In this episode, Mike and AJ share their realization about accessibility for a new audience with their forthcoming book, The Money Habit. They discuss multiple ways authors can ensure they aren’t leaving any potential readers behind by simply considering their differences.

In this episode, AJ and Mike break down all the elements that go into developing a must-read book, from the kernel of an idea to the long-term marketing plans. They even share what they’ve done in the past with their books and give hints at how their new book, The Money Habit was developed and its next steps. They’ll also share areas that they see authors fail to consider.

In this episode, Mike and AJ demystify bestseller lists for The New York Times, USA Today, and others (RIP, WSJ List) and detail what it takes to get on them. There are still some secrets to selection that remain shrouded in mystery, but AJ has a good idea of what they are, and holds nothing back. They also give listeners straight-talk about Amazon best-seller status and why you should never – ever – put that in your bio, not if you want to look like a pro.

In this episode, AJ and Mike address the 800-pound gorilla in publishing: inclusivity. In this crucial episode, they’ll talk about what inclusivity means—and what it doesn’t. They’ll share their own mistakes of the past and how to move forward in a way that improves the conversation as a whole. They firmly believe in an “all are welcome” approach to their books and audiences, and invite the listener to join them on their crusade to make publishing a better, more open space.

In this episode, Mike and AJ dive deep into one area of authorship most newbies never consider: post-reader engagement! Not only do they share their own strategies for keeping their books “alive” after launch but also talk about how long authors should plan to keep engagement. Hint: it’s more than a few weeks!

In this episode, Mike and AJ enter the debate round once again in a friendly debate about trade reviews. Listeners will learn what they are, if they matter, and what the heck an author does with them if they have one. They also throw in some bonus information about publisher’s sales teams, share a listener email, and give you a secret tip about trade reviews that’s exclusive to folks who self-publish.

In this episode, AJ and Mike share what they each believe their purpose is, and even share an exercise that Mike uses at speaking engagements to help folks find theirs. It’s a fun fly-on-the-wall conversation where they share stories from their past that helped forge their sense of self. They’ll even talk about how listeners can rekindle their own fires of passion to keep moving forward.

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the mind shift that must happen to go from someone who wrote a book to accepting the calling as an author. They each share the moment they realized they were authors and how their lives changed as a result.

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a kerfuffle brewing in the publishing world, which leads to the main topic: authors are responsible for doing their due diligence. Do you need to give credit for a concept? What if it’s in the zeitgeist and you are the person who simplified the concept? What if you took someone’s simplified concept and made it something else? (They go into the Mel Robbins/Let Them/Cassie Phillips discussion.) Authors should take note of this episode in particular to learn how to avoid making potentially costly mistakes to their careers.

In this episode, Mike and AJ bring you into the workroom. They talk about their must-have gear that makes it possible for them to write their must-reads. From chairs, standing desks, to all the tech Mike uses when writing on the go, you’ll hear about everything these two feel is essential to authors.

In this episode, AJ and Mike share everything they’ve learned author websites and book sites. They offer tips on ways to improve SEO (findability), how to maximize your investment, and what they each think makes a website a standout. Every element necessary is discussed!

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss where they often see authors go wrong with their marketing plan (hint: it’s when they get started versus when they should get started), go into detail about why a longer runway is almost always better, and hint at some of the new ideas Mike is cooking up for their next book. This is a topic on which everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros, can use a little refresher.

In this episode, Mike and AJ spill the beans on The Secret all authors of Prescriptive Nonfiction need to write a book that connects with their reader and ultimately delivers on its promise: The List. What it is, how to get it, how to use it, don’t worry, listeners. They’ll tell you everything.

In this episode, AJ and Mike share cautionary tales of authors behaving badly and what the listeners can do to ensure their metaphorical pinkies are out. From how to approach an author for endorsements to asking for promotional help all the way to leaving reviews for other authors, you’ll be confident in your ability to practice proper literary citizenship.

In this episode, Mike and AJ break down everything listeners and authors need to know about substantive edits and the editors who do this crucial work. They’ll talk about timelines for books past and where they are with their current book and will even share some author horror stories as a forewarning for newcomers to authorship.

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss writing difficult and emotional stories from our own lives. How much is enough? What should we include? Is anyone even going to read it? AJ shares her term, a Healing Draft, as a guide to put painful experiences in your rearview mirror, and Mike reflects on writing about his father as he died, which became the close of their book, All In. Writers will learn how to navigate these potentially treacherous waters with confidence.

In this episode, Mike and AJ explain what advanced reader feedback is, how to get it, and more importantly, what to do with it. AJ shares case studies from several of her students and how they used their reader feedback to build marketing assets, hopefully to serve as inspiration to you! Mike wraps up the episode with an incredibly exciting bit of news, one that rhymes with “schmelevision.” You’ll have to listen to the end to learn what that is!

In this episode, Mike and AJ once again pull back the curtain to show how the sausage gets made. They breakdown what research authors may—or may not—need, how to weave it into the text, and when is there enough. You’ll also find out how saunas factor into Mike’s creative process… but you might want to skip it. (Don’t make it weird. Are you? Did you make it weird? It’s perfectly natural!) It’s another fun insider episode with these two, you won’t want to miss it.

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the dreaded second book slump, also known as the sophomore slump. They get real about the fears that many published authors feel, what that fear is rooted in, and most importantly, what to do about it. (Because of course, they have a solution, and it’s nothing you’d expect!)

In this episode, Mike kicks over the soap box for one of AJ’s rants. She’ll share what she knows is the biggest barrier for authors of prescriptive nonfiction’s success, and not only that, she’ll explain how they can avoid making the same mistake. It’s shockingly simple, and yet it’s the most common mistake she sees in authors throughout her career as an editor and teacher. Even better, she’ll give you clear instructions on how to avoid making this same mistake.