interview.
How to Save Money as an Author
There's an old saying that the way to make a small fortune in publishing is to start with a large fortune. While the early days of publishing favored independently wealthy authors, things have changed. Publishing may be cheaper than it once was, but it’s not free....
How to Hire a Good Editor
Every successful author needs a professional editor. Learn three simple steps for finding a good editor who will improve your book.
How BookFunnel Can Help you Grow Your Email List
BookFunnel offers amazing and useful tools for authors looking to give their readers the fastest, easiest and most enjoyable e-reading experience.
Obscure No More Course Overview
Obscure No More is your one-stop shop for learning to build a platform and market your book. Find out how to access these 12 critical lessons.
Do novelists need a college writing degree?
Young novelists (and their parents) will learn how to evaluate the usefulness of a college writing degree and examine viable alternatives.
How to Use QR Codes to Boost Book Sales & Grow Your Email List
Learn six ways authors can use book QR codes to connect with readers and promote their books online and offline.
How to Find a Good Literary Agent – with Mary DeMuth
To be published by a traditional publisher, you must find a good literary agent. Mary DeMuth shares tips on finding and retaining an agent.
How to Supercharge Ebook Sales
If your ebook sales are lagging, these 7 strategies will teach you how to market your ebook effectively with tactics specific to ebooks.
How to Turn a Podcast into a Bestselling Novel – with Scott Sigler
Learn how podcasting a novel launched Scott Sigler’s books to the NYT bestseller list, and how he’s sustained his podcast for over a decade.
Marketing Lessons from Bestselling Author James Patterson
Learn how James Patterson got his start as a writer, how he maintains success, and how you can implement his methods in your writing.
How to Work with an AI Writing Assistant
Learn how this AI tool can help you overcome writer’s block by generating ideas and suggestions to spur your imagination and get you unstuck.
Affiliate Marketing for Authors
Find out how authors who take advantage of affiliate marketing opportunities can earn income even before their books are published.
How to Become an Amazon Affiliate
A step-by-step guide for setting up your Amazon Associate account so you can earn money through affiliate links on your author website.
How to Market Your Book in a Recession (Preview)
Find out what you’re missing in our patrons-only episodes and learn how to get access to tools, agents, and significant discounts.
AI Tools for Authors
When you use artificial intelligence tools for writing, you can improve your craft and create books faster. Find out which AI tools will benefit you most.
How to Find the Perfect Narrator for Your Audiobook – with James L. Rubart
Learn how to find and work with a narrator to produce your audiobook.
How to Become a Big Name Author (Marketing Psychology: Authority)
Learn three ways authors can leverage marketing psychology to develop credibility with their readers and become big-name authors.
How to Crowdfund Your Book
Learn how to solve your cash flow problem with these tips for crowdfunding your book before it’s published.
How to Diversify Your Income as an Author
Few authors make a living on book sales alone. Learn how Joanna Penn generates income from over 120 writing-related sources.
How to Get Better at Public Speaking with Jane Jenkins Herlong
Tips and advice for securing your first speaking engagement, nailing your presentation, selling books, and getting invited back.
Hybrid Publishing
Is working with a hybrid publisher the right decision for you? Learn the pros and cons of hybrid publishing and how to explore your options.
How to Promote Your Book Using AuthorsXP.com with Amy Vansant
I love introducing authors to tools that can make their writing lives easier. Some tools help you write better, publish more easily, grow your email list, and increase your readership. Different tools work for different authors, so I'm not dogmatic about which tools...
Write Bestselling Pitches by Avoiding These 10 Copywriting Mistakes
If you want to write bestselling pitches for your book, be sure to avoid these 10 copywriting mistakes!
How to Record Your Own Audiobook Using Hindenburg Narrator
According to The NPD Group, ebook sales for traditionally published books went down in the first half of 2021. Meanwhile, the most recent data for audiobooks states that sales are up by 12%. Do I need an audio version of my book? The data is clear. You need to have...
7 Business Mistakes That Ruin Author Careers
Having an author business plan can save you time and money. Learn the most common business mistakes authors make and how you can avoid them.
How to Conduct Your Own Media Tour (without hiring a PR Firm) With Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith shares pro tips for getting booked on podcasts, radio, and TV by scheduling your own author media tour.
How to Grow Your Email List Using Delicious Reader Magnets with Tammi Labrecque
Learn how to create a reader magnet (or lead magnet), what to do with it, and how to deliver it to grow your email list.
How to Get the Most Out of Scrivener
Scrivener is a popular writing software for authors. Learn about some of its best features in our interview with David Lee Martin.
Why do good books fail to sell while poorly written books fly off the shelves?
Learn the 3 reasons some average books are perennial bestsellers while other well-written books aren’t.
Innovative Indie Marketing with S.D. Smith
Independent authors need marketing tools and skills to be successful. Learn how one indie author reduced his reliance on gatekeepers and sold books directly to his readers.
10 Reasons to Delay Your Book Launch
Find out why you should delay your book launch, how long you should wait, and what to do in the meantime to improve your book’s chances of success.
How to Use Goodreads to Promote Your Book
Goodreads is one of the most effective social networks for authors. Learn how to use Goodreads to connect with readers and sell more books.
Effective Book Cover Design
A bad book cover can ruin all your marketing efforts. Learn what makes a good book cover in this interview with a top cover designer.
How to Get a Professional Email Address
Your email address might be the first thing an agent or editor sees. Learn how to make a good first impression with your email address.
Facebook Advertising for Authors
Facebook can be useful for authors if you use it in the right way. Find out how you can use Facebook to help you sell more books.
How to Launch Your Book on a Budget
Is your book launch budget filled with expenses or investments? Learn how and where to spend your time and money to get the greatest return.
How to Launch Your Book in 2022
Your book deserves a well-planned, effective book launch. Learn how to maximize sales in those all-important first 30 days after release.
How to Build an Author Brand with David Loy
Learn how to create an author brand that communicates your message and your reputation in this interview with digital marketing expert David Loy.
How to Speed Up Your Author Website
If your author website doesn’t show in Google’s search results, make sure you’ve removed these website speed bumps.
Everything Authors Need to Know About Writing in Atticus
Authors typically use different software tools for everything from plotting to typesetting. But now authors can use one efficient multitool from start to finish.
How to Write More Productively
If you need a plan and process for writing books, learn the secret to writing multiple books every year in this interview with author Angela Hunt.
Why Most Authors Don’t Need Social Media in 2023
Social media changes so quickly. Find out which platforms and strategies work for selling books in 2022.
How to Write Short Stories with James Scott Bell
Learn to write short stories that readers crave. One of the best authors in the world, bestselling author James Scott Bell, teaches us how.
7 Things Santa Can Teach Authors About Book Marketing
Seven book marketing lessons from Santa for Authors
What Every Author Needs to Know About Cyber Security
Every author needs cyber security. Discover which of your vectors are most vulnerable to attack and how you can protect them.
Tools To Make Publishing Easier
We are in the process of replacing the dirt and rocks in our backyard with grass for the children to play in. At first, things went well using the shovel but then when we got to the final rocks, the shovel just did not work well. Then we tried a rake, and boom!...
How to Run a Kickstarter Campaign for Your Second Book with Jonathan Shuerger
Learn how to raise money from future readers, pay for your book before you publish it, and reward your supporters for contributing.
How to Create an Author Press Kit with Susan Neal
If you want to secure media interviews about your book, learn why you need an author press kit, what you should include, and where to place it on your website.
What Every Author Needs to Know About Copyright Law with James Scott Bell
Find out who should register the copyright for a book, why it may be important, and when is the best time to do it.
How to Grow Your Podcast Audience – with David Hooper
Learn how to increase your podcast’s impact by connecting with other podcasters, authors, and audiences who are interested in your book.
Is Your Author “About Me” Page Boring Your Readers To Death?
Most author About Me pages are as fascinating as Mr. Rogers’ sweater choices. Here’s how to craft a killer About page.
How to Write Faster and Better with Chris Fox
Chris Fox shares a method authors can use to increase writing output and improve craft. Implement these habits to write faster and better.
Author Media: The Behind-the-Scenes Story
Peek behind the scenes to find out how Author Media came to serve authors like you and how we’ll serve you in the coming years.
How Jack Ellem Went from Unpublished to Bestselling Indie Author
Find out how Jack Ellem became a bestselling indie author in two foreign countries while living in Australia and learn how his strategies can work for you.
How to Use Price Pulsing to Supercharge Your Backlist Sales
Discover three ways to revive your backlist and increase sales with price pulsing.
How to Get Endorsements for Your Book
The right endorsement for your book can make a huge impact on sales. Follow these five steps to get effective endorsements.
Yes, YOU Can Make a Living as a Writer, Here’s How
There are four different ways authors can earn a living through writing. Find out which one you can leverage to make an income.
How to Sell Your Book In Person (and make way more money per copy)
Author make the most profit when they sell books in person. Take these five steps to sell more books and increase your revenue.
Everything Authors Need to Know About K-Lytics
Find out how k-lytics can help you discover what readers are currently buying so you can increase your chances of success.
How to Write Book Reviews Readers Will Want to Read
Five tips to help you write useful book reviews that will build credibility and connection with your readers.
An Author’s Guide to StoryOrigin
Learn how you can grow your author email list with the help of StoryOrigin’s author community and list-building tools.
How Author Websites Irritate Readers (and what to do about it)
Have you ever been irritated by a website? Did you know that readers may be having that exact same experience when they visit your website? Ticking off your website visitors is a bad way to get more readers. Here are seven ways author websites annoy visitors and what to do about it.
How to Spend LESS Time Marketing Your Book
Learn how to get stellar book sales while spending LESS time on marketing. If book promotion stresses you out, these steps are for you.
The 10 Commandments of Book Marketing
If you want to succeed in publishing, heed these book marketing commandments.
The Author’s Guide to LLCs
Learn when and why you should form an LLC for your author business. Discover who can help you get it done and how much it will cost.
How to Find Your Readers
Follow these five steps to find out what your readers like and want in a book. Their preferences might surprise you and lead you to success.
Niche Marketing: A Coaching Session
Writing to a small niche has its advantages. In this coaching session, an author asks how to market to a very small segment of readers.
How to Get a Reader’s Attention by Shocking Broca
Learn how natural brain function can help you get your reader’s attention so you can introduce them to your book.
7 Kinds of Indie Authors
Find out which kind of indie author you are and which sales strategies and promotional tools will work best for you.
Two Quick Announcements
While you wait for the next episode, check out these two resources for authors.
How to Pitch Your Novel
Learn how and when to craft a compelling pitch that make agents, readers, and publishers curious about your novel.
A New Social Network for Authors
Learn how to avoid social media distractions, connect with qualified authors, and write better books with our new social network for authors.
How Jason Porterfield Grew His Email List from 0 to 6,000 in One Year
Learn which Facebook ads work best for connecting with interested readers, growing your author email list, and ultimately selling books.
How to Overcome the Fear of Book Promotion
Learn how to find your readers, write the book they want, and overcome the fear of promoting your book to them.
How to Create Press Releases
Eight strategies to help you create a compelling news release.
How to Get Strangers to Want to Buy Your Book Using Reciprocity (Marketing Psychology)
Learn how three principles of reciprocity will help you show kindness to your readers and sell more books.
How to Connect with Teen Readers: A Coaching Session With a Pre-Published YA Novelist
Learn how authors writing YA books can connect with teen readers.
How to Publish Your Book Independently
A step-by-step guide to help you publish your book independently.
10 Decisions Every Indie Author Needs to Make
Expert advice for the 10 critical decisions of indie publishing.
How to Get More 5-Star Reviews With Beta Readers, Editors, and Launch Teams
Connect with three groups of people who will help you write a book that makes readers want to write raving reviews.
The 2021 Book Launch Blueprint is Here!
Develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize your book sales in the first 30 days after release with the Book Launch Blueprint Course.
How to Improve Your Author Website with Carla Hoch
Learn how to create an author website your readers want to visit. Carla Hoch shares her success story.
A Short History of Facebook Marketing for Authors
Facebook is about to change. Authors need to know what’s coming and how to survive the digital upheaval.
10 Classic Branding Blunders Authors Make (and how to avoid them)
Authors with weak brands get ignored by publishers and readers alike. Learn how to avoid the 10 most common author branding mistakes.
How to Market Books to Homeschool Families with Tricia Goyer
Tricia Goyer explains how authors can connect with an enormous market of faithful readers in the homeschool community.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Author Websites
Learn how to improve your website’s SEO so readers can easily find you and buy your books.
How to Promote Literary Fiction With Jane Friedman
Marketing literary fiction is different than marketing genre fiction. Standard marketing practices don’t always work. In this article you’ll learn what does.
Amazon Advertising
Amazon continually tests and changes their ads platform, and authors must stay up to date. Bryan Cohen reports on what’s changed this year.
How to Prevent Writing Burnout
Follow these four crucial principles to avoid author burnout and maintain a healthy writing career.
How to Pick a Strong Book Title
Your book’s title should accomplish four goals with only a few words. Learn how to create a memorable title that is easy to find and recommend.
Parler, MeWe, and How to Navigate Social Media Splintering as an Author
Should authors establish a presence on Parler and MeWe? Learn about the new social media platforms, and find out if you can connect with your readers there.
How to Find and Work With a Virtual Assistant
Learn how to make more time for writing by hiring an assistant. It may cost less than you think, and it will free you up to focus on your writing.
How to Develop an Author Tagline
You can develop a focused author tagline and build your brand by answering these questions about yourself and your message.
The 5 Baby-Step Platform Building Process
New authors can implement these important baby steps to strengthen their career development right now. Learn to walk before you run.
How to Build a Rejection-Proof Platform Q&A
15 answers to your questions about building an author platform.
How to Start Building a Rejection Proof Platform
No matter how you publish, you’ll need a sturdy platform. Learn which techniques successful authors use to build reliable platforms.
How to Advertise Your Book on Podcasts
Podcast advertising is one of the most effective advertising venues for authors with audiobooks. Heather Osgood offers seven steps to great podcast advertising.
Why Rapid Release is a Risky Book Launch Strategy
Is rapid release a shortcut to success? Or is it a trap that could destroy your author career? Learn when and why it does and doesn’t work.
How to Get Published with a Traditional Publishing House
Before you sign a book contract with a traditional publisher, you need to know these seven important steps.
How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign
Six steps to creating an email sequence that will help your subscribers get to know, like, and trust you.
How to Market Your Audiobook
These seven strategies will help you form a close connection with your audience, create a high-quality audio experience, and sell more audiobooks.
How to Make Money From Your Platform
You can earn money with your platform before your book releases. Dave Jackson shows us how.
How to Pick the Right Email Marketing Service for You
Find out which email service provider is right for you and your platform.
Episode 250: The Story of Thomas Umstattd Jr.
Learn how the Novel Marketing evolved and how growth has been sustained for 250 episodes.
Software Guide for Authors
Authors and writers can work smarter, not harder, with these hardware and software tools that will increase your productivity and lead you to success.
How to Survive Cancel Culture as a Writer
Learn three strategies that will protect your writing career from cancel culture.
Publishing Myths That Will Waste Your Time and Money
Don’t fall for these nine publishing myths that spread like a virus. Keep your publishing career healthy and learn what to do instead of falling for viral myths.
Lessons from Blogging a Book
For years I’ve had Thomas Umstattd’s voice in my head telling me to blog my book. “Test out your ideas,” he said. “Start building your audience,” he said. “It’ll be easy,” he said. Well, maybe he didn’t say it would be easy. Blogging my book was, in fact, one of...
How to Build an Author Website in a Day
You don’t need to hire a company to build you a website, you can do it yourself and it is easier than you think. You can learn how to build your very own professional author website.
8 Tools to Help Authors Get More Email Subscribers
Grow your author email list with these 8 powerful tools.
How to Price Your Book Using Marketing Psychology
How you price your book will impact your sales. Every price-point has a profitable strategy. Find out which one is right for your book.
Where Negative Book Reviews Come From And How to Make Them Go Away
Not all bad reviews are bad for sales. Learn how to get fewer bad reviews and how to respond to the ones you have.
Painful Book Launch Lessons You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way
Don’t make these four painful book launch mistakes.
COVID-19 Kindle Stats: Genre Winners and Losers
How has COVID-19 impacted the Kindle ebook market? Alex Newton answers based on the data.
How to Launch a Book in 2020
Launch your book with the help of professional coaching and a customized plan.
How to Use Metadata to Sell More Books
Joshua Tallent teaches authors how to create quality metadata to increase book sales.
Readers Are Changing What They Read (and what to do about it)
What will the future hold for authors and readers? If you pay attention, you can predict what readers will be looking for in the future.
How to Launch a Book: A Coaching Session With Krystal Proffitt
Learn how to create a plan and timeline to build your platform and successfully launch your book.
11 Places to Get Free and Legal Photos for Your Blog
If you can’t afford to buy a photo, you can’t afford the fines (or time!) that comes from stealing one. Here are 11 free & legal photo sites.
How to Start an Author Podcast
Podcasting is one of the hottest marketing techniques for authors right now and for good reason. In this episode you will learn how to start your own podcast.
How to Quiet Your Inner Editor (so you can write faster)
James L. Rubart shares ten tips to quiet your inner editor.
How to Build Your Platform During Your Social Distancing
10 ways to progress as a writer while everything else is on hold.
7 Blogs Every Author Should Follow
One of the best way to improve your writing is to learn from the best. Here are seven blogs that not only are good examples of excellent blogging but will also help you hone your craft and sell your books.
How to Get More Book Reviews with Jim Kukral
The more reviews you have, the more books you sell. And the more books you sell, the more reviews you get.
Kickstarter Tips and Tricks With Chris Fox
Learn how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign with Chris Fox.
What Indie Authors Need to Know About Kindle Unlimited with Lacy Williams
Kindle Unlimited (Affiliate Link), also called KU, is the “Netflix of ebooks.” It costs readers $9.99 per month to get unlimited access to over one million ebooks. So, is it a good idea for your book to be in Kindle Unlimited?
How to Make Your Book More Popular (Marketing Psychology: Social Proof)
The better you know what motivates readers, the better you can motivate them to read your book. This is the heart of marketing. Please use it for good.
State of the Kindle 2020
Learn about Kindle ebook trends in 2020 with Alex Newton of K-lytics.
How to Work With Fellow Authors To Sell More Books
You are not in this alone! Authors who work together sell more books than lone ranger writers.
How to Rank in Amazon Search Results with Dave Chesson
Learn Amazon SEO tips and tricks with guest Dave Chesson.
How to Use Scarcity & Ubiquity to Make Your Book Irresistible (Marketing Psychology)
Scarcity makes your book valuable, Ubiquity makes it profitable. Learn how your book can be both for maximum results.
How Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Grew Her Email List by 23k Using a Reader Quiz
Learn how Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith used an online quiz to add 23,000 new email addresses to her list in one year without spending money on advertising.
How to Create Urgency to Buy Your Book (Marketing Psychology)
The better you know what motivates readers, the better you can motivate them to read your book. This is the heart of marketing. Please use social triggers like urgency for good.
How to Optimize Your Amazon Listing with Bryan Cohen
A bad Amazon book page can hamper all your marketing efforts. Bryan Cohen tells authors how an optimized book page can drastically improve your sales.
Productivity Tips for Authors With Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn shares how to be productive in the new year.
The Enclave Files
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what a traditional publisher’s marketing director does. Find out which strategies work and which don’t.
Marketing 101: How Readers Make Buying Decisions at Physical Bookstores
The better you understand your reader’s customer journey, the more books you can sell.
Where to Find Mentorship for Your Publishing Career
Do you ever feel alone in the writing journey? Or perhaps you are not sure what to do next. You don’t need to! In this episode Thomas talks about10 different places to find mentorship and the pros and cons of each.
Literary Universe Marketing
Learn how connecting your books in a shared literary universe can help boost sales.
Print On Demand vs Offset Printing for Indie Books
Find out which printing method makes the best business sense for your book’s genre and your author career.
How to Combine 2 Different Websites Without Losing Search Rankings
In this episode we talk about the right and wrong ways to combine websites.
Why Demographics are Mostly Useless And Why You Should Use Psychographics Instead
In this episode we talk about why demographics are mostly useless and why you should use psychographics instead.
How to Use Marketing Data To Sell More Books
You’ve collected data from your website, social media campaigns, and previous sales, but how does that data help your future book sales?
Public Speaking for the Introverted Writer with Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn gives introverted writers tips and courage for overcoming fear of public speaking.
Bookstagramming on Instagram With Nadine Brandes
Bookstagraming on Instagram With Nadine Brandes
How to Get Booked for Guest Podcast Interviews Overview
Sell more books with these tips to becoming a sought-after podcast guest.
208 How to Run a Podcast Tour (With Guest Mary DeMuth)
How to Run a Podcast Tour
90% of Top USA Today Bestselling Authors Have a Podcast Presence
Literary Agent Steve Laube recently released a blog post showing that 100% of ECPA Bestselling authors had a podcast presence as either hosts or guests. 60% were both hosts and guests! We were curious to see how many authors on the USA Today Bestseller List had a...
Where to Spend Your Marketing Dollars
Where to Spend Your Marketing Dollars
How to Go From 10 to 10,000 Readers in Five Years
How to Go From 10 to 10,000 Readers in Five Years
How to Pick a Social Network as an Author (Infographic)
How to Pick Which Social Network Is Best For You
Focus, Pruning and Why Novel Marketing is About to Change
Cutting activities from your life and business might be the most important move you’ll ever make to increase your growth.
Book Marketing Milestones
Book Marketing Milestones
How to Create a Landing Page
Eight tips and tools for creating effective landing pages that will build your email list and your connection to your readers.
Book Marketing 101: How to Price Your Ebook
Book Marketing 101: How to Price Your Ebook
200th Episode Celebration
Celebration
How to Create a Design Brief for Your Book Cover
Help your cover designer create the best possible book cover by providing a design brief document. Learn what to include and avoid.
How to Protect Yourself from Counterfeiting and Other Amazon Attacks
Learn how to protect yourself from counterfeiting and other attacks on Amazon.
How To Sell A Ton More Books With Public Speaking
Public speaking is a skill authors can learn and improve. Here are six tips for connecting with your readers by becoming a better speaker.
How to Add a Hyperlink in WordPress
There are two ways to add a hyperlink to a Wordpress post. I’ll teach you both.
Plagiarism, Copyright and Is Piracy Really a Problem for Authors?
Plagiarism, Copyright and Is Piracy Really a Problem for Authors? Find out what you can do if your book is pirated.
How to Work With Brick and Mortar Bookstores
How to Work With Bookstores
What to Do When Your Book is Not Selling
If your book isn’t selling well, Thomas and Jim will help you discover the problem and then show you how to fix it.
193 How to Create Powerful Ads for Authors Who Hate Math! with Chris Fox
Before you advertise your book online, find out which parts of your ad are most important and which ad platform will work best for your book.
Marketing 101: Ten Advertising Terms You Need to Know
Your advertising will be more efficient and effective when you understand these ten advertising terms for authors.
How to Track Your Book Promotion
Learn how to measure the results of your book marketing efforts with these online tools and dashboards.
How to Navigate the Mailchimp Explosion!
How to Navigate the Mailchimp Explosion!
How to Use Bookbub to Sell More Books with David Gaughran
Learn how BookBub can help you as a reader and how BookBub ads can help any author sell more books.
How to Craft a Compelling Elevator Pitch for Your Book
Learn how to talk about your book in a concise, compelling way that will interest publishing professionals and make readers want to buy.
How One Author Used Her Shelved Manuscript to Get a 3 Book Deal
How One Author Used Her Shelved Manuscript to Get a 3 Book Deal
How to Get A Publishing Board To Buy Your Book
If you want to be traditionally published, you need to know these 6 decision-makers and which part of your proposal matters to each.
The 5 Best Free WordPress Plugins for Authors
Make your author website easier for readers to find and more fun to visit by using the 5 best free plugins for WordPress websites.
How To Keep Writing When You’re Scared About What Others Will Think
How To Keep Writing When You’re Scared About What Others Will Think
How to Work with Editors: Insights from One of the Best in the Business
How to Work with Editors: Insights from One of the Best in the Business
Author Taglines With Brandilyn Collins
Author Taglines With Brandilyn Collins
How to Use Your Book’s Back Matter to Sell More Books
Learn how to use your book’s back matter to sell more books and grow your email list.
How to Sell More Books using Bookmarks and Business Cards
Learn how to make the best use of two important printed marketing tools.
How to Find and Work with Beta Readers
Find out why you need beta readers and how to assemble a team to provide feedback that will improve your book.
Marketing 101: Twelve Marketing Terms Every Author Must Understand
Marketing 101: Twelve Marketing Terms Every Author Must Understand
How to Get Your First Speaking Gigs
One of the best ways to sell books is to speak in person at live events. Here are three steps to booking your first speaking gigs.
How to Grow Your Email List With Book Sweeps
Authors learn how to build an email list without breaking the bank, and how to build a relationship with their new subscribers.
How David Rawlings Broke Into the US Market Despite Living Overseas (Case Study)
Australian novelist David Rawlings secured an American agent and publisher from 7,500 miles away. In this article, he shares his best tips for new authors.
How You Can Create Massive PR for Yourself, Even If You’re A Complete Novice
How You Can Create Massive PR for Yourself, Even If You’re A Complete Novice
How to Create a Written Book Launch Plan
One critical element of a successful book launch is your written book launch plan. Find out what your plan should include and when to schedule your tasks.
Bonus Book Launch Q&A
In this special bonus episode of Novel Marketing, we answer YOUR book launch and book marketing questions. You can watch a video version of the Q&A below.
Marketing 101: How to Create a Value Proposition for Your Book
How to Create a Value Proposition for Your Book (Marketing 101)
How To Split Test Your Book Title Ideas With Facebook Ads
Learn how to use reliable scientific data to help you choose the best title, cover, or blurb for your book.
How to Maintain Your Platform In-Between Books
How to Maintain Your Platform In-Between Books
Your Best Year Yet With Susan May Warren
Plan your year by planning your days. Susan May Warren share her strategies with authors struggling to get it all done.
Highlights from 2018
Highlights from 2018
How James L. Rubart Went From Rejected and Unpublished to Bestselling Author
How James L. Rubart Went From Rejected and Unpublished to Bestselling Author
How to Use Facebook To Promote Your Book
In this episode we are going to talk about the right way to use Facebook to sell more books! Last week we talked about why Facebook is overrated for book marketing, but we didn’t say it’s completely useless, so today we’re going to talk about the ways Facebook CAN...
Why Facebook is Overrated for Book Marketing
Why Facebook is Overrated for Book Marketing
How to Sound Great As a Podcast Guest
Are you scheduled to come on a podcast as a guest? If you want to be invited back, or appear on any other podcast interviews for that matter, you need to have good audio. Many authors make the mistake of using their laptop's microphone and speakers. This will...
Ghostwriting 101 with Arlene Gale
How Ghostwriting Works, and How it Can Make you Money
How to Get 10,000 Readers and then Keep Them Happy
Learn the keys to keeping your email subscribers happy and entertained in this interview with bestselling author Susan May Warren.
Snowflake Method With Randy Ingermanson
Snowflake Method With Randy Ingermanson
How to Take Charge of Your Author Career
Find out what you need to know before you pursue a publishing path and how to be a productive writer once you begin.
Amazon Book Ads – Everything You Need to Know with Brian Berni
Amazon Book Ads – Everything You Need to Know – Date
How to Create an Online Author Press Kit
Find out why authors need a press kit and what to include in yours.
Six Things Readers are Looking for on Your Website
Seven Things Readers are Looking for on Your Website
How to Boost Book Sales With Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)
In this episode we are going to talk about the best things you can do with your Advanced Reader Copies of your book …
How Fiverr Freelancers Can Help You Sell More Books
In this episode, we are going to talk about how you as an author can use Fiverr to sell more books and improve the quality of your books.
How to Host a Facebook Live For Your Book
In this episode, we talk about how to host a live video on Facebook to promote your next book launch. It is easy to look and sound amazing on Facebook Live!
How to Write 5000 Words an Hour with Chris Fox
Writing more books helps you make more money. But most authors write slow! Chris Fox shares 5 steps to faster and better writing.
How to Write to Market With Chris Fox
In this episode, we talk about how to write to market with Chris Fox an incredibly successful indie author of both fiction and nonfiction.
The Launch Your Book Blueprint
Your book is finished. Polished. Ready for the world to read. But then the questions enter your mind, yes, those questions … how do I launch my novel in the most impactful way possible? How do I do it without feeling overwhelmed? And where do I find the time? We get...
150 – A Blueprint on How to Launch Your Book
In this episode, we talk about a new course we’ve released that will help you launch your book in a way that will rocket it to success.
How To Set up Pre-Orders for Your Indie Book
When should indie authors offer a preorder on Amazon, and when is it a bad idea? An indie author answers and shares how to set up a preorder.
148 – How to Get Libraries to Buy Your Indie Book, with Lacy Williams
In this episode, we talk with Lacy Williams about how to get libraries to buy your indie books using services like Overdrive and Draft2Digital.
What We Can Learn from The Greatest Book on Marketing Ever Written
Announcements: We’re $4 away from hitting our next Patreon goal. With this level we will start providing full transcripts for each episode. We just need one person to back at the $5 level to push us over the edge. Just as a reminder, $5 Patrons receive: Warm feelings,...
How to Spot a Publishing Scam
In this Novel Marketing Podcast episode, we are going to talk about publishing scams and how to avoid them. Don’t get bamboozled by a charlatan!
How to Create a Reader (Lead) Magnet
A reader magnet is a prize your readers get in exchange for giving you their email. They can dramatically improve how fast your email list grows.
144 – How to Build an Amazing Author Website for $459.20
You know you need a website, but you don't have one yet. We received an email from Mary Hamilton, a listener of the Novel Marketing podcast, who said dealing with her website was her writing pet peeve. "My biggest peeve is my website. I'm not techy enough to...
Book Marketing 101: Author Advertising
Learn four advertising fundamentals that apply when buying ads on Facebook, Amazon, Goodreads, and anywhere you buy advertising.
142 – Marketing 101: How to Develop Book Marketing Assets
Learn how to reduce book marketing liabilities and develop assets. The more assets you have, the easier it is to sell books.
141 – Amazon Books and the Future of Brick and Mortar Retail
In this episode, we talk about Amazon’s brick and mortar bookstores, the future of paper books, and how they affect you as an author.
139 – How to Think Like a Business, Stay Motivated, And Write With Joy w/ Chad Allen
In this episode, talk about ways you can be more effective in your marketing, in your approach to the business of publishing and how to stay motivated when you feel like giving up, with special guest, Chad Allen.
138 – GDPR for American Authors?
Links: Did Thanos Kill Me? The Creative Funding Show Iubenda (Affiliate link) Let’s talk about GDPR: First off, we are not lawyers. Questions: What is GDPR? General Data Protection Regulation Why do authors need to care about it? Isn’t it just European companies...
Why American Authors Don’t Need to Worry About GDPR
Learn what GDPR is, why Americans don’t need to worry about it, and why you may want to follow it anyway. TL;DR: The EU is not the government of the world and it can’t force Americans to do anything. But you should follow some of the regulations anyway.
136 – How to Use K-lytics To Sell More Kindle eBooks
The more you understand how readers find, and how and why they buy books on Amazon, the more books you’re going to sell. And to help us dive deep into the subject is today’s guest, Alex Newton, the CEO and Founder of K-Lytics.com
New Podcast: Creative Funding Show
We are launching a new podcast! The Creative Funding Show is a podcast where Author Media CEO, Thomas Umstattd interview Authors, YouTubers, and Podcasters who are funding their creativity using platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter. You will also learn about making...
135 – How to Start a Local Writers Group
Joining a writers group will take your writing to a new level faster. Learn how to start one in your area.
How to Relaunch a Book With Chris Fox
How to use the relaunch strategy to revive sales on your old novels.
133 – How to Find and Work with an Editor with Karen Ball
Good marketing helps a bad book fail faster. To succeed, you need a great book and for that, you need a great editor. In this episode, learn how to find and work with an exceptional editor with special guest Karen Ball.
131 – How to Increase Your Email Delivery
Email is the most powerful tool for selling books. But it only works if your emails arrive in reader’s inboxes successfully.
130 – Myths Authors Believe
In this episode, we are going to talk about a few of the myths and lies writers are prone to believe which can derail us or send us in wrong directions or keep us from going in the direction we should be headed.
How to Build an Email List Before Your First Book Comes Out Using Short Stories
Are you putting the cart before the horse? Learn how to build your email list before your book comes out by writing short stories.
How to Blog Your Book
You can blog your book ahead of time. You just need to do it the right way. Learn how to blog your book and what traps and pitfalls to avoid. Blogging can help you create a best seller. Here is everything you need to turn your blog posts into an amazing book.
128 – Taking Novel Marketing to the Next Level
Show Outline Introduction: Episode 1 was on Oct 7, 2013 A lot has happened over the last four and a half years. Jim has won half a dozen book awards Thomas spent time as the marketing director for a publishing company. We went a couple of years only posting every...
What’s New in MyBookTable 3.1
MyBookTable, the most popular bookstore plugin on WordPress, just got better. MyBookTable 3.1 comes with several new features, including some that were previously available only in the paid Pro and Dev versions. Here's what's new. Added Universal Buy Button to...
127 – How to Connect with Anyone in the World
In this episode, we talk about connecting with anyone in the world that you want to. In the last two episodes, we talked about why Word of Mouth is not working and How to Make Word of Mouth Work for You by connecting with Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople. But HOW do you meet these people?
126 – How to Make Word of Mouth Work for You
In this episode, we talk about how you can make Word of Mouth work for you. Spoiler Alert: some people are more important to spreading your idea than others. Find out who those people are and how to reach them.
125 – Why Word of Mouth Isn’t Working for Your Book
v In this episode of the Novel Marketing podcast, we’re going to talk about what has been consistently cited as the number one way to sell books … Word of Mouth. You’ve heard that, yes? Studies have shown that Word of Mouth sells more books than any other marketing...
124 – How to be a Healthy Writer with Joanna Penn
Bestselling author Joanna Penn shares how you can reduce your pain, improve your health, and build a writing career for the long term.
123 – What the New Facebook Changes Mean for Authors
The 2018 changes to Facebook are changing what works and what doesn’t work for authors and books. Listen to this episode to learn how to make Facebook work for your writing.
122 – How the 2018 Tax Changes Affect Authors
In this episode, we talk with an author-friendly CPA about the impact of the new 2018 tax plan on authors. This is the biggest change to the tax code since the 1980s. Come April 15 you will be glad you listened to this episode!
Email Marketing for Humans with Bryan Cohen
Email Marketing is the #1 tool for driving book sales. In this episode we talk with Bryan Cohan about how to craft the kinds of emails that readers want to see.
What Facebook’s 2018 Change Means for Authors
On January 11th, 2018 Facebook announced massive changes to what content people will see. Here is a detailed analysis of the new Facebook changes and what they mean for authors
How to Get to Know Your Readers
Knowing your readers allows you to connect with them through your writing and marketing. These 5 tools will help you understand your readers.
119 Working with Beta Readers, Crowdfunding, and More with Curt Iles
In this episode, we’re not going to be talking theory, but real-world examples of an author using the principles we talk about on Novel Marketing.
118 – Book Marketing 101: Marketing Funnels
When you don’t have good book sales, evaluate your marketing funnel. Learn how to create a process that converts.
117 – How to Plan a Successful New Year with Tracy Higley
A strategic plan is crucial for your success as an author. Learn how to assess your resources and find motivation to achieve your writing dream.
116 Important Changes GoodReads Giveaways
GoodReads giveaways, one of the most cost-effective book promotion tactics, are changing. Here’s everything you need to know about giving away books on GoodReads.
115 – Why Traditional Authors should NEVER pay for marketing
Publishers pressure novelists to build a platform. Many authors see spending money on book marketing as part of the job. Here’s why that’s a mistake.
114 – Five Kinds of Author Homepages
Different kinds of authors need different things from their home pages. Make sure you have the right kind of homepage for your author website.
113 – Content Marketing With Joanna Penn
New York Times Bestselling Indie Author Joanna Penn talks about how novelists can use content marketing to promote your book.
Where to Build Your Platform As an Unpublished Novelist
Now is the best time to start building your platform. Learn what to work on and what not to waste your time on.
How to Write Bestselling Back Cover Copy
Your book’s front cover may get someone’s attention, but the back cover copy gets their money. That copy can make or break your marketing efforts. Learn how to write amazing copy.
110 – 11 Ways Proven to Draw Readers to Your Novel’s Website
In this podcast episode, we tell you what will thrill your readers on your author website and make them want to come back.
12 Chrome Extensions Every Author Needs
If you’re using regular Chrome you are missing out. In this episode, we talk about 12 extensions to help make you a more productive, better writer.
How Free Pulsing Can Help You Sell More Books with Jamie Foley
Free pulsing is a special way to make your book free for one day that can dramatically boost book sales. But only if you do it correctly.
Book Cover Mistakes That Sabotage Sales
Any one of these 11 book cover mistakes could ruin all your other book marketing efforts. Learn how to avoid them.
10 Things Every Book Cover Needs
Your book cover is your biggest marketing asset. It can make or break your book. In this episode, we discuss the necessary elements for a successful cover.
105 – How to Sell More Books With Amazon Ads
In this episode, we a talk with best-selling author Lacy William about how she uses Amazon Advertisements to sell more books.
104 – How to Independently Publish Your Book
Here is a step by step overview of how to take your book from idea to reality.
10 Common Author Homepage Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Author’s make a lot of mistakes with their homepages. Here is how to avoid them and create a homepage that works.
101 – Why Mastermind Groups Give Bestselling Authors an Edge and How to Start One
The right author mastermind group will accelerate your education, craft, and career. Find out how to start and run an effective mastermind group.
Episode 100 LIVE Extravaganza
Q Evelyn Williamson is going to kick us off with three questions. She says, “I’m working on my first novel and would like to know how much money I need once I publish … to promote my book. Also, she’ like to know what kinds of things are acceptable expenses to write...
099 – Three Marketing Mindsets We Suggest You Adopt For the Rest of the Year
Just a little over halfway through the year, it’s that time where many of us do an inventory check … and look at what we need to adjust for the rest of the year. We’re not going to call these second half resolutions, because these are not have tos … so you don't get...
7 Tips for Best Selling Author Portraits
Seven tips to help you create an author portrait that captures your authentic self and communicates your brand.
097 – Major Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Author Name
Learn how to choose a good author name. James L. Rubart shares the mistakes he made with his author name so you can avoid make them yourself.
096 – How to Turn Your Book Into An Audiobook
Put it in your Contract If you are traditionally published, make sure the audiobook is written in. Publishers only pay for audiobook production for books they believe. Record Yourself/You become the voice talent … Advantages to doing it yourself- You know how...
7 Reasons Why Your Book Should Also Be An Audiobook
Most books don’t end up as audiobooks and I think this is a huge marketing mistake for the following reasons.
094 – How to Use the Ancient Power of Discipline to Accomplish Your Goals
In this episode we are going to talk about discipline … we’re already through first quarter and are rapidly moving toward the finish of the first half of the year … and there’s an ever so slight possibility that some of your goals and resolutions for 2017 have slipped...
093 – What Authors Can Learn from Bad Super Bowl Ads
Intro Paragraph: Expensive, but the REACH is unparalleled. 1967 the cost was $42,000 for a 30. Today 5 million Spending that kind of money means you have to create a great ad Talking Points: Seahawks One of the biggest TV shows in the world If you...
The 5-Year Plan To Become A Bestselling Novelist
Do you have “the dream”? If you love writing fiction, you don’t need to tell me “the dream” is to get published and hit the bestseller list. I know that’s it; I get it. I’ve been there.
092 – The Guaranteed Way to Become A Bestselling Novelist
There are no shortcuts to becoming a bestselling author, but there is a road map. Discover the route to publication that will keep you on track.
What The Election Can Teach Us About Copywriting for Your Book
So don't worry. This post isn't going to be about the insanity we all just went through. Yeah, I know ... whew. But the campaign season that just ended can teach us a salient point about our own copywriting. What works, what doesn't. Trump didn't win the election,...
090 – Q&A Extravaganza #7
Q Cadel Sterling says, “I found a local, self-published author, with a really cool sounding book premise, and I bought his e-book and told him I'd review it. It stinks. Just awful. Painful to read. So, what do I do now? Hide and pretend I never read it, or honestly...
089 – How To Use the Power of Video to Engage More Readers
Intro Paragraph: In case you haven’t noticed, using videos as part of marketing is exploding. USA Today, everywhere else as well. So how do we as authors get on this train and use it to engage readers more deeply? Talking Points: 1. Why Video? YouTube-the greatest...
13 Ways to Scare Readers Away from Your Book’s Website
Few things scare readers more than bad author website design. Here are 13 proven ways to scare people away from your book website.
087 – Website Hosting for Authors
What is Web Hosting Web hosting is where your website lives on the internet. It is like rent for your website. It is important because if your site goes down people can’t find you. Why is web hosting important? Agent Hack Story Bad hosting can ruin your reputation....
How to Pick Your Genre
If you’re trying to pick a genre or considering writing in several, this episode will help you determine which path is best for you.
085 – How to Sell More Books with MyBookTable 3
What is MyBookTable? WordPress Plugin Sell More Books New Features in the Free version MyBookTable 3 Updated Look MyBookTable book pages have been redesigned to be prettier, more mobile-friendly, and conversion-optimized. If you prefer the classic look, don’t worry--...
MyBookTable 3 is Here
The #1 WordPress Bookstore Plugin is about to get even better with Kindle Instant Preview, International Mode and Landing Page Mode.
084 – How to Create A Breakthrough Author Brand Step 4 – Look in Your Reader’s Mirror
Most authors never reach the fourth level of building a brand. Find out what makes fourth-tier branding possible for authors.
083 – How to Get an Agent With Rachelle Gardner
Last episode we talked about getting an agent from Thomas’ and my perspective, in this episode, we’re going to talk about how to get an agent from the agent’s perspective. So we’d like to introduce you to one of our favorite people and an outstanding literary agent,...
082 – How to Get an Agent
Why do you want an agent? Capital Credibility Contacts and Contracts Do you need one? When you do When you don’t What a good agent can do for you How agenting has changed over the past 10 years Career counsel Contacts Projects you’d never hear about without them What...
7 Website Visitors Every Author Needs to Thrill
Instead of discussing what you need to do for your website, we will profile the seven different kinds of readers who visit and how you can thrill them. If you can thrill them, they'll leave your website happy and may even purchase a copy of your book. Each visitor I...
080 – Q & A Extravaganza
Intro Paragraph: (Thomas) Our first question comes from Runescape Gold dot com. No, that’s not his name but he or she didn’t give one. But I love this question. Do I have the guts to quit my job? Dave Smale I know it's never a good idea to get a friend (or a...
MyBookProgress 1.0 is Here!
I have a confession to make. Most author websites irritate me. I read a lot of books and the primary reason I visit an author's website is to check on the progress of their current Work In Progress. Not a single author website (other than Brandon Sanderson's) had a...
How to Write a Crazy Cool Author Bio
Ten tips to help you write a bio that your audience will enjoy and remember.
078 – How To Become a Career Writer Part 4: How to Make Money With Your Knowledge & Celebrity
Your Celebrity Fabio Story Publisher Avon Books estimated his image increased sales by as much as 33% when he appeared on the cover with a woman; 45% when he appeared alone. Each photo session would get Fabio in about 16 cover poses that artists could reuse for...
077 – How To Become a Career Writer Part 3: Make Maximum Money with Your Writing Skills
75 #1 Think Like a Business 76 #2 Make Money on the Book 77 #3 Make Maximum Money with Your Writing Skills Use Your Writing Skills As an Editor Pays faster. The editor is the first and sometimes only person to make money on a book. Creating a course to teach writing...
076 – How To Become a Career Writer Part 2: Make Maximum Money on Your Book
Tips for Making the Most on Your Book: Publish Prolifically. (Each book boosts sales for your other books) BUT DON’T OVERDO THIS: too many choices are not a good thing... Write Quickly (Quality + Speed = Excellence). Perfection is a trap. Write Consistently Write...
075 – How To Become a Career Writer Part 1: Think Like a Business
Think Like a Business: Delegate Determine what your time is worth. Only do what only you can do. Read The Four Hour Workweek Build a Team Writing Assistant Ways to pay Editor Literary Manager Webmaster Investors (You need to invest in your own book) Agent...
When Your Writing Career is Re-Storied
I had big dreams a decade ago. On the cusp of moving overseas to start a church in France, I landed two publishing contracts. Part of my worry of moving over there involved the very real fear that my publishing career would tank before it even started. Thankfully,...
How to Double Book Profits Through Affiliate Revenue
Find out which online retailers have affiliate programs and which help you earn the best commission rate on book sales.
MyBookTable 2.2 is Here! Now with Updated B&N Affiliate Support, iTunes, AISN and more
We are excited to announce MyBookTable 2.2, which comes with the following features. Barnes & Noble CJ Affiliate Support & Migration Barnes and Noble has changed from Linkshare to Commission Junction (also known as CJ Affiliates). All the old affiliate links...
Barnes & Noble Has Ended its Affiliate Program (and what to do about it)
Barnes & Noble has announced that it has ended its affiliate relationship with Rakuten Linkshare and is moving to Commission Junction Affiliates by Conversant. Unlike Amazon and iTunes, Barnes & Noble outsources its affiliate program to a 3rd party. So, this...
How To Set Realistic Writing Goals For 2016
Want to write a book in 2016? Great! But it will never happen unless you are realistic. Here’s how to set realistic writing goals for 2016.
072 – How to Grow Your Email List from 0 to 10,000
If you offer readers something they want for free, they’ll be happy to sign up for your email list. Learn 9 ways to invite them to sign up.
071 – How To Find a Good Editor
The importance of good editing can’t be overstated. Find out what kind of editor you need and where to find one.
Cyber Monday Deals from Author Media
We are excited to announce the following Cyber Monday deals: MyBookProgress: $5 FREE We are offering the base version of MyBookProgress for free for Black Friday. More Info | Download | Buy Upgrade MyBookTable: 50% off A WordPress plugin to boost your book...
070 — Q&A Lightning Round
Denica McCall, author of Flowers in the Darkness Question: While I do write novels, I have just put out a poetry book(my first published book). The book is partly being used to raise funds for a local organization fighting human trafficking. What I'm wondering is,...
069 – How to Stand Out When Your Name Fits In
Tips for choosing an author name that stands out and finding a matching domain name.
068 – Where to Spend Your Marketing Money
Episode 068 – Where to Spend Your Marketing Money (3790) We often discuss what not to spend your money on, and we feature free marketing techniques. In this article, we'll answer a question from Erica Borgerson, author of The Lazy Girl Guide to Healthy...
Bonus Episode: Special MyBookProgress Announcement
In this special bonus episode we talk about the launch of MyBookProgress. MyBookProgress on Kickstarter
We Are Revolutionizing Author Websites… Again
What happens when your superfans visit your site looking for the status of your upcoming book? If your site is like most author websites, they leave disappointed and frustrated. You just lost the opportunity to get them excited about your upcoming book and onto your...
067 – How to Keep Your Inbox @ Zero And Have More Time to Write
A lot of authors are addicted to checking email. Poor email habits hold many authors back from success because it wastes time and zaps mental energy. If you can learn to do email better you will have more time to market your book and more mental energy to write....
066 – Can Writing Contests Be A Powerful Marketing Tool?
Writing contests can be a great marketing tool or a waste of time. Learn how to find a legitimate contest and whether it’s right for you.
7 Tips for Effective Email Newsletters
Follow these tips to ensure readers open, read, and love your author newsletters.
063 – Six Proven Methods for Creating Maximum Impact at Writing Conferences
Intro Paragraph: Unless you have a multi-book contract (and we’re talking 4+ books) you need to be constantly marketing yourself to publishers. Even if you do have a long term contract you need to be marketing yourself because someday that contract will end and (let’s...
062 – 7 Ways to Avoid the Email Spam Filter
Jim how do you tell if you are a spammer? If people click “mark as spam” on your email, you are a spammer as far as that person is concerned. Spam is in the eye of the beholder. How Spam Filters Work Before we give you tips on how to avoid spam filters we should talk...
WordPress Plugin Security Flaw – Update Your Plugins NOW
Today the folks at Securi announced that over 300 Popular WordPress plugins had a security flaw. It is critical that you update your plugins immediately.
How To Install a Plugin on Your WordPress Site
Plugins are magical things. Similar to apps that you install on your smartphone, plugins add certain features and functionality to your website. But plugins aren't much help if you don't know how to install them! That's why we're here to help. Here's a step-by-step...
061 – Marketing 101: The Five Ps of Novel Marketing
Learn how to apply the time-tested “P”s of marketing to your book promotion efforts.
How to Harness the Magic of MyBookTable with Shortcodes
If you've used MyBookTable for any amount of time, you probably already know that it's an easy way to organize and sell books through your website. But did you know that there are ways to simplify the process even further? Built directly into MyBookTable is a special...
How the WordPress Philosophy Can Help You Write a Masterpiece
Understanding how and why WordPress took over the Internet could be the secret to turning your next book into a masterpiece.
How to Update an Amazon Widget
Amazon widgets are a lot of fun to create and utilize on your blog. The downside is that they tend to slow the site down, but for some bloggers that isn’t a major concern. Here are step-by-step instructions for adding resources to an existing Amazon widget.
MyBookTable 2.1 Now With Pre-Orders
So far, MyBookTable 2.0 has been a huge hit. In just two months, it has already outsold MyBookTable 1.0 (excluding Kickstarter backers). But, just because MyBookTable is the #1 Bookstore plugin on WordPress doesn't mean we have stopped working hard to make it better....
060 – Q&A Extravaganza & Big Announcement
Question from Jen Q: I really enjoyed this podcast, but I'm curious as to how aspiring writers are supposed to use Facebook and Twitter differently? Question from J.T. Stoll Author of The Rift I'm an indie fantasy author and trying to figure out how much time...
Announcing MyBookTable 2.0 – Now With Amazon Reviews and Amazon Bulk Book Importer
It is hard to imagine, but MyBookTable is almost two years old. Over that time, we have rolled out update after update, making the plugin easier, more compatible, and more powerful. Our little plugin has come a long way from the version the community funded on...
059 – Novel Tax Tips for Authors
In this episode we are going to talk about how to stay out of jail … when it comes to your taxes ... I am excited to introduce our guest. So, we brought in a CPA who has coached authors, celebrities and small businesses for over thirty years. He is the guy that the...
058 – Powerful Marketing Lessons from Taylor Swift
Show Notes: She is involved in her own marketing. She’s transparent, which builds familiarity and trust She uses every channel -- differently She says "no" when her brand is devalued Her product is inspirational and unexpected She makes smart partnerships She's a...
057 – What to Include in an Author Newsletter
As you know, we talk a lot about how effective author newsletter are. Of all the online marketing tools I feel that email is the most powerful. Most social networks are just an extension of email. People go to Facebook when they get an email about a new photo or...
056 – How to Become More Confident
Rejection and failure can crush your confidence. Learn six ways to rebuild and grow your confidence as an author.
055 – Book Scavenger Hunts
A book scavenger hunt is an effective way to connect with authors and new readers. Find out how it works and how you can host your own.
Authors: Piracy is Not Your Enemy
Many authors are terrified that someone will steal their work. They don’t realize their true enemy is obscurity not piracy.
MyBookTable Passes 10,000 Downloads
A few years ago, we realized that trying to sell your book through your website can be a pain. That's why we created MyBookTable. It's a Wordpress plugin designed to help authors sell more books and make affiliate money through sites like Amazon and Barnes &...
053 – How to Throw a Facebook Party for Your Book Interview With Nadine Brandes
Show Outline: Here's the run-down on how I threw the FB Party: What is a Facebook party? How do You prepare? How did you promote? What prizes did you use? How to you run a Facebook party. (Jim) I had a core group of people (~30) on a launch team who committed to...
052 – To Book Trailer, or Not Book Trailer … that is the question
Book trailers are an interesting animal. Some people swear by them and claim they’re an extremely effective marketing tool, some say they’re a waste of time and money. Listener question from Elizabeth Jane Kitchens author of The Beast's Enchantress "What's your...
051 – Bestseller Marketing Tactics With Brand Manager Kevin Kaiser
Quick Links: GetThisBook.com 1000 True Fans KevinKaiser.co Transcript Thomas Umstattd Jr.: So in this episode, as you’ve probably figured out, we’re going to be talking to Kevin Kaiser. And for those of you who don’t know who Kevin is, Kevin is a marketing guru, one...
050 – Q&A Extravaganza #3
This is our 50th episode, and to celebrate we are throw yet another Q&A extravaganza. Questions: Sarena Masco What advice would you give to someone who is in the process of creating two identifying brands for separate fields? For example, one brand would be as a...
049 – How to Use Crowdfunding to Fund Your Next Book Advance
In this episode we are going to talk about how independent authors can use crowdfunding to promote and pay for their next book. What is crowdfunding? Mary DeMuth’s Story Marci Seither’s Story The Adventures of Pearley Monroe." Benefits of Crowdfunding: Get money now,...
MySpeakingEvents Now on Kickstarter
At Author Media we work with a lot of professional speakers. Their websites all need an event calendar to help build enthusiasm for upcoming events. The problem is, all the WordPress event calendars either were either way too complicated or did not work.... or both....
048 – The Right Way and the Wrong Way to Sign Books
Book signings are likely the most personal connection you’ll have with a reader. Because of that, it’s an important opportunity that could either leave the reader with a memorable experience, or could alienate a new friend. In this episode, we discuss the right way to...
047 – How to Pick the Perfect Genre to Write In
Many writers love to write in multiple genres, is that a good idea? Should they narrow it down? If so, how should a writer pick the one with the best chance of selling? We answer these questions and more in this week's episode.
046 – Why You Should Love It When Your Novel Gets Pirated
What if we said that getting your work ripped off could significantly boost your sales? In this episode, we explore why getting stolen from should make your day. [atp_links linktype="sbutn"]
045 – Five Keys to Working with Book Stores, Before You’re Published and After
Some say bookstores are only interested in promoting the best-selling authors. While that's not true, getting their focus will take some tricks and techniques. In this episode, we cover five keys to getting the attention of physical, walk-in bookstores.
044 – Writing for Your Website – How To Craft Pages That Readers Actually Want to Read
Is your website copy boring readers? You only have seven seconds to capture attention so make sure your web copy works.
A Viral Recipe for Your Blog
“You don’t need to write a book to change the world with your ideas. A good blog post can reach more people in one month than the typical book reaches in a lifetime.” This my common refrain when I speak at writers conferences.
I had the chance to prove my theory this month. A post on my personal blog about courtship went viral to and sparked a nationwide discussion.
043 – How to Create A Breakthrough Author Brand Step 3 – Look Through Your Readers
Learn how to listen in when your readers talk about you, and find out how their words can help refine your author brand.
042 – How to Create A Breakthrough Author Brand Step 2: Look at Your Readers
Branding is one of the most confusing topics under the umbrella of marketing. In this episode, we look at the second step of creating a breakthrough author brand.
041 – How to Create A Breakthrough Author Brand Step 1 – Look in the Mirror
Branding is one of the most confusing topics under the umbrella of marketing. In this article, you’ll learn the first step to creating your author brand.
040 – 40th Episode Q&A Extravaganza
In this episode we answer questions from listeners like you. If you would like to ask a question for a future Q&A episode click here. Question 1 “I was recently divorced and remarried and now I have a new last name. Should I change the name on my website and...
039 – How Writers Should Market Themselves to Editors With Karen Ball
In this episode, we talk with agent and former editor Karen Ball.
The Ultimate Crowdfunding Course for Authors Is Here
We've spent quite a bit of time at Author Media talking about crowdfunding-- what it is, how awesome it is, and how to make it happen. A few months ago, we turned that talk into action, and put our own "Crowdfunding Is Awesome" theory to the test in just about the...
038 – How to Find an Inspiration Oasis in a Creativity Desert With Allen Arnold
In this episode, we talk with Allen Arnold about the deserts a writer can get stuck in, and how to get out.
The Upside and Downside of Free Books
Learn the pros and cons of offering your books for free and how you can incorporate giveaways into your overall marketing strategy.
Angela Hunt’s Journey from Unpublished to Over 1 Million Book Sales
Angela Hunt shares her publishing journey.
032 – What is a Literary Agent Do You Still Need One
Not all authors need an agent. In this episode we talk with Steve Laube about what kind of authors need an agent and what kind of authors can go agentless.
89+ Book Marketing Ideas That Will Change Your Life
Fresh out of ideas on how to help your writing take off? You’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of 89 book marketing ideas that will change your life, build your brand, and sell your book.
031 – What Should Novelists Blog About?
Many novelists have a hard time with blogging. So they end up ignoring this powerful tool. In this episode, Jim and Thomas talk about what to blog about and what topics to avoid.
030 – Selling An Editor So She Can Sell to Pub Board With Allen Arnold
This week we are talking with Allen Arnold about how to overcome that mysterious barrier to publication called "pub board."
7 Kickstarter Mistakes We Made on MyBookTable
Kickstarter is changing the way that self-published authors are raising money for their books. Here are some hard lessons we learned on our first project.
Special Announcement: Spirit Bridge by James L. Rubart
Spirit Bridge by our very own James L. Rubart has just launched. Check it out at Amazon or at a book store near you.
How to Self-Publish for Free
Did you know there was a way to self publish with any company in the world without having to go out of pocket for the cost? Here is how to do it.
029 – How to Start a Mastermind Group
An author mastermind group can accelerate your writing and publishing career. Find out how you can start one.
028 – Book Rollouts Vs Book Launches With James Scott Bell
A popular marketing strategy is to put together a huge launch even focused around the launch date of the book. You are not a fan of the big fan of that strategy. Why not? Walk us through the marketing techniques you used for your last book. Tell us about your...
7 Questions Authors Should Ask Before Crowdfunding Their Next Book
Should you look to your audience to provide the funds for your next book? Christy award finalist Mary DeMuth asks seven questions to help you decide.
How to Create an Elevator Pitch So Good That People will Stop the Elevator to Hear More
In this episode we’re going to talk about the legendary elevator pitch … and how to create one that does exactly what an elevator pitch should do. Talking Points: What is an elevator pitch? Sentence - High concept, the hook Paragraph - Radio Pitch / Back cover copy...
025 – 25th Episode Q&A Extravaganza
In this episode we answer questions from listeners like you. If you would like to ask a question for a future Q&A episode click here. Question 1 "My question has to do with a specific niche - my novel is Christian fiction, including dragons, but not your typical...
024 – An Easy Line to Help Introverted Authors Promote Their Writing to Complete Strangers
In this episode we talk about a powerful and easy way to market yourself and your writing to complete strangers … even if you’re a total introvert.
The Best Podcasts For Authors & Writers
Want to level up your publishing career? Here are 9 writing podcasts that can help authors like you.
023 – SMART Goals the Key to Marketing Success
Learn how successful authors set SMART goals to foster perseverance and make progress in their writing career.
022 – 12 Ways to Get More Facebook Fans
In this episode we are going to talk about Facebook. And more specifically, how to get more Facebook fans. Why Facebook is still important: Still the biggest social network (after email) Publishers pay attention to Facebook, particularly your PTAT score. 12 Ways to...
021 – Queen Esther, Staggered Marketing & Why Waiting to Ask Can Boost Book Sales
Talking Points: Esther Story: Esther Had a Tough Marketing Position Not in favor with the King Had a big ask. What does she do? She offers value and invites the King to a banquet in his honor. At the banquet does she offer her big ask? No, she invites him to a second...
020 – To Brag, or not to Brag, that is the Question!
I know, you’re wondering where we’re going with this. You’re probably saying, “Isn’t that the Novel Marketing podcast is all about?” Yes, it is, but in this episode, we’re going to tackle the age old question, should you promote yourself, or find someone else to do it for you?
019 – The #1 Killer of Good Book Covers & Websites: Design By Committee
Talking Points What is Design by Committee? Something that everyone likes is typically something no one loves. Compromise leads to bad design. A camel is a horse designed by a committee. Think of a recipe. If you try to accommodate everyone's preference you end up...
Announcing MyBookTable 1.3
MyBookTable is now the #1 WordPress Bookstore plugin on the WordPress repository. We have been hard at work making MBT even better. We are excited to announce version 1.3 now with GetNoticed! Integration and much more.
017 – 12 Tips to Help You Nail Your Next Podcast Interview
James & Thomas talk about how to ace your next podcast or radio interview.
Why I Love (And Hate) Digital Books
You would think that, working at a company called "Author Media," all of the employees would be digital book fanatics, carrying around our Kindles all the time, everywhere. But that's not the case. I, for one, have had a hard time being won over by digital books. I...
016 – How to Prepare for a Podcast Interview
Show Notes Resolve to be as entertaining and helpful as possible. The more value you offer the more in demand you will be. If you shoot for being helpful you will be both helpful and will sell books. If you shoot for selling books you will be neither help nor sell. If...
015 – How Google Works And Why Some Authors Rank Better than Others With SEO Expert Tony Tovar
Why do some authors rank better than others on Google? How does Google even work? I interviewed Tony Tovar, a search engine optimization (SEO) expert. He's the CEO of Inbound Mastery and the person I contact when I have questions about how Google works. Why is...
5 New Year’s Resolutions Authors Should Make in 2014
It's January again, which means time for New Year's resolutions. It's easy for resolutions to become bigger-than-life, difficult to keep, and discouraging. While the big dreams are necessary, it's often the little steps that get us there...or keep us away. So for our...
14 Publishing Predictions for 2014
We have asked the experts and here is what they think 2014 will hold for authors and publishers.
2013 Publishing Predictions Review
A year ago, we had three posts of predictions for 2013. Here we score those predictions to see how we did.
013 – Publishing Predictions for 2014
Every year, Author Media polls a panel of industry experts and collects a list of publishing predictions. We are going to share those predictions with you along with our commentary.
011 – Seven Things Santa Can Teach You About Book Marketing
Who Knew? Santa is a Brilliant Marketer? Yes, he sure is. Check out the secrets of Ol’ Kringle’s legendary success as a cultural icon and how you can apply the same principles to your career. This episode is based on the this blog post from Author Media.
010 – 12 Novel Marketing Ideas for Christmas
Want to Sell More Books This Christmas Than Ever Before? The Christmas season is a sales juggernaut, if you know the ways to jump on that train. We give you 12 ideas that will cost you little to nothing, but could fill up your stocking in a really jolly way. Outline...
82 More Tweetable Quotes for Authors
Earlier this year, we made a list of 101 tweetable quotes for authors. It was a hit. So we've done it again. We've gathered a list of quotes for authors to tweet when they have Twitter block, need a dose of inspiration, or just because they find these quotes...
30 Christian Literary Agents to Follow on Twitter
We’ve compiled a list of the top Christian literary agents on Twitter. It’s time to get connected.
009 – An Introduction to Twitter for Novelists
If you’re not using Twitter, it might be because you don’t understand it, or you might not know the secrets to using it correctly. Join us as we talk about what to do, what not to do, and how Twitter can help you sell more books, as well as sell yourself. Helpful...
10 Holiday Season Blog Prompts
'Tis the season to be busy. There are parties to attend, presents to buy and/or make, meals to cook, traditions to celebrate, family to visit, and a million and one other things to do that come with the holiday season. But despite being busy, you don't want to let...
How to Market Your Book on Pinterest
Pinterest gives you the opportunity of a large following that will quickly and easily. Learn how to use Pinterest to boost your platform.
008 – Where to Start Marketing Your First Novel
You’re finished! You’ve typed, The End and you’re thrilled. (So are we. Congrats.) But now comes the marketing. So where exactly do you start? (Whether you have a contract or not.) We tell you exactly the places to begin, and trust us, it’s nearly painless. Show...
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Social Media Image Sizes
A few months ago, we shared an infographic called The Pinterest Cheat Sheet to Image Sizes. It was very well-received and widely shared. A few weeks ago, I came across a similar infographic that is basically the Pinterest Cheat Sheet on steroids. Thanks...
007 – The Secret to Getting People to Love You
You think if everyone loves you, it will give your career a massive boost in the right direction? Of course it will. We tell you how to make it happen. And we’ll explain why it’s the easiest thing in the world to describe, but almost impossible to do.