How effective is your author website? In this week’s episode of Novel Marketing, I review the websites of top Christian Historical Romance authors, analyzing what they’re doing well and where they could improve. From SEO wins to missed opportunities, you’ll discover practical ways to enhance your own website. Find out:  What bestselling authors get right about website design  Common mistakes that could cost you readers and sales  Simple fixes to improve SEO, navigation, and revenue Listen in or read the blog version to explore strengths and weaknesses in website design and f ..read more

It’s 2025, and authors are at war over AI. Some are embracing it, others are retreating to bunkers, and a few think it’s just another passing fad. But amid all the controversy, most authors are missing out on the AI advantage that everyone can agree on: AI can help you market your books, which gives you more time to write.    Most of us became authors because we love writing, not because we love marketing. But what if AI could handle some of the heavy lifting for you? What if you could spend less time on book promotion and more time crafting stories?   In this week’s epis ..read more

Science fiction is changing, and so are its readers. The cultural landscape that shaped the last 40 years of sci-fi is shifting, including thoughts about wokeness, AI, WWIII, population, and more. If you're still writing about overused and cliched sci-fi themes, you're missing the mark. In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, we explore: Why climate-change narratives are losing their grip on sci-fi readers How population change can impact the next big sci-fi stories The new role of AI in the sci-fi genre How today's global conflicts hint at the future of war in sci-fi Understanding these ..read more

To indie publish or traditionally publish? That is the question. For years, indie publishing was seen as a fallback for authors who couldn’t land a traditional contract. But times have changed. Many indie authors now outsell and out-earn their traditionally published counterparts. And yet, while many traditionally published authors are switching to indie, it’s far less common to see a successful indie author sign with a major publisher. What would make an indie author turn down a traditional publishing deal? I spoke with Scott LaPierre, an author and conference speaker, to find out. In this we ..read more

If you’re thinking about writing a book series, you might want to reconsider, especially if you’re a new author. That’s not to say you should never write a series, but it can be a risky endeavor, and I can prove it with math. In this week’s episode, I break down why writing a series may limit your potential readership. You’ll learn: The four steps every reader must take for your sequel to sell well The math behind why sequels struggle to sell The hidden dangers of "battered reader syndrome" and how it affects new authors A pre-series strategy for new authors If you’ve ever wondered whether y ..read more

Have you ever set up a book table and stacked your books neatly, only to walk away with disappointing sales? You're not alone. But there is a better way to sell books from your book table at in-person events. In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, I sit down with Sarah Hickner, an expert in book table sales, to uncover: Common mistakes authors make at book tables (and how to avoid them) Simple tricks to draw readers in without feeling pushy How to use giveaways, bundles, and book covers to boost sales Why in-person events aren't just about selling books Whether you're an introvert or a s ..read more

Congrats on getting booked for a podcast interview! Whether you’re promoting your book or lead magnet, your audio quality on the podcast can make or break your credibility. In our latest episode, we share pro tips on: How to prepare for your interview (beyond just showing up) Microphone techniques that make you sound like a pro The gear you need (that doesn’t break the bank) What to do after the interview is done I’ve been podcasting since 2007, I’ve tested a lot of gear, and I’ve made some classic podcast blunders. This episode will help you avoid those mistakes, sound professional, and hav ..read more

Serialized fiction has been captivating readers for centuries, from nightly bedtime stories to Charles Dickens' Great Expectations to modern writers on platforms like Royal Road and Wattpad. In this episode, I interview bestselling author Seth Ring, who shares how serialized fiction helped him write 25+ books, build a dedicated fanbase, hone his craft, and achieve financial success. Discover: The benefits of writing serialized stories The key differences between Wattpad, Royal Road, and other serial writing platforms What serialized fiction means for the future of publishing Whether you’re c ..read more

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Many authors feel stuck. They're toiling away in obscurity, and none of their promotion efforts seem to go anywhere.Success in publishing is as much about who you know as what you know. And sometimes, the lack of knowing the right people keeps you from finding success.We still live in a world that's run by human people, and your connection to those humans will lead to your success. If the word networking makes you feel awkward, you need to change your mindset.Networking is about relationships.So, how do you network with other authors, influencers, industry professionals, and customers at the b ..read more