Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast
Episodes
What Actually Predicts Book Sales And How To Focus Your Effort
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Six years in, we’re starting the year by cutting through the noise and zeroing in on what truly predicts book sales. We unpack a practical framework...
New Year, New Launch, New Podcast Format = Smarter Author Wins
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are so excited to share our new podcast format! In this short episode we break down what to expect in the new year! Based on your feedback and inpu...
Our Favorite Episodes of the Year (Plus a Few New Takeaways)
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, we counted down your favorite episodes based on downloads. This week? It’s our turn.In this end-of-year episode, Penny and Amy each revis...
Top Lessons From Our Most-Downloaded Episodes
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ye...
Stop Guessing, Start Selling: Positioning Your Book for Real Traction
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of shouting into the void with a book you believe in? We unpack a simple, proven path to clarity that makes every marketing move easier and chea...
Book Marketing Without Burnout: Do Less, Reach More Readers
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like you’re doing everything and getting nowhere? We’ve been there, and we’re pulling the brakes on burnout to rebuild your book marketi...
The New Media Strategy Every Author Needs Now
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want a media strategy that actually fits how authors work today? We’re flipping old-school media training on its head and showing how every post, in...
The Marketing Shift You Can't Afford to Ignore
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if the biggest thing holding your book back isn’t the algorithm or your ad budget—but your attachment to a specific outcome? We dig into the ...
Amazon’s A10 Shift: The Real Reasons Your Book Isn’t Selling (and How to Fix It Fast)
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The algorithm finally caught up with reality: readers want real authors, not content mills. We unpack Amazon’s A10 shift and share a clear plan to s...
How To Slay Book Marketing Nightmares Before They Scare Off Readers
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A haunted house of marketing mistakes can scare off readers faster than any bad blurb—so we flipped on the lights and started slaying. We kick thing...
Make Your Book Unforgettable: Creative Ways to Wow Reviewers
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A reviewer gets thousands of books a month—so why did one plain-looking title jump to the top of the pile? The packaging signaled a story worth open...
The Data-Driven Author: The Real Secret Behind Author Success
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hate refreshing your Amazon rank only to feel stuck? We walk through a saner, smarter way to measure progress—one that puts you back in control of y...
Smart Pre-Order Strategies for Authors Who Have Little or No Following
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we dig into a practical, 30-day pre-order plan built for writers with small followings (or no following), limited time, and a whole lo...
Trophy Hunting for Authors: The World of Book Awards
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Book awards can transform your author platform, yet they remain one of the most overlooked marketing opportunities for writers at every stage of their...
Navigating Kindle Unlimited's Page Read Decline
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The growing chorus of authors reporting mysterious declines in their Kindle Unlimited page reads has sparked anxiety throughout the indie publishing c...
Hook, Line, and Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why some books get noticed while others gather dust? The secret might be simpler than you think: a powerful elevator pitch.In this eye-o...
The Hollywood Blueprint: Creating a Film-Ready Book
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could your book be the next big streaming hit? Before you start dreaming of red carpets and Hollywood premieres, there's a reality check you need...
The Great Author Central Lockout: Amazon's Latest Frustration
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating Amazon's constantly shifting landscape is challenging enough for authors, but now there's a new frustration to contend with. In t...
Your Newsletter Is Worth More Than Your Social Media Followers
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been neglecting the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal? Your email newsletter provides something social media simply cannot—a di...
Goodreads Evolution: Amazon's Game-Changing Integration
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amazon has finally unleashed the full potential of its Goodreads acquisition, and savvy authors should be paying close attention. After years of minim...
Broke the Marketing Bank But No Sales? Here's Why!
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder why your marketing efforts aren't translating to book sales? The answer might be simpler than you think. Marketing and sales are oft...
The Amazon Sledgehammer: How One Author Lost Everything Over Metadata
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do if your entire author career disappeared overnight? That's exactly what happened to one unfortunate writer who shared their dev...
Your Book Isn't Enough: How to Develop a Platform Media Responds To
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gone are the days when simply having a book positioned you as a media-worthy expert. Modern journalists, podcasters, and TV producers have become incr...
Selling Cats to Dog People: Your Amazon Ad Comedy of Errors
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like you're throwing money into the Amazon advertising abyss with nothing to show for it? You're not alone—and the problem might...
Christmas in July: Why Authors Need to Prep Now for Holiday Sales
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The holiday season represents a golden opportunity for authors to boost book sales—but only for those who start planning early enough. In this strat...
Beyond Boredom: Your Book Could Be Every Parent's Summer Solution
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The summer break scramble is real! Parents everywhere face the same challenge when school lets out: keeping kids entertained without surrendering to e...
From Beach Reads to Bestsellers: Marketing Your Book in Summer
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sans...
The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy ...
The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibilit...
Unlocking ChatGPT’s Creative Power for Authors
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AI isn’t a threat to creativity—it’s a secret weapon, and savvy authors are already tapping into its power. In this episode, Penny and Amy explo...
What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unrealistic expectations can destroy an author's career before it truly begins. We've seen it countless times—talented writers who become ...
Amazon's New Algorithm Changes: What Authors Need to Know
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Amazon quietly shifted from its A9 to A10 algorithm in May, many authors felt panic rising. Would their books suddenly disappear from search resu...
The Power of Reddit: Reach Millions Through Ask Me Anything Events
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine reaching a million potential readers without spending a dime on advertising or having a massive social media following. This episode unveils o...
Creating Memorable Author Book Signing Events That Sell Books
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this game-changing episode, we reveal the secrets that turn ho-hum author book signings into unforgettable experiences.Discover why the classic aut...
Too Good to Be True? The Bookstore Scam That's Breaking Hearts
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on a heartbreaking scam targeting authors—promising dream book deals that quickly turn into fi...
Dust It Off: The Author's Guide to Book Resurrection
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your older books aren't outdated—they're untapped potential. In this episode, we explore how a strategic refresh can breathe new life into...
Building Your Author Brand for Media Recognition
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The elusive goal of media coverage keeps many authors awake at night, dreaming of that big break on national television or in major publications. But ...
Book Bundling: How to Turn Your Backlist Into a Marketing Goldmine
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Book bundling represents an untapped opportunity for authors seeking to revitalize their backlist, attract new readers, and generate fresh marketing m...
The Grey Box Syndrome: Why Authors Who Skip the Basics Get Ignored
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When authors dream of book marketing success, they often fixate on bestseller campaigns, major media appearances, and viral social media moments. But ...
Naming Your Book: Avoiding Title Mistakes That Kill Sales
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever judged a book by its title? Most readers do. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the surprisingly overlooked aspect of boo...
Amazon News: How to Navigate Amazon's Inconsistent Ad Guidelines
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like you're banging your head against a wall trying to get your Amazon ads approved? You're not alone. When a mystery thriller aut...
The Strategic Author's Guide to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited Program
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Demystifying Kindle Unlimited might be one of the most requested topics from our podcast audience—and for good reason. The confusion between Amazon&...
Starting Your Own Publishing Company: Myth vs. Reality
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you start your own publishing company? Word seems to be getting around in author circles that this may be the key to unlocking greater credibil...
Savvy Book Pricing Strategies That Sell
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pricing your book isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a strategy that can make or break your success on Amazon. In this episode, we’re busting the ...
Amazon News: Author Central Changes and Search Result Trends
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amazon Author Central just made a quiet but significant change—no more URLs in author bios. What does this mean for your author platform, and how ca...
The Sneaky Ways Authors Sabotage Their Own Success
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Success as an author isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about making smart marketing and business decisions. But what if you’re unknow...
Don't Give Up on Your Book: When to Push and How to Pivot
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every author hits a point where they wonder: Should I just give up? If your book isn’t selling, your marketing efforts feel like a dead end, and hop...
Book Marketing Costs: Solid Investment or Waste of Money?
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An investment in book marketing and publicity is an investment in all the hard work you've poured into your book. But why is book marketing so ex...
How to Get Your Author Website to Rank on Google
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We spend a lot of time talking about Amazon (and that matters) but when was the last time you searched for your name or book on Google? Did your websi...
Why Your Book Isn’t Showing Up in Amazon Searches and How to Fix It
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever gotten on Amazon to search for your book and—BAM—nothing? If your title isn’t appearing for search terms you think should be working, you’...
How to Resurrect a Book That's Dead in the Water
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your book lost in a sea of titles on Amazon? If you feel like your title is dead in the water, you’re not alone. In this episode we’re digging ...
Cracking the Library Code: Get on Shelves and in Front of Readers
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dreaming of seeing your book featured in libraries—and even appearing there in person to meet eager readers? This episode is for you! We’re unlock...
Mastering the Mic: Tips for Becoming an Irresistible Podcast Guest
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone wants to guest on podcasts these days—but landing the spot is just the beginning. In this episode, we’re going beyond pitching and diving...
Substack Success: Should Authors Add This Platform to Their Toolkit?
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a crowded digital landscape, authors are always on the hunt for new ways to reach readers. Substack has risen as a newsletter platform that promise...
Your New Year Checklist: A Roadmap to Success
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s almost time to flip the calendar and embrace a brand-new year—and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh, reset, and reinvigorate y...
Unlocking Amazon Success: Optimization to Boost Your Visibility
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to supercharge your book’s visibility on Amazon? In this episode, we’re revealing some of the best-kept secrets for optimizing your Amazon r...
Secrets to Writing Books Readers Can’t Resist
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the secret to writing a book readers can’t wait to pick up? In this episode, we’re uncovering the overlooked strategies that make a book ...
Exciting Announcement: Our New Mentorship Program Is Here!
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve got something truly special for you in this episode and we're launching it on Small Business Saturday! We've just launched a progra...
Top Book Marketing Questions of the Year: Insights, Trends, and Expert Advice
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re closing out the year with a bang in this special episode where Amy and Penny answer some of the best book marketing questions we’ve received...
Rookie Mistakes: Avoid Costly Errors and Show Up Like a Pro
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this unabashedly honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the rookie mistakes that can make authors look like amateurs—and even open t...
Scams, Hacks, and Red Flags: How to Protect Yourself
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It seems like now, more than ever, scammers and hacks are everywhere. Penny can't go a week without someone offering to "turn her book into ...
Goodreads Author Program Update: What You Need to Know
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Like Amazon, Goodreads is cracking down on spam and bot author accounts, many of which are producing subpar AI generated content — but protecting th...
Bonus Episode! Amazon Delays: What to Do When Your Book Launch Hits a KDP Roadblock
02 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We thought we'd drop in with another urgent Amazon PSA! Amazon delays can be a nightmare for authors, especially when everything is set for a ca...
How to Compete for Media Attention
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling to get media attention for your book? You’re not alone. In today’s ever-changing media landscape, landing interviews and features has b...
Let's See if You're Ready for an Audiobook
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Audiobooks are all the rage, but are you truly ready to dive in? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the audiobook world, revealing wh...
Backup Book Covers: An Unexpected Bestseller Strategy
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re exploring a unique but underutilized strategy that even the biggest publishers swear by—having a backup book cover! Join us ...
Amazon News: Urgent PSA on Bestseller Claims
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re dropping a special, urgent episode into your feed! Amazon is cracking down hard on claims like "100,000 books sold" and "Amazon...
Choosing the Right Vendors & Avoiding Costly Mistakes
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t let the wrong vendors hold you back! We're talking about finding the best service providers for your book project. From choosing the righ...
Is Your Amazon Author Bio Costing You Sales?
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this eye-opening episode, we’re tackling one of the most underrated tools in your book marketing arsenal: your Amazon author bio. Could this ofte...
Publishers Unpacked: Let's Talk Expectations
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a deep dive into the world of publishers—what they can do for authors, and more importantly, what they can’t. We'll explore...
✅ The Author Success Checklist
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're tackling the Author Success Checklist—a crucial exercise that helps identify any issues preventing your book from reaching its full poten...
Author Tools: The Good, Bad & Ugly
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're diving into the world of author tools—those must-have apps, time-saving shortcuts, and money-saving methods that can mak...
The Power of Indie Bookstores
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of indie bookstores. These hidden gems are more than just places to buy books—they&apos...
Top Book Marketing Strategies to Embrace
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this exciting episode as we bring one of our most popular blog posts to life! We're unpacking the best book marketing strategies that ...
Crafting the Perfect Reader Profile
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we delve into the power of a well-crafted reader profile. Understanding who you’re writing for can transform your marketing strategy...
Critical Marketing Questions to Ask a Publisher
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're often asked, "How can I find the best publisher for my book?" And we've done publisher episodes before, but now we're f...
How to Get Into the Goodreads Author Program
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're exploring the confounding new security features around Goodreads author profiles that have left many authors frustrated and puzzled. ...
Debut Author Success: Myths & Realities
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite all the information that's out there, it never fails to surprise us how many folks get it absolutely wrong when it comes to what it takes...
Amazon Bestsellers: Myths & Realities
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of we take a serious look at the Amazon Bestseller flag and unravel the myths behind this iconic orange banner. Many authors dream of...
RWA Files for Bankruptcy
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A few weeks ago you may have heard about Romance Writers of America (RWA) filing for bankruptcy - they aren't going away, per se, just reorganizi...
How to Market Your Book without Social Media
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is our third most downloaded episode of all time!Why do we think it's popular? Because being an author can be exhausting, and most of us don...
The End of an Era: Costco Stops Selling Books
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we break down the recent announcement that Costco will no longer be carrying books in their warehouses—a decision with significant i...
Smart Strategies to Recoup Your Book Investment
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we tackle the challenging yet essential topic of recouping your book creation and marketing investment. Many authors face the harsh re...
Beyond the Bookstore: Creative Sales Strategies
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode we're breaking away from traditional book marketing methods and exploring innovative, fun, and often easy-to-implement s...
Amazon News: Critical Changes to Book Descriptions
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this eye-opening episode we dive into Amazon’s latest updates that are shaking up the way book descriptions are managed on the platform. For au...
Choosing an Author Name Format
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a pivotal episode of our show where we shine a spotlight on a crucial aspect of the publishing process: how your name appears on Amazon. Jo...
Buyers v. Readers And Why They May Be Different People
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you marketing to the wrong audience?As authors, we often find ourselves inadvertently targeting the wrong demographic, because while the reader ma...
Getting Book Endorsements: Everything You Need to Know
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're talking about book endorsements, getting them, timing them, and what to do with them once they start coming in. Whether you...
Mastering Nonfiction Book Descriptions
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we're talking about the crucial role book descriptions play in sales conversions - specifically for non-fiction title...
Behind the Curtain: Unveiling the Secrets of Success in Publishing
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Penny and Amy, the dynamic duo behind a successful book marketing and PR firm, invite listeners to join them for an intimate peek behi...
Cracking the Code: Reaching the Unreachable Reader
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we chat about connecting with the elusive reader who seems to dwell beyond the realms of mainstream social media platform...
Book Sales: Why and How Self-Published Authors Are Taking the Lead
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Not everyone talks about it, but all authors want to sell books. And we know a lot of you secretly (or not so secretly) would love to make enough to b...
Listener Request: Navigating Amazon's Book Review Minefield
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is another listener request and we're talking about trigger words that could potentially result in your hard-earned reviews being pulled fro...
The #1 Strategy to Get More Amazon Reviews
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered why some books seem to effortlessly rack up Amazon reviews while others struggle to even get noticed? This week we're unve...
Navigating the Literary Agent Landscape
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're talking about literary agents. Who they are, what they do, and whether you really need one. We'll explore the ins and outs ...
Amazon's Virtual Voice: Redefining Audiobooks with AI
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this week's episode as we chat about the latest innovation from Amazon: the Virtual Voice. Imagine a world where authors can transfor...
Navigating the Climb: Pitfalls for Authors Eyeing the Summit
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we take a peek behind the curtain and dive into the sometimes harsh realities of the publishing world, shedding light on the obstacle...
Navigating the Media Landscape and How to Get Your Book the Attention it Deserves
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Penny and Amy decode the intricate world of big media outlets and help you understand what they're looking for and whether or no...
Memoir vs. Self-Help: Choosing the Right Genre for Your Book
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on a common dilemma many memoir authors face: determining whether their book can be classified as self-help...
Navigating the Unexpected: What Authors Need to Prepare For
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a candid discussion as we shine a light on the often-overlooked aspects of the author journey. In this episode, we tackle the things that ...