

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

Dec 5, 2024 • 44min
Planning the Year Ahead
Dive into the importance of setting intentions for personal and professional growth. The hosts reflect on creative processes sparked by memorable moments at a cafe, and share strategies for effective book marketing, including the power of social media. They discuss simplifying commitments to enhance well-being and the critical aspects of planning a successful book launch. Emotions run high in career navigation discussions, revealing the highs and lows of public engagement and self-acceptance in the journey of authorship.

Nov 21, 2024 • 45min
Page One Desire
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss how to connect with your ideal reader from the jump: to identify their “page one” desire. This is the secret to getting your reader to keep turning the page! They also provide an update on their current writing status and what lies ahead for their next book’s schedule.
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 Year I Lived Constitutionally, by AJ Jacobs
The Obesity Code, by Dr. Fung
Duct Tape Marketing, by John Jantz
The Six Types of Working Genius, by Pat Lencioni
Unicorn Team, by Jen Kem
Boundary Boss and Too Much, by Terri Cole
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

Nov 14, 2024 • 52min
How to Manage Your Inner Critic
In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a potential downfall all authors face: inner critic trolls. They’ll not only share their own, but will go into detail about what steps they each take to keep those trolls at bay. It’s another “fly on the wall” episode demystifying the writing process with these two pros!
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:
AJ’s Writing Sprint Community
Buyer First, by Carole Mahoney
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

Nov 7, 2024 • 50min
Amazon Ads VS Tik Tok
In this episode, Mike and AJ are back in the debate ring to hammer out which is better for authors: Amazon ads or a TikTok presence. (Spoiler alert, it’s a secret third thing, but you’ll have to listen to learn what that is!) Demystify discoverability, findability, and algorithms in this juicy, fact-filled 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:
TCL Publishing Book Sales Calculator
Bookshop.org TikTok
Systemology, by David Jenyns
Shadow Work Journal, by Keila Shaheen
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

Oct 31, 2024 • 48min
Mapping the Reader Journey
Discover the importance of understanding your target readership and the impact of community on a book's success. Explore the emotional complexities readers face, especially with financial topics, and learn how to map out their journey effectively. Gain insights into the hero’s epiphany and how it can lead to a deeper self-awareness for readers. Plus, uncover strategies for harnessing feedback to refine your manuscript and hints at marketing tactics that can boost visibility on platforms like Amazon and TikTok.

Oct 24, 2024 • 54min
You Need an Author Community
This discussion humorously dives into the importance of names, showcasing how personal identities shape writing journeys. The speakers emphasize the vital role of author communities, sharing anecdotes about connections formed through storytelling and shared experiences. They touch on challenges faced when addressing sensitive topics and the need for supportive networks. A whistleblower's gripping tale highlights the risks of speaking truth, while the episode also explores the creative benefits of structured retreats that foster productivity and collaboration among authors.

Oct 17, 2024 • 57min
How to Document Ideas for Books You Will Write in the Future
In this episode, listeners will get the inside scoop on how Mike and AJ keep all of their ideas organized. Both will share their process for collecting ideas and organizing them while working on other projects.
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 Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
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

Oct 10, 2024 • 50min
Writing Season Begins
Dive into a humorous start with amusing anecdotes about a puzzling building! The talk shifts to the importance of writing seasons and the vibrant literary community. Discover tips on crafting compelling narratives through interviews, alongside personal finance dynamics in relationships. Surprise stories from unproductive interviews add a twist. Learn collaborative strategies for boosting authors' visibility and dive into creative tools for successful writing. An engaging workshop on book proposals awaits aspiring writers!

Oct 3, 2024 • 44min
Should You Do a Live Launch Event?
In this episode, Mike and AJ are back in the debate ring with their opinions on live book launch events. They both explain their values (no ego-centered events!) and even discuss the ROI of big launches. Who will win this round? For those keeping score, it’s AJ: 2, Mike: 0. Will Mike get on the board? Tune in to find out!
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
I See You, by Amy Kemp
Everything is Figureoutable , by Marie Forleo
How to Work with (Almost) Anyone , by Michael Bungay Stanier
Never Lose an Employee Again , by Joey Coleman
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 26, 2024 • 44min
Doubts & Criticisms
In this episode, Mike and AJ address the 800-pound gorilla in the writing room: how to keep the reader on the page until the very end. AJ explains that by just acknowledging where a reader might push back or become riddled with self-doubt, an author can keep the reader turning pages to the very end. (And then telling everyone about the amazing book they just read!)
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:
50 Shades of Grey
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


