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. 21H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. APR 3

    Podcast Pitching Secrets for Authors: How to Get Booked on Podcasts (Part 1)

    Most authors want podcast interviews to sell books—and that’s exactly why so many pitches get ignored. In this first episode of a two-part series, we break down the simple shift that changes everything: pitch value first. Your book is the credential—it proves you belong—but it’s not the content. What matters is what the audience walks away with after they listen. We unpack what podcast hosts and producers are actually screening for, why vague or book-centered pitches fail, and how to avoid the “drinking from a fire hose” approach that overwhelms your marketing. You’ll learn how being a genuine listener gives you a built-in edge, and how to turn a broad book topic into a clear, compelling hook that makes a host say yes. We also walk through practical positioning: How nonfiction authors can lead with expertise, insight, and actionable ideasHow fiction authors can connect their stories to history, culture, research, or real-world conversationsWhy full-length, book-only interviews are rare—and what to pitch insteadThen we zoom out to the bigger picture. Podcast interviews aren’t about instant spikes—they’re about long-tail visibility, searchability, credibility, and reusable marketing assets you can leverage across your website, newsletter, and social platforms. We wrap with a listener question on using a trade paperback release as a true relaunch opportunity—so you can turn new formats, new pricing, and renewed attention into real momentum. If you’ve been pitching podcasts and hearing nothing back—or you’re about to start—this episode will recalibrate your entire approach. Subscribe, share with an author friend, and stay tuned for Part 2, where we break down how to find the right shows and pitch them effectively. 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. MAR 27

    Borrowed Buzz: The Smarter Way to Stay Visible Year-Round

    Books aren’t “news” on their own anymore—and repeating “buy my book” is one of the fastest ways to burn out (and lose your audience’s attention). In this episode, we break down a smarter, more sustainable approach: borrowed buzz—anchoring your marketing to moments people are already paying attention to. Think holidays, awareness months, seasonal shifts, and even quirky observances that give you a natural, timely reason to talk about your book again and again—without sounding repetitive or pushy. We unpack why this works, including the psychology behind seasonal buying behavior and emotional relevance, and how aligning your message with what’s already on your audience’s radar can dramatically improve engagement and conversion. Then we get tactical: How far in advance to plan for major holidays vs. quick-hit promotionsWhen to pitch podcasts, media, and local outlets for maximum tractionHow to build simple, repeatable campaigns around awareness months and niche observancesReal examples you can adapt immediately—from big cultural moments to offbeat hooks like Maple Syrup SaturdayWe also focus on execution—where most authors fall short. You’ll learn how to align your social content, email marketing, and pitch angles around a single theme, where to incorporate seasonal messaging on your Amazon page (and where not to), and how to use AI to brainstorm ideas without losing strategy or control. Finally, we cover the biggest mistakes—like forcing irrelevant tie-ins or starting too late—and how to avoid them. If you want your marketing to feel more strategic, more consistent, and a lot less exhausting, this is the playbook. If you want your marketing to feel more fun, more strategic, and a lot less exhausting, hit play. Subscribe, share this with an author friend, and leave a review wherever you listen to the show. 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....

    38 min

  8. MAR 20

    Latest Goodreads Changes and Why They Matter for Authors

    Goodreads recently rolled out changes that have authors and readers debating everything from review bombing to pre-publication ratings. In this episode, we break down what actually changed, what it means for authors, and how to respond without getting pulled into online panic. We start with review bombing—coordinated waves of ratings from people who often haven’t read the book—and how this behavior has distorted the launch window for many titles. Then we explain Goodreads’ new safeguards around pre-publication ratings. Readers can no longer rate a book simply because it appears on their Want to Read shelf. Instead, they must mark the book as Read or Currently Reading and disclose how they accessed the copy, such as through an ARC or giveaway. It doesn’t eliminate manipulation, but it adds transparency and makes abuse easier to identify. One of the most talked-about additions is Goodreads’ official Did Not Finish (DNF) shelf. Readers have been creating their own versions for years, but formalizing it changes the dynamic. We discuss why this feature may actually reduce reactionary one-star ratings and how thoughtful readers use DNF shelves to track timing, taste, and expectations. For authors, those signals can offer useful insight into positioning, blurbs, and category alignment. We also look at how Goodreads and Amazon function very differently. Goodreads behaves more like a community for dedicated readers—more conversational, more visible, and often more responsive when issues arise. Amazon, on the other hand, remains a massive retail engine where reporting problems can feel like shouting into the void. Understanding that difference helps authors use each platform more strategically. Finally, we tackle a listener question about category mismatches and the temptation to chase bestseller badges. Short-term tricks may create momentary spikes, but long-term visibility comes from clear positioning, honest metadata, and reaching the readers who actually want your book. If the latest Goodreads changes have you wondering what matters and what doesn’t, this episode will help you focus on the controllables—and avoid the noise. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with an author friend, and l 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....

    37 min
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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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