In this unabashedly honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the rookie mistakes that can make authors look like amateurs—and even open them up to being taken advantage of. From networking missteps to pitching for reviews or media consideration, we’re covering the blunders that cost time, money, and reputation. Everyone starts as a newbie, but you don’t have to look like one! If you’re attending events, presenting your book, or putting yourself out there, tune in to learn the essentials for making a polished, professional impression. This episode is packed with the insights and tips you need to put your best foot forward every time.

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Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

It seems like now, more than ever, scammers and hacks are everywhere. Penny can't go a week without someone offering to "turn her book into a movie" and if you've listened for a while, you know how we feel about that!

In today’s world of book publishing, scammers and inexperienced providers are everywhere, and knowing who to trust can be tough. In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into the art of spotting legitimate vendors versus the ones who may be out to scam you or simply don’t know what they’re doing. With our trademark honesty, we’ll guide you through the red flags to watch for, key questions to ask, and how to safeguard yourself from costly mistakes. Don’t let your dream project fall into the wrong hands—tune in to equip yourself with the tools to make the right choices every step of the way!

Organizations we love, who do a ton of industry vetting!

Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/watchdog/​

Selfpublishingadvice.org/ratings:
​https://selfpublishingadvice.org/best-self-publishing-services/​

Writers Beware:
​https://writerbeware.blog/​

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Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

Email us at info@amarketingexpert.com for more information.

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

Like Amazon, Goodreads is cracking down on spam and bot author accounts, many of which are producing subpar AI generated content — but protecting the platform means adding a stricter vetting process before authors get to network with readers. In this urgent episode, we dive deep into these changes with insights from Amy, our resident Goodreads expert, who unpacks what’s required and how to navigate the approval process with ease. If you’re planning to establish your author presence on Goodreads, this is a must-listen! Get the latest on what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can successfully meet the new standards. Don’t let these updates slow you down—tune in and stay ahead!

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Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

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Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

We thought we'd drop in with another urgent Amazon PSA!

Amazon delays can be a nightmare for authors, especially when everything is set for a carefully planned launch day, and your book still hasn’t gone live. Recently, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has been experiencing lengthy approval delays, sometimes taking weeks to process books. In this crucial episode, we’ll guide you through what to do if Amazon’s hold-ups affect your launch. We’ll discuss practical steps to take if your release day is at risk, plus creative backup plans to help you stay on track, keep readers engaged, and avoid costly disruptions. Don’t let these unexpected delays derail your hard work—tune in for the strategies and solutions you need to navigate Amazon’s KDP bottlenecks!

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Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

Email us at info@amarketingexpert.com for more information.

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

Struggling to get media attention for your book? You’re not alone. In today’s ever-changing media landscape, landing interviews and features has become more difficult than ever. In this episode, we dig into the reasons why it’s so hard to get a “yes” and more importantly, what you can do to change that. We’ll reveal strategies for cutting through the noise and still securing valuable media coverage, even in a tough market. Whether you’re an author, entrepreneur, or expert looking to elevate your profile, this episode will equip you with actionable tips to uncover the right opportunities and close the deal.

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Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

Email us at info@amarketingexpert.com for more information.

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

Audiobooks are all the rage, but are you truly ready to dive in? In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of the audiobook world, revealing why it’s not as simple as it seems. Yes, thanks to AI it’s easier (and cheaper) than ever to create an audiobook, and with its booming popularity, the revenue potential is tempting—but rushing in could be a costly mistake. We’ve got a real-time story for you, featuring a disastrous audio narration (with an actual audio sample brought by Penny!) that shows how the wrong choice can wreck your brand. We’ll cover the essentials of audiobook production and why waiting might save you from turning off your audience.

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Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

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Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

In this episode we’re exploring a unique but underutilized strategy that even the biggest publishers swear by—having a backup book cover! Join us as we dive into why our very own author, Marlene Bell, is always prepared with a second cover, and why you should be, too. We'll share her experience and how her sleuthing around the strategies of major publishers has served her well. We’ll break down the unexpected benefits and how you can implement it to maximize your book’s success.

Send us your feedback!

Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

Email us at info@amarketingexpert.com for more information.

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast

We’re dropping a special, urgent episode into your feed! Amazon is cracking down hard on claims like "100,000 books sold" and "Amazon bestseller" and even "Award-winning author." If you’ve used these statements on your cover, your book description or author bio - really anywhere on your retail page - this is a must-listen episode. We’re breaking down the reasons behind this strict enforcement, the proof Amazon is now requiring, and the serious consequences of not complying. Don’t wait—tune in to protect your author profile and avoid potential penalties in this new Amazon landscape!

Send us your feedback!

Help promote the podcast and earn free swag!

If you're willing to put our podcast player widget on your website we'd love to send you free book swag, and you can earn a free coaching session!

Email us at info@amarketingexpert.com for more information.

Buy Penny's new book, The Amazon Author Formula now!

FREE BONUS

Leave a review and we'll give you our Book Launch Checklist! Just include your reviewer name or a screenshot of your review in the email. Can't leave one on your podcast platform? Just email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert.com.

Check out our podcast page and learn more about the team: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-podcast