DON'T WRITE THAT BOOK PODCAST
Your personal guidebook to penning your way to a bestseller!
The “Don’t Write That Book” Podcast serves as your guide to crafting your bestseller and embracing your role as an author. Your hosts, Mike Michalowicz and AJ Harper, demystify all aspects of creating and releasing your book, offering insights drawn from their own journey. This podcast will be your safeguard against writing THAT book.
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In this episode, Mike and AJ share their authorial plans for the coming year.
In this episode, authors will learn how to connect with their ideal reader’s “page one” desire, the secret for how you can keep readers reading.
In this episode, AJ and Mike define inner critic trolls and what authors can do to combat them.
In this episode, Mike and AJ debate the pros and cons of both Amazon ads and a TikTok presence.
In this episode, AJ details her editing process of meeting the reader where they are, every step of the way.
In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about the importance of staying connected with fellow authors.
In this episode, learn how to collect data that may be relevant to your current project or useful down the road.
In this episode, Mike and AJ have another candid discussion about their writing process as they dive into their next book.
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss live book launch events and if they’re worth the expense.
In this episode, Mike and AJ address readers’ doubts and criticisms and how authors can get ahead of them.
In this episode, listeners will learn how to use their books to create new and engaging content.
In this episode, Mike and AJ are back talking about how to close a book, including what elements make it a must-read.
In this episode, AJ and Mike share everything that a good introduction should have and what makes a bad intro flop.
In this episode, listeners will learn Mike and AJ’s tips for time management as full-time authors.
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the oft-asked question about “am I qualified to write this book?”
In this episode, AJ and Mike will focus on authorial voice, what it is and how to develop it.
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss publishing contracts and everything authors should know before they sign.
In this episode, AJ and Mike map out their next book's writing and editing schedule.
In this episode, you’ll learn about endorsements, how to get them, and how to make them work for you.
In this episode, Mike and AJ will share which books they’re writing next and why.
In this episode, AJ shares all the ways she has monetized her book and explains why she chose them.
In this episode, Mike breaks down all the ways he has monetized his books over his career.
In this episode, AJ and Mike share how to work with a ghostwriter—and spot the red flags.
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the importance of front loading the good stuff to keep readers engaged.
In this episode, AJ and Mike break down the important work your Chapter One must do: meet the reader where they are.
In this episode, AJ and Mike expose the truth about Amazon best seller status and what authors should focus on instead.
In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss what could lead an agent or publisher to pass on a manuscript.
In this episode, AJ and Mike break down how they track marketing data and how to apply to future marketing endeavors.
In this episode, you’ll learn why writer's block isn't real, and what it took for AJ to learn this truth.
In this episode, Mike and AJ share that authorship isn’t a zero-sum game. Collaboration with other authors fosters readership for all.
In this episode, AJ and Mike have a conversation about how to choose the next book project.
In this episode, AJ and Mike walk the listener through securing foreign translation rights.
In this episode, AJ and Mike debate the merits of pre-orders and whether or not authors should try to get them.
In this episode, AJ and Mike will break down how to maximize an interview to get to the good stuff.
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the use of personal story for prescriptive nonfiction.
In this episode, Mike and AJ break down each element of a successful book proposal.
In this episode, what could have been a blow from his publisher Mike and AJ instead turn into a plan of action.
In this episode, Mike and AJ walk you through what makes a compelling book cover.
AJ and Mike discuss their own experiences recording their audiobooks.
AJ and Mike discuss the process for licensing the intellectual property of a game-changing book.
AJ and Mike focus on post-launch strategies share the biggest mistake most authors make: They stop their marketing after their book is released.
AJ and Mike continue their discussion about how to prepare for your book launch, including every step necessary for its success.
AJ and Mike share how to prepare for your book launch with every step necessary for its success.
AJ and Mike share everything from soup to nuts about hybrid publishing—what to know, what to avoid, and how to move forward with confidence.
AJ and Mike pull back the curtain on self-publishing, sharing all the pros and cons.
AJ and Mike teach you how to vet a traditional publisher in order to pitch your book and get a contract.
AJ and Mike discuss the three main ways an author can publish, their pros and cons, and how to choose your path.
AJ and Mike focus on second editions - how do you know if you need one and what it takes to build from the ground up.
AJ and Mike do a deep-dive into titles, how to find one, test it, and why you can't rely on a subtitle to do the heavy lifting.
AJ and Mike demystify the editing process, breaking it down step-by-step, and explain how everyone needs multiple editors.
AJ and Mike identify the secret sauce that answers every question in writing a must-read book: understanding their ideal reader.
AJ and Mike share one crucial step most writers of prescriptive nonfiction make: they don't find out if their books actually work! You'll learn about test drives and why you need one.
AJ and Mike talk about their least successful book, Surge. They openly discuss their breakup, and how it affected this book and taught them to always write the book their readers need next.
AJ and Mike talk about their most successful book, Profit First. They debrief what specifically worked about that book and why.
AJ and Mike are on a mission to get authors to ditch the "better business card" book and instead write the right book: the one with the power to change a reader's life.
