If you’ve ever wondered why a promising book page fails to convert—or how to host an event without feeling awkward behind a lonely table—this year-end roundup brings the clarity you need. We unpack the top three episodes listeners couldn’t stop sharing: protecting yourself from impersonation scams, fixing “gray box syndrome” on retail pages, and building author events that create real momentum and halo sales.We start with the rising wave of scams targeting writers: spoofed Gmail accounts, stolen signatures, even cloned websites. We explain how to spot red flags, verify identities, and report abuse with full headers so platforms will act. This isn’t fear-mongering; it’s author safety. With simple checks and a clear process, you protect your wallet, your name, and your readers’ trust.From safety to sales, we dig into first impressions on Amazon. Readers make decisions in seconds, and your product page is the packaging they judge. We break down the must-haves. When you remove friction and present like a brand, you win more clicks and conversions without bigger ad spend.Then we reframe book signings as experiences, not chores. The best events align with your strengths and your audience: short talks, demos, Q&A, or mini-workshops hosted by venues that benefit from new traffic. We share how to pitch mutual value to indie bookstores and local shops, create easy promotions they can share, capture emails, and leave signed stock. The ripple effect is real—staff hand-sell your title, customers return, and sales rise for weeks.Throughout, we call out the subtle ways authors sabotage their own success: chasing shortcuts, comparing to outliers, and declaring defeat too soon. The antidote is control—own your page, own your pitch, own your cadence. If you want practical, steady steps that compound over time, this conversation is your blueprint.If this helped, follow the show, share it with an author friend, and leave a quick review. Got ideas or questions? Text support podcast at 888-402-8940 and complete the survey in the show notes—email us you did, and we’ll send some swag.Send us your feedback!Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas! Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section. Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating. Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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