Sell More Books and Build Real Author Success!

In this practical and encouraging episode, Li Hayes connects with bestselling author and editor AJ Harper for a deep dive on book marketing for speakers and authors. You’ll discover the most effective ways to market your book, build authentic relationships, and grow your audience—all while creating real and lasting impact.

This episode is a practical deep dive for any speaker who’s ever wondered:

• Do I really need a book to get on the big stage?
• How long does writing a book that actually helps people... really take?
• Are editors and publishers just gatekeepers, or can you get published on your own terms?

Whether you dream of a New York Times bestseller or just want your first book to matter, AJ Harper demystifies the three publishing paths—traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing—while revealing the step-by-step process that turns your expertise into a book that readers recommend, not abandon.

If you want a book that launches your career, transforms readers, and gets people talking, this unfiltered episode will change your perspective—and your approach.

Episode Overview (Timestamps):

• [00:00:00] – Show intro, why speakers should think about writing books

• [00:01:11] –AJ Harper

  ’s background and publishing expertise

• [00:04:05] – The joy and purpose behind helping authors create impactful books

• [00:06:03] – Workshop approach and top book development mistakes

• [00:08:32] – What is prescriptive nonfiction, and why does it matter?

• [00:09:12] – Book writing timeline, effort, and essential development steps

• [00:13:16] – The importance of testing—don’t just share what works for you

• [00:14:35] – Creating a progression outline that powers the writing process

• [00:16:11] – Combating inner critic “trolls” and the role of word count goals

• [00:18:05] – Should you edit while writing, or power through a messy first draft?

• [00:20:04] – How slow writers (like AJ Harper !) get it done

• [00:21:10] – Publishing paths: Traditional vs. Hybrid (top tier vs. low tier) vs. Self-publishing

• [00:24:19] – Book proposals, agents, and real-life examples from the bestsellers

• [00:28:03] – Substantive editing, production, and the acceptance process

• [00:31:05] – Why a “bad” book hurts your speaking career more than no book

• [00:33:04] – Discovering what your reader urgently needs

• [00:35:18] – The costs of writing and publishing (from classes to ghosts)

• [00:39:44] – Developmental, substantive, and copy edits: why details matter

• [00:41:20] – Can anyone write a book worth reading?

• [00:43:29] –AJ Harper’s #1 advice to her younger self—and every future author

• [00:45:00] – Wrap-up, resources, and episode close

Ready to rethink your book-writing journey? Listen now and get inspired to make your path to the main stage unforgettable!