Book Marketing Mentors

Susan Friedmann
  • 5.0 (76)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Jam-packed with smart, easy and simple ideas, this weekly podcast features experts who share proven techniques to add power and zest to supercharge your book marketing plan. Hosted by Susan Friedmann, CSP, international bestselling author, and founder of Aviva Publishing, this new and exciting podcast aims to rev up your marketing efforts with fewer struggles, and more success. Start listening today and discover how to get noticed in a crowded marketplace.

  1. How Authors Can Build a Community That Buys Books - BM532

    6h ago

    How Authors Can Build a Community That Buys Books - BM532

    What if the secret to selling more books isn't reaching more people, but building deeper relationships with the right people? This week's guest is Elizabeth Henson, CEO of Elizabeth Henson Inc. and founder of the Community Growth Lab. Elizabeth has helped entrepreneurs and creators grow thriving businesses by focusing on one thing many marketers overlook: community. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares why authors don't need massive audiences to make a meaningful impact. Instead, they need genuine connections, consistent engagement, and a willingness to bring readers along for the journey. If you're tired of chasing algorithms, struggling to grow your platform, or wondering how to create loyal readers who eagerly support your work, this episode offers a refreshing and practical approach. Key Takeaways Why a Small Community Can Outsell a Large Audience Discover why a handful of engaged supporters often generates more book sales, referrals, and opportunities than thousands of passive followers. The Book Launch Strategy Most Authors Miss Learn how inviting readers into your writing journey long before publication can create anticipation, trust, and a ready-made launch team. The Surprising Power of Showing Up Imperfectly Find out why polished marketing isn't always the answer and how sharing real stories and struggles can strengthen your connection with readers. Stop Chasing Every Platform Learn how to identify the platform that best fits your personality and strengths so you can build momentum without spreading yourself too thin. The One Question That Sparks Better Conversations Discover how asking thoughtful questions can turn followers into participants and create a community that actively engages with your message. The Elevator Pitch Test Every Author Should Pass Learn how to talk about your book in a way that sparks curiosity, starts conversations, and makes people want to know more. Tune in now! Here's how to connect with Elizabeth: Download Elizabeth's your free gift from Elizabeth Website: https://elizabethhenson.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhensonco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethHenson.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth.henson/ ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    32 min
  2. How You Can Successfully Market a Debut Novel - BM531

    Jun 24

    How You Can Successfully Market a Debut Novel - BM531

    Ever wonder how a debut novel can open doors far beyond book sales? This week’s guest is Kailey Holbrook, award-winning filmmaker, author, and film student at USC. Kailey published her first 500+ page novel while still in high school. Since then, she's built an engaged online following, navigated the worlds of publishing and filmmaking, and learned firsthand what it takes to connect with readers in a crowded marketplace. In this conversation, Kailey shares how she found her audience, built a creative community, and leveraged storytelling skills across multiple platforms. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, you'll discover practical lessons on visibility, audience growth, and creating opportunities that extend well beyond your book. Key Takeaways Why a Book Can Become Your Biggest Differentiator Discover how publishing a book can create unexpected opportunities, boost credibility, and help you stand out in ways most people never consider. The Audience Mistake Many Authors Make Learn why trying to reach everyone often leads to reaching no one, and how identifying the right readers can transform your marketing results. What Social Platforms Are Really Telling You Find out how Kailey uses TikTok, Instagram, and Goodreads to learn what readers care about and build genuine engagement without feeling promotional. The Hidden Power of Creative Community Explore how surrounding yourself with fellow creators can spark new ideas, fuel motivation, and help your work reach a wider audience. What It Takes to Turn a Book into a Screenplay Get an inside look at the biggest differences between writing a novel and writing for the screen, plus the skills every aspiring screenwriter should develop. Why Successful Authors Stay Flexible Learn how adapting your writing, marketing, and creative process can help you stay relevant as your audience and goals evolve. Tune in now! Here's how to connect with Kailey: Tik Tok: @kaileyholbrookauthor Youtube: @KaileyHolbrookAuthor Instagram: @kaileyholbrook LinkedIn: Kailey Holbrook ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    29 min
  3. How Nonfiction Authors Get Speaking Gigs to Sell More Books - BM530

    Jun 17

    How Nonfiction Authors Get Speaking Gigs to Sell More Books - BM530

    Want more book sales, visibility, and credibility? Speaking may be one of the fastest ways to get there. But how do you land speaking opportunities if nobody knows who you are? Do you need a polished keynote? A speaker reel? A big platform? In this episode, I sit down with Steve Markman, founder of Markman Speaker Management and a respected insider with more than 35 years in the speaking and conference world. Steve pulls back the curtain on what really gets authors booked and what quietly ruins opportunities before they begin. If you’ve ever thought, I’d love to speak, but where do I start? this conversation is for you. Steve shares practical advice on how nonfiction authors can use speaking to grow authority, open doors, sell more books, and create new opportunities without feeling pushy or self-promotional. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why speaking can change the trajectory of your book What happens when people hear you speak before they buy your book? Why do some authors gain momentum while others stay invisible? The surprising truth about getting your first speaking gig Do you need to get paid right away? Where should you start? Steve explains why some of the smartest opportunities may not pay a fee at first. What meeting planners secretly look for What makes someone an easy “yes”? The small details that can move you from overlooked to booked. The mistake that can kill speaking opportunities fast One habit turns audiences and planners off almost instantly. Are authors making this mistake without knowing it? The simple assets that make you look more credible Do you really need a speaker one sheet? A video reel? A polished bio? Steve shares what matters and what may not. If speaking has been sitting on your someday list, this episode may change how you think about what’s possible. Here's how to connect with Steve: Email Website ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    29 min
  4. AI and Copyright: What Every Author Needs to Know Before Publishing - BM529

    Jun 10

    AI and Copyright: What Every Author Needs to Know Before Publishing - BM529

    Could using AI in your book create a legal problem you never saw coming? What if parts of your manuscript are not actually protected by copyright? And what should authors know before using AI for research, outlines, editing, or content creation? In this eye-opening conversation, legal expert Elissa Hecker breaks down what nonfiction authors need to understand about AI, copyright, contracts, and protecting their intellectual property in a fast-changing publishing world. This episode answers the questions many authors are afraid to ask. Key Takeaways Can You Copyright AI Content? The surprising truth about what parts of AI-assisted work may not be legally protected. Are You Using AI Safely? Smart ways to use AI without risking ownership, credibility, or control of your content. The Contract Clause Authors Cannot Ignore Why publishers are paying attention to AI use and what disclosures may soon become standard. Your Biggest Competitive Advantage in an AI World Why your voice, experience, and originality matter more than ever and how to protect them. One Copyright Mistake That Could Cost You The difference between “having copyright” and protecting it when problems arise. If AI feels exciting, confusing, or a little intimidating, this conversation will help you separate hype from reality and make smarter decisions about your book, your ideas, and your intellectual property. Here's how to connect with Elissa: Email Elissa for your complimentary 30-minute consultation Website Resources:  US Copyright Office Patent and Trademark Office ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    28 min
  5. How to Use Your Book to Build Authority and Charge What You’re Worth - BM528

    Jun 3

    How to Use Your Book to Build Authority and Charge What You’re Worth - BM528

    Are you undercharging without realizing it? What if the biggest thing standing between you and higher-value clients has less to do with talent and more to do with how you see your own expertise? In this eye-opening conversation, business advisor and author John Ray challenges some common assumptions about pricing, generosity, confidence, and the role your book should play in growing your business. If you’ve ever questioned your value, struggled to price your services, or wondered why your book is not creating bigger opportunities, this episode may shift how you think about expertise altogether. Key Takeaways Are You Being Too Generous? Why giving more is not always the smartest move and what actually builds trust with clients. The Pricing Mistake That Quietly Hurts Credibility What your fees may be signaling about your value and why cheaper rarely wins. Why Smart Experts Still Feel Like Frauds A simple mindset shift that can quiet self-doubt and help you own your expertise. Is Your Book Working Hard Enough? Why your book should open doors, spark conversations, and lead to bigger opportunities. The Small Shift That Makes Clients Say Yes How changing the focus from you to them can transform proposals, conversations, and results. If pricing feels awkward, confidence feels shaky, or your book is sitting on the sidelines instead of opening doors, you’ll want to tune into this powerful conversation. Your free gift from John: The Red Flags of Inadequate Pricing, a one-page diagnostic that will help service providers assess whether they are laboring with inadequate pricing. Here's how to connect with John: Website LinkedIn ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    27 min
  6. How Can Authors Use Storytelling to Market Their Books More Effectively? - BM527

    May 27

    How Can Authors Use Storytelling to Market Their Books More Effectively? - BM527

    Do you know why some authors struggle to market their books even when they have a powerful message? This week’s guest expert is April Adams Pertuis, award-winning journalist, producer, and founder of Light Beamers. After conducting more than 10,000 interviews over a 30-year career, April has learned one truth most authors miss: storytelling is not separate from marketing. It is the marketing. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll discover how to use your personal stories to build trust, spark curiosity, and create stronger connections with readers. April also shares how AI can help uncover and organize your stories without replacing your authentic voice. If marketing your book feels forced, awkward, or exhausting, this episode may completely change the way you think about promoting your work. Key Takeaways:  Storytelling makes marketing feel human. When you stop “selling” and start sharing meaningful stories, people pay attention.  Your “why” matters more than your pitch. Readers connect with the reason behind your book before they connect with the book itself.  AI can help uncover your stories. Used the right way, AI becomes a creative partner that helps you organize ideas and discover stories you may have forgotten.  Create a story bank. The best authors collect stories from their life, work, and experiences so they always have meaningful content to share.  Authenticity builds trust. Real stories, challenges, and lessons create deeper audience connection than polished marketing language ever will. Don’t miss this episode if you want your marketing to feel more natural, more engaging, and far more effective. Tune in now! Here's how to connect with April: Website Free gifts for listeners: Your Story Formula: www.lightbeamers.com/formula Your Story Formula Quiz: www.lightbeamers.com/quiz LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamers Instagram: www.instagram.com/lightbeamers FaceBook: www.facebook.com/apriladamstv ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    32 min
  7. How to Position Your Book So AI Search Finds You First- BM526

    May 20

    How to Position Your Book So AI Search Finds You First- BM526

    Do readers judge a book by its cover? Absolutely. And if your book looks self-published, readers notice before they read a single word. This week on the podcast, book designer extraordinaire Victoria Wolf pulls back the curtain on what makes a book look polished, credible, and impossible to ignore. With more than 30 years in the industry and 500+ books designed, Victoria shares the design choices that separate books people buy from books people scroll past. We talk covers that instantly signal quality, interiors that keep readers engaged, and the subtle design mistakes that quietly kill credibility. You’ll also hear why many nonfiction authors sabotage their authority with amateur visuals without even realizing it. If your book is supposed to open doors, your design can’t afford to whisper. Key takeways from this week's episode;  Why interior design matters far more than most authors think  The typography and layout choices that make books easier to read and harder to put down  The real job of a book cover and why most self-published covers miss the mark  When your author photo helps your brand and when it hurts it  The tiny design tweaks that instantly make a book feel professionally published  How strong design builds trust, authority, and sales before readers even open the book If you want your book to compete with traditionally published titles instead of looking like an afterthought, don’t miss this conversation. Tune in now! Here's how to connect with Victoria: Website:  Wolf Design and Marketing, LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriawolf/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolf-design-marketing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfdesignandmarketing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WolfsOnBooks ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    24 min
  8. How to Overcome Perfectionism When Writing a Nonfiction Book - BM525

    May 13

    How to Overcome Perfectionism When Writing a Nonfiction Book - BM525

    Are you actually stuck… or are you hiding behind perfection? Most nonfiction authors say they’re “not ready.”  Kristin Bentley calls that out for what it is. As founder and CEO of EP House, Kristin has spent 25+ years helping leaders, experts, and change-makers turn lived experience into books that matter. In this conversation, she breaks apart the idea that confidence comes first… and replaces it with something far more uncomfortable and far more effective. Because the truth?  You don’t think your way into writing a book. You write your way into clarity. What This Episode Will Challenge: “Ready” is a moving target. If you’re waiting for it, you may be waiting forever. Clarity doesn’t come before the work. It shows up because of it… and only if you start. Outlines can help… or quietly stall you. There’s a fine line between structure and avoidance. Writer’s block isn’t random. It’s usually pointing to something deeper you’d rather not face. Your voice gets lost the moment you try to please everyone. And most authors don’t realize when that’s happening. Kristin also shares how to use tools like AI without losing your voice, how to move through resistance without forcing it, and why your first draft should feel a little uncomfortable if you’re doing it right. If you’ve been circling your book, tweaking your outline, or telling yourself you’ll start “soon”… this episode will hit closer than expected. So, tune in now! Here's how to connect with Kristin: Website: EPHouse.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-hernquist-bentley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.hernquist.bentley ************************************************************************* When Book Marketing Feels Overwhelming, Clarity Changes Everything If you know your book deserves more visibility, but marketing feels confusing or inconsistent, the Author Influencer Circle helps nonfiction authors build authority, attract opportunities, and market with confidence. Learn more about the Author Influencer Circle and turn your book into money making opportunities! *************************************************************************

    29 min
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5
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

Jam-packed with smart, easy and simple ideas, this weekly podcast features experts who share proven techniques to add power and zest to supercharge your book marketing plan. Hosted by Susan Friedmann, CSP, international bestselling author, and founder of Aviva Publishing, this new and exciting podcast aims to rev up your marketing efforts with fewer struggles, and more success. Start listening today and discover how to get noticed in a crowded marketplace.

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Friedmann
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    533
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Book Marketing Mentors
  • Show Website
    Book Marketing Mentors

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