In a crowded digital landscape, authors are always on the hunt for new ways to reach readers. Substack has risen as a newsletter platform that promises creative freedom and direct audience connection—but is it right for you? In this episode, we’re diving deep into Substack’s features, benefits, and challenges. We’ll explore who it’s best suited for, how it can fit into your existing marketing strategy, and what kind of commitment it requires. If you’ve been wondering whether this platform could help you grow a loyal readership—and maybe even earn some extra income—don’t miss this informative, no-fluff conversation. Tune in to find out if Substack is the next big thing for your author career!

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It’s almost time to flip the calendar and embrace a brand-new year—and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh, reset, and reinvigorate your author brand. In this episode, we’re sharing a step-by-step checklist to help you usher in the next twelve months with confidence. From the one thing authors almost always forget to update on their website, to easy ‘housecleaning’ tasks that ensure your books and brand are poised for success, we’ve got you covered. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running when the clock strikes midnight!

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Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

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Ready to supercharge your book’s visibility on Amazon? In this episode, we’re revealing some of the best-kept secrets for optimizing your Amazon retail page to drive traffic and boost sales—just in time for the holiday shopping season! From insider tips to easy-to-implement strategies, you’ll learn how to fine-tune your page, attract more readers, and stand out in the crowded marketplace. If you’re eager to take advantage of the busiest buying season of the year, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to make your book shine and watch the traffic roll in!

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Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

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What’s the secret to writing a book readers can’t wait to pick up? In this episode, we’re uncovering the overlooked strategies that make a book not only fit its market but also compel readers to buy. From crafting the perfect book idea to aligning your work with reader expectations, we’ll deep dive into the steps most authors miss when creating and bringing their books to market. And if your book is already out, don’t worry—this episode is for you, too! We’ll share actionable tips to identify what’s not working and how to fix it to get your book back on track. Whether you’re starting your next project or trying to breathe new life into an existing title, this is a must-listen episode packed with insights to set you up for success!

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Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

💬 Don't use Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Email your review to [email protected] and we'll feature it on our website.

We’ve got something truly special for you in this episode and we're launching it on Small Business Saturday! 

We've just launched a program created by and for *you*, our amazing listeners! After four years of incredible questions, feedback, and requests, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new mentorship program. If you’ve loved the insights and advice shared on this podcast, you’re going to adore this opportunity to dive deeper, get personalized guidance, and take your author journey to the next level. Tune in for all the details about how this program came to life, what you can expect, and how you can join. Don’t miss this quick but exciting announcement!

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Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

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We’re closing out the year with a bang in this special episode where Amy and Penny answer some of the best book marketing questions we’ve received all year! From “How many books do I need to write to be successful?” to predictions for next year’s trends, and even “What’s the most successful marketing strategy you’ve ever seen?”—we’re diving into it all. Plus, we’ll share insights on how much authors can realistically earn from their books and reveal our favorite strategies that truly work. This fun and informative episode is also available in video format, so don’t miss our candid reactions and in-depth answers. Check the YouTube link and join us for this must-listen (and must-watch), end-of-year show packed with actionable tips and insights!

Send us your feedback!

Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

💬 Don't use Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Email your review to [email protected] and we'll feature it on our website.

In this unabashedly honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the rookie mistakes that can make authors look like amateurs—and even open them up to being taken advantage of. From networking missteps to pitching for reviews or media consideration, we’re covering the blunders that cost time, money, and reputation. Everyone starts as a newbie, but you don’t have to look like one! If you’re attending events, presenting your book, or putting yourself out there, tune in to learn the essentials for making a polished, professional impression. This episode is packed with the insights and tips you need to put your best foot forward every time.

Send us your feedback!

Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

💬 Don't use Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Email your review to [email protected] and we'll feature it on our website.

It seems like now, more than ever, scammers and hacks are everywhere. Penny can't go a week without someone offering to "turn her book into a movie" and if you've listened for a while, you know how we feel about that!

In today’s world of book publishing, scammers and inexperienced providers are everywhere, and knowing who to trust can be tough. In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into the art of spotting legitimate vendors versus the ones who may be out to scam you or simply don’t know what they’re doing. With our trademark honesty, we’ll guide you through the red flags to watch for, key questions to ask, and how to safeguard yourself from costly mistakes. Don’t let your dream project fall into the wrong hands—tune in to equip yourself with the tools to make the right choices every step of the way!

Organizations we love, who do a ton of industry vetting!
 
Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/watchdog/​

Selfpublishingadvice.org/ratings:
​https://selfpublishingadvice.org/best-self-publishing-services/​

Writers Beware:
​https://writerbeware.blog/​

Send us your feedback!

Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

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Like Amazon, Goodreads is cracking down on spam and bot author accounts, many of which are producing subpar AI generated content — but protecting the platform means adding a stricter vetting process before authors get to network with readers. In this urgent episode, we dive deep into these changes with insights from Amy, our resident Goodreads expert, who unpacks what’s required and how to navigate the approval process with ease. If you’re planning to establish your author presence on Goodreads, this is a must-listen! Get the latest on what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can successfully meet the new standards. Don’t let these updates slow you down—tune in and stay ahead!

Send us your feedback!

Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

💬 Don't use Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Email your review to [email protected] and we'll feature it on our website.

We thought we'd drop in with another urgent Amazon PSA! 

Amazon delays can be a nightmare for authors, especially when everything is set for a carefully planned launch day, and your book still hasn’t gone live. Recently, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has been experiencing lengthy approval delays, sometimes taking weeks to process books. In this crucial episode, we’ll guide you through what to do if Amazon’s hold-ups affect your launch. We’ll discuss practical steps to take if your release day is at risk, plus creative backup plans to help you stay on track, keep readers engaged, and avoid costly disruptions. Don’t let these unexpected delays derail your hard work—tune in for the strategies and solutions you need to navigate Amazon’s KDP bottlenecks!

Send us your feedback!

Order Penny's latest book, Think Local Sell Global and start building a book sales strategy you have more control over!

📱 Text Penny & Amy: Send your marketing questions, show feedback, and episode ideas. Text PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to join and get new episode alerts. Save our number!

⭐ Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more authors discover the show!

💬 Don't use Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Email your review to [email protected] and we'll feature it on our website.