

Don't Write That Book
Mike Michalowicz, AJ Harper
The "Don’t Write That Book" podcast serves as your guide to crafting your bestseller and embracing your role as an author. Your hosts, Mike Michalowicz and AJ Harper, act as your personal experts, steering you through the intricacies of writing and publishing. Mike and AJ demystify all aspects of creating and releasing your book, offering insights drawn from their own journeys. This podcast will be your safeguard against writing THAT book.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 41min
Life of a Book
In this episode, Mike and AJ have a frank conversation about an aspect of publishing many authors forget: the life of a good book is long! They’ll detail ways they’ve seen authors go wrong and, more importantly, offer ways for authors to go right. If you want to write a book that’s a must-read, this is a must-listen!
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app.
Books/Resources Mentioned:
Three Doors
Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
The Alchemist, by Paul Co-ELLE-o
The Café at the Edge of the World, by John Streleky
AJ’s YouTube channel
Adayla, the Official Pig Wrangler
Connect with AJ & Mike:
AJ Harper, website
Write A Must-Read
Free resources
AJ’s Socials:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Mike Michalowicz, website
All books
Mike’s Socials:
IG
FB
LinkedIn

Sep 11, 2025 • 48min
Underdeveloped Core Message
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss AJ’s philosophy on a core message for a book, what it is, and most importantly, how to craft one. They’ll talk about ways to determine if you’ve got yours nailed or if you have to go back to the drawing board, and give listeners tips on how to refine their book’s core message.
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app.
Books/Resources Mentioned:
Big Freakin’ Change, by Cara Poppitt
Connect with AJ & Mike:
AJ Harper, website
Write A Must-Read
Free resources
AJ’s Socials:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Mike Michalowicz, website
All books
Mike’s Socials:
IG
FB
LinkedIn

Sep 4, 2025 • 49min
Cognitive Debt: The Dangers of Using AI to Write
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the newest findings of cognitive decline with heavy reliance on LLMs, language learning models, like ChatGPT and others. They’ll dive into ways authors can “ethically” use AI and what they miss when they lean too heavily on AI in developing their must-read books and beyond.
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app.
Connect with AJ & Mike:
AJ Harper, website
Write A Must-Read
Free resources
AJ’s Socials:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Mike Michalowicz, website
All books
Mike’s Socials:
IG
FB
LinkedIn

Aug 28, 2025 • 57min
Speaker Strategies for Authors
Discover how health habits like compression socks can improve writing productivity and comfort. Hear lively tales about the balance of secrecy and trust in ghostwriting. Immerse yourself in the intersection of writing and quantum physics, and learn the public speaking strategies every author needs to master. Explore the dynamics of managing speaker fees and selling books at events, and gain insights into refining your speeches for maximum impact. This engaging discussion empowers authors to connect with audiences and enhance their writing careers.

Aug 21, 2025 • 51min
New Book Update: Surprising Marketing Challenges
In this episode, Mike and AJ catch listeners up on the state of production for their forthcoming book, The Money Habit, including working with Page Two’s graphics design team, efficient ways to power through proofreading, and Mike’s current state of getting an “in” with the MacMillan Publishing’s sales team for marketing purposes. We’re keeping hope alive!
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app.
Connect with AJ & Mike:
AJ Harper, website
Write A Must-Read
Free resources
AJ’s Socials:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Mike Michalowicz, website
All books
Mike’s Socials:
IG
FB
LinkedIn

Aug 14, 2025 • 41min
Help! Someone Already Wrote My Book
The hosts reflect on their editing journey, emphasizing workflow with their copy editor. They discuss the challenges of overlapping works while nurturing dreams, like creating a retreat. A fascinating concept of dual-purpose properties merges business and personal space. Intentions play a crucial role in achieving goals, as shared through an inspiring story. The conversation humorously navigates frugality and originality, encouraging writers to embrace their unique voices while fostering connections among creatives.

Aug 7, 2025 • 41min
What Would We Write if We Had All the Time and Buckets of Talent
In this episode, Mike and AJ do some much-needed navel gazing about the books they’d love to write if time and current commitments weren’t a factor. Their answers might surprise you! Plus, they’ll offer ways for authors to capture those ideas so they can have new ideas at the ready for that moment when life opens up for a new book.
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app.
Books/Resources Mentioned:
In Search of You, by Kasey Compton
Tales of the City, by Armistead Maupin
Get Signed, by Lucinda Halpern
Connect with AJ & Mike:
AJ Harper, website
Write A Must-Read
Free resources
AJ’s Socials:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Mike Michalowicz, website
All books
Mike’s Socials:
IG
FB
LinkedIn

4 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 26min
Book Sales: Alternatives to Amazon
Discover how the beauty of spring inspires creativity and connection in writing. The hosts dive into the impact of hypomania on productivity and self-sabotage while sharing personal anecdotes. Explore innovative alternatives to Amazon for book sales, focusing on platforms like Bookshop.org and TikTok Shop. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with readers and diversifying sales channels to boost visibility. Expect insights into the creative process as they encourage limitless expression in writing.

Jul 24, 2025 • 42min
Publishing Scams and How to Avoid Them
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!Books/Resources Mentioned:Writer BewareDefy, by Dr. Sunita SahConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resourcesAJ’s Socials:FacebookLinkedInMike Michalowicz, websiteAll books Mike’s Socials: IGFBLinkedIn

Jul 17, 2025 • 40min
How Long Does It Take to Publish Your Book
Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!Books/Resources Mentioned:The program AJ cautions againstWeller Smith DesignConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resourcesAJ’s Socials:FacebookLinkedInMike Michalowicz, websiteAll books Mike’s Socials: IGFBLinkedIn


