How to Best Turn Your Book into a Business-Building Machine - BM496

What if the future of book marketing could completely redefine your success as a nonfiction author?In this milestone 500th episode of Book Marketing Mentors, host and book marketing strategist Susan Friedmann steps into the spotlight to share what’s next for authors who want to stay ahead of the curve.From the rise of AI-driven personalization to the art of micro experiences and community ecosystems, Susan reveals the groundbreaking trends shaping how nonfiction authors connect, convert, and create impact in 2026 and beyond.You’ll walk away seeing your book—and your marketing—in a whole new light.What You’ll Learn:AI With a Human Heart: How to use artificial intelligence to make your readers feel genuinely seen, not sold to.Community as Currency: Why the smartest authors are building movements, not just mailing lists—and how to start yours.Micro Moments, Massive Impact: The power of small, immersive experiences that make your message unforgettable.The Return of Authenticity: Why human connection is the new algorithm—and the ultimate book marketing advantage.More than a celebration, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of nonfiction book marketing.Tune in to discover how to position your message, grow your influence, and make your book matter more than ever.*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

Curious how narrating your own audiobook can boost your brand and create a deeper bond with your readers?This week’s guest expert, Mary Catherine Jones, award-winning executive producer and founder of The Audiobook Experience, reveals how to harness the true power of audio storytelling. She breaks down how to choose the perfect voice, navigate the recording process, and transform your audiobook into a marketing powerhouse.You’ll explore the real decisions authors face, whether to narrate your own story, when to bring in a professional, and how AI voices are transforming audiobooks. MaryCatherine shares insider tips for confident recording and shows how to turn your finished audiobook into irresistible marketing assets that keep working long after your book launch.Here’s what you’ll discover:Who should narrate your audiobook: When your authentic voice builds trust and when a pro adds polish.The truth about DIY narration: What it really takes, from setup to stamina, to deliver a high-quality performance.Why audiobooks are exploding: How offering an audio version expands your reach and strengthens your reader connection.AI voices decoded: Where artificial narration helps, where it falls flat, and how to keep your story’s soul intact.Marketing magic with audio: Creative ways to use short clips as teasers, trailers, and shareable soundbites that attract new listeners.Tune in and learn how to bring your message to life through sound, and make your audiobook your next big brand asset.Here's how to connect with MaryCatherine to book your free consultation:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

Ever wondered how mastering your personal energy could unlock your book marketing superpower?This episode flips the script on book marketing.Isabel von Boetticher uncovers how mastering your personal energy can transform fear and fatigue into clarity and confidence.A multicultural holistic health practitioner and leadership development catalyst, Isabel joins us from the Dominican Republic to share how authors can stop pushing through exhaustion and start thriving through energy awareness.If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, imposter syndrome, or the fear of being seen, Isabel offers a refreshing perspective: marketing doesn’t have to drain you. It can fuel you.Through simple rituals, energy alignment, and practical mindset shifts, she shows how authors can market their books with more confidence, balance, and flow—without sacrificing well-being or authenticity.Key TakeawaysFace Your Fears: Learn why imposter syndrome and self-doubt are normal — and how awareness helps you move past them.Restore Confidence: Discover how energy work can quiet anxiety, release old patterns, and help you trust your voice again.Protect Your Energy: Find simple habits to prevent burnout — from rest and nutrition to daily grounding practices.Stop Energy Leaks: Spot what drains your focus or motivation, and use Isabel’s tools to recharge quickly.Create Supportive Rituals: Build easy morning or pre-event rituals that keep you calm, confident, and connected to your purpose.If you’re ready to market your book with more peace, power, and purpose — this episode will help you believe in your message and share it from your most energized self.Here's how to connect with Isabel...BOOK YOUR FREE EXPLORATION CALLINSTAGRAMYOUTUBEPODCASTWEBSITELINKED INFACEBOOK*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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*************************************************************************Want to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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 to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.

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 to get smart about book awards? Most authors skip them. Big mistake! My colleague Carol Abrahamson has cracked the book-award code, and her masterclass replay is packed with the insider info you never hear in publishing. You’ll learn: • Why awards boost credibility more than bestseller badges • How older books can still win • What judges actually look for • Why awards are easier (and cheaper) to apply for than you think • How to find the right awards for your book If you want your book to open doors, spark opportunities and elevate your authority, you need this replay. 🎥 Watch the replay 🚀 Ready to go further? Check out her Book Award Mastery service Don’t let your book stay invisible. Awards change the game.