Books aren’t “news” on their own anymore—and repeating “buy my book” is one of the fastest ways to burn out (and lose your audience’s attention).

In this episode, we break down a smarter, more sustainable approach: borrowed buzz—anchoring your marketing to moments people are already paying attention to. Think holidays, awareness months, seasonal shifts, and even quirky observances that give you a natural, timely reason to talk about your book again and again—without sounding repetitive or pushy.

We unpack why this works, including the psychology behind seasonal buying behavior and emotional relevance, and how aligning your message with what’s already on your audience’s radar can dramatically improve engagement and conversion.

Then we get tactical:

• How far in advance to plan for major holidays vs. quick-hit promotions
• When to pitch podcasts, media, and local outlets for maximum traction
• How to build simple, repeatable campaigns around awareness months and niche observances
• Real examples you can adapt immediately—from big cultural moments to offbeat hooks like Maple Syrup Saturday

We also focus on execution—where most authors fall short. You’ll learn how to align your social content, email marketing, and pitch angles around a single theme, where to incorporate seasonal messaging on your Amazon page (and where not to), and how to use AI to brainstorm ideas without losing strategy or control.

Finally, we cover the biggest mistakes—like forcing irrelevant tie-ins or starting too late—and how to avoid them.

If you want your marketing to feel more strategic, more consistent, and a lot less exhausting, this is the playbook.

If you want your marketing to feel more fun, more strategic, and a lot less exhausting, hit play. Subscribe, share this with an author friend, and leave a review wherever you listen to the show.

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Goodreads recently rolled out changes that have authors and readers debating everything from review bombing to pre-publication ratings. In this episode, we break down what actually changed, what it means for authors, and how to respond without getting pulled into online panic.

We start with review bombing—coordinated waves of ratings from people who often haven’t read the book—and how this behavior has distorted the launch window for many titles. Then we explain Goodreads’ new safeguards around pre-publication ratings. Readers can no longer rate a book simply because it appears on their Want to Read shelf. Instead, they must mark the book as Read or Currently Reading and disclose how they accessed the copy, such as through an ARC or giveaway. It doesn’t eliminate manipulation, but it adds transparency and makes abuse easier to identify.

One of the most talked-about additions is Goodreads’ official Did Not Finish (DNF) shelf. Readers have been creating their own versions for years, but formalizing it changes the dynamic. We discuss why this feature may actually reduce reactionary one-star ratings and how thoughtful readers use DNF shelves to track timing, taste, and expectations. For authors, those signals can offer useful insight into positioning, blurbs, and category alignment.

We also look at how Goodreads and Amazon function very differently. Goodreads behaves more like a community for dedicated readers—more conversational, more visible, and often more responsive when issues arise. Amazon, on the other hand, remains a massive retail engine where reporting problems can feel like shouting into the void. Understanding that difference helps authors use each platform more strategically.

Finally, we tackle a listener question about category mismatches and the temptation to chase bestseller badges. Short-term tricks may create momentary spikes, but long-term visibility comes from clear positioning, honest metadata, and reaching the readers who actually want your book.

If the latest Goodreads changes have you wondering what matters and what doesn’t, this episode will help you focus on the controllables—and avoid the noise.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with an author friend, and l

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Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches.

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Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: info@amarketingexpert....

“Make you a bestseller.” It’s the loudest promise in book marketing—and often the least meaningful.

In this episode, we break down how to distinguish real strategy from fear-based selling, AI-polished outreach, and high-pressure tactics designed to close a sale rather than build a career. From alarming emails about “missing metadata” to vague guarantees and unusual payment demands, we explain what’s legitimate, what’s inflated, and what’s simply noise.

Then we shift to what actually compounds.

We walk through the foundational elements of sustainable book marketing: an optimized Amazon retail page, intentional category and keyword strategy, a reader-focused website, an email list you control, and targeted outreach to reviewers, influencers, and podcasters who genuinely reach your audience. You’ll hear why one-off promotional blasts rarely build traction, how to evaluate podcast quality beyond download numbers, and what meaningful preparation looks like before any pitch goes out.

We also unpack the proposal details that matter: specific deliverables, realistic timelines, strategic positioning, and measurable outcomes rooted in discoverability—not guaranteed sales. A professional team should explain the “why” behind every tactic and connect today’s work to results you can still benefit from months later.

Finally, we talk author readiness. What should you own yourself? How should you think about ROI without chasing instant payoff? And if your budget is limited, where does your money work hardest?

If you want to avoid scams, invest wisely, and choose partners who assess your book instead of selling you fear, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with an author friend, and leave a quick review so more writers can find us. Have a topic you want covered next? Text the word podcast to 888-402-8940 and tell us what you need.

Send us your feedback!

Help shape our 2026 content by taking our 30-second listener poll!

📱Text Penny & Amy: send us your show feedback, burning marketing questions and new topic ideas!

Text the word PODCAST to (888) 402-8940 to sign up to send us messages and receive new episode announcements. And don't forget to save our number!

Check out our Book Marketing Jumpstart options if you're ready to take your brand, platform and SEO up a few notches.

Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

1. Be sure you're following the show: by clicking the + Follow button on the top right of our show page. If you're already following you'll see a ↓ downward arrow.
2. Locate Ratings & Reviews: Scroll down on our podcast page until you find the "Ratings & Reviews" section.
3. Rate the podcast: Click on the stars to give the podcast a rating.
4. 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.
5. Save: Once you've written your review, click "Save" to submit it.

Can't use Apple Podcasts? Email us your review and we'll put it on our website: inf...