Celebrate two years of Publishing & Prospering with us! In this episode, Matt & Lauren reflect on two years of podcasting, sharing what we’ve learned since the beginning, how podcasting has changed the way we create, share, and understand content, and where we see Publish & Prosper going next. Whether you’re curious about how a podcast could impact your brand or just want to sneak a behind-the-scenes look at Publish & Prosper, this is for you! Listen now wherever you get...

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Lulu’s Senior Marketing Manager, Paul Hobday, for an inside look at content strategy with two content marketing nerds. We dive into: 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Understanding your different content channels and how they support each other 💡 How to build an effective content strategy (and why it’s essential that you do) 🧰 Making good use of the tools and resources at your disposal to design the best possible plan And more! Listen now, or watch the full episode on YouTube. ...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share three chilling scenarios bound to keep you up at night and our tips for surviving your worst book publishing nightmares! Hear the horrifying tales of: 🕸️ The Monstrous Cover Art Mockup 👻 The Proof Possessed by Problems 🔪 The Beta Reader Butcher Listen now, or watch the full episode on YouTube…if you dare. Dive Deeper 🕸️ Monstrous Cover Art Mockup Ep #21 | Cover to Cover: Getting Your Book Design RightThe Secret to Cover Design SuccessWebinar |...

One of the biggest benefits of selling direct is having complete control over your fans’ customer experience, but even the best entrepreneurs out there sometimes find themselves facing a tricky customer service issue. In this episode, Lauren & Matt share their strategies for providing top tier support for your customers. Whether you’re taking preventative measures, planning a proactive approach, or providing solutions to unexpected problems, we’re here to help you help your customer...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate and discuss a variety of writing, publishing, editing, and marketing prompts. Hear their insights, opinions, and ideas on topics like: Exclusively Selling Direct vs. Going Wide with Your Book SalesWhich Social Media Platform Would You Use to Promote a Book? What Would You Use to Entice New Email Subscribers? And, of course, a few tangents too. Listen now, or watch the full episode on our YouTube channel! Dive Deeper 💡 Listen t...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt want indie authors to see their books on library shelves! Whether you dream of your hardcover on display in your local public library or hope to find your ebook in digital catalogs nationwide, we’re here to help make it happen. Dive Deeper 💡 Explore These Resources OverDrive | Libraries Break Digital Lending Records in 2024 with Over 739 million CheckoutsLibrary of Congress | About the CIP Program | Cataloging in PublicationLibrary of Congress | Unde...

Tune in for another episode of The Email Marketing Podcast with Laurie & Lauren! In this episode, Laurie & Lauren walk through the steps to prepare for an important email marketing campaign series like holiday sales or a new book launch. We review: Why you should plan ahead for an email campaignYour pre-campaign planning timelineHow to monitor your campaign once it’s liveWrapping up your campaign (and setting yourself up for success with the next one) Dive Deeper 💡 Listen to T...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren sit down with our friend Lynette Greenfield, author and founder of Limelight Publishing. Learn how Lynette turned her prolific writing career and passion for helping aspiring authors into a successful hybrid publishing company. Dive Deeper 💡 Meet Lynette & Learn More About Limelight Write Publish RepeatLynette Greenfield Author SpotlightLimelight Publishing💡 Listen to These Episodes Ep #53 | How to Create A Writing Habit That Actually SticksEp #79...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt chat with old and new friends live from the show floor at Content Entrepreneur Expo! Tune in to hear from five industry experts about content creation and strategy, content entrepreneurship, book publishing, and most importantly, the great niche vs. niche debate. 3:42 → Austin L. Church on Writing a Book (and What He’ll Do Differently Next Time)18:15 → Lou Mongello on the Value of Community and Authentic Relationships24:41 → Julia Levine on Building Yo...

You only get one shot to make a first impression when inviting new guests into your brand–don’t scare them away before they even make it to the front door! In this episode, Lauren & Matt share essential tips for capturing attention quickly, maximizing your ‘curb appeal,’ and making your first look count. We talk through nailing your elevator pitch, sprucing up your social media real estate, designing an inviting website, and delivering a warm welcome email. Dive Deeper 💡 Li...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share tips for making the most of your post-launch marketing and extending the sales cycle of your book. We talk through how to maintain the momentum of your brand growth, professional growth, and book sales by: Exploring new ways to approach earned promo opportunitiesReinforcing your relationship with your existing readers or new audiencesInvesting in yourself and your expertise as an author and as a brandUpdating your brand strategy with post-launch ...

Reader personas are a powerful tool for understanding your target audience! In this episode, Lauren & Matt explain the value of niching down into your target audience, how to create your ideal reader personas, and applying those to inform every step of your publishing journey. Whether you’re still drafting your first book or looking to inject new life into the end of a sales cycle, you have to understand who your readers are. Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for cre...

In 2024, Lulu printed almost 57,000 calendars for creators and customers worldwide. In this episode, Matt & Lauren examine why wall calendars are so popular, the ROI on calendars, and different ways calendars can support your brand efforts. We also share calendar ideas for different types of creators, and our tips for making an awesome project. Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo cod...

In this episode Lauren is joined by Laurie Shipley, Lulu’s Email Marketing Manager, to explore the value of email marketing…beyond just newsletters! Laurie shares insights into growing and segmenting your email lists, using automated emails to increase revenue, and creating personal connections with your subscribers. Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo code LULU100 to save $100 on your t...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review the power of print-on-demand books for subscription-based creators. Whether your content is behind a paywall, time-boxed, frequently updated, or even just spread out over multiple channels, print books can be a great way to support your fans, reach new subscribers, and further establish your expertise and authority. Learn why we think POD print books are a great value add for your subscribers, different ways to monetize your printed content, and...

With print-on-demand, you can print just one copy of your book… But you can also print 100. Or 500. Or 1,000. Or 3,159. You do you. In this episode, Lauren & Matt talk bulk book orders; when you need them, how they work with print-on-demand, and all the logistics (and discounts!) you should know about. Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo code LULU100 to save $100 on your ticket 🎉 Dive D...

In this episode, Matt & Lauren break down one of Tilt Publishing's most successful book launches of the year. Meet Justin Moore, author of Sponsor Magnet and founder of Creator Wizard, and hear how he’s used proven strategies to successfully (and profitably) release his book. Justin will be at Content Entrepreneur Expo this August… will you? Don’t miss THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo code LULU100 to save $100 on your ticke...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore different ways generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help you sell more books (without creating any public-facing copy or content). We share so many tips for using AI, including ways to: Help you brainstorm, refine, and execute marketing strategies.Facilitate your market research to better position and promote your book. Identify and target your ideal audience of readers or buyers based on your goals. Want to learn more about growing y...

In this episode, Lauren finally gets to explain the intricacies and impact of fanfiction to Matt. Listen now for a slightly chaotic dive into fanfiction origins, the evolution of fanfiction as we know it today, the legal gray area of transformative works, and how fanfiction has impacted modern publishing. Don’t miss Content Entrepreneur Expo, THE event for creators, authors, and entrepreneurs. Visit cex.events to learn more and use promo code LULU100 to save $100 on your ticket 🎉 ...

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore how indie authors and content entrepreneurs can use partnerships and collaborations to grow their audience, establish authority, and build long-term relationships that outlast any algorithm. We break down strategies for how to identify the right partners, pitch yourself, and make the most of a mutually beneficial collaboration. You know where you’ll have an excellent opportunity to connect with potential collaborators? Content Entrepreneur Expo...