The Book Marketing Action Podcast

In the final episode of Season 5, Becky is joined by Jenny Lisk—founder of the Widowed Parent Institute and award-winning author—who talks about her purposeful approach to sharing her story and insights with a broader audience, underscoring her commitment to filling the resource gaps she encountered as a widowed parent. She describes the challenge of determining which personal experiences to share publicly and the fine line between sharing her own story as a grieving parent while also respecting the stories of her grieving children. Additionally, the episode highlights Jenny's strategic use of podcasting to build community, illustrating how her podcast has become a significant platform for dialogue on grief and parenting.During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Jenny and her work in the world. What it was like for Jenny to write in real time about the heart-wrenching journey of having a terminally ill husband.How and when Jenny decided to share her experiences and her story more widely. The resource that was most useful for Jenny as she crafted her memoir.Why it has been so important for Jenny to open up about her journey as a widowed parent.What Jenny has seen and experienced as a result of making the intentional choice to share her journey in online spaces. How Jenny decides which experiences or stories to share in real-time vs. which ones to share later or keep private. Jenny’s experience interviewing her daughter on her podcast. Jenny’s decision to start a podcast and what inspired it.How long Jenny did her podcast before she launched her first book. How starting a podcast helped Jenny find her voice and navigate being a widowed parent.Some of the most impactful ways Jenny repurposes her content. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

In today’s episode, Becky delves into the world of digital book ownership with Joshua Stone, CEO of Book.io—a platform that allows readers to buy ebooks and audiobooks and sell them on a global secondary market, with publishers and authors earning royalties on the sales. The conversation centers around the limitations of current ebook licensing models, championed by platforms like Amazon, which prevent true ownership of digital content. Joshua sheds light on how Book.io is disrupting this monopoly, offering a solution that restores the rights of authors and the autonomy of readers.During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Joshua and his work in the world.Why digital book ownership is such a messy endeavor for authors.What the current ebook and audiobook market is like for both readers and authors.What Book.io is and how authors and publishers are using it as a new way to experience digital book ownership.How Book.io is non-exclusive, allowing authors to publish their digital books in traditional formats as well. The digital exchange of ebooks and audiobooks on Book.io and the benefits of passing digital books from owner to owner. How Book.io works for first-time authors who might be struggling to find an audience for their work.The value of borderless knowledge sharing.Whether or not Joshua thinks it’s possible to truly break up the digital book monopoly.How new technology options within Book.io can help authors combat the worries they have about AI. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

In the final part of this two-part series, Becky is again interviewed by Franchesca Conner—a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They take a deep dive into the nuances of marketing print-on-demand (POD) books, highlighting benefits, challenges, and strategies surrounding pre-order campaigns. With the rise of self-publishing and hybrid-publishing models, many authors face unique hurdles in timing and planning their book launches. Becky emphasizes the importance of pre-orders in establishing a book’s credibility, building anticipation for launch, securing retailer links, and facilitating planned marketing efforts. Becky also reveals some of the key reasons why an author of a POD book might choose not to make it available for pre-order, focusing primarily on first-week book sales and post-launch marketing efforts. During the episode, you’ll learn:  What is different about marketing POD books. About IngramSpark—a book distribution platform where authors can set up their POD books for pre-order.How setting up a POD book for pre-order can benefit book awareness, sales, and marketing initiatives. Why an author would want to focus more on the first week of sales for a POD book vs. pre-orders. Whether or not it’s a good idea for an author with no pre-order period for their book to switch up their categories on Amazon. How hybrid publishers typically approach pre-order campaigns for POD books and the limitations authors might face in that scenario. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

In part one of this two-part series, host Becky Robinson is interviewed by Franchesca Conner—a PR specialist at Weaving Influence. They explore the vital topic of pre-order campaigns for traditionally published authors, discussing when and how authors should start engaging their audience, the significance of one-to-one outreach efforts, and strategies for creating pre-order incentives. Stay tuned for part two of this series, which will focus on pre-order campaigns for self-published and hybrid-published authors!During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Franchesca and her role at Weaving Influence.Some of the key differences between pre-order campaigns for traditionally published authors and pre-order campaigns for self-published authors. The recommended timeframe for setting up pre-orders for traditionally published authors. Why it’s important for authors to drive sales for their book in order to honor the investment of their traditional publisher. Which platforms are typically favored for setting up print books for pre-order and what challenges authors might encounter when using those platforms. If a publisher will usually recommend retailers for an author.How authors can enhance their pre-order campaigns through one-to-one outreach efforts.Some of the key strategies for authors to promote pre-orders of their books. Ways that authors can create pre-order incentives and if some strategies are more successful than others. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

Have you always dreamed of seeing your book translated and distributed around the world? In this episode, Becky talks to Margaux Weisman, Director of New Business Development at DropCap Marketplace, a groundbreaking platform designed to help authors expand their books globally through rights licensing. Margaux explores how DropCap Marketplace simplifies the international licensing process for authors by connecting them with vetted foreign publishers. She provides an insightful overview of the user-friendly platform and its matchmaking algorithm and outlines the new partnership between DropCap Marketplace and Weaving Influence.During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Margaux and her role at DropCap Marketplace.Some of the basics of DropCap Marketplace and how to get started on the platform. Common challenges that authors might face when they are trying to expand their book’s reach to international markets.How the matchmaking algorithm on DropCap Marketplace helps to connect authors’ books with the best foreign rights buyers on the platform.Some of the success stories of authors who have listed their books on the DropCap Marketplace and accessed foreign rights sales as a result.How the pricing of DropCap Marketplace works. What happens for an author when there is a buyer who’s interested in purchasing the rights to their book.Margaux’s advice for authors who want to see their books expanded throughout the world. About the partnership between DropCap Marketplace and Weaving Influence, and the benefits of signing up through the co-branded landing page. About the future of DropCap Marketplace in terms of growth and new features for authors. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter to connect with Becky Robinson and gain access to ongoing learning and conversation.

In this episode, Becky talks to Julee Balko—Freelance Writer and Author of The Things We Keep and The Me List. Throughout the episode, Julee offers valuable book marketing tips, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude towards social media and how it can serve as an empowering tool for authors. She also delves into the mindset shift she made from marketing her first book to marketing her second book, highlighting the significance of finding joy and creativity in the book marketing process. During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Julee, her work in the world, and her two fiction books. When Julee started to build an online presence and how that contributed to her author journey. Julee’s journey of writing her first novel, The Things We Keep, and how it helped her navigate the grief and loss she was experiencing at the time. How long it took Julee to write her second novel compared to the first one. About Julee’s second and most recent novel, The Me List. Julee’s experience marketing both of her books and which aspects became easier the second time around. Information about editorial reviews. Julee’s mindset shift and her new approaches when marketing her second book. How Becky’s book, Reach, helped Julee think about book marketing in a new way. The progress Julee is making on her third book.Some of Julee’s best book marketing tips for fiction authors and her experience publishing her novels through the small press. What a Me List is and how you can get started writing your own.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 Ginelle Testa—Author of Make a Home Out of You: A Memoir, which is launching next week. Ginelle shares the inspiration behind writing a deeply personal book and her journey of overcoming addiction and finding self-love. She also talks about how showing up authentically in online spaces helped her grow her social media presence and reach new audiences with her important message. During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Ginelle and her work in the world.The meaning behind Ginelle’s new memoir, Make a Home Out of You, and her publishing path. What inspired Ginelle to write her memoir, especially one that digs into challenging emotional times in her life. What inspired her to translate that level of authenticity to her social media channels. Some of the challenges Ginelle had to overcome as she wrote her memoir and shared intense experiences in her life. How and why “edginess” helped Ginelle go viral. How she approaches sharing about her vulnerable experiences—in real time vs. letting some time pass.What she has enjoyed most about showcasing her author journey, even the emotional moments, and how it has helped build momentum for her book.How Ginelle stays consistent and intentional with her posting.How creating short-form videos has been a major part of her growth and finding new audiences, as well as her strategies for creating videos.How long Ginelle has been showing up in online spaces.How she prioritizes the initiatives she has energy for. What she hopes people will take away from the experience of reading her memoir and engaging with her social content. 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 Mary O’Donohue—Media Coach for Women Nonfiction Authors, a #1 Bestselling Parenting Author, and a former Post Producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Listen as Mary shares valuable insights from her extensive career in television and her expertise in media coaching for authors. She emphasizes how important it is for authors to understand the media landscape and showcase the value they have to offer the audiences of major media outlets. Through real-life stories and practical advice, Mary provides guidance on how to overcome fear and anxiety when trying to get your message in front of the media.During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Mary, the work she has done throughout her career, and her book, When You Say 'Thank You,' Mean It.How Mary’s career in television contributed to the work she is doing now as a media coach for authors.How Mary helps set authors’ expectations about the reality of what it takes to get on a major broadcast media show. What makes a guest “bookable.”Advice for women nonfiction authors who want to get their message or book in front of the media to grow their impact. Why podcasts are such a crucial part of marketing and book promotion today.Tips for how authors can tackle the fear and anxiety they may experience as they approach the world of media. 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 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.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 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.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 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.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 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.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 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.

In the first episode of Season 5, Becky talks to Sarah Fay—private Substack consultant, award-winning author at HarperCollins, and a member of the faculty at Northwestern University. Listen as Sarah discusses her personal journey through the mental health system and her decision to share her stories through writing. She also talks about her experience with landing a book deal, how she discovered Substack, and how impactful the platform has been for her writing career.     During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Sarah and her work in the world.The life changes Sarah had to make on her path to recovery.What inspired Sarah to share about her mental health journey in such an open way.How Sarah landed her first book deal, and the motivation behind writing her memoir, Pathological.Some of the expectations vs. reality of selling a book. The approaches Sarah took to building an online audience prior to the release of her first book. The concept of serialization and why Sarah decided to serialize her second book, Cured.Why Sarah also released a serialized audio version of Cured. Some of the controversy surrounding Substack.Why Sarah loves Substack. Sarah’s journey with Substack and how much money a typical writer might expect to make on the platform. Sarah’s best tips for people who want to show up in a more authentic way with their personal stories.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 final bonus episode of Season 4, Becky talks to Lucinda Halpern—Author and President of Lucinda Literary. Listen as Lucinda discusses her brand new book, Get Signed, what she hopes to achieve with her launch, and some of the surprises she has experienced throughout her book launch journey.   During the episode, you’ll learn:  About Lucinda and her book. What success looks like for Lucinda and what she most wants to achieve with her book launch. The smartest thing Becky did for her book launch. Some of Becky’s best book marketing tips such as hosting a Virtual Launch Party and creating bulk incentives. A helpful approach from Robbie Samuels for obtaining book reviews. Some of the surprises Lucinda has experienced on her book publishing and marketing journey. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Please consider filling out this survey to help us better understand our audience so we can continue serving your book marketing needs in future episodes.

This episode is all about the world of public relations for authors. Becky is joined by PR coach and publicist Lilian Sue. Lilian talks about how impactful mindset is when it comes to PR, some of the most important components of a PR strategy for authors, and how PR supports book promotion and marketing.   During the episode, Lilian also shares:  A little bit about herself and her work in the world. How authors can shift their mindset issues related to publicity and how to make PR more approachable. The crucial components of a PR strategy for authors.The value of an author doing their own pitching to media outlets versus outsourcing to a publicist.Why PR is such an important piece of the book promotion puzzle. Some inspiration and guidance related to marketing and PR for fiction books. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Please feel free to message Becky at becky@weavinginfluence.com to share your thoughts!

This episode is about the various platforms for book distribution and how to use each one. Becky is joined by Everett O’Keefe—Founder of Ignite Press and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. Everett shares his vast knowledge of three book distribution channels—KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital—including their benefits, cost, and how they impact a book’s pre-order campaign.During the episode, Everett also shares:  About himself and his company. The benefits of each book distribution channel and what they are used for. The costs of each of the distribution channels.What an ISBN is and how an author can purchase their own. How the various distribution channels impact the ability for a book to be available for pre-order, as well as why Ignite Press does not offer pre-order campaigns. How he goes about pricing Kindle books, what strategies he uses to help Kindle books obtain bestseller status, and the results he has experienced. Some of the changes happening on Amazon related to bestseller launches. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Please feel free to message Becky at becky@weavinginfluence.com to share your thoughts!

This episode is about the importance of having a long-term view of the value your book can bring to the world. Becky is joined by two former guests, Gena Cox and Kevin Wilde, who have both reached the one-year anniversary of their latest book launches. Gena and Kevin share what they have learned about book marketing and some tactics that have helped them continue gaining momentum for their work post-launch. During the episode, Gena and Kevin also share:  About themselves and their work in the world. Some of the tactics and approaches they have used post-launch to continue getting their work out to new audiences.If they tried any tactics that were not worth it in the end.The journey of figuring out their audience for their books and how those audiences have evolved.How earned media—podcast appearances, interviews, articles, blog posts, etc.—have propelled momentum for their books post-launch. The standard Gena has set for herself when it comes to marketing her book: Do at least one thing each week to support and promote the book. Some parting wisdom about investing in the long-term value of your book. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Please feel free to message Becky at becky@weavinginfluence.com to share your thoughts!

This episode is about the process of writing a book for your business and how to overcome the inner obstacles you might face along the journey. Becky is joined by Catherine Gregory—Book Coach, Publisher, and Co-Founder of Modern Wisdom Press. Catherine shares her expert guidance for writing a book, and she discusses understanding when it’s the right time to share your message with the world. During the episode, Catherine also shares:  A little bit about herself, her own author journey, and her business.The resistance and fear she faced as a first-time author, and the resistance and fear she sees in other first-time authors.What authors should be thinking about as they pursue the goal of writing a book to support their business.What causes authors to overthink as they plan their book projects.How she helps first-time authors get clear about who their ultimate reader is.How an author who is not sure what their business will become can go about writing a book for that business.How she gets authors into a space where they will allow their inner wisdom to emerge. Why having a beginner’s mindset can help an author as they start to envision the right book for their business.How she evaluates whether or not a book idea from one of her authors is the right book for their business. The difference between fear and intuition when it comes time to share your work with the world. How the book writing process has been transformative for her and the authors she supports. Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.Please feel free to message Becky at becky@weavinginfluence.com to share your thoughts!