Don&#8217;t Write That Book

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Book Development May 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike break down all the elements that go into developing a must-read book, from the kernel of an idea to the long-term marketing plans. They even share what they’ve done in the past with their books and give hints at how their new book, The Money Habit, was developed and its next steps. They’ll also share areas that they see authors fail to consider.

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Top Three Author Membership

Mike’s Socials:

Understanding Bestseller Lists May 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ demystify bestseller lists for The New York Times, USA Today, and others (RIP, WSJ List) and detail what it takes to get on them. There are still some secrets to selection that remain shrouded in mystery, but AJ has a good idea of what they are, and holds nothing back. They also give listeners straight talk about Amazon best-seller status and why you should never – ever – put that in your bio, not if you want to look like a pro.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Defy, by Dr. Sunita Sah

Unicorn Team, by Jen Kem

Profit First for Therapists, by Julie Herres

The End of Education as We Know It, by Ida Rose Florez

Vacuuming in the Nude, by Peggy Rowe

Inner Excellence, by Jim Murphy

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Top Three Author Membership

Mike’s Socials:

The Power of Inclusivity May 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike address the 800-pound gorilla in publishing: inclusivity. In this crucial episode, they’ll talk about what inclusivity means—and what it doesn’t. They’ll share their own mistakes of the past and how to move forward in a way that improves the conversation as a whole. They firmly believe in an “all are welcome” approach to their books and audiences, and invite the listener to join them on their crusade to make publishing a better, more open space.

Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe and leave a review on your podcast app.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Profit First for Minority Business Enterprises, by Suzanne Mariga

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

“It’s Gonna Be Okay,” with Dr. Roseann

Mike’s Socials:

Post-Launch Reader Engagement May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ dive deep into one area of authorship most newbies never consider: post-reader engagement! Not only do they share their own strategies for keeping their books “alive” after launch, but they also talk about how long authors should plan to keep engagement. Hint: it’s more than a few weeks!

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Defy, by Dr. Sunita Sah

Dream Bold, Start Smart, by Tatiana Tsoir

Top Three Author Membership

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

The Great Trade Review Debate May 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ enter the debate round once again in a friendly debate about trade reviews. Listeners will learn what they are, if they matter, and what the heck an author does with them if they have one. They also throw in some bonus information about publishers’ sales teams, share a listener email, and give you a secret tip about trade reviews that’s exclusive to folks who self-publish.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Big Freakin’ Change, by Cara Poppitt

In Search of You, by Kasey Compton

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

The Power of Purpose Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike share what they each believe their purpose is, and even share an exercise that Mike uses at speaking engagements to help folks find theirs. It’s a fun fly-on-the-wall conversation where they share stories from their past that helped forge their sense of self. They’ll even talk about how listeners can rekindle their own fires of passion to keep moving forward.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Monday Night Readings

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Are You a Career Author? Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss the mind shift that must happen to go from someone who wrote a book to accepting the calling as an author. They each share the moment they realized they were authors and how their lives changed as a result.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Prince’s tribute to the Beatles “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

The Current, the greatest radio station in the freaking world

PickFu

Eruption v. Beat It

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

The Importance of Due Diligence Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike talk about a kerfuffle brewing in the publishing world, which leads to the main topic: authors are responsible for doing their due diligence. Do you need to give credit for a concept? What if it’s in the zeitgeist and you are the person who simplified the concept? What if you took someone’s simplified concept and made it something else? (They go into the Mel Robbins/Let Them/Cassie Phillips discussion.) Authors should take note of this episode in particular to learn how to avoid making potentially costly mistakes to their careers.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

“Let Them” by Cassie Phillips, a Timeline and explanation

William McRaven “Make Your Bed”

Wiggity-wiggity-whack, aka “Jump Jump” by Kris Kross

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website