Novel Marketing

If you ask a bestselling novelist how long it took to go from aspiring writer to published success, the answer is usually about ten years. One reason it takes so long is that most authors learn about writing in a haphazard way. They read a blog post here, listen to a podcast there, attend a conference where they receive a firehose of information, and then watch YouTube videos hoping to fill in the gaps.It is an overwhelming way to learn. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by everything you need to know about publishing, you know exactly what this feels like.But what if you could cut that ten-year learning curve in half?In our latest podcast episode, I talk with Christy Award Hall of Fame author James L. Rubart about the Five-Year Plan for Becoming a Professional Author. It’s a step-by-step training approach designed to help fiction writers build skills in the right order (without the overwhelm).This isn’t a “shortcut” or gimmick course. It’s a craft-first path that helps writers avoid wasted years, bad habits, and out-of-order learning.In this week’s episode, you’ll discover:Why most authors stall outHow to accelerate the mastery of storytellingWhat separates “good” writers from professional-level authors in the current publishing landscapeIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re developing your craft in the smartest way possible, or where you should start, listen in or read the blog version.Support the show

ChatGPT used to be the go-to AI for authors, but it's no longer the best choice for every task. New models like Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok are outperforming it in specific areas, from creative writing to research to automation.In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from The Nerdy Novelist, Jason Hamilton. We discuss which AI tools work best for your writing, your budget, and your genre.You’ll learnWhich tools can help expedite your researchWhich AI models help you write the best dialogueHow open-source models can spur fresh fiction ideas and structuresTo stay up to date on which models can help you with various parts of your writing and marketing (and which can’t), listen in or read the blog version to feel confident experimenting with new platforms.What does ChatGPT Actually Know About Your Book?AI Optimization for AuthorsBook Promotion in 2025: How AI Gives Authors More Time to WriteTikTok, Iran, and AI: What Authors Need to Know NowThe Author’s Guide to AI with Joanna PennSupport the show

I am not a big fan of Substack for novelists. Most novelists are better off using the free version of Kit and WordPress. However, Substack is a completely different story for nonfiction authors.If you’re a nonfiction author who wants to grow your platform without juggling five different tech tools, this week’s Novel Marketing episode is for you.In this week’s episode, I talk with screenwriter and Substack superuser James Cary about how nonfiction authors can use Substack to attract readers, deepen engagement, and earn recurring income.You’ll learnWhen Substack is (and isn’t) a good fit for authorsHow to get your first 100+ subscribers When and whether to monetize your SubstackIf you’ve been wondering whether you should start a Substack or what to do with the one you already have, listen in or read the blog version to get help on your decision and guidance on your plan.Support the show

Hardcover books are back. Beautiful, premium, collector-quality editions are gaining momentum with readers who want books that look and feel special. But how do you know if you should create a premium hardcover edition of your book?In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from author Paul Millerd, who created a luxury edition of his bestselling book. We dig into the strategy, psychology, risks, and rewards behind premium hardbacks and whether they make financial sense.You’ll learn:How to know if your book is a good candidate for a premium editionWhat it costs to produce a premium hardcover (and what you can charge for it)How different readers view different price pointsIf you’ve ever wondered whether a premium edition could elevate your brand, thrill your readers, or create a new revenue stream, listen in or read the blog version to find out.Support the show

Authors talk about “the algorithm” the way the little aliens in Toy Story talk about “the claw.” Does the algorithm randomly choose your book, or is someone else controlling the claw?In this week’s episode, you’ll discover what we know about how Amazon decides which books to show, and how to get your book in front of the readers most likely to love it.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Amazon “decides” which book recommendations to give shoppersWhich readers you should persuade to click Amazon’s “buy now” button, and which you should sell to yourselfHow Amazon’s algorithm is changing and tips to help you adapt your strategyIf your book is on Amazon, this episode is not optional listening. Poor optimization can quietly poison the recommendation engine against you. Listen in or read the blog version to keep your book in front of your Timothy.Support the show