The Secret Author Weapon: How to Use Book Awards to Boost Your Visibility - BM497

Think book awards are only about bragging rights? Think again.This week’s guest expert, Carol Abrahamson, knows the power of book awards. She’s the founder of Executive Authors, a former McGraw-Hill executive, and a longtime awards judge. With 42 books under her belt, Carol reveals what most authors miss—book awards are one of the most underused marketing power tools in publishing.Carol reveals how smart authors use awards to boost visibility, credibility, and sales. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why book awards matter: They’re more than shiny seals—they can drive sales, boost authority, and attract new opportunities.How to choose wisely: Not all awards are worth it. Learn what to look for (and what to skip) to get the best return on your entry fees.The hidden opportunity for older books: Many awards accept backlist titles—giving your book a second life.How to turn a win into marketing gold: From email signatures to media pitches, Carol explains how to make your “award-winning author” status work hard for you.The truth behind the myths: Awards aren’t random or automatic—you apply strategically to get results that last longer than bestseller buzz.If you’ve ever wondered whether entering awards is worth your time, this conversation will change your mind—and maybe your marketing plan.Here's how to connect with Carol:Free Report: 22 Free Nearly Free Ways to Promote Your Award-Winning BookWebsiteLinkedin*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

What if your book could become the single most powerful marketing tool for your business?This week's guest expert is Aurora Winter, MBA, award-winning author and founder of SamePagePublishing.com. Aurora explores how your book can become more than words on a page. You’ll discover how to turn it into a launchpad for income, influence, and long-term success.Aurora shares how to use your book as a lead magnet that attracts clients, opens doors to speaking gigs, and helps you test new business ideas, even if you don’t have a big following. You’ll learn how simple mindset shifts and smart marketing moves can unlock opportunities you may never have considered.Key TakeawaysBuild Instant Authority Your book makes you the expert. Use it to attract dream clients and speaking invitations.Think Beyond the Pages See your book as a starting point for deeper relationships, new ventures, and bigger impact.Get Found Everywhere Learn how to show up on Amazon, YouTube, and even AI search tools. There's no need for a big following.Market in Motion Discover creative ways to use video ads and short YouTube clips to reach more readers and stand out online.If you’re ready to plant the seeds for long-term impact, tune in and learn how to turn your book into the business and legacy it was meant to be.Here's how to connect with Aurora:WebsiteLinkedInYouTubeLinktreeInstagram*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

Is your author website quietly sabotaging your book sales?This week’s episode tackles one of the biggest blind spots for authors: turning your website into a traffic magnet that actually sells books.Our guest expert, Carolyn Choate, founder of Financially Free Author, is a heart-guided sales funnel builder and multi-genre author who’s mastered the art of driving authentic, sustainable website traffic. In this lively and insight-packed conversation, Carolyn reveals how to transform your site from a static “digital business card” into a dynamic sales engine. You’ll learn how to attract your ideal readers, nurture real relationships, and make your website work for you 24/7.Key Takeaways1. Grab Attention in 3 Seconds Hook visitors fast with a homepage that clearly states the problem you solve and offers a can’t-miss freebie.2. Lead Magnets That Work Skip the boring newsletter sign-up. Offer something irresistible like a book excerpt or exclusive tips that turns browsers into subscribers.3. The Four Traffic Pillars Master the only four traffic streams that matter: partnerships, organic content, organic outreach, and ads (once your site converts).4. Play to Your Strengths Stop chasing trends. Build your marketing strategy around what feels natural and sustainable for you.5. Turn Clicks into Fans Use simple, authentic follow-up emails to build trust and turn visitors into loyal book buyers over time.If you’ve ever wondered why your website traffic isn’t translating into sales, this episode is your wake-up call.Tune in and discover how to make your author website your most powerful marketing asset—without sacrificing your authenticity or your sanity.Here's how to connect with Carolyn:WebsiteLinkedIn The Funnel Mapping Strategy Call*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

What if your book could be more than just a one-time product—what if it could become a multi-stream income machine?This week's guest expert is Tanya Brockett, bestselling author, global speaker, and publishing strategist who has helped thought leaders turn their expertise into six-figure book deals and seven-figure revenue. With 20+ years in author services, Tanya unveils powerful ways to shift your mindset, expand your reach, and unlock hidden income streams you didn’t even know existed.If you think publishing ends with printing, think again. Tanya shows you how to repurpose, repackage, and profit—again and again.Game-Changing Takeaways:Shift from Author to Asset-Builder: Stop treating your book like a product and start leveraging it like an income-generating business.Find Hidden Gold in Your Audience: Discover the power of visualizing your ideal reader—and how that clarity can explode your sales.Escape the Print-Only Trap: Learn how overlooked formats like audiobooks and global platforms can multiply your reach and royalties.Sell Without Selling: Find out how your book can silently close deals through bulk orders, speaker fees, and untapped organizational budgets.Clone Your Content with AI: Use AI to transform your book into courses, webinars, and evergreen assets—without reinventing the wheel.Tanya’s strategies go beyond book sales. They're about building a legacy and a business. If you're ready to uncover the income potential hiding in your pages, tune in now and listen and learn from Tanya's wisdom.Here's how to connect with Tanya:Website - offer for a discounted strategy sessionLinkedInInstagramFacebookLinktreeYouTubeTikTok*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

Struggling to cut through the noise and get media attention for your book?This week, publicity powerhouse Leah Paulos—founder of Publicity School and Press Shop PR—unpacks what it really takes to get noticed. With 25+ years at the crossroads of publishing and media, Leah shares proven strategies that put PR within reach for every author, no matter your budget or connections.You’ll hear how to:Plant publicity seeds early so you’re not scrambling at launch.Own your role—why even traditionally published authors can’t sit back and wait.Leverage smaller outlets like podcasts, niche publications, and local media for outsized impact.Pitch like a pro with short, story-driven angles that grab attention fast.Stay organized with a simple system that turns outreach chaos into clarity.Leah makes publicity feel doable, even for first-time authors, with a step-by-step roadmap to get your book in front of the media who matter.Tune in now to listen to Leah's wisdom.Here's how to connect with Leah:WebsiteLinkedIn*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

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  *************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

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*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

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*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

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*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today

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"*************************************************************************Your face everywhereTired of stressful photo shoots, fake smiles, and sky-high prices? AuthorHeadshots changes the game. Upload your photos and get hundreds of professional, authentic images—ready in minutes. ✅ Polished headshots for profiles and press kits✅ Creative portraits that connect with readers✅ Consistent visuals for quotes, videos, and newsletters✅ Even character images straight from your books No waiting. No awkward posing. No big bills.Just you—and your stories—brought to life. Click here to watch the demo and get started today