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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.