Novel Marketing

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

Description & TimesBuilding an email list made up of more than friends and family can feel impossible, especially before you've launched your first book. Eventually, you have to attract strangers. But how?How do you convince strangers to join your email list?We've been using a surprisingly effective method for years, yet I have never dedicated an entire podcast to it.In this week's episode, you'll hear from author Kelly Jo Wilson, who grew her email list to over 7,000 subscribers using a surprising tool (hint: it's not ads).You'll learn:How to turn giveaways into a powerful email growth engine using KingSumoHow to attract your ideal readers (not just freebie hunters)How to collaborate with other authors to multiply your reach and your resultsNo matter what genre you write, Kelly's strategy is very reproducible. Listen in or read the blog version for ideas on how to grow your network, serve your readers, and grow your audience.Support the show

Are you having trouble starting or finishing your writing? A subtle and sinister phenomenon may be keeping you from success. It may even be the reason your book is not finished yet. It might be why your book isn’t selling.What is it? Procrastination.You can’t beat procrastination by hustling harder; you need a plan that’s smarter.So, how do you escape the procrastination prison? One step at a time.In this week’s episode, you’ll learn 10 practical steps to help you overcome distractions, reclaim your focus, and take your next step without burning out.You’ll discover:✅ One easy (but hard) step that will instantly free up mental space for writing✅ How to determine what your next action should be✅ Tools to keep you focused, motivated, and on schedule✅ A new Novel Marketing challenge that will get you started…for free!Listen in or read the blog version to find out how to beat procrastination and get back to your meaningful work.Support the show

Blog version: https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-craft-a-cancel-proof-marketing-strategy/A few years ago, getting canceled could end your career. But author cancel culture has changed. Now, it can supercharge book sales.But how?In this week’s episode of Novel Marketing, I spoke with book marketer Christine Eriksen about how an indie author used an unplanned controversy as a powerful book marketing tool…and lived to tell about it.You'll learn:✅ Why cancel culture is changing and how it could affect you✅ How to navigate controversy without losing your readers or your sanity✅ A unique strategy for social media that works for a few authorsDon’t let fear of the cancel mob prevent you from doing the work you’re called to do. Learn how to craft a marketing strategy that can withstand an online firestorm.Support the show

How effective is your author website? In this week’s episode of Novel Marketing, I review the websites of top Christian Historical Romance authors, analyzing what they’re doing well and where they could improve. From SEO wins to missed opportunities, you’ll discover practical ways to enhance your own website. Find out:  What bestselling authors get right about website design  Common mistakes that could cost you readers and sales  Simple fixes to improve SEO, navigation, and revenue Listen in or read the blog version to explore strengths and weaknesses in website design and functionality that you can apply today. This episode is an experiment! Let me know if you’d like to hear more website reviews in future episodes!Support the show

In this enlightening conversation, Alexander Macris, an author and AI marketing expert, discusses how AI can transform the way writers promote their books. He emphasizes that rather than replacing creativity, AI tools can handle marketing tasks, allowing authors to devote more time to writing. Macris shares insights on platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT, highlighting their role in crafting compelling book descriptions and overcoming creative blocks. He also delves into how AI can streamline marketing strategies and analytics, ultimately benefiting readers and authors alike.

Sci-fi is evolving, and so are its audiences. Climate change themes are losing traction, while AI and global politics rise in significance. Writers are urged to adapt their narratives to reflect contemporary issues like economic instability and international conflict. As history shows, financial collapse can redefine societies, shifting the lens through which we view war. Embracing the complexities of today's geopolitical landscape can lead to richer, more engaging stories in the genre.

To indie publish or traditionally publish? That is the question.For years, indie publishing was seen as a fallback for authors who couldn’t land a traditional contract. But times have changed. Many indie authors now outsell and out-earn their traditionally published counterparts.And yet, while many traditionally published authors are switching to indie, it’s far less common to see a successful indie author sign with a major publisher.What would make an indie author turn down a traditional publishing deal?I spoke with Scott LaPierre, an author and conference speaker, to find out.In this week’s episode, we discuss:The biggest myths about traditional publishingHow signing a contract affected book salesTraditional publishing’s take on pricing and marketingThe cost of getting your rights back and why it mattersScott gives a first-hand account of working as a traditional and indie author and where he landed after experiencing both routes.If you’ve ever wondered which path is right for you and your book, listen in or read the blog version of our conversation.Support the show