Novel Marketing

Do you ever feel like your book is taking forever to write?Maybe you’ve been working on the same manuscript for years, and then you look up and see other authors publishing a book a year, or more. How do they do it?In this week’s episode, I ask Jerry B. Jenkins that very question. He has sold more than 73 million books, including his mega-bestselling Left Behind series, and he breaks down the habits and mindset that helped him produce quality work on deadline for decades.You’ll discover:A practical way to establish a writing scheduleThe counterintuitive way to combat procrastinationOne way to silence your inner editor without eliminating it completelyIf you’re ready to get out of your own way, build a sustainable writing rhythm, and finish what you start, you’ll want to hear this one.Listen in or read the blog version to discover how you can finish your book and write better books for the rest of your writing career.Support the show

Most authors begin writing as a solitary pursuit and soon realize they don’t know other writers or industry professionals who can help them grow. So how do you go from a solitary outsider to a connected insider who knows designers, editors, marketers, and more?In this week’s episode, we talk with Dale L. Roberts, an award-winning indie author and host of Self-Publishing with Dale, about how genuine networking can strengthen your career and relationships.In this interview, you’ll discover:How to reframe your mindset about networking (it shouldn’t feel sleazy)How to follow up after conferences and events without feeling awkwardSimple habits for remembering names and details so people feel seen and valuedWhen (and how) to make introductions inside your networkIf you’ve ever wondered how successful authors seem to know so many industry experts, this conversation will give you practical, real-world networking tips to help you build and facilitate mutually beneficial publishing connections.Listen in or read the blog version to discover 12 tips to help you connect generously, authentically, and for the long haul.Support the show

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