

Book Marketing Mentors
Susan Friedmann
Jam-packed with smart, easy and simple ideas, this weekly podcast features experts who share proven techniques to add power and zest to supercharge your book marketing plan. Hosted by Susan Friedmann, CSP, international bestselling author, and founder of Aviva Publishing, this new and exciting podcast aims to rev up your marketing efforts with fewer struggles, and more success. Start listening today and discover how to get noticed in a crowded marketplace.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2025 • 34min
How to Market Your Book Without a Big Budget or Big Following - BM506
Does book marketing feel confusing, overwhelming, or like something everyone else understands but you? You’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not stuck.In this episode, Jason Fishman, CEO of Digital Niche Agency is my guest expert. With over 15 years of experience scaling digital marketing strategies, Jason pulls back the curtain on what actually works when it comes to marketing a nonfiction book. Not hype. Not hustle. A clear, practical path you can follow with confidence.You’ll learn why most authors struggle because they blur the line between marketing and selling, and how separating the two instantly brings focus. We also discuss why understanding your niche and your competition saves time, money, and frustration before you promote anything.We explore simple ways to build momentum using content, partnerships, and small tests that show you what works without blowing your budget. You’ll hear how to create early interest, activate your existing network, and make your launch work harder.In this episode, you’ll discover:• What your competitors can teach you (without copying them) One quick audit that reveals how to position your book more clearly.• Why most content fails and how to fix it How simple offers and funnels turn attention into real interest.• The hidden purpose of a pre-launch It’s not about hype. It’s about momentum and visibility that lasts.• Why reviews are easier than you think How repetition, follow-up, and volume do the heavy lifting for you.If you want a simpler, smarter way to market your book and stop guessing what might work, this episode gives you a clear place to start.Here's how to connect with Jason:LinkedIn YouTube Website*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Dec 17, 2025 • 26min
How to Use Fairy-Tale Story Structure for More Effective Book Marketing - BM-505
What if the secret to a more powerful author brand isn’t working harder… but thinking more like a storyteller?If you’ve ever felt your nonfiction writing or marketing could use more spark, this episode will open your eyes. USA Today bestselling author, psychologist, and writing mentor Anne Bartolucci, PhD, reveals how fiction techniques can transform the way readers experience your message.Anne shows you how mythic beats, character arcs, and narrative flow don't belong only in novels. They can make your nonfiction more engaging, more memorable, and far more marketable. If you want your book to stand out and your marketing to stick, this conversation is your guide.You’ll hear how to use storytelling to move past self-sabotage, own your voice, and create content that feels irresistible to the people you want to reach.Here’s a taste of what you’ll discover:• Why story-driven nonfiction pulls readers in faster than facts. Narrative momentum makes your message stick and your expertise unforgettable.• How mythic and fairy-tale structure reshape your nonfiction. Once you see these patterns, you’ll never outline a book the same way again.• How to turn setbacks into storytelling fuel. Reframing obstacles keeps you moving and makes your message more relatable.• How fiction techniques upgrade your marketing. Add hooks, emotion, and narrative so every piece of content feels irresistible.• Why writing alone slows you down. Discover how critique partners and masterminds boost clarity, confidence, and creativity.If you want your nonfiction book to make a bigger impact — and you’re curious how story structure can help you get there — this episode will change the way you write and market your idPress play and step into a new way of thinking about your book.Here's how to connect with Anne:Start Your Book ChallengeFree Values-Based Goal-Setting for Writers workshopWinter 2026 AcceleratorWebsiteLinkedInInstagram*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Dec 10, 2025 • 22min
How to Boost Your Book Sales with Innovative Marketing Hacks - BM504
Most authors stop at “bestseller.” That’s cute. But if your book isn’t building your brand, landing clients, or breaking open locked doors… what’s the point?This week, Amber Gaige brings her experience as a third-generation entrepreneur and StoryBrand expert to show you how smart authors turn books into revenue-generating assets.She’s flipping the usual marketing fluff on its head and showing you how to weaponize your book with real strategy.Inside This Episode:Books Don’t Build Authority—Smart Authors Do Get blunt about what it really takes to turn pages into power and why media exposure isn’t optional.Funnels Aren’t Sleazy—Yours Just Sucks Learn how to build a funnel that actually converts without feeling like a spam bot.Repurpose or Be Irrelevant If your content dies in your book, you’re wasting gold. Here’s how to cut it up, spread it out, and stay top of mind.Marketing Before the Launch or Don’t Bother Stop scrambling post-publish. Amber breaks down how to lay the groundwork before your book ever drops.Clarity Is Currency If you don’t know who you’re talking to or what you want, no tactic will save you. Let’s fix that.This isn’t another “book launch tips” episode. It’s a wake-up call for authors who want real ROI.Here's how to connect with Amber:Want Amber's free gift - her special marketing planning documentWebsiteLinkedInFaceBookInstagramBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Dec 3, 2025 • 29min
How to Claim Market Eminence to Stand Out and Succeed as an Author - BM503
Drowning in a noisy book market? This episode hands you the lifeline.Author and keynote speaker David Newman reveals why playing it safe is the fastest way to be ignored—and how boldness, generosity, and a clear point of view flip that script. If your message feels buried under the competition, this is your blueprint to rise.Inside this episode:Why “middle of the road” marketing kills momentumHow to craft a viewpoint that challenges and connectsWhy giving away your best ideas builds unstoppable trustThe exact prompts that unlock your unique brand voiceHow to build loyal fans before they ever buy your bookGet ready to workshop your way to visibility, credibility, and true brand power. David Newman doesn’t just talk strategy—he shows you how to own your space.This episode is your permission to stand out and stay unforgettable.Here's how to connect with David and claim your Market Eminence toolkit LinkedIn Instagram FaceBook *************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Nov 26, 2025 • 30min
How to Narrate Your Own Audiobook and Boost Book Sales with Your Voice - BM502
What if your voice could sell more books than your marketing plan?This week, audiobook pro Todd Eflin joins me to reveal what happens when authors step behind the mic. Todd is an award-winning narrator, voice actor, and DIY audiobook coach with a clear message: your voice can become a powerful sales tool when you know how to use it.Together we explore the real story behind self-narration: the nerves, the tech, the performance pressure, and the surprising freedom that comes when you take control of your own audio.Inside this episode:• Why audio builds deeper trust than the page Listeners let you into their daily life. Your voice creates loyalty that silent words cannot match.• The truth about narrating your own book Authentic? Yes. Easy? No. Todd explains how to decide if you should grab the mic or hire a pro.• The hidden hurdles no one warns authors about Voice fatigue, messy edits, tiny home studios, and the mental chatter that tells you to quit.• A simple path to voice confidence Todd’s exercises help you hear your voice without cringing and build a sound that fits your message.• The marketing edge most authors ignore Audiobooks open new sales channels. Readers expect them. Skipping audio leaves money on the table.If you want your book to travel farther, your voice may be the key. Todd shows you how to tap into it and turn narration into one of your strongest assets.Here's how to connect with Todd:Download his free listener gift:3-Step Guide to Create Your Own Professional Sounding AudiobookWebstite FaceBook *************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Nov 19, 2025 • 31min
How to Use Intuition to Grow Your Author Success - BM501
Are you craving a calmer, more intuitive way to grow your author platform? Tired of forcing yourself into formulas that never fit?This week's guest expert is Chelsea Fournier, intuitive business mentor and creator of The Rooted Method. Together, we explore a fresh path to visibility, alignment, and steady growth. Chelsea shares how sensitive, visionary authors can release the pressure, trust their inner wisdom, and build a brand that feels like home.If the hustle game drains you, or you feel overshadowed by louder authors, this conversation opens a different door. One built on ease, clarity, and truth.Key Takeaways:• Define success your way. What happens when you stop following the “shoulds” and create success on your own terms?• Honor your capacity. What if your energy—exactly as it is—could become your biggest advantage?• Use the Rooted Method. How would your author life change if you only planned 90 days at a time?• Trust intuitive signals. Ever wonder what those quiet nudges are trying to tell you?• Choose aligned marketing. What if the most effective marketing plan is the one that feels good to you?Listen now to learn how to step into marketing that feels like you. The momentum and peace of mind you want are waiting on the other side of alignment.Here's how to connect with Chelsea and download her free listener gift:3 Simple Ways to Use Intuition in Your Business DecisionsWebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Nov 12, 2025 • 13min
Celebrating 500 Episodes of Book Marketing Mentors
What if the future of book marketing could completely redefine your success as a nonfiction author?In this milestone 500th episode of Book Marketing Mentors, host and book marketing strategist Susan Friedmann steps into the spotlight to share what’s next for authors who want to stay ahead of the curve.From the rise of AI-driven personalization to the art of micro experiences and community ecosystems, Susan reveals the groundbreaking trends shaping how nonfiction authors connect, convert, and create impact in 2026 and beyond.You’ll walk away seeing your book—and your marketing—in a whole new light.What You’ll Learn:AI With a Human Heart: How to use artificial intelligence to make your readers feel genuinely seen, not sold to.Community as Currency: Why the smartest authors are building movements, not just mailing lists—and how to start yours.Micro Moments, Massive Impact: The power of small, immersive experiences that make your message unforgettable.The Return of Authenticity: Why human connection is the new algorithm—and the ultimate book marketing advantage.More than a celebration, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of nonfiction book marketing.Tune in to discover how to position your message, grow your influence, and make your book matter more than ever.*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Nov 5, 2025 • 30min
Audiobook Marketing Secrets: How to Use Your Voice to Grow Your Brand - BM499
Curious how narrating your own audiobook can boost your brand and create a deeper bond with your readers?This week’s guest expert, Mary Catherine Jones, award-winning executive producer and founder of The Audiobook Experience, reveals how to harness the true power of audio storytelling. She breaks down how to choose the perfect voice, navigate the recording process, and transform your audiobook into a marketing powerhouse.You’ll explore the real decisions authors face, whether to narrate your own story, when to bring in a professional, and how AI voices are transforming audiobooks. MaryCatherine shares insider tips for confident recording and shows how to turn your finished audiobook into irresistible marketing assets that keep working long after your book launch.Here’s what you’ll discover:Who should narrate your audiobook: When your authentic voice builds trust and when a pro adds polish.The truth about DIY narration: What it really takes, from setup to stamina, to deliver a high-quality performance.Why audiobooks are exploding: How offering an audio version expands your reach and strengthens your reader connection.AI voices decoded: Where artificial narration helps, where it falls flat, and how to keep your story’s soul intact.Marketing magic with audio: Creative ways to use short clips as teasers, trailers, and shareable soundbites that attract new listeners.Tune in and learn how to bring your message to life through sound, and make your audiobook your next big brand asset.Here's how to connect with MaryCatherine to book your free consultation:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Oct 29, 2025 • 27min
The Hidden Energy Block Holding Back Your Book Success (and How to Break Free) - BM498
Ever wondered how mastering your personal energy could unlock your book marketing superpower?This episode flips the script on book marketing.Isabel von Boetticher uncovers how mastering your personal energy can transform fear and fatigue into clarity and confidence.A multicultural holistic health practitioner and leadership development catalyst, Isabel joins us from the Dominican Republic to share how authors can stop pushing through exhaustion and start thriving through energy awareness.If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, imposter syndrome, or the fear of being seen, Isabel offers a refreshing perspective: marketing doesn’t have to drain you. It can fuel you.Through simple rituals, energy alignment, and practical mindset shifts, she shows how authors can market their books with more confidence, balance, and flow—without sacrificing well-being or authenticity.Key TakeawaysFace Your Fears: Learn why imposter syndrome and self-doubt are normal — and how awareness helps you move past them.Restore Confidence: Discover how energy work can quiet anxiety, release old patterns, and help you trust your voice again.Protect Your Energy: Find simple habits to prevent burnout — from rest and nutrition to daily grounding practices.Stop Energy Leaks: Spot what drains your focus or motivation, and use Isabel’s tools to recharge quickly.Create Supportive Rituals: Build easy morning or pre-event rituals that keep you calm, confident, and connected to your purpose.If you’re ready to market your book with more peace, power, and purpose — this episode will help you believe in your message and share it from your most energized self.Here's how to connect with Isabel...BOOK YOUR FREE EXPLORATION CALLINSTAGRAMYOUTUBEPODCASTWEBSITELINKED INFACEBOOK*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co

Oct 22, 2025 • 26min
The Secret Author Weapon: How to Use Book Awards to Boost Your Visibility - BM497
Think book awards are only about bragging rights? Think again.This week’s guest expert, Carol Abrahamson, knows the power of book awards. She’s the founder of Executive Authors, a former McGraw-Hill executive, and a longtime awards judge. With 42 books under her belt, Carol reveals what most authors miss—book awards are one of the most underused marketing power tools in publishing.Carol reveals how smart authors use awards to boost visibility, credibility, and sales. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why book awards matter: They’re more than shiny seals—they can drive sales, boost authority, and attract new opportunities.How to choose wisely: Not all awards are worth it. Learn what to look for (and what to skip) to get the best return on your entry fees.The hidden opportunity for older books: Many awards accept backlist titles—giving your book a second life.How to turn a win into marketing gold: From email signatures to media pitches, Carol explains how to make your “award-winning author” status work hard for you.The truth behind the myths: Awards aren’t random or automatic—you apply strategically to get results that last longer than bestseller buzz.If you’ve ever wondered whether entering awards is worth your time, this conversation will change your mind—and maybe your marketing plan.Here's how to connect with Carol:Free Report: 22 Free Nearly Free Ways to Promote Your Award-Winning BookWebsiteLinkedin*************************************************************************When Visibility Feels Hard, Podcast Guesting Changes the Game If you know your book deserves more reach but visibility feels like a struggle, podcast guesting can open the right doors. Podcast Connections gets you in front of the audiences who need your message and your expertise. Contact them at PodcastConnections.co


