Author Media Podcasts

•

Channel • 4 Shows

Books

Books

Updated Weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated Biweekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated 2025-12-03
Careers

Careers

Updated 2019-03-19

5D AGO

How to Format a Book with Vellum

Many authors assume book formatting is complicated, expensive, or something only professionals can handle. In this week’s episode, I talk with Bryan Canter about why that assumption is outdated, and how tools like Vellum have changed what authors can do. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to pay a pro or learn to format your book’s interior yourself, this conversation will give you clarity. In this episode, you’ll discover: When you should format the book or reader magnet and when you should hire a proHow Vellum can prevent common design mistakesHow you can update back matter, fix typos, add reader magnets as neededListen to the episode or read the blog version to see how Vellum can save you money, time, and headache when formatting your next book or reader magnet. Support the show

5d ago

•

44 min
2025-07-23

How to sell 1,000 books a month

Ever wonder how some authors consistently sell a thousand books a month? What marketing tactics are they using? How can I get those results too? In the latest episode of the Novel Marketing Podcast, I talk with Susan Neal, author of nine books and CEO of the Christian Indie Publishing Association. Susan shares how she layers her marketing efforts—from podcast interviews to press releases—to drive book sales month after month. Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn: Which tactics helped her sell 7,000 books in 8 monthsHow to successfully pitch podcasts, blogs, and media outletsHow to avoid common author mistakes that hinder salesWhether you’re launching your first book or looking to grow sales of your back list, listen in or read the blog version. You’ll be inspired by Susan’s method and eager to try her tactics. Support the show

2025-07-23

•

32 min
2024-03-20

Marketing 101: Place

You’ve heard me talk about the Five Ps of Marketing, and in this week’s episode, we tackle the third P: Place. In other words, where should you sell your book? Many authors struggle to find the right place to sell their books. Whether you're an indie or traditional author, you must discover the best places to sell. So, how can you unlock the power of place for your book? In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the location where you sell your book is important and powerfulThree case studies on authors who have maximized sales in the right placesOnline and offline places where you can sell your bookSelling your book in the right place is important for connecting with the right readers and making sales. Listen in or check out the blog post to find out how place impacts your book sales. Support the show

2024-03-20

•

30 min
2024-10-09

The Strategy Behind Reader Super Magnets

Reader magnets are like real magnets. Sometimes, they aren't very magnetic, and other times, they're so magnetic that we can rapidly grow an email list of tens of thousands of readers. A reader magnet is supposed to magnetically draw readers onto your list so that when you have a book to announce, lots of folks are ready and eager to learn more or buy. But what if your reader magnet doesn't seem to be working? In this week's episode, I interviewed Jonathan Shuerger to learn how his company, The Strategic Author, can help authors target their ideal market and create super magnetic reader magnets. You'll learn How to gather intelligence on your target readerWhat questions you should ask to gather useful dataHow to use that intel to create a reader magnet they'll loveListen in or check out the blog post version of this episode to discover why your reader magnet might not be having the impact you want and how you can make it more attractive. Support the show

2024-10-09

•

41 min
JAN 14

Productivity Secrets from Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins

Do you ever feel like your book is taking forever to write? Maybe you’ve been working on the same manuscript for years, and then you look up and see other authors publishing a book a year, or more. How do they do it? In this week’s episode, I ask Jerry B. Jenkins that very question. He has sold more than 73 million books, including his mega-bestselling Left Behind series, and he breaks down the habits and mindset that helped him produce quality work on deadline for decades. You’ll discover: A practical way to establish a writing scheduleThe counterintuitive way to combat procrastinationOne way to silence your inner editor without eliminating it completelyIf you’re ready to get out of your own way, build a sustainable writing rhythm, and finish what you start, you’ll want to hear this one. Listen in or read the blog version to discover how you can finish your book and write better books for the rest of your writing career. Support the show

Jan 14

•

42 min
JAN 7

Networking for Authors

Most authors begin writing as a solitary pursuit and soon realize they don’t know other writers or industry professionals who can help them grow. So how do you go from a solitary outsider to a connected insider who knows designers, editors, marketers, and more? In this week’s episode, we talk with Dale L. Roberts, an award-winning indie author and host of Self-Publishing with Dale, about how genuine networking can strengthen your career and relationships. In this interview, you’ll discover: How to reframe your mindset about networking (it shouldn’t feel sleazy)How to follow up after conferences and events without feeling awkwardSimple habits for remembering names and details so people feel seen and valuedWhen (and how) to make introductions inside your networkIf you’ve ever wondered how successful authors seem to know so many industry experts, this conversation will give you practical, real-world networking tips to help you build and facilitate mutually beneficial publishing connections. Listen in or read the blog version to discover 12 tips to help you connect generously, authentically, and for the long haul. Support the show

Jan 7

•

45 min
2025-02-05

How to Sell Books From a Table

Have you ever set up a book table and stacked your books neatly, only to walk away with disappointing sales? You're not alone. But there is a better way to sell books from your book table at in-person events. In this week's episode of Novel Marketing, I sit down with Sarah Hickner, an expert in book table sales, to uncover: Common mistakes authors make at book tables (and how to avoid them)Simple tricks to draw readers in without feeling pushyHow to use giveaways, bundles, and book covers to boost salesWhy in-person events aren't just about selling booksWhether you're an introvert or a seasoned seller, listen in or read the blog version to learn how to set up an eye-catching table, use giveaways effectively, craft the perfect pitch, and avoid common mistakes that cost authors sales. Support the show

2025-02-05

•

45 min
2023-09-27

The Most Important Lessons from 10 Years of Novel Marketing

Novel Marketing turns 10 years old on September 30th, 2024! In this episode, Thomas Umstattd Jr. and James L. Rubart share highlights and lessons learned from 10 years of Novel Marketing. You can find the blog post version of this episode, along with links to everything we talk about here. Support the show

2023-09-27

•

35 min
2023-04-12

How to Convince Readers to Read *Your* Book Next

Learn five steps to creating a compelling pitch that will pique the interest of publishers, agents, editors and readers. You can find the blogpost version of this episode HERE. The post How to Convince Readers to Read *Your* Book Next appeared first on Author Media. Support the show

2023-04-12

•

40 min
2025-08-06

How to Get Started with Author School Visits and Make Your Book Playground Famous

If you write picture books, chapter books, or middle-grade fiction, you know the challenge: kids read your books, but adults buy them. So how can you let young readers know about your books? Where can you connect with your readers? By meeting them in person in school classrooms! In this week's episode, award-winning author Becca Wierwille shares how school visits became her best book marketing strategy and how you can start doing them too. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to get your first (and second!) school visitWhat to include in your presentation to keep students engaged and coming back for moreHow to make it easy for school administrators to say "Yes!" to your visitSchool visits are fun! Listen in or read the blog version to discover how you can connect with young readers, positively impact schools, and sell more books. Support the show

2025-08-06

•

49 min

Author Media podcasts help authors write resonate books, build powerful platforms, and change the world with writing worth talking about. Each show is hosted by Thomas Umstattd Jr. who has been helping independent and traditionally published authors since 2007.

Website

Author Media Podcasts

Top Shows

How to Format a Book with Vellum

How to sell 1,000 books a month

Marketing 101: Place

The Strategy Behind Reader Super Magnets

Productivity Secrets from Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins

Networking for Authors

How to Sell Books From a Table

The Most Important Lessons from 10 Years of Novel Marketing

How to Convince Readers to Read Your Book Next

How to Get Started with Author School Visits and Make Your Book Playground Famous

About

Author Media Podcasts

Top Shows

Top Episodes

About