A haunted house of marketing mistakes can scare off readers faster than any bad blurb—so we flipped on the lights and started slaying. We kick things off with Frankenstein’s platform, that stitched‑together mess of tactics that feels productive but burns time and cash. From there, we pull back the curtain on werewolf branding. We also drive a stake through the vampire vanity press. Predatory packages can lock you out of key levers and lock you into a bad publisher. Then we unwrap the ...

A reviewer gets thousands of books a month—so why did one plain-looking title jump to the top of the pile? The packaging signaled a story worth opening. We break down the art and strategy of creative mailers and author swag that make reviewers, influencers, and readers pay attention, share photos, and prioritize your book. We start with the first impression: simple upgrades like colored bubble mailers, clever on-theme stickers, or parchment-style wraps that create instant curiosity without c...

Hate refreshing your Amazon rank only to feel stuck? We walk through a saner, smarter way to measure progress—one that puts you back in control of your author career. Instead of chasing daily sales blips, we focus on the data you can influence: podcast bookings, media hits, website traffic spikes, newsletter clicks, and the kind of social engagement that signals real interest. Along the way, we share how to build a simple marketing journal that captures what you did, when you did it, and what...

In this episode we dig into a practical, 30-day pre-order plan built for writers with small followings (or no following), limited time, and a whole lot of heart. No fluff, no clickbait—just smart moves that create real curiosity and guide readers toward a confident yes on release day. We start by reframing pre-orders for small platforms: you’re not shouting into the void, you’re leading with value. That means sharing content readers already search for—true-crime sparks for thrillers, trope t...

Book awards can transform your author platform, yet they remain one of the most overlooked marketing opportunities for writers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're traditionally published or self-published, these accolades are more accessible than you might think—and they pack a powerful promotional punch. When your book displays an award seal or mention, readers take notice. Our research shows that award recognition can boost Amazon click-through rates by up to 25%, with an avera...

The growing chorus of authors reporting mysterious declines in their Kindle Unlimited page reads has sparked anxiety throughout the indie publishing community. But before you panic about your own KU numbers, this episode dives deep into what's really happening behind the scenes. Penny and Amy explore the multifaceted reasons behind fluctuating page read counts, from seasonal shifts and algorithm changes to subscription saturation and increased competition from AI-generated content. They chal...

Ever wondered why some books get noticed while others gather dust? The secret might be simpler than you think: a powerful elevator pitch. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy reveal how one author transformed her fortunes at a writers' conference by crafting a compelling elevator pitch – going from zero interest to landing both an agent and a publishing deal for the exact same book. The hosts break down exactly what makes an effective elevator pitch, walking you through the esse...

Could your book be the next big streaming hit? Before you start dreaming of red carpets and Hollywood premieres, there's a reality check you need to hear. While Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other platforms are constantly hunting for fresh content, the journey from page to screen involves far more strategy than most authors realize. This candid conversation unpacks what truly makes a book "film-ready" and why so many aspiring authors miss the mark. We dive deep into the elements producers actu...

Navigating Amazon's constantly shifting landscape is challenging enough for authors, but now there's a new frustration to contend with. In this eye-opening episode, Penny and Amy tackle the latest Amazon Author Central crisis that's preventing authors from updating crucial marketing content on their profiles. Penny and Amy present the issue, as well as solutions! Drawing from their direct experience helping clients navigate this issue, Amy and Penny provide a practical, step-by-step solution...

Have you been neglecting the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal? Your email newsletter provides something social media simply cannot—a direct line to readers without algorithm interference. Many authors resist starting newsletters because they believe they don't have enough subscribers or content ideas. This mindset creates a significant missed opportunity. Those first few subscribers who share their contact information in today's privacy-conscious world are often your most dedica...

Amazon has finally unleashed the full potential of its Goodreads acquisition, and savvy authors should be paying close attention. After years of minimal integration, Amazon has introduced a game-changing feature that transforms the Goodreads "Want-to-Read" shelf from a simple bookmarking tool into a powerful sales catalyst. When readers browse Amazon, they'll now receive reminders about books they've added to their Goodreads Want-to-Read shelves—creating the perfect impulse buy opportunity e...

Ever wonder why your marketing efforts aren't translating to book sales? The answer might be simpler than you think. Marketing and sales are often used interchangeably in the publishing world, but they're fundamentally different beasts. This distinction isn't just semantic—it's crucial for your success and sanity as an author. When you confuse these two functions, you set yourself up for disappointment, wasted resources, and unnecessary frustration. Traditional marketing wisdom sugges...

What would you do if your entire author career disappeared overnight? That's exactly what happened to one unfortunate writer who shared their devastating experience on Reddit—all 30 of their books, representing four years of work and a significant portion of their income, vanished without warning when Amazon banned their account. The shocking part? This catastrophic ban stemmed from a single book being flagged for "misleading metadata" because it referenced a popular influencer in the subtit...

Gone are the days when simply having a book positioned you as a media-worthy expert. Modern journalists, podcasters, and TV producers have become increasingly selective, requiring authors to demonstrate substantiated expertise, professional credentials, and the ability to deliver value beyond what's already available. Your book should complement your platform, not be your only qualification. Building legitimate media appeal requires strategic thinking. Start by documenting all your relevant ...

Ever felt like you're throwing money into the Amazon advertising abyss with nothing to show for it? You're not alone—and the problem might be simpler than you think. When your Amazon ads aren't performing, it's rarely about bad ad copy or poor bidding strategies. The real culprit is usually genre confusion: putting your book in front of the wrong readers. Think about walking into a bookstore and finding a tax guide shelved between health and fitness books. That's exactly what happens when au...

The holiday season represents a golden opportunity for authors to boost book sales—but only for those who start planning early enough. In this strategic episode, we dig into why "Christmas in July" isn't just a retail concept but a vital timeframe for authors who want holiday marketing success. We reveal the shocking truth about holiday marketing timelines: if you're waiting until November to plan your holiday book promotions, you're already months too late! Media outlets finalize gift guide...

The summer break scramble is real! Parents everywhere face the same challenge when school lets out: keeping kids entertained without surrendering to endless screen time. For authors of children's and young adult books, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for solutions. Drawing inspiration from Jennifer Garner's brilliant parenting strategy (she tells her kids they can have social media once they find articles proving it's beneficial for children), we explore...

Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell dive into the evolving definition of "summer reads" and reveal practical strategies for positioning any book to capture readers' attention during these warmer months. The podcast challenges traditional notions of what constitutes summer reading material. While escapist genre fiction remains popular, today's readers are equa...

Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success. Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your book promotions will stand. But here's the surprising insight: the best time to network is when you don't have anything to sell. This counterintu...

With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibility is real. But does paying for reviews or influencer features actually work? And more importantly… is it worth the risk? In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the rapidly shifting world of paid book promotion. From once-taboo paid reviews to TikTok influencers charging thousands per post, the rules have changed...