The Book Marketing Action Podcast Weaving Influence

In this episode, Becky talks to Caroline J. Sumlin—writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for helping all people reclaim their self-worth and their humanity. Listen as Caroline shares insights into her book's powerful message and the challenges she faced while marketing as a first-time author. The discussion delves into the journey of marketing a book as a marginalized author, the struggles of balancing personal beliefs with marketing expectations, and how important it is for authors to connect authentically with their audience.
During the episode, you’ll learn:  
About Caroline, her book We’ll All Be Free, and her work in the world. How some of the beliefs Caroline is trying to counteract in her book have negatively impacted her book marketing journey.The realities of marketing a book as someone with a marginalized identity. What Caroline’s expectations were going into the launch of her book and how those have shifted since its release. Caroline’s approach to sharing her personal stories and experiences in online spaces to connect with potential readers.Which book marketing strategies have been the most effective for Caroline, and which ones weren’t as effective as she hoped. How using the anniversary of her book’s release as a milestone for continued marketing has helped Caroline stay energized and passionate about her work. About Caroline’s struggle of balancing her responsibilities as a full-time homeschooling parent with her career ambitions and book marketing efforts.Caroline’s advice for first-time authors who are preparing to market their books.  
Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.
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In this episode, Becky talks to Hesha Abrams—master mediator, keynote speaker, and author of Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension. Listen as Hesha talks about her author journey, the impact of her book marketing efforts, and how she has adapted over the years since her book launch to reach new audiences, define new goals, and find lasting success. 
During the episode, you’ll learn:  
About Hesha, her work in the world, and what inspired her to write her book. What Hesha was hoping to achieve when she wrote Holding the Calm.How completing the book and bringing it to life helped Hesha reach her goals.The impact Holding the Calm had on Hesha’s credibility and the perception of her expertise. What Hesha did to market her book and which parts were worthwhile in getting her message out to more readers.Some of the surprises Hesha encountered on her journey as an author. How Hesha’s book continues to serve her and the audiences she wants to reach more than two years after launch. One of Hesha’s tips for resolving conflict from Holding the Calm. 
Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.
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In this episode, Becky talks to Leah Paulos—Founder of Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School. Listen as Leah shares her advice for navigating book publicity, explains how authors can find their audiences, and outlines strategies for breaking through the noise to get as much media attention for a book as possible. 
During the episode, you’ll learn:  
About Leah and her work in the world.The types of authors Leah supports and works with at Press Shop PR and Book Publicity School.Whether or not it’s possible to tell if a book is going to be a big success in the media.How authors can navigate a book launch during an election year like 2024.What Leah might avoid or seek out when it comes time to decide on a release date for a book that’s being published during an election year.Tips for authors to break through the noise of the media when everyone’s attention is scattered. The kind of promotion an author can expect from a publisher.The connection between publicity and book sales.How PR can help people with more than just selling books.How Leah has seen PR shift over the years and what has remained the same. Why authors should be paying attention to other experts and books in their field. An exercise for crafting a good email subject line.
Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.
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In this episode, Becky talks to Glen Van Peski—Ultralight Backpacker, Founder of Gossamer Gear, and Author of take less. do more.—and Jeevan Sivasubramaniam—Managing Director of Editorial at Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Listen as Glen and Jeevan share their insights on who to ask for book endorsements, the impact of endorsements on book sales, how to ask for endorsements, and the ideal number of endorsements an author should strive for. 
During the episode, you’ll learn:  
About both guests and their work in the world.The meaning behind Jeevan’s nickname, “The Cranky Editor.”Some of the basics about endorsements and why they are critical for anyone who is preparing to launch a book.How an author can decide who they should ask for endorsements.Advice for obtaining big-name endorsements.Why endorsements don’t necessarily make or break a book. Whether or not there is a right number of endorsements an author should be aiming for and if there is danger in getting too many. Whether endorsers should represent the demographics of a book’s target audience, or if it’s better for authors to represent a diverse audience in their endorsements. If authors should write sample endorsements that potential endorsers can edit.More thoughts and advice around the power of endorsements. 
Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.
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In this episode, Becky talks to Becky Antkowiak—Writer, Editor, Founder/Chief Encouragement Officer of the 540 Writers Community, and Serial Extrovert. Listen as Becky explores the value of writers being in community with each other and the benefits of attending writers conferences. She shares her experiences attending conferences and the importance of camaraderie, learning the culture of publishing, making connections, receiving coaching, finding a cohort, and continuing to write.    
During the episode, you’ll also learn:  
About Becky and her work in the world. The benefits for writers who choose to connect in person or online at writers events. Some of the ways that authors can learn from each other to help reach their goals.Recommendations for how an author can find a writers group or conference to attend. About Becky’s writers group, why she started it, and what she was hoping to achieve. Some of the secrets behind growing and sustaining a community of authors. The 6 Cs of writers conferences. 
Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.
Sign up for the weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

In this episode, Becky talks to Jesse J. Anderson—Author, Speaker, Creator, and ADHD Advocate. Listen as Jesse talks about his personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD, the impact of finding his niche and building an online community around it, and how nurturing that community led to book marketing success, selling 10,000 copies of his debut book in the first three months.  
During the episode, you’ll learn:  
About Jesse, his work in the world, his journey with ADHD, and the motivation behind writing his book, Extra Focus. Secrets behind the rapid growth of Jesse’s online presence and community. How Jesse chose to show up with valuable content that made complex knowledge about ADHD more accessible.How Jesse prioritizes his energy and attention, especially while creating content and juggling a full-time job.The strategies Jesse has used to grow his newsletter and how important it has been in driving book sales. The value of committed audience members resharing and amplifying your content, including other top voices in your industry. Which social media channels Jesse has chosen to focus on, how those have shifted over the years, and how he chooses to show up on those channels.When Jesse decided to write his book and what his thought process was like. The success Jesse has experienced since Extra Focus came out in September 2023 and what contributed to that success.Some of the bonuses Jesse has offered with his book in order to boost sales. More of the book marketing initiatives that have contributed to the ongoing success of Jesse’s book. 
Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.
Sign up for the weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.