Novel Marketing

Your author friends are lying to you about your book cover.Well, not on purpose. They can’t help it.When authors are trying to pick a book cover, they often ask their friends which cover they like best. But that strategy doesn’t work because your friends look too closely. They think about your feelings. They vote based on which cover has more votes.But your cover isn’t for your friends.It’s for strangers.In this week’s episode, we unpack why beautiful covers, which are loved by your friends, fail to help your book sell. You’ll hear how one author made his losing ads profitable without rewriting a single word of his book.In this week’s episode you’ll learnWhat makes a cover “good”How you can get accurate data on what will make readers click to buyHow much you’ll need to spend to get a cover that sellsIf your ads aren’t working, it may be time to examine the elements of your cover. Listen in or read the blog version to find out how.  Support the show

Many authors say reader magnets don’t work anymore. But when done right, a good reader magnet can grow your email list from zero to thousands of subscribers before your first book even launches.In this episode, you’ll hear from author, podcaster, and producer of the Novel Marketing podcast, Laurie Christine, who built an email list of thousands using various reader magnet strategies, all while writing for Christian moms and middle-grade boys.You’ll discover:How many reader magnets you actually needThe surprising promotion strategy that yielded more than 500 solid subscribersHow to create reader magnets that attract buyers, not just freebie seekersA tool to help you discover which reader magnets may work for youYou’ll also learn how you can use reader magnets to refine your message, craft, and audience before publishing your first book.Listen in or read the blog version to learn techniques for building (or growing) an email list regardless of where you are in your writing journey.Support the show

A walkthrough of dozens of practical author tools for editing, promotion, worldbuilding, and business planning. Demos include PR helpers, influencer and event finders, and AI-powered contract, tax, and editorial assistants. You’ll hear tools for splitting long manuscripts, building compendiums and maps, podcast-to-blog conversion, audiobook pronunciation guides, lesson plans, and royalty analysis.

Is your writing a hobby or a profession? The answer to that question changes everything.Many authors claim to be professionals but act like hobbyists. They write what they want instead of what readers will pay for. They try to fit a finished book into a genre instead of studying the genre first. They publish without a marketing plan or budget and are shocked by low sales and few reviews.They expect professional results from a hobbyist approach.If that sounds familiar, there’s good news. You can choose the professional path.In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from author and podcaster Joanna Penn, who hosts the longest-running indie publishing podcast.You’ll discover:How to build a sustainable author career in an era of AIWhich marketing activities you should choose and which to ignoreBusiness principles that apply to your writing careerHow to use AI to do the business tasks you dislike so you have more time for creativity and storytellingTo learn how to build a sustainable author business in an era of rapid change, listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

Dave Chesson, creator of Kindlepreneur and Publisher Rocket, is an author and book-marketing expert. He explains how metadata drives discoverability on Amazon. Short sentences cover where metadata lives, why ISBNs and KDP fields matter, and how categories, keywords, covers, and descriptions must align. Practical tactics for finding niches, using subcategories, and iterating metadata are highlighted.

Bryan Canter, an indie publishing consultant and experienced Vellum formatter, explains why Vellum makes interior book formatting approachable. Short segments cover preparing Word files, Vellum’s template editor and device previews, when to DIY versus hire a pro, handling images and TOCs, and limitations for complex layouts. Practical tips on quick updates, accessibility, and testing Vellum before paying a formatter.

Join Seth Norris, a CPA who specializes in guiding authors through the financial maze, as he unpacks the essentials of bookkeeping and taxes. Learn why a simple weekly bookkeeping rhythm can save you from tax-time stress. Discover how the IRS differentiates a hobby from a business, and the most common financial pitfalls authors face. Seth also shares valuable tips on deductible expenses and the importance of documentation. If you want to retain more earnings for your craft, this conversation is a goldmine!

In this engaging conversation, bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins, known for the iconic Left Behind series, shares his secrets to prolific writing. He reveals how a disciplined writing schedule and setting daily goals helped him produce multiple books each year. Jerry discusses the importance of a distraction-free environment and the benefits of taking creative breaks. He highlights the need to silence the inner critic when drafting and offers advice on effective editing and collaborating with editors. Finish your projects and write with passion!

Dale L. Roberts, an award-winning indie author and YouTube host, dives into the often misunderstood world of networking for authors. He redefines networking as a means of building genuine connections, highlighting that it can be learned regardless of one's personality type. Dale shares tips on effective follow-ups after events, memory tricks to remember names, and the importance of providing value to others. He emphasizes that networking is a long game, where generosity and consistency lead to meaningful relationships that can significantly boost an author’s career.

James L. Rubart, a Christy Award Hall of Fame author and creator of the Five-Year Plan, shares insights on transforming aspiring writers into professionals. He reveals why most authors take a decade to publish and introduces a structured, craft-first approach to accelerate learning. Rubart discusses each year's focus—from mastering fundamentals to publishing fluency and marketing strategy. With practical tips on productivity and creativity, he encourages serious writers to commit to a structured path that cuts through the confusion of the writing journey.