The Sell More Books Show: Book Marketing, Digital Publishing and Kindle News, Tools and Advice

What are you looking forward to with our new weekly Sell More Books Show LIVE? Today's top story is… YOUR QUESTIONS!. Question of the week is What are you looking forward to with our new weekly Sell More Books Show LIVE? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Do you regularly listen to the Sell More Books Show and would you like it to keep on going forever? Today's top story is Are you Direct Curious?. Question of the week is Do you regularly listen to the Sell More Books Show and would you like it to keep on going forever? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you want to hear me cover on the show? Today's top story is Launch it Three Times. Question of the week is What do you want to hear me cover on the show? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

How do you balance the time you spend writing with all the time you spend doing socials, newsletters, ads, and more? Today's top story is Launch or Lurch?. Question of the week is How do you balance the time you spend writing with all the time you spend doing socials, newsletters, ads, and more? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Kevin J. Anderson is here! https://western.edu/graduate/publishing Top Story: Launch or Lurch? https://kindlepreneur.com/amazon-popularity-effect-how-amazon-treats-book-discoverability/ A common thread in publishing is that your launch will make or break your book, but is that myth or reality? Kindlepreneur's Dave Chesson wondered the same thing. "We've been analyzing data from Amazon for a while," says Chesson, finding patterns in discoverability that he thinks changes how we authors should operate. "Through analytical proof, we found that when a book has a rise in sales on Amazon through just about any means, Amazon responds by increasing the number of keywords that that book shows up for […], and its rankings for those keywords as well." Thus, when there's an increase in a book's popularity, the book shows up more often in the Amazon's store, tending to further increase sales. One way that Amazon shows a book more is by helping it be found in searches, which is does by 'giving it more (and more popular and appropriate) keywords. This happens automatically, based on how the book was found by previous buyers in searches. But the added keywords weren't just added because they were used in searches. "The more sales a book made, no matter where the sales came from, a book would start to index for more phrases on Amazon over time," says Kindlepreneur. "It took about ~6-8 days of consistent new sales before Amazon would start to show any notice." In addition to overall popularity, the study looked at how spikes, both from the initial launch and from promotions, affected Amazon's tendency to put your book in front of buyers. What they found is that while the singular spike from the initial launch does have a significant effect, those from single promotions have little. A good promotion could give you lots of sales, but the effect doesn't tend to last like it did four or five years ago. "It is much better to directly sell 1000 copies evenly over a 30 day period, than to sell 1000 copies on the first day, and none for the next 29 days," says Dave. "Authors should look to build a series of promotion efforts so as to feed off of each other, rather than isolated tactics."

If you're a shy author, how do you get out of your shell to promote your stuff? Today's top story is Power to the People; Your People. Question of the week is If you're a shy author, how do you get out of your shell to promote your stuff? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Top Story: Nonfiction, Where You At? https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/what-happened-non-fiction-books-publishing-industry-trends-gd9snqwjz If you've noticed that there aren't as many choices when it comes to non-fiction lately, much less the "big idea" books that used to top the bestseller charts over the years, you're not alone writes Ceci Browning of The Times. "Fiction sales might be swelling, but according to Nielsen, sales of non-fiction books in 2025 were down 6 per cent compared with 2024." The non-fiction numbers have been declining since 2017, and the books that do well are no longer big idea books, but books such as celebrity memoirs and self-help guides. Are readers less interested in non-fiction, or just finding the answers elsewhere? "One possibility is that the boom in podcasts has stolen huge chunks of traditional non-fiction audiences," says Browning, explaining that many author appear to 'give away' the most valuable parts of their books on the show. In addition, listeners get the knowledge straight from the author's mouth, distilled down to be understandable to a podcast audience. "Until very recently," says Mark Richards, Co-Founder of Swift Press, "if you wanted to hear about a subject in any kind of depth, a book was the [only] place to go." Then came the internet, says Richards, which made research easier; then came the podcast, which gave readers instant, free easy access to the information, but without the work or cost of buying and reading a book. Others aren't so glum. Literary agent John Ash believes it's possible for non-fiction to be make a comeback. "We have such an apocalyptic outlook," he says, "but actually these things are just broadly really cyclical. In the past six months or so there's been a cultural shift away from […] doomscrolling; towards people reclaiming their attention spans." On how to ensure that non-fiction books recover from today's "easily distracted, cash-strapped, podcast-obsessed era?" Richards says, "We're going to have to, as an industry, just make sure that they're f***ing good." Thanks to Jane Freidman for the hot tip.

Do you think that you are going to make any changes because of the unexpected KU payout drop? Today's top story is How to Sell More Books from the Ground Up. Question of the week is Do you think that you are going to make any changes because of the unexpected KU payout drop? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Top Story: Launch emails that convert https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/high-converting-author-newsletter-examples If you think you're bad at email newsletters, you're not alone, says BookBaby. Many don't seem to know what to say, or when to say it, which often leads to not sending at all, even when they're launching a new book. "Before we get into the examples, it's worth knowing why these [book launch] newsletters convert," says BookBaby. "No matter your genre, [effective book launch] newsletters have five things in common." The first is a reason to open the email; that means a strong, relevant subject line. Once opened, it answers the reader's question of "What's in it for me?" It should help them, give them a sneak peek, or give them something useful. Next, be authentic. Write like an author, not a marketer. "You create deeper connections with your readers by wrapping their hopes, pain, and questions into the narrative and share how your book fits in." Then, give them just the relevant links to your upcoming launch or pre-order, plus maybe a timely link to your most popular series or seasonal promotion they can buy now. The last thing these successful launch emails have is timing; An email newsletter is perfect for teasing your upcoming launch, but don't forget that additional emails are good on launch day, not to mention follow-up emails with bonuses or reminders. Not everyone clicks (or even sees) your first email. BookBaby's simplest example doesn't overthink things. "The subject line can be as simple as 'Preorders open,' while the email body includes a brief story about why you wrote the book. Highlight the benefit to the reader and include the preorder link." If you're featuring limited time bonuses for early buyers or pre-orders, add that, too. Finally, a call-to-action (CTA) suggests that they "Preorder now in your preferred format." Because it's an email, you can includes a P.S., too, with a last-minute reason to purchase, like telling them why they'll enjoy your novel, or fixing a pain point for non-fiction. "This speaks directly to your reader while giving them a simple path to purchase." Trixie Silvertale is here! https://trixiesilvertale.com/

What is the first step you think you can take toward organization that would actually support your creativity? Today's top story is Getting Your Act Together. Question of the week is What is the first step you think you can take toward organization that would actually support your creativity? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Trixie Silvertale is here! https://trixiesilvertale.com/ Getting Your Act Together https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-business-organization-2026/

In what way do you plan on connecting with more authors in your genre and more readers of your genre in 2026? Today's top story is Pre-Order Previews. Question of the week is In what way do you plan on connecting with more authors in your genre and more readers of your genre in 2026? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What's one action you can take in the next month to help grow your marketing presence? Today's top story is KU Resurgence?. Question of the week is What's one action you can take in the next month to help grow your marketing presence? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is one piece of your brand profile that you could go ahead and make an update to? Today's top story is A 2026 Tune-Up. Question of the week is What is one piece of your brand profile that you could go ahead and make an update to? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What are you leaving behind in 2026? What do you want to let go of that's been holding you back? Today's top story is Break Before Burnout. Question of the week is What are you leaving behind in 2026? What do you want to let go of that's been holding you back? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What would you like one of your daily affirmations to be for 2026 (possibly in the form of a why question)? Today's top story is Bestseller Checked. Question of the week is What would you like one of your daily affirmations to be for 2026 (possibly in the form of a why question)? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is one craft thing that you can focus on and push yourself with your current draft-in-progress? Today's top story is Ask Your Book What It Can Do For You. Question of the week is What is one craft thing that you can focus on and push yourself with your current draft-in-progress? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is your big, audacious goal for 2026? Today's top story is The Connected Author. Question of the week is What is your big, audacious goal for 2026? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Do you audit or assess your author year to see what worked and didn't before starting a new year? Today's top story is More equals less?. Question of the week is Do you audit or assess your author year to see what worked and didn't before starting a new year? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

If your book was picked up for a movie or streaming deal, what would your series premiere launch party look like? Today's top story is Small Screen Dreams. Question of the week is If your book was picked up for a movie or streaming deal, what would your series premiere launch party look like? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is the one thing you could do to improve your sales in 2026 but you haven't committed to yet! Today's top story is Help Amazon Help You. Question of the week is What is the one thing you could do to improve your sales in 2026 but you haven't committed to yet! Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

How do you take care of yourself so that you're here to be a part of your business for the long-term? Today's top story is Pen to Paperwhite. Question of the week is How do you take care of yourself so that you're here to be a part of your business for the long-term? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

How are you diversifying your streams of income other than just putting out books? Today's top story is One-Click Translations. Question of the week is How are you diversifying your streams of income other than just putting out books? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you want from your author career? What would fulfill you? Today's top story is Miserable Marketing. Question of the week is What do you want from your author career? What would fulfill you? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What brings you the most joy in your author career? Today's top story is You get what you don't pay for. Question of the week is What brings you the most joy in your author career? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you want to get out of publishing? Today's top story is Hedge Your Bets. Question of the week is What do you want to get out of publishing? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is the intuitive thing that you want to do but you won't let yourself do? Today's top story is If you love something, set up a trust for it. Question of the week is What is the intuitive thing that you want to do but you won't let yourself do? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you already know about your readers and what would you like to know that you don't know? Today's top story is A lot can change in 14 years!. Question of the week is What do you already know about your readers and what would you like to know that you don't know? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What should you be delegating that you haven't and why haven't you handed it off? Today's top story is A Novel Idea. Question of the week is What should you be delegating that you haven't and why haven't you handed it off? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

How do you continue to market your back catalogue as you release new books? Today's top story is Poor Podcast Publicity. Question of the week is How do you continue to market your back catalogue as you release new books? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Do you know someone who has worked with a hybrid publisher and found success? Share their story! Today's top story is Legit Pay to Play Publishing?. Question of the week is Do you know someone who has worked with a hybrid publisher and found success? Share their story! Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What's one thing you want to outsource in your author business? Today's top story is The Nine-Figure Book Launch. Question of the week is What's one thing you want to outsource in your author business? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What would your dream author business vacation look like? Would you do nothing or keep working during the fun? Today's top story is The Library of Kindle-andria. Question of the week is What would your dream author business vacation look like? Would you do nothing or keep working during the fun? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is your favorite thing about being an author? Today's top story is Reclaim Your Joy. Question of the week is What is your favorite thing about being an author? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What is your definition of success as an author? Today's top story is Neurodivergent Superpowers. Question of the week is What is your definition of success as an author? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Have you been surprised by how much of certain formats you've sold based on your marketing? Today's top story is Finally you can be yourself on Facebook. Question of the week is Have you been surprised by how much of certain formats you've sold based on your marketing? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What are the fears and excitements that come to mind when thinking about narrating your own audiobook? Today's top story is Impactful Audio. Question of the week is What are the fears and excitements that come to mind when thinking about narrating your own audiobook? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What would your favorite, best five-star review of your favorite book that you wrote say? Today's top story is You thought you knew Kickstarter. Question of the week is What would your favorite, best five-star review of your favorite book that you wrote say? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Who is the most iconic character you can think of and what do you think makes them iconic? Today's top story is You thought you knew Kickstarter. Question of the week is Who is the most iconic character you can think of and what do you think makes them iconic? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you do as an author to stave off loneliness and feel connected with other people? Today's top story is Alone But Not Lonely. Question of the week is What do you do as an author to stave off loneliness and feel connected with other people? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What would you do and how would you celebrate if you hit the top 10 on The NY Times list? Today's top story is AI Witch Hunts? Question of the week is What would you do and how would you celebrate if you hit the top 10 on The NY Times list? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What do you think is the best decision you've made for your marketing over the last three years? Today's top story is How to Prep for Launch. Question of the week is What do you think is the best decision you've made for your marketing over the last three years? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

How has the sales rank change impacted you and your books? And what do you plan to do about it? Today's top story is This Rank is RANK!. Question of the week is How has the sales rank change impacted you and your books? And what do you plan to do about it? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What are your tips for automation in your author career? What are you doing and how are you doing it? Today's top story is Profitable Print-on-Demand. Question of the week is What are your tips for automation in your author career? What are you doing and how are you doing it? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

What's the worst thing in your author career that could happen and how would you solve it? Today's top story is Maximum Promo Potential. Question of the week is What's the worst thing in your author career that could happen and how would you solve it? Join the Sell More Books Show Afterparty group on Facebook and answer the Question of the Week in the comment section. Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.