Publish & Prosper
Episodes
Alchemising Traditional Publishing with Fanfiction
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren successfully cons Matt into talking about fanfiction again. This time we explore the recent shift in the way traditional publi...
Hiring the Best Freelancers for Your Book
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren share strategies for how to find, research, and hire the best possible freelancers to help you bring your book to l...
How Book Distribution Works
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, the mechanics behind distributing your book to online and brick-and-mortar bookstores are ...
What Authors and Creators Can Learn From Each Other
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren reflect on their recent trips to two dramatically different events: London Book Fair and Sponsor Games.One is an in...
Rethinking Print and Fulfillment with Emily Bair
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt sits down with Emily Bair, Lulu’s VP of Business Development to explore how brands, publishers, and creators are using print p...
Plot Twist: Indie Authors are Landing More Traditional Publishing Deals than Ever
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore the rapidly rising trend in indie authors signing major traditional publishing deals. The real plot twist? ...
Why Print is the Missing Piece in Your Creator Ecosystem
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt have a conversation exploring why print needs to be part of your creator strategy. We consider the current state of...
Choosing Your Direct Sales Strategy
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore three different ways creators can get started selling direct, and the tools you’ll need along the way! Le...
Developing Publishing Technology with Lulu’s CTO Christoph Kepper
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren sits down with Lulu’s Chief Technology Officer Christoph Kepper! Christoph shares his insights into what makes Lulu a publis...
Scaling for Success with Automated Book Fulfillment Solutions
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Manual fulfillment works…until it doesn’t. In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down the risks and realities of manually packing and shipping ...
Building Your Book Business Using Lulu’s Print APIs
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss how entrepreneurs are using Lulu’s suite of APIs to build brand-first book businesses. We break down how ...
Are You Selling Books or Selling with Books?
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Books can be the product or the tool that helps sell the product…and sometimes even both. In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore how print-on-de...
Using Paid Ads to Drive More Book Sales
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt cover five different types of paid ads that can help you sell more books. We review the pros, cons, and best practi...
How to Effectively Use Social Media to Sell More Books in 2026
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate the merits of using social media as a book marketing tool in 2026. Short answer? Yes, social still plays an ...
What the Publishing Industry Should Learn from Heated Rivalry
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In December 2025, a sports romance series off Harlequin’s backlist, with modest sales and a niche fanbase, exploded into an overnight international ...
Where Does AI Belong in Publishing?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore four different ways publishers integrate AI tools to better support and streamline internal workflows. Whil...
Looking Ahead at Publishing Trends for 2026
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt peer into their crystal balls for a look into the future (or make some very sound projections grounded in knowledge...
2025 Plot Twists in Publishing (That Everyone Saw Coming)
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren look back on this year in publishing. We review some of our predictions from 2024 and how those trends impacted the...
Profit On-Demand: From Podcaster to Published Author
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren interviews everyone’s new favorite author…Matt Briel! Lauren & Matt talk through the experience of writing, editing, a...
How Print-On-Demand is Fueling the Resurgence of Magazines
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore one of our current favorite industry trends: the resurgence of print magazines! We talk through the many wa...
Building a Landing Page for Your Book
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt simplify your website down to a single landing page with one goal in mind: selling your book. We talk through reaso...
How Podcasting Changed Our Game (and How it Can Change Yours Too)
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrate two years of Publishing & Prospering with us! In this episode, Matt & Lauren reflect on two years of podcasting, sharing what we’v...
Crafting a Content Strategy That Actually Works
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, Paul Hobday, for an inside look at content strategy with two content marketing...
Tales from the Scrypt: Self-Publishing Horror Stories (and How to Survive Them)
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren share three chilling scenarios bound to keep you up at night and our tips for surviving your worst book publishing ...
5 Customer Service Tips for Ecommerce Success
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt share their strategies for providing top tier support for your customers. Whether you’re taking preventative meas...
Matt & Lauren Agree to Disagree
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate and discuss a variety of writing, publishing, editing, and marketing prompts. Hear their insights, opinions,...
How to Get Your Book Into Libraries
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt want indie authors to see their books on library shelves! Whether you dream of your hardcover on display in your lo...
Inside the Inbox: How to Plan an Email Campaign Series
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in for another episode of The Email Marketing Podcast with Laurie & Lauren! In this episode, Laurie & Lauren walk through the steps to pr...
In the Limelight: Lynette Greenfield Shares Her Passion for Publishing
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren sit down with our friend Lynette Greenfield, author and founder of Limelight Publishing. Learn how Lynette turned h...
Live From Content Entrepreneur Expo!
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt chat with old and new friends live from the show floor at Content Entrepreneur Expo! Tune in to hear from five indu...
Maximizing Your First Impression in the Attention Economy
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You only get one shot to make a first impression when inviting new guests into your brand–don’t scare them away before they even make it to the fr...
Maintaining Momentum After Your Book Launch
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren share tips for making the most of your post-launch marketing and extending the sales cycle of your book. We talk th...
Understanding Your Audience with Reader Personas
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reader personas are a powerful tool for understanding your target audience! In this episode, Lauren & Matt explain the value of niching down into ...
Calendars Are Still Cool (We Can Prove It)
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 2024, Lulu printed almost 57,000 calendars for creators and customers worldwide. In this episode, Matt & Lauren examine why wall calendars are ...
The Email Marketing Podcast with Laurie & Lauren
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lauren is joined by Laurie Shipley, Lulu’s Email Marketing Manager, to explore the value of email marketing…beyond just newsletter...
Printing Money: How to Turn Subscription Content into Books
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren review the power of print-on-demand books for subscription-based creators. Whether your content is behind a paywall...
Scaling Up: What to Know About Bulk Book Printing
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With print-on-demand, you can print just one copy of your book… But you can also print 100. Or 500. Or 1,000. Or 3,159. You do you.In this episode, ...
Book Launch Blueprint: How Justin Moore Sold Over 1,000 Books in 90 Days
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down one of Tilt Publishing's most successful book launches of the year. Meet Justin Moore, author of Sp...
How to Use Generative AI to Sell More Books
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore different ways generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help you sell more books (without creating any public-f...
Lauren Finally Gets to Talk About Fanfiction
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren finally gets to explain the intricacies and impact of fanfiction to Matt. Listen now for a slightly chaotic dive into fanficti...
Making the Most of Partnerships to Grow Your Audience
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie authors and content entrepreneurs can use partnerships and collaborations to grow their audience,...
7 Steps to Publishing Your Book
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren review how to publish your book in 7 steps! Check out these resources to help with each one: 💡 Step 1: Brainsto...
Paul's Pod: Your Guide to Taking Your Writing Habit to the Next Level
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, blog writer, and master of copy, Paul Hobday. Paul responds to episode #53, H...
Audiobooks 101 for Indie Authors & Creators
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Matt & Lauren debate the value and staying power of audiobooks, especially for indie authors. We take a look at market trends for ...
Build Your Own Book: Design Choices for Print Books
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the design options available for print books. We review the distinctions between trim sizes, binding types, ...
International Book Rights for Indie Authors
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren talk through what you need to know about licensing your book rights with foreign publishers. We debate the merit of...
How Does Selling Direct Actually Work?
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve mentioned, once or twice, the value of selling direct. But how does it actually work? In this episode, Lauren & Matt walk through the dire...
We Love Content Entrepreneur Events So Much, We Bought One!
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 2023, Lulu bought Content Entrepreneur Expo, an event for content creators and content entrepreneurs. In this episode, Matt & Lauren share an i...
Maximizing Your Chances of Discoverability in Generative AI Search
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt dig into what discoverability looks like in a world where generative AI is changing how readers find books online. ...
Turning Your Blog Into A Book
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re a food blogger, travel blogger, business blogger, lifestyle blogger, finance blogger, or any kind of blogger, you all have one thing ...
How Authors Can Use Long-Form Video to Build Their Brand
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of POD Pod, Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Education & Community Manager (and YouTube celebrity) Chelsea Bennett! Tune in for a conv...
How to Copyright the Copy That You Wrote
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren–who are definitely not lawyers–take on copyright law. We talk through what indie authors need to know about cop...
Extend Your Books’ Shelf Life with Backlist Book Marketing
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren and Matt are ready to inject new life into your backlist book titles. We share ideas for using your backlist to experiment wit...
Beyond the Algorithm: Relationship Marketing for Authors & Publishers [Live From London Book Fair]
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded Live from London Book Fair! In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore the value of relationship marketing (tailoring your efforts to connec...
Sustainability in Publishing: Reducing Waste One Print Book at a Time
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren take a critical look at wasteful practices in the publishing industry. We share insight into what it takes to becom...
Creating a Custom Book Business Using Lulu's Print API
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore Lulu’s open source Print API. Don’t know what an API is? We’ve got you covered. We also talk through ...
Book Publicity Simplified with Sarah Franklin
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren are joined by Sarah Franklin, Lulu’s Public Relations Manager and expert book publicist! Hear about book publicit...
Mastering Book Metadata to Maximize Market Reach
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt deep dive into book metadata and how it can better position your book in the market. Maximize your discoverability ...
Creative Ways to Use Print-On-Demand to Support Your Business
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore different ways print-on-demand technology can support your business. We share ideas for creating books for ...
How to Use a Preorder Campaign to Boost Your Book Launch
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt make a case for why every indie author should try using a preorder campaign to support their prelaunch marketing ef...
The Indie Author's Guide to Going Wide With Your Book Distribution
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren answer questions about moving your books from Amazon to other ecommerce solutions, including global distribution an...
How to Hit Your Perfect Pitch for Speaking Engagements
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt share tips for aspiring public speakers. We talk through presenting your best pitch to event organizers, targeting ...
Can Books Add Value to Your Business (Beyond Just Revenue)?
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren tell you why publishing a book can do more for your business than just adding a new revenue stream.. Learn how book...
How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually Sticks
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is this the year you’re finally going to publish that book? Or maybe you just want to write more than you did last year. In this episode Lauren &...
Did Indie Authors Publish and Prosper in 2024?
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Matt & Lauren recap some of the hottest topics and trends in the publishing industry from 2024, and make a few predictions for 202...
Finding Your Niche, Your Ideal Reader, and Your Target Audience
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lauren & Matt explore the journey to successful audience growth by finding your content niche, defining your ideal reader, and ide...
Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Self-Publishing
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren tackle some of the most common misconceptions about self-publishing. We debunk myths like: ❌ You won’t make an...
What Keeps Self-Published Books Off the New York Times Best-Seller Lists?
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss the New York Times Best Seller lists. Learn how the lists are decided, what disqualifies a book from being ...
What Does Taylor Swift Know About Book Publishing?
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren have a conversation about Taylor Swift’s upcoming book, talking through her decision to self-publish it, and what...
Metrics That Matter: A Guide for Authors & Creators
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt review the important metrics you need to be tracking to boost your book sales, grow your brand, and connect with a ...
How to Maximize ROI on In-Person Events
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren share tips for maximizing your return on investment when you attend a conference. We have our top picks for note-ta...
Ask Matt (and Lauren) Anything: Answering Your Questions
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s officially been one year of Publish & Prosper! Join Lauren & Matt for a special Ask Us Anything episode, where we take listener questio...
How to Repurpose Your Book (and Other Content) for Social Media
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren review the best ways to repurpose content for social media. They talk through reusing your existing social content,...
Make Your Self-Published Books Stand Out with Custom Details
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Custom and special edition books are more popular than ever - and more accessible than ever. In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie auth...
Should Self-Published Authors Use Beta Readers and Sensitivity Readers?
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren help you maximize your book’s potential with early readers like beta readers, sensitivity readers, and industry r...
How to Drive Book Sales Without Offering Discounts
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore creative ways to boost book sales! Learn how limited editions, bundles, personalized products, and more c...
Getting Your Bookstore Ready for the Holidays
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren tackle the upcoming holiday season. They’ll discuss best practices for getting your books ready, optimizing your ...
Pain Point Solutions for Your Ecommerce Store
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt tackle some common pain points entrepreneurs and ecommerce store owners struggle with. We’ll talk through solutio...
From Manuscript to Market: 5+ Tools to Help You Draft, Publish, and Sell Your Book
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Self-publishing might be a DIY publishing model, but there are plenty of tools and resources to help you get your book from manuscript to market. In t...
How to Get Your Book Into Indie Bookstores
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt review strategies for getting your self-published book into indie bookstores, including participating in consignmen...
The Indie Author’s Guide to Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt and Lauren take listeners on a journey through self-publishing and traditional publishing. We’ll look at where those paths ove...
Designing the Right Go-to-Market Strategy for Your Book
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt dive into what makes a successful go-to-market strategy for your book. Learn how to pick the right launch date and ...
Hooking New Readers With a Compelling Book Description
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren attempts to convince Matt (and the listeners) of the power of a well-written book description. Listen in to learn how to craft...
Books You Can Create Using Your Existing Content
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt share ideas for repurposing your existing content. Hint: it's by turning that content into a book. We share id...
5 Things to Know Before You Start Publishing
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren review five things you’ll need to know before you start on your publishing journey! We share insights about knowi...
Your 7-Step Guide to Building an Online Bookstore
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lauren & Matt talk through the 7 essential steps to building your own online bookstore. From choosing the right platform to launch...
Finding Your Place in Author & Reader Communities
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate the distinctions between author and reader communities, discuss the value of participating in either, and sh...
3 Steps to Prep for an Author Event (and What to Do When You’re There)
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt share their insights from attending dozens of author events to set you up for success. Hear tips for preparing sale...
In the Studio with Author Nation’s Joe Solari
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren is joined by Joe Solari, Managing Director of Author Nation, for our first-ever Publish & Prosper interview!Get excited fo...
Determining the Right Retail Price for Your Book
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a fine line to balance when you’re setting the retail price for your book! Too high, and you might discourage potential new readers. Too l...
Do Book Reviews Help You Sell More Books?
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As authors, writers, and creative types, it’s easy to get caught up in the perceived importance of customer reviews. But do those reviews actually h...
Author Branding 101: Building a Brand Beyond Your Books
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore author brands. Listen now to discover the power of your author identity, why it is so important, and how to...
How to Turn Your Casual Fans into Super Fans
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Super fans! We know them, we love them, we want them for our own. But how do you turn your casual fans into loyal, dedicated super fans? In this episo...
How to Survive (and Thrive) at Conferences and Events
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren share their favorite survival tips for attending author and creator conferences! From packing essential supplies to...
Using Customer Data to Grow Your Business
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss the most valuable tool in any creator’s arsenal: customer data. Whether you’re tracking book sales and ...
Cover to Cover: Getting Your Book Design Right
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Lauren & Matt take a look at best practices for book design. We’ll review key design elements that often get overlooked on book...
Do You Need to Hire Professional Editors for Your Book?
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Matt & Lauren take a look at the different types of editing your manuscript might need, debate which ones they think are most valu...
Crowdfunding Your Self-Published Book With Kickstarter
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Lauren & Matt discuss the whys and hows of using Kickstarter to crowdfund your book. Learn why we think Kickstarter is a great opt...
How Writers Can Harness the Power of AI
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Matt & Lauren take another look at generative AI and how it can be a powerful tool to help authors and content creators. Hear som...
An Inside Look at London Book Fair 2024
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt & Lauren recap their time at London Book Fair 2024, one of the biggest publishing conferences in the world. Get the lowdown on hot topics fro...