If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of “do more to sell more,” this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.The truth? You don’t need to be everywhere or do everything to grow your platform and actually sell books. In fact, trying to do all the things is probably why you're feeling burned out and seeing inconsistent results.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to sell more books without sacrificing your writing time, your energy, or your sanity. You’ll learn the three key pillars that consistently successful authors focus on. And spoiler alert: none of them involve chasing trends or showing up on five social platforms at once.Whether you're launching your first book or you're deep into your backlist with flatlined sales, this episode will help you shift your marketing mindset and give you a clear, doable strategy to connect with readers in a way that feels authentic (and actually works).We’ll talk about:How to stop treating marketing like a one-size-fits-all checklistWhy knowing your reader on a deeper level changes everythingWhat it really means to create a visibility plan that works for youHow to build trust and connection beyond social mediaAnd why less marketing (done right) leads to more book salesIf you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start marketing smarter, not harder, this episode is your starting point.Ready to get serious about your book marketing? Build your author platform without the stress by downloading my FREE No-stress Guide: https://jenndepaula.com/author-platform-guide Download my FREE Book Marketing Blueprint to start building a foundation that actually works: https://jenndepaula.com/book-marketing-blueprintWant the complete system for building a thriving author platform? Learn more about The Author Circle membership: https://jenndepaula.com/the-author-circle
Are you exhausted from posting content that gets likes but zero book sales? You're not alone. Most authors are stuck in what I call "pebble marketing" - scattering their efforts everywhere and wondering why nothing's working.Here's the truth: you don't have a follower problem, you have a targeting problem.In this episode, I'm breaking down the exact strategy to find readers who are already looking for books like yours and are ready to buy. No more throwing content at the wall and hoping something sticks.What you'll learn:Why targeting "all romance readers" is killing your salesThe difference between browsers and buyers (and why you've been focusing on the wrong one)The 3-layer system to identify your ideal buyersWhere your readers actually hang out (hint: it's probably not where other authors are)My 5-step action plan to start attracting buyers todayStop wasting time on vanity metrics and start building an audience that actually supports your books. Your ideal readers are out there. You just need to know how to find them.Ready to get serious about your book marketing? Download my FREE Book Marketing Blueprint to start building a foundation that actually works: https://jenndepaula.com/book-marketing-blueprintWant the complete system for building a thriving author platform? Learn more about The Author Circle membership: https://jenndepaula.com/the-author-circle
Stop spinning your wheels on social media! In this video, I break down the #1 mistake authors make when marketing their books and show you the complete 3-part system that actually sells books consistently.LinksThe Author Circle
Let’s be honest—most authors don’t have hours to pour into content every week. And yet, if you want to sell books, connect with readers, and stay visible… you need content.But creating it from scratch every single week? That’s the fast track to burnout.In this episode, Jenn walks you through a simple, strategic system that helps you create authentic, effective content in less than an hour a week. This is the exact method we teach inside the Author Marketing Assistant—and it’s designed to make your content not only easier to create, but also way more powerful.LINKSThe Author Marketing Assistant
If legal stuff makes your head spin, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: understanding a few key legal basics can save you major headaches later (and possibly even your bank account).That’s why I asked intellectual property and business attorney Olivia Mayness, to join me on Book Marketing Simplified. Olivia breaks it all down in a way that’s clear, smart, and actually doable. Olivia’s not just a legal expert, she’s also a creative herself, which means she gets what authors need.We talk about the most common legal blind spots authors face like: if authors can use lyrics or quotes in their bookshow to protect your book from AIif authors should trademark a book titleand much more.Whether you're self-published, traditionally published, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and avoid some scary mistakes down the road.LINKSConnect with Olivia on LinkedInCheck out her law firm’s website and blog at thelawspot.comYour Next Steps:Free Downloads: https://jenndepaula.com/free-downloadsDIY Book Marketing Resources: https://jenndepaula.com/solutionsDone-With-You Services: https://jenndepaula.com/sessionsConnect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/jenndepaulabookmarketing/
Not sure what to do first when it comes to book marketing? You’re not behind—you just need a plan. In this episode of Book Marketing Simplified, Jenn shares a straightforward three-step strategy to help authors get unstuck and start marketing their book with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re staring at a blinking cursor or feeling scattered by too many options, this episode will help you find your footing and build a marketing rhythm you can actually stick with. Perfect for fiction and nonfiction authors who want to market their books—without losing their writing time or their minds.LinksBook Marketing Blueprint (free)Book Marketing Starter KitAuthor Marketing Assistant
Feeling overwhelmed by scattered book marketing strategies that aren’t helping you sell books? In this episode, Jenn breaks down why most author marketing feels frustrating and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to create a simple system rooted in clarity, connection, and consistency to finally start seeing results. Perfect for fiction and non-fiction authors who want to market smarter, not harder.LinksMarketing in MinutesAuthor Marketing Assistant
Hate writing emails? Feel like you're just bothering people when you hit "send"? You're not alone and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on email marketing and showing you how to write simple, reader-friendly emails that build trust and sell books. By the end of this episode, you’ll have everything you need to write one email this week that actually works.LINKSThe Ultimate Newsletter ChecklistNewsletter Starter Kit
Publishing a book is an exciting time. But with so many options (traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing) and so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel confused about which path is right for you.In this special episode (and our first-ever interview!) I’m joined by bestselling author and publishing strategist Elizabeth Lyons. With decades of experience helping authors publish with clarity and confidence, Elizabeth is pulling back the curtain on the red flags every author should look out for.We dive into:The real differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishingThe most common (and costly) publishing mistakes authors makeWhy self-publishing is more empowering than you thinkIf you're navigating your publishing journey or trying to decide which route to take, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity.Tune in and get the insight every author deserves before they publish.Links“Which Publishing Approach is Best for YOU?” by Elizabeth Lyons at publishaprofitablebook.com“7 Critical Questions to Ask Hybrid Publishers” by Elizabeth Lyons at publishaprofitablebook.com
If you feel like you’re constantly marketing but still not seeing book sales, you might be pouring your energy into the wrong strategies. In this episode, Jenn & Marcus discuss how you can stop spinning your wheels and start focusing on what actually moves the needle for you and your book.You’ll learn:Common marketing tactics that waste time and money (and how to avoid them).Which analytics and metrics matter the most when assessing marketing efforts.A simple framework to map out your reader’s journey through your marketing funnel.Grab the free Pick Your Platform guide to clarify where you should show up online:https://jenndepaula.com/platformReady to create a book marketing plan that works for you? Check out the Book Marketing Starter Kit:https://jenndepaula.com/book-marketing-starter-kit
There’s nothing more discouraging than pouring your heart into a book… only to watch sales stall or never take off at all. But before you assume your book is the problem, let’s take a closer look. Because chances are, it’s not your writing. It’s your marketing.In this episode, Marcus and I walk you through a 5-step Book Sales Audit to help you pinpoint exactly where things may be going wrong. You'll learn what to look for, what to tweak, and how to breathe new life into your sales.Whether your sales have stalled or you just want to make sure you’re set up for long-term success, this episode will give you clear, actionable strategies to move forward with confidence.Evaluate your low sales with the Five-step Book Sales AuditStep 1: Cover CheckIs your cover genre-appropriate and professional? If it doesn’t look like a bestseller, people won’t buy.Step 2: Book Description & HookDoes your blurb sell the story, or is it just a summary? Strong copywriting increases conversions.Step 3: Pricing StrategyAre you priced competitively? Sometimes a simple pricing tweak can make a huge difference.Step 4: Audience TargetingDo you know who your ideal reader is? What they are looking for? What they respond to?Step 5: Visibility & DiscoverabilityAre your keywords, categories, and descriptions optimized for searchability?Other Things to Keep In MindSales fluctuate and that’s perfectly normal. If your sales go down a bit, it’s a great time to reassess and make some changes or adjustments.How often are you posting or promoting? Staying at the front of your readers mind is key. Check to see when you last talked about your book on social media, with your newsletter, in your marketing. Stick with it and give it time. Marketing your book is a long game. It’s not something that happens overnight. Stick with it and have a long term vision - don’t just focus around the release date.
Is it luck? Timing? Maybe. But when you peel back the curtain on authors who consistently sell books and grow an audience, you’ll find they’re playing a different game entirely.In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 habits that separate successful authors from the ones still spinning their wheels (and no, it’s not just about being good at Instagram).You’ll learn:Why showing up (even when you don’t feel like it) matters more than you thinkHow to actually connect with your ideal readersThe power of partnerships (and how to start one even if you’re new)Why talking less about your book might help you sell moreAnd how one small mindset shift could unlock long-term resultsReady to make one small shift that could change everything? Tune in now and walk away with something you can put into action this week.Episode notes, transcript, and podcast links are at http://jenndepaula.com/podcast/83Free Download: Book Marketing Blueprint
Feeling overwhelmed by all the marketing platforms out there? You’re not alone. Many authors burn out trying to be everywhere at once—but the ones who thrive know exactly where to focus their efforts. In this episode, we’ll break down how to choose the right platforms for your book marketing based on what actually works for you.You'll learn how to:Cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves the needleChoose platforms that fit your strengths (and ditch the ones that drain you)Align your marketing strategy with your long-term goalsIf you’ve been wondering where you should be marketing your book - both online and offline - this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.Tune in now and download Pick Your Platform to map out your ideal marketing strategy!
Finding the time and energy to create social media posts for marketing while you're writing your book can be one of the biggest challenges authors face. Jenn has a couple quick tips to help you maintain those connections with your readers online without taking too much time away from your writing.LINKSStand Out Social Media for Authors
A lot of online advice about book marketing includes hiring a Public Relations specialist. But what do PR agencies and publicists do, and at what stage of an author's career is it a good idea to hire one?LINKSMary O'Donohue, Strategic Media Coach and AuthorThe Author Circle
If you're toying with the idea of hiring someone to do your social media for you, there are some important things for you to first consider. Many times we think that just handing off our social media for someone else to manage will give us the results that we want. But that isn't always the case. Here are some things that you should do FIRST before hiring someone to manage your social media accounts.LinksTry The Author Circle for a month to get questions answered by fellow authors and access exclusive member guides and monthly office hours with Jenn.
Another frequent question I get from new authors leading up to their new book release is: “What should my expectations be?” Having a long-term marketing plan, paired with reasonable expectations, can keep us from getting discouraged and keep our sales rolling in well beyond the launch.Not sure where to start with creating your long-term marketing plan?Download our free author resources, including:The Book Marketing BlueprintWhat Authors Can Post Before They PublishThe Ultimate Newsletter Checklist50 Content Ideas for WritersYou can also try The Author Circle for a month to get questions answered by fellow authors and access exclusive member guides and monthly office hours with Jenn.
I can teach you all of the book marketing strategies and show you everything that you need to do to sell your books, but if you are struggling with this particular mindset, you won't see the success that you're looking for. LINKSThe Author Circle
Once authors have addressed the visibility problem we covered in part one of this discussion on why our book isn't selling, the next big factor is how to convert that engagement into a sale.LinksStand Out Social Media for Authors
Whether you are a new or established author, once the book is done and released, getting people to buy your book is often a challenge. Effective book marketing starts with visibility.LinksStand Out Social Media for Authors
Sarina Langer
Thank you so much for all these episodes on reels! I'm much more relaxed and inspired thanks to you.
Sarina Langer
I've been listening to your podcast all morning and it's so helpful. You guys make everything so easy and so straightforward! Your podcast is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for doing this!
writerlyhacker
I don't know where else to mention this but the episode poster pic still has the title of the previous episode