

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

Jul 10, 2025 • 36min
Using Graphics and Illustrations in Your Book
Explore the transformative role of graphics and illustrations in book publishing. Discover how visual elements can enhance narrative and engage readers, particularly for visual learners. Listen to personal stories of entrepreneurial success and the freedom found in authorship. Delve into the importance of collaborating with talented illustrators and navigating publisher specifications. Get practical tips for balancing visuals with text, ensuring that graphics elevate rather than overwhelm the reader's experience.

Jul 3, 2025 • 47min
When to Take a Break from Your Book
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!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:Between Two Kingdoms, by Suleika JoadConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resourcesAJ’s Socials:FacebookLinkedInMike Michalowicz, websiteAll books Mike’s Socials: IGFBLinkedIn

Jun 26, 2025 • 41min
Mike’s Best Book Marketing Ideas
Dive into the challenges of burnout while discovering proactive strategies for authors. Learn about impactful books that inspire and shape writing journeys. Uncover critical steps for launching a self-help book aimed at mental health. Explore innovative promotional tactics, including TikTok storytelling and newsletters. Gain insights into achieving 20,000 pre-orders through strategic sponsorships and influencer outreach. Discover creative marketing approaches like community engagement and multi-book offers, all designed to connect with readers effectively.

Jun 19, 2025 • 44min
How to Craft a Reader Statement
Check out Burned by Julie Bee. Thank you to Julie for sponsoring today’s episode!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:Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success, by Julie BeeSustainability Simplified, by Josh SpodekBooks by Chris GuillebeauConnect with AJ & Mike:AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resourcesAJ’s Socials:FacebookLinkedInMike Michalowicz, websiteAll books Mike’s Socials: IGFBLinkedIn

Jun 12, 2025 • 47min
Starting a Podcast to Support Your Book
Discover how podcasting can transform an author's visibility and engagement with their audience. Dive into the intricacies of audiobook production and effective recording strategies. Uncover powerful methods to promote your work before its release, including cover reveals and genuine outreach. Learn tips for growing your podcast audience through collaboration and guest appearances. Hear personal stories on overcoming challenges in podcasting and the unpredictable, yet vast, reach of this medium. It's a must-listen for any aspiring author!

Jun 5, 2025 • 44min
Make Your Book Accessible
The hosts share their journey in enhancing accessibility in writing, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and relatable examples. They discuss refining manuscripts through collaboration, focusing on effective editing strategies. Financial clarity becomes a topic as they explore how graphics aid understanding. Personal insights highlight the need for diverse perspectives to engage a wider audience. Finally, upcoming workshops and retreats promise to unlock writing potential, offering authors valuable time and resources for their manuscripts.

May 29, 2025 • 42min
Book Development
In this episode, AJ and Mike break down all the elements that go into developing a must-read book, from the kernel of an idea to the long-term marketing plans. They even share what they’ve done in the past with their books and give hints at how their new book, The Money Habit, was developed and its next steps. They’ll also share areas that they see authors fail to consider.
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

May 22, 2025 • 43min
Understanding Bestseller Lists
In this episode, Mike and AJ demystify bestseller lists for The New York Times, USA Today, and others (RIP, WSJ List) and detail what it takes to get on them. There are still some secrets to selection that remain shrouded in mystery, but AJ has a good idea of what they are, and holds nothing back. They also give listeners straight talk about Amazon best-seller status and why you should never – ever – put that in your bio, not if you want to look like a pro.
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:
Defy, by Dr. Sunita Sah
Unicorn Team, by Jen Kem
Profit First for Therapists, by Julie Herres
The End of Education as We Know It, by Ida Rose Florez
Vacuuming in the Nude, by Peggy Rowe
Inner Excellence, by Jim Murphy
Top Three Author Membership
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

May 15, 2025 • 28min
The Power of Inclusivity
In this episode, AJ and Mike address the 800-pound gorilla in publishing: inclusivity. In this crucial episode, they’ll talk about what inclusivity means—and what it doesn’t. They’ll share their own mistakes of the past and how to move forward in a way that improves the conversation as a whole. They firmly believe in an “all are welcome” approach to their books and audiences, and invite the listener to join them on their crusade to make publishing a better, more open space.
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:
Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises, by Suzanne Mariga
Top Three Author Membership
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

May 8, 2025 • 57min
Post-Launch Reader Engagement
In this episode, Mike and AJ dive deep into one area of authorship most newbies never consider: post-reader engagement! Not only do they share their own strategies for keeping their books “alive” after launch, but they also talk about how long authors should plan to keep engagement. Hint: it’s more than a few weeks!
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:
“It’s Gonna Be Okay,” with Dr. Roseann
Defy, by Dr. Sunita Sah
Dream Bold, Start Smart, by Tatiana Tsoir
Top Three Author Membership
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


