Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

Author Marketing Experts
  • 4.8 (106)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Book marketing podcast for authors covering how to market a book, self-publishing, Amazon for authors, proven strategies to sell more books, and how to survive in this industry. Join bestselling author and book marketing maven Penny Sansevieri and savvy publishing insider Amy Cornell for lively, no-nonsense conversations filled with smart strategies, creative inspiration, and publishing know-how you can actually use. Whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, this podcast delivers real-world advice to help you sell more books, build your platform, and thrive in the ever-evolving publishing landscape. From clever promo hacks to critical industry insights, each episode is designed to move the needle on your success. Fresh ideas. Actionable tips. Unfiltered talk. If you’re serious about your author career, hit subscribe and tune in—your next big breakthrough could be one episode away.

  1. 6d ago

    Amazon’s AI Translation Shortcut: Smart Strategy or Costly Mistake?

    Amazon just removed one of the biggest barriers to international publishing, and authors are going to be tempted to move fast. With Amazon quietly rolling out an AI-powered translation tool inside KDP, turning your book into Spanish, German, and other languages suddenly feels almost effortless. But easy and effective are not the same thing. In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell unpack what Amazon’s new AI translation feature actually means for authors and why this could become one of those publishing moments where convenience creates a wave of expensive mistakes. Because when translation becomes a checkbox instead of a strategy, it becomes dangerously easy to expand into markets you do not understand. We get into the risks many authors will not see coming: AI missing emotional nuance, humor that collapses in translation, phrases that work beautifully in one culture and feel awkward—or completely wrong—in another. We also discuss a bigger misconception: assuming a language automatically equals a market. “Spanish readers” are not one audience. Readers in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the U.S. often buy differently, respond to different pricing, and even prefer different styles and tones. We also look at what happens inside the Amazon ecosystem itself. How translated editions may appear on your Author Central profile, why ratings and reviews can become fragmented across marketplaces, how weak social proof in a new market can affect perception, and why a poorly translated book description may quietly destroy conversion before a reader even downloads a sample. And because we never leave authors with fear and no roadmap, we walk through a smarter testing strategy: how to validate demand before translating, identify genres that travel well internationally, choose the right title to test first, and support launches with country-specific Amazon ads and market research. Global expansion sounds exciting. But before you hand your backlist over to AI and click publish, listen first. This episode could save you time, money, and a lot of one-star reviews. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    26 min

  2. May 22

    The Dangerous Myth About Book Sales That’s Holding You Back

    If your book sales have you questioning everything, the problem might not be your book—it might be the benchmark you’re using. In this episode, we’re dismantling one of the biggest misconceptions in publishing: what “normal” book sales actually look like. Because once you understand how few copies most books sell—even from traditional publishers—it completely reframes the narrative around success, failure, and what’s realistically achievable. We also take a hard look at the numbers authors throw around online. Big sales claims rarely come with context, and without understanding the costs behind them—ads, discounts, royalties, and margins—you can end up chasing results that look impressive but don’t actually translate into profit. Visibility is not the same as viability, and we break down why that distinction matters. From there, we get into what’s really happening behind the scenes. Book sales data is often incomplete, especially when it comes to ebooks and indie platforms, which means many authors are comparing themselves against numbers that don’t tell the full story. That comparison spiral? It’s built on shaky data. We also tackle one of the most persistent (and damaging) myths in publishing: the idea that a publisher will handle your marketing. In reality, most authors—traditional or indie—are responsible for building their own visibility. The authors who gain traction are the ones who treat their book like a business: they think long-term, build a reader funnel, invest in their backlist, and focus on creating consistent, compounding momentum. This episode is a reset. Not a discouraging one—a clarifying one. Because when you understand how this industry actually works, you stop chasing unrealistic outcomes and start building a strategy that has a real chance of working. If you’ve ever felt behind, discouraged, or unsure what “good” even looks like anymore, this is the perspective shift you need. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    25 min

  3. May 15

    Readers Don’t Buy Books—Consumers Do. Here’s Why That Matters

    Most authors think they’re selling to readers. That’s the first mistake. Because readers and book consumers are not the same—and confusing the two is one of the biggest reasons books don’t sell. In this episode, we break down the critical difference between someone who loves to read and someone who actually buys books, and why that gap quietly derails even the most well-intentioned marketing plans. If you’ve been showing up, posting, running ads, pitching podcasts—and still watching your sales stall—this is the missing piece. We get into the real psychology behind book buying. A consumer isn’t just browsing—they’re evaluating risk. Is this worth my time? Will I enjoy it? Does it deliver what I want right now? That’s why someone will wait weeks for a library copy instead of spending money (or even an Audible credit) on an unknown author. It’s not about price—it’s about certainty. And that’s where most books fall apart. We walk through what your Amazon retail page is actually responsible for—and why it’s not just “information,” it’s conversion. From your cover thumbnail to your title, categories, keywords, and especially your book description, every element needs to answer one question fast: why this book, right now? You’ll get specific, actionable fixes: Why fiction needs to sell an experience, not a plot summaryWhy nonfiction must clearly define the outcome, not just the topicHow weak positioning shows up instantly in your description (and how to fix it)Why “well-written” copy often underperforms—and what works insteadWe also connect this directly to your broader marketing: ads, influencer outreach, publicity. Because none of that matters if your retail page can’t convert the traffic you’re sending. This is the shift most authors never make—and it changes everything. If your book isn’t selling the way you expected, start here. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    25 min

  4. May 8

    AI Is Scamming Authors: How to Spot Fake Book Marketing Before You Lose Money

    Scam emails used to be obvious. Bad grammar, generic messaging, easy to ignore. That version is gone. Today’s scams sound like a real professional—someone who’s “read your book,” understands your audience, and has a polished, confident plan to grow your sales, land media, or build your platform. It feels legitimate because it’s designed to. AI has fundamentally changed the scam landscape, and authors are now a prime target. We see these pitches every day—forwarded by authors who aren’t quite sure what feels off, but know something isn’t right. Fake PR firms. Fake podcast booking services. Fake reader communities. Even impersonators posing as established marketers and recognizable industry names. The volume is up, the quality is higher, and the financial risk is real. In this episode, we break down exactly how these scams are built so you can recognize them before you engage. You’ll hear how flattery is engineered to disarm you, why vague “big picture” strategies are a deliberate tactic, and how scammers create just enough surface credibility to pass a quick Google search. We also walk through the critical moment every scam converges on: pushing you to pay quickly, before you’ve had time to verify anything. More importantly, we give you a clear, practical framework to protect yourself. What unsolicited outreach actually signals. Why free email domains should immediately slow you down. How artificial urgency (“only two spots left”) is used to bypass your judgment. And why “guaranteed results” without defined deliverables is one of the biggest red flags in book marketing. We also cover payment risk—where things like wire transfers and crypto remove your ability to recover funds—and the proactive steps you should be taking now to protect your author identity, including locking down your domain and social handles before someone else does. If you’ve ever received a pitch that felt a little too polished, a little too perfect, this episode will recalibrate how you evaluate every offer that lands in your inbox. Listen now, then share this with an author who needs it. Subscribe, leave a review wherever you listen, and text PODCAST to 888-402-8940 with the strangest (or most convincing) scam message you’ve received. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    28 min

  5. May 1

    Your Amazon Retail Page Has a Problem and You Probably Can't See It

    Your Amazon book page might be costing you sales—and the worst part is, you probably can’t see it. Most authors assume that once their book is uploaded, the hard part is done. But in reality, your Amazon page is a live sales environment, and small misses can quietly kill conversions every single day. A great book isn’t enough if the page around it isn’t doing its job. In this episode, we break down the hidden issues that stop readers from clicking “Buy,” starting with the two-inch thumbnail test. Can your cover be read instantly? Does it signal the right genre in seconds? If not, you’re losing readers before they ever click through. We also get into the mechanics of a high-converting description—why your first 140 characters matter more than anything else, how “burying the lead” drains momentum, and what actually turns casual browsers into buyers. From there, we look at A+ Content (the “From the publisher” section) and how to use it strategically—even if you don’t have awards, endorsements, or a big platform. You’ll also hear why most keyword strategies fail, especially when they’re built using tools or AI that don’t reflect real shopper behavior. We walk through how readers actually search on Amazon—and how to align your keywords with that behavior so your book shows up where it should. We cover one of the most expensive mistakes authors make: running ads to a page that isn’t optimized. If your page doesn’t convert, you’re not just wasting money—you’re actively training Amazon’s algorithm to stop showing your book. Finally, we unpack “ghost categories,” how to identify them inside KDP, and why being in the wrong (or invisible) category can quietly tank your visibility. If your book isn’t selling the way it should, your Amazon page is the first place to look—and this episode shows you exactly what to fix. Subscribe, share with an author who needs this, and leave a review if you find it helpful. Got a question or topic idea? Text “podcast” to 888-402-8940. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    39 min

  6. Apr 24

    Publicity Doesn’t Sell Books: What Authors Get Wrong (and What Works Instead)

    Publicity feels like the breakthrough moment every author is chasing—but most big interviews, features, and media hits don’t translate into book sales the way you expect. In many cases, they don’t move the needle at all. In this episode, we unpack what publicity really is—TV, radio, magazines, online media—and why it’s rarely a direct path to sales. The core problem is simple: you’re often putting your book in front of a cold audience with no reason to act right now. Visibility without context, trust, or repetition doesn’t convert. We break down the “glamorous” marketing choices authors make that sound impressive but quietly underperform, and then shift into a more effective strategy. The key is reframing publicity as an asset, not an outcome. When used correctly, media coverage becomes a long-term marketing tool—something you can leverage across your website, media page, Amazon presence, and ongoing promotion. We talk through how to extract value from every feature: pulling quotes, building credibility, reinforcing your positioning, and creating repeat exposure so readers recognize you later and feel more confident buying. Because for books, familiarity isn’t optional—it’s what reduces perceived risk and drives decisions. We also tackle a listener question on marketing books that require deeper trust—topics like grief, caregiving, and spiritual struggle. These readers aren’t casually browsing; they’re actively looking for guidance and reassurance. That means your publicity and marketing need to clearly communicate authority, experience, and proof. We show you how to position those “receipts” so your visibility actually leads somewhere. If you’ve ever landed a great interview and wondered why it didn’t translate into sales—or you’re trying to make your publicity work harder for you—this episode gives you a more strategic framework. Subscribe, share it with an author who’s chasing publicity, and stay tuned—because next, we’ll break down how to actually land the right podcast interviews in the first place. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    30 min

  7. Apr 17

    The Word-of-Mouth Engine: How to Turn Readers Into Your Best Marketing Team

    95% of books are sold through word of mouth—but most authors are still chasing reach instead of building relationships. That’s a problem, especially in a market where social media visibility is unpredictable and ad costs continue to climb. In this episode, we break down the one marketing engine that consistently works: a small, engaged group of readers who genuinely want to see your book succeed. We walk through a simple but powerful reader funnel—how casual readers become fans, how fans become superfans, and how a select group naturally evolves into a street team that supports your launches, promotions, and long-term visibility. More importantly, we explain what “engagement” actually looks like in practice, how to identify the readers already leaning in, and why you don’t need a massive email list to see meaningful results. If marketing feels overwhelming or never-ending, this framework simplifies the process. It’s designed for authors who want to spend more time writing while still building steady momentum. We also share one of the most effective (and overlooked) tactics for generating more Amazon reviews and Goodreads ratings: a strategically placed back-of-the-book letter that invites readers to stay connected and take the next step. Done right, this creates a natural bridge from reader to subscriber—and eventually, advocate. From there, we get tactical about building a street team without overcomplicating it. You’ll learn how to vet members using a simple form, organize assets in a shared folder, and provide clear, brand-safe guidance so your team amplifies your message the right way. Finally, we address the growing wave of AI-generated books and what it means for discoverability. Algorithms can be influenced—but genuine reader connection cannot be replicated. A trusted group of engaged readers is one of the most reliable ways to stay visible in an increasingly crowded marketplace. If you’re looking for a smarter, more sustainable way to market your book, this episode lays out a framework you can start using immediately. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    30 min

  8. Apr 10

    Podcast Pitching Secrets For Authors: What Podcast Hosts Actually Say Yes To (Part 2)

    “I’d love to come on your show and talk about my new book” is one of the fastest ways to get ignored. In Part 2 of this series, we move from mindset to execution—breaking down exactly how to pitch podcasts in a way that gets attention, earns replies, and leads to bookings. Because podcast hosts aren’t looking for guests who want promotion—they’re looking for conversations their audience will care about. We start with the most common mistakes authors make, especially leading with the book instead of the idea. You’ll learn how to reframe your pitch into something a host or producer can instantly picture as a strong episode—and why clarity, specificity, and focus will outperform a long list of vague topics every time. From there, we cover smarter targeting: How to choose podcasts based on audience alignment, topic fit, and engagement—not just sizeWhy smaller, niche shows often outperform larger podcasts with broad, less-focused audiencesHow to think about podcast appearances as part of a long-term visibility strategyThen we get tactical about the pitch itself: What a strong podcast pitch email actually needs (and what to leave out)How to reduce decision friction and make it easy for a host to say yesWhat to include for credibility—links, short bio, past media—and how to present it cleanlyWe also address a common roadblock: what to do when a podcast doesn’t accept guests. Instead of moving on, we share smarter ways to build visibility and relationships through show engagement, social sharing, and strategic follow-up. If you want to become the kind of guest that podcasts are eager to book—and avoid the mistakes that get most authors ignored—this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap. Subscribe for more no-fluff book marketing strategies, share this with an author who’s pitching right now, and stay tuned for future episodes where we continue breaking down what actually works. Send us your feedback! Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll! 📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!  Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number! Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.Write your review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it. Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

    23 min
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4.8
out of 5
106 Ratings

About

Book marketing podcast for authors covering how to market a book, self-publishing, Amazon for authors, proven strategies to sell more books, and how to survive in this industry. Join bestselling author and book marketing maven Penny Sansevieri and savvy publishing insider Amy Cornell for lively, no-nonsense conversations filled with smart strategies, creative inspiration, and publishing know-how you can actually use. Whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, this podcast delivers real-world advice to help you sell more books, build your platform, and thrive in the ever-evolving publishing landscape. From clever promo hacks to critical industry insights, each episode is designed to move the needle on your success. Fresh ideas. Actionable tips. Unfiltered talk. If you’re serious about your author career, hit subscribe and tune in—your next big breakthrough could be one episode away.

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