Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

The market doesn’t reward originality alone. It rewards clarity. Readers make buying decisions in seconds—and those seconds depend on signals: cover cues, category alignment, keyword precision, and a description that instantly communicates who the book is for. In this episode, we break down why following a proven framework isn’t creative compromise—it’s strategic positioning. A formula is not a box. It’s a blueprint. For fiction, that means honoring genre expectations and recognizable tropes so readers immediately understand the emotional experience you’re promising. For nonfiction, it means knowing exactly where your reader is on their journey—beginner, stuck mid-process, or advanced—and framing your title, subtitle, and opening lines accordingly. We also unpack: You’ll walk away with tactical action steps: You’re not copying creativity. You’re copying clarity—so your creativity can shine. If this episode reframes how you think about positioning, share it with an author who insists their book is “different.” Then subscribe and leave a review telling us what shift made you rethink your book page. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

Most authors don’t have an ad problem. They have a patience problem. If you’ve ever stared at your Amazon dashboard 48 hours after launch and declared your campaign a disaster, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down the 7-Day Amazon Ads Sanity Check — a structured, data-driven framework that keeps you from sabotaging campaigns before the algorithm has time to work. You’ll learn what the learning phase actually means, which numbers matter in week one, and why obsessing over ACOS too early can send you in the wrong direction. We walk through: We also tackle one of the biggest myths in indie publishing: that ads can rescue a misaligned book. They can’t. Ads amplify what already exists. If your positioning is weak, ads simply expose it faster. Instead of daily bid tinkering that resets learning, we outline a calm weekly review process, smart bid adjustments, portfolio caps that protect your budget, and the small one-percent improvements to your retail page that compound over time. If you’re ready to replace dashboard doom-scrolling with disciplined strategy — and finally let your ads work 24/7 without emotional interference — this episode gives you the framework. Subscribe for more author-first marketing strategies, share this with a writer who needs ad clarity, and leave a review telling us one takeaway you’ll apply this week. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

Getting book reviews shouldn’t feel exhausting, awkward, or ethically murky. Yet many authors are stuck chasing influencers, sending endless cold emails, or quietly wondering why all that effort isn’t translating into real momentum. In this episode, we break down a smarter, sustainable system for landing reviews that actually matter—the kind that build trust with readers, strengthen your Amazon presence, and keep working long after the outreach is done. We start by resetting expectations around response rates and silence (because “no reply” isn’t failure). Then we show you where the real wins happen: micro and mid-tier reviewers, genre-aligned blogs, and community-driven creators who consistently outperform flashy, high-follower accounts. You’ll learn why long-tail review coverage is one of the most overlooked visibility tools authors have—and how stacking multiple mid-level yeses creates the social proof needed to move the needle. From there, we get practical. We walk through the anatomy of a sub-200-word pitch that leads with fit, not favors; the small personalization signals that prove you’ve done your homework; and the mindset shift that changes everything: your dream doesn’t obligate someone else’s labor. That respect shows up in better responses—and better relationships. We also cover smart follow-up strategies that add value instead of pressure, how to tailor your outreach for blogs, podcasts, and social platforms, and how to know when it’s time to outsource reviewer outreach so you can focus on writing instead of inbox triage. If you want a steady cadence of credible reviews, stronger keyword visibility, and a review strategy built on trust—not desperation—this episode gives you the framework to do it right. Subscribe, share this with an author friend, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want us to tackle next. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

Want more readers who buy, finish, and recommend your books? It starts with one thing most authors underestimate: keeping the promise your brand makes. In this episode, we break down the real driver of sustainable author growth—reader trust—and why clear genre signals, accurate positioning, and consistent delivery outperform hype every time. We begin with expectation alignment: how your cover, subtitle, and book description create an instant promise in a shopper’s mind. When the vibe is off—or the opening pages don’t match the pitch—clicks disappear and reviews quietly signal the disconnect with phrases like “not what I expected.” We show you how to read those reviews as marketing intelligence, spotting language patterns that reveal whether your tone, pacing, tropes, and emotional promise are landing as intended. From there, we tackle consistency: unified series branding, predictable communication, and an author website that speaks clearly to your ideal reader, not just your aesthetic preferences. We also call out overhyped copy and vague clichés—why words like “unputdownable” often dilute your positioning, and how to replace them with specific, sensory hooks that only fit your book. You’ll learn how to create a simple Reader Expectation Statement—an internal compass that guides your covers, copy, and content decisions. We also use Amazon ads as a practical gut check: when relevant targets don’t click, the issue is often misaligned packaging, not bad keywords. The fix is usually small and strategic—tightening your first three blurb lines, adjusting your cover to match top comps, or refining subtitle language—rather than a full rebrand. Throughout, the focus stays on retention. Repeat readers are easier to reach, faster to convert, and the true engine behind word-of-mouth growth. When you treat readers like partners—showing up with clarity, respect, and consistency—you build a brand they trust and return to. If you’re ready to trade noise for loyalty, and quick hacks for durable growth, this conversation gives you a clear path forward. If this helped, follow the show, share it with an author friend, and leave a quick re 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

A brand that doesn’t line up is a silent sales killer. We dig into why readers make snap judgments in under a second, how confusion and inconsistency create friction, and the small, practical moves that turn browsers into buyers. Think of branding as a trust filter: the clearer your patterns, the faster the “yes.” We start with the highest leverage fix—your bio. Using a simple four-line framework, we show how to match voice to genre, humanize your profile, and direct readers to a next step. From there, we tackle a deceptively powerful change: one clear, current photo everywhere. In a world of spammy accounts and AI noise, visual consistency signals “this is real,” boosting recognition and engagement across Amazon, your site, newsletters, and social. Then we sharpen your book description so it stops burying the lead. Open with the promise and stakes, align tone to category, and mirror the best version across your retail page and website. We move into visual cohesion with a lightweight (and easy to implement) brand kit. You’ll hear why evergreen banners can save you work, how to align promo assets to the book’s typography, and what makes a series instantly recognizable at thumbnail size. Finally, we unlock Amazon Author Central’s underused fields—From the Author, From the Inside Flap, and more—to deepen connection and feed the algorithm with relevant, brand-aligned copy. Overwhelmed? Use our 1% rule: make one improvement per week. Update the bio, unify the photo, polish the hook, build the brand kit. These small, steady steps compound into trust, discoverability, and sales. If this helped, subscribe, share with an author friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us the first 1% change you’ll make, and text “podcast” to 888-402-8940 with your questions and ideas. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

Feeling like every promo is uphill? We unpack why marketing stalls when a book is presented to the wrong readers — and how smart positioning turns traffic into sales. Penny and Amy break down the signals that shape buying decisions in under five seconds: category choices, keywords that actually guide Amazon, cover conventions that telegraph sub-genre, and hooks that speak to what readers want right now. We share real-world shifts that changed outcomes fast, including a romance that soared after moving from an overly spicy label to a truer contemporary slot and a mystery that found its people by swapping “cozy” for “amateur sleuth.” You’ll hear how to diagnose a mismatch when ads get clicks but no buys, why “too unique” covers quietly repel your ideal audience, and how to use reviews as free market research to refine your description and promise. This conversation is a roadmap for authors who want to sell more without burning everything down. You’ll learn to niche with confidence, align title and subtitle with retail reality, refresh descriptions with language readers already use, and adopt the 1% rule: small, targeted improvements that compound. If you’ve been trying to reach everyone, it’s time to reach the right ones. Ready to fix the foundation and stop wasting ad spend? Listen now, then text podcast to 888-402-8940 to share your positioning challenge, subscribe for upcoming deep dives, and leave a review to help more authors find this show. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

Want a simple, concrete way to sell more books on Amazon? We’re taking you inside A+ Content—the image modules beneath your description—and showing how smart visuals, tight copy, and brand consistency can raise conversions, reduce returns, and make your page feel like a pro built it. Together we map the shopper’s journey down the page: how the cover earns the scroll, how A+ tiles anchor expectations, and how crisp visuals plus one-line hooks close the gap between browsing and buying. We share real numbers from Amazon (yes, A+ content can help you sell more books!). You’ll learn the most common mistakes, the right way to quote reviews, and why fewer, stronger modules beat filling every slot. We also cover the nuts and bolts of access—KDP’s Marketing tab for indie authors, and how to coordinate with your publisher if they control the page. For series authors, we explain how to showcase world-building and covers without turning your tiles into a tech spec sheet. Finally, we tackle a listener question: should you use an author photo or a brand logo on your Amazon Author Page? We weigh trust signals, genre expectations, and when a logo makes sense for pen names or corporate-facing nonfiction. If you’re ready to turn your Amazon detail page into a conversion engine, this walkthrough gives you the blueprint. Subscribe, share with an author friend, and leave a quick review telling us the one A+ change you’ll make this week. And here is the article on the KDP changes we mentioned at the start of the call: https://www.ibpa-online.org/news/717526/Amazons-2026-eBook-Download-Update-A-Reader-First-Change-that-Publishers-Should-Understand.htm 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

You can run ads, post daily, and grind all week—and still watch your book stall. The missing piece isn’t more hustle. It’s positioning. We pull back the curtain on the quiet issues that throttle sales! We start with the most common and costly mistake: treating categories like identity badges rather than traffic lanes. Amazon’s ecosystem pattern-matches behavior, so a miscategorized book gets shown to the wrong readers, earns letdown reviews, and falls into a negative feedback loop. From cozy mysteries that aren’t actually cozy to memoirs that read like prescriptive nonfiction, we show how small misalignments ripple into poor conversion and expensive clicks. Then we reframe the hook as the reason to care, not a plot dump. If a reader can’t repeat your promise in one sentence, they won’t buy it and they won’t recommend it. We share practical ways to surface stakes, transformation, and genre signals at the top of your retail page. We also tackle covers: why “unique” can backfire, how milliseconds decide “for me or not for me,” and what it means to fit your shelf without blending into noise. Finally, we rebuild the description around a scannable promise and reader outcomes, and we tighten keywords to match how real readers search. Walk away with a priority checklist: verify category and subgenre, pressure-test your cover against top sellers, craft a repeatable one-sentence hook, rewrite your description to promise value, and align keywords with market language. We’ve also added a quick alignment test in the show notes to help you spot gaps. If you’re ready to turn attention into sales and let the right readers find you, this conversation gives you the exact steps to get there. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and text the word podcast to 888-402-8940 to share your questions or ideas. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 that helps you diagnose why a launch spikes and stalls, why great reviews don’t always translate to revenue, and how small, targeted changes deliver outsized gains. If you’ve ever felt busy but not better off, this conversation will give you focus, language, and a step-by-step path to momentum. We walk through five core signals: reader response, visibility and impressions, conversions, retention and backlist behavior, and consistent author activity. You’ll learn how review language outperforms star counts, why keywords and categories must be chosen for buyer psychology rather than author preference, and how to hit a healthy 5–10% product-page conversion rate. We share practical fixes—leading with social proof, tightening hooks, clarifying payoff, aligning covers with genre codes—and explain why a 1–2% conversion lift can transform ad ROI. We also address the hidden costs of high click-through rates without purchases and how platforms penalize poor relevance. For multi-book authors, we dig into retention: series branding that reads at a glance, back-of-book letters that tell readers what to do next, and content that nurtures your list between releases. Throughout, we make the case for consistent, strategic repetition over random hustle, showing how fewer tactics executed well outperform constant, scattershot activity. The result is a calmer plan that compounds: fewer vanity metrics, more signals that correlate with real sales. If this episode helps you refocus your marketing, share it with an author friend, subscribe for the January series, and leave a quick review. Want to send us ideas or questions? Text the word podcast to 888-402-8940 and chat with us directly. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 input, we're changing up our podcast to serve YOU even better! Ready to stop guessing your next marketing move and start stacking real wins? We’re sharing a flexible monthly roadmap that pairs structure with freedom, so you can either follow along from January to December or drop into the exact topics you need right now. Each theme stands on its own yet builds momentum toward the moments that matter most—like hitting holiday sales without the last-minute scramble. We break down how seasonal timing naturally supports author goals: fresh starts in January for planning and positioning, spring cleanups for visibility, midyear platform tune-ups, and fall strategies for peak buying behavior. Along the way, we commit to clarity you can trust. You’ll also get updated takes on evergreen essentials—think Amazon optimization, category strategy, keywords, pricing psychology, and retail page conversion—because what worked five years ago likely won’t move the needle today. Our approach is reader-first and action-driven. Whether you’re drafting, revising, or heading into launch, the focus is on consumer experience: how readers discover your book, feel confident in it, and decide to buy. We’re doubling down on 30-minute episodes packed with practical steps you can apply the same day, so learning turns into measurable progress. And because your input sharpens our aim, we’re keeping the listener survey open to steer topics that deliver the highest impact for your brand and your genre. If you’re ready for a smarter year—clear priorities, timely updates, and no fluff—this roadmap is your guide. Hit follow, share this with an author friend who needs structure without rigidity, and leave a quick review to tell us the next topic you want prioritized. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 revisit one standout episode they couldn’t stop thinking about — not just because listeners loved them, but because they perfectly captured what authors struggled with (and grew through) all year. This isn’t a nostalgia episode. It’s a clarity episode. Both picks reflect the themes we’ve seen again and again in consultations, campaigns, and real author careers: realistic expectations, better positioning, clearer messaging, and the foundational work that separates steady progress from constant frustration. And yes — full episode links are in the show notes, because we fully support holiday re-listens while politely avoiding family conversations. 🎙 Amy’s Pick: What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success This episode struck a nerve because it told the truth about debut books — without crushing optimism. We revisit: New bonus takeaways include: 90-Day Reality WindowIt’s a reality check — but somehow still feels like a hug. 🎙 Penny’s Pick: Hook, Line, Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch If there’s one skill authors underestimate, it’s this one. In this segment, we revisit why a strong elevator pitch isn’t just for media or conferences — it’s a universal tool that impacts: We break down why great pitches are specific, not vague, and why clarity always outperforms cleverness. New bonus takeaways include: 5-Second Scan RuleSend 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 cheaper: find your shelf, define your reader, and deliver the payoff your genre promises. Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on what actually drives sales velocity for authors—clear positioning, focused targeting, and small, high-impact pivots that align your book with how readers shop. We start by grounding your work with “shelf neighbors,” those three to five titles your ideal readers already love. From there, we build a one-sentence reader statement that communicates value at a glance and respects genre expectations. You’ll hear how a smart subgenre pivot turned a stalled romance into a winner, why “my book is for everyone” is the most expensive mistake in publishing, and how to turn your unique elements into crisp marketing hooks that get clicks, not shrugs. For nonfiction writers, we dig into articulating outcome-driven benefits that media and influencers can immediately pass on to their audiences. For fiction authors, we show how to pair familiarity with freshness—a recognizable promise with a distinct twist—using comps that do the heavy lifting on retail pages, ads, and pitches. Throughout, we emphasize that marketing can sharpen and amplify, but it can’t invent a market where none exists. That’s liberating: focus on fit first, then flourish with confident messaging, right-sized keywords, and cover cues that signal the right story to the right people. Ready to stop guessing and start gaining traction? Listen now, craft your one-sentence reader statement, and text us your top targeting question. If this episode helps you refocus your book’s positioning, share it with an author friend, subscribe for more practical strategies, and leave a quick review so we can reach more writers who need it. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 marketing on a foundation that actually moves books. Because book marketing burnout is real—and if you’ve been feeling stretched thin by ads, social media, newsletters, and endless promotion tasks, this episode is your reset. In this week’s Book Marketing Tips & Author Success Podcast, Penny and Amy break down what sustainable book marketing really looks like and how authors can simplify their efforts while improving results. You’ll learn why focusing on long-term assets—like your Amazon retail page, your newsletter, reader relationships, and a clean author website—outperforms chasing every new trend or algorithm shift. We also dig into practical fixes for author burnout: reducing social media overload, tightening your PR strategy, and creating evergreen newsletter templates you can reuse year-round. Whether you’re an indie, hybrid, or traditionally published author, this episode delivers smart, sustainable strategies you can maintain—and that actually sell books. The heart of this conversation is sustainable marketing. We walk through the assets you control and that work 24/7: a clean, on-brand website; an optimized Amazon page with compelling description, keywords, and A+ Content; and a subscriber list you nurture with useful, human updates. We highlight local wins you can drive—libraries, bookstores, festivals—and the power of genuine thank-yous to reviewers and influencers. Finally, we share a quarterly audit routine to decide what to cut, what to keep, and which single experiment is worth testing next, so your effort compounds instead of scattering. If you want clarity, fewer moving parts, and a plan you can actually maintain, this one’s for you. Subscribe for new episodes every Friday, text podcast to 888-402-8940 to share your questions, and if you found this helpful, leave a quick review to help other authors find us. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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, interview, and Zoom window shapes your story. Instead of waiting for a big break, we walk through how to create your own opportunities, refine your message, and show up with the kind of presence that builds trust with readers, influencers, and journalists. We start with the most powerful tool you can own: a reader sound bite. We break down what to include, how to make it sound natural, and why it’s your best defense against rambling or getting lost in the weeds. From there, we move into authenticity that isn’t sloppy: smart video setups, tight Zoom etiquette, and bringing real energy to camera. We also unpack the mindset shifts that keep you steady under pressure. Negative comments? Bad reviews? Tough questions? Bridge back to your message with composure and clarity. If you’re ready to treat everything as media and make every touchpoint count, this conversation will give you the tools and confidence to show up prepared, polished, and unmistakably you. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with an author friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 hidden cost of expectation-driven marketing and show how to swap emotional gambling for a strategy that compounds. From launch-day myths to social comparison traps, we unpack the subtle ways authors derail progress and offer a practical reset rooted in consistency, curiosity, and clear execution. We start by challenging the instant gratification mindset that indie publishing can unintentionally fuel. Launch day is just 24 hours; real traction is cumulative. You’ll hear how to ground your plan in what you can control. We walk through why sequencing matters. Mindset shifts take center stage: detaching through curiosity, treating no and silence as data, and limiting comparison triggers from author groups and glossy posts without receipts. We break down micro wins that actually move the needle and explain why both fiction and nonfiction sales hinge on timing and intent. If you’re ready to trade rush for rhythm, this conversation gives you concrete steps and the mental framework to stay committed. Subscribe, share this with an author friend who needs a reset, and leave a review to tell us the one expectation you’re letting go of this week. 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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...

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 stand out with signals that only humans can create—engaging pages, authentic reviews, meaningful off-site links, and a living brand that shows up beyond the buy button. We start with the quick wins you can tackle today. Then we raise the ceiling with strategies that compound over time. You’ll hear why external links matter more than ever, and creative ways to place them. From there, we explore community and collaboration. We also demystify Amazon ads: how to target with intent, and why ads rarely convert on first click. If you want a roadmap that respects your time and boosts your odds in a crowded marketplace, this one’s packed with practical steps you can implement this week and habits that will pay off at your next launch. Subscribe, share with a writer friend, and leave a review to help more authors find these strategies. Which tactic will you try first? Send us your feedback! 📱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:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

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 things off with Frankenstein’s platform, that stitched‑together mess of tactics that feels productive but burns time and cash. From there, we pull back the curtain on werewolf branding. We also drive a stake through the vampire vanity press. Predatory packages can lock you out of key levers and lock you into a bad publisher. Then we unwrap the mummy mailing list. A cold, unused list is wasted gold. We close with a practical mindset for trolls and negative reviews: fix what’s fixable, ignore what’s not your market, and keep serving the people who show up for your work. If you’re ready to trade chaos for consistency, protect your rights, and turn seasonal scares into steady growth, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with an author friend who needs a boost, and leave a quick review to help more writers find the show. Your support helps us keep the lights on—and the monsters out. Send us your feedback! 📱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! Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

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 opening. We break down the art and strategy of creative mailers and author swag that make reviewers, influencers, and readers pay attention, share photos, and prioritize your book. We start with the first impression: simple upgrades like colored bubble mailers, clever on-theme stickers, or parchment-style wraps that create instant curiosity without custom-box budgets. Then we get practical about what goes inside. You’ll hear how consumables turn a pitch into a memorable experience, and why handwritten notes still win in a digital age. Not everyone wants print, and that’s okay. We share a hybrid approach, too. We also profile three investment tiers: Budget ideas, mid-range boosters, and deluxe - when you really want to get creative! Beyond the book, we show how to reflect your author identity and causes you care about so your package feels human, not corporate. You’ll walk away with a sourcing list (printers, Etsy makers), a QR strategy that routes to a clean landing page with buy links and bonus content, and a checklist to keep shipping costs low and breakage near zero. Ready to turn your next book review request into an experience people keep and share? Be sure to tune in! Subscribe, text us your favorite swag ideas at 888-402-8940, and leave a quick review to help more authors find the show. Send us your feedback! 📱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! Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

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 your author career. Instead of chasing daily sales blips, we focus on the data you can influence: podcast bookings, media hits, website traffic spikes, newsletter clicks, and the kind of social engagement that signals real interest. Along the way, we share how to build a simple marketing journal that captures what you did, when you did it, and what happened next, so you can repeat what works and ditch what doesn’t. We also get honest about the myths that drain energy. Amazon rankings are noisy; follower counts can be hollow; daily review checks erode morale. The better path is tracking visibility and engagement that compounds: comments and shares over likes, replies and click‑throughs over opens alone, and local wins that build trust fast. We dive into practical ways to use Google Analytics to spot post‑placement traffic, test subject lines that drive action, and turn lead magnets and bonus content into measurable signals. Plus, Goodreads strategies and why targeted communities often outperform broad blasts. If you’ve ever asked, “Am I doing the right things?” this conversation offers a roadmap. Sales will come—on their schedule—not because of one big splash, but because your visibility stacked up over time. Want to shape future topics or get tailored advice? Text the word podcast to 888-402-8940 to subscribe and send your questions. If this helped, follow the show, share it with an author friend, and leave an honest review—we’re pushing for 100 and cheering you on. Send us your feedback! 📱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 occasional announcements when we release really time-sensitive episodes. And don't forget to save our number! Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show:+ Follow↓Locate Ratings & Reviews:Rate the podcast:Write your review:Save: Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.