Don't Write That Book

Mike Michalowicz, AJ Harper
undefined
May 1, 2025 • 49min

The Great Trade Review Debate

In this episode, Mike and AJ enter the debate round once again in a friendly debate about trade reviews. Listeners will learn what they are, if they matter, and what the heck an author does with them if they have one. They also throw in some bonus information about publishers’ sales teams, share a listener email, and give you a secret tip about trade reviews that’s exclusive to folks who self-publish.  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 In Search of You, by Kasey Compton 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
undefined
Apr 24, 2025 • 44min

The Power of Purpose

In this episode, AJ and Mike share what they each believe their purpose is, and even share an exercise that Mike uses at speaking engagements to help folks find theirs. It’s a fun fly-on-the-wall conversation where they share stories from their past that helped forge their sense of self. They’ll even talk about how listeners can rekindle their own fires of passion to keep moving forward. 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: Monday Night Readings 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
undefined
Apr 17, 2025 • 52min

Are You a Career Author?

The hosts share their love for music, particularly iconic artists like Prince and Tom Petty, highlighting how music fuels personal growth. They delve into the transformation of recognizing oneself as a career author and the mindset shifts that come with this identity. The discussion addresses modern challenges faced by authors, including the impact of technology and the importance of community. With humor and anecdotes, they explore the journey of crafting a writing career, emphasizing the dedication required to succeed and the significance of understanding readers' needs.
undefined
Apr 10, 2025 • 47min

The Importance of Due Diligence

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a kerfuffle brewing in the publishing world, which leads to the main topic: authors are responsible for doing their due diligence. Do you need to give credit for a concept? What if it’s in the zeitgeist and you are the person who simplified the concept? What if you took someone’s simplified concept and made it something else? (They go into the Mel Robbins/Let Them/Cassie Phillips discussion.) Authors should take note of this episode in particular to learn how to avoid making potentially costly mistakes to their careers.  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: “Let Them” by Cassie Phillips, a Timeline and explanation William McRaven “Make Your Bed” Wiggity-wiggity-whack, aka “Jump Jump” by Kris Kross 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
undefined
Apr 3, 2025 • 43min

Author Gear

In this episode, Mike and AJ bring you into the workroom. They talk about their must-have gear that makes it possible for them to write their must-reads. From chairs, standing desks, to all the tech Mike uses when writing on the go, you’ll hear about everything these two feel is essential to authors.  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: Kinesis Advantage Typewriter Shure Microphones iClever Foldable keyboard Typerwriter-sounds Keyboard Flight Flap Travel Tablet Stand Logitech Vertical Mouse Conquering Carpal Tunnel, by Sharon Butler The 3.3 Rule, by John Briggs Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website  Write A Must-Read   Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books
undefined
Mar 27, 2025 • 51min

Author Sites vs Book Sites

The hosts share amusing anecdotes about their winter podcasting setup and the growth that writing brings to authors. They dive into the essential differences between author and book websites, emphasizing the importance of personal branding. Strategies for engaging readers through effective website design and innovative marketing are discussed, including creative ideas for using bonus materials. They also explore optimizing online presence and maximizing unused content for promotions, making the writing community's journey both practical and entertaining.
undefined
Mar 20, 2025 • 59min

Building the Marketing Plan

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss where they often see authors go wrong with their marketing plan (hint: it’s when they get started versus when they should get started), go into detail about why a longer runway is almost always better, and hint at some of the new ideas Mike is cooking up for their next book. This is a topic on which everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros, can use a little refresher. 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: Painted Baby, by Matt Shoup I Will Teach You to be Rich, Ramit Sethi Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott 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
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 52min

The List Everybody Needs

In this episode, Mike and AJ spill the beans on The Secret: all authors of Prescriptive Nonfiction need to write a book that connects with their readers and ultimately delivers on its promise: The List. What it is, how to get it, how to use it, don’t worry, listeners. They’ll tell you everything.  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: The 3.3 Rule, by John Briggs 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
undefined
Mar 6, 2025 • 55min

Author Etiquette

In this episode, AJ and Mike share cautionary tales of authors behaving badly and what the listeners can do to ensure their metaphorical pinkies are out. From how to approach an author for endorsements to asking for promotional help all the way to leaving reviews for other authors, you’ll be confident in your ability to practice proper literary citizenship. 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
undefined
Feb 27, 2025 • 52min

Substantive Editing

In this episode, Mike and AJ break down everything listeners and authors need to know about substantive edits and the editors who do this crucial work. They’ll talk about timelines for books past and where they are with their current book and will even share some author horror stories as a forewarning for newcomers to authorship. 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

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app