Book Marketing Mentors

Why do some authors instantly capture attention while others struggle to be remembered?The answer isn't better marketing. It's better storytelling.In this episode, writing coach and Writer's Craft Summit founder Kevin Johns reveals why storytelling is one of the most overlooked book marketing tools. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, the ability to create emotional connection can turn readers into loyal fans and clients.You'll discover why facts alone rarely inspire action, how authentic stories build trust in an AI-driven world, and why every memorable book revolves around one thing: transformation.If you want readers to remember your message long after they've finished your book, don't miss this conversation.In this episode, you'll discover: Why emotion—not information—is what readers remember.  How nonfiction authors can use storytelling without writing a memoir.  The secret to building trust by sharing authentic stories while protecting your privacy.  Why every gre

You know what to do. So why aren't you doing it?You want to finish your book. Pitch podcasts. Reach out to organizations. Speak on more stages. Yet somehow, something keeps getting in the way.It's easy to blame a lack of time, confidence, or motivation.But what if the real obstacle is hidden beneath the surface?This week's guest is Nancy Linnerooth, Harvard-trained attorney, licensed therapist, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) expert. She explains how subconscious beliefs formed years ago can quietly influence your decisions today, keeping you stuck, invisible, and playing smaller than you're capable of.If you've ever wondered why you procrastinate, second-guess yourself, or hesitate to promote your book, this conversation may give you the missing piece you've been searching for.In this episode you'll discover:Why you keep procrastinating even when you know exactly what to do. The answer may have nothing to do with discipline.The hidden beliefs that stop authors from b

Your ideal readers may already be looking for your book. So why aren't they buying it?The answer may surprise you.Most authors write and market to people who think just like they do. It feels natural. Unfortunately, it also means they're unintentionally overlooking a large part of their audience.This week's guest is Sheila Glazov, award-winning author, internationally recognized personality expert, and creator of the Brain Color Method. She shares how understanding the different ways people think, communicate, and make decisions can completely change the way you market your book.Imagine knowing why one reader is motivated by facts, another by relationships, another by creativity, and another by action. When you understand these differences, your marketing becomes more effective because you're speaking your readers' language, not just your own.Whether you're writing website copy, networking, speaking, or promoting your book, Sheila offers practical ideas you can start using immedi

What if the secret to selling more books isn't reaching more people, but building deeper relationships with the right people?This week's guest is Elizabeth Henson, CEO of Elizabeth Henson Inc. and founder of the Community Growth Lab. Elizabeth has helped entrepreneurs and creators grow thriving businesses by focusing on one thing many marketers overlook: community.In this conversation, Elizabeth shares why authors don't need massive audiences to make a meaningful impact. Instead, they need genuine connections, consistent engagement, and a willingness to bring readers along for the journey.If you're tired of chasing algorithms, struggling to grow your platform, or wondering how to create loyal readers who eagerly support your work, this episode offers a refreshing and practical approach.Key TakeawaysWhy a Small Community Can Outsell a Large AudienceDiscover why a handful of engaged supporters often generates more book sales, referrals, and opportunities than thousands of passive followers.T

Ever wonder how a debut novel can open doors far beyond book sales?This week’s guest is Kailey Holbrook, award-winning filmmaker, author, and film student at USC. Kailey published her first 500+ page novel while still in high school. Since then, she's built an engaged online following, navigated the worlds of publishing and filmmaking, and learned firsthand what it takes to connect with readers in a crowded marketplace.In this conversation, Kailey shares how she found her audience, built a creative community, and leveraged storytelling skills across multiple platforms. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, you'll discover practical lessons on visibility, audience growth, and creating opportunities that extend well beyond your book.Key TakeawaysWhy a Book Can Become Your Biggest DifferentiatorDiscover how publishing a book can create unexpected opportunities, boost credibility, and help you stand out in ways most people never consider.The Audience Mistake Many Authors MakeLearn why tryin

Want more book sales, visibility, and credibility? Speaking may be one of the fastest ways to get there.But how do you land speaking opportunities if nobody knows who you are? Do you need a polished keynote? A speaker reel? A big platform?In this episode, I sit down with Steve Markman, founder of Markman Speaker Management and a respected insider with more than 35 years in the speaking and conference world. Steve pulls back the curtain on what really gets authors booked and what quietly ruins opportunities before they begin.If you’ve ever thought, I’d love to speak, but where do I start? this conversation is for you.Steve shares practical advice on how nonfiction authors can use speaking to grow authority, open doors, sell more books, and create new opportunities without feeling pushy or self-promotional.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why speaking can change the trajectory of your bookWhat happens when people hear you speak before they buy your book? Why do some authors gain momentum while others stay invis

Could using AI in your book create a legal problem you never saw coming?What if parts of your manuscript are not actually protected by copyright? And what should authors know before using AI for research, outlines, editing, or content creation?In this eye-opening conversation, legal expert Elissa Hecker breaks down what nonfiction authors need to understand about AI, copyright, contracts, and protecting their intellectual property in a fast-changing publishing world.This episode answers the questions many authors are afraid to ask.Key TakeawaysCan You Copyright AI Content? The surprising truth about what parts of AI-assisted work may not be legally protected.Are You Using AI Safely? Smart ways to use AI without risking ownership, credibility, or control of your content.The Contract Clause Authors Cannot Ignore Why publishers are paying attention to AI use and what disclosures may soon become standard.Your Biggest Competitive Advantage in an AI World Why your voice, experience, and originality matter more than

Are you undercharging without realizing it?What if the biggest thing standing between you and higher-value clients has less to do with talent and more to do with how you see your own expertise?In this eye-opening conversation, business advisor and author John Ray challenges some common assumptions about pricing, generosity, confidence, and the role your book should play in growing your business.If you’ve ever questioned your value, struggled to price your services, or wondered why your book is not creating bigger opportunities, this episode may shift how you think about expertise altogether.Key TakeawaysAre You Being Too Generous? Why giving more is not always the smartest move and what actually builds trust with clients.The Pricing Mistake That Quietly Hurts Credibility What your fees may be signaling about your value and why cheaper rarely wins.Why Smart Experts Still Feel Like Frauds A simple mindset shift that can quiet self-doubt and help you own your expertise.Is Your Book Working Hard Enough? Why your

Do you know why some authors struggle to market their books even when they have a powerful message?This week’s guest expert is April Adams Pertuis, award-winning journalist, producer, and founder of Light Beamers. After conducting more than 10,000 interviews over a 30-year career, April has learned one truth most authors miss: storytelling is not separate from marketing. It is the marketing.In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll discover how to use your personal stories to build trust, spark curiosity, and create stronger connections with readers. April also shares how AI can help uncover and organize your stories without replacing your authentic voice.If marketing your book feels forced, awkward, or exhausting, this episode may completely change the way you think about promoting your work.Key Takeaways: Storytelling makes marketing feel human. When you stop “selling” and start sharing meaningful stories, people pay attention.  Your “why” matters more than your pitch. Readers connect with the reason behind

Do readers judge a book by its cover? Absolutely. And if your book looks self-published, readers notice before they read a single word.This week on the podcast, book designer extraordinaire Victoria Wolf pulls back the curtain on what makes a book look polished, credible, and impossible to ignore.With more than 30 years in the industry and 500+ books designed, Victoria shares the design choices that separate books people buy from books people scroll past.We talk covers that instantly signal quality, interiors that keep readers engaged, and the subtle design mistakes that quietly kill credibility. You’ll also hear why many nonfiction authors sabotage their authority with amateur visuals without even realizing it.If your book is supposed to open doors, your design can’t afford to whisper.Key takeways from this week's episode; Why interior design matters far more than most authors think  The typography and layout choices that make books easier to read and harder to put down  The real job of a book cover and

Are you actually stuck… or are you hiding behind perfection?Most nonfiction authors say they’re “not ready.” Kristin Bentley calls that out for what it is.As founder and CEO of EP House, Kristin has spent 25+ years helping leaders, experts, and change-makers turn lived experience into books that matter. In this conversation, she breaks apart the idea that confidence comes first… and replaces it with something far more uncomfortable and far more effective.Because the truth? You don’t think your way into writing a book. You write your way into clarity.What This Episode Will Challenge:“Ready” is a moving target. If you’re waiting for it, you may be waiting forever.Clarity doesn’t come before the work. It shows up because of it… and only if you start.Outlines can help… or quietly stall you. There’s a fine line between structure and avoidance.Writer’s block isn’t random. It’s usually pointing to something deeper you’d rather not face.Your voice gets lost the moment you try to please everyone. And most authors don’

Are you writing a novel… or quietly hoping people will magically find it later?This week’s guest, Olivia Zugay, isn’t here for that fantasy.As a marketing and sales strategist for self-published fiction authors and founder of Story Flow Solutions, Olivia helps writers stop treating marketing like an afterthought and start building real reader demand before the book even exists.If you want loyal readers rather than one-time buyers, this conversation will challenge the way you think about publishing from day one.Key Takeaways:Stop waiting to be “ready.” Your audience-building window opens the moment you decide to write. Miss it, and your launch gets a lot harder.Your readers will tell you what to write… if you ask. Surveys, conversations, and feedback loops aren’t extras. They’re your unfair advantage.One book is a gamble. A series is a strategy. Thinking beyond a single title changes everything about sales, visibility, and momentum.Confused authors don’t sell books. Understanding the publishing landscape upfro

Why do some nonfiction books get read… and others get put down halfway through?If your book isn’t connecting the way you expected, it’s probably not a marketing issue. It’s how the message is landing on the page.This week’s guest expert, Corey Radman—editor and ghostwriter for memoir, self-help, and business authors—breaks down what actually makes a book resonate.Because readers don’t stay for information. They stay for how it makes them think, feel, and see themselves.If you want your book to do more than inform—if you want it to stick—this conversation will show you what’s missing.There's a Real Person on the Other Side of the Screen: The one mindset shift that makes readers feel like you're writing just for them.The Boring Topic Is a Myth: Why the driest subject in the room is secretly the most powerful story waiting to be told.A Vignette Is a Knife, Not a Blanket: The overlooked rule about story length that separates forgettable writing from writing that sticks.Some Stories Aren't Only Your

Are you building your authority… or quietly eroding it without realizing it?In a world where AI can write, mimic, and scale content in seconds, trust has become fragile.And for nonfiction authors, that changes everything.This week’s guest, Gal Borenstein—global branding and PR expert and author of Don’t Believe the Hype—breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface.Because this isn’t about whether you use AI.It’s about what it signals to your audience when you do.What you’ll start to question:Is AI helping your message… or diluting it? It’s not always obvious where that line is.Can people tell when something feels off—even if they can’t explain why? There are patterns. And once you see them, you can’t unsee them.How much transparency actually builds trust… and when does it backfire?What happens when credibility slips—even slightly? And how do you recover when it does?Are you actively shaping your digital presence… or leaving it to chance?If trust is the foundation of your work, this conversation wil

You wrote the book. You got it published. You’ve been putting yourself out there.So why is it still not bringing in real income?This week’s guest, Robin Ayoub—founder and CEO of N49 Networks, fractional CRO, and podcast host—shares what most authors miss when they expect their book to do the heavy lifting.We get into what actually drives revenue… and where authors tend to get stuck without realizing it.Because the gap isn’t effort.It’s how that effort is aimed.What you’ll start to question:Is your book really the thing that’s supposed to make you money? Or is it playing a different role altogether?Are you doing things that feel productive… but don’t lead anywhere? There’s a difference. And it’s not always obvious.Does visibility actually translate into sales? Or is something missing in between?Are you clear on who you’re trying to reach… and where they already are? Because guessing looks a lot like “trying everything.”Is AI helping you move faster… or just creating more noise?If your book isn’t doing what you

What if your book isn’t the product… but the foundation of everything that follows? Many authors publish with hope that book sales will drive income. Few realize the real opportunity lies in what the book makes possible. This week’s guest, Dr. Lee Baucom, has spent more than two decades turning books into thriving businesses — and he’s sharing exactly how it works. A bestselling author of seven books and creator of the Book to Business Blueprint, Lee explains how to shift your thinking from “selling copies” to building a complete ecosystem around your message. When your book becomes the backbone of your authority and offers, new doors open. In this conversation, we explore how successful authors design businesses that grow from their books, stay focused on meaningful opportunities, and avoid the distractions that derail momentum. If you’re a coach, consultant, or expert who wants your book to generate more than royalties, this episode will expand what you see as possible. What You’ll Discover: Why your book s

What if your next reader wasn’t on Amazon… but already waiting for you on Substack?This week, Sinem Günel, bestselling Substack creator and co-founder of Write, Build, Scale, unpacks how nonfiction authors can turn Substack into a powerful engine for audience growth, idea validation, and steady income.You’ll hear how to test book ideas before you write them, build a loyal subscriber base that actually engages, and create paid content people want to subscribe to.If your book marketing feels like a one-time push, this conversation will shift how you think about long-term visibility.Key TakeawaysWhy Substack works for authors It’s not another platform to “manage.” It becomes your home base where readers return, respond, and stay connected.Build before you publish What if your book had an audience before it existed? Substack lets you test ideas and watch what resonates in real time.Turn readers into revenue Paid tiers don’t work because you ask. They work because readers feel they’re getting access they can’t get

Everyone says your book needs to be different.But what if “different” is exactly why it gets ignored?In a marketplace flooded with AI content and endless new titles, standing out has become harder than ever. Many authors respond by trying to be louder or trendier.This week’s guest, Scott McKain, argues that approach misses the point.In his book Beyond Distinction, Scott explains why difference creates attention… but distinction creates authority.In this conversation, we explore why authors who chase trends disappear, why AI cannot replace your lived experience, and how the most memorable experts build a reputation readers trust and remember.If you want your book to do more than exist on a crowded shelf, this episode will challenge how you think about standing out.Key Takeaways• Different vs. Distinct Being different gets noticed. Distinction makes you memorable.• The Trend Trap Follow trends, and you look like everyone else. Leaders create their own lane.• Your Human Advantage AI can generate content. It cann

What if the success of your book isn’t only about strategy… but also about alignment? In this intriguing conversation, internationally recognized business numerologist Frea O’Brien shares how the language of numbers can offer surprising clarity for authors, speakers, and creative entrepreneurs. From identifying your natural strengths to choosing the right timing for projects, numerology can reveal patterns that help you move forward with confidence. Frea works with vision-driven leaders around the world, helping them align their business and creative decisions with deeper purpose and optimal timing. In this episode, she explains how authors can use numerology as a guide for everything from choosing a book topic to planning a launch or next pivot. If you’ve ever felt pulled in multiple directions or wondered whether you’re forcing momentum instead of following it, this conversation will open a new lens on your author journey. What You’ll Discover: How your birth date reveals strengths that shape your best book

Are you making book marketing harder than it needs to be? Many authors follow the same advice, use the same platforms, and launch the same way… then wonder why sales stall. This week’s guest, Mamie Sanders, explains why that happens and what to do instead. Mamie is the founder of MVL Marketing and a veteran digital strategist who has worked with major publishing houses and countless authors. She brings a refreshing perspective to book promotion: marketing isn’t a formula. It’s a fit. In this powerful interview, Mamie shares how authors can cut through digital noise, build genuine connections with readers, and create marketing strategies that match their strengths and goals. If social media feels overwhelming or your launch came and went without much momentum, this episode will help you rethink your approach. You’ll also hear why long-term visibility matters more than launch-week buzz and how awareness and trust quietly drive consistent book sales over time. What You’ll Discover: Why copying another author’s s