Episodios

  • Marketing Your Book for Holiday Gold
    Jul 18 2025

    The holiday season represents a golden opportunity for authors to boost book sales—but only for those who start planning early enough. In this strategic episode, we dig into why "Christmas in July" isn't just a retail concept but a vital timeframe for authors who want holiday marketing success.

    We reveal the shocking truth about holiday marketing timelines: if you're waiting until November to plan your holiday book promotions, you're already months too late! Media outlets finalize gift guides during summer, promotional spots book up by early fall, and consumers need time to discover your book before making purchase decisions. This episode walks you through the essential preparations you need to make now to position your book effectively for holiday sales.

    You'll learn the crucial distinction between marketing a holiday-themed book versus positioning any book as a gift, and why specific messaging matters ("perfect for your adventure-loving niece" resonates more than generic "great gift" language). We cover practical steps including website preparation, scheduling promotional content, booking eBook deals for Black Friday, building up reviews, and how to successfully pitch to holiday gift guides at outlets like Buzzfeed and major online magazines.

    Whether you're planning to offer special holiday bundles, signed editions, book-plus-merchandise packages, or simply want more Amazon sales, the groundwork must begin now. Don't let another holiday season pass with disappointing sales—grab your marketing calendar and start implementing these proven strategies that have helped countless authors transform the holidays from a missed opportunity into their most profitable season.

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    18 m
  • Beyond Boredom: Your Book Could Be Every Parent's Summer Solution
    Jul 11 2025

    The summer break scramble is real! Parents everywhere face the same challenge when school lets out: keeping kids entertained without surrendering to endless screen time. For authors of children's and young adult books, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with an audience hungry for solutions.

    Drawing inspiration from Jennifer Garner's brilliant parenting strategy (she tells her kids they can have social media once they find articles proving it's beneficial for children), we explore how authors can position their books as the perfect summer entertainment option. Parents are actively seeking recommendations, activities, and reading materials to keep young minds engaged during the long break—and they want decisions that are easy to make.

    Whether your book was published yesterday or five years ago, now is the perfect time to refresh your marketing approach. We share practical strategies and easily implemented tips and ideas!

    Don't let another summer pass without maximizing this perfect marketing opportunity. Your book could be exactly what a parent needs when they hear those dreaded words: "I'm bored!"

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    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

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    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
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    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

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    22 m
  • From Beach Reads to Bestsellers: Marketing Your Book in Summer
    Jul 4 2025

    Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell dive into the evolving definition of "summer reads" and reveal practical strategies for positioning any book to capture readers' attention during these warmer months.

    The podcast challenges traditional notions of what constitutes summer reading material. While escapist genre fiction remains popular, today's readers are equally drawn to true crime, activity-based children's books, and "maker" titles that inspire summer projects. With rising travel costs leading many to embrace "staycations," books offering at-home experiences or local exploration guides are experiencing unexpected popularity surges. The hosts emphasize that even serious books needn't be shelved until fall—they simply require different positioning to connect with summer readers.

    What makes this episode particularly valuable is its focus on low-cost, high-impact marketing pivots. Rather than suggesting expensive cover redesigns or content overhauls, Penny and Amy recommend simple tweaks and easy changes to grab more summer readers!

    Ready to transform your book into this summer's must-read? Update your marketing approach with these practical strategies, engage your fans with seasonal promotions, and watch your conversions grow. Remember—these techniques work for books of all genres and publication dates, and once developed, can be adapted for any season throughout the year.

    Send us your feedback!

    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

    Please leave a review!

    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
    2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
    3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
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    Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

    https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

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    22 m
  • The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think
    Jun 27 2025

    Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success.

    Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your book promotions will stand. But here's the surprising insight: the best time to network is when you don't have anything to sell. This counterintuitive approach allows you to build authentic relationships, observe what resonates with potential readers, and establish connections with influencers before you need their support. As Penny notes, "If you're going to make mistakes, make them before the book is out."

    For authors anxiously waiting months before publication, this episode offers a roadmap of productive activities and unique ideas!

    Whether you're preparing for your first launch or looking to revitalize your existing author platform, this episode transforms the overwhelming concept of marketing into an authentic, relationship-focused approach that feels less like selling and more like connecting. Ready to build your brand rather than just sell your book? Listen now, then share your biggest marketing challenge with us!

    Send us your feedback!

    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

    Please leave a review!

    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
    2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
    3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
    4. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it.

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    Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

    https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

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    26 m
  • The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage
    Jun 20 2025

    With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibility is real. But does paying for reviews or influencer features actually work? And more importantly… is it worth the risk?

    In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the rapidly shifting world of paid book promotion. From once-taboo paid reviews to TikTok influencers charging thousands per post, the rules have changed—but that doesn’t mean the results are guaranteed.

    You’ll hear real-world stories of paid promotions gone sideways, including AI-generated reviews that spoil endings and pricey group ads that vanish without a trace. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Penny and Amy also offer a framework for making smart, strategic choices, including how to vet influencers, what red flags to watch for, and why micro-influencers often deliver more bang for your buck.

    Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned pro, this episode is your roadmap for navigating the blurry line between earned and paid media—so you can promote smarter, not just spend more.

    Send us your feedback!

    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

    Please leave a review!

    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
    2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
    3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
    4. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it.

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    Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

    https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

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    35 m
  • Unlocking ChatGPT’s Creative Power for Authors
    Jun 13 2025

    AI isn’t a threat to creativity—it’s a secret weapon, and savvy authors are already tapping into its power. In this episode, Penny and Amy explore how ChatGPT can transform the way you write, market, and manage your author business.

    Discover how to use ChatGPT as a creative collaborator to generate fresh story ideas, refine your prose, spot plot holes, and develop engaging bonus content for readers. We also dive into how authors are streamlining their marketing efforts—writing ad copy, planning social media, and creating newsletters—without losing their voice or burning out.

    But this episode doesn’t shy away from the boundaries. You’ll learn where ChatGPT falls short (think Amazon keywords, SEO, and media contacts) and why knowing what not to outsource to AI is just as important as knowing what to delegate.

    With actionable tips on prompt crafting, organizing AI chats into manageable projects, and using AI to support—not replace—your process, this episode is a must-listen for any author ready to work smarter, not harder.

    The AI advantage is real—if you know how to use it. Tune in to learn how ChatGPT can elevate your creativity, boost your productivity, and help you run your author career with more clarity and ease

    Send us your feedback!

    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

    Please leave a review!

    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
    2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
    3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
    4. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it.

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    Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

    https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

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    31 m
  • What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success
    Jun 6 2025

    Unrealistic expectations can destroy an author's career before it truly begins. We've seen it countless times—talented writers who become discouraged, bitter, and ultimately abandon their writing dreams because their first book didn't land them on bestseller lists or bring financial freedom.

    In this deeply practical conversation, Penny and Amy challenge authors to rethink what success looks like for a debut book. Rather than viewing your first publication as the finish line, consider it the foundation of your author career—a launch pad for building reader relationships, growing your email list, and establishing your author brand. These elements, while less glamorous than overnight fame, create sustainable momentum that carries forward to future books.

    Success in publishing rarely follows the exceptional stories we've all heard about overnight sensations. For most authors, the path involves patient, deliberate growth and learning. As Penny shares from her own 25-book journey, each publication offers valuable lessons that inform and improve the next. If you can identify five things you'll do differently with your next book, you've gained priceless knowledge that no shortcut could provide.

    The podcast explores the concept of "choosing your hard"—acknowledging that publishing is challenging regardless of your approach, but productive difficulty leads to growth while discouragement leads nowhere. By focusing on reader connection, professional presentation, and consistent improvement, authors position themselves for long-term success rather than fleeting luck.

    Whether you're completing your first manuscript or reflecting on why your published book hasn't met expectations, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on measuring success through sustainable metrics rather than exceptional circumstances. Reframe your goals, focus on building relationships with readers, and approach each book as another opportunity to refine your craft and platform.

    Send us your feedback!

    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

    Please leave a review!

    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
    2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
    3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
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    Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

    https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

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    39 m
  • Amazon's New Algorithm Changes: What Authors Need to Know
    May 30 2025

    When Amazon quietly shifted from its A9 to A10 algorithm in May, many authors felt panic rising. Would their books suddenly disappear from search results? Would years of keyword optimization become obsolete overnight? The good news is that if you've been focusing on quality and reader experience all along, you're already aligned with Amazon's new direction.

    Amazon is increasingly behaving like Google—prioritizing relevancy, quality content, and authentic engagement over keyword manipulation. This makes perfect sense when you consider Amazon's fundamental nature as a search engine that profits from purchases rather than just clicks. What matters now more than ever is creating a cohesive author presence that extends beyond Amazon itself.

    In this episode Penny and Amy unpack every element of this new algorithm change, giving insightful guidance and debunking myths that are circulating in the industry.

    Join us as we dive deep in the mysteries of getting more visibility for your book on Amazon!

    Ready to optimize your Amazon presence? Pre-order our new book "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" today and get entered into our contest for Amazon Page Power-Up packages! Subscribe to our podcast for weekly insights that will help you navigate the ever-changing world of book marketing and publishing success.

    Send us your feedback!

    Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

    Please leave a review!

    1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
    2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
    3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
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    Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

    Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

    https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/

    Más Menos
    36 m