When Amazon quietly shifted from its A9 to A10 algorithm in May, many authors felt panic rising. Would their books suddenly disappear from search results? Would years of keyword optimization become obsolete overnight? The good news is that if you've been focusing on quality and reader experience all along, you're already aligned with Amazon's new direction.

Amazon is increasingly behaving like Google—prioritizing relevancy, quality content, and authentic engagement over keyword manipulation. This makes perfect sense when you consider Amazon's fundamental nature as a search engine that profits from purchases rather than just clicks. What matters now more than ever is creating a cohesive author presence that extends beyond Amazon itself.

In this episode Penny and Amy unpack every element of this new algorithm change, giving insightful guidance and debunking myths that are circulating in the industry. 

Join us as we dive deep in the mysteries of getting more visibility for your book on Amazon!

Ready to optimize your Amazon presence? Pre-order our new book "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" today and get entered into our contest for Amazon Page Power-Up packages! Subscribe to our podcast for weekly insights that will help you navigate the ever-changing world of book marketing and publishing success.

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Imagine reaching a million potential readers without spending a dime on advertising or having a massive social media following. This episode unveils one of publishing's best-kept secrets: Reddit AMAs (Ask Me Anything) as a powerful tool for authors at any career stage.

Penny and Amy explore how Reddit's unique culture offers authors something increasingly rare in today's marketing landscape—a platform where success depends on being genuinely interesting rather than famous or promotional. Unlike traditional social media where your reach is limited by follower count, Reddit allows anyone with compelling content to potentially reach millions of engaged users who actively seek out interesting conversations.

The hosts break down exactly how to approach Reddit moderators, craft attention-grabbing AMA titles, and execute an event that drives real interest in your book without overtly promoting it. They share real examples, including an author whose AMA about Edgar Allan Poe predicting the Titanic disaster generated massive engagement, demonstrating how the right framing can capture widespread attention.

Tune in for this not-to-be-missed episode!

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In this game-changing episode, we reveal the secrets that turn ho-hum author book signings into unforgettable experiences.

Discover why the classic author signing model is broken—and how to fix it. We dive deep into proven strategies for pitching bookstores and other venues, creating irresistible event formats, and building connections that keep readers coming back for more. Whether you write thrillers, romance, or nonfiction, you’ll learn how to captivate readers, collect emails, and even secure local media coverage.

This isn’t just about selling books on the day. It’s about creating a ripple effect of opportunities, from retail partnerships to reader loyalty. With real stories of authors who turned quiet signings into packed events—including one unforgettable rain-soaked rescue—this episode gives you everything you need to master events that drive future sales.

Ready to turn your next author book signing into a packed house? Listen now and discover how.

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Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

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Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on a heartbreaking scam targeting authors—promising dream book deals that quickly turn into financial nightmares. We explore how scammers craft elaborate schemes that seem too good to be true, preying on authors' hopes with promises of massive book orders, media coverage, and exclusive events. But beneath the glossy promises lie red flags: upfront fees, lack of formal contracts, and guarantees that no legitimate publicist would ever make.

Join us as we dissect the common tactics used in these scams, reveal the emotional and financial devastation they cause, and share practical strategies to protect yourself. We also clarify what real author opportunities look like—so you can confidently spot the difference between a genuine offer and a deceptive ploy. Whether you're a new author or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex world of publishing.

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Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

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Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

Your older books aren't outdated—they're untapped potential. In this episode, we explore how a strategic refresh can breathe new life into your backlist and help you recapture reader interest. From updating covers and content to rethinking your positioning and marketing assets, we’ll show you how to treat every previously published title as a fresh opportunity.

Whether you’ve got one backlist title or a dozen, this episode reveals how to apply what you’ve learned since those books launched and make them work harder for your author brand. You'll get practical ideas, easy wins, and creative inspiration to turn yesterday’s releases into today’s bestsellers.

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Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

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Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

The elusive goal of media coverage keeps many authors awake at night, dreaming of that big break on national television or in major publications. But what if everything you thought about securing media attention was based on misconceptions? 

In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on what really matters to media gatekeepers and why so many authors sabotage their chances before they even make their first pitch. The hard truth? Media outlets don't exist to promote your book—they exist to serve their audience. Your success hinges on how well you position yourself as valuable to that audience.

We reveal why local media opportunities might be your most powerful pathway to national attention, and why turning down "small" media appearances could be the biggest mistake in your marketing strategy. You'll learn how national scouts constantly monitor local channels for fresh voices and compelling stories, often making local coverage your best audition for bigger opportunities.

The episode offers practical guidance on crafting a pitch that resonates with producers, staying current in your knowledge base, building a professional online presence, and leveraging every media win to create momentum. We share real examples of authors who climbed the media ladder strategically, turning modest beginnings into significant visibility.

Whether you're just starting your publicity journey or have been frustrated by lack of media interest, this episode provides the framework to transform your approach. The path to media coverage isn't about lucky breaks—it's about strategic positioning, consistent effort, and understanding the media landscape from the inside out. 

Ready to position yourself as the expert that media outlets actually want to feature? Listen now and discover how to build the platform that makes media come to you.

Send us your feedback!

Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

Book bundling represents an untapped opportunity for authors seeking to revitalize their backlist, attract new readers, and generate fresh marketing momentum. This strategic approach – combining multiple books into a single e-book package – offers benefits far beyond simply grouping titles together.

Originally popularized by romance authors who packaged multiple books into value-driven collections, book bundling has evolved into a sophisticated marketing tool applicable across genres. When you bundle your books, you're essentially creating a new product that deserves its own promotional campaign, giving you permission to approach marketing with renewed enthusiasm rather than feeling like you're pushing the same titles year after year.

The timing for implementing a bundling strategy couldn't be better. After an initial surge where "every single book on Amazon was bundled," the approach has become less ubiquitous, making well-executed bundles more likely to stand out. This creates an opportunity for authors willing to be strategic about their bundling decisions.

For fiction writers, options include series bundles (books 1-2 as a new book 4 releases), connected standalones (books sharing characters or universe), and short story/novella collections that offer low-commitment entry points to your writing. Nonfiction authors can create topic-based collections or seasonal/themed groupings that address complementary aspects of readers' interests.

The technical aspects are straightforward – existing EPUB files can be combined without redesigning interiors, though you'll want a fresh cover that effectively communicates the bundle's value. Pricing strategy deserves careful consideration; while deeply discounted bundles might drive immediate sales, they often fail to create engaged readers invested in your work.

Ready to breathe new life into your backlist? Consider how bundling might create a second chance at a first impression with readers who missed your earlier work. We'd love to hear your experiences with book bundling – subscribe and leave a review to join the conversation!

Send us your feedback!

Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

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Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

When authors dream of book marketing success, they often fixate on bestseller campaigns, major media appearances, and viral social media moments. But what if these splashy strategies are actually built on something far less glamorous yet infinitely more important?

Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the unsexy side of book marketing – the foundational elements that truly drive long-term success. Through real-world examples and candid insights, they reveal why authors who chase high-level strategies while neglecting their foundation often find themselves disappointed with results, regardless of their marketing budget.

One author with a solid email list generated 7,000 reviews within 48 hours of publication, while others with significant marketing investments struggle to gain traction. The difference? A strategic approach to foundational marketing elements like optimized Amazon retail pages, professional author websites, consistent email communication, and deliberate review acquisition strategies.

"It's like inviting people to a party that you forgot to attend," Penny explains when discussing abandoned social media accounts still linked from author websites – just one example of how overlooked details undermine reader trust. The hosts debunk common misconceptions about what marketing "counts," emphasizing that buyer psychology and retail optimization are not secondary concerns but rather the bedrock of effective book promotion.

For both fiction and nonfiction authors, this episode delivers actionable insights on building a marketing foundation that supports your long-term author career rather than chasing quick fixes. Whether you're preparing for launch or wondering why your current marketing isn't delivering results, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters in connecting with readers.

Ready to stop building your marketing house on sand? Subscribe to the podcast, share your thoughts, or suggest future topics through our website – we love hearing from our listeners!

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Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

Have you ever judged a book by its title? Most readers do. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the surprisingly overlooked aspect of book marketing that could be silently sabotaging your sales: your book title.

Drawing from years of marketing experience, the hosts break down the three critical mistakes authors make when naming their books. First, they examine titles that lack clarity or are difficult to pronounce, revealing how authors often "bury the lead" by creating mysteriously worded titles that confuse rather than intrigue potential readers. Fiction writers take note – even complex character names can pull readers out of your carefully crafted world.

The discussion then shifts to the dangers of generic titles, with Amy explaining how Amazon's search algorithm works against new books with common titles. "If you type 'Good Things' into Amazon," Penny demonstrates, "you'll get crackers, children's books, and 25+ pages of other products." This real-time search experiment highlights why specificity matters in a crowded marketplace.

Perhaps most compelling is their analysis of titles that only make sense to the author – a trap particularly common with memoirs and personal stories. Both hosts acknowledge the emotional attachment writers develop to their original titles, with Penny sharing a coaching session where it took nearly an hour to convince a business author to abandon his ineffective title choice.

Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, traditionally publishing or self-publishing, this episode offers practical strategies to ensure your title works as hard as you do. After all, as Amy points out, "If readers are consistently confused about what your book delivers based on its title, that's a significant red flag." The good news? Unlike many publishing decisions, titles can be changed – and sometimes, that one adjustment makes all the difference.

Send us your feedback!

Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

FREE BONUS

Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].

Ever feel like you're banging your head against a wall trying to get your Amazon ads approved? You're not alone. When a mystery thriller author's cover featuring a bloody knife was rejected because it looked "too menacing" and appeared to be "pointing at the consumer," we knew we had to address this frustration head-on.

The absurdity reaches new heights when you discover Amazon approved the print version with the identical cover but rejected the ebook ads. This is just one example of Amazon's maddening inconsistency across its various platforms and departments. While the ads team remains vague and often contradictory, other Amazon departments like A-plus content provide clear, specific feedback. Romance authors face similar arbitrary judgments about how much skin is acceptable on covers, with guidelines that seem to shift without warning.

Our battle-tested advice? Channel your inner toddler. Be persistent, submit multiple support tickets, provide examples of similar approved books, and don't take the first "no" as final. We've seen countless cases where persistence pays off, including our mystery thriller author who eventually got approval after multiple attempts. Whether you're dealing with ad rejections or even having your book mysteriously pulled from the platform, advocacy works. Remember: Amazon's only consistent trait is its inconsistency.

Are you struggling with a specific publishing or marketing challenge? Email us and we'll dedicate a show to solving your problem! We prioritize listener questions because we know how crucial timely answers can be when you're in the trenches. And if you've implemented our advice successfully, we'd love to hear about it and give you a shout-out on our next episode.

Send us your feedback!

Check out our new Publishing Consulting service that will definitely change your life:

https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula

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Leave a review to support the show and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist!

Be sure you're following or subscribed to the show first. That's required on most platforms in order to leave a review. Then email us for your checklist.

Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: [email protected].