Summer is upon us, and savvy authors know this season presents unique marketing opportunities—but what exactly makes a book beach-worthy? Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell dive into the evolving definition of "summer reads" and reveal practical strategies for positioning any book to capture readers' attention during these warmer months.

The podcast challenges traditional notions of what constitutes summer reading material. While escapist genre fiction remains popular, today's readers are equally drawn to true crime, activity-based children's books, and "maker" titles that inspire summer projects. With rising travel costs leading many to embrace "staycations," books offering at-home experiences or local exploration guides are experiencing unexpected popularity surges. The hosts emphasize that even serious books needn't be shelved until fall—they simply require different positioning to connect with summer readers.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is its focus on low-cost, high-impact marketing pivots. Rather than suggesting expensive cover redesigns or content overhauls, Penny and Amy recommend simple tweaks and easy changes to grab more summer readers!

Ready to transform your book into this summer's must-read? Update your marketing approach with these practical strategies, engage your fans with seasonal promotions, and watch your conversions grow. Remember—these techniques work for books of all genres and publication dates, and once developed, can be adapted for any season throughout the year.

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Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success.

Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your book promotions will stand. But here's the surprising insight: the best time to network is when you don't have anything to sell. This counterintuitive approach allows you to build authentic relationships, observe what resonates with potential readers, and establish connections with influencers before you need their support. As Penny notes, "If you're going to make mistakes, make them before the book is out."

For authors anxiously waiting months before publication, this episode offers a roadmap of productive activities and unique ideas!

Whether you're preparing for your first launch or looking to revitalize your existing author platform, this episode transforms the overwhelming concept of marketing into an authentic, relationship-focused approach that feels less like selling and more like connecting. Ready to build your brand rather than just sell your book? Listen now, then share your biggest marketing challenge with us!

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Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

Please leave a review!

1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
4. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it.

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Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

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With a new book hitting the market every eight seconds, standing out has never been harder—and for many authors, the temptation to pay for visibility is real. But does paying for reviews or influencer features actually work? And more importantly… is it worth the risk?

In this episode, Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell pull back the curtain on the rapidly shifting world of paid book promotion. From once-taboo paid reviews to TikTok influencers charging thousands per post, the rules have changed—but that doesn’t mean the results are guaranteed.

You’ll hear real-world stories of paid promotions gone sideways, including AI-generated reviews that spoil endings and pricey group ads that vanish without a trace. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Penny and Amy also offer a framework for making smart, strategic choices, including how to vet influencers, what red flags to watch for, and why micro-influencers often deliver more bang for your buck.

Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned pro, this episode is your roadmap for navigating the blurry line between earned and paid media—so you can promote smarter, not just spend more.

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Buy Penny's book The Amazon Author Formula

Please leave a review!

1. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
2. Rate the Podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
3. Write Your Review: Under the star rating there will be the most recent review and just below that click "Write a Review" and compose your review in the text box that appears.
4. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it.

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Can't leave one on your preferred podcast platform? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our full-service publishing consulting here:

https://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-consulting/