Why Smart Authors Get Stuck—and How to Break Free - BM534

Why do some authors instantly capture attention while others struggle to be remembered?The answer isn't better marketing. It's better storytelling.In this episode, writing coach and Writer's Craft Summit founder Kevin Johns reveals why storytelling is one of the most overlooked book marketing tools. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, the ability to create emotional connection can turn readers into loyal fans and clients.You'll discover why facts alone rarely inspire action, how authentic stories build trust in an AI-driven world, and why every memorable book revolves around one thing: transformation.If you want readers to remember your message long after they've finished your book, don't miss this conversation.In this episode, you'll discover: Why emotion—not information—is what readers remember.  How nonfiction authors can use storytelling without writing a memoir.  The secret to building trust by sharing authentic stories while protecting your privacy.  Why every great book and marketing message is built around transformation.  How understanding your audience's expectations leads to stronger reviews and more book sales.  The storytelling mistake that weakens many authors' marketing without them realizing it.  Simple ways to make your ideas more memorable, persuasive, and shareable. If you've ever wondered why some books spread by word of mouth while others disappear, this episode will change how you think about storytelling—and your marketing.Here's how to connect with Kevin:Download Kevin's free listener gift: The Busy Writer MethodWebsite: https://www.kevintjohns.com The Writing Coach podcast: https://www.kevintjohns.com/thewritingcoach/ Facebook LinkedIn InstagramAmazon Author CentralYoutube*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

You know what to do. So why aren't you doing it?You want to finish your book. Pitch podcasts. Reach out to organizations. Speak on more stages. Yet somehow, something keeps getting in the way.It's easy to blame a lack of time, confidence, or motivation.But what if the real obstacle is hidden beneath the surface?This week's guest is Nancy Linnerooth, Harvard-trained attorney, licensed therapist, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) expert. She explains how subconscious beliefs formed years ago can quietly influence your decisions today, keeping you stuck, invisible, and playing smaller than you're capable of.If you've ever wondered why you procrastinate, second-guess yourself, or hesitate to promote your book, this conversation may give you the missing piece you've been searching for.In this episode you'll discover:Why you keep procrastinating even when you know exactly what to do. The answer may have nothing to do with discipline.The hidden beliefs that stop authors from becoming visible. Fear of criticism isn't the only reason many writers stay in the background.Why success can feel just as frightening as failure. Discover the subconscious fears that can quietly sabotage your best efforts.How tapping (EFT) helps break the cycle of self-sabotage. Learn why this simple technique has helped thousands move past limiting beliefs.How to stop fighting yourself and start moving forward with confidence. Sometimes your subconscious isn't trying to hold you back. It's trying to protect you.If marketing your book feels harder than it should, this episode may help you understand why—and show you a path forward with greater confidence, clarity, and ease. Tune in now to find out.Here's how to connect with Nancy:Download your complimentary Procrastination Breakthrough KitWebsite: https://UnblockResults.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-linnerooth/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nancy.linneroothInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/eftbreakthroughs/*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Your ideal readers may already be looking for your book. So why aren't they buying it?The answer may surprise you.Most authors write and market to people who think just like they do. It feels natural. Unfortunately, it also means they're unintentionally overlooking a large part of their audience.This week's guest is Sheila Glazov, award-winning author, internationally recognized personality expert, and creator of the Brain Color Method. She shares how understanding the different ways people think, communicate, and make decisions can completely change the way you market your book.Imagine knowing why one reader is motivated by facts, another by relationships, another by creativity, and another by action. When you understand these differences, your marketing becomes more effective because you're speaking your readers' language, not just your own.Whether you're writing website copy, networking, speaking, or promoting your book, Sheila offers practical ideas you can start using immediately.In this episode you'll discover:Why your marketing may only be attracting people who think like you. Learn how to spot the readers you're unintentionally leaving behind.The simple shift that helps your book appeal to more people without changing your message. Reach different personality types while staying authentic.How the four Brain Colors influence buying decisions. Discover why some readers want facts, others want stories, and others want possibilities before they say yes.Why knowing your own Brain Color could become your greatest marketing advantage. Your strengths can help you shine, but they can also create blind spots.How to build stronger relationships everywhere you market your book. Sheila shares a memorable strategy that can improve networking, conversations, and even difficult situations.If you've ever wondered why your message resonates with some people but falls flat with others, this conversation could change the way you think about book marketing forever.Tune in for a fresh approach to audience connection and actionable advice you can use today.Here's how to connect with Sheila:Buy your copy of What Color Is Your Brain? Website: https://www.sheilaglzov.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheilaglazov/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-n-glazovaa96237 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilaglazov/Blue Sky Social:https://bsky.app/profile/authorsheilaglazov.bsky.social*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

What if the secret to selling more books isn't reaching more people, but building deeper relationships with the right people?This week's guest is Elizabeth Henson, CEO of Elizabeth Henson Inc. and founder of the Community Growth Lab. Elizabeth has helped entrepreneurs and creators grow thriving businesses by focusing on one thing many marketers overlook: community.In this conversation, Elizabeth shares why authors don't need massive audiences to make a meaningful impact. Instead, they need genuine connections, consistent engagement, and a willingness to bring readers along for the journey.If you're tired of chasing algorithms, struggling to grow your platform, or wondering how to create loyal readers who eagerly support your work, this episode offers a refreshing and practical approach.Key TakeawaysWhy a Small Community Can Outsell a Large AudienceDiscover why a handful of engaged supporters often generates more book sales, referrals, and opportunities than thousands of passive followers.The Book Launch Strategy Most Authors MissLearn how inviting readers into your writing journey long before publication can create anticipation, trust, and a ready-made launch team.The Surprising Power of Showing Up ImperfectlyFind out why polished marketing isn't always the answer and how sharing real stories and struggles can strengthen your connection with readers.Stop Chasing Every PlatformLearn how to identify the platform that best fits your personality and strengths so you can build momentum without spreading yourself too thin.The One Question That Sparks Better ConversationsDiscover how asking thoughtful questions can turn followers into participants and create a community that actively engages with your message.The Elevator Pitch Test Every Author Should PassLearn how to talk about your book in a way that sparks curiosity, starts conversations, and makes people want to know more.Tune in now!Here's how to connect with Elizabeth:Download Elizabeth's your free gift from ElizabethWebsite: https://elizabethhenson.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhensonco/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethHenson.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth.henson/*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Ever wonder how a debut novel can open doors far beyond book sales?This week’s guest is Kailey Holbrook, award-winning filmmaker, author, and film student at USC. Kailey published her first 500+ page novel while still in high school. Since then, she's built an engaged online following, navigated the worlds of publishing and filmmaking, and learned firsthand what it takes to connect with readers in a crowded marketplace.In this conversation, Kailey shares how she found her audience, built a creative community, and leveraged storytelling skills across multiple platforms. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, you'll discover practical lessons on visibility, audience growth, and creating opportunities that extend well beyond your book.Key TakeawaysWhy a Book Can Become Your Biggest DifferentiatorDiscover how publishing a book can create unexpected opportunities, boost credibility, and help you stand out in ways most people never consider.The Audience Mistake Many Authors MakeLearn why trying to reach everyone often leads to reaching no one, and how identifying the right readers can transform your marketing results.What Social Platforms Are Really Telling YouFind out how Kailey uses TikTok, Instagram, and Goodreads to learn what readers care about and build genuine engagement without feeling promotional.The Hidden Power of Creative CommunityExplore how surrounding yourself with fellow creators can spark new ideas, fuel motivation, and help your work reach a wider audience.What It Takes to Turn a Book into a ScreenplayGet an inside look at the biggest differences between writing a novel and writing for the screen, plus the skills every aspiring screenwriter should develop.Why Successful Authors Stay FlexibleLearn how adapting your writing, marketing, and creative process can help you stay relevant as your audience and goals evolve.Tune in now!Here's how to connect with Kailey:Tik Tok: @kaileyholbrookauthorYoutube: @KaileyHolbrookAuthorInstagram: @kaileyholbrookLinkedIn: Kailey Holbrook*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Want more book sales, visibility, and credibility? Speaking may be one of the fastest ways to get there.But how do you land speaking opportunities if nobody knows who you are? Do you need a polished keynote? A speaker reel? A big platform?In this episode, I sit down with Steve Markman, founder of Markman Speaker Management and a respected insider with more than 35 years in the speaking and conference world. Steve pulls back the curtain on what really gets authors booked and what quietly ruins opportunities before they begin.If you’ve ever thought, I’d love to speak, but where do I start? this conversation is for you.Steve shares practical advice on how nonfiction authors can use speaking to grow authority, open doors, sell more books, and create new opportunities without feeling pushy or self-promotional.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why speaking can change the trajectory of your bookWhat happens when people hear you speak before they buy your book? Why do some authors gain momentum while others stay invisible?The surprising truth about getting your first speaking gigDo you need to get paid right away? Where should you start? Steve explains why some of the smartest opportunities may not pay a fee at first.What meeting planners secretly look forWhat makes someone an easy “yes”? The small details that can move you from overlooked to booked.The mistake that can kill speaking opportunities fastOne habit turns audiences and planners off almost instantly. Are authors making this mistake without knowing it?The simple assets that make you look more credibleDo you really need a speaker one sheet? A video reel? A polished bio? Steve shares what matters and what may not.If speaking has been sitting on your someday list, this episode may change how you think about what’s possible.Here's how to connect with Steve:EmailWebsite*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Could using AI in your book create a legal problem you never saw coming?What if parts of your manuscript are not actually protected by copyright? And what should authors know before using AI for research, outlines, editing, or content creation?In this eye-opening conversation, legal expert Elissa Hecker breaks down what nonfiction authors need to understand about AI, copyright, contracts, and protecting their intellectual property in a fast-changing publishing world.This episode answers the questions many authors are afraid to ask.Key TakeawaysCan You Copyright AI Content? The surprising truth about what parts of AI-assisted work may not be legally protected.Are You Using AI Safely? Smart ways to use AI without risking ownership, credibility, or control of your content.The Contract Clause Authors Cannot Ignore Why publishers are paying attention to AI use and what disclosures may soon become standard.Your Biggest Competitive Advantage in an AI World Why your voice, experience, and originality matter more than ever and how to protect them.One Copyright Mistake That Could Cost You The difference between “having copyright” and protecting it when problems arise.If AI feels exciting, confusing, or a little intimidating, this conversation will help you separate hype from reality and make smarter decisions about your book, your ideas, and your intellectual property.Here's how to connect with Elissa:Email Elissa for your complimentary 30-minute consultationWebsiteResources: US Copyright OfficePatent and Trademark Office*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Are you undercharging without realizing it?What if the biggest thing standing between you and higher-value clients has less to do with talent and more to do with how you see your own expertise?In this eye-opening conversation, business advisor and author John Ray challenges some common assumptions about pricing, generosity, confidence, and the role your book should play in growing your business.If you’ve ever questioned your value, struggled to price your services, or wondered why your book is not creating bigger opportunities, this episode may shift how you think about expertise altogether.Key TakeawaysAre You Being Too Generous? Why giving more is not always the smartest move and what actually builds trust with clients.The Pricing Mistake That Quietly Hurts Credibility What your fees may be signaling about your value and why cheaper rarely wins.Why Smart Experts Still Feel Like Frauds A simple mindset shift that can quiet self-doubt and help you own your expertise.Is Your Book Working Hard Enough? Why your book should open doors, spark conversations, and lead to bigger opportunities.The Small Shift That Makes Clients Say Yes How changing the focus from you to them can transform proposals, conversations, and results.If pricing feels awkward, confidence feels shaky, or your book is sitting on the sidelines instead of opening doors, you’ll want to tune into this powerful conversation.Your free gift from John: The Red Flags of Inadequate Pricing, a one-page diagnostic that will help service providers assess whether they are laboring with inadequate pricing.Here's how to connect with John:WebsiteLinkedIn*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Do you know why some authors struggle to market their books even when they have a powerful message?This week’s guest expert is April Adams Pertuis, award-winning journalist, producer, and founder of Light Beamers. After conducting more than 10,000 interviews over a 30-year career, April has learned one truth most authors miss: storytelling is not separate from marketing. It is the marketing.In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll discover how to use your personal stories to build trust, spark curiosity, and create stronger connections with readers. April also shares how AI can help uncover and organize your stories without replacing your authentic voice.If marketing your book feels forced, awkward, or exhausting, this episode may completely change the way you think about promoting your work.Key Takeaways: Storytelling makes marketing feel human. When you stop “selling” and start sharing meaningful stories, people pay attention.  Your “why” matters more than your pitch. Readers connect with the reason behind your book before they connect with the book itself.  AI can help uncover your stories. Used the right way, AI becomes a creative partner that helps you organize ideas and discover stories you may have forgotten.  Create a story bank. The best authors collect stories from their life, work, and experiences so they always have meaningful content to share.  Authenticity builds trust. Real stories, challenges, and lessons create deeper audience connection than polished marketing language ever will. Don’t miss this episode if you want your marketing to feel more natural, more engaging, and far more effective. Tune in now!Here's how to connect with April:WebsiteFree gifts for listeners:Your Story Formula: www.lightbeamers.com/formulaYour Story Formula Quiz: www.lightbeamers.com/quizLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamersInstagram: www.instagram.com/lightbeamersFaceBook: www.facebook.com/apriladamstv*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************

Do readers judge a book by its cover? Absolutely. And if your book looks self-published, readers notice before they read a single word.This week on the podcast, book designer extraordinaire Victoria Wolf pulls back the curtain on what makes a book look polished, credible, and impossible to ignore.With more than 30 years in the industry and 500+ books designed, Victoria shares the design choices that separate books people buy from books people scroll past.We talk covers that instantly signal quality, interiors that keep readers engaged, and the subtle design mistakes that quietly kill credibility. You’ll also hear why many nonfiction authors sabotage their authority with amateur visuals without even realizing it.If your book is supposed to open doors, your design can’t afford to whisper.Key takeways from this week's episode; Why interior design matters far more than most authors think  The typography and layout choices that make books easier to read and harder to put down  The real job of a book cover and why most self-published covers miss the mark  When your author photo helps your brand and when it hurts it  The tiny design tweaks that instantly make a book feel professionally published  How strong design builds trust, authority, and sales before readers even open the book If you want your book to compete with traditionally published titles instead of looking like an afterthought, don’t miss this conversation. Tune in now!Here's how to connect with Victoria:Website:  Wolf Design and Marketing,LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriawolf/LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolf-design-marketingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfdesignandmarketingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WolfsOnBooks*************************************************************************What Should I Do When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming?You poured your heart into writing your book because you wanted to make a difference. It deserves to be discovered.If marketing feels confusing, frustrating, or like you're spinning your wheels, the Author Influencer Circle will help you build authority, attract opportunities, and market your book with clarity and confidence.Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and discover how your book can open doors to speaking, clients, partnerships, and meaningful income.*************************************************************************