Don&#8217;t Write That Book

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Building the Marketing Plan Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss where they often see authors go wrong with their marketing plan (hint: it’s when they get started versus when they should get started), go into detail about why a longer runway is almost always better, and hint at some of the new ideas Mike is cooking up for their next book. This is a topic on which everyone, from newbies to seasoned pros, can use a little refresher.

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Books/Resources Mentioned:

Painted Baby, by Matt Shoup

I Will Teach You to be Rich, Ramit Sethi

Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

The List Everybody Needs Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ spill the beans on The Secret: all authors of Prescriptive Nonfiction need to write a book that connects with their readers and ultimately delivers on its promise: The List. What it is, how to get it, how to use it, don’t worry, listeners. They’ll tell you everything.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

The 3.3 Rule, by John Briggs

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Author Etiquette Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike share cautionary tales of authors behaving badly and what the listeners can do to ensure their metaphorical pinkies are out. From how to approach an author for endorsements to asking for promotional help all the way to leaving reviews for other authors, you’ll be confident in your ability to practice proper literary citizenship.

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Substantive Editing Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ break down everything listeners and authors need to know about substantive edits and the editors who do this crucial work. They’ll talk about timelines for books past and where they are with their current book and will even share some author horror stories as a forewarning for newcomers to authorship.

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Writing About Painful Experiences Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss writing difficult and emotional stories from our own lives. How much is enough? What should we include? Is anyone even going to read it? AJ shares her term, a Healing Draft, as a guide to put painful experiences in your rearview mirror, and Mike reflects on writing about his father as he died, which became the close of their book, All In. Writers will learn how to navigate these potentially treacherous waters with confidence.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jeanette McCurdy

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Using Advanced Readers Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ explain what advanced reader feedback is, how to get it, and more importantly, what to do with it. AJ shares case studies from several of her students and how they used their reader feedback to build marketing assets, hopefully to serve as inspiration to you! Mike wraps up the episode with an incredibly exciting bit of news, one that rhymes with “schmelevision.” You’ll have to listen to the end to learn what that is!

Books/Resources Mentioned:

I See You, by Amy Kemp

Be Good with Money, by Michelle Arpin Begina

Test Drive Your Content

AJ’s All-Access Path Membership Program

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Using Research in Your Book Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and AJ once again pull back the curtain to show how the sausage gets made. They break down what research authors may—or may not—need, how to weave it into the text, and when there is enough. You’ll also find out how saunas factor into Mike’s creative process… but you might want to skip it. (Don’t make it weird. Are you? Did you make it weird? It’s perfectly natural!) It’s another fun insider episode with these two; you won’t want to miss it.

Books/Resources Mentioned:

Defy, by Dr. Sunita Sah

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website

Mike’s Socials:

Overcoming the Second Book Slump Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss the dreaded second book slump, also known as the sophomore slump. They get real about the fears that many published authors feel, what that fear is rooted in, and most importantly, what to do about it. (Because of course, they have a solution, and it’s nothing you’d expect!)

Books/Resources Mentioned:

The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron

“Civil Disobedience,” by Henry David Thoreau

Connect with AJ & Mike:

AJ Harper, website

AJ’s Socials:

Mike Michalowicz, website