Before The Bestseller: Recent Episodes
Alex Strathdee
This show is for book lovers and creators who want to go behind the scenes with their favorite authors to hear about how they were able to not just write a book but create a movement.
Welcome to Part 3 of this special four-part series of Before the Bestseller, recorded live at Ed Rush’s Top Gun Author Live Event 2026. In this session, I’m sharing the real stories behind books that found their audience, from Atomic Habits and Profit First to Rich Dad Poor Dad, Go for No! and How to Win Friends and Influence People. The strategies are different, but they all show how creative book marketing can create opportunities you might never see coming.
Instead of giving you another list of marketing tactics, I break down the stories behind them. We get into finding gatekeepers who already have access to your readers, tapping into existing communities, using social listening to build genuine relationships, creating corporate bulk-buy opportunities, finding a small but passionate niche, and getting your first copies into the right hands. I also share how my first book went from an Amazon bestseller that quickly lost momentum to reaching roughly 40,000 students through university partnerships, and what that experience taught me about getting scrappy when you don't have a big marketing budget.
If you're trying to figure out how to get your book beyond the launch and into the hands of people who might actually read it, share it, and open doors for it, this episode will give you plenty of ideas to work with. Tune in and start thinking differently about the relationships, audiences, and opportunities already around you.
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Welcome to Part 2 of this special four-part series recorded live at Ed Rush's Top Gun Author Live Event in Dallas. In this episode, I want to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: how to stop wasting your time and money on book marketing. After working with hundreds of authors, I've seen the same mistakes happen over and over again. The good news is they're avoidable once you know what to look for.
We dive into why so many books lose momentum after launch, how simple marketing systems can keep your book moving long after release day, and why batching your content can save you hours every week. I also share why building even a small team can make a huge difference, how to avoid costly marketing and PR mistakes, and why studying authors who are just a few steps ahead of you is often more valuable than chasing the biggest names. Finally, I explain the simple "Three Rule" I use to decide whether a marketing activity is actually worth my time.
If you want to build a book marketing strategy that's sustainable instead of stressful, tune in and let's talk about how to make every hour and every dollar count.
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In this first episode of a special four-part series recorded live at Ed Rush's first-ever Top Gun Author Live event, I take a step back from the usual interviews to share the foundations of book marketing. Before we talk about ads, social media, or launch strategies, we need to understand what actually makes a book succeed and why so many authors end up busy without making real progress.
Through real stories from bestselling authors, including Joseph Nguyen's journey from complete unknown to New York Times bestselling author, we uncover what really drives long-term book success. Instead of chasing the latest marketing tactic, this conversation focuses on the ideas that shape every successful campaign and why getting these foundations right can change everything that comes next.
Tune in to discover why the strongest book marketing strategies begin long before launch day, and why getting the fundamentals right can make every marketing decision that follows more effective. If you're serious about getting your book into the hands of more readers, this is where your marketing journey begins.
Learn more and grab a copy of Alex’s book here.
It's packed with practical lessons, real case studies, and proven book marketing strategies you can start applying to your own book today.
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Today we're back with Scott Hogan, author of the bestselling book Built from Broken, which has sold more than 300,000 copies. Scott is the founder of SaltWrap, a company dedicated to helping people stay strong, mobile, and pain-free through practical approaches to nutrition, training, and recovery. As an A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, and nutritional supplement formulator, Scott has spent years helping others overcome injuries. What started as a personal mission to understand chronic pain eventually became a book that has helped readers around the world and led to a new edition published through Authors Equity, the publishing company co-founded by James Clear.
In this conversation, we shift from health to book marketing and unpack how Built from Broken found its audience. Scott shares why writing from lived experience mattered more than having a large platform, how his earliest readers became his strongest advocates, and why word of mouth ultimately became the book's greatest marketing advantage. We also talk about Amazon discoverability, choosing the right categories, planning a second edition, working with Authors Equity, building trust in the age of AI, and the mindset that helped him push through imposter syndrome and finally write the book that has helped hundreds of thousands of readers better understand chronic pain, recovery, and long-term health.
Tune in to hear why the books that continue to find readers are often the ones written to solve a real problem, built on genuine trust, and supported by an author willing to keep showing up long after launch.
Want to learn more from Scott? Visit his website to explore Built from Broken, access bonus resources, and discover more of his work at bfb-book.com
Learn more about Scott and his work at www.saltwrap.com
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This week we're joined by Scott Hogan, someone who has turned a lifetime of injuries into a mission to help others move better, recover smarter, and keep doing the activities they love for years to come. Scott is an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer, certified orthopedic exercise specialist, nutritional supplement formulator, founder of SaltWrap, and the author of the bestselling pain management book Built from Broken, which has sold more than 300,000 copies since its original release in 2021. Drawing from years of personal experience and research, Scott has dedicated his work to helping people overcome pain, build resilience, and stay strong for the long haul.
In this episode, Scott explains why many injuries are years in the making and why joint pain shouldn't simply be accepted as part of getting older. We discuss the biggest misconceptions about fitness and recovery, along with some of the everyday habits that may be doing more harm than good. Scott also shares why understanding the root cause of pain matters more than simply treating the symptoms, how to think differently about movement and training, and what it really takes to build a body that's resilient for the long term. Whether you're recovering from an old injury or simply want to stay active as you age, my conversation with Scott may change the way you approach your own health and recovery before you assume pain is simply something you have to live with.
Tune in to learn why Scott believes resilience isn't something you're born with, but something you can build.
Want to learn more from Scott? Visit his website to explore Built from Broken, access bonus resources, and discover more of his work at bfb-book.com
Learn more about Scott and his work at www.saltwrap.com
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We're back for a second episode with Karen Anderson, a publishing strategist and direct response marketing expert who has worked across every major publishing model and co-author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller The Bezos Letters. Building on our previous conversation about what makes a book worth publishing, we now explore what makes a book actually work, from reader psychology and positioning to the kinds of marketing that readers naturally respond to.
In this episode, Karen shares real stories that reveal why some books earn lasting word of mouth while others are quickly forgotten. We explore what earns a reader's trust, why recommendations matter more than promotion, and how the decisions authors make long before publication shape the way readers experience a book. From positioning and understanding reader pain points to testing ideas before launch, leading with experience instead of credentials, and creating memorable reader experiences, Karen explains why authentic relationships consistently outperform expensive marketing campaigns. Throughout the conversation, she makes a compelling case that the strongest marketing doesn't begin after a book is published. It begins by writing a book people genuinely want to share.
Some books find their audience quickly, while others take time. Tune in to hear why the books that endure are often the ones whose authors stay committed long after publication.
Connect with Karen and explore her free resources at KarenAnderson.co
Check out her book, The Bezos Letters, here: https://a.co/d/0fIrg0mM
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Today, we're joined by Karen Anderson, a strategic book advisor, Associate Publisher at Morgan James Publishing, and co-author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon. With more than twenty-five years in publishing and contributions to numerous New York Times bestselling books, Karen brings an unusual combination of psychology, direct response marketing, and publishing experience that shapes how she helps authors build books that truly connect with readers.
In this episode, Karen shares why authors should begin with purpose rather than pages, and how the most effective books balance information with inspiration. We discuss why many well-written books quietly fail, the role stories play in creating emotional connection, and how understanding what readers feel and need should shape every decision an author makes. Karen also explains how publishers think about marketability, why authors are ultimately responsible for marketing, and what separates books that fade quickly from those that continue finding readers years after publication.
Tune in to hear why writing a good book is only the beginning, and why the books that readers keep recommending often start with a very different question than most authors think to ask.
Connect with Karen and explore her free resources at KarenAnderson.co
You can also check out her book, The Bezos Letters, here: https://a.co/d/0fIrg0mM
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Today we welcome back Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The War of Art, Gates of Fire, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and his newest novel, The Arcadian. Across a career spanning fiction and nonfiction, Pressfield has sold millions of books and built a reputation as one of the most influential voices on creativity, discipline, and the challenges that stand between people and their life's work.
In this episode, Steven reflects on the long road behind his success, from writing dozens of screenplays before his breakthrough to watching books like Gates of Fire and The War of Art slowly grow through word of mouth. He shares the surprising story behind The Legend of Bagger Vance, how luck and preparation intersect throughout a writing career, and the marketing approaches he has used across both fiction and nonfiction. We also explore audience building, podcasts, email lists, self-publishing, the challenges of marketing fiction, and why some books continue selling for years while others disappear shortly after launch.
Tune in to hear what separates books that last from books that fade away, why patience matters more than most authors realize, and the hard-earned lessons from a lifetime dedicated to the craft of writing.
Subscribe to Steven's weekly writing newsletter at stevenpressfield.com
Make sure to follow @steven_pressfield on Instagram.
Check out his new book, The Arcadian here: https://a.co/d/03YobKj0
Explore all of Steven’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AQ8R8Q?ingress=0&visitId=d84a9904-f7ce-400a-8292-17d9d655e6c2&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
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Today we welcome a very special guest and one of my favorite authors for a long time, Steven Pressfield, author of more than twenty books spanning fiction and nonfiction, including The War of Art, which has sold more than a million copies worldwide and has become a foundational book for writers, entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. He is also the acclaimed author of Gates of Fire, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Warrior Ethos, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t, and many others. Widely regarded as a master of historical fiction, his work has earned a place on the required reading list at West Point and the recommended reading list of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His work has also reached audiences well beyond the literary world, earning him a featured appearance on Oprah and a readership that cuts across industries, disciplines, and generations. His latest novel, The Arcadian, continues a body of work shaped by decades of storytelling and creative practice.
In this episode, Steven reflects on the thirty-year journey that preceded his first published book and the lessons that emerged from decades of rejection, uncertainty, and persistence. We explore the concept of Resistance from The War of Art, the emotional realities of creative work, the difference between amateurs and professionals, the challenge of self-validation, and why he still faces the same internal battle every time he sits down to write. Along the way, he shares what finally changed when The Legend of Bagger Vance broke through, why perseverance matters more than talent, the inspiration behind The Arcadian, and the philosophy that continues to guide his work decades into his career.
If you've ever felt the pull to do almost anything other than the one thing you know you should be doing, tune in because this conversation with Steven Pressfield is one of the more grounded and clear-eyed looks at the creative life you're likely to find.
Subscribe to Steven's weekly writing newsletter at stevenpressfield.com
Make sure to follow @steven_pressfield on Instagram.
Check out his new book, The Arcadian here: https://a.co/d/03YobKj0
Explore all of Steven’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AQ8R8Q?ingress=0&visitId=d84a9904-f7ce-400a-8292-17d9d655e6c2&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We're back with Eric Ries, entrepreneur, startup thinker, and author of the bestselling books The Lean Startup and Incorruptible. With millions of books sold and ideas that have influenced founders, executives, and organizations around the world, Eric joins us again to share how he approached building not just successful books, but movements around ideas.
In this episode, we explore how Eric applied startup principles to book publishing, audience building, and idea development long before The Lean Startup became a bestseller. We discuss testing ideas through talks and feedback loops, treating readers as customers, building communities around a message, the lessons he learned from traditional publishing, his record-setting Kickstarter campaign for The Leader's Guide, and why saying "yes" to small opportunities helped create momentum. Eric also shares his perspective on books as tools for creating legitimacy around ideas, the difference between audience size and audience connection, and why practice often matters far more than people realize.
Tune in to hear how Eric Ries turned an idea into a movement and why reaching more readers often starts with serving the ones already paying attention.
Go to www.incorruptible.com to discover more about the book and access the limited-time pre-order bonuses.
Visit your local bookstore to pick up a copy of Eric’s books and support independent booksellers.
Check out Eric’s books on Amazon here:
Incorruptible - https://a.co/d/0cWIpo70
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Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today, we’re honored to have entrepreneur, creator of the Lean Startup movement, and author of the international bestseller The Lean Startup, Eric Ries, on Before the Bestseller. His work changed how founders think about building companies by replacing assumptions with experimentation, validated learning, and building what customers actually want.
We talked about Eric’s unexpected path from teaching himself programming as a kid and landing his first publishing opportunity as a teenager, to building startups and eventually writing one of the most influential business books of the last decade. We explored how The Lean Startup emerged from questioning conventional startup advice, why validated learning matters more than activity, and how founders and authors can think through one of the hardest decisions in any creative or business journey: when to pivot and when to persevere. We also shifted into Eric’s newest book, Incorruptible, where we discussed why organizations drift away from their original mission, how incentives quietly shape decisions over time, and what founders, consumers, and builders can do to create systems worth trusting in the long run.
Tune in to hear how Eric thinks about testing ideas, knowing when to pivot, and building books, companies, and systems that can grow without losing what made them work in the first place.
Go to www.incorruptible.com to discover more about the book and access the limited-time pre-order bonuses.
Visit your local bookstore to pick up a copy of Eric’s books and support independent booksellers.
Check out Eric’s books on Amazon here:
The Lean Startup - https://a.co/d/0bwLP7TI
Incorruptible - https://a.co/d/0cWIpo70
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We’re back with Nicole Gebhardt, publishing strategist and CEO of Niche Press, for a conversation about what publishing looks like in a world shaped by AI, shifting reader behavior, and shorter attention spans. Nicole has helped entrepreneurs, experts, and business owners turn books into long term brand and business assets, and in this episode, she breaks down why the books people buy and finish today are fundamentally different from the books that worked even a few years ago.
We talked about why “how-to” books are becoming easier to replace, why storytelling is becoming more important than ever, and how authors can design a reader experience that keeps people emotionally invested from beginning to end. Nicole also shared insights on Michael Hague’s storytelling framework, the difference between a reader’s outer and inner journey, how AI can quietly push authors toward the wrong book idea, and why the smartest marketing decisions happen before the first chapter is even written. The conversation also explored identity transformation, strategic positioning, influencer relationships, and how great books naturally create opportunities for speaking, referrals, and long term business growth.
If your book is meant to last longer than the current trend cycle, tune in to this episode.
Check out www.nicheleaders.com to learn more or take the assessment.
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Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today we welcome Nicole Gebhart, CEO of Niche Press, where she has worked with hundreds of business leaders, advisors, and experts to help them clarify what they want to be known for and turn that into a book that actually drives opportunity. With a background leading communications strategy at Caterpillar Inc. and years of consulting experience, she brings a structured, strategic lens to publishing. In this episode of Before the Bestseller, Nicole breaks down what it really means to treat a book as a business asset rather than a standalone product.
We get into why the “wrong book” can quietly limit your growth, how different publishing strategies like signature, pep talk, and niche books each serve a specific role, and why most people approach writing from the past instead of where they want to go. Nicole shares how books should connect to your offers, brand, and long term business model, not just book sales, along with how to think in terms of frameworks, client conversion, and positioning yourself in the top tier of your niche. We also touch on what it looks like to fix a misaligned book, why owning your publishing rights matters, and how the right strategy can turn a book into a consistent source of opportunities.
Tune in to hear how to turn a book into something that actually builds your business instead of just sitting on a shelf.
Check out www.nicheleaders.com to learn more or take the assessment.
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Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Marshall Karp, #1 New York Times bestselling author, TV and screenwriter, documentarian, and playwright, returns to Before the Bestseller alongside Danny Corcoran, a former NYPD detective whose 24 years on the job now inform the realism behind Karp’s fiction. Working with James Patterson, Karp cocreated and cowrote the NYPD Red series before continuing it on his own starting with NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority. He’s also the author of Snowstorm in August and the critically acclaimed Lomax and Biggs series, along with his latest novel Don't Tell Me How to Die.
They talk through how real police work translates into fiction, from the small details that make scenes believable to the psychological layers behind both victims and criminals. The conversation moves into how they’ve built a direct relationship with readers through social media, focusing on authenticity over promotion, why showing the person behind the book works better than selling the book itself, and how long-term engagement, reader feedback, and word of mouth shaped the launch of Don’t Tell Me How to Die.
Tune in for a grounded look at turning real-world experience into story, building genuine reader relationships, and why authentic connection consistently outperforms traditional marketing.
Want to dive into Marshall’s books? Start here:
NYPD Red: https://a.co/d/09lC3z9I
Don’t Tell Me How To Die: https://a.co/d/0gL51BJY
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JPC3FA?ingress=0&visitId=d530e726-cae4-45c8-a85f-1ff330502842&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
Want to learn more from Marshall and follow his work? Check him out here:
Website: www.karpkills.com
Instagram: @marshallkarpauthorhttps://www.instagram.com/marshallkarpauthor/
TikTok: Marshall Karphttps://www.tiktok.com/@marshallkarp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-karp-041251108/
For great writing advice
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Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today’s guest is someone whose career spans advertising, Hollywood, and bestselling fiction. Marshall Karp is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for his work on the NYPD Red series with James Patterson, along with his own novels including Don't Tell Me How to Die and the Lomax and Biggs Mysteries. Before writing novels, he built a successful career in advertising and later transitioned into screenwriting, where one of his scripts became the film Just Looking, directed by Jason Alexander. The film went on to air on major platforms like HBO and Netflix and was later recognized as a classic independent film, with Marshall and Jason touring and promoting it across the country. He gradually moved toward writing, building toward a long-term goal of becoming a full-time storyteller.
In this episode, Marshall breaks down how his stories come together, starting with character and why knowing them inside out changes how the entire story unfolds. He shares how books like Don't Tell Me How to Die took shape, the risks he took stepping outside his usual genre, and what made it resonate with readers. He also offers practical advice for writers, from building discipline and doing the work consistently to understanding your audience and writing stories that truly hold attention. Along the way, he talks through what he learned from studying consumer behavior in advertising and how those insights carry over into storytelling. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at how working with James Patterson really works, and the storytelling principles that came out of that collaboration.
Tune in to hear Marshall Karp unpack how he thinks as a writer, how his characters come to life, and how his books are built behind the scenes.
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Want to dive into Marshall’s books? Start here:
NYPD Red: https://a.co/d/09lC3z9I
Don’t Tell Me How To Die: https://a.co/d/0gL51BJY
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JPC3FA?ingress=0&visitId=d530e726-cae4-45c8-a85f-1ff330502842&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
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Want to learn more from Marshall and follow his work? Check him out here:
Website: www.karpkills.com
Instagram: @marshallkarpauthorhttps://www.instagram.com/marshallkarpauthor/
TikTok: Marshall Karphttps://www.tiktok.com/@marshallkarp
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Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
This week, we’re back with Naomi Oreskes, a scientific historian and Harvard professor, and co-author of Merchants of Doubt and The Big Myth, to talk about what it really takes to turn rigorous academic research into a book that reaches hundreds of thousands of readers. With a background that spans geology, climate science, and decades of teaching, Naomi has built her work around making complex scientific ideas understandable without losing their depth. As a result, her books have reached hundreds of thousands of readers and continue to shape how people think about science, truth, and the world around them.
In this episode, we unpack how she approaches writing for a broader audience by thinking of it less as writing and more as speaking to a real person. That mindset carries through everything, from how Merchants of Doubt was written to how it was shared. Instead of relying on one big moment, the book gained traction through consistent, deliberate effort by saying yes to every opportunity, traveling to places most authors overlook, and meeting readers where they are. We also get into how that same approach evolved with The Big Myth, where podcasts, op-eds, and timely conversations became a bigger part of the strategy. Along the way, we talk about staying connected to current events, maintaining scientific integrity, and simplifying complex ideas in a way that people can actually follow without losing what makes them true.
Tune in to this episode with Naomi Oreskes to see what separates books that come and go from those that continue to matter long after they’re published and why Merchants of Doubt and The Big Myth don’t just stay relevant, but become essential reading for anyone trying to make sense of misinformation, scientific claims, and the world around them.
If you want to explore more of Naomi Oreskes’ work, research, and writing, you can check out her platform below or pick up one of her books.
Reckoning Science (https://reckoningscience.org/author/naomi/)Naomi’s science platform with weekly posts (co-created with Sasha Kirov)
You can get a copy Merchants of Doubt, and Naomi’s books on these platforms:
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/merchants-of-doubt-how-a-handful-of-scientists-obscured-the-truth-on-issues-from-tobacco-smoke-to-climate-change-erik-m-conway/013961483cb5e746?ean=9781608193943&next=t
Amazon: https://a.co/d/08u9qrz7
→ Available on Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers
Publications she writes for:
The New York Times
The Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
Science Magazine
British Medical Journal
Undark
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Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today we have a very special guest, Naomi Oreskes, a historian of science and professor at Harvard University whose work has fundamentally changed how we understand the relationship between science, truth, and public trust. She is best known as the co-author of Merchants of Doubt, the widely influential book that exposed how a small group of scientists and institutions deliberately obscured scientific truth across issues like tobacco, climate change, and acid rain. With over one hundred thousand copies sold and a documentary adaptation, her work continues to shape conversations among policymakers, journalists, and scientists around the world.
In this episode, we unpack how Merchants of Doubt came to life, starting from Naomi’s early research into climate science and the unexpected backlash that followed. She explains how misinformation is constructed, why the same arguments keep appearing across different issues, and how to recognize credible science in a world filled with noise. We also explore the deeper motivations behind these campaigns, including the role of ideology, freedom narratives, and economic interests. The conversation then shifts into how Naomi approaches writing and communication, from simplifying complex ideas to thinking of writing as speaking to a real person. On the marketing side, she shares how saying yes to every opportunity, traveling widely, leveraging podcasts, and writing timely op-eds helped her book grow steadily over time rather than relying on a single launch moment.
Tune in to hear how the same misinformation tactics show up across decades, how to recognize credible science in a noisy world, and how Naomi approached writing a book grounded in evidence that continues to stand the test of time.
Learn more about Naomi Orekes’ research, background, and academic work here: https://histsci.fas.harvard.edu/people/naomi-oreskes
You can get a copy Merchants of Doubt, The Big Myth, and all of Naomi’s books on these platforms:
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/merchants-of-doubt-how-a-handful-of-scientists-obscured-the-truth-on-issues-from-tobacco-smoke-to-climate-change-erik-m-conway/013961483cb5e746?ean=9781608193943&next=t
Amazon: https://a.co/d/08u9qrz7
→ Available on Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers
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Today we welcome back Sierra Melcher, a publishing strategist and CEO of Red Thread Books, where she works closely with nonfiction authors to turn their ideas into clear, strategic books that support real business goals. Through her work with a wide range of authors, from niche consultants to experienced professionals, she has developed a reputation for grounding book publishing in practical outcomes rather than abstract visibility.
In this episode, we focused on how to approach book marketing with intention rather than guesswork. Sierra broke down why every strategy should start with a clear goal, whether that is landing clients, speaking on stage, or building authority, and how working backwards from that goal changes every marketing decision. We talked through real examples, including using books as high value business cards at conferences, leveraging relationships and communities to unlock opportunities, and using book seeding through events, swag bags, and platforms like Goodreads to reach the right readers. She also shared practical tactics around Amazon ads for positioning, HARO for visibility, and how small, thoughtful actions can compound when done consistently. We spent time on review strategies, including launch teams, reducing friction for reviewers, and reframing reviews as social proof rather than vanity metrics.
If you’ve been circling the question of what actually moves a book forward once it’s published, this episode answers it in a grounded way. You’ll hear how the work shifts from big, one-time pushes to small, repeatable actions that put your book in the right rooms, in front of the right people, at the right time.
Check out redthreadbooks.com and book a call with Sierra to explore your next steps.
If you want to learn alongside other authors and see how people are actually doing this in real time, you can check out Sierra’s “Write Your Book 📚” community on https://www.skool.com/writeyourbook/about
Check out Sierra Melcher’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B085LM5WZR?ingress=0&visitId=f4d1c214-e885-4492-9e95-02549234e12d&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
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Our special guest for today is Sierra Melcher, CEO of Red Thread Publishing, who has guided over 350 authors across 28 countries to write and publish meaningful nonfiction that actually serves a purpose beyond just being a book. With deep experience across hybrid publishing and hands-on work with authors at every stage, she has built a reputation for helping writers create books that are intentional, reader-focused, and aligned with real outcomes.
In this episode, we explore how publishing is evolving and why most authors are still approaching it the wrong way. Sierra shares how she helps authors clarify what their book is really about, who it is actually for, and why shorter, simpler books often outperform longer ones. We also get into a different way of thinking about your reader, one that goes beyond surface-level targeting, and a practical exercise she uses to help authors reconnect with the people who need their message. On the marketing side, we talk through a few real-world examples that show how small, intentional moves can outperform scattered effort.
Tune in to hear how Sierra thinks through choosing the right publishing path, defining your reader beyond surface-level demographics, building a book that actually gets read, and using targeted strategies like events, giveaways, and reviews to get your book into the hands of the right people.
Check out redthreadbooks.com and book a call with Sierra to explore your next steps.
Check out Sierra Melcher’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B085LM5WZR?ingress=0&visitId=f4d1c214-e885-4492-9e95-02549234e12d&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab
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Nir Eyal is back on Before the Bestseller, the bestselling author behind Hooked, Indistractable, and his newest book Beyond Belief. Known for his work on behavioral design and habit forming technology, Nir has spent years studying how habits, attention, and human psychology influence the way people interact with products and ideas. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide, and his journey from originally self publishing Hooked to later working with traditional publishers has given him a rare perspective on both writing and marketing books.
In this episode, we focus on how Nir is launching Beyond Belief and what he has learned from publishing three very different books. He explains why he chose to work with a traditional publisher again and reflects on how Hooked was first self published before being picked up by a major publisher after it began gaining traction. That experience leads into a broader discussion about one of the biggest misconceptions in publishing, which is the belief that signing with a publisher means the marketing work is finished. Nir explains why he believes the author is responsible for selling the first wave of copies and why the real marketing effort begins once the manuscript is done. From there, he walks through the specific tactics he and his team are focusing on for this launch, including newsletter outreach, podcast appearances, email list strategy, preorder incentives such as a reader book club, and new experiments with Amazon ads. He also shares what he is doing less of this time around, particularly relying on social media, and why building an email list and genuine relationships with other authors continues to matter far more than chasing follower counts.
Tune in to hear how Nir approaches the realities of launching a book today and what it actually takes to get a thoughtful book into the hands of readers.
Grab your copy of Beyond Belief here: https://a.co/d/00HkuNro
Download the 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal here:https://www.nirandfar.com
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Today’s guest is someone many of you already know. If you’ve read Hooked or Indistractable, you already know his work has shaped how millions of people think about habits, technology, and behavior. Nir Eyal is a globally recognized authority on behavior change and human potential. His books have sold over a million copies, been translated into more than thirty languages, and his work on behavior design has influenced teams and organizations around the world. He is also a former lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. In this episode of Before the Bestseller, I’m excited to welcome Nir back to the show to talk about his latest book, Beyond Belief.
In our conversation, we dig into the moment that sparked the book and why so many people understand advice but still struggle to act on it. Nir walks through the idea of the motivation triangle, the difference between facts, faith, and beliefs, and why he believes beliefs should be treated as tools rather than truths. We also talk about the rat experiment that reshaped his thinking about persistence, the hidden power of limiting beliefs, how expectations influence our experiences as customers and readers, and the surprising psychological benefits of practices like prayer. Along the way, we explore how beliefs shape relationships, perception, decision making, and even the way we interpret everyday situations.
Tune in to hear how Nir thinks about belief, persistence, and the hidden assumptions that quietly shape our decisions, because sometimes the most important shift is not learning something new, but realizing the story you have been telling yourself might not be the only one available.
Grab your copy of Beyond Belief here: https://a.co/d/00HkuNro
Download the 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal here: https://www.nirandfar.com
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We’re back with Patrick Taylor, also known as the Texas Yeti, adventurer and author of a five book series that includes Lost on Purpose and its bestselling prequel in solo and adventure travel categories. To date, he has sold more than 30,000 books and earned over 4,000 ratings, building a loyal readership that continues to support every release. He may not call himself a bestseller, but his numbers and engagement tell a deeper story about sustainable growth.
In this episode, Patrick breaks down what it actually looked like to build that audience from the ground up. From traveling to art festivals and gun shows to personally seeding hundreds of copies, he explains how early hustle translated into long term readers. We talk about the turning point in 2019 when Amazon ads shifted his sales curve, how he tracks royalties, ad performance, and net profit through detailed spreadsheets, and why understanding the halo effect changed the way he views advertising results. We also get into reader magnets, his monthly newsletter called The Occasional, limited ROI from social media, rising ad costs, using ChatGPT to analyze reviews, and why authenticity may be the most valuable advantage in a crowded market.
Tune in to hear how Patrick approaches growth, advertising, and audience building without relying on shortcuts.
Check out Lost on Purpose here: https://a.co/d/02qRffUu
Discover more on Patrick’s website at texasyetibooks.com
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Our guest for today is Patrick Taylor, known to many readers as the Texas Yeti. A former technology executive who built and sold a successful hardware company and later served as president of Intel’s board of advisors, Patrick reinvented himself in his late fifties as an adventurer and author. His memoir Lost on Purpose, part of the Real Life Adventures of the Texas Yeti series, draws from his personal journals and chronicles his solo winter trek retracing the Lewis and Clark trail.
In this episode, we unpack how Patrick transitioned from corporate leadership to spending nearly two months alone in the wilderness. He shares why he chose to sell almost everything before leaving, what it meant to fully close a chapter of his life, and how solitude in extreme conditions helped him rebuild confidence after divorce and professional setbacks. We discuss how the book began as a journal meant for his children, how early criticism improved his writing, and how steady Amazon sales gradually turned into a growing catalog. Patrick also explains his philosophy of treating life as a series of experiments rather than labeling experiences as success or failure, and why stacking small adventures can reshape how you experience everyday life.
Tune in for a grounded conversation about reinvention, solitude, risk, and what it really looks like to experiment with your life after success, loss, and uncertainty.
Check out Lost on Purpose here: https://a.co/d/02qRffUu
Discover more on Patrick’s website at texasyetibooks.com
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We welcome back Michael Bungay Stanier, author of the million copy bestseller The Coaching Habit. Beyond that landmark book, Michael is the founder of Box of Crayons, a training company that helps organizations build practical coaching skills rooted in curiosity, serving clients such as Microsoft, Salesforce, and TELUS. He has written eight books that have collectively sold more than two million copies worldwide, and his influence in the coaching profession has been recognized with the Thinkers50 Coaching Award in 2023 and induction into the Thinkers50 Hall of Fame in 2025. A Rhodes Scholar with a global perspective on leadership and learning, Michael brings intellectual rigor and practical insight to the world of modern coaching.
In this episode, we go deeper into what really happened before The Coaching Habit became a global success. Michael shares why book marketing is far more unpredictable than most authors want to admit, and why selling ten thousand copies is already an extraordinary outcome. We talk about designing a book to feel readable and unintimidating, writing the shortest useful manuscript possible, building thoughtful calls to action inside the book, defining what makes a book a classic, and measuring success based on long term business impact rather than units sold. We also explore hybrid publishing, relationship equity, launch strategy, and the importance of putting yourself in a position to get lucky.
Tune in to an episode about redefining what book success really means, why ten thousand copies is rarer than most people think, and how the right readers can matter more than the biggest numbers with Michael Bungay Stanier.
Visit mbsworks.shop to access the special Coaching Habit 10-year anniversary experience, including a free entry level and bonus resources.
Visit mbs.works to learn more about Michael and his books.
Check out Michael's books here: https://a.co/d/0iYLB60v
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Welcome back to Before the Bestseller. It’s 2026, and we’re starting the year with a rockstar author and one of the most influential voices in modern leadership and coaching, Michael Bungay Stanier. Michael is the author of The Coaching Habit, a global bestseller with over a million copies sold, along with Do More Great Work and The Advice Trap. He’s a Rhodes Scholar, a Thinkers50 Coaching Award winner, and the host of the Change Signal podcast, known for helping leaders turn everyday conversations into moments that actually move people forward.
In this episode, we get into why giving advice is often the least helpful thing we can do, even when it’s coming from a good place. Michael breaks down the idea of the Advice Monster, the habits that keep us jumping in too quickly, and why the first problem someone brings to you is rarely the real one. We talk about the power of listening, staying curious longer, and how a few well-placed questions can completely change team meetings, feedback conversations, and leadership dynamics. Michael also walks through several of the core questions from The Coaching Habit, including “What’s on your mind,” “What else,” and “What’s the real challenge here for you,” and why reflection plays such a critical role in learning.
There’s a reason The Coaching Habit continues to be recommended by leaders, teams, and organizations around the world. In this conversation, Michael unpacks the thinking behind the book and the questions that changed how people approach leadership, feedback, and everyday conversations. Tune in to hear Michael Bungay Stanier walk through the ideas that have shaped one of the most widely read leadership books of the last decade.
Visit mbsworks.shop to access the special Coaching Habit 10-year anniversary experience, including a free entry level and bonus resources.
Visit mbs.works to learn more about Michael and his books.
Check out Michael's books here: https://a.co/d/0iYLB60v
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Thank you for spending time with us this year. We hope these conversations gave you something useful to apply to your author journey. We’re grateful to the guests who shared their stories, and we’ll be back in February 2026 with what’s shaping up to be our strongest lineup yet, including new voices like Eric Ries and the return of guests such as Nir Eyal. If you enjoyed the show, a quick review helps us bring even better conversations your way. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you in 2026. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year.
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We’re back with Stephan Spencer, a longtime leader in SEO and digital marketing. Over the past two decades, he has worked with brands like Zappos, Quiksilver, Chanel, Volvo, Sony, and Best Buy, helping them strengthen their online visibility and growth strategy. He is the bestselling author of The Art of SEO, the host of the Marketing Speak podcast, and widely respected for his ability to spot what is quietly holding businesses back.
In this episode, we zero in on YouTube and why it still matters far more than most authors think. Stephan breaks down why YouTube remains one of the most powerful discovery platforms in the world, how attention and curiosity actually work, and why strategy and quality consistently outperform posting volume. We talk about crafting hooks that stop the scroll, shaping story arcs that keep people watching, using Shorts without burning out, and why thumbnails and titles are often the most overlooked growth lever. We also explore how authors can experiment across platforms, when AI helps versus when it hurts, and how to use it transparently without eroding trust.
This episode cuts through the noise around YouTube and brings the focus back to strategy, intention, doing fewer things better, and a lot less guesswork.
Check out Stephan’s book here: https://a.co/d/ciHClX9
For those interested in connecting directly with Stephan, you can apply for a private complimentary consultation at stephanspencer.com/contact.
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Today I get to sit down with someone who has shaped how some of the world’s biggest brands think about SEO. Stephan Spencer is a top SEO consultant, bestselling author, and the host of the long-running Marketing Speak podcast. For more than two decades he has helped companies like Zappos, Sony Store, Quiksilver, Chanel, Volvo, Best Buy and many others strengthen their online visibility and build SEO strategies that actually move the needle. His book The Art of SEO is considered required reading across the industry, and Stephan is widely recognized for spotting the gaps, mistakes, and missed opportunities that cost businesses real revenue.
In this episode, Stephan and I dive deep into the new landscape of search and discovery. We talk about AIO or AI Overviews optimization, how Google and LLMs are reshaping what it means to show up online, and why citations are becoming just as important as links. Stephan walks through the exact tools he uses to measure LLM visibility, the importance of schema and site architecture, and why authors should treat their book website as a separate strategic asset. We also explore digital PR, how to build real authority the LLMs can trust, and why so much of the internet is already AI generated. From query fan outs to the dead internet theory to the prediction that websites themselves may eventually fade away, Stephan brings clarity to a world that is changing faster than most people realize. It is a practical and eye opening look at how authors, creators and businesses can stay visible in an era where AI does the searching for us.
If the future of the internet is becoming harder to trust, then the people who understand how to stay credible in a synthetic world are the ones who will keep winning online.
Check out Stephan’s book here: https://a.co/d/ciHClX9
For those interested in connecting directly with Stephan, you can apply for a private complimentary consultation at stephanspencer.com/contact.
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In today’s episode, we welcome back Thomas Erikson, the behaviorist and international bestselling author behind the global phenomenon Surrounded by Idiots. What began as a single book has grown into the bestselling Surrounded by series, with more than twelve million copies sold and translations in nearly 70 languages. Thomas speaks to audiences around the world, delivering more than a hundred keynotes each year to TEDx stages, Fortune 500 companies, and government organizations.
In this conversation, Thomas looks back on the twenty years he wrote without ever being published, the rejection letters he kept in binders, and the moment he realized he couldn’t stop creating even when no one was reading. He shares why he ultimately chose to self-publish Surrounded by Idiots after countless rejections, how those early copies found their way into readers’ hands, and the unexpected momentum that followed. Thomas also reflects on how his background shaped the way he explains behavior, why he writes for everyday people instead of academics, and what the polarizing title revealed about how people respond to ideas. He gives us a glimpse into the new concepts he’s exploring for his next book and why even people with the same personality “color” can feel so different from one another.
Tune in for a conversation that takes you behind the scenes of one of the most remarkable self-publishing journeys today.
Learn more about Thomas Erikson on his website here: www.surroundedbyidiots.com
Check out the book, Surrounded By Idiots, here: https://a.co/d/4CCxMMQ
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Today, we’re joined by Thomas Erikson, the highest-selling living Swedish author and the international bestseller behind Surrounded by Idiots, the book that has helped millions understand human behavior in a clearer and more practical way. Its global success led to an entire Surrounded by series, including Surrounded by Psychopaths, Surrounded by Bad Bosses, Surrounded by Setbacks, Surrounded by Narcissists, Surrounded by Energy Vampires, and Surrounded by Liars. With more than 12 million copies sold and translations in nearly seventy languages, Thomas has become one of the most recognized behavioral experts in the world. He delivers more than one hundred twenty talks each year, from TEDx stages to Fortune 500 companies and government organizations, helping leaders stop guessing and start truly understanding the people around them.
In this episode, Thomas shares the real backstory behind Surrounded by Idiots, including the long stretch of rejections that only strengthened his belief in the idea. He breaks down the four color personalities red, yellow, green, and blue and opens up a conversation about why people behave the way they do, what we often misread in each other, and how small shifts in awareness can change the way we communicate. He even gets into the surprising ways our own biases shape how we interpret the people around us, often without realizing it.
Tune in to a conversation that may change the way you read the people around you. You start to realize that what feels difficult is often just a different perspective, and watch your interactions begin to feel more grounded, clearer, and more intentional.
Learn more about Thomas Erikson on his website here: www.surroundedbyidiots.com
Check out the book, Surrounded By Idiots, here: https://a.co/d/4CCxMMQ
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We’re back with Nick Coniglio and Marnie Stockman, co-authors of Lead It Like Lasso, the Ted Lasso inspired leadership book that set out to sell 25,000 copies in its first year and ended up passing 41,000. They started as complete unknowns with no platform, no agent, and no special advantage, yet their book has grown into a quiet hit across business readers and fans of the show. Today, they have an audiobook, hundreds of reviews, and a loyal audience built on character, creativity, and the belief that leadership begins in everyday moments.
In this episode, Nick and Marnie break down how they made it all happen. We talk through their co-authoring process, how they built their leadership framework around memorable Ted Lasso quotes, and the legal steps involved in writing a book tied to someone else’s IP. They share how they found their audience inside fan communities, how they approached nearly one hundred podcast interviews, what actually worked during their launch, where they wasted money, and how genuine engagement became their most powerful marketing tool.
Stick around for this episode and let their story remind you that good things tend to happen when you show up, stay curious, and keep caring about people.
Check out Marnie and Nick’s books here:
Lead it Like Lasso: https://a.co/d/5bNbsPQ
The Business of You: https://a.co/d/1xYmWYh
Check out their website here: www.leaditlikelasso.com
Follow Nick and Marnie on LinkedIn for more leadership insights.
Nick Coniglio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-coniglio-5b62153/
Marnie Stockman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniestockman/
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Nick Coniglio and Marnie Stockman aren’t your typical leadership authors. Before writing Lead It Like Lasso, they built and sold an edtech company for eight figures in just three years without a single sales rep. Drawing from their very different backgrounds in tech and education, they combined strategy with heart to create a business rooted in authenticity, trust, and what they call “raving fans.” Their book, inspired by the optimism and leadership lessons of Ted Lasso, has already reached over 40,000 readers and continues to connect with anyone looking to lead with more character and clarity.
In this episode, Nick and Marnie sit down to share the story behind their unconventional success. They talk about the moment a core value clash pushed them to start fresh, the frameworks that guided their company’s culture, and how they scaled entirely through word of mouth and genuine partnerships. They unpack how a “communication guide” reshaped the way their team worked together, what it really means to lead like Ted Lasso, and why they believe success begins with self-awareness and character, not hustle.
Their journey is proof that leadership isn’t about titles or exits. It’s about the quiet discipline of doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching, and the kind of consistency that turns good intentions into lasting impact.
Check out their book here:
Lead it Like Lasso: https://a.co/d/5bNbsPQ
The Business of You: https://a.co/d/1xYmWYh
Check out their website here: www.leaditlikelasso.com
Follow Nick and Marnie on LinkedIn for more leadership insights.
Nick Coniglio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-coniglio-5b62153/
Marnie Stockman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniestockman/
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We’re delighted to welcome back the incomparable Dava Sobel, bestselling author, award-winning science writer, and the brilliant mind behind Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and The Glass Universe. Her work has illuminated the human stories behind some of history’s greatest scientific discoveries, earning her international acclaim and a devoted readership that spans generations.
In this episode, Dava shares the fascinating story behind how Longitude became a global success, from cultivating genuine one-on-one relationships with readers to collaborating with a small publisher that believed in the power of beautiful design. She recalls the early days of marketing before social media, when a thoughtfully crafted book cover, a creative insert, or a well-placed newspaper review could change everything. And in perhaps the most remarkable twist of all, she tells how Neil Armstrong — yes, the first man to walk on the moon — wrote the foreword for the 10th-anniversary edition of Longitude, connecting one historic journey of exploration to another.
Her reflections in this episode are a reminder that while the tools may change, the heart of book marketing never does. It’s still about stories that move people and about authors who care deeply enough to reach back when readers write to them. For anyone who loves books, writing, even science and history, or the power of connection, you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this episode.
Learn more about Dava and her work at www.davasobel.com
Learn more about Longitude here: https://a.co/d/bl0s20D
Check out all of Dava Sobel’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AQ3J7K/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=d2f2da10-8d6e-4959-a0ec-c8fc32937a2e&ref_=ap_rdr
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Today we have a very special guest: Dava Sobel, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, The Glass Universe, and The Planets. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages and continue to inspire readers around the world to see science through a more human lens. Known for blending meticulous research with emotional storytelling, Dava has built a lifelong career showing how curiosity and wonder can turn complex discoveries into timeless narratives.
In this episode, Dava shares her journey from an uncertain college student with five majors to a celebrated science writer. She talks about how stumbling into journalism taught her to write with clarity, speed, and heart, and how that foundation led to Longitude, the book that changed everything. From its humble beginnings as a magazine article to becoming a global bestseller, Dava reveals the behind-the-scenes details of its success, including her collaboration with small publishers, the role of independent booksellers, and the personal touch of writing the story for her mother.
Tune in for a conversation about the craft of science writing, the realities of life as an author, and the enduring magic of following your curiosity wherever it leads.
Learn more about Longitude here: https://a.co/d/bl0s20D
Learn more about Dava and her work at www.davasobel.com
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Today, we’re joined by Veronica Yager, a self-publishing consultant and lead designer with over 15 years of experience helping hundreds of authors bring their books to life. As the former president of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association and founder of Journey Bound Publishing, Veronica has spent her career guiding writers through the process of turning their ideas into beautifully published books that actually reach readers.
In this episode, Veronica shares how book launches have evolved in 2025 and what’s working for authors who want real, lasting impact. She doesn’t just talk theory; she gives clear, actionable tips any author can start using right away. From building early momentum to keeping readers engaged months after launch, she explains what truly drives long-term results in today’s publishing landscape. We also dive into how authors can adapt to virtual launches, build stronger reader connections, and use tools like Publisher Rocket and Goodreads Giveaways to gain momentum. Along the way, we touch on pricing strategy, free versus paid campaigns, and the small, consistent actions that separate books that fade after launch from those that keep selling month after month.
If you want to know more about growing your audience and giving your book the best possible start, this episode is packed with insights that can reshape the way you approach your next book launch. Press play and see how top authors are adapting in 2025.
Check out the Journey Bound Publishing website here: https://www.journeyboundpublishing.com/
Connect with Veronica here: https://www.journeyboundpublishing.com/veronicayager-media
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicayager
IG: https://www.instagram.com/journeyboundpublishing/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyBoundPublishing/
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We’re back with Thomas Umstattd Jr., author, award-winning speaker, and host of the world’s longest running book marketing show, Novel Marketing Podcast. Thomas has helped thousands of writers think like marketers, creating tools and strategies that help authors turn their books into lasting assets. As the founder of the Patron Toolbox, he continues to teach authors how to build platforms that grow with them, grounded in real data, not guesswork.
In this episode, Thomas joins us to talk about the future of book discovery through AI Optimization. We dive into how authors can make their books visible to AI models, why websites and Goodreads pages matter more than ever, what role media coverage and backlinks play in visibility, and how authors can ethically adapt to the rise of generative engines. Thomas also shares the importance of long-term marketing, practical tools for auditing your online presence, and timeless advice for reaching readers in a changing digital world.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay relevant in an AI-driven landscape, this episode is your roadmap.
Check out the Patron Toolbox here: https://www.authormedia.com/patron-toolbox/
Check out his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novel-marketing/id721122555
Learn more about Thomas, his book Courtship in Crisis, and the Novel Marketing podcast at: https://www.thomasumstattd.com/
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This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Thomas Umstattd Jr., someone who has shaped so much of my own thinking about book marketing. An author, award-winning speaker, and podcaster best known for hosting the world’s longest running book marketing show, Novel Marketing, Thomas has become a go-to guide for writers who want to reach readers and build sustainable careers through his book Courtship in Crisis, countless conference talks, and more than 500 podcast episodes.
In this episode Thomas walks us through his journey from building author websites and launching Novel Marketing to the big shifts that have reshaped publishing including the rise of Kindle and Audible, the hidden indie sales BookScan misses, the boom in courses for nonfiction, and why YouTube behaves so differently from podcasts. We also dive into his newest experiment “AI Thomas,” an assistant trained on everything he has taught to give authors personalized marketing advice.
If you are an author or book marketer trying to navigate a crowded and fast-changing industry, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply right away. You will learn how to choose the right format for your book, understand the real data behind sales, and prepare for the coming wave of AI-driven discovery so that your work keeps reaching readers.
Check out his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/novel-marketing/id721122555
Learn more about Thomas, his book Courtship in Crisis, and the Novel Marketing podcast at: https://www.thomasumstattd.com/
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We’re back with Dr. Catherine Gildiner, bestselling author of Good Morning, Monster and Too Close to the Falls. Dr. Cathy’s books have sold over a million copies, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, and translated into 32 languages. After 25 years as a clinical psychologist, she turned her focus fully to writing and has since built a career that blends deep human insight with unforgettable storytelling.
In this episode, Dr. Cathy Gildiner pulls back the curtain on how her books reached readers worldwide. She explains how a 30-second mention from Glennon Doyle on Good Morning America set off a sales wave that never slowed, and why that luck only mattered because she had already spent years creating a grassroots buzz. From her 250 book club appearances to the realities of a publisher’s short publicity window, she shares how to build momentum through your own launch, social media done right, and saying yes to every “dinky” opportunity that puts your book in readers’ hands. You will also hear her take on agents, marketing plans, author websites, and what not to waste money on.
Tune in to hear Dr. Cathy’s unfiltered perspective on what really moves books and how smart, sustained book marketing can turn small sparks into lasting success.
Get a copy of her books here:
Good Morning, Monster: https://a.co/d/9yy5jfP
Too Close To The Falls: https://a.co/d/3EClnu2
Learn more about Dr. Cathy Gildiner and her work on her website here: www.gildiner.com
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Joining us today is Dr. Catherine Gildiner, who has worked for over 25 years as a clinical psychologist, guiding patients through trauma and recovery. She went on to share those experiences with the world in her New York Times bestselling book Good Morning, Monster, which has reached more than a million readers in over 30 languages, along with her acclaimed memoir Too Close to the Falls. Dr. Gildiner invites us to see therapy not as abstract theory, but as the practice of learning to live without the weight of old defenses.
In this episode, we dive into the real work of therapy, what it takes, why it matters, and how it transforms lives. Kathy shares stories behind Good Morning, Monster, including patients like Peter, Danny, and Alana, whose journeys reveal how culture, silence, the body, and even dreams shape the healing process. We talk about why some people recover while others walk away, how to recognize when you need therapy, how to find the right therapist, and when to move on if it is not working. Along the way we touch on generational trauma, the value and limits of self help books, recurring nightmares, and the challenge of encouraging parents to seek therapy.
This is an honest look at trauma, recovery, and what it really means to do the work. Therapy does not hand you answers, it asks if you are ready to face the truth and change your life.
Get a copy of her book, Good Morning, Monster here: https://a.co/d/9yy5jfP
Learn more about Cathy Gildiner and her work on her website here: www.gildiner.com
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Today we welcome back Commander Mark Divine, a man who has led Navy SEALs, built multimillion-dollar training companies, and sold hundreds of thousands of books, to unpack the real story of what it takes to write and market a bestseller. Mark is not only a retired SEAL Commander but also the founder of SEALFit and Unbeatable Mind, programs that combine elite physical training with mindfulness, breathwork, and visualization. His books, including 8 Weeks to SEALFit, The Way of the SEAL, Staring Down the Wolf, and Unbeatable Mind, have earned spots on both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists while inspiring leaders, athletes, and readers around the world.
In this episode, Mark takes us behind the scenes of his author journey, from the unexpected phone call that led to his first publishing deal, to the freedom and higher royalties of self-publishing, to the tough decision to return to a traditional publisher during COVID. He opens up about the financial trade-offs, the hits and misses of building a business around his books, and the strategies that helped him grow a loyal audience. We also get into the practical side of book marketing: how to use podcasts as a launch tool, why audiobooks now drive nearly half his royalties, and the importance of keeping your content simple, consistent, and authentic.
This episode is an unfiltered look at discipline, setbacks, and the lessons that make or break an author’s career. By the end, you’ll see what it really takes to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you.
Make sure to check out his book here: https://a.co/d/21jZKoa
Explore Mark’s programs and tools at www.unbeatablemind.com or www.markdivine.com
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Today, Commander Mark Divine joins us with a rare blend of grit and clarity. He is the author of Unbeatable Mind, a field-tested guide to building calm, focus, and purpose under pressure, a self-published success with seven-figure earnings and an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 copies sold. A former Navy SEAL Commander and New York Times bestselling author, Mark holds a PhD in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine, co-founded SEALFIT, Unbeatable Mind, and Coronado Brewing Company, and has trained teams at Google, Nike, SpaceX, Boeing, Harvard, the Olympics, and YPO. He also taught leadership as an adjunct at the University of San Diego and founded the Courage Foundation to support veterans in holistic recovery.
In this episode, we put the core disciplines of Unbeatable Mind to work. Mark breaks down box breathing as a reliable reset you can use before a briefing, a hard conversation, a client meeting, or a keynote. He shows how visualization, forward focus, and train-what-you-can protocols guided his recovery after a crash that shattered his scapula and eight ribs, and how the same approach accelerates preparation and performance. We unpack his pivot from PwC to the SEALs to illustrate purpose-aligned decisions, then run the Three Spheres and the three fights decision model through real scenarios, from de-escalating a street confrontation to staying calm during a mini-sub mission where breath and mantra changed his sense of time. Every story ties back to simple daily practices, clear mental models, and leadership under pressure.
Listen for practical takeaways you can put to work today: how to use box breathing to reset on command, a simple decision model for high-pressure moments, and a playbook for rebuilding momentum after setbacks. If you coach, lead, serve, or build, this conversation will sharpen how you prepare and how you respond. Hit play and start training the calm you will need when the stakes are real.
Make sure to check out his book here: https://a.co/d/21jZKoa
Explore Mark’s programs and tools at www.unbeatablemind.com or www.markdivine.com
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Our guest for today’s episode is Blake Erickson, someone whose story of grit and growth is as inspiring as it is practical. From starting in door-to-door sales at 21 and leading teams that generated over $30M in revenue, to becoming a multimillionaire by 25, Blake has proven what’s possible when focus meets ambition. In 2024, he co-founded Scaling.com with Dr. Benjamin Hardy and together they wrote The Science of Scaling, a playbook for achieving exponential growth. More than the milestones, what defines Blake is his passion for turning his own success into a roadmap that empowers others to grow.
In this episode, Blake opens up about the mindset and framework that drive exponential growth. He shares how setting “impossible goals” forces you to think differently, raise your standards, and eliminate distractions. You’ll hear his personal story of selling off multiple businesses, cutting out the noise, and focusing entirely on building a company with a $100M target. He also breaks down the 3-part framework from The Science of Scaling and shows how authors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike can use these principles to achieve more than they thought possible.
Scaling isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things with clarity and focus. What you’ll hear in this episode isn’t theory, but a repeatable process for cutting out the noise, raising your standards, and aligning your work with the future you want. The real choice is whether you’ll put it into practice or keep playing small.
You can grab a copy of The Science of Scaling here: https://a.co/d/0vGYw3k
Curious about Blake’s work? Check out Scaling.com, For entrepreneurs making over $500K a year, Scaling.com offers a free copy of the book.
For speaking inquiries, reach out to: speaking@blakeerickson.co
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We’re back with our very special guest, Tom O’Neill, investigative journalist and author of the bestselling book Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. After more than twenty years of relentless reporting, Tom’s work reshaped one of America’s most infamous stories and became a publishing phenomenon, selling over 750,000 copies worldwide and putting him on track to cross the one-million mark.
In this episode, Tom opens up about the marketing journey behind Chaos and how it went from a decades-long investigation to a book that stayed on the bestseller list for months. He shares how podcasts became a surprising launchpad, why his appearance on Joe Rogan changed everything, and what it was like watching his book sell out overnight during the early days of COVID. Along the way, Tom reflects on lessons of persistence, timing, and the unpredictable ways books find their audience, while hinting at what might come next in a long-awaited sequel.
It was an absolute privilege to have Tom share his journey with us. This conversation captures the unstoppable spirit of an author who never gave up, proving that determination is the heartbeat of every great book.
Make sure to check out his book here: https://a.co/d/56rkUfP
Learn more about Tom O’Neill and his groundbreaking book Chaos through the links below:
Website: tom-oneill.org
FaceBook: facebook.com/CHAOSTheBook/
Instagram: @chaoscharlesmanson
X: @chaosmansonbook
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Today we have a very special guest, and not the kind of guest we usually feature. Tom O’Neill is an investigative journalist who never set out to write a book at all. But what began as a short magazine assignment about the Manson murders turned into a 20-year obsession that became his bestselling book Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties.
Tom is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in Premiere, New York, The Village Voice, and Details. With Chaos, he went far beyond the well-known story of Charles Manson, an inquiry that unearthed hidden connections, challenged official narratives, and revealed just how far-reaching the story really was. The book not only reexamines one of the most infamous cases in American history but also cements Tom’s reputation as a reporter willing to risk everything in pursuit of the truth.
In this episode, Tom takes us through the wild, unpredictable ride from that first reluctant “yes” to the moment his book finally hit shelves. We talk about the off-the-record tip from prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi that changed everything, the years of chasing down reluctant sources, and the tense battles with powerful people who wanted his work buried. You will hear how the project survived publisher cancellations, lawsuits, and financial freefall, only to be revived by a dream co-writer, a timely push from Joe Rogan, and even a Netflix documentary.
Through it all, Tom never walked away. Even when he was broke, sued, and threatened, he kept going, driven by the knowledge that he had uncovered truths too important to abandon. His 20-year fight to bring Chaos into the world is a story of obsession, grit, and relentless determination. And by the end of this conversation, you will see why giving up was never an option.
Make sure to check out his book here: https://a.co/d/56rkUfP
Learn more about Tom O’Neill and his groundbreaking book Chaos through the links below:
Website:tom-oneill.org
FaceBook:facebook.com/CHAOSTheBook/
Instagram:@chaoscharlesmanson
X:@chaosmansonbook
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We are back with Mike Paton, co-author of Process! and Get a Grip in the Traction Library. Mike has spent over 15 years helping leadership teams run stronger, more efficient businesses through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Alongside Gino Wickman and Lisa González, his books have reached tens of thousands of readers worldwide. Process! alone has 75,000 to 85,000 copies in the wild.
In this episode, Paton breaks down how he took Process! from first release to widespread readership. From leveraging EOS Worldwide’s platform and a strategic publishing partnership with BenBella Books, to editing your message down to its clearest core, to giving away valuable content at scale, he shares exactly what is working for authors and what to stop wasting time on. He shares stage-by-stage marketing advice for authors at every level, from first-time launchers to those already selling in the tens of thousands, delivering insights that cut through the noise with practical, battle-tested wisdom.
Learn how to use partnerships, clear messaging, and generosity to your advantage with real-world tactics and hard-earned lessons that will help you refine your marketing, build stronger connections with readers, and keep your book selling long after launch day.
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Make sure to check out the book here: https://a.co/d/g05bwKi
Learn more about Mike Paton on his website: www.mikepaton.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
What does it really take to build a business that runs without you? In today’s episode, we sit down with Mike Paton, EOS expert, speaker, and co-author of Process!, to unpack the systems behind sustainable growth.
Mike Paton is the co-author of Get a Grip and Process!, two cornerstone titles in the Traction Library that help entrepreneurial teams simplify and scale through systems. Beyond his writing, Paton has spent the last 17 years guiding leaders around the world as an EOS Implementer®, keynote speaker, and host of the top-rated podcast The EOS Leader. He succeeded Traction author Gino Wickman as EOS Worldwide’s Visionary and continues to champion the tools and disciplines that help businesses run better and leaders lead more effectively.
In this episode, we go deep into Process!, a book that makes building and sustaining systems feel possible even for the most visionary and creative leaders. Mike explains the three-step “process process,” how to document and simplify your company’s core operations, and why systems only work if they’re truly followed by all. He also shares practical ways to train teams, track progress, and adapt processes over time without adding unnecessary complexity. Plus, we explore how these same principles apply to book marketing, from aligning your audience to avoiding “random acts of marketing” and building campaigns that drive real results.
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Make sure to check out the book here:https://a.co/d/g05bwKi
Learn more about Mike Paton on his website: www.mikepaton.com
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today we're excited to welcome Navid Nazemian, best-selling author of Mastering Executive Transitions: The Definitive Guide. He is a speaker on leadership and career topics, and an executive coach affiliated with groups like 100 Coaches Agency and Hult Ashridge. Navid draws on 25+ years of global leadership to help executives navigate high-stakes transitions and deliver lasting impact. Recognized as the world’s #1 Coach by CEO Today for three consecutive years, he has supported senior leaders across top firms including BP, Coca-Cola, TikTok, Shell, and SAP.
In this episode, Navid shares the hard-won insights behind his book, shaped by decades of experience and a realization that even top companies struggle with executive onboarding. He breaks down why 40% of executive hires fail, the real cost of misalignment, and why transitions should be measured in 12 to 18 months instead of just 90 days. We also explore how Mastering Executive Transitions became the cornerstone of a $1 million ecosystem, from pre-launch crowdfunding success to 50+ podcast guestings, a 9,000-subscriber newsletter, and a focused LinkedIn strategy that earned him a Top Voice blue badge. You’ll hear practical tips on author positioning, thought leadership, and building momentum without burnout.
This episode is a masterclass in how one well-positioned book, supported by consistent thought leadership and a focused LinkedIn strategy, can quietly power a high-trust author brand and unlock long-term business momentum.
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Make sure to check out the book here: https://a.co/d/bqbYlp9
Want to learn more or get in touch? Connect with Navid on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/navidnazemian
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We’re back with bestselling author Jim Murphy, author of Inner Excellence and The Best Possible Life. As a high-performance coach to world champions, CEOs, and elite athletes, Jim brings over 15 years of experience helping people live and lead with purpose. His book Inner Excellence, now translated into 27 languages, has quietly become a global success, rooted in years of research, real-world coaching, and a relentless commitment to inner growth.
In this episode, Jim shares the full story behind the moment his book went viral when NFL star A.J. Brown was spotted reading it during a playoff game, and the years of quiet obsession that made that moment possible. Long before any spotlight, Jim was putting in the work, sending handwritten letters, chasing down interviews with some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball, and slowly collecting the 39 conversations that shaped his thinking. He spent years deep in research, poured everything he had into the book, and even went $90,000 into debt, facing serious financial risk to bring the book to life in its most authentic form.
Jim’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of writing from a place of genuine passion, staying focused on personal growth, and letting the work speak for itself. Tune in for a story about long-term grit, unexpected timing, and the kind of success that only shows up when you’re willing to do the work no one sees.
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Get a copy of Inner Excellence here: https://a.co/d/5V2rKT5
Dive deeper into Jim’s work and get his latest insights by subscribing to his newsletter here: www.innerexcellence.com
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Today’s guest is someone who’s helped some of the world’s top performers not just succeed, but grow into stronger, more grounded people. Jim Murphy is the author of the best-selling book Inner Excellence, a mindset and system he’s shared with professional athletes, CEOs, and world champions around the globe. His work is all about training the heart for peak performance under pressure and finding deep joy, peace, and purpose in the process.
A former professional baseball player turned high-performance coach, Jim wrote Inner Excellence after five years of deep research and over 50 interviews with Olympic coaches and sports psychologists. He now works with elite athletes and top executives to help them build inner strength, self-mastery, and extraordinary lives. His philosophy centers on gratitude, growth through adversity, and pursuing excellence not for accolades but for personal transformation. Jim leads global workshops and retreats and works one-on-one with a handful of clients each year, many of whom experience their best seasons yet.
In this episode, Jim shares the personal transformation behind his book and dives into the core philosophy that self-centeredness, not fear, is the real enemy of high performance. He talks about anxiety, comparison, and purpose, and explains why humility, gratitude, and a clear inner mission are essential for lasting impact. From helping elite athletes rewire their focus to reframing anger in everyday life, this conversation offers practical tools for anyone seeking more peace, courage, and clarity especially when the pressure is on. Because when your heart leads, even pressure becomes purpose.
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Get a copy of Inner Excellence here: https://a.co/d/5V2rKT5
Dive deeper into Jim’s work and get his latest insights by subscribing to his newsletter here: www.innerexcellence.com
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It’s our pleasure to welcome back Brendan Kane, bestselling author of 1 Million Followers, Hook Point, and now The Guide to Going Viral. Brendan has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment and business, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Katie Couric, MTV, Paramount, and IKEA. But his strategies aren’t just for celebrities or major companies. He’s also helped everyday creators, entrepreneurs, and authors grow real audiences from the ground up, including those starting with no social media presence at all. Brendan is back with us again for a breakdown of the strategy behind his newest book and what it really takes to build lasting influence.
In this episode, Brendan takes us behind the scenes of his latest book launch, offering a masterclass in unconventional strategies for lasting impact. He discusses why he chose a self-publishing route, the value of giving away over 100,000 copies to build trust and readership, and the lessons he’s learned from experimenting with pricing and marketing funnels. Beyond the tactics, Brendan dives into the mindset of a creator who’s constantly evolving, sharing the challenges, failures, and pivot points that come with a viral strategy. He’s not just changing how books are marketed; he’s quietly rewriting the playbook.
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You can listen to Brendan’s first episode on his book One Million Followershere:https://bit.ly/3TRMVKk
Learn more about the book here:https://a.co/d/etY0dLk
You can also go tohookpoint.com/alexto get a free PDF of the book to check it out.
Make sure to check out Brendan’s website and sign up to his newsletter here:www.hookpoint.com
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What does it really take to go viral? In this episode, we’re joined by Brendan Kane, bestselling author of One Million Followers, The Hook Point, and now The Guide to Going Viral. Brendan is the behind-the-scenes strategist for some of the world’s biggest brands and celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, IKEA, Vice, and Sketchers. He once gained over one million followers in 100 countries in just 30 days and has helped clients turn zero visibility into global attention.
In this conversation, Brendan breaks down the myth that virality is just luck. We talk through his data-driven framework for reverse-engineering attention online, how storytelling drives retention, and why most content fails before it even begins. He shares the importance of using repeatable formats, explains the “generalist principle” that helps creators scale without losing their niche, and offers real-world examples from luxury real estate agents to leather crafters who have turned everyday topics into millions of views. We also explore the role of AI in content creation and why even the most advanced tools still depend on your ability to tell a compelling story.
Tune in for a refreshingly realistic take on what actually gets people to watch, share, and remember your content, and how to finally turn viral moments into something that lasts.
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You can listen to Brendan’s first episode on his bookOne Million Followershere:https://bit.ly/3TRMVKk
Learn more about the book here:https://a.co/d/etY0dLk
You can also go tohookpoint.com/alexto get a free PDF of the book to check it out.
Make sure to check out Brendan’s website and sign up to his newsletter here:www.hookpoint.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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Today marks the final episode of Before the Bestseller, our 18-part series where we’ve broken down the entire audiobook into focused, actionable chapters for nonfiction authors. If you've made it this far, you're not just dreaming about sharing your book with the world—you’re committed to doing it right. This final chapter is all about turning everything you’ve learned into a clear, personalized book marketing blueprint.
We’ll walk you through how to take inventory of your assets, set realistic goals for each marketing tool, and build a week-by-week strategy, whether you’re months out from launch or already post-release. From setting copy movement goals across podcast guesting, Amazon ads, and bulk buys, to planning your launch timeline and post-launch rhythm, this episode offers a complete framework you can adapt to your own author journey. It’s not just about hitting a list. It’s about sustaining momentum and knowing what to do, when, and why.
Because writing the book was never the whole journey. Marketing it with clarity, consistency, and purpose is what gets it into readers’ hands. This isn’t a sprint. It’s a smart, intentional marathon. And if you’ve come this far, you’re already ahead of most. Let’s finish strong.
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We’re down to the final stretch. In episode 17 of our 18-part series, Before the Bestseller, we’re diving into two topics that get a lot of attention in the publishing world: traditional PR and what it really means to make a bestseller list. As we near the end of this audiobook journey, this chapter pulls back the curtain on some of the final, more public-facing tools authors often consider.
Some authors found their way into media coverage by paying attention to what was already being talked about and figuring out how their book could genuinely add to the conversation. Others aligned their launch with timely events or simply started local and built from there. We also touch on what it actually takes to make a bestseller list, not just the surface-level criteria but the quiet, behind-the-scenes work that rarely gets discussed.
The hard truth? Being called a bestseller doesn’t mean your book is being read. You can buy the label, but you can’t buy real readers. The value isn’t in hitting the list. It’s in becoming the kind of author who could. And even if you fall short, doing the work leaves you with something far more powerful than a badge: momentum that lasts.
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We’re back with episode 16 of our 18-part series, where we're putting the entire book Before the Bestseller up on our podcast for you to listen to. We’re just a couple of episodes away from the final chapter, and we hope you’ve been making great progress since you first started listening. In this episode, we’re talking about building a launch team for your book. This is the part where we start figuring out what that process actually looks like and how to make it work.
Putting together a launch team can feel a little awkward at first, especially if you’re not sure who to ask or what to even ask them for. In this episode, we talk through how to start building that early group of supporters, even if it’s just a few people at the beginning. We get into the kinds of help that are actually useful, how to keep things organized without it becoming a full-time job, and why a little consistency often matters more than big gestures. You’ll also hear real examples of what’s worked for other authors, from inviting readers behind the scenes to creating small moments that invite people to be part of the process.
Most authors don’t start out with a massive audience, and that’s okay. The real value comes from a handful of people who are willing to show up, share the book, and leave thoughtful reviews when it matters most. This episode is about how to make the most of that support in a way that feels personal, sustainable, and aligned with what you actually need.
By the end of the episode, you might find yourself thinking more clearly about who you’d want on your team and how to support them in supporting you. Maybe it’s revisiting your timeline, reaching out to a few trusted friends, or just writing down what kind of help would actually make a difference. Wherever you are in the process, this chapter is a good place to pause, take stock, and start mapping out what comes next. It’s a good moment to look back at how far you’ve come and to think about who’s coming along with you.
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Today we’re on Episode 15 of our 18-part series Before the Bestseller, and we’re digging into a topic that can quietly make or break your book’s reach: gatekeepers. These are the people your readers already trust—think podcasters, bloggers, authors, and professionals—and earning their support can take your book much further than trying to do it all yourself.
This episode unpacks what it really takes to connect with the right people—without spamming or cold pitching. We explore ways to build genuine relationships, offer value in unexpected ways, and stay consistent with outreach across each stage of your launch. Whether you're months out from publishing or deep into post-launch, there's a strategy here that might just open the right doors.
The truth is, most books don’t take off from a single post or pitch. They build momentum through thoughtful outreach and the quiet support of people who already have their audience’s trust. It’s not about chasing influencers or gaming the system—it’s about showing up consistently, offering real value, and letting trust do the heavy lifting for your book.
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We’re back with episode 14 of our Before the Bestseller book series, where we dive into one of the most creative parts of the book, the section where we talk about bold, outside-the-box marketing moves. This is for the moments when standard strategies just don’t cut it and you're ready to try something a little more daring.
We’ll explore how some bestselling authors turned unexpected tactics into powerful book-selling engines, marketing ideas that don’t follow traditional book promotion paths. Think car washes, thank-you pages, handwritten notes, rubber chickens (yes, really), and how speaking gigs can double as book distribution channels if you play your cards right. They’re not paint-by-numbers, they’re wild colors spilled on a blank canvas.
Because sometimes, the difference between a good book and a breakout one isn’t just the content, it’s the courage to market it in a way no one else has. Let’s talk moonshots.
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Today, we’re diving into episode 13 of our 18-part series Before the Bestseller, where we’re putting the entire audiobook up on our podcast for the dedicated listeners who make this possible. This episode focuses on one of the hardest things for authors to gather over time: ratings and reviews.
We dive deep into the practical details of why Amazon ratings matter so much, the difference between star ratings, written reviews, and editorial reviews, and debunk the myth of the “magic 100 ratings.” You’ll hear clear strategies for how to ask readers for reviews without pressure, ways to use social media and review bookmarks to boost your numbers, tips on handling bad or irrelevant reviews, and how to strategically leverage editorial reviews to build bridges to new audiences. We also cover a realistic timeline for gathering reviews before, during, and after launch.
Building genuine ratings and reviews takes time and persistence, but every single one moves your book closer to the readers who need it most. In this episode, you’ll get practical strategies to steadily grow your reviews without feeling overwhelmed — because the journey to meaningful success is built one honest review at a time.
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Welcome back to the Bite-Sized Book Marketing Masterclass — a special 18-episode series where I break down the key insights from my latest book! We’re now on Episode 12, which covers Chapters 33 and 34 of Before the Bestseller.
Some authors build launch plans. Others just start handing out books. In this episode, we look at two very different approaches that helped nonfiction authors gain serious traction without relying on ads, algorithms, or a massive platform.
You’ll hear stories from authors who gave away thousands of copies by hand and others who landed bulk buys from corporate teams. We explore what made these strategies work, how they were executed, and what today’s authors can learn from them. This episode offers a fresh look at direct, intentional outreach, and how the right kind of effort can still go a long way.
If you're thinking about how to position your book in the real world and want ideas beyond the usual digital tactics. This episode offers a few surprising moves that just might fit your strategy.
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What happens when your podcast interviews actually move the needle on book sales? In episode 11 of our 18-part book series, we dig into how to land better podcast guest spots and make them count. From targeting the right shows to crafting a pitch that actually gets noticed, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how authors can turn interviews into real traction.
You’ll also hear how to avoid wasting time on the wrong podcasts, why host credibility matters more than audience size, and how being a great guest goes way beyond sharing your bio. We’ll talk about the tools that make pitching easier, what matters in a one-sheet, and when it might make sense to bring in outside help with booking. There’s a strategy behind every great guest appearance, and it starts well before the mic turns on.
At the end of the day, podcast guesting isn’t just about exposure, it’s about alignment. When your message fits the show, the audience pays attention. This episode will help you focus on the things that actually move your book forward, without wasting time on interviews that don’t lead anywhere.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
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We’re in the second half of the book series and continue our journey through Before the Bestseller, focusing on one of the trickier parts of book marketing: organic social media.
In this episode, we explore how several nonfiction authors have approached social media in very different ways. These are real case studies—authors who built audiences without running ads, chasing trends, or turning into full-time creators. Each found a method that matched their voice, bandwidth, and goals.
One author posts once a week and leans heavily into psychology and intentionality. Another posts multiple times a day in a stream-of-consciousness style that helps him process ideas in public. One started simply by messaging people directly to spark conversations and build community.
Some built their platforms long before publishing; others started with nothing. Some rely on systems and structure, while others use their feeds as places to think out loud.
There’s no single formula here. But there are patterns, possibilities, and principles you can learn from—and adapt in a way that fits you.
If social media has felt like a mystery or a chore, this chapter offers a more grounded way to think about it.
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Welcome back to Chapter 30 and Episode 9 of the book, Before the Bestseller, where we break down the audiobook and dive deeper into what it takes to successfully launch a nonfiction book. From high-visibility platforms to behind-the-scenes approaches, this episode opens the door to tactics beyond the basics and paid methods that could truly make a difference.
In this episode, we unpack a handful of lesser-discussed strategies nonfiction authors use to get their books seen, shared, and sometimes, stocked in places you might not expect.
We dig into things like BookBub Featured Deals, smart ways to run Goodreads giveaways, what it actually takes to get your book into airport bookstores, and whether Instagram influencers or press releases are still worth your time. If you’ve ever wondered which paid tactics really make a difference and which are more hype than help, this episode breaks down the facts, the surprises, and what really works today.
Mastering the less obvious paths—those quiet, overlooked strategies—can open doors others don’t even see, giving you an edge that goes beyond the usual noise.
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In Episode 8 of the Before the Bestseller book series, we dive deep into Chapter 29, your go-to blueprint for running high-performing Meta (Facebook) ads for nonfiction authors.
Despite big shifts in privacy policies and targeting limitations, Meta ads remain a powerful force for book marketing when used strategically. This episode distills insights from our own chief marketing scientist, Laura Russom (formerly head of paid media at a major publishing house), to help you cut through the noise.
You'll discover creative targeting tactics for niche audiences, how to turn Facebook clicks into Amazon visibility, and what metrics actually matter. Plus, we walk through a campaign timeline that takes you from early awareness to launch-week momentum and beyond.
Whether you're planning your first campaign or refining what’s already working, this chapter shows you how to move with intention and get results you can actually measure.
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Amazon is where nonfiction books break out, take off, or quietly disappear—and understanding why can give your book a serious edge. In this episode, we go deep into the world of Amazon ads and unpack the invisible mechanics behind one of the most powerful discovery tools in publishing. What actually happens when someone searches for a book like yours? How does Amazon decide whose book to show, and what role do things like keywords, past sales, and even off-Amazon traffic play in that decision?
We’ll break down the essentials of how Amazon ads work—from the auction system to targeting options and the key metrics that really matter (and those that don’t). You’ll learn why bidding more doesn’t always guarantee results, how Amazon decides which books to promote, and the common pitfalls authors face when running campaigns. We’ll also touch on different ad types, including some newer options still in testing, plus strategies to avoid wasted spend and what to do if Amazon isn’t quite sure who your ideal reader is yet.
This episode isn’t about becoming an ads wizard or obsessing over dashboards. It’s about understanding what’s actually happening behind the scenes so you can make smarter decisions—whether you’re managing ads yourself, working with a team, or simply curious about how publishers approach Amazon campaigns. From launch timelines and targeting strategy to ad copy myths and common mistakes, we’ll show you how to approach Amazon ads more strategically—without getting overwhelmed.
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Most authors try to sell their book from day one. But what if the smartest move you could make was giving it away—for free?
In this episode of Before the Bestseller Book Series, we explore one of the most underused and misunderstood tools in the book marketing playbook: free reader seeding. This isn’t about mass giveaways with no purpose—it’s about getting your book into the hands of real readers, inside real communities, and building organic momentum from the ground up. I share the story of my first book launch back in 2018—how it taught me that bestseller status doesn't always equal staying power, and how that experience reshaped the way I approach book distribution today.
You’ll learn how one author gave away 30,000 copies and went on to sell over a million, how we got our first book in front of 40,000 college students, and how you can build your own outreach plan using simple DMs, reader personas, and low-cost printing strategies.
I’ll walk you through a full timeline for executing reader seeding before and after your launch, and share the practical tools we now use with both traditionally and self-published authors to build traction that actually lasts. Because the goal of book marketing isn’t to reach everyone—it’s to resonate deeply with the right someone who will champion and share your book. Reader seeding helps you make that connection first.
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In this episode of Before the Bestseller, we walk through exactly how to use your email list to build momentum, create consistent engagement, and convert attention into actual book sales. If you're launching a nonfiction book, your email list isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your marketing strategy.
This is Chapter 25 of the audiobook, episode 5 of our book series, and it’s all about turning your list into a launch engine. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reactivating a list that’s gone quiet, we cover what to send, when to send it, and how to use your list to support everything from podcast guesting to review campaigns. You’ll also learn how to map your email strategy to your launch timeline—from six months out to long after release day—so you're never guessing what comes next.
Plus, we revisit tools from earlier chapters (like the Wheel of Fortune Method) to help you avoid burnout and batch your content like a pro. If you've been stuck staring at a blank email or wondering if your list is even worth the effort, this episode is your reset.
The best part? The entire audiobook is rolling out free on this podcast—no purchase needed. Tune in and put your email list to work!
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In this episode, we wrap up Part 2 of the book, Before The Bestseller, by exploring one of the most underrated book marketing strategies: knowing exactly who your book is for and how to reach them. We dive deep into how to define your ideal reader and build clear, actionable reader personas that go beyond vague categories—think specific, targeted groups that truly resonate with your message.
You’ll learn how to identify and learn from your author twin—a writer in your niche who’s already reaching the audience you want. We also walk through how to develop focused reader personas so your message actually lands with the people who matter most.
Plus, you’ll get practical time-saving strategies like calendar-based productivity hacks and a walkthrough of Amazon Author Central—a treasure trove of tools that many authors overlook.
We’ll cover how to name and refine your ideal reader, use AI to develop 2–3 clear reader personas, reverse-hack your marketing strategy by identifying your author twin, implement time-blocking strategies to boost productivity, and make the most of Amazon Author Central—even if you’re traditionally published.
If you're tired of guessing, this episode gives you the data, direction, and structure to finally market your book with intention.
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In this episode of Before the Bestseller Podcast Series, we dive into one of the most underestimated keys to sustainable book marketing: building a team. Whether you’re juggling social media, podcast pitching, newsletter writing, or event outreach—trying to do it all yourself is a fast track to burnout. From hiring international virtual assistants to collaborating with expert marketers, you'll learn who to bring on board, how to find them, and what tasks you should never be doing alone again. We even explore how to leverage AI like ChatGPT to fill in the gaps.
If you’re overwhelmed with “all the things” and not sure where to start, this is the episode that gives you permission—and a plan—to stop doing it all yourself.
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Welcome back to our 18-episode bite-sized book marketing series! In this episode, we’re diving into part 2 of the book Before The Bestseller, covering chapters 14 through 19, and breaking down exactly how to make your book marketing easier, smarter, and actually worth your time.
You’ll learn:
- The Wheel of Fortune Method: A simple way to turn scattered content into steady progress.
- Why random acts of marketing waste time and how to build a system that works even when you’re busy.
- How to find your Consistency Fuel—so you’re not just forcing yourself to market, but actually want to.
- The power of Echo Chambers and how to use small communities to spark big word-of-mouth.
- The biggest mistake authors make: marketing in ways they hate. Here's how to stop doing that (without giving up).
Let’s cut the noise and focus on what actually moves books and readers because you don’t have to do everything, just the right things, done your way.
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Welcome to the Bite-Sized Book Marketing Masterclass — a special 18-episode series where I break down the key insights from my latest book!
Over the next 18 episodes, you'll get practical, proven strategies from everything I've learned — marketing books, spending over $10 million on campaigns, and working with hundreds of authors over the past six years. Each episode delivers a short, powerful takeaway — covering what to do, what to avoid, and how to give your book its best chance to thrive.
In this episode, we’ll dive into:
- What you need to know before you start marketing your book
- How not to waste time and money
- Where and how to seed your book
- Learning the critical moment to move from planning to action
Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned pro, this series is your roadmap to smart, strategic, and successful book marketing.
This is my gift to our best listeners. Let’s dive in!
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Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
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Chris Jordan is back on the show, and as always, he’s bringing fresh perspectives on how to navigate the shifting landscape of LinkedIn and digital content. Chris is a Content Strategist & Ghostwriter for B2B Founders who’s worked alongside some of the most influential thought leaders out there, including Lewis Howes, Daymond John, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Julia Carlson, Ben Nemtin, and many others. In this episode, we unpack the dynamics behind content performance on LinkedIn in 2025, exploring why low engagement doesn’t always mean low impact. Chris shares insights into how silent lurkers might actually be your best leads and offers strategies to capture their attention. We also dive into when LinkedIn ads make sense for authors, and discuss how AI’s rise in content creation could impact authenticity and human connection online. If you're an author, entrepreneur, or creator looking to level up your digital presence, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss.
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You can follow Chris on these platforms:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/imchrisjordan/
https://www.instagram.com/imchrisjordan/
https://x.com/imchrisjordan/
https://www.youtube.com/@chrisjordan2289
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Schedule a consultation with Chris here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h5b_2S-5rV-ADw5X_t8-r9CK4UN_RWyOem0BNJTbpoQ/edit?tab=t.0
Check out free content and more of Chris Jordan through this link:
https://linktr.ee/thepodcastgame
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We're excited to welcome back a familiar voice to the show, as Chris Jordan returns to share even more insights and strategies with us. Chris has worked with some of the biggest thought leaders in the industry, including Lewis Howes, Daymond John, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Julia Carlson, Ben Nemtin, Brandon Turner, and many more. As a Content Strategist, speaker, and podcast producer, he’s helped shape the strategies behind some of the most successful brands and individuals out there. We’re thrilled to have him back to dive even deeper into the world of content, strategy, and personal branding.
In this episode, Chris offers essential strategies for authors looking to promote their books and grow their audience. Whether you're just starting or have already launched, Chris shares powerful tactics for building momentum and turning readers into loyal advocates. From cold outreach to leveraging existing fans, Chris reveals the secrets to long-term book marketing success and how to foster genuine relationships with your readers.
He also delves into optimizing your LinkedIn profile to enhance your credibility and attract potential readers. With actionable tips on building trust and consistency, Chris shows how sharing engaging content can help you connect with your audience more effectively.
The conversation also covers the power of word-of-mouth marketing and how to make the most of slow yet steady growth. Chris talks about strategies like sending books to readers and the benefits of using print-on-demand services for cost-effective distribution. Plus, we explore how LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool for authors, not just for networking, but also for boosting visibility through ads.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your book stand out in a crowded market or how to engage with readers in meaningful ways, this episode is packed with practical advice that you can start implementing right away. Tune in for an insightful discussion on all things book marketing, LinkedIn strategy, and beyond.
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You can follow Chris on these platforms:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/imchrisjordan/
https://www.instagram.com/imchrisjordan/
https://x.com/imchrisjordan/
https://www.youtube.com/@chrisjordan2289
Schedule a consultation with Chris here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h5b_2S-5rV-ADw5X_t8-r9CK4UN_RWyOem0BNJTbpoQ/edit?tab=t.0
Check out free content and more of Chris Jordan through this link: https://linktr.ee/thepodcastgame
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we’re back with Catherine Duncan as she shares her unique journey through the ups and downs of book promotion. From navigating social media and securing podcast appearances to landing coveted TV spots and organizing book signings, Catherine’s approach to marketing her book is refreshingly authentic and packed with valuable insights.
Catherine is an Integrative Spiritual Consultant, Holistic Healer, and Resiliency Trainer, as well as the author of Everyday Awakening. The book offers practical tools for finding peace and purpose in a chaotic world, drawing from Catherine’s expertise in mindfulness, healing techniques, and personal growth. With advanced training in positive neuroplasticity, Reiki, EFT, and sound healing, she supports individuals through challenges like chronic illness, grief, and life transitions, while also guiding those seeking deeper meaning and emotional well-being.
In addition to her podcast appearances and TV spots, Catherine has been featured in national magazines and regional TV segments, expanding her reach and visibility as an author. Working with media professionals and platforms, she has leveraged these media opportunities, including a notable appearance on Channel 4 (KARE 11) in Minneapolis, to build momentum for Everyday Awakening. Her strategic media outreach has played a key role in her growing reputation as an expert in the field of holistic healing and spiritual well-being.
In our conversation, Catherine reveals the behind-the-scenes hustle that helped her gain momentum as a new author, including how she sold over 4,000 copies and earned 150+ reviews. She shares the strategies that worked, the lessons learned, and why staying true to your story is essential when connecting with your audience.
Tune in for a motivating and insightful discussion, as Catherine opens up about her journey of making her mark in the world of book promotion—and how her passion for connection and authentic storytelling has led to the success of Everyday Awakening.
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Check out Catherine’s book, Everyday Awakening here:https://a.co/d/6kT4dS1To learn more about Catherine’s work, insights, and her book, be sure to visit her website atwww.catherineduncan.org
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Duncan, a board-certified chaplain, spiritual director, and author of Everyday Awakening. Catherine shares her powerful journey from surviving childhood cancer to becoming a compassionate chaplain and healer. We dive deep into the spiritual practices and life lessons Catherine has learned while helping thousands of people through their end-of-life experiences, revealing profound insights about life, love, and death.
From the peace people find at the end of life to the chilling encounters with dark energy, Catherine opens up about the spiritual lessons she’s gained through her work. She discusses the importance of forgiveness, how love is the ultimate purpose of life, and how connecting to a higher power can transform our everyday experiences.
We also explore how the way we live influences how we die, the transformative power of love in our final moments, and the role of forgiveness at the end of life. Catherine shares practical exercises for tuning into our own energy and connecting with a higher power—regardless of how you choose to define it.
Everyday Awakening, offers exercises for embracing mindfulness and tuning into the energy around us. Tune in to hear how Catherine found success in sharing her message and learn how you can start living with more presence, love, and purpose today.
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Check out Catherine’s book, Everyday Awakening here:https://a.co/d/6kT4dS1
To learn more about Catherine’s work, insights, and her book Everyday Awakening, be sure to visit her website atwww.catherineduncan.org
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we dive into the journey of Eric Jorgenson, entrepreneur, author, and thought leader, as he discusses his work behind The Almanack of Naval Ravikant—a book that has captivated readers worldwide, selling over 1 million copies in various formats and languages. Eric shares insights from his own experience, whether it's about making complex ideas more accessible or balancing business with personal growth.
We chat about some unconventional strategies that contributed to the book’s success, from viral marketing to the power of word of mouth. We also explore the challenges and benefits of self-publishing, with Eric reflecting on how working with Scribe allowed for professional quality while maintaining the freedom to distribute as he saw fit. The episode touches on the framework of concentric circles in book marketing, starting with close relationships and expanding to broader audiences, as well as why staying true to your goals is crucial in the process.
Plus, Eric gives us a glimpse into some of his favorite book recommendations and why certain books resonate with people. Whether you're an aspiring author or a book enthusiast, this episode offers valuable takeaways on marketing, self-publishing, and the power of universal topics like wealth and happiness. Tune in for a conversation that explores what truly makes a book impactful.
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Check out Eric’s book, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, here: https://a.co/d/7Osviux
Connect with Eric on his website here: https://scribemedia.com/
You can also schedule a consult here: https://scribemedia.com/consult-vpm/
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today, we're joined by Eric Jorgensen, a writer, entrepreneur, and the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. Eric has a unique ability to take complex ideas and turn them into practical insights on business, personal development, and the power of curating valuable knowledge. In this conversation, we explore Eric’s journey—from the ideas that first inspired him to how he evolved into a writer and creator. He shares how powerful concepts like leverage and happiness have shaped both his personal and professional life, and how these ideas continue to guide his business decisions. We also dive into the importance of mental models, the art of being selective with your time and attention, and how Twitter has been a key platform in Eric’s personal and professional growth, despite its ever-changing algorithm. Plus, he teases his exciting new project—The Almanack of Eric Jorgensen, a collection of lessons and insights from his own journey that promises valuable takeaways for anyone looking to grow and learn, offering a fresh perspective on business and life that will leave you with plenty of ideas to think about and apply. Make sure you don’t miss it!
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Check out Eric’s book, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, here: https://a.co/d/7Osviux
Connect with Eric on his website here: https://scribemedia.com/
You can also schedule a consult here: https://scribemedia.com/consult-vpm/
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we’re catching up with Garrett Gunderson as he shares his journey to becoming a successful author, having sold over half a million copies of his books like Killing Sacred Cows, What Would the Rockefellers Do?, and Money Unmasked. He opens up about what helped him get there, including the importance of building solid relationships with industry pros, using personal connections, and putting together a smart marketing plan. Garrett also talks about the challenges of creating amazing content and how to get the word out so it lasts. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at launching multiple books and the lessons he’s picked up along the way.
Garrett shares some real-world tips on his book launch strategies, like pre-selling, offering exclusive bonuses, and using word-of-mouth to build buzz. He also talks about the challenge of making it to the New York Times Bestseller list and breaks down the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Garrett touches on the personal connection he has with his writing and why he values the artistic side of creating a book, while also explaining why he prefers books written by people over those generated by AI. He also shares how both good and bad reviews have influenced his writing and how he approaches his future books. If you’re looking to dive into the world of books or the mix of creativity and business, this episode is packed with practical tips and lessons you won’t want to miss.
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You can learn more about the book here: https://a.co/d/bf7SAJe
You can visit his website here: garrettgunderson.com
Don't forget to follow Garrett on Instagram (@garrettbgunderson) and get an audiobook of Garrett's book Killing Sacred Cows 2
Make sure to check out these 2 articles here: https://garrettgunderson.com/when-whole-life-insurance-works-when-it-doesnt/
https://garrettgunderson.com/common-life-insurance-mistake-can-cost-legacy/
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Gunderson to explore the myths and misconceptions that often hold people back when it comes to money and financial freedom. Garrett, a financial expert and entrepreneur who became a multimillionaire by the age of twenty-six, is the author of Killing Sacred Cows: Overcoming the Financial Myths That Are Destroying Your Prosperity and co-author of Curriculum for Wealth. As the founder of Wealth Factory, Garrett has made it his mission to help people rethink conventional financial advice and take a more personalized approach to building sustainable wealth.
Garrett opens up about his personal journey, from his frugal beginnings in a coal-mining family to his evolution in understanding what truly drives financial success. He reflects on his childhood, where a scarcity mindset and frugality influenced his financial beliefs, and how over time, he shifted to a more abundant and productive mindset. Garrett also shares the inspiration behind his book, explaining how the loss of his business partner motivated him to complete the project as a lasting legacy.
Killing Sacred Cows challenges nine common financial myths, such as the scarcity mindset and misconceptions about debt, insurance, and financial independence. Throughout the conversation, Garrett highlights the importance of focusing on smart strategies for building wealth, including managing cash flow, making educated investment choices, and addressing the mental blocks that often prevent people from taking action. He also emphasizes the need to rethink financial beliefs and adopt smarter, more abundant financial strategies.
The episode delves into the practical steps Garrett believes are crucial for achieving financial freedom, as well as the psychological factors that shape our financial decisions. Garrett introduces the idea of the Cash Cabin, where individuals can confront their money stories and resolve limiting beliefs, offering a unique approach that blends financial education with personal development. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that could change the way you think about money and set you on a path to unlocking greater financial possibilities.
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You can learn more about the book here: https://a.co/d/bf7SAJe
You can visit his website here: garrettgunderson.com
Don't forget to follow Garrett on Instagram (@garrettbgunderson) and get an audiobook of Garrett's book Killing Sacred Cows 2.0
Make sure to check out these 2 articles here:
- https://garrettgunderson.com/when-whole-life-insurance-works-when-it-doesnt/
- https://garrettgunderson.com/common-life-insurance-mistake-can-cost-legacy/
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today we're doing something a bit different from our usual episodes. Throughout the week, I have conversations with many authors, and I thought it would be valuable to share some of those discussions with you. You might hear something that sparks a new idea or something that resonates with your own journey. This way, you'll get a glimpse into the real-life strategies authors are using to market their nonfiction books. These episodes will typically be 15 to 30 minutes—short, but packed with valuable takeaways you’ll want to take note of.
For this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Scott J. Vrzal, who brings over 30 years of experience and holds triple certification in Applied Kinesiology. Dr. V teaches nationwide on topics such as headaches, autoimmune conditions, thyroid health, and athletic performance. He is also the author of The Headache Advantage: 7 Pain Patterns as Tools for Total Body Transformation.
We dive into strategies for effectively promoting the book, including the importance of giving away free copies and setting specific goals to move thousands of copies. Dr. Vrzal shares ideas for systematizing the marketing process, such as sending promotional boxes to doctors and offering bulk purchases at a discount. Tune in for practical tips on building a successful marketing campaign, increasing book visibility, and generating reviews to ensure long-term success.
Learn more about Dr. Vrzal’s book here: https://a.co/d/j41RlwF
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we dive into the world of book marketing with Brad Stulberg, bestselling author of Master of Change and The Practice of Groundedness. Brad takes us through his journey from a management consultant to a successful writer, sharing the game-changing marketing strategies that helped him sell over 100,000 copies of his books. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your author career to the next level, Brad reveals actionable tips for building a loyal audience, navigating social media, and maintaining momentum long after your book launch.
Brad opens up about the importance of persistence, timing, and shameless self-promotion, while stressing the long-term mindset needed for lasting success. He also shares the "moonshot" strategies that helped him land high-profile media spots—even when his blog had only 100 readers—and how these bold moves led to massive exposure.
Plus, Brad offers powerful advice for authors at every stage: From balancing a day job while building your writing career to maintaining flexibility and staying true to your core values as you grow. If you’re looking to unlock the secrets behind successful book marketing and gain insight into what it really takes to make a lasting impact in the literary world, this episode is a must-listen!
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Learn more about his book here:https://a.co/d/amtJYp0
Visit Brad's website here:www.bradstulberg.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We’re kicking off 2025 by diving deep into powerful lessons on personal growth, embracing change, and building resilience, all inspired by Brad Stulberg’s book Master of Change. Brad is a professor at the University of Michigan, co-founder of The Growth Equation (a platform helping high performers achieve sustainable excellence and success), and the author of multiple successful books, including Peak Performance, Passion Paradox, and The Practice of Groundedness—which has sold over 50,000 copies, with some selling over 100,000. He regularly writes for The New York Times, and his work has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic. Brad also coaches executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes on mental skills and overall well-being.
In this episode, Brad shares valuable insights on handling life’s disruptions and why we should embrace change instead of trying to go back to "normal." He explains concepts like homeostasis vs. allostasis, the importance of flexibility, and why having a well-rounded identity is key. Brad also tells the inspiring story of Olympic speed skater Nils van der Poel, showing how expanding one’s identity beyond work and finding meaning in other parts of life can lead to better mental well-being and performance. We dive into behavioral activation—the idea that action creates motivation—and tragic optimism, which is about facing life’s challenges with hope and purpose. Brad emphasizes how we can accept life’s difficulties while still holding onto hope and the drive to make meaningful progress, even when times are tough. Whether you're dealing with a major life change or just looking for practical ways to stay grounded, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to help you thrive in an ever-changing world.
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Learn more about his book here:https://a.co/d/amtJYp0
Visit his website here:https://www.bradstulberg.com/
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
We’re back with Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt, a leading expert in B2B SaaS pricing, who has worked with—and is the go-to pricing partner for—some of the biggest names in the industry, including Microsoft Western Europe, SamsungNEXT, Intel IGNITE, SAP.io, Bosch Growth, and top private equity and VC funds.
In this episode, Ulrik shares his marketing journey, emphasizing that success comes through trial and error, with persistence being key—even when certain strategies don't work out. He also reveals how he uses LinkedIn to share helpful tips based on real conversations with clients.
Ulrik talks about how his book has generated leads for his consulting business by focusing on the niche area of B2B SaaS pricing. He explains why pricing is a critical yet often misunderstood aspect for businesses, creating high demand for expertise in the field. He also highlights the power of specialized knowledge and how it can help businesses stand out in a competitive market.
Tune in for valuable lessons on niche marketing, content creation, and leveraging expertise to fuel business growth—and get a sneak peek into Ulrik's upcoming book update, where he’ll dive even deeper into these strategies!
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Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/66GYGAa Visit his website here: willingnesstopay.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
Today, we’re joined by Ulrik Lehrskov-Schmidt, a leading expert in B2B SaaS pricing, who has worked with—and is the preferred pricing partner of—some of the biggest names in the industry, including Microsoft Western Europe, SamsungNEXT, Intel IGNITE, SAP.io, Bosch Growth, and several top private equity and VC funds. With a strong academic background in analytical philosophy and finance from Harvard, and having successfully exited three businesses, Ulrik is widely recognized for his expertise in optimizing pricing strategies. In his book The Pricing Roadmap, he outlines how businesses can build pricing models that drive revenue while still delivering great value to customers. In our conversation, he shares his top strategies for SaaS pricing, how to avoid common pricing mistakes, and why focusing on outcomes can transform a business’s approach to pricing. Don’t miss this episode as Ulrik reveals powerful strategies for optimizing your SaaS pricing and explains how focusing on outcomes can accelerate growth and unlock new value for your business!
Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/66GYGAa Visit his website here: willingnesstopay.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we're back with Nir Eyal, speaker, behavioral design expert, and bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable. Nir takes us through his journey from self-publishing to achieving success as a traditionally published author. He reveals the strategies that helped him build a strong audience, such as creating engaging content, gathering early feedback, and fostering a loyal community. Nir highlights the importance of engaging with readers early on and shares how his innovative crowd-editing strategy helped build a network of contributors who spread the word about his book.
Additionally, Nir offers valuable tips for authors, including the importance of crafting original content with fresh perspectives, cultivating genuine connections with readers, and targeting problem-solving communities that are more likely to engage and share the book. This episode provides essential insights on timing, marketing, and community-building—perfect for authors at any stage of their journey.
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Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/2pcLeT0 Check out Nir Eyal’s website here: www.nirandfar.com—Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
Subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we welcome Nir Eyal, a renowned author, speaker, and expert in the field of behavioral design. His curiosity about how people form habits and make decisions shaped his writing, particularly in his books Hooked and Indistractable. Hooked explores the psychology behind building habit-forming products, while Indistractable dives into the root causes of distraction, offering practical tools to help people regain focus and manage their habits.
Nir delves into powerful insights on how habits are formed and how we can take control of our attention in a world full of distractions. He shares strategies like his 10-Minute Rule—a simple but effective tool to resist distractions and stay focused—and discusses why most distractions stem from internal emotional triggers.
If you're looking to boost your productivity, build lasting habits, or take control of your attention in today's distraction-filled world, Nir’s practical insights and curiosity-driven strategies will guide you to greater focus and self-discipline. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on human behavior and habit formation!
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Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/2pcLeT0 Check out Nir Eyal’s website here: www.nirandfar.com
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, Pascal Bornet, award-winning AI and automation expert, keynote speaker, influencer, and best-selling author, shares how he became successful in his field and built a strong personal brand. His book, Irreplaceable: The Rise of Human-AI Collaboration, has sold over 4,000 copies within just six weeks of its release, with a goal of reaching 20,000 to 25,000 copies in the next year.
Pascal frequently shares articles, updates, and insights on LinkedIn about AI, automation, and the future of work. His posts include personal reflections, industry trends, thought leadership pieces, and practical advice on how businesses and individuals can leverage AI. He also engages directly with his audience by sharing real-life use cases, success stories, and discussions on human-AI collaboration. In addition to LinkedIn, Pascal runs the website irreplaceable.ai, where he shares articles and resources designed to help individuals and organizations thrive in an AI-driven world. The site also promotes his book Irreplaceable and offers tools for staying relevant in the age of automation.
His career took off with the release of his first book, Intelligent Automation, in 2020. Published during the COVID-19 pandemic, it addressed the urgent need for automation solutions as businesses faced unprecedented challenges. This success helped him grow his LinkedIn following, secure speaking engagements, and ultimately leave his corporate job to become an independent entrepreneur.
Pascal emphasizes that authenticity, passion, and offering real value are the key ingredients for building a personal brand and growing an engaged online following. With over 2 million followers across social media platforms—1.4 million of them on LinkedIn alone—he discusses how focusing on genuine, impactful content—whether educational, emotional, or even humorous—has played a major role in his success.
With Irreplaceable, Pascal’s goal is to help people remain relevant in the face of increasing automation, aiming to train more than 1 million people to become irreplaceable in their careers. Those interested can join the community on his website or find the book on Amazon.
Whether you're an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or content creator, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to share your passion, stay authentic, and create a lasting impact online.
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Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/bdUsTTl
Check out Pascal Bornet’s website here: www.irreplaceable.ai
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Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
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Today, we’re diving into the captivating world where humanity meets artificial intelligence with award-winning AI & Automation Expert, Keynote Speaker, Influencer and Best-Selling Author with over two million followers, Pascal Bornet. Join us as we chat with thought leader Pascal, who unpacks his groundbreaking book, Irreplaceable.
We explore how AI is reshaping our world and what it means for our uniquely human abilities. From genuine creativity and critical thinking to social authenticity, Pascal reveals the essential skills we need to thrive in an increasingly automated future. Tune in to discover practical insights on embracing our humanity while leveraging technology to create value and connection. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that challenges us to redefine what it means to be human in the age of AI!
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Learn more about his book here: https://a.co/d/bdUsTTl Check out Pascal Bornet’s website here: www.irreplaceable.ai
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Take a second to follow, review, or share this with someone who might find it useful. Your support helps more people discover the show.
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Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our $299 Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here:https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/
Head to our new website for more content and updates.:www.getshelflife.com
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me atAlex@getshelflife.com
In this episode, we’re back with Chris Benetti, founder of Smart Author Media and host of the Smart Author podcast, for a deep dive into book marketing strategies and the evolving landscape of selling books. Chris highlights the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting marketing approaches, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of Amazon ads for straightforward book sales. He also mentions the potential of TikTok Shop ads, though they require a lot of creative effort. We touch on book funnels, where Chris explains how they can help authors not only sell books but also convert readers into clients by offering valuable upsells. He emphasizes the need for excellent content that encourages sharing, suggesting that a truly valuable product is the foundation of effective marketing. Tune in as we explore the intricacies of lead generation, audience engagement, and the necessity of continuous testing to find what works best for each author’s unique context. Check out Chris Benetti’s website at smartauthormedia.com
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Chris Benetti, founder of Smart Author Media and host of the Smart Author podcast, who has sold over 40,000 books and invested nearly a million dollars in advertising, collaborating with industry leaders like Ryan Deiss, the author of Get Scalable. We dive deep into Chris's insights on crafting nonfiction books that resonate with readers and convert them into leads.
We talk about strategies like conducting an "ask campaign" to gather valuable insights from clients, which can help shape your book’s content. Chris also highlights the common challenges authors face, such as how to balance book sales with actually converting those readers into clients and explore the need for books to serve as conversion tools rather than just personal achievements. Chris emphasizes the importance of clear calls to action and even suggests trying out split testing to refine your marketing strategy. If you’re a nonfiction author looking to write impactful books and build trust with your audience, you won’t want to miss this one! You can check out his website at smartauthormedia.com
We’re back with another episode of our Friday Sessions featuring Laura Russom, Director of Author Success. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Kat Finnerty, author of Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste: Making Sense of a Life of Absurdity, A Memoir. Kat shares her inspiring journey of writing her memoir, encapsulating struggles like personal betrayal and the complexities of book marketing.
In this session, we take a closer look at how Amazon ads function and the typical hurdles authors run into, particularly with profitability, shedding light on the common frustrations of the publishing landscape. We explore effective strategies for engaging with podcasts and building relationships with micro-influencers, emphasizing the importance of having a solid system for content creation. Additionally, we talk about finding the right balance between quality and quantity in marketing outreach, offering tips for boosting visibility while maintaining a practical focus on delivering real value to readers. Join us as we navigate collaborative learning opportunities in systematized book marketing.
You can check out Kat Finnerty’s book here.
If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email Alex at alex@advancedamazonads.com
Check out our websitehere.
Today, we’re featuring a special episode from one of our Friday Sessions with Laura Russom, our Director of Author Success to share valuable insights from our years of experience in the community. This session aims to equip authors with essential tools and deepen their understanding of the publishing industry!
We’re excited to welcome three amazing authors: Brooke Bussard, MD, author of Chew On This: Bite-Sized Stories about Nutrition; Nathan Tanner, who wrote The Unconquerable Leader: Mastering the Internal and External Game and Not Your Parents' Workplace: Critical Lessons for Interns and Young Professionals; and Susan Keller, whose works include Blood Brother: A Memoir and Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip. Together, we’ll explore effective book marketing strategies and the crucial role of gathering Amazon reviews.
Join us as we dive into practical tips for collecting reviews, leveraging personal connections, and using storytelling to engage potential reviewers. We’ll address common challenges authors face, discuss ethical practices for requesting feedback, and provide actionable steps to boost visibility and sales. This session is packed with valuable advice to enhance your book’s reach and foster a supportive community!
Be sure to check out the books by our featured authors:
Brooke Bussard, MD:
Chew On This: Bite-Sized Stories about NutritionNathan Tanner:
The Unconquerable Leader: Mastering the Internal and External Game and
Not Your Parents' Workplace: Critical Lessons for Interns and Young Professionals
Susan Keller:
Blood Brother: A Memoir and
Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road TripIf you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email Alex at alex@advancedamazonads.com
You can check out our website here.
Today we welcome Elaine Boddy, a UK-based author renowned for her expertise in sourdough baking, having authored three books: Whole Grain Sourdough at Home, The Sourdough Whisperer, and Easy Everyday Sourdough Bread Baking. With her fourth book, The Sourdough Bible, coming out in late 2024, Elaine is on a mission to make sourdough baking simpler and more accessible for everyone.
Her journey began in 2013 with a food blog, sharing her passion for Middle Eastern dishes and her baking adventures. Her passion for baking led her to develop a personal method that makes sourdough more accessible and less intimidating for home bakers. Elaine encourages aspiring bakers to maintain a journal of their experiments, which helps them refine their techniques and learn from their experiences.
Elaine's approach shows that really connecting with your readers and staying true to your own style can make a book launch successful and keep your writing career going strong. We also explore the editing process, the role of authentic visuals in her books, and how she balances staying true to her voice while being open to editorial feedback. Plus, we chat about the importance of setting boundaries in life while still being accessible to her fans. Tune in for valuable insights on baking, writing, and building a meaningful connection with your audience!
You can learn more about her books here.
Website: foodbodsourdough.com You can also head over to Elaine’s other social media pages below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaine_foodbod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elaine.boddy.3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/foodbodSourdough TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elainefoodbod
This week, we welcome back Michael Drew to our show. He is a seasoned expert on book lists and is known for his deep knowledge and insights into the world of best-seller rankings. Michael frequently shares his expertise on how various lists operate and their impact on the book industry.
Michael dives into the recent discontinuation of the Wall Street Journal’s best-seller list, thoroughly exploring the reasons behind it and what it means for the industry. Losing the list has hit bookstores, publishers, and authors hard since it was a major sales driver. Michael also talks about how Success Magazine could build a whole ecosystem around its list with things like book reviews, cliff notes, book clubs, and partnerships with retailers like Books-A-Million. Michael’s insights offer a glimpse into how these new lists are trying to step up to fill the void and their potential to reshape the landscape of book rankings.
Stay tuned and keep an eye on the latest trends as the book world adapts and new opportunities arise. Learn more about their writing services on this website here.
Feel free to get in touch with Michael by emailing him: michael@promoteabook.com
In today’s episode, we are joined by Laura Russom, from our team in Advanced Amazon Ads. Laura brings a wealth of experience from her previous role in indie publishing, where she honed her skills in paid advertising. We explore why it’s crucial to start your marketing strategy at least six months before your book's release. Our discussion covers practical tips for validating demand with tools like Google Trends and social media, understanding and narrowing down your target audience, and designing a compelling book cover that stands out.
We also cover selecting the right marketing platforms, overcoming content creation challenges, and collaborating with niche influencers for more effective promotion. Additionally, we discuss the role of AI tools in gaining valuable audience insights. Tune in to discover essential strategies for a successful book launch, with a special focus on pre-launch planning and a comprehensive guide to crafting a well-rounded and impactful marketing strategy. Visit our website here to learn more and get in touch.
We’re back with AJ Crabill, author of Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective,as we dive into the book marketing strategies that can make or break a book launch. AJ shares valuable lessons learned from his journey including how he used a quiz, an interactive element, to boost reader engagement. Discover how teaming up with an expert author coach, transformed his book’s marketing approach and led to effective audience outreach.
From leveraging established networks for early praise to creatively negotiating bulk book purchases for conferences, AJ reveals tactics that expanded his book’s reach. Learn why investing in professional support for marketing tasks, like podcast outreach, can be a total game-changer. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned publisher, this episode offers practical advice on making strategic investments to elevate your book’s impact. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights!
Visit their website here.
Learn more about the book here.
In this episode, we’re thrilled to chat with AJ as we uncover his book,Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective. AJ shares his journey from a concerned parent to a seasoned school board member and author. He discusses the crucial lessons he learned about effective governance and how they extend beyond school boards to other types of organizations. AJ highlights key concepts from his book, setting specific, measurable goals that align with desired student outcomes, rather than vague objectives focused on adult inputs, and the concept of "guardrails" to guide decision-making. Whether you're involved in education or any form of organization, AJ's insights offer valuable strategies for improving effectiveness and achieving meaningful results.
Visit their website here.
Learn more about the book here.
Today’s episode features an interview with Brian Sachetta, author of Get Out of Your Head. We explore Brian’s personal journey with anxiety and the transformative experiences that inspired his groundbreaking book. Brian opens up about his struggles with anxiety starting at age 18 and how years of dedicated research shaped the strategies outlined in his book. He offers a fascinating look at how the landscape of anxiety information has evolved since 2008, contrasting the scarcity of resources in the past with today’s wealth of information.
Brian introduces his three core principles—fundamental truths about anxiety—as pivotal strategies for managing it effectively. Listeners will gain practical insights into techniques like deep breathing exercises designed to combat the fight or flight response and enhance critical thinking in stressful moments.
The episode also explores the modern media’s role in amplifying anxiety, highlighting how constant connectivity and negative news cycles contribute to heightened stress. Brian doesn’t just stop at mental health—he shares his journey through the challenging world of book marketing, offering valuable advice on leveraging podcast appearances and using lead magnets to capture reader interest. Whether you’re seeking strategies to manage anxiety or looking for effective book marketing tips, this episode provides a wealth of practical advice and thought-provoking insights.
Check out Brian Sachetta’s website here.
Get to know more about the book here.
In this episode, we delve into the success of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential, which has sold 50,000 copies within just six months. We touch on the marketing strategies and Brian’s decision-making process that contributed to the book’s achievement. Brian shares valuable insights on trusting one's instincts and making bold choices, reflecting on his journey and the importance of quality and self-trust in the publishing world.
Our conversation also highlights the concept of "planting seeds" in marketing—taking various actions that can lead to unforeseen successes. Brian emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships, consistently adding value, and making strategic investments, even if not all efforts yield immediate results. He shares great advice on creating great work, setting clear goals, and being ready to tackle any challenges that come their way.
Brian also discusses the WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) for effective goal-setting and stresses the need for discipline and persistence. Ultimately, he underscores that being the best version of oneself and playing the long game are essential for achieving both bestseller status and lasting impact.
Get to know more about Brian Johnson and his book here.
You can also check out his book here.
We dive into the world of Brian Johnson, Founder & CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and author of Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential. He’s 50% Philosopher + 50% CEO and 101% committed to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051. He's even got it tattooed on his arm. As a philosopher and educator, he has helped millions of people from around the world, trained over 10,000 Heroic Coaches from more than 100 countries, and developed a transformative protocol that blends ancient wisdom with modern science.
In this episode, we highlight the importance of embracing pain, uncertainty, and hard work to unlock one's potential. We also explore Brian’s innovative book, which merges stoic philosophy, modern science, and personal experience into 451 concise chapters designed for actionable insights which includes understanding life's ultimate game, embracing challenges, focusing on energy, work, and love, and prioritizing daily actions. We discuss overcoming fear and laziness through disciplined routines, effective learning strategies, and the balance between self-help and professional guidance. Tune in to learn practical tips for personal growth and mental well-being. Get to know more about Brian Johnson and his book on his website: https://www.heroic.us/arete You can also check out his book here.
In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Karen Morris, author of A Year Without The Grocery Store. This engaging short read explores her journey in mastering home preparedness and equipping herself for any situation, with strategies for maintaining readiness that are particularly compelling. As a mother and wife, you'll find the book both practical and inspiring. I highly recommend tuning in to learn how Karen expertly balances demanding tasks—such as one-on-one outreach with influencers or attending live events—with essential behind-the-scenes efforts like managing Amazon ads. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that can help you become more self-sufficient. Tune in now! Check out Karen Morris’ website here.
Learn more about the book here.
If you're in the business world, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of the book Radical Candor by Kim Scott. She’s also the writer behind Radical Respect. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of all the major aspects such as her approach to writing her books, her strategic thinking on marketing, and her methods for sustaining book promotion momentum. These are amazing and pivotal books that stand out as essential reads, offering profound perspectives on leadership, management, feedback mechanisms, and fostering an inclusive and engaged workforce. Yet, what truly sets Kim Scott apart is her approach to delivering continuous value to readers—from the initial stages of book development through long after its launch. Tune in to our enlightening and enjoyable discussion with Kim Scott.
Learn more about the book here.
On this week’s episode, we welcome Ryan Estrada, an artist, author, and adventurer who co-wrote the Banned Book Club, a fascinating graphic novel detailing his wife's experience in the 1980s of reading banned books in South Korea. We covered a lot of ground in our conversation: how to market your book to multiple demographics and audiences, finding passionate supporters or readers, maintaining momentum, and post-viral book marketing. Ryan shares plenty of valuable advice and memorable one-liners that can inspire your writing, publishing, and book marketing endeavors.
I’m particularly excited about today’s guest because his book is truly unique, and it's a shining example of how a compelling story and smart marketing can lead to big success across different markets. You won't want to miss this one!
Check out Ryan Estrada’s website here: https://ryanestrada.com/
Get to know about his book here.
Our guest for today is a good friend of mine, Scott Lorenz, with an amazing history and expertise as a book publicist. Scott also serves as the President of Westwind Communications, a distinguished public relations and marketing agency that specializes in providing strategic PR and marketing services tailored to professionals such as Doctors, Lawyers, Authors, Startups, and Entrepreneurs. He has successfully managed publicity campaigns for books authored by CEOs, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers, and Adventurers. Scott also has a proven track record of collaborating with a diverse range of authors, including bestselling authors and self-published authors, across various genres. In addition to book publicity, Lorenz has garnered media coverage for clients spanning numerous industries, including fiction, health, romance, business, and children's literature. He is recognized for his marketing acumen and conducts marketing classes at the Learning Annex in New York City.
Scott's expertise in marketing and publicity has earned him recognition as a featured expert on platforms such as America Online. He has also been sought after for interviews by various media outlets in the US and Europe, discussing topics related to publicity and promotion. His insights have been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal's Startup Journal and French Channel 5.
Through his efforts, Scott has secured placements for his clients in renowned media outlets such as Good Morning America, CNN, ABC Nightly News, Nightline, TIME, PBS, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Investor's Business Daily, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Howard Stern, Family Circle, Woman's World, and Entrepreneur, among others.
As you will hear further in this episode, Scott and I chose to talk because of a recent newsletter we sent out discussing the challenges authors encounter when working with a publicist. When I posed the question to authors about their biggest financial do-over, their resounding response, nine times out of ten, is a regretful glance toward PR investments. Scott also refers us to a good number of clients who I know are pleased with his work, and so naturally, I felt comfortable having this open discussion about PR.
I wanted to have Scott on for us to have a candid conversation about how he has built an ethical business in PR and how he has worked with many top authors like Jonathan Sanger, the creative mastermind behind the 'Making The Elephant Man'.
We delve into some excellent information regarding how to prevent hiring an undesirable hire or a bad employee depending on your budget. Several of these tips can assist you in saving money, as it's unlikely to find someone who will genuinely complete the work for just a few thousand dollars.
Big shout out to Scott for agreeing to come on as a PR skeptic and for putting up with my relentless inquiries. Here's the scoop on our chat with Scott Lorenz.
Check out Scott Lorenz’s website here: https://book-publicist.com/
Get to know more about his book here.
In today's episode we welcome back Michael Drew a close friend of mine and a significantly towering figure in the realm of publishing, with a rich background having worked in different roles in traditional publishing, including Bard Press. Michael has has been instrumental and helped many famous authors launch successful books, such as T. Harv Ecker and Marshall Goldsmith. His expertise far exceeds mine and many other sources I consult for information.
We explore the intricate landscape of book launches, shedding light on the strategies required to appear on lists like The New York Times. We delve into exploring the importance of tailoring your writing to resonate with a middle school audience, uncovering treasures of wisdom in the domain of non-fiction. We also discuss the real goals and genuine objectives of book launches and how your marketing efforts should be shaped by them. Realizing how these aspects of the publishing world are related to one another helps you on your way to success.
Each moment spent conversing with Michael is a treasure, especially in today's episode, which turned out to be one of our deeper discussions. Initially intended as two separate conversations, our engagement seamlessly flowed, with minimal opportunity for interruption, and the depth of information provided is undoubtedly invaluable.It is with utmost pleasure that we welcome Michael Drew back to the show, continuing our insightful journey together. Check out Michael Drew’s website here: https://promoteabook.com/
We explore the extensive and varied experiences of soon-to-be Dr. Laura Briggs with her background in business administration. Her 10 years of experience writing copy for law firms and producing SEO material have made her a remarkable figure in the field. As an accomplished author with multiple books published, Laura freely imparts her invaluable expertise in the dynamic world of book marketing strategies.
With a wealth of experience gained from her long career, Laura provides invaluable guidance on negotiating the complexities of the publishing industry. She skillfully crafts her story, giving listeners an intimate picture of her triumphs, setbacks, and turning points from the beginning of her writing pursuits including her culmination of giving an insightful TED Talk experience.
In addition, as a skilled practitioner of book launch management and marketing, Laura offers valuable strategies and tips meant to inspire both beginner and experienced writers. With an attention to detail and a desire to foster literary success, she clarifies the subtleties of properly placing and marketing one's work within today’s competitive market.
Listeners can explore a master class in strategic marketing techniques designed exclusively for the literary industry through Laura's insightful talk. This episode promises to elevate educate, and inspire your approach to book marketing—whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your current tactics. Get to know more about her books here:Start Your Own Freelance Writing BusinessThe Six-Figure Freelancer
In this episode, we welcome Laura Briggs, a dynamic figure empowering the freelance generation. Laura has been crucial in assisting independent contractors in realizing their aspirations of becoming business owners through her writing, mentoring, and public speaking. Earning $200,000 as a freelancer in 2018, Laura's proficiency in her field is truly evident and demonstrated by her remarkable achievement.
Delving into her backstory, Laura's journey from inner-city school teacher to solopreneur sheds light on her resilience and determination. Her impressive client roster, including Microsoft, TrueCar, and the Mobile Marketing Association, underscores her credibility and impact in the industry.
Moreover, Laura's impact goes beyond personal accomplishments; on two occasions, she has graced the TED Talk stage, sharing her thoughts on the revolutionary potential of the freelance economy. Laura's dedication to empowering others is evident, as she is the creator of Operation Freelance, a non-profit organization supporting military spouses and veterans in starting online service-based businesses, and the author of "Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business."
Our listeners may have noticed Laura's recent addition as a co-host on our podcast, and her name appearing in our podcast image reflecting her expanded role as the COO at Advanced Amazon Ads. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Laura as she shares her expertise and experiences on "Before The Bestseller.
Get to know more about her book here.
**In the latest second episode featuring Michael Lennington, the brilliant mind and esteemed author of 'The 12 Week Year.' Join us as we dive into a fascinating discussion about the incredible journey of his book, which has garnered immense popularity since its release in 2013. With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, 'The 12 Week Year' has stood the test of time, captivating readers with its unique approach to productivity and goal-setting.
Discover the secrets behind the book's enduring success as we explore how it evolved from a humble self-published manuscript to a global phenomenon. Lennington shares captivating insights into the strategies that have propelled the book to greatness, offering listeners a glimpse into its transformative impact on individuals and teams worldwide.
Tune in to learn more about the inspiring story behind 'The 12 Week Year' and how it continues to empower countless individuals to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.
Check out The 12 Week Year Website here*.
Get to know more about the book* here**.
Today, we're thrilled to welcome our new co-host and COO, Laura Briggs, alongside our esteemed guest, Michael Lennington, co-author of the groundbreaking book 'The 12 Week Year.' This book has been a constant companion for Laura for over many years, offering invaluable insights into time management and strategic project planning.
Whether you're seeking to enhance your time management skills or looking to approach your projects with a more strategic mindset, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom shared by Michael.
Get ready for an enlightening journey in this episode, where we uncover the transformative principles of The 12 Week Year. Discover the immense power behind this approach as we delve into its proven strategies, drawn from the successes of countless businesses worldwide. Join us as we explore why traditional annual goals might be holding you back and how embracing 12-week cycles can revolutionize your planning and strategy. Tune in to learn why it's time to ditch the old methods and embrace a more dynamic, effective approach to achieving your goals.
In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of TikTok as a powerful tool for book promotion as I have recently become obsessed with this fascinating platform, details of which you can find in my newsletter and podcast. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Colton Dubell, a TikTok enthusiast, and discuss his remarkable journey to over a hundred thousand followers within six months.
Colton shares invaluable insights into overcoming challenges on TikTok, unveiling surprises, navigating psychological biases, and adopting a unique approach that challenges conventional advice. Discover how he defies the norm of posting three videos a day, choosing to prioritize quality over quantity. Colton gives us a unique perspective at using TikTok to promote content by going over his distinct formula for success. Tune in to gain exclusive insights and join us in welcoming Colton to the show. For everyone passionate about drawing anime manga, explore Colton's expertise at drawanimeacademy.com, and don't miss his book, 'Anime Academy! How to Draw Manga**.'
Explore more and follow their TikTok here**.
Chris was kind enough to grace us with his presence again, delving into the captivating domain of podcasting during this episode. If you're an author, you’ve probably heard a million times about the importance of podcasting - getting on podcasts, having and hosting your own podcast, and to put it bluntly, that advice is not completely useful. What truly resonates are actionable strategies and precise insights into approaching figures like Ed Mylett, whom we use as a prime example to secure spots on prominent shows. Ever wonder why you find yourself at the center of attention from influential platforms? Many people struggle with this question, particularly those who are just starting their podcast journey.
Chris, our esteemed guest, has dedicated the past two and a half years to producing top podcasts, including 'The School of Greatness' and 'The Daily Motivation,' both by Lewis Howes with second podcast having produced and launched by Chris. Additionally, he collaborated with Dr. Benjamin Hardy on the production of 'The Dr. Benjamin Hardy Show,' and worked with him to get into the top Business podcast charts on apple.Chris has also played a significant role in guiding authors through successful book launches, offering expertise on maximizing book sales and developing effective strategies within the podcasting lens.
Chris, our esteemed guest, is set to unfold a detailed narrative—a blueprint that empowers individuals to optimize their time, channel their energy effectively, and make smart financial decisions within the dynamic landscape of podcasting. Get ready for an insightful conversation that delves deeper than meets the eye and paves the way for anyone looking to achieve real success in the fascinating realm of podcasting.
Check out Chris' podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/thepodcastgame
Get a free consultation with Chris: https://bit.ly/growyourpod
Follow Chris:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/imchrisjordan/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5fupZwpmzM
https://www.instagram.com/imchrisjordan/
https://twitter.com/imchrisjordan
Check out free content and more of Chris Jordan through this link:
https://linktr.ee/thepodcastgame
Today's featured episode spotlights a valued colleague turned close friend, Chris Jordan. While Chris may not be a widely recognized name right now, his influence extends deeply within the inner workings for prominent figures such as Lewis Howes, Daymond John of Shark Tank, Gary Vee, and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Chris has made a significant contribution behind the scenes to these teams in a variety of roles, from video editing to podcast production and most recently, book launching.
Chris has an amazing track record of working with a wide spectrum of personalities, and his extensive knowledge of multiple platforms made me know right away that I had to have him on the show. Chris's wealth of knowledge extends from book marketing to also understanding the intricacies of podcasting and getting on podcasts that contribute to book success and longevity. I am genuinely excited to have Chris as our guest for this episode and he has graciously agreed to come back next time to talk about everything from having your own podcast to navigating the podcasting landscape. It is my pleasure to welcome Chris Jordan.
Check out Chris' podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/thepodcastgame
Get a free consultation with Chris: https://bit.ly/growyourpod
Follow Chris:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/imchrisjordan/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5fupZwpmzM
https://www.instagram.com/imchrisjordan/
https://twitter.com/imchrisjordan
We are delighted to welcome Joseph back to the show today. He joined us previously to talk about his book, 'Don’t Believe Everything You Think,' which was recently published in 2022 and has soared past 200,000 copies sold—an amazing topic we will delve into further during this episode. Joseph has demonstrated exceptional marketing insight, implementing practical and easily-followed strategies. He maintains an active presence on TikTok with three daily posts, all impressively done on his own without the assistance of a team, giving him firsthand knowledge of what works and what doesn't. It is my pleasure to reintroduce Joseph to the show today, where we will explore his insightful author journey and the elements that have led to his remarkable success, including the attainment of over 5,000 Amazon ratings. Welcome back, Joseph! **Make sure to follow Joseph on these sites for more of his insightful advice and connect with our author:
Website: https://josephnguyen.org/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsjosephnguyen Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsjosephnguyen You can also get his book here*.*And get his new book, Boundaries = Freedom, here**.
Today's featured guest is the author behind "Don’t Believe Everything You Think," a literary work that has garnered over five thousand Amazon ratings and a remarkable sales record of over 200,000 copies since its market debut in 2022 becoming a breakout sensation, captivating readers with its exquisite writing style and profound insights.
The author captures the spirit of this book and navigates the complexities surrounding the concept of thoughts, along with one of my favorite quotes: 'Perfection is not when things can be added, but when there’s nothing left to be removed.' This quote encapsulates the essence of the book and introduces a very exciting topic.
Speaking with a very insightful self-help author at the forefront of his niche is one way to delve deeply into a subject as a self-help junkie. Join me as we explore the innovative approaches he's taking to transform the self-help landscape and break free from the traditional mindset. Joseph will also return in a future episode to share insights and talk about his book's remarkable success. Tune in and welcome to the show!
**Make sure to follow Joseph on these sites for more of his insightful advice and connect with our author:
Website: https://josephnguyen.org/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsjosephnguyen Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsjosephnguyen You can also get his book here**.
In this episode, our spotlight is on the coveted New York Times list and the intricate process of securing a spot. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Michael Drew offers a firsthand perspective, and meticulous review of the diverse standards imposed by the New York Times in order to garner recognition fit for a list. Join us as we explore the interesting realm of literary acknowledgment, led by Michael Drew's perceptive analysis of the criteria that propel books to the New York Times list.
Check out Michael Drew’s website here: https://promoteabook.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter here
Today's guest is Michael Drew, and I've invited him not only because he's an author, but rather due to his extensive work with some of the most renowned authors in the industry. He has collaborated with well-known authors such as John Spoelstra, who has previously appeared on this show, T. Harve Eker, the author of 'Secrets of a Millionaire Mind,' and Marshall Goldsmith—authors who have sold millions and millions of copies of their books. The list continues with notable individuals like Roy Williams and authors that many of our listeners are familiar with. These authors, including Dr. Goldsmith and T. Harve, have achieved remarkable book sales, and Michael played a significant role in their successful promotion.
Michael is also recognized for his ability to assist authors in securing coveted spots on prestigious lists such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. He simultaneously enhances the authors' businesses through essential marketing activities required for a book to attain such distinctions which is indeed intriguing, and our interview delves deeply into it. This is Michael's first time on the show and much of our focus will be primarily on the theory of book marketing.
Back when I initially entered this domain, a conversation like the one we're about to have would have been a game-changer for many up-and-coming authors. My goal for you and our conversation is just to be able to absorb as much as you can about the inner workings of the publishing industry and the true factors that keep a book successful over the long haul with our expert, Michael Drew.
**In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Rucker, an accomplished author, to share his insights into the remarkable success of his book, which has sold over 10,000 copies. Dr. Rucker has extensive knowledge in reaching out to journalists, a skill that has landed him in the esteemed newsletters of prominent media outlets like NPR and CNN. Dr. Mike Rucker also did a great job networking his way into a book publishing deal. Join us as we explore his journey and learn insightful wisdom on the craft of marketing 'The Fun Habit.'
Make sure to follow our guest on these sites for more of their expert advice.
Website: https://michaelrucker.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/performbetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.rucker.phd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewonderoffun LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrucker Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mikeruckerphd Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Fun-Habit/Mike-Rucker/9781982159054 Substack: https://funhabit.substack.com You can also get his book here**.
Michael Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association, and currently serves in the Active Wellness as a Senior Leader who has been academically published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management and Nutrition Research. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Vox, Psychology Today, Thrive Global, Fast Company, the Telegraph, and many more.
He is a remarkable behavioral scientist in addition to being a good author. What sets him apart is how, in a never-ending pursuit of happiness, which I have also come across, Mike is the first self-help author to call out in the book that if you have any mental disorder or depression, then, this probably is not the magic fix for you which is one of the first realistic approaches to a self-help book that I've actually seen making his book truly stand out. Join us as we explore how these components fit into the fun habit and discover its true essence with Mike Rucker.
Make sure to follow our guest on these sites for more of their expert advice.
Website: https://michaelrucker.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/performbetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.rucker.phd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewonderoffun LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrucker Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mikeruckerphd Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Fun-Habit/Mike-Rucker/9781982159054 Substack: https://funhabit.substack.com You can also get his book here.
In our previous episode, Steve gave us invaluable insights into the integration between Amazon and Goodreads. In this episode, our focus is exclusively on the Goodreads platform itself. We will delve deep into how authors can use its power to effectively promote their books.
Understanding and utilizing Goodreads has become crucial for authors trying to navigate the complicated world of book marketing and promotion. That's precisely why we've invited Steve, the former vice president of sales at Goodreads and a subject matter expert in this area, to guide us through the intricacies of maximizing your presence on Goodreads.
Whether you're a non-fiction author seeking to expand your reach or anyone eager to make the most of this platform, you'll gain actionable insights and strategies to propel your book marketing efforts to new heights. Join us as we unlock the full potential of Goodreads with Steve Sarner.
For more of our guest's expert insights, be sure to follow them on these platforms:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/stevesarner
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevesarner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevesarner
Thank you for being a listener - we're closing in on 200 loyal listeners of the show and I want to bring on bigger and bigger authors to give their book marketing blueprints over to you.
In this episode, my friend, Steve Sarner, a former vice president and one of Goodreads' original users who supervised sales and marketing in addition to other duties, shares special insights into the integration of two popular platforms for readers and authors, Goodreads and Amazon. His journey to publishing demonstrates the art of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of modern publishing.
With Amazon's acquisition of Goodreads, the two platforms are poised to work creatively together in the future. This strategic relationship has the potential to reshape the literary scene, providing authors with unprecedented opportunities for visibility and readers with new paths for discovery.
Dr. Katrina Ubell is back to talk about how she got her book in the hands of gatekeepers and organically expanded it.
About a handful, a very small niche, specifically women physicians who focused on weight loss fell in love with her book. It felt like she was talking directly to them making the book very relatable not only to physicians but also to other professionals, doctor's patients, and everyone interested in losing weight.
Dr. Ubell also shares her great marketing strategies as well as her experience during her book launch which was met with great success to the point where she's now sold over 20,000 copies of her book.
Dr. Katrina Ubell’s Podcast: https://katrinaubellmd.com/podcast/
Dr. Katrina Ubell’s Website: https://katrinaubellmd.com/
Learn more about the book here
Dr. Katrina Ubell is a Master Certified Life and Weight Loss Coach who struggled with her own weight for decades before finding a permanent solution. In 2016, she founded the Weight Loss for Busy Physicians which offers a weight loss program that has helped over a thousand busy physicians. She is a graduate of John Hopkins University, and the University of Michigan and lives in Wisconsin with 3 children, her husband, and a West Highland Terrier.
In this episode, Dr. Ubell talks about her struggles and journey for personal health and weight loss while also seeking a career as a doctor. She discovered that the way we think including emotional components produces our desire or urge for food which results in our weight gain and loss, which transformed everything for her and helped her lose and maintain her ideal weight. She now uses her brain-based and science-backed method to help busy physicians and non-medical professionals lose weight for the last time.
Dr. Katrina Ubell’s Podcast: https://katrinaubellmd.com/podcast/
Dr. Katrina Ubell’s Website: https://katrinaubellmd.com/
Learn more about the book here
In the previous episode, Anna highlighted her book marketing and publishing tips for authors; in this episode, she talks about why she wrote On Good Authority and delves more into her journey while crafting the book's content and the strategies she used for her marketing plan.
Anna David’s Newsletter: authoritysecrets.club
Anne David’s Podcast: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/podcast Learn more about the book here.
Check out her first episode in the podcast here.
Anna David is a NY Times Bestselling author of 8 books, founder of Legacy Launch Pad Publishing Company and has been featured on TED, Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, NYT and Page Six.
Anna is back with her latest book, On Good Authority, and is the topic of today’s conversation. It is very seldom that I open a book about book marketing and find that a lot of the information in it is new stuff and so I’m excited to dive into the book.
She has worked with countless authors on their books and marketing and in this episode, she shares helpful tips on the best ways to pitch in the media and discover great content for authors and everyone else.
Anna David’s Podcast: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/podcast
Learn more about the book here.
Check out her first episode in the podcast here.
Susan Friedmann is an international best-selling author whose debut book sold over 500,000 copies. She also founded Aviva Publishing which came when she needed to create her own publishing company for her own books. Susan also hosts an award-winning podcast, Book Marketing Mentors, that helps authors with their book marketing strategy.
In this episode, Susan Friedmann shares her author journey as well as her expert techniques in publishing and marketing to influence and empower authors.
This is an excellent listen for all authors, particularly nonfiction authors, as it helps them in discovering their niche market and identifying their perfect target audience.
You may listen to her podcast here.
In this episode, we have the seasoned author of 20 years, John Strelecky, come back on the podcast to share his strategy in customizing his approach on different markets for his books.
John is a great resource to tune in to as he had already sold over 8 million copies of his books and today we are going to cover how he was able to market to Europe, leaders, and have a bespoke approach when it comes to different topics of books.
He shares what worked before, what's working now, and his advise on authors who are looking to make their mark in the industry as well.
If you'd like to learn more about John's work, check his website here.
We are welcoming back John Strelecky who is actually our first return guest and with good reason.
His episode is one of our most popular, and the man has sold over 8 million copies of his books. Originally, we talked aboutThe Cafe On The Edge Of The World, and this time John is back to discuss another remarkable book.
On this episode, we talk aboutThe Big Five For Life, a life-changing book about leadership and a wealth of insight into our daily lives. This book continues to inspire so many people and led to its selling of over a million copies and spent an astonishing three hundred and fifty weeks as Europe's #1 Best Selling Personal Development and Leadership book.
Get to know more about the book here.
We are welcoming back John Strelecky who is actually our first return guest and with good reason.
His episode is one of our most popular, and the man has sold over 8 million copies of his books. Originally, we talked aboutThe Cafe On The Edge Of The World, and this time John is back to discuss another remarkable book.
On this episode, we talk aboutThe Big Five For Life, a life-changing book about leadership and a wealth of insight into our daily lives. This book continues to inspire so many people and led to its selling of over a million copies and spent an astonishing three hundred and fifty weeks as Europe's #1 Best Selling Personal Development and Leadership book.
Get to know more about the book here.
We've had marketers and authors from previous episodes who shared that they did not find value in investing in a PR firm. In this episode, we want to explore further why that came to be the experience of other authors and debunk some of the common misconceptions about PR efforts and PR firms.
Today we have Steve Harrison, the co-founder of authorsuccess.com, who will share his experience being on the other side of the coin and utilizing PR to promote authors.
Steve's company has helped successfully promote the books of 15,000 non-fiction authors including Chicken Soup for the Soul and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Their clients ranged from showing up on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Fox News, ESPN among many others.
Tune in to learn from an experienced PR expert how to build your brand. Steve also shares about understanding the media and how you can serve them, finding the best PR firm for your book, and how Robert Kiyosaki worked with them.
This episode also shares insight into why authors failed in their PR efforts and the delineation of where the PR firm's work ends and the author's work begins in terms of marketing and promotion.
If you want to learn more about Steve and his work, visit https://authorsuccess.com/ and get your free report
In this episode, we have the authors of "Go For No" back on the podcast to talk about the strategies and mindset behind how they were able to reach massive success for their book.
Currently, they have over 4000+ reviews for Go for No on Amazon and consistently move 600 to 800 physical copies of the book per month.
They shared about how intentionally writing the book and focusing on consumption could be the best marketing tool you can do for your book launch and marketing your book.
Other key points of the conversation were how to build long-term relationships and focus on bulk selling, how huge the book cover impacts the sales and impressions of the book, the mindset shifts needed to happen to gear yourself up for success, and how long it takes to see the results of your efforts.
If you'd like to learn more about their work, check out the link here.
In this episode, we have Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz on the podcast. They are the authors of "Go For No!"--a book that has already sold 500,000 copies to this date and garnered thousands of reviews on Amazon.
Richard shares his story on how he came upon the idea for the book, and how he and Andrea was able to encapsulate it in a written format without making the story convoluted and keeping it direct to the point.
We also discuss the main premise of the book on how getting to a yes is a destination and the no is the way to get there, how to take advantage of the 5 levels of failure, and how success cannot be achieved without failure and how you will use this to inspire your team.
Next week, Andrea and Richard will be coming back on to discuss how they were able to market and what strategy they had prior and during launch that cleared the path for the book's massive success.
If you'd like to learn more about their work, you can find the link to their book here.
Email marketing for authors is one thing we haven't discussed previously on this podcast. This episode is going to change that as we have Matt Treacey--author of Natural Orders and an email marketing expert.
With a track record of generating millions of dollars in revenue for small business owners through email marketing, he's the best resource person to walk us through the basics of email marketing all the way to the advanced level.
I will also share what email marketing system we have in-house and have Matt share his thoughts on what to do next and how to scale it.
As an author, you are going to get solid KPIs to benchmark on, the best practices to prevent turning off your audience with your emails, and practical advice to improve your conversions if you are already running your email marketing campaigns.
If you're just starting out, Matt also shares with us what platforms are a good place to build your ecosystem, what to look for, and how you would know when you need to scale.
To learn more about Matt Treacey's work, you can find his book here.
In this episode, we have Jotham Stein back on the podcast to discuss further how he was able to write a book that sells itself organically.
When Jotham started, he had seeded only a few hundred copies and gone from selling 5 to 10 copies per week to over 50 copies per week. What's impressive is that most of these sales come from word-of-mouth and referrals from people who have read his book.
To recap, his book "Negotiate Like A CEO" mainly covers how to protect yourself if you're a business owner, investor, or employee. This book is backed by his decades of experience representing clients that did not know how to use their leverage and missed potholes engaging in business.
He was able to take his knowledge, expertise, and experience into a word form that made the book engaging, relevant, and practical to virtually almost everyone that has a role or job.
It took him 2 years to write the book and in this episode, he goes on to share what was his writing process and the importance of having someone provide meaningful feedback on the work he has done.
This is a good listen for authors to glean insight into what are the best ways to give yourself a boost when writing a book and ensure you are able to polish what you have created.
To learn more about Jotham Stein and his work, click on this link here.
In this episode, we are speaking with Jotham Stein about his book Negotiate Like a CEO. Jotham Stein is a lawyer by profession and has worked with many entrepreneurs and employees who are ever so passionate and focused on their craft that understanding the risks and contracts that come with the role usually get placed on the back burner.
This and the trends he has seen of how frequently these problems arise inspired him to share his knowledge with the public.
Negotiate Like A CEO is written for entrepreneurs and employees to educate them on how they can protect themselves if ever things go south. As an author and publisher, you may have encountered these problems and stories as well and might find value in understanding the perspective and interests of investors, business owners, and employees whenever they enter an agreement.
The book is geared to enable the readers to understand what an exit plan looks like, what type of protection should be set up from day 1, non-competes, common mistakes, differences in regulations for each state, and leverage, among many others.
The book is dense with lessons however it should not be taken as a replacement for legal advice.
In the next episode, Jotham will be coming back to share the grassroots marketing strategy he did for the book and how he was able to successfully market the book.
If you want to learn more about the book and Jotham's work, you can find the link here.
In the previous episode, Leidy Klotz shared with us the concept of his book--Subtract. For this episode, we're focusing on the successful marketing tactics behind the book's launch and promotion.
To give you an idea, Leidy's background focuses on teaching and research. He did not have any following on social media except for his family, friends, and acquaintances. Most of our listeners also come from that background, so in this interview, we're pulling back the curtains on how to successfully market your book from the ground up and where to get the help needed to springboard to your success.
Leidy needed to figure out how to market a book without any leverage, the mindset shifts that are needed to focus on marketing and promotion, including how working with a publisher helped versus becoming self-published.
He also shared what he found to make the most waves in terms of organically marketing his book, where he focused his energy, and what was his strategy to get picked up by a book agent, how to get blurbs, and how to find a publisher to work with.
To learn more about Leidy Klotz and his book, check out this link here.
For this episode, we interviewed the author of "Subtract", Leidy Klotz. His book is one that Adam Grant recommends reading.
The whole premise of the book talks about how to solve a problem whether it's related to design to corporate business problems. Our initial approach is to add more things and create something new to reinvent the wheel. However, Leidy argues and builds the case in the book that it is actually by subtracting and removing something that allows us to solve the matter better.
He goes on to talk about how and why we are hard-wired biologically, socially, and culturally to keep adding more when faced with solving a problem, and how this impacts our daily lives such as the simple things of managing our calendar and to-do list
The discussion had a range of topics starting with personal life, policies, regulation, design, and even finding solutions for the climate crisis we are facing.
This is a good listen for you as a book marketer or author if you'd want to look into a new approach for how you can solve a problem and what steps to take in embracing the complexity first of the issue and then stripping away the things that are not fundamental to the process
Join us back next week to learn how Leidy was able to achieve success for his book.
If you'd like to learn further about Leidy's work, check out this link to the book.
This is the 2nd episode where we have Doug Evans, author of The Sprout Book. Previously, we discussed the concept of sprouting and its health benefits. Now, we're going to take a look into what made it so successful to reach the 10th printing using grassroots marketing efforts from sending physical copies and dm strategy on Instagram.
Doug started from 2,000 to 3,000 followers on IG, driving 3 hours each way to record interviews for podcasts, using Linkedin outreach to reach a bigger audience, and essentially being fearless in the approach of marketing his book. We explored his strategy on TikTok as well as how he managed to get 1000 of reviews for his book without soliciting.
This is a great listen for those who have not yet started on advertising and would like to see what are the options in a more organic approach.
If you'd like to know more about The Sprout Book and its amazing author Doug Evans, check out www.thesproutbook.com and https://www.tiktok.com/@sproutwiz
Doug Evans is the co-founder of Organic Avenue and the founder of Juicero. He is also the author of "The Sprout Book" which we will cover in depth in this podcast episode.
He will be with us for 2 episodes including this one and the next episode wherein he will cover the book's marketing. As an overview, Doug Evans also did digital marketing for Apple and has interesting experience under his belt that we will explore in both episodes.
This episode is a valuable resource for those looking to transition to a plant-based diet without breaking the bank, or just for those looking to leisurely listen to scientific explanations of how sprouts are more nutrient-dense than another period of a plant's life cycle
We discuss the important aspects of nutrition in alignment with improving life and health, growing your own sprouts, the health benefits of eating sprouts, and Doug's journey for going full plant-based diet.
To learn more about the book and Doug, you can check out the link here: www.thesproutbook.com
Chandler Bolt is the CEO of Self Publishing School and has authored 6 bestselling books. His most recent book is "Published" which we'll talk further about in this episode.
We discussed how aspiring self-published authors can strategize and prepare for their book launch including getting reviews, when to start running ads, how much time should go into preparing your book launch, and how you can build your launch team.
Chandler also shared his insights on an excellent way to utilize the local media to your advantage and the current status of the self-publishing space.
Tune in to the conversation if you're looking to get definitive advice on book launches and if you'd like to learn more about Chandler and his most recent book we talked about in this episode, check out this link here
If you are curious about what they do at Self Publishing School, you can go to link: https://self-publishingschool.com/
On this episode with Ricardo Fayet, we take a deep dive into book marketing to help amplify and catalyze the success of a book to get more sales from tweaking Amazon's A+ content, creative ways to market a book using actual billboards, influencer marketing, and many more.
Ricardo is the founder of Reedsy--a site that you can go to to find and work with the best publishing professionals. Since 2014, the team has built a community of 1 million+ authors as well as 2,500 freelance professionals that is helping bring more than 15,000 books to market each year.
We covered topics such as best way to advertise, get visibility, and reviews on your book whether you are just starting out, or you're ready to scale, and answered which avenues are the most effective way to launch your book.
Listen to this episode if you're looking to find tools, strategies and resources that will help in launching and marketing your book whichever stage of the process you might be in right now.
To learn more about Ricardo and his book, you can check out this link here
In this episode, we focus on Bob Lung and his strategy in creating great content consistently on one topic--Fantasy Football--that allowed him to build his network and sell thousands of copies of his book in a year.
Bob traces back his steps on how he was able to achieve the status of being an authority and resource person in his space.
This episode is a must listen if you enjoyed the previous one with Jon Sherman.
If you want to learn more about Bob and his book on Fantasy Football, you can check out this link here.
Jon and I first got in touch right before he was about to launch his new book, The Four Foundations of Golf. I remember him telling me about everything he had planned for the launch and how he was finally creating a product of his own.
Little did he know just how well that launch would go, and continues to do. That book is on its way to selling over 100K copies within just 6 months.
The reason why I love Jons story so much is because he’s another one of these self published authors who literally started blogging about something he was passionate about, blogged about it for years and learned a lot about how to make a blog work, built relationships through great content, captured followers in an email list, and then used all of that to launch his book.
Every time an author like Jon comes on, they give away little details of what they specifically focused on or hacks they figured out along the way and that’s what I love sharing the most with you. So it’s my pleasure to have on Jon Sherman of The Four Foundations of Golf.
Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Foundations-Golf-Build-Lifetime-ebook/dp/B0B4FDYTD3
Jon Sherman wrote and released what has become one of the bestselling golf books of the year, The Four Foundations of Golf.
I personally know nothing about golf and so in this episode, Jon and I dove into golf for the beginner. Golf was emphasized in business school as a place that business got done. If you also thought you’d never touch a club but understand the value in being able to hold your own, Jon gives us the quick rundown on what to focus on when starting out.
We do two very different episodes with Jon, this one’s obviously about golf and if that’s not your cup of tea, listen in to next weeks episode where Jon takes us step by step through how he went from something he was passionate about to translating that into 100K copies sold in the first 6 months of his book launch.
Get the book here: The Four Foundations of Golf
John lives the truth he speaks about as he quit his consulting job to pursue a higher purpose and hustled his way into becoming a world famous author.
He tells me about how he got a few copies out initially just by going out to local meet ups and handing books directly to people while having a thoughtful conversation.
Johns success is a brick by brick story of writing a great book, seeding copies one by one, and letting word of mouth do the rest.
We also talk about his writing process, and other marketing tools that have helped him along the way.
Get his book here.
My interview with John Strelecky of The Cafe On the Edge of the World was one of top 3 favorite interviews I’ve ever had with an author.
Johns book speaks so much to my own journey of leaving corporate American to find myself and a greater purpose in life.
Johns book isn’t a self help book but a story, much like the alchemist, and shows you the inner workings of a man who’s going through life unconsciously.
Along the way he encounters these 3 questions on the Menu of a cafe he stops at:
The 3 questions are:
Why are you here?
Do you fear death?
Are you fulfilled?
I like this book for the same reason I like autobiographies, you get to take away the lessons you want.
Hopefully this interview allows you to do the same.
You can get the book here.
From a indie-author perspective, Thibaut shows a 10+ year realistic progression on going from a day job to becoming a full time author, supported by his work.
I love talking to authors who prove that its about just doing the work, day in, and day out and so I tried to get into the specifics with Thibaut of how he spent his time during the time it’s taken him to get to where he is, and how he stayed focused on area of interest.
Lets hear one example of an author who is entirely self created and how he did it.
Master Your Emotions
Todays guest is the bestselling author of Master Your Emotions, a book you’ve probably heard of because it has sold thousands of thousands of copies, if not millions by now and has over 7,000 reviews on Amazon.
The book is about a topic we all struggle with, learning to see our mind as a friend instead of this constant source of misery. Now depending on who you are you might struggle with this more or less.
As you might have heard in my newsletter or just talking to me personally, I have become less excited about self help books because I often find that they leave me feeling worse off.
I didn’t stray away from that opinion in my conversation with Thibaut but I do appreciate his responses in regards to seeking professional help for an issue that can’t be solved by a book. You can hear his answers to my questions about the drawbacks of self help books towards the end of our conversation.
Regardless of my opinion on self help, Thibaut also provides some wonderful basics in regards to developing mindfulness, which is one thing that’s always proved useful for my own journey and hopefully it will be for yours as well.
David came back on to talk about how he’s sold thousands and thousands of copies of Systemology and how he used the same principals to build out his marketing around the book. As one of our mutual friends says “random acts of marketing don’t work” and so in order to build anything lasting and valuable - you need to build systems.
Here’s David Jenyns back on to talk with us about his book marketing.
systemology.com
Book
David Jenyns' mission is to free all business owners worldwide from the daily operations of running their business. I’m not going to lie, this episode was sort of a guilty pleasure for me because it’s something I personally have struggled with - you’ve heard me talk about burnout before and it’s the trap so many entrepreneurs fall into when starting out. I use Davids book even today as a reference guide to continue to outsource various parts of my business.
I wanted to bring on David to talk about how he systematizes businesses so well so he can focus on growing, having a larger impact, and actually enjoy his life.
Get his book here.
As you heard in the last episode, Dorie knows how to build a network and then use that network in a genuine way to propel her to the next level.
I wanted to bring Dorie back on to talk about how she played the long game with her publishing career and how she’s turned the long game into such a huge success.
Get Dorie's assessment here:
dorieclark.com/entrepreneur
Dorie Clark is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine.
She helps individuals and companies get their best ideas heard in a crowded, noisy world. She has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50.
What I love about Dorie is that she has a very followable path to how she’s become the Dorie Clark we all know today from shear will and hustle over a long time horizon.
In fact this is a big part of what her book The Long Game is about. Dorie is now even famous for her dinner parties where you might rub shoulders with a price, a chef, and a gym owner all at the same table. She’s such a wonderful soul and there’s so much to learn from her which is why I am so excited to share our conversation.
dorieclark.com/entrepreneur
In this episode, we bring David Hancock back on to talk about how he grew Morgan James Publishing into one of the most respected modern publishers today but re-inventing how publishing is done.
Since he's worked with so many authors, you know I had to also ask him which books are selling right now, and how authors are able to best market their books for the long term.
In this episode we talk with Morgan James Publishing CEO David Hancock about the release of his new book, Performance Driven Giving.
Who better to learn from about publishing a book than the CEO of a modern publishing company.
In this episode we talk with Morgan James Publishing CEO David Hancock about the release of his new book, Performance Driven Giving.
Who better to learn from about publishing a book than the CEO of a modern publishing company.
We had rob back on to talk about how he marketed Write Useful Books and how it’s going behind the scenes.
Get the book here
Chad released Powerful Questions in 2017 with the late Will Wise. Since then, it’s sold 10s of thousands of copies, has close to 500 reviews on Amazon, and Chads even gone on to turn the book into a card game.
I wanted to learn from chad about how we so successfully launched his book, and what he’s doing to keep it selling so well.
Welcome back Chad Littlefield
The Book
The Website
Ever have a conversation with someone, and you’re left feeling like there’s something very very different about the person you were just talking to?
They somehow talked to your soul. It was refreshing, maybe even inspiring.
So many people proclaim to “hate small talk” but what does it actually been to do the contrary.
How can you create moments throughout your day where you actually connect with the people around you.
Ask Powerful questions is the book that teaches you how to have meaningful conversations.
Meaningful conversations with your colleagues, prospects, family, friends, and the grocery store check out man.
Chad Littlefireld wrote the book with the late great will wise. He’s a TedX speaker, founder and CEO of We & Me inc, and has consulted with companies from JetBlue to Starbucks.
It’s my pleasure to introduce the thoughtful Chad Littlefield.
The Book
The Website
Kam Knight is a self published author who’s books have thousands of reviews and have reached #1 on all of Amazon.
I’m always fascinated by the author-entrepreneur and Kam is nothing short of that.
In this episode we talk about how he became the bestselling author of multiple mental performance book and how he’s been able to build his full time career around them.
Get Speed Reading here
MindLily.com
I work in the book business which means I have to read a lot. One book a week on average.
I was that student who spark noted everything and hated reading until no one was telling me to do it.
I still remember that first book I picked up, How to Win Friends and Influence People, which lead to good to great by Jim collins, Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi, and The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris.
My love for reading grew and my whole life became books.
But I’m a slow reader. I like to take my time to digest each page.
I enjoy the process of working my way through a book.
I had heard of speed reading but never took it seriously because I though you’d lose comprehension.
But then I picked up speed reading and it challenged me to look back at the last 10 books I’d read and try to remember what my takeaways were.
I was dumbfounded.
I had just read bird by bird by Anne Lamott and loved it so much I was already recommending it.
But I honestly couldn’t remember what my actual takeaways were.
Kam makes that challenge because speed reading can actually be a way to comprehend books even better while decreasing the time it takes to absorb them.
But I’ll let Kam tell you how.
Kam is the multiple bestselling author of mental performance books.
It’s my pleasure to introduce Kam Knight
Get Speed Reading here
MindLily.com
I wanted to ask Perry what the 80/20 was for the marketing of his book, what were the activities that actually sold his books?
And that’s why I have the privilege of welcoming Perry Marshall back to the show.
The 80/20 principal (or Pareto Principle as it’s also known by) is the idea that 80% of consequences come from 20% of the causes. This can be applied to the effort you apply to something, or the fact that the top 20% of the population has 80% of the wealth.
Perry Marshall is the guy that applied this concept to business. Essentially, 80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your products. Or 80% of your leads come from 20% of your marketing efforts. In his famous book, 80/20 sales and marketing, he lays out the entrepreneurs guide to sanity. All jokes aside, his whole point is, focus on what really brings in the bacon, spend less time stressed and engaging in random activities.
Here’s Perry Marshall to talk about 80/20 sales and marketing.
Brendan Kane is back on to talk with us about how he leveraged social media to get his book deal and then sell hundreds of thousands of copies of his books.
Odds are you’ve seen at least 1 piece of content, whether on FB, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Tik Tok that this next guest has created. That’s because Brendan Kane and his team have racked up an impressive 60 billion views and 100+ million followers for the content they have worked on.
Basically, if social media was a science, Brendan Kane would be the lead scientist. He helped Taylor Swift rebrand her digital experience for fans, his list of clients include Rihanna, MTV, the NHL and many more impressive names.
He’s also the author of Bestselling book One Million Followers and his most recent bestselling book, Hook Point.
Today, he’s here to walk us through what his author journey has looked like from no name entrepreneur, to world famous author.
The Big Leap sells more copies every year and so I wanted to learn from Gay about how to write a book that does just that, along with diving deeper into his author career.
In this episode, where we have Gay back on the show, we dive into the author career of one of the greats, along with the marketing that helped get him there.
Last November in particular...I crashed and burned from working 80+ weeks for 6 months straight on getting my business off the ground.
A friend of mine, Dave Chesson, recommended to me Gays book a month or so earlier.
Working through my burnout, having an employee completely ghost me, and needing to drive a dog across the country, it was no coincidence that when a flight I was on, headed back home to San Diego, ran out of fuel and had to make an emergency landing (on top of everything else going on) - I had his book to keep me calm.
The Big Leap, happened to be in my backpack that day as I went from one anxiety attack to the next.
We touched down in Ontario, just east of LA to refuel before heading onto San Diego. All the ground crew had cleared for the night and so there was no-one to meet the plane.
We were trapped for hours, out of water, and filled with sweaty passengers now beginning to freak out. For brief moments here and there I began to see glimpses of breaking open the Exit door just to find a breath of fresh air.
Yet still I had The Big Leap to keep me grounded.
Gay Hendricks has personally coached thousands including Michael Dell and his executive team to breakthrough mental barriers and to have the impact they desire to have on the world.
He’s the author of many great books, one of which, The Big Leap, continues to sell more and more every year even though it was released over a decade ago.
That only happens when a book is so good that overtime it changes so many lives that it continues to get recommended over and over again until theres an army of people out there in the world sharing the book.
I’m excited to dive further into some big topics of the book, like Upper Limits and false beliefs. It’s my honor and privilege to bring you this interview with The Gay Hendricks.
Oh my god you must meet today's guest, Qat Wanders. She’s one of my all time favorite people, bestselling fiction and non fiction author of over 80 books, 7 figure business owner, and used to work in the circus. Yes, you heard that right.
We were introduced a while back by a fellow connection but nothing came of it. I was listening to one of my favorite shows, The Self Publishing School Podcast with Chandler Bolt and she was a guest. I was like, that name sounds familiar, I had no idea that’s who I was talking to…she’s amazing…I must talk to her.
So I reached back out and this time it resulted in a longer conversation.
In this episode we go deep into the world of editing and clear up what different types of editing mean, how she goes about picking her genres to write in, and we also get incredibly vulnerable and talk about the entrepreneurial burnout she experienced which I personally resonated so much with since my burnout last November and how’s she’s moving forward in life professionally and personally.
Joanna Penn and Indie publishing go together like sunshine and solar panels. If you can’t tell, I just made that up. Joanna Penn was early to the indie publishing game and has benefited greatly from the early belief that it was the future.
She has over 30 books in multiple pen names both fiction and nonfiction, runs the highly adored TheCreativePenn.com blog, and has possibly the longest running podcast on indie publishing with over a million downloads, The Creative Penn Podcast.
Obviously Joanna is an incredibly popular author but it’s also been a dream of mine to interview Joanna ever since I got into the world of publishing and so you’ll be able to tell that I’m just giddy with excitement throughout our interview.
In this episode we really get into the nuts and bolts of her author career.
It wouldn’t look too great if a book about marketing didn’t sell well.
Luckily that’s not the case here with hundreds of thousands of copies sold and over 5000 reviews on Amazon, Allan Dib wrote a book which continues to sell better and better years after it’s launch.
I want to know why that is and what Allan Dib is currently doing to keep momentum going for the One Page Marketing Plan. In this episode, Allan walks us through the marketing plan for his book, The One Page Marketing Plan.
The One Page marketing plan has a global following. The book has over 5,000 reviews on Amazon and is still a bestseller, years on from its launch. Allan Dib makes marketing palatable for the average business owner who has a great product or service but no idea how to get it to market.
Like Allan says, it’s not a revolution in marketing but it is a revolution in marketing implementation because as I’m sure most of you know, spontaneous marketing activities don’t work.
Allan also talks about the need to systematize your marketing which to me is the biggest takeaway from the book and something I’m actually right now working on to implement in my business.
Let’s jump into the One Page Marketing Plan with Allan Dib.
Daniel Pink is one of the biggest authors we’ve had on this show. I'm incredibly grateful for his willing ness to come on and share his wisdom but one of the great parts of interviewing an author about their book is also to interview them about how they became the NYT bestselling author they are today.
I wanted a blueprint from Daniel on how any one of us with a desire for a greater impact in this life can work towards an author career like his. Lets dive into the marketing side of books with Daniel Pink.
I’ve been following this next guest for almost a decade.
From his book When, to his most well known book, Drive, Daniel Pink constantly takes complex topics, performs a ton of research on the topic, and then distills it into a framework that we then get to use to make our lives better. He’s done this with selling, our internal timing system, our drive, and now he’s done this with regret.
In this episode we dive deep into regret, the topic of this latest book, the power of regret, with 5X NYT bestselling author Daniel Pink.
I make most decisions in life based around what I’m going to regret on my deathbed the most. It’s easy to think you know what you’ll regret the most but based on his research, Pink gets into the 4 most common regrets which I’ve already started to use on a daily basis to figure out what to do and what not to do.
Let’s get into it with Daniel Pink.
**Marie Kondo, Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield.
T**hese are just a few of the names of which today’s guest has represented as a literary agent.
He has personally placed more than 5000 titles with dozens of publishers. He’s also the founder of Waterside Productions Inc. which stemmed from his great grandfathers publishing business - founded during the great depression printing study guides for the DMV.
Echkart Tolle is one of my favorite authors and so I wanted to hear about the behind the scenes on how he became what he is today. I also wanted to learn more about what happens behind the scenes in the traditional publishing world from someone who’s been in the industry for decades.
We also end our chat talking about BIll's next adventure, NFTs.
In this episode of the how, we talk about how John retired at 32 with his books, how he’s built his youtube channel to over 200,000 subscribers, and how he’s now using his latest book, Self Confidence for men as a lead generation tool for his bulldog mindset courses. It’s great to hear from people who have accomplished such great things but what I try to focus on in these how episodes is exactly what steps over what timeframe John took to get to where he is today.
Last episode - Kary helped us to stop from being hacked by the modern world. This week he tells us how he’s sold the 10s of thousands of books he has, and used them to propel is brand and business. He’s also the founder of Igniting Souls Publishing where they’ve worked with authors like Dan Sullivan, Justin Donald, Jim Edwards, and many others so I thought he’d be a fantastic resource on what actually moves books.
John Sonmez is most well known for The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide which has over 800 reviews on Amazon. He's also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel, where he reaches 1.4 million software developers yearly with a central message: Technical skills alone aren't enough for a successful career—or life.
He transitioned from writing about programming soft skills to writing about building something, he calls, The Bulldog Mindset.
In this episode we talk about what he was doing leading up to the book, and how each book he’s launched has had a distinct purpose along his author journey.
Bulldog Mindset YouTube
The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide
Self Confidence for Men
Tyler Wagner is the founder of Authors Unite where they’ve helped hundreds of authors become WSJ bestsellers.
After learning how to self publish back in the early days of Amazon publishing - he’s build an empire helping others do the same.
I wanted to know what it takes to become a WSJ bestselling author so I brought on Tyler to talk about their exact system for doing so.
He's also a crazy cool entrepreneur going from 3K a month to 8-figures and so I wanted to talk to him about his entrepreneurial journey.
You’re sitting down either at a dinner or in a presentation with your boss and you feel a buzz in your pocket. You reach down to grab your phone to see what notification has popped up and realize there’s no notification.
You just experienced a ghost buzz. We’re so used to our phones buzzing all the time that we’re actually now feeling buzzes when we’re not even getting a text.
This is just one of the many ways you’re being hacked in the modern world.
I’m not some conspiracy theorist who thinks there’s someone out to get us all - I think it’s just a side effect of the modern world. The sad thing is - if you continue to get distracted every hour of every day - you’ll fail to engage in meaningful work. And if you fail to hit your goals week, after week, you’ll end up with a life of regret - and I’m not joking.
I’ve spent months in this vicious cycle.
But luckily all you have to do is build a few systems around your work and time - it’s that easy. I’ve done this through tools like newsfeed eradicator, turning all notifications off on my phone except calls and texts, and even setting my phone to black and white to make it less addicting.
Kary Oberbrunner wrote Unhackable to solve this problem (and just listening to his voice is so incredibly soothing). He's also a USA today and WSJ bestselling author of over 7 books - one of which - Unhackable has been praised by the likes of Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan for giving you your life back.
It’s a powerful message I believe can help you have less regret at the end of your life.
**In this episode we have our second interview with Mike Cohen about how he actually sold 10,000 copies of Neurofeedback 101.
According to publishers weekly, the average book in America sells about 500 copies, multiply that by 20 and you’ll get the number of copies the Neurofeedback has sold.
For those of you interested in writing a book - here’s how you write and market something that sells more than 500 copies.**Neurofeedback 101 on Amazon
Welcome back to Before the Bestseller.
Moving forward I’m going to release two episodes for each author, the what - meaning we talk about the content of the book and the how - how the author actually became not just an author but a bestselling author.
Listeners who just want to hear from their favorite authors can listen to the what and those who want to listen to the how can listen to those and if you’re like me, and love both sides, then every episode is for you.
We’ll also have guests on time to time who aren’t authors but are deeply rooted within the industry - we’ll label these episodes, the who.
With that being said, here’s our first What episode with bestselling author, 10,000+ copies sold, Dr. Michael Cohen, on to talk about his book, Neurofeedback 101. For those of you who are like, "that sounds familiar", neurofeedback was mentioned in the top selling book, the body keeps the score (another book we’ve highlighted in a previous episode with Bessel van der Kolk M.D.). It’s a growing field of medicine which can provide for a more natural alternative for things like Adderall, Xanax and a lot of other pharmaceutical drugs. This is personal for me as I’ve had a lot of friends minds get screwed up from being overprescribed medicines when healthier alternatives exist without all the nasty side effects. I’m not a doctor and this isn’t the right solution for everyone but I think it’s worth having a listen and figuring out for yourself whether it could be right for you or someone you know.
My guest today is the 8th bestselling author in the world at the time of this recording.
His name is Bessel van der Kolk M.D. and his book is The Body Keeps the Score.
Odds are that you may have heard of this book.
Originally released in September of 2014 - that’s over 7 years ago.
Each year the book sells more and more and has become a global sensation, gaining fandom in eastern and western societies.
The Book, The Body Keeps The Score is a defining moment for healing trauma in our society and explores the science behind the movement away from prescriptions used to cover up symptoms, to truly resolving the trauma which plagues us.
The funny thing is that the book was never meant for such a wide audience. Bessel wrote it to move the study of trauma forward within his field but it accidentally found its way into the hands of people like you and I, who are using it to see and understand trauma in a new light.
A special thanks to Licia Sky who was behind the scenes in making this episode possible.
For those of you listening on the day this airs, the book club launches this Friday on the 21st, for those of you interested.
You can join here: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/lp/trf-book-club/
Amy Lyle is the bestselling author of The Book of Failures and We’re All a Mess, It's Okay. Her story is completely unique from anyone else's we’ve had on the show, from how she marketed her books, to the reasons for writing them.
Her book launch cost as much as a wedding, where she had over 300 people physically show up. She also isn’t afraid of getting down and dirty with optimizing the backend of her book and nailed it with her keywords & ads to keep the book selling well beyond the launch.
This all kept her book #1 in the huge amazon category of humor and entertainment for over a year.
She marries traditional book marketing and modern digital marketing so well and so I found her to be an incredible resource for fellow authors.
We also talk about how she gets speaking engagements, TV appearances, and some mistakes she made that you can avoid.
She’s also a stand up comic which makes for a very fun episode.
Amy’s book
Amy’s website
Amy’s Podcast: In the Burbs
Ed Rush is a 5 X bestselling author who knows what it’s like to have a book in the top 20 books on all of Amazon. His books have sold 10s of thousands of copies and he’s the master of converting readers into followers.
But he’s not just an author
Ed flew in his combat career as a decorated F-18 pilot, which included over 50 combat missions and 2 tours to Iraq. While in the Marines, Ed served as the one of the country’s leading instructors on aerial dog fighting and recently worked as a key player in the development of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
He says he’s done all this despite possessing a below average intelligence and, which whether or not that’s true, everything he talks about is so actionable and accessible.
With His book, The 21 Day Miracle, he knows what it takes to make Amazon happy from backend keywords to product optimization. He woke up to hundreds of organic sales from Amazon promoting his book and if I hand’t seen the sales with my own eyes I probably wouldn’t believe it so I had to ask him how he pulled that off.
Ed is an implementer and has such a unique approach to getting things done. We talk about how he changes anything in 21 days. From fasting for 21 days to how he wrote the 21 day Miracle (in 21 days) its my absolute pleasure to talk with Ed Rush.
Ed's Website: https://edrush.com/
The 21 Day Miracle for 99¢
Today's guest wrote The First 90 Days, which since its release in November of 2003, has sold over 1.5 million copies. Mention The First 90 Days to anyone in a leadership, management, or HR role and they'll nod while saying, “I’ve read it and annotated it with highlights, writing in the margins, and my copies filled with sticky notes.”
It was on the Business Week's best-seller list for 15 months.
The author, Michael Watkins, went from teaching Corporate Diplomacy at HBS to confounding a leadership development company, Genesis Advisers, where he's worked with hundreds of leaders, including those at many Fortune 200 organizations to help accelerate leadership transitions within their organization.
Look on Amazon today and the book is consistently labeled a bestseller in some of the top Amazon categories, has almost 5,000 reviews, and even just a few days ago, was ranked in the top 700 books. The book's been selling for over a decade and continues to do just that.
The First 90 Days has also been translated into 29+ languages, named top 100 best business books of all time by 800-CEO-Read, named the "onboarding bible" by The Economist, and was listed among Amazon’s Top Business Books to Read in a Lifetime.
I'm excited to chat with Michael about how he was able to craft, not just a timely message that resonated with so many people, but one that’s lived on for going on two decades.
Connect with Michael here
Get on the Genesis Advisors Newsletter here
Join IMD's The First 90 Days Program here
Today’s guest needs no introduction but I’ll give you one anyway.
Here's the hint: He’s Mr. Kindlepreneur. Not just by his own naming but by Amazon - which actually calls him that themselves.
While overseas in the military, he started building websites. One of his sites, Kindlepreneur, eventually took off with hundreds of thousands of visitors each month.
After hearing about the struggles of authors and reflecting on his own experiences, he built publisher rocket - a tool used by almost every self-published author and major publisher out there.
If fact, I speak from experience, Publisher Rocket is integral to my own business.
Dave and I talk about how he built what he did, his advice for authors in marketing a book in today’s world, and even going from solo-preneur to leading a whole team.
Along the way we also talk about his latest innovation, Atticus, which is an all-in-one writing and book formatting software.
Here’s Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur.
Kindlepreneur: https://kindlepreneur.com/
Publisher Rocket: https://alexstrathdee--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket/
Atticus: https://www.atticus.io/
FREE Amazon Ads Course: https://www.advancedamazonads.com/
Craig Ballantyne has written five books, including “The Perfect Day Formula: How to Own the Day and Control Your Life,” which has sold over 25,000 copies and has over 400 reviews on Amazon. His book, Unstoppable, is a WSJ bestselling book. His videos have been watched over 7 million times on YouTube.
He’s built five 7-figure businesses in five different industries, including a $5.5 million/year Turbulence Training business.
I wanted to ask him how he wrote books that still sell today, despite being launched years ago along with asking him about how he does so much with the same time we all have. He’s got some amazing systems that I’ve even started to apply to my own life.
Get more of him on Instagram @RealCraigBallantyne
Get his app on Winningstreak.io using code VXFLG2
Get his books for free: https://www.craigballantyne.com/books/
FREE Amazon Ads Course: www.advancedamazonads.com
Bryan is one of the most prolific writers I know. His site, https://becomeawritertoday.com/ has turned from a side passion to a full time business where his team blogs about various time management, reader-tech, and writer topics along with many helpful courses.
He's written many books including the power of creativity which has over 400 reviews on Amazon.
He’s also contributed to publications like Forbes, Lifehacker and Fast Company which we get into talking about how he did that.
His story is one of creating something from nothing which we can all relate to and in this episode we get his exact blueprint for doing so.
Bryan's podcast: https://podcast.becomeawritertoday.com/
FREE Amazon Ads Course: www.advancedamazonads.com
Anna David is an all-around bada$$!
She's a NYT bestselling author of 8 books (both fiction and nonfiction), a publisher, a TEDxer, a TV personality, podcaster, and much, much more.
She’s been published by the likes of Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster.
She’s been on Good Morning America, written for Time Magazine, The Huffington Post, US Weekly and many others.
Her podcast is one of my favorite shows. She lands $50K clients from her Instagram and in our episode we cover all of this and why your email subject lines should sound like something you’d send your mom.
Anna's Podcast: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/podcast
Instagram Cheat Sheet & Email Sequence Templates: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/alex-download
FREE Amazon Ads Course: www.advancedamazonads.com/beforethebestseller
With The Bezos Letters, Steve Anderson went from being a small time entrepreneur just outside of Nashville to becoming an International bestselling author, hitting the WSJ list.
Steve was just looking to put together a lead magnet to offer prospects but in doing so realized he had something much bigger on his hands. After reviewing shareholder letters from Jeff Bezos since the company went public, he uncovered in plain sight what Jeff Bezos had been planning all along and what we’ve come to know today as Amazon.
It's a fantastic deep dive into how Amazon has managed to continuously take calculated risks over and over that have paid off in a big way.
With such a big launch, he poured a good amount of marketing budget into it so whether you’ve got zero budget or a lot, he gives us some things to avoid spending money on when launching.
It just hit 400 reviews.
Steve's Book: The Bezos Letters
Steve's Website: The Bezos Letters
FREE AMAZON ADS COURSE
When you hear Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter, you think of the top .001% of fiction books. These are often cited as the pinnacles of success for fiction authors who build something bigger than a book, go on to become major blockbusters, and bring in billions of dollars.
Today’s author is very much on his way to becoming the next Chronicles of Narnia and I could not be more excited to share his story with you.
Chad's got an incredible marketing mind and has committed to his fiction series in a big way.
In our chat we cover everything from how he’s increased the news-worthiness of his series by adding an educational component to it, how he literally emailed every middle school teacher across the country to speak in classrooms, and how he plans on turning the book into a major blockbuster.
This episode honestly feels like a degree in book marketing. I will warn you it’s a bit of a longer episode but there was so much gold throughout it that I couldn’t help but keep it all.
C. R. Stewart's Book: Britfield and the Lost Crown
FREE AMAZON ADS COURSE
Hayden Crabtree is the author of Skip The Flip which, in just a year, has racked up 600+ reviews on Amazon. He’s sold thousands of copies as a first time author and uses the book to grow his 7-figure real estate business - all at the age of 25.
I wanted to bring him on to talk about how he has such a high engagement rate with his readers, his omnipresence approach to online marketing, and even talk about how he’s now used his platform to launch his software company.
I loved how incredibly actionable his episode was as we to talk with him about his book launch and the marketing around it.
Hayden's Book: Skip The Flip
Hayden's Software: MyPropertyStats.com
FREE AMAZON ADS COURSE
A Radical Approach to the Akashic Records has racked up over 1,000 reviews on Amazon. It’s been a bestseller on amazon for years, not just for a day or two during the launch.
It was written by our guest in this chat, Melissa Feick. She breaks down the exact blueprint she used to write and market her bestselling book as a no-name self-published author.
Although Melissa calls it out herself that some people find what she says to be controversial as it relates to the spiritual world, you can’t help but get to the end of the show and realize that Melissa is also a marketing genius and the results show for themselves.
From her book she’s built multiple 6-figure businesses and has added thousands of subscribers to her email list directly from her book.
She’s got one of the best book funnels I’ve ever seen and here she goes into the details of exactly what her book funnel looks like.
Aside from business, you also can’t help but see that Melissa is incredibly purpose driven in her work and how she’s been able to take decades of experience changing the lives of her clients to create scalable products.
Let’s dive in.
Melissa's Book: A Radical Approach To The Akashic Records
Melissa's Website: The Spiritual Expansion Academy
FREE AMAZON ADS COURSE
Jesse is a younger version of Richard Branson. He's also built and sold a record company along with a dozen other entrepreneurial pursuits. He comes across as one of the most low-key guys but he also speaks mandarin, was a bestseller in Asia, with his publishing company he’s behind some of the biggest book launches and now he’s just launched a software company that could rival Amazon and completely change how self publishing is done.
In our chat we talk about his own journey as a bestselleling author, we talk details on exactly what he did to produce some of the biggest book launches, and then we go on to talk about how he’s completely changing how self-publishing is done, allowing authors to make money virtually through the resale of their own digital-copy books.
Jesse's NFT Platform
Jesse's Book: Lifestyle Entrepreneur
Jesse's publishing company: Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Press
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Ryan holiday and others have made their living taking what's old and making it new.
A lot of time, what is old is new again. Take bell bottom jeans or bomber jackets. I love listening to how things were done 10 years ago because you’ll often find things that no ones doing now.
That’s why I wanted to bring on WSJ bestselling author Jon Spoelstra. Who’s got a long history of being a successful author not just 20 years ago but now as well.
Jon worked as a National Basketball Association executive for:
->Buffalo Braves
->Portland Trail Blazers
->Denver Nuggets
->New Jersey Nets
While at the Nets he became famous for a stunt he pulled where he sent physical rubber chickens to fans to get them to renew their season tickets.
Mark Cuban wrote the forward to this book which we get into how that came about.
He also happens to be the father of Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Miami heat
Let’s jump into it with Jon.
Jon's Book: Marketing Outrageously
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Today’s guest is one of my favorite people in self-publishing. He’s a great friend and mentor of mine and is one of the most innovative people I know when it comes to implementing new strategies and technologies.
Brian went from living below the poverty line to being a 6-figure author of both fiction and nonfiction books.
After making it as a fiction author, he then went on to teach and write non-fiction books to help fellow authors make money from their work.
His books all have hundreds of reviews on Amazon. He’s got a Mastering Amazon Ads Facebook group with over 10,000 members
In our episode he talks about how he found his fiction niche and grew his audience in a way that you can replicate, we talk about how he’s become the master of copy and how he got my book to convert at 1 sale for every 6 clicks. We also talk about how he’s build one of the most loyal followings of authors in self publishing.
Stay tuned to the end where Brian talks about how he was table to rank is book in the top 500 of all of amazon for 10 days straight, 5 years after he launched it.
Brian's Book: Mastering Amazon Descriptions
FREE AMAZON ADS COURSE
Today, we’ve got a very special guest.
I feel so fortunate to know him because he just gives, gives, and gives. Money aside, I think he runs one of the most integral businesses and just really leads with compassion and thoughtfulness for the people he works with.
He’s helped thousands of business owners around the world create better marketing.
In 2019, Mike launched Bite Sized Books, a publishing venture founded on his proven formula for creating short, helpful books (known as shooks) for Main Street business owners.
Mike recently published, The 100-Page Book, which shows how to author, publish and leverage a shook in their business which is consistently labeled a bestseller on Amazon.
He also founded software company Copy Doodles, which comes recommended by the likes of Dan Kennedy, Russel Brunson and Bill Glazer.
I’m excited to chat with him because for the busy entrepreneur, who’s told they need to write a book, it’s hard for them to find the time. Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of how an author can get that book done and the catch is that it’s less than a 100 pages. This also plays into the positive psychology of a reader who actually finishes the book.
He actually walks the walk and writes them himself and sells them by the hundreds every month, years-on from his book launches. He’s got an amazing CTA strategy which is also one of the highest converting ones that I’ve seen.
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Mike Capuzzi, let’s bring him on.
Mike's Podcast: The Main Street Author Podcast
Mike's Book: The 100-Page Book
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Krista Mashore has been in the top 1 % of realtors nationwide for 20 years. Krista is the author of four best selling books focusing on digital marketing and has been named Yahoo Finance’s #1 digital marketer to watch in 2021! She has been featured in Forbes, Inman News, The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Fox, and many more! Krista recently took her new coaching business from zero to 18 million dollars in just under four years with a projection of 20 million+ by the end of this year. She is the recipient of seven Two Comma-Club Awards, and one Two Comma Club X Award.
Through her coaching, teaching, speaking and training, Krista is revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs and professionals market themselves online. She offers an innovative step-by-step approach on how entrepreneurs can gain a massive digital footprint.
She is one of the most creative people in how she’s leveraged her book to grow her business.
Besides all the accolades Krista is one of the hardest working people I know and I’m so excited to have her on to talk about all things book marketing, her funnels do millions, she has amazing tips for entrepreneurs to stay focused over the long term, and so much more.
Krista's Podcast: F.I.R.E.D. UP
Krista's Client Avatar Sheet
Krista's Bestselling Book: Sell 100+ Homes A Year
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Today we’ve got one of the most humble entrepreneurs/authors I know. After selling 2 million-dollar tech companies early on, he spent all his money and ended up broke. From there, he’s built incredibly strong values which have built him back into the Mike Michalowicz we all know today.
Mike started off his author career as The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, who after buying 20K copies of his book personally and selling none of them - realized he needed to find another way.
He finally started selling copies when the moms of the students he was speaking in front of, started to take to the book.
The rest is history.
He’s now gone on to write 7 bestselling books. You might have heard of Profit first which has over 5,000 reviews on Amazon and he just released Get Different, which has already sold thousands of copies so we’ll also talk about that as well.
There’s so many takeaways in this show, from finding your core niche, to things to avoid spending your time on, and at the end, Mike also gives us 5 80/20 book launching tactics.
Let's dive into our chat with Mike.
Mike's new book: Get Different
Mike's podcast: Mike Up In Your Business
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Welcome to the Before The Bestseller PodcastThis show is for book lovers and creators who want to go behind the scenes with their favorite authors to hear about how they were able to not just write a book but create a movement.
- How did this author write a story that would resonate with thousands of people?
- How did they launch their book to the top of the Amazon, WSJ, and NYT charts?
- Did they have a following before the book or did they build it with the book?
- How did they get their readers to go one step further with them, to hire them as a coach, join their masterclass, or even just subscribe to their email list?
- What did they do that others should not waste their time on?
- How were they able to bring something so passionate to life when so many of us struggle to even find our passion?
- How can we take what they taught us, and apply it to our own journey towards a purposeful life?
These are just some of the questions you’ll be hearing from me as we dive into books like:
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
- The First 90 Days with Michael Watkins
- Dave Chesson on how he started writing books, became the go to person on amazon book optimization, and then launched a 7/8 figure software business from it
- Melissa Feick who built multiple 6-figure businesses onto the back of her book
- Hayden Crabtree who had no following but was financially free by the time he left college via real estate. He then built his following with his book, Skip the Flip
- Brian Meeks, who made 6-figures as a fiction author writing in the woodworking/guinea pig niche and is now working with another guest...
- Jesse Krieger who’s building powerfan.io, an NFT creation platform for creators to monetize their work and show us the next generation of publishing
- Jon Spoelstra - sports marketing legend who had his forward written by MarK Cuban and now writes fiction books
- Chad Stewart who emailed every middle school teacher in the US to do a classroom visit and then also created an institute around his book to make it newsworthy. He’s just signed a movie deal.
- Steve Anderson who wrote The Bezos Letters, a WSJ bestselling book, that started off as just a lead magnet
- Mike Capuzzi who coined the term shook, a genius way for business owners to have a book
- Krista Mashore who’s a 2 comma award recipient from ClickFunnels
I’m only bringing on authors who've successfully published books themselves and actually make money from their publishing whether from the books or the backend so we can walk away with the exact blueprints on how they got to where they are now.
One thing you’ll notice about all of these authors is that they’re hitting their potential. That’s why I do what I do, it’s why you’re listening to this, and we get to learn about how these top authors were able to build their dream life, having real impact, providing us with the exact blueprint for how they did it.
This is a new show so feedback will be critical, give it to me, the good, the bad, the ugly how can I make this an even more enjoyable experience for you? How can I make it more worth your time? I know there’s a ton of places your attention could be right now so I want to make sure you know you can always count on me to give you exactly what you need, when you need it. Let me know who you’d like me to have on, let me know what questions you want me to be asking.
So hit subscribe leave a review and let’s reach our full potential together. My biggest fear in life is getting to the end of my life, whenever that may be and having regret. It’s whaat makes old people grumpy, why they yell at kids making noise and having fun, I don’t want to be that old person, I don’t want you to be that old person, let’s do this. Let’s go Before The Bestseller.
We're in a war for talent. We brought in Dan Black, Head of Global Recruiting @ EY to consult with us on how to make sure we're beating competitors to the best talent.
Antione Douglas is Alex's boxing coach. He's also a boxing champion drawing comparisons to some of the greats. Here, he talks about his earlier years in life which set him up for who he is today. It's also why he calls his proudest fight ever, one he lost.
Michael Beckley is the CTO of the 2017 Top-Tech IPO, Appian. We wanted to know what CTO's do all day, so we thought this would be a good time to ask. Along the way we learned about changing majors, cofounding a company, and got to ask him what tech is maybe even too complex for him to wrap his head around.
We bring back Rashique from episode 6 to walk us through the blueprint of how to have that awkward conversation around how much you're worth! Luckily we have Rashique to walk us through it.
Today’s episode is another focused on the blueprint for pursuing entrepreneurship. In fact, possibly even a more attainable form of entrepreneurship because our guest says it himself, he didn’t try to reinvent the mousetrap, him and his friends just built a better one. Sometimes we get so caught up on the next idea that’s going to totally create a whole new industry, instead of just improving something that already exists. What you’ll hear about in this episode is how Win Sheridan went to work in an industry for a couple years, learned it, and then decided he could do it better. And they did do it better, they hit just shy of 1 million in revenue in their first year they’ve made more net profit in their first year then uber is yet to do in its entire existence. So here’s Win’s blueprint for building a better mousetrap.
Who else knows those ads of Jennifer Gardner asking you what's in your wallet, Mastercard's “Priceless” commercials, or Amex, “Don’t leave home without it”. All of these so that they can continue to make sure that 4/10 Americans have credit card debt. But what if we got to change the narrative and instead use these credit cards to increase our own wealth in terms of experiences? Tim, who’s in his mid 20s travels the world in business class all paid for by these credit card companies who compete to offload their barrage of points in hopes that you’ll end up spending more than you have. Here’s the blueprint for playing the credit card point game, the myths around how it impacts your credit score and getting those free trips around the world.
If there’s something season 3 really needs, it’s shooting the shit with 2 true blue aussies about travel. We’re young adults, It’s on all of our minds, especially mine since I just quit my job to go travel the world. Who knows? Maybe this episode is more forme than it is for you but nonetheless, if you’re someone who’s dying to get out there in the world, we got the blueprint for making sure you’re focused on the right things when you travel, learned how to travel safely and in a morally correct way, learned a few places that should be at the top of your list for 2020 travels, and got to hear about a pissed off swearing croation taxi driver along the way. I found today’s guests through there own podcast, the World Nomads Podcast, and ended up visiting them in Sydney Australia where I invited them to come on. So Phil and Kim, welcome!
We’ve all had that one great idea that we think could really be a great business, unfortunately we give into roadblock and get paralysis by over analysis and after leaving the idea on the backburner long enough, it ends up just fading away. On the other hand, there's a group of individuals that are not just able to take the one good idea and turn it into something, but are able to do that with many ideas, over, and over again, maybe it’s because once they figure out how to make one idea work, they somewhat have a blueprint to work with when pursuing the next. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get inside the heads of one of those individuals so maybe we could at least see what that blueprint might look like? Well today we have the entrepreneurial story of one of the biggest real-estate developers on the east coast. But he got his start as a snow ski instructor. From there he identified the opportunity to plan ski trips which evolved into operating busses and a charter airline company. I could go on but I think there’s only one person who can do this story justice, and that’s bruce himself.
I don’t think anyone here’s those words and doesn’t have that reaction. And that sucks! Being able to financially support ourselves is oftentimes why we do what we do between the hours of 9-5 every M-F. PAUSE What if we were able to have a greater financial consciousness so that we could spend more time of our life doing what we love and not just to support ourselves. This episode is all about the blueprint to do so because as Jazzi says, the goal of personal finance is to not have to think about personal finance.
We’re known as the renter's generation. Thanks to growing up in the midst of the worst economic contraction since the great depression, 2008 has taught us to refrain from any sort of financial commitment. Who can blame us for wanting to rent? We must get outside of this mindset, however, if we are to overcome the poor spending habits of generations prior. Let’s be honest, between the finding of the house, getting financing, and finding and managing tenants, it’s a bit of a mind-fuck (bleeped) so we brought on Chris, who’s goal is to own 13 million in real estate by the time he’s 50, who also leaves us with a great quote, you’re either paying for your landlord's house or your own. Here’s the blueprint for anyone looking to add real estate to their portfolio.
Rishav and I wanted to bring back a favorite. We say favorite his episode had over 500 downloads so you all obviously thought there was something to learn from him, and we agree! Since the last time we spoke, he’s got new awards (probably from the millions in deals he closed for Microsoft in just one quarter), new life achievements which includes a duck in the oven, and a new city. Along the way, we learn about sales, living in Charlotte, and achieving those top awards within your organization. So Bradley, what is going on in your life?
Super Bowl 52 was watched by over 100 million in the US. Many of us remember it from our couch and the following months and months of eagles fans making sure to let everyone know they were among the now 20 NFL teams to ever win the Super Bowl. Our guest remembers it differently, and also got to have possibly the best seat in the house, that’s because he was watching from the control room. That’s because he was the man who ran the whole show that ⅓ of all Americans watched. That means in his position, let's say you’re walking down the street, every third person you walk by, his work, has impacted. How many people have that sort of impact on such a large amount of Americans? Maybe Jeff Bezos and the many packages that arrive at our homes each week? Maybe Tim Cook and the iPhones we all walk around with? Yes, we put him in that category, as the executive producer of the super bowl(the 6th that he’s produced) and Sunday night football for 14 seasons. How does one get a gig like this? That’s what we wanted to ask Fred, in our first episode of Season 3 of practically passionate, Fred, first question here…..
Maury Peiperl goes by many titles. Global citizen is by far one of his favorites. Maury walks us through his crazy career which includes a stint as entrepreneur and board member of a global non-profit.
Christian Chasmer comes on to talk about the need for personal systems to ensure consistency and intention while delegating your time and resources.
Ray Clatterbuck quit his job in consulting to chase after a startup. A few years later it's now worth millions of dollars. He's also extremely athletic and still finds time to go salsa dancing. He comes on to give us his blueprint.
Cracking the Case Study & Other Life Lessons: A Candid Conversation with Steven Skripak by The Young Professionals Podcast
We brought on the past-president of Champion Aerospace to talk with us about his career.
Not a regular conversation. This one is about making it in the music industry with an up and coming artist who has over a million listens on Spotify.
We brought on someone who hated their first job.....and quit after a year. He tells us how to do it, step by step, and talks about his latest job in venture capital.
Part of one of our mentoring session where we cover the alternatives to the standard, "Hi I'm so and so, I study x, and I want a job.
As a high-energy leader, Michael Morales has considerable strategy, operations and management expertise. He possesses broad international experience having spent over a decade advising political and military leaders throughout Latin America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The list doesn’t stop here; His 20 year service in the Air Force was built on flying C-17 & C-130 aircraft. He flew over 200 combat airlift missions, served as an instructor pilot and was a selected as a White House Fellow. Mike attended the Air Force Academy where he became a lifelong rugby player. No, he's not Ironman, but we think he's pretty darn close. Its our pleasure to introduce Michael Morales.
Team GaryVees Seth Feingersh on the struggles of hopping from job to job and how he finally got paid for doing what he loves.
Rishav and I take on the tried notion of making new years resolutions while in a treehouse.
Super Bowl Champion Ben Utecht comes on to talk about how he plants his feet on the ground every morning thinking, "What can I do today where when I get back in bed tonight, I can be proud."
Craig Barry comes on to talk about his timeless advice to approaching an interview from the perspective of the employer. Totally turning the premise of an interview on it's head by showcasing human qualities as opposed to academic or corporate.
CEO of OH Partners, Past President of the Phoenix Suns, Past CEO of the Dial Corporation, Past VP @ P&G, his resume goes on and on. Brad Casper teach us how to be relevant to any industry.
TV producer by the age of 27, Britton Nagy shows us what it really means to be practically passionate. She got her start on reality and talk shows like American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She’s worked on dozens of successful projects, and has filmed all over the world with some of Hollywood’s most notable figures.
We wanted to release a timely episode (make sure to get out and vote tomorrow) that dives into navigating the political landscape job-wise. We also break into ways to overcome the typical, "Apply Online", reply we all get when meeting recruiters face-to-face. We brought on Brad & Fraser Traverse, of BradTraverseJobs.com, to help us out.
Credit Scores, 401k, Student Loans… yeah it’s a lot to wrap your head around. With the help of Lesley Chen-Young, a recent graduate from Duke University and a current Associate at LinkedIn, we unpack and understand the concepts that matters to us all: our financial well-being.
We brought on Kristi Simmons, first generation college student, who's paying her way through school. 4 years were not wasted here, after she wrote formal letters to major sports teams landing internships at the Golden State Warriors, Washington Redskins, and Detroit Lions & Pistons. Here, she shares her story.
We brought on wine expert, John Boyer, to talk about why drinking wine is important for a young professional but not be confused with a typical college drinking experience. He talks about it as a life enhancer, including it's impact on him hanging out with some cool people such as Mike D of the Beastie Boys.
We brought on multiple Telly Award winner and Director of Marketing, Donna Wertalik to teach us how a young professional can maintain a personal brand separate from their companies.
After fielding some questions from our international audience, we had a chat with Akshay Rawat to give us the blueprint for obtaining a job in the U.S. and navigating the H1B process. The stresses he had to endure are simply hard to fathom. He's now working for PWC in Charlotte, NC.
Having a high GPA is seen as the answer to high-paying jobs and future success. However, just because you’re an ‘A’ student it does not mean you will be guaranteed success in the workplace. Similarly, just because you’re a ‘D’ student it does not mean you will be a failure. Bradley is a living example of this testimonial. Not only did Bradley interview with Microsoft, but he accepted a full time offer with the company with a 2.88 GPA. His story showcases us that in business, success is only accomplished when you’re pursuing your goals with a sense of purpose. The biggest companies in the world are no longer interested in the grades you got in your freshmen year classes. They want life experiences, they want you to tell a story and they want to bring you on to help them change the world. Learn how to do take those initial steps by giving this episode a listen!
We brought on Wes Bush, the CEO of Northrop Grumman, to talk about the things he did in school to become the CEO, the values he's focused on, and his unique take on mentorship.
Does Happiness Exist After College? We brought on recent graduate and an Institutional Services Associate at Dimensional Fund Advisors, Madeline Warholic, to answer this question. She has set herself up for success by creating the right routines and transitioning into long-term goal setting to achieve balance and to squash the notion that college is the best 4 years of your life.
One of our favorite things to do towards the end of a project is to ask, "After working with us, what qualities did you dislike & what qualities did you like?"To learn from our mistakes,we used our time with Kalli Martin, a Senior Software Engineer at Capital One to hear her thoughts on this matter. As a self-identified introvert, Kalli Martin has crafted the art of understanding herself, her team & her environment to maximize the value created.
Stuart Mease comes on to talk about the "Cattle Call" of the career fair, crazy ways to get through to a company, billable skill-sets, and what it takes to be someone worth recommending.
You come across Instagram worthy motivational quotes, inspirational sound-bytes or simply just wake up with an energetic mentality to seize the day....AND Then...All that energy and the fuel that got you started, slowly goes away?We've all been there. Getting into a mundane routine of class and downtime made us live for the weekends only to dread the weekdays.With this horrible mindset, being bored was an option we had to throw away immediately.in this episode, we discuss/list the 7 easy things we can all do today to curb boredom.
Learn How to Negotiate your salary by utilizing the Power of Now and simultaneously prove your worth to a company by doing so.
WE ARE BACK! With the next episode of Practically Passionate….How to own your internship/start of your new job. In this podcast learn, how to make your first day on the job easier, learn ways to use your resume to network around the office or company, and learn how to get ahead in your workplace before you ever set foot in the lobby.
If two guys like us can go from having paragraphs and useless bullets on our resume to crafting a polished document that helped us get interviews and full time offers from companies such as Under Armour, Appian, Microsoft and LinkedIn… just imagine what you could if you got started today! From the header section to the skills, we break down the process in bite sized pieces. What are you waiting for? Take a listen and starting writing one today!
LinkedIn is not for weird old people! With only a couple of tweaks and edits, go from where you are to becoming the person you admire in a matter of a few clicks! We share the secrets to writing catchy taglines to sending connection requests. Why the wait? Take a listen and connect with us today!
You're told to grow YOUR network, but the moment you attend a career fair, happy hour or any event around your community, you simply can't get past the small talk?In this podcast, we break down the steps to humanizing these interactions! No more awkward small talks that make you cringe. Take a listen and start making those conversations today!
“Tell me about yourself…”The dreaded interview questions that we all sometimes struggle to answer is no more! Give a quick listen, hear our answers and how we break down the format to getting you to the job of your dreams today!