Have you been neglecting the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal? Your email newsletter provides something social media simply cannot—a direct line to readers without algorithm interference.

Many authors resist starting newsletters because they believe they don't have enough subscribers or content ideas. This mindset creates a significant missed opportunity. Those first few subscribers who share their contact information in today's privacy-conscious world are often your most dedicated fans. They're the readers who will recommend your books, leave reviews, and engage meaningfully with your content.

We explore how to grow your email list strategically using "set it and forget it" methods, which are so easy to implement, you'll wonder why you haven't done it sooner!

In this episode, Penny and Amy share insights and examples and easy ways to grow your list. We also discuss what kind of content to put into your newsletter and we also dive into reader magnets that will help you attract new sign ups!

Whether you're just starting out or looking to revitalize an existing list, implementing these newsletter strategies creates reader connections that drive engagement and builds a loyal community around your work. The time to start is now—your future book launches will thank you.

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Amazon has finally unleashed the full potential of its Goodreads acquisition, and savvy authors should be paying close attention. After years of minimal integration, Amazon has introduced a game-changing feature that transforms the Goodreads "Want-to-Read" shelf from a simple bookmarking tool into a powerful sales catalyst.

When readers browse Amazon, they'll now receive reminders about books they've added to their Goodreads Want-to-Read shelves—creating the perfect impulse buy opportunity exactly when they're already in shopping mode. For authors, this single change dramatically increases the value of Goodreads engagement, especially giveaways. With successful Goodreads giveaways averaging between 2,000-4,000 entries (each adding your book to a different Want-to-Read shelf), the $119 investment suddenly offers exponentially more marketing reach.

Ready to leverage this new connection? Tune into this informative show as Amy and Penny unpack this new feature! Don't miss this opportunity to transform casual interest into actual sales through Amazon's newest author-friendly feature.

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Ever wonder why your marketing efforts aren't translating to book sales? The answer might be simpler than you think. 

Marketing and sales are often used interchangeably in the publishing world, but they're fundamentally different beasts. This distinction isn't just semantic—it's crucial for your success and sanity as an author. When you confuse these two functions, you set yourself up for disappointment, wasted resources, and unnecessary frustration.

Traditional marketing wisdom suggests it takes at least seven impressions before someone makes a purchase decision. In today's overwhelmed digital landscape, that number has likely doubled or more. This explains why focusing solely on immediate sales numbers after marketing efforts is the wrong approach.

By understanding this crucial difference between marketing and sales, you'll develop more realistic expectations, make better strategic decisions, and maintain the motivation needed for long-term success. Have you been confusing marketing with sales? Share your experiences in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights that will transform your approach to book marketing!

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What would you do if your entire author career disappeared overnight? That's exactly what happened to one unfortunate writer who shared their devastating experience on Reddit—all 30 of their books, representing four years of work and a significant portion of their income, vanished without warning when Amazon banned their account.

The shocking part? This catastrophic ban stemmed from a single book being flagged for "misleading metadata" because it referenced a popular influencer in the subtitle. Despite the author's attempts to appeal, Amazon rejected their plea and withheld pending royalty payments, effectively erasing both their catalog and money already earned.

We believe this case represents Amazon's increasingly aggressive approach to combating AI-generated content flooding their marketplace. Like a sledgehammer rather than a scalpel, their enforcement mechanisms are catching legitimate authors in the crossfire. Throughout this episode, we dissect the specific triggers that put authors at risk, including lookalike covers, celebrity name-dropping in subtitles, unverifiable claims, and implied endorsements.

Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your publishing journey, this episode provides critical information that could save your author career from an unexpected catastrophe. Have you experienced similar issues with Amazon or other platforms? Share your story with us and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Gone are the days when simply having a book positioned you as a media-worthy expert. Modern journalists, podcasters, and TV producers have become increasingly selective, requiring authors to demonstrate substantiated expertise, professional credentials, and the ability to deliver value beyond what's already available. Your book should complement your platform, not be your only qualification.

Building legitimate media appeal requires strategic thinking. Start by documenting all your relevant professional experience, speaking engagements, awards, and organizational involvement – even those seemingly tangential to your book's topic. These credentials create the foundation media gatekeepers need to justify featuring you. For those just beginning their platform journey, local media provides valuable experience while building your press portfolio, as media coverage naturally breeds more opportunities.

We provide practical advice for connecting your expertise to timely events, creating compelling "book hooks," and preparing for different media formats. From recording practice interviews to developing concise soundbites, these incremental steps help develop the confidence and capability needed for larger media opportunities. Remember to time your pitches strategically – when stores start displaying Halloween decorations in August, that's your cue to pitch October content!

In an age where anyone can generate content with AI, authentic expertise becomes more valuable than ever. Readers and media alike hunger for genuine insights from people who have truly lived their subject matter. The path to meaningful book marketing isn't through technological shortcuts but through establishing legitimate authority and effectively communicating your unique value.

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Ever felt like you're throwing money into the Amazon advertising abyss with nothing to show for it? You're not alone—and the problem might be simpler than you think.

When your Amazon ads aren't performing, it's rarely about bad ad copy or poor bidding strategies. The real culprit is usually genre confusion: putting your book in front of the wrong readers. Think about walking into a bookstore and finding a tax guide shelved between health and fitness books. That's exactly what happens when authors mismatch their marketing to their actual content.

Amazon's algorithm punishes this misalignment ruthlessly. When people click your ads but don't buy your book, the system registers your content as irrelevant or low quality. Your visibility drops while your costs climb—a devastating combination for your marketing budget and your author morale.

The solution starts with brutal honesty about where your book truly belongs. A romantic suspense novel with light tension doesn't belong in the thriller category alongside dark psychological dramas. A business book for seasoned entrepreneurs shouldn't target new startups. As one successful indie author memorably put it, you simply can't "sell a cat to a dog person"—you must identify and target the specific readers who want exactly what you're offering.

Amazon ads remain one of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal—the rare strategy that works 24/7 to introduce new readers to your books. But they amplify what's already working rather than fixing what's broken. Take 30 minutes today to ensure you're showing your book to readers who actually want it. Your sales (and your wallet) will thank you.

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The holiday season represents a golden opportunity for authors to boost book sales—but only for those who start planning early enough. In this strategic episode, we dig into why "Christmas in July" isn't just a retail concept but a vital timeframe for authors who want holiday marketing success.

We reveal the shocking truth about holiday marketing timelines: if you're waiting until November to plan your holiday book promotions, you're already months too late! Media outlets finalize gift guides during summer, promotional spots book up by early fall, and consumers need time to discover your book before making purchase decisions. This episode walks you through the essential preparations you need to make now to position your book effectively for holiday sales.

You'll learn the crucial distinction between marketing a holiday-themed book versus positioning any book as a gift, and why specific messaging matters ("perfect for your adventure-loving niece" resonates more than generic "great gift" language). We cover practical steps including website preparation, scheduling promotional content, booking eBook deals for Black Friday, building up reviews, and how to successfully pitch to holiday gift guides at outlets like Buzzfeed and major online magazines.

Whether you're planning to offer special holiday bundles, signed editions, book-plus-merchandise packages, or simply want more Amazon sales, the groundwork must begin now. Don't let another holiday season pass with disappointing sales—grab your marketing calendar and start implementing these proven strategies that have helped countless authors transform the holidays from a missed opportunity into their most profitable season.

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The summer break scramble is real! Parents everywhere face the same challenge when school lets out: keeping kids entertained without surrendering to endless screen time. For authors of children's and young adult books, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for solutions.

Drawing inspiration from Jennifer Garner's brilliant parenting strategy (she tells her kids they can have social media once they find articles proving it's beneficial for children), we explore how authors can position their books as the perfect summer entertainment option. Parents are actively seeking recommendations, activities, and reading materials to keep young minds engaged during the long break—and they want decisions that are easy to make.

Whether your book was published yesterday or five years ago, now is the perfect time to refresh your marketing approach. We share practical strategies and easily implemented tips and ideas!

Don't let another summer pass without maximizing this perfect marketing opportunity. Your book could be exactly what a parent needs when they hear those dreaded words: "I'm bored!"

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Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell dive into the evolving definition of "summer reads" and reveal practical strategies for positioning any book to capture readers' attention during these warmer months.

The podcast challenges traditional notions of what constitutes summer reading material. While escapist genre fiction remains popular, today's readers are equally drawn to true crime, activity-based children's books, and "maker" titles that inspire summer projects. With rising travel costs leading many to embrace "staycations," books offering at-home experiences or local exploration guides are experiencing unexpected popularity surges. The hosts emphasize that even serious books needn't be shelved until fall—they simply require different positioning to connect with summer readers.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is its focus on low-cost, high-impact marketing pivots. Rather than suggesting expensive cover redesigns or content overhauls, Penny and Amy recommend simple tweaks and easy changes to grab more summer readers! 

Ready to transform your book into this summer's must-read? Update your marketing approach with these practical strategies, engage your fans with seasonal promotions, and watch your conversions grow. Remember—these techniques work for books of all genres and publication dates, and once developed, can be adapted for any season throughout the year.

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Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success.

Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your book promotions will stand. But here's the surprising insight: the best time to network is when you don't have anything to sell. This counterintuitive approach allows you to build authentic relationships, observe what resonates with potential readers, and establish connections with influencers before you need their support. As Penny notes, "If you're going to make mistakes, make them before the book is out."

For authors anxiously waiting months before publication, this episode offers a roadmap of productive activities and unique ideas! 

Whether you're preparing for your first launch or looking to revitalize your existing author platform, this episode transforms the overwhelming concept of marketing into an authentic, relationship-focused approach that feels less like selling and more like connecting. Ready to build your brand rather than just sell your book? Listen now, then share your biggest marketing challenge with us!

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