Novel Marketing

Thomas Umstattd Jr.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 32min

Is Your Traditional Publisher Going Bankrupt? 8 Warning Signs to Look Out For

The publishing industry is facing significant challenges. We just went through a major zeitgeist shift, and reader preferences radically changed. AI also showed up in a big way, so it should be no surprise that several traditional publishers are struggling to adapt.What happens to you and your book if your publisher goes bankrupt? How will you know if your publisher is headed that way?In ​this week’s episode​, we uncover eight warning signs your publisher might be on the brink and what you can do now to protect your rights, royalties, and your book’s future.Tune in to learn:• The #1 red flag that predicts publisher collapse• What you can do to ensure your book doesn’t end up in publishing purgatory• How you can sustain your readership and career through a publisher bankruptcyWhether you’re with a small press or a major house, ​listen in​ or ​read the blog version​ to learn the signs of publisher bankruptcy. If you’re on alert, you can avoid some major hindrances to your career.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Jun 11, 2025 • 59min

How to Adapt a Podcast to YouTube

You work hard to create content for your audience. But how do you get more mileage and reach out of each piece you create?One way is to adapt your content for another platform. I recently started adapting my podcast into a YouTube channel.But how do you do that?I learned the hard way how not to do it.To gain traction on YouTube, you have to respect YouTube as a platform. You can't just shovel your podcast audio onto it and expect good results.I had an interesting conversation about this on the School of Podcasting hosted by Dave Jackson. Dave has been podcasting for 25 years, and we discussed the differences between YouTube and podcasting and how to successfully adapt a podcast to YouTube.If you've ever wanted to get more mileage out of your content, this week's episode is for you.You'll learn:How YouTube viewers behave differently from podcast listeners, and what that means for your contentWhen is a good time to launch your YouTube channelThe secret ingredients that make titles and thumbnails perform wellWhether you're launching a new YouTube channel or trying to grow an existing one, listen in or read the blog post to discover how to avoid common pitfalls and grow your audience with confidence.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Jun 4, 2025 • 37min

How to Publish a Novel in 2025

Have you been dreaming about publishing a book that actually sells?The hard truth is that most authors fail because they jump straight into writing. They spend months writing a book only to find out later they made a key mistake, and nobody wants to buy the book.I've helped thousands of authors go from blank page to profitable launch, and in this week's episode, I'm giving you the roadmap. You'll learn my complete six-step process as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and rookie mistakes.In this episode, you'll discover:The first thing you should do (even before writing chapter one)Which people and tools can help you polish your manuscript (and the right order to use them)How you can get free lifetime access to my course How to Get Published (Only in June!)If you're serious about publishing a book that sells, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.Listen in or read the blog version to learn how to successfully publish a book and avoid common mistakes.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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May 28, 2025 • 53min

An Introduction to Author Ecosystems with Russel Nohelty

Have you ever followed popular marketing advice that worked wonders for someone else but completely fell flat for you? Or have you watched another author succeed with a strategy you were told would never work?That’s because book marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all.In this week’s episode, I talk with USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty about Author Ecosystems—a framework that helps you understand the type of author you are and which marketing strategies are most likely to work for you.You’ll discover:Why some authors succeed with rapid release while others succeed with traditional launchesHow to identify your own ecosystem and tailor your marketing strategy accordinglyWhich types of authors complement one another bestWhether you’re struggling to gain traction or just want to work smarter, this conversation will give you clarity and direction.Listen in or check out the blog post to find links to the Author Ecosystems quiz and other resources to help you determine where you fit in the author ecosystem. It’s a great place to start.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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May 21, 2025 • 33min

AI Optimization for Authors

Rethink how you view AI in your writing journey—it's more about making your book visible than just writing it! Discover how readers are turning to AI for recommendations and what you can do to ensure your book gets recommended. Learn the importance of optimizing your website and using metadata effectively. Explore strategies for leveraging social media and digital presence to boost your sales in an increasingly AI-driven market. Don't be one of those authors left behind as book recommendations shift!
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May 14, 2025 • 35min

Your Author Toolbox

What if you had a toolbox filled with over 30 expert-level resources to help you sell more books and spend less time marketing?In this week’s episode, I reveal the suite of powerful tools I’ve built to simplify writing and marketing for authors like you. From crafting irresistible blurbs to designing reader magnet covers, optimizing email campaigns, and even generating book launch plans, these tools are changing the game.In this episode, you’ll discover tools to help you:·   Get almost any book marketing question answered (by “me”)·   Generate killer book blurbs in minutes·   Create a professional-looking cover for your reader magnet·   Generate a reader magnet (and other resources) for your book or topicIf you’ve ever wished for a personal assistant who works 24/7 and has more than 30 tools to advance your career, save you time, and sell your book, this episode is for you!Listen in or read the blog version (with links!) to discover this innovative suite of tools that can streamline your work and give you more time to write.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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May 7, 2025 • 37min

How to generate passive income with affiliate marketing

Are you leaving money on the table every time you share a link to your book?In this week’s episode, we talk with Jesse Lakes, co-founder of Geniuslink, to explore how universal book links and affiliate marketing can help you reach more readers and earn extra income.You’ll learn:Why Amazon.com links could be costing you salesThe tools that make it easy to start earning today (and keep you compliant!)How to future-proof your book linksYou’ve already done the work to write the book and make it available online. Now, make your book links work harder for you.Listen in or check out the blog version (with all the links) to find your roadmap to universal book links.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Apr 30, 2025 • 52min

How to PROFITABLY Advertise a Solo Book on Amazon

Without advertising, most books only sell to the author’s friends, family, and neighbors. People across the country or across town may never hear about your book. Amazon ads can help you reach beyond your social bubble.Many authors think they need a series to make ads work, but that’s not true. You can run profitable ads even if you only have one book published.In the latest episode of Novel Marketing, you’ll hear from author and Amazon advertiser Scott LaPierre. We discuss proven strategies to reach readers beyond your network and turn clicks into sales.You’ll learnWhich type of ads are most efficient for a stand-alone bookHow you can work smarter, not harder when setting up your adsHow much you should spend on ads to get good data about whether they’re working for youListen in or read the blog version to get actionable tips and start advertising to unlock the power of Amazon’s search engine to boost your book’s visibility and sales.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 1min

Announcing Author Update

Publishing is changing faster than ever before. New AI tools are dropping every time you turn around, and the way authors write, publish, and sell books is being rewritten in real-time.On Novel Marketing has been committed to sharing evergreen marketing principles that do not change, which is why it's become such a trusted resource for authors.However, this strategy has left many authors on their own to sort out weekly publishing news. The result is that they find a lot of sensationalistic hearsay that spreads on author Facebook groups.So, I asked myself, "How do I connect my audience with reliable publishing news while maintaining the evergreen nature of the podcast?"With a brand-new show called Author Update!Author Update is where we break down the latest news in publishing, from Amazon feature rollouts to global events that could affect book printing. We go beyond the headlines to talk about what it means for you as an author.This week on Novel Marketing, we're sharing ​an episode of Author Update​ so you can get a taste of what the new show is like.We'll coverAmazon AI-Powered SearchTariffs on BooksThe New "Read Sample" Option on AmazonThe EconomyChina's American Book BanHow to Sound SmartAnd much more!Blog & Audio Version​Listen in​ or read the blog ​version of this episode​ to go beyond the headlines and find out what these changes mean for you as an author.P.S. Author Update now airs live on YouTube Fridays at 4 PM Central and is available on all major podcast apps.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show
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Apr 9, 2025 • 27min

2025 Laptop Buying Guide for Authors

Too many writers waste hundreds or thousands of dollars on laptop features they’ll never use. Worse yet, some struggle along with outdated, unreliable machines that sabotage their creativity and productivity.Here’s what tech companies don’t want you to know: That pricey laptop with all the bells and whistles? Most of those features are totally useless for authors.​This week’s episode​ is my 2025 Laptop Buying Guide for Authors. You’ll discover:• Why the processor everyone obsesses over barely matters for writers • Why most professional authors choose Apple • What to avoid when shopping for your next laptop • Links to my laptop recommendations for every budgetAs a tech nerd who’s been building computers since age 12 and helping thousands of authors over the last 15 years, I’ll cut through the hype and show you what really matters.​Listen in​ or ​read the blog version​ and finally get a laptop that works for you, not against you.https://novelmarketingconference.com/ https://novelmarketingconference.com/Support the show

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