Publishing Was Step One. Now Comes the Hard Truth - BM483

Think publishing your book is enough? Think again.If your launch fizzled or your powerful message isn’t reaching readers, you're not the only one asking why.In this episode, Debby Kevin, Founder of Highlander Press and champion for women’s voices, reveals the real reasons your book isn’t selling, and what to do about it. Get ready for myth-busting insights and smart, practical marketing moves that actually work.What you’ll discover:Why “publish and pray” fails: With thousands of books hitting Amazon daily, discover what really gets yours seen and sold.Start marketing before you write: Yes, really. Learn how to build buzz early and turn followers into future buyers.Stop trying to reach everyone: Find out why niching down unlocks clarity, connection, and conversions.Your list is your lifeline: Forget chasing algorithms—Debby reveals how to grow an engaged email list that buys.Turn one book into many opportunities: Think beyond the page—repurpose your content into blogs, workshops, and more.If you're ready to go from feeling stuck to becoming a sought-after author with real traction, this conversation is your roadmap.Here's how to connect with Debby:Free gift: Video - Demystifying the Publishing ProcessWebsite   Email LinkedIn   Instagram  TikTok*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Is your book launch leaving money on the table?What if your book launch could do more than get you on Amazon—it could bring you clients, visibility, and real revenue?This week, launch strategist and bestselling author Robbie Samuels is back to expose the most common launch mistakes nonfiction authors make—and how to flip your book into a powerful business asset. With 650+ Amazon reviews and three bestsellers under his belt, Robbie pulls back the curtain on how to rally your network, supercharge your review count, and build momentum long after launch day.Key takeaways:🔥 Why launching without a strategy is like shouting into the void🔥 How to turn friends and followers into a powerful launch team🔥 The magic number of Amazon reviews you need for visibility 🔥 The easiest way to get glowing reviews—before your book goes live 🔥 How a smart relaunch can rescue a “meh” release and boost your bizIf you think your book is “done” once it’s published, this episode will change everything.🎧 Listen now and unlock the real ROI of your book launch.Here's how to connect with Robbie:Booklaunchbrainstorm.comGet your copy of his new book "LAUNCH Your Book! An Entrepreneur's Guide to Reviews That Drive RevenueLinkedInInstagramFaceBook*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Want real readers—and real results—for your book? If you're tired of hoping your book gets noticed and ready to start making it happen, this episode is for you.This week, bestselling author and digital marketing pro Alex Strathdee (founder of GetShelfLife.com) shares how to turn your book into a powerful tool for bulk sales and long-term impact. With over $10M in ad campaigns and 1,000+ titles under his belt, Alex breaks down what actually works and what’s wasting your time.You’ll learn how to set bold sales targets that drive real results, seed your book with influential readers who create momentum, and tap into podcasts, partnerships, and creative outreach to expand your reach. If you’re ready to market your book more intentionally, this episode is a great place to start.Key Takeaways:Set a Sales Goal That Drives Action Decide how many books you want to sell—then reverse-engineer your marketing to hit it.Give to Grow Seed free copies with the right readers to spark buzz, reviews, and surprising bulk sales.Tap Into Who You Know Start with your existing network—those warm leads could open big doors.Pitch Podcasts Strategically Guest on shows your readers already love, and use your connections to land better spots.Get Creative with Bulk Sales Think beyond bookstores—stand out with clever packages and partner with places people don’t expect.Tune in now to supercharge your book’s impact by mastering strategic thinking, choosing tools that actually move the needle, and getting your book in front of readers who need it.Here's how to connect with Alex...WebsiteLinkedInEmail Alex for a free copy of his new book "Before The Bestseller"*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Think social media is enough to sell your book? Think again.This week’s guest, Patricia Viscount, is here to shake things up. She’s a master storyteller, sharp-eyed brand strategist, and the queen of email that actually converts.Patricia pulls back the curtain on why authors who only focus on social are leaving money (and readers) on the table. She’ll show you how a smart, personal email strategy builds real connections, loyal fans, and steady book sales.Don’t let algorithms limit your reach. Uncover actionable tips to turn your email list into your most valuable asset.Key Takeaways:Why social media fails authors Uncover the hidden risks of relying on likes and follows to drive real results.The secret weapon you control Find out what makes email your most powerful (and overlooked) book marketing tool.Lead magnets that spark action Get simple ideas that actually convert followers into loyal subscribers.A brand voice that builds trust Learn how a consistent voice builds instant trust with your audience.Emails readers actually want to open Discover an easy way to share stories, offer value, and grow your fanbase without sounding pushy.Ready to turn casual followers into subscribers who can’t wait to hear from you? Tune in for fresh strategies, bold truths, and the voice-building tips every serious author needs.Here's how to connect with Patricia:LinkedInWebsiteWhat is your Brand Voice (and why should you care) quiz*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Think your book title is brilliant? Think again. In this week’s episode, ghostwriting powerhouse Maggie Mills pulls back the curtain on what really makes a nonfiction title grab attention, and sell books. After decades behind the scenes helping authors shine, she’s revealing why some titles flop and others spark instant curiosity (even from across a crowded shelf).Whether you’re stuck on a working title, torn between clever and clear, or wondering if you should trademark your signature method, Maggie shares the exact strategies she uses to help authors turn words into assets.🔑 5 Key Takeaways:Your Title Isn’t Enough A clever title won’t sell your book, but the right subtitle might.Test Before You Commit Use social media to title-test and build early buzz.Trademark Truth Bomb You can’t trademark a title, but there’s something else you can.Plan for the Series—Now Even one book should set the stage for book two.Shorter Sells Better Today’s readers want shorter books and bite-sized chapters.Listen now and learn what makes a title sell itself.Here's how to connect with Maggie:EmailLinkedInYouTube*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

You’ve been told YouTube is for influencers, but what if it’s actually the smartest way you can grow your book brand?This week's guest expert is Louise Brogan. She’s a LinkedIn expert, YouTube creator, and author of Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn. She also hosts the Raise Your Visibility Podcast. Louise Brogan has over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and nearly 3 million video views. In this episode, she shares how she became a thought leader, starting as an accidental YouTuber. You’ll learn how to use video to grow your audience, build authority, and sell more books.Key Takeaways:Become the go-to expert. Answer specific, high-value questions instead of pushing your book.Turn questions into content. Use reader feedback and Google suggestions to create videos people actually search for.Beat the algorithm. Short, focused videos that solve one problem keep viewers watching and coming back for more.Get more clicks. Strong thumbnails and titles spark curiosity and drive discovery.Build loyal followers. The more useful your channel, the more people subscribe without being asked.Tune in to transform the way you use video to market your book and connect with your ideal readers!Here's how to connect with Louise:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramYouTubeDownload your free guide on how to use LinkedIn*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Are you struggling to shake the “sleazy salesperson” stereotype and confidently sell your book?This week’s guest expert is Benjamin Dennehy, famously known as "The UK’s Most Hated Sales Trainer." Benjamin brings his no-nonsense, results-driven approach to help you reframe your sales mindset and learn how to sell your books with intention and authenticity.From overcoming childhood programming that sabotages sales efforts to mastering the art of question-based selling, Benjamin shares hard-hitting strategies that empower you to promote your books without feeling pushy.🔑 Key Takeaways – What You’ll Discover in This Episode:What childhood rules (like “don’t talk to strangers”) may still be sabotaging your book salesThe surprising reason caring too much about your book can actually push readers awayHow asking the right questions can open more doors than a polished sales pitchWhy focusing on what your book solves is more powerful than what it’s aboutThe hidden danger of giving too much away—and how to keep curiosity working in your favorReady to unleash your inner sales advocate and move more books with less resistance? Tune in for Benjamin’s unconventional wisdom!***SPECIAL from  Benjamin for BMM Listeners ONLY!!!***Use the code BOOKMENTORS in a DM to Benjamin on Instagram www.instagram.com/benjamindennehyBMM listeners will get Access to 2 Crash Courses FOR FREE- 10 Reasons Why Your Prospecting Fails- How to Bulldoze your way through ObjectionsUsually $197 BUT FREE to your listeners.PLUS the opportunity to Join a LIVE Q&A with me (exclusive to Sales Matrix Courses Members ONLY) for FREE as well.YOU TUBEwww.youtube.com/c/UKsMostHatedSalesTrainerWEBSITEwww.salesmatrixcourses.com*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Do you know how strategic sponsorships can boost your book sales and author platform?This week’s guest expert is Charmaine Hammond, co-founder of Raise a Dream, 11-time bestselling author, and certified speaking professional. With first-hand experience working with over 40 sponsors, Charmaine reveals how authors can leverage sponsorships to market their books and open new doors for partnerships.From identifying the “grassroots” meaning of sponsorship to creative collaboration ideas, Charmaine shares practical steps that any author, no matter their platform size, can take to secure and maximize sponsorship support for greater book success.Key Takeaways - Here’s what most authors overlook:It’s not charity—it’s marketing. Sponsors don’t donate; they invest where their audience hangs out (yours).Look around. Your next sponsor might be your hairdresser or local service club.Pair it with bulk sales. Want your book in schools or communities? Partner with groups that can distribute for you.Cash isn’t the only currency. Free services or products can boost your brand and lead to bigger deals.Skip the cold pitch. Warm connections win. Build the relationship first—then talk business.Ready to land sponsors—no matter your topic or audience size? Tune in for simple, actionable steps to fund your message and serve your readers.Here's how to connect with Charmaine:LinkedInFaceBook*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Feeling like your small email list isn’t enough to move the needle? Think again.This week’s guest expert is Kathy Farah, a seasoned email marketing strategist and implementation specialist. Kathy reveals how to turn even a handful of subscribers into a loyal fanbase that buys, shares, and raves about your book.If you’re tired of chasing social media trends and want a proven way to nurture readers and sell more books, Kathy’s down-to-earth advice will help you make email work - no huge list required.Key Takeaways:Why jumping into promo mode too fast might backfireAnd what to send first to warm up your list (without sounding salesy).A fun way to share your book that actually builds trustThink behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, helpful tips, and stories your readers will love.How often should you email your list? The answer might surprise you—and it’s all about what works for you.How to make your subscribers feel like VIPsFrom little bonuses to exclusive content, you’ll learn how to turn casual readers into raving fans.Easy email automations that do the heavy lifting for you Plus, how to test and tweak what you send so more people actually open (and act on) your emails.Listen in to discover how even a small email list can become your most powerful tool for book marketing success.*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.

Are you ready to transform your LinkedIn presence and make your book promotion unforgettable?This week’s guest is Miranda von Fricken—keynote speaker, LinkedIn strategist, and author of Own Your Awesome on LinkedIn.Miranda helps women entrepreneurs and authors grow their brand with confidence, energy, and authenticity.From busting imposter syndrome to creating engaging content and converting followers into loyal readers, Miranda reveals powerful media strategies authors can use on LinkedIn and beyond. Key Takeaways:How being fully yourself online can attract the right readers—without trying to be someone you're notWhy imposter syndrome disappears when you use your real-life experience as your brand's secret weaponThe one storytelling trick that turns your posts and messages into meaningful reader connectionsHidden LinkedIn tools that quietly grow your email list and deepen reader relationshipsWhat happens when you stop chasing trends and focus on building real momentum insteadReady to share your story? Tune in for Miranda’s actionable tips and energizing wisdom to spark your LinkedIn journey!Here's how to connect with Miranda:Website: MirandaVonFricken.comBook: Own Your Awesome on LinkedInPodcast: Own Your Awesomehttps://LinkedIn.com/in/MirandaVonFrickenhttps://Instagram.com/MirandaVonFricken*************************************************************************Want book marketing ideas that go beyond the basics? Subscribe to Book Marketing with Susan Friedmann on Substack for fresh, thought-provoking strategies that challenge the norm and help you market your book in smarter, more effective ways.