Don&#8217;t Write That Book

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Negotiating Contracts with Your Publisher Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Time to bust some myths! In this episode, Mike and AJ will share everything they know about publishing contracts. Can you negotiate with a publisher, or do authors just have to accept contracts as given? What about royalties? Delivery dates? Will they pass if you push back? What are red flags to look out for and green flags to help you feel confident signing on the dotted line?

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Alter Ego Effect, by Todd Herman

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Timing: How We Plan Out the Next Book Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Another fly-on-the-wall episode, where listeners get to hear Mike and AJ map out their next book's writing and editing schedule in real time! They’ll hold nothing back about their process, including the game they play with copy edits. This is insider baseball on their co-writing process. If you ever wondered how they do it, be sure to listen in!

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

The Great Endorsement Debate Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ have another friendly battle answering the question: Do endorsements matter? Tune in to hear their individual takes on endorsements from big-name authors and listen to the end to find out who won the debate. You’ll hear how Mike goes about getting endorsements, if ghostwriting endorsements is even a thing, and how a newbie author’s entire life was changed because of one. You’ll also learn what to avoid in the Big Ask and the mistake Mike made that he’ll never repeat. You won’t want to miss a moment!

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Running With Lions, Julian Winters

Simon and the Homosapien Agenda, Becky Albertalli

Adam Wallace’s books

Start With Why, Simon Sinek

Steven Pressfield

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

New Book Updates Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

Well? What did they pick? In this episode, Mike and AJ will each reveal the decisions they’ve landed on with respect to their next books and why they made that choice. They also speak frankly about timelines, when they can expect publishing milestones to occur, and how they’re feeling about this new development.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Get Signed, by Lucinda Halpern

Launch, by Jeff Walker

Test Drive Your Content, evergreen workshop

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

AJ's Monetization Strategies Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, it’s AJ’s turn to discuss ways to monetize books beyond sales. She has three key questions authors should ask themselves before starting, and she will go into detail about her plans and why she chose them. She’ll also explain how to artfully plant seeds in your book before publishing in a way that won’t feel icky and pushy.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

In Search of You, by Kasey Compton

Good Team Bad Team, by Sarah Thurber and Blair Miller

Street Smart Safety for Women, by Laura Frombach and Joy Farrow

The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stangier

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Mike's Monetization Strategies Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike shares his insights into monetizing books beyond sales. He holds nothing back and gives honest data about speaking engagements, how often and how much he gets paid, strategies he tried, as well as what didn’t work, and what he stopped doing. You’ll come away inspired to try something new!

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Ghostwriters Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike share how their ghostwriter/client relationship evolved into a co-writing partnership. AJ also shares the different ways authors can work with a ghostwriter, red flags to watch out for, and what you can do to get the results you want.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Front Loading Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ chat about the importance of frontloading the good stuff in Chapter One. Once your reader feels seen and you’ve introduced your book’s core message and promise, your next step is to make sure readers understand your framework, method, or process so they can start taking action within the first two chapters. Mike and AJ will also talk about how to give your readers an “early win” that motivates them to keep turning the page.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

The Gap and the Gain

The 3.3 Rule

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website