Send us a Text Message. 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 that coveted orange "bestseller" banner gracing their book covers, but how do you actually get it? And more importantly, is it always a guaranteed indicator of success? Join us as we delve into the truths and misconceptions surrounding the Amazon bestseller status. We'll discuss the criteria, the challenges, and the realities of achieving this elusive flag. We'll also reveal why you should be wary of anyone promisi ..read more

Send us a Text Message. 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 reorganizing. And you may have thought this doesn't matter to you - but it does.  This single development that holds significant implications for the entire writing community, so we're talking about the vital role organizations like RWA play in the literary world, from advocacy and support to networking and learning opportunities. Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcas ..read more

Send us a Text Message. 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't have time to waste on marketing efforts that don't produce results.  And social media is typically at the top of the list of time-wasters, at least when it comes to moving the needle on sales and reviews.  If you're ready to say goodbye to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, let's learn how to forge your success off of the social media hamster wheel!  Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BON ..read more

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we break down the recent announcement that Costco will no longer be carrying books in their warehouses—a decision with significant implications for authors. You may have heard this and thought it doesn't matter to you, but it does, and we'll unpack why.  We’ll also explore the discouraging trend of shrinking shelf space and delve into the reasons behind the dwindling presence of books in big box stores. Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for the podcast email info@amarketingexpert.com and we'll gi ..read more

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we tackle the challenging yet essential topic of recouping your book creation and marketing investment. Many authors face the harsh reality of under-planning and overspending during production, only to find themselves without the funds needed for aggressive marketing in an extremely competitive market. With 11,000 books being published every day, making a serious go at this requires a strategic approach.  Join us as we dive into the major issues that prevent authors from recovering their investments. We'll cover what you need to be aware of, how t ..read more

Send us a Text Message. In this exciting episode we're breaking away from traditional book marketing methods and exploring innovative, fun, and often easy-to-implement strategies to boost your book sales. If you're looking to make a splash in the literary world, don't miss this! We’ll delve into unique venues for book events and sales that go beyond the bookstore, discuss the benefits and tactics of selling books in bulk, and reveal a host of other creative ideas that can help you reach new audiences. Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now! FREE BONUS If you leave a review for t ..read more

Send us a Text Message. 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 authors who use Author Central, these changes are crucial to understand if you want to keep your book pages in top form.  Join us as we discuss how these updates can impact your book’s visibility and sales, and provide actionable tips to navigate the new system effectively. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is must-know information to help you stay ahead in the competitive world of p ..read more

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. Join us as we dissect the intricacies that can make or break an author's visibility and success on the world's largest online retail marketplace. From the complexities of incorporating titles like PhD to the impact of middle initials and even spacing, we explore how seemingly small details can have significant repercussions on your book's discoverability and sales potential. Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned pro, this episode is essenti ..read more

Are you marketing to the wrong audience? As authors, we often find ourselves inadvertently targeting the wrong demographic, because while the reader may be obvious, they're not always the individuals buying or recommending (or gifting) your book.  Join us as we unravel the complexities of audience targeting, uncover common pitfalls and offer practical strategies to ensure you're reaching the right audience for your work. From identifying your true buyers to navigating less obvious markets, we provide actionable insights to help you refine your marketing approach and connect with those w ..read more

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're a seasoned author or a newbie, you're going to want our tips and advice! We'll explore the strategies and tactics for identifying the ideal personalities to lend their credibility to your work and outline the dos and don'ts of making your pitch. We'll also tackle the pros and cons of delaying your book release in pursuit of coveted endorsements. Is patience truly a virtue, or is there merit in striking while the iron is hot? Let's make your boo ..read more