Last week, we counted down your favorite episodes based on downloads.
This week? It’s our turn.

In this end-of-year episode, Penny and Amy each revisit one standout episode they couldn’t stop thinking about — not just because listeners loved them, but because they perfectly captured what authors struggled with (and grew through) all year.

This isn’t a nostalgia episode. It’s a clarity episode.

Both picks reflect the themes we’ve seen again and again in consultations, campaigns, and real author careers: realistic expectations, better positioning, clearer messaging, and the foundational work that separates steady progress from constant frustration.

And yes — full episode links are in the show notes, because we fully support holiday re-listens while politely avoiding family conversations.

🎙 Amy’s Pick: What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success

This episode struck a nerve because it told the truth about debut books — without crushing optimism.

We revisit:

• Why breakout debuts are the exception, not the standard
• How misunderstanding the publishing industry leads to expensive mistakes
• The most common sabotage pattern: skipping professional help where it matters most

New bonus takeaways include:

• The 90-Day Reality Window — why early quiet doesn’t mean failure
• Why social media “success stories” distort expectations
• One practical action authors can take today to improve positioning and reader clarity

It’s a reality check — but somehow still feels like a hug.

🎙 Penny’s Pick: Hook, Line, Bestseller: The Art of the Elevator Pitch

If there’s one skill authors underestimate, it’s this one.

In this segment, we revisit why a strong elevator pitch isn’t just for media or conferences — it’s a universal tool that impacts:

• readers
• bookstores
• book clubs
• librarians
• metadata
• emails
• and discovery everywhere

We break down why great pitches are specific, not vague, and why clarity always outperforms cleverness.

New bonus takeaways include:

• The 5-Second Scan Rule f

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