Don&#8217;t Write That Book

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Tim Ferris on Reasons Not To Become Famous

Mike’s Socials:

Important Safety Strategies for Authors Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ share some harrowing experiences of some author pals, notably that of Miles Taylor, whistleblower and author of Blowback. Rather than wallow in fear, they share some reasonable and actionable steps authors can take to ensure they have the interactions they want with fans, and how to avoid the negative experiences. They also have some exciting updates, so stick around until the end.

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Books/Resources Mentioned:

Blowback, by Miles Taylor

“Stan” by Eminem

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Turn Your Book Into a Keynote Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ share their vast knowledge about developing, writing, and performing keynotes based on teaching points from books they’ve written. Mike deep dives into the multiple performances he’s given over the years, how he gauges what worked with an audience and what didn’t, and how he hones his performance. AJ shares her experience as the Speech Writing Mastery Coach for HEROIC, a premier speakers' training facility. If becoming a speaker is in your plans as an author, you won’t want to miss this!

Books/Resources Mentioned:

The Referrable Speaker, by Michael Port

HEROIC Public Speaking

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

All About Derivatives Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike break down derivatives: what they are, who gets to write them, and how authors can avoid pitfalls with respect to the original content. With over 20 derivatives from their books, they are more than qualified to break it down! They also give an update (and a sneaky spoiler) about the book they’re currently writing together.

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Marketing Assets You Need Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ not only discuss what key marketing assets are needed when promoting your book, but they also warn newbies about the harm of a cold, unprepared ask for free promotion. They detail all the elements of a top-level media and marketing kit and what you need to have on hand to ensure your book’s success.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Friction, by Roger Dooley

LINGO, by Jeffrey Shaw

John DeMato, Photographer (tell him AJ sent you)

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Planning the Year Ahead Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ get real about what they want to accomplish in 2025 as authors. They’ll each share their goals, counter with must-do tasks, and give insights into how they plan on accomplishing them. Listen to their approach to authorship next year to help you plan your year and set your authorship goals.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Get Good with Money, by Tiffany Aliche

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Page One Desire Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss how to connect with your ideal reader from the jump: to identify their “page one” desire. This is the secret to getting your reader to keep turning the page! They also provide an update on their current writing status and what lies ahead for their next book’s schedule.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

The Year I Lived Constitutionally, by AJ Jacobs

The Obesity Code, by Dr. Fung

Duct Tape Marketing, by John Jantz

The Six Types of Working Genius, by Pat Lencioni

Unicorn Team, by Jen Kem

Boundary Boss and Too Much, by Terri Cole

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

AJ’s Writing Sprint Community

Mike’s Socials:

How to Manage Your Inner Critic Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a potential downfall all authors face: inner critic trolls. They’ll not only share their own, but will go into detail about what steps they each take to keep those trolls at bay. It’s another “fly on the wall” episode demystifying the writing process with these two pros!

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Buyer First, by Carole Mahoney

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

TCL Publishing Book Sales Calculator

Mike’s Socials:

Amazon Ads VS Tik Tok Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ are back in the debate ring to hammer out which is better for authors: Amazon ads or a TikTok presence. (Spoiler alert, it’s a secret third thing, but you’ll have to listen to learn what that is!) Demystify discoverability, findability, and algorithms in this juicy, fact-filled episode.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Bookshop.org TikTok

Systemology, by David Jenyns

Shadow Work Journal, by Keila Shaheen

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website