How to Treat Your Book Like a Business: Marketing Secrets for Authors - BM456

You want to speak. You’ve got a message. But is your business ready to keep what the stage brings?In this episode, bestselling author and strategist Israel Duran shares why chasing visibility without structure is a costly mistake. You’ll learn the “leaky bucket” trap most authors fall into—and how to fix it before you step into the spotlight.This isn't just about landing stages. It’s about building a platform that pays off.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why some speakers lose money after a standing ovationThe “law of the leak”—and how it sabotages your momentumOne blind spot that stalls most authors (and how to fix it fast)The four-step system that turns your book into a movementWhy building your own stage is the smartest move right nowThe truth about TEDx—and what to do before you ever applyIf you're ready to stop playing small, this episode flips the switch. Tune in now!Here's how to connect with Israel:Instagram - DM Israel for your copy of his "The Online Business Blueprint"FacebookLinkedInGet your copy of Israel's Book: Service of Speaking: How to Land 3 Stages in 30 Days  *************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Think you’re not funny? Think again. This episode shows you how to add humor to your writing without sounding fake or forced. You’ll see how laughter creates stronger connections, makes stories unforgettable, and adds serious appeal to your book.You’ll pick up simple techniques to spot everyday comedy, use surprise for impact, and layer in humor that feels natural. You’ll also learn how to test your jokes, avoid cultural missteps, and develop your funny side—even if it doesn’t come easy.In this episode you’ll discover:Everyday humor: How to turn real-life mishaps into story goldPage vs. stage: Why writing jokes can be easier than delivering them liveSmart sensitivity: Keep humor kind, relatable, and culturally awareBuild your funny muscle: Practical ways to practice and sharpen your humorIf you want your readers to laugh, connect, and remember your work, this episode is your guide.Here's how to connect with Gina:Go to Gina's Website to request a free bookmark and a signed bookplate.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginaramseyFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ginaramsey429Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@ginaramsey429Gina's books: Burnt Gloveboxes II: Embracing Life When It Goes Up in Flames*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Want your book promotion to feel real—and actually work? Too many authors either hide behind stiff, cookie-cutter marketing or get stuck staring at a blank screen. The secret isn’t choosing between authenticity and automation, it’s about blending the two.This week’s guest is Cheryl Evans. She’s a marketing strategist, author, and founder of the Business Witch Academy. Cheryl shows you how to mix heart with AI to build campaigns that connect and convert.Cheryl has over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices. She shows you how to add personality to your promotions. She explains how to stay consistent with your message. And she reveals how to use AI as your creative sidekick, rather than view it as your competition.In this episode you’ll discover:Authenticity that sells: Why showing up as yourself builds trust and boosts book salesAI in your voice: How to “teach” AI your style so your marketing feels real, not roboticMindset shift: See AI as your creative sidekick, not your competitionConsistent visibility: Use AI to repurpose content and stay present without the stressStory-driven branding: How a dragon named Ophelia makes marketing unforgettableIf you want marketing that feels genuine and gets results, this conversation is your shortcut. Tune in now!Here's how to connect with Cheryl:WebsiteSubscribe to Cheryl's newsletterShop the StoreLinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Think your book is ready for the world? Not so fast. Before you publish, you need a plan. And this week's guest, Naren Aryal, CEO, Amplify Publishing Group helps you build one that actually works.You’ll get the inside track on today’s publishing options: traditional, self, and hybrid. More important, you’ll learn how to pick the path that fits your goals, and how to turn your book into something bigger.Find out why the smartest authors start marketing long before launch, how a clear target audience changes everything, and why your book might be your best tool for landing speaking gigs, consulting clients, and global deals.In this episode you'll discover how to...Pick your path: The real-world pros and cons of each publishing modelAvoid the launch trap: Why most books flop—and what to do insteadMake your book work harder: Get more than sales—get leads, stages, and dealsGrow before you go live: Build your audience early and connect like a proIf you want your book to do more than sit on a shelf, hit the play button now!Here's how to connect with Naren:WebsiteEmailLinkedIn - NarenLinkedIn - Amplify PublishingInstagram*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Think AI can’t sound like you? Think again.Author and email strategist Kathy Farah is back with fresh, real-world tactics for using AI to market your book without losing your voice.She breaks down how to save time, repurpose your writing, and stay human in every post, email, and promo. Whether you're tech-curious or already dabbling, this episode shows you how to plug AI into your creative workflow without turning robotic.In this episode, you'll discover how to...Turn chapters into scroll-stopping postsTrain AI to write like youPrompt smarter for stronger resultsCatch the AI red flags pros look out forTest-drive top tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and PerplexityReady to stop staring at the blinking cursor? Hit play and let AI carry the load—your way.Here's how to connect with Kathy:EmailWebsiteLinkedIn Instagram Download Kathy's free gift "10 AI Prompts"*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

What if the title you love, the story you’ve lived, or the brand you’re building could land you in legal trouble?This week, attorney and author Cheri Andrews reveals what most writers miss about protecting their books and businesses. From book titles to memoir minefields, she breaks down the must-know legal moves every author should make before publishing.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why skipping copyright could cost you more than your bookThe truth about titles—and what you can’t protectMemoir red flags that could trigger lawsuitsWhen a quote crosses the line into copyright violationHow one missed step can destroy your brandProtect your words. Own your work. Avoid expensive mistakes.Listen now for the legal clarity every author needs.Here's how to connect with Cheri:EmailWebsiteLinkedInFacebook Business PageInstagramDownload Cheri's free gift, "Safeguard Your Success"*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Is your website actually helping you sell books—or just taking up space online?This week’s guest, Sandra Beatty, turns websites into lead machines. She’s a conversion copywriter, strategist, and children’s author who helps authors and service pros transform casual visitors into loyal buyers.If your site looks good but doesn’t bring results, Sandra shows you why—and how to fix it. From layout to landing pages, she breaks down what actually works for authors who want more than just clicks.In this episode, you’ll learn:Book site or author site? How to pick the one that drives real results—or why you might need bothThe landing page fix: What your current book page is probably missingCTA clarity: The one mistake killing your conversions (and how to fix it fast)Your about page, reimagined: Why it’s doing more heavy lifting than you thinkBuild trust like a pro: How showing your pricing and tackling objections turns browsers into buyersIf you want a website that actually works for your author business, this episode is your roadmap.Here's how to connect with Sandra:EmailWebsiteLinkedInYouTubeFree listener gift - Conversion Express: Free and live 15-minute tutorials on marketing and website strategies to get more customers.*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Thinking about hiring help for your author business—but not sure where to start?If you're feeling stretched thin, stuck in the weeds, or simply unsure how to grow beyond “just you,” this episode is for you.Jamie Van Cuyk, CEO of Growing Your Team, knows how overwhelming hiring can feel—especially when your business is personal. She’s helped countless creative entrepreneurs like you find the right first hire without the stress or second-guessing.What if hiring didn’t have to feel risky? This conversation reveals when to take the leap, who to hire, and how to protect your time and money.Key takeways:4 Signs It’s Time to Hire Stop wondering. Start watching for the key signals your business is ready to grow.Which Role Fits Your Book Business? Contractor or part-timer? Jamie breaks down your options and what works when.How to Avoid a Bad Hire Get clear on who you need before you post the job.A Smarter Way to Hire Learn Jamie’s step-by-step system—from job post to onboarding.Costly Hiring Mistakes to Skip Avoid desperation hires and mismanaged handoffs that stall your momentum.Ready to stop doing it all and start growing smarter? Listen now and make your first hire the right one.Here's how to connect with Jamie:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInDownload Jamie's free gift to listeners: Determine What to Delegate Worksheet*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

Are you looking for national media attention to fuel your book sales?Mary O’Donohue, former post producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show and bestselling author, joins me to share how you can land major media spots—even without industry contacts.In this episode, Mary walks you through the exact steps producers look for when choosing guests. You’ll discover how to pitch with purpose, avoid rookie mistakes, and show up as the expert media teams want on-air.If you’re ready to turn interviews into visibility, credibility, and sales, this is your blueprint.What You’ll Learn:How local media leads to national exposureThe pitching mistake most authors makeWhat producers actually want in a guestWhy your book bio won’t work—and what to say insteadHow to showcase your expertise without “selling”This conversation is packed with insights to help you stand out and make your next interview matter. Don’t miss it.Here's how to connect with Mary:Website LinkedInDownload Mary's free gift for listeners: "Free Customizable Podcast One-Sheet Templates"*************************************************************************Want More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.

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 More Book Marketing Ideas? 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. Click here to join me FREE on Substack Or, if you’re ready for the inside track, become a paid subscriber for exclusive behind-the-scenes marketing templates, campaign breakdowns, and access to my best strategies.