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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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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AI isn’t a threat to creativity—it’s a secret weapon, and savvy authors are already tapping into its power. In this episode, Penny and Amy explore how ChatGPT can transform the way you write, market, and manage your author business.

Discover how to use ChatGPT as a creative collaborator to generate fresh story ideas, refine your prose, spot plot holes, and develop engaging bonus content for readers. We also dive into how authors are streamlining their marketing efforts—writing ad copy, planning social media, and creating newsletters—without losing their voice or burning out.

But this episode doesn’t shy away from the boundaries. You’ll learn where ChatGPT falls short (think Amazon keywords, SEO, and media contacts) and why knowing what not to outsource to AI is just as important as knowing what to delegate.

With actionable tips on prompt crafting, organizing AI chats into manageable projects, and using AI to support—not replace—your process, this episode is a must-listen for any author ready to work smarter, not harder.

The AI advantage is real—if you know how to use it. Tune in to learn how ChatGPT can elevate your creativity, boost your productivity, and help you run your author career with more clarity and ease

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Unrealistic expectations can destroy an author's career before it truly begins. We've seen it countless times—talented writers who become discouraged, bitter, and ultimately abandon their writing dreams because their first book didn't land them on bestseller lists or bring financial freedom.

In this deeply practical conversation, Penny and Amy challenge authors to rethink what success looks like for a debut book. Rather than viewing your first publication as the finish line, consider it the foundation of your author career—a launch pad for building reader relationships, growing your email list, and establishing your author brand. These elements, while less glamorous than overnight fame, create sustainable momentum that carries forward to future books.

Success in publishing rarely follows the exceptional stories we've all heard about overnight sensations. For most authors, the path involves patient, deliberate growth and learning. As Penny shares from her own 25-book journey, each publication offers valuable lessons that inform and improve the next. If you can identify five things you'll do differently with your next book, you've gained priceless knowledge that no shortcut could provide.

The podcast explores the concept of "choosing your hard"—acknowledging that publishing is challenging regardless of your approach, but productive difficulty leads to growth while discouragement leads nowhere. By focusing on reader connection, professional presentation, and consistent improvement, authors position themselves for long-term success rather than fleeting luck.

Whether you're completing your first manuscript or reflecting on why your published book hasn't met expectations, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on measuring success through sustainable metrics rather than exceptional circumstances. Reframe your goals, focus on building relationships with readers, and approach each book as another opportunity to refine your craft and platform.

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When Amazon quietly shifted from its A9 to A10 algorithm in May, many authors felt panic rising. Would their books suddenly disappear from search results? Would years of keyword optimization become obsolete overnight? The good news is that if you've been focusing on quality and reader experience all along, you're already aligned with Amazon's new direction.

Amazon is increasingly behaving like Google—prioritizing relevancy, quality content, and authentic engagement over keyword manipulation. This makes perfect sense when you consider Amazon's fundamental nature as a search engine that profits from purchases rather than just clicks. What matters now more than ever is creating a cohesive author presence that extends beyond Amazon itself.

In this episode Penny and Amy unpack every element of this new algorithm change, giving insightful guidance and debunking myths that are circulating in the industry.

Join us as we dive deep in the mysteries of getting more visibility for your book on Amazon!

Ready to optimize your Amazon presence? Pre-order our new book "The Amazon Author Formula Workbook" today and get entered into our contest for Amazon Page Power-Up packages! Subscribe to our podcast for weekly insights that will help you navigate the ever-changing world of book marketing and publishing success.

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Imagine reaching a million potential readers without spending a dime on advertising or having a massive social media following. This episode unveils one of publishing's best-kept secrets: Reddit AMAs (Ask Me Anything) as a powerful tool for authors at any career stage.

Penny and Amy explore how Reddit's unique culture offers authors something increasingly rare in today's marketing landscape—a platform where success depends on being genuinely interesting rather than famous or promotional. Unlike traditional social media where your reach is limited by follower count, Reddit allows anyone with compelling content to potentially reach millions of engaged users who actively seek out interesting conversations.

The hosts break down exactly how to approach Reddit moderators, craft attention-grabbing AMA titles, and execute an event that drives real interest in your book without overtly promoting it. They share real examples, including an author whose AMA about Edgar Allan Poe predicting the Titanic disaster generated massive engagement, demonstrating how the right framing can capture widespread attention.

Tune in for this not-to-be-missed episode!

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In this game-changing episode, we reveal the secrets that turn ho-hum author book signings into unforgettable experiences.

Discover why the classic author signing model is broken—and how to fix it. We dive deep into proven strategies for pitching bookstores and other venues, creating irresistible event formats, and building connections that keep readers coming back for more. Whether you write thrillers, romance, or nonfiction, you’ll learn how to captivate readers, collect emails, and even secure local media coverage.

This isn’t just about selling books on the day. It’s about creating a ripple effect of opportunities, from retail partnerships to reader loyalty. With real stories of authors who turned quiet signings into packed events—including one unforgettable rain-soaked rescue—this episode gives you everything you need to master events that drive future sales.

Ready to turn your next author book signing into a packed house? Listen now and discover how.

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