Reading Time: 2 minutes https://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14740109-the-virtual-voice-revolution-redefining-audiobooks-with-ai.mp3 Join us in this week’s episode as we dive deep into the latest innovation from Amazon: the Virtual Voice. Imagine a world where authors can effortlessly transform their written words into captivating audiobooks using artificial intelligence. It’s a game-changer for indie authors, but what does it mean for the future of storytelling and the traditional audiobook industry? In our discussion, we explore the rapid proliferation of AI software and Amazon’s strategic move ..read more

Reading Time: 4 minutes Book awards and contests can be a great way to give your author brand a boost if you’re self-publishing a book. If you’ve never considered participating in a book award or contest, I hope this podcast recap will intrigue you enough to consider it. It’s a great book marketing enhancement and a great way to give your book a leg-up in a cluttered market! Why We Love Book Awards and Contests Book awards offer recognition for your hard work, especially when self-publishing a book and developing an author brand. They do this in the form of blurbs or mentions and often things ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes https://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14639821-navigating-the-climb-pitfalls-for-authors-eyeing-the-summit.mp3 In this episode, we take a peek behind the curtain and dive into the sometimes harsh realities of the book publishing world, shedding light on the obstacles that can slow an author’s rise to the top – and sharing insights on how to avoid them. While we love authors who dream big, keeping expectations in check is essential. Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a bummer episode but rather a discussion of actionable things authors can do to avoid wasting precious time and reso ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minute https://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14639748-navigating-the-media-landscape-and-how-to-get-your-book-the-attention-it-deserves.mp3 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 not you’re right for a big media outlet.  We kick off by addressing a common misconception – that success in media equals instant fame or a bestselling book. We’ll discuss the importance of finding your niche and leveraging various platforms to reach your target audience effectively. But who ex ..read more

Reading Time: 9 minutes In my 23 years in business, book publicity has changed a lot – but in recent years it’s really seen a shift both in what we do to get our books out there, and how we execute book marketing campaigns. First, the bad news: there are approximately 3 million books published each year in this country. Now, the good news: you can still get your book noticed. The reality is this, 90-99% of the books published each year are never going to get noticed. They’ll sit on Amazon with one or two reviews and eventually, sadly, sink to the bottom. This happens for a variety of reasons ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes https://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14498331-memoir-vs-self-help-choosing-the-right-genre-for-your-book.mp3 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.  While storytelling and imparting wisdom often go hand in hand, understanding the nuances between these genres is essential for maximizing the impact and success of your book. Too often, authors find themselves straddling the line between memoir and self-help, leading to confusion for both themselves and their r ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minute https://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14498318-navigating-the-unexpected-what-authors-need-to-prepare-for.mp3 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 many authors aren't adequately prepared for but are crucial to their success. From the seemingly mundane task of reading contracts to the sobering realization that publishing is indeed a business, we explore the facets of authorship that can catch even the most seasoned writers off guard. We understand that delving ..read more

Reading Time: 8 minutes People often ask me: what are the best book marketing strategies? In other words: What sells the most books? The short answer is: No one thing sells books. It’s always a cumulative set of strategies that gets and keeps your book in front of the reader. The best book marketing strategies help authors build a robust online presence, consistently reach a larger audience, and increase book sales. So let’s dig into the top book marketing strategies every author should master! And yes, I get it – that’s often easier said than done – but that’s why I dedicate so much time to t ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes https://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14498304-the-power-of-author-education-why-it-can-save-you-money-and-help-you-succeed.mp3 In this episode, we delve into a crucial but often overlooked aspect of being an author: education in publishing. And we get it, it’s another thing to learn. But it’s crucial to your success and we’ll unpack why. But don’t worry, you don’t need a PhD in publishing to thrive. Join us as we explore why understanding the ins and outs of the industry can not only save you money but also significantly impact your success as a writer. From the ever-evolv ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minutehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/664939/14362559-screenplay-scams-exposed-important-warning-for-authors.mp3 Whether you're a seasoned author navigating the industry or an aspiring writer with dreams of seeing your work on the screen, this episode is a must-listen. Join us in uncovering the hidden dangers, understanding the deceptive tactics, and learning how to safeguard your literary creations from potential exploitation. Don't let the allure of TV and movie deals become a pitfall – empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate these waters wisely. FREE BONUS If you lea ..read more