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    Business

    Before The Bestseller

    This show is for book lovers and creators who want to go behind the scenes with their favorite authors to hear about how they were able to not just write a book but create a movement. 

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    Latest Episodes:
    BTB141 | Book Series Episode 17: PR and Making Lists Jun 23, 2025
    Show notes

    We’re down to the final stretch. In episode 17 of our 18-part series, Before the Bestseller, we’re diving into two topics that get a lot of attention in the publishing world: traditional PR and what it really means to make a bestseller list. As we near the end of this audiobook journey, this chapter pulls back the curtain on some of the final, more public-facing tools authors often consider.

    Some authors found their way into media coverage by paying attention to what was already being talked about and figuring out how their book could genuinely add to the conversation. Others aligned their launch with timely events or simply started local and built from there. We also touch on what it actually takes to make a bestseller list, not just the surface-level criteria but the quiet, behind-the-scenes work that rarely gets discussed.

    The hard truth? Being called a bestseller doesn’t mean your book is being read. You can buy the label, but you can’t buy real readers. The value isn’t in hitting the list. It’s in becoming the kind of author who could. And even if you fall short, doing the work leaves you with something far more powerful than a badge: momentum that lasts.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB140 | Book Series Episode 16: Your Launch Team Jun 18, 2025
    Show notes

    We’re back with episode 16 of our 18-part series, where we're putting the entire book Before the Bestseller up on our podcast for you to listen to. We’re just a couple of episodes away from the final chapter, and we hope you’ve been making great progress since you first started listening. In this episode, we’re talking about building a launch team for your book. This is the part where we start figuring out what that process actually looks like and how to make it work.

    Putting together a launch team can feel a little awkward at first, especially if you’re not sure who to ask or what to even ask them for. In this episode, we talk through how to start building that early group of supporters, even if it’s just a few people at the beginning. We get into the kinds of help that are actually useful, how to keep things organized without it becoming a full-time job, and why a little consistency often matters more than big gestures. You’ll also hear real examples of what’s worked for other authors, from inviting readers behind the scenes to creating small moments that invite people to be part of the process.

    Most authors don’t start out with a massive audience, and that’s okay. The real value comes from a handful of people who are willing to show up, share the book, and leave thoughtful reviews when it matters most. This episode is about how to make the most of that support in a way that feels personal, sustainable, and aligned with what you actually need.

    By the end of the episode, you might find yourself thinking more clearly about who you’d want on your team and how to support them in supporting you. Maybe it’s revisiting your timeline, reaching out to a few trusted friends, or just writing down what kind of help would actually make a difference. Wherever you are in the process, this chapter is a good place to pause, take stock, and start mapping out what comes next. It’s a good moment to look back at how far you’ve come and to think about who’s coming along with you.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB139 | Book Series Episode 15: Gatekeepers Jun 16, 2025
    Show notes

    Today we’re on Episode 15 of our 18-part series Before the Bestseller, and we’re digging into a topic that can quietly make or break your book’s reach: gatekeepers. These are the people your readers already trust—think podcasters, bloggers, authors, and professionals—and earning their support can take your book much further than trying to do it all yourself.

    This episode unpacks what it really takes to connect with the right people—without spamming or cold pitching. We explore ways to build genuine relationships, offer value in unexpected ways, and stay consistent with outreach across each stage of your launch. Whether you're months out from publishing or deep into post-launch, there's a strategy here that might just open the right doors.

    The truth is, most books don’t take off from a single post or pitch. They build momentum through thoughtful outreach and the quiet support of people who already have their audience’s trust. It’s not about chasing influencers or gaming the system—it’s about showing up consistently, offering real value, and letting trust do the heavy lifting for your book.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB138 | Book Series Episode 14: Moonshots & Turning Speaking Into Events Jun 11, 2025
    Show notes

    We’re back with episode 14 of our Before the Bestseller book series, where we dive into one of the most creative parts of the book, the section where we talk about bold, outside-the-box marketing moves. This is for the moments when standard strategies just don’t cut it and you're ready to try something a little more daring.

    We’ll explore how some bestselling authors turned unexpected tactics into powerful book-selling engines, marketing ideas that don’t follow traditional book promotion paths. Think car washes, thank-you pages, handwritten notes, rubber chickens (yes, really), and how speaking gigs can double as book distribution channels if you play your cards right. They’re not paint-by-numbers, they’re wild colors spilled on a blank canvas.

    Because sometimes, the difference between a good book and a breakout one isn’t just the content, it’s the courage to market it in a way no one else has. Let’s talk moonshots.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB137 | Book Series Episode 13: Ratings and Reviews Jun 09, 2025
    Show notes

    Today, we’re diving into episode 13 of our 18-part series Before the Bestseller, where we’re putting the entire audiobook up on our podcast for the dedicated listeners who make this possible. This episode focuses on one of the hardest things for authors to gather over time: ratings and reviews.

    We dive deep into the practical details of why Amazon ratings matter so much, the difference between star ratings, written reviews, and editorial reviews, and debunk the myth of the “magic 100 ratings.” You’ll hear clear strategies for how to ask readers for reviews without pressure, ways to use social media and review bookmarks to boost your numbers, tips on handling bad or irrelevant reviews, and how to strategically leverage editorial reviews to build bridges to new audiences. We also cover a realistic timeline for gathering reviews before, during, and after launch.

    Building genuine ratings and reviews takes time and persistence, but every single one moves your book closer to the readers who need it most. In this episode, you’ll get practical strategies to steadily grow your reviews without feeling overwhelmed — because the journey to meaningful success is built one honest review at a time.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB136 | Book Series Episode 12: One by One & Corporate Bulk Buy Jun 04, 2025
    Show notes

    Welcome back to the Bite-Sized Book Marketing Masterclass — a special 18-episode series where I break down the key insights from my latest book! We’re now on Episode 12, which covers Chapters 33 and 34 of Before the Bestseller.

    Some authors build launch plans. Others just start handing out books. In this episode, we look at two very different approaches that helped nonfiction authors gain serious traction without relying on ads, algorithms, or a massive platform.

    You’ll hear stories from authors who gave away thousands of copies by hand and others who landed bulk buys from corporate teams. We explore what made these strategies work, how they were executed, and what today’s authors can learn from them. This episode offers a fresh look at direct, intentional outreach, and how the right kind of effort can still go a long way.

    If you're thinking about how to position your book in the real world and want ideas beyond the usual digital tactics. This episode offers a few surprising moves that just might fit your strategy.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB135 | Book Series Episode 11: Podcast Guesting Jun 02, 2025
    Show notes

    What happens when your podcast interviews actually move the needle on book sales? In episode 11 of our 18-part book series, we dig into how to land better podcast guest spots and make them count. From targeting the right shows to crafting a pitch that actually gets noticed, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how authors can turn interviews into real traction.

    You’ll also hear how to avoid wasting time on the wrong podcasts, why host credibility matters more than audience size, and how being a great guest goes way beyond sharing your bio. We’ll talk about the tools that make pitching easier, what matters in a one-sheet, and when it might make sense to bring in outside help with booking. There’s a strategy behind every great guest appearance, and it starts well before the mic turns on.

    At the end of the day, podcast guesting isn’t just about exposure, it’s about alignment. When your message fits the show, the audience pays attention. This episode will help you focus on the things that actually move your book forward, without wasting time on interviews that don’t lead anywhere.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB134 | Book Series Episode 10: Organic Social Media May 28, 2025
    Show notes

    We’re in the second half of the book series and continue our journey through Before the Bestseller, focusing on one of the trickier parts of book marketing: organic social media.

    In this episode, we explore how several nonfiction authors have approached social media in very different ways. These are real case studies—authors who built audiences without running ads, chasing trends, or turning into full-time creators. Each found a method that matched their voice, bandwidth, and goals.

    One author posts once a week and leans heavily into psychology and intentionality. Another posts multiple times a day in a stream-of-consciousness style that helps him process ideas in public. One started simply by messaging people directly to spark conversations and build community.

    Some built their platforms long before publishing; others started with nothing. Some rely on systems and structure, while others use their feeds as places to think out loud.

    There’s no single formula here. But there are patterns, possibilities, and principles you can learn from—and adapt in a way that fits you.

    If social media has felt like a mystery or a chore, this chapter offers a more grounded way to think about it.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB133 | Book Series Episode 9: Additional Pay-to-Play Strategies May 26, 2025
    Show notes

    Welcome back to Chapter 30 and Episode 9 of the book, Before the Bestseller, where we break down the audiobook and dive deeper into what it takes to successfully launch a nonfiction book. From high-visibility platforms to behind-the-scenes approaches, this episode opens the door to tactics beyond the basics and paid methods that could truly make a difference.

    In this episode, we unpack a handful of lesser-discussed strategies nonfiction authors use to get their books seen, shared, and sometimes, stocked in places you might not expect.

    We dig into things like BookBub Featured Deals, smart ways to run Goodreads giveaways, what it actually takes to get your book into airport bookstores, and whether Instagram influencers or press releases are still worth your time. If you’ve ever wondered which paid tactics really make a difference and which are more hype than help, this episode breaks down the facts, the surprises, and what really works today.

    Mastering the less obvious paths—those quiet, overlooked strategies—can open doors others don’t even see, giving you an edge that goes beyond the usual noise.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


    BTB132 | Book Series Episode 8: Meta Ads May 21, 2025
    Show notes

    In Episode 8 of the Before the Bestseller book series, we dive deep into Chapter 29, your go-to blueprint for running high-performing Meta (Facebook) ads for nonfiction authors.

    Despite big shifts in privacy policies and targeting limitations, Meta ads remain a powerful force for book marketing when used strategically. This episode distills insights from our own chief marketing scientist, Laura Russom (formerly head of paid media at a major publishing house), to help you cut through the noise.

    You'll discover creative targeting tactics for niche audiences, how to turn Facebook clicks into Amazon visibility, and what metrics actually matter. Plus, we walk through a campaign timeline that takes you from early awareness to launch-week momentum and beyond.

    Whether you're planning your first campaign or refining what’s already working, this chapter shows you how to move with intention and get results you can actually measure.

    —

    Subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover the show, the author and their books.

    —

    Get the popular weekly book marketing 3-2-1 and get access to our Free Amazon Ads course when you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://getshelflife.com/category/newsletter/

    Head to our new website for more content and updates.: www.getshelflife.com

    If you're interested in connecting further or have any questions, feel free to email me at Alex@getshelflife.com


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