AI for authors is a controversial topic in most writing circles. But authors can't afford to ignore the benefits AI can provide for writing, book marketing, and more.

In this episode of The Best of Book Marketing Podcast, Lainey Cameron and Paulette Stout dive deep into the world of AI and share easy ways any author can harness the benefits without sacrificing your values.

If you've been curious about AI and how to make sense of it, you'll appreciate this episode!

Join our⁠ new Substack ⁠for posts with quick tips, and a chance to pose questions to Lainey and Paulette!

Episode Sponsor:

Join the ⁠San Miguel de Allende Writer’s Retreat ⁠- January 17-24, 2026, hosted by Lynne Golodner.

This intimate experience—limited to just 16 writers—features dynamic large and small-group workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and exclusive access to the stunning Casa de la Noche, a historic boutique hotel with art-filled rooms, lush gardens, and inspiring spaces to write.

With Special Guest, Heidi McIntyre

It's often said that selling books can be harder than writing them. But many authors have found sustainable success running Facebook ads to market their books.

In this episode , we dive into the world of Facebook Ads for Authors, covering the ins and outs of this powerful marketing tool with marketing consultant, Heidi McIntyre.

If you've consider running Facebook ads, you won't want to miss this episode!

Join our new Substack for live chats, posts with quick tips, and a chance to pose questions to Lainey and Paulette!

Learn more about Heidi McIntyre's Coaching

Episode Sponsor:

Write Your Story in the Heart of Mexico!

Lynne Golodner is the Detroit-based author of 12 books, a writing coach and retreat leader, and a marketing expert who guides authors in book marketing and career-building.

Join Lynne’s San Miguel de Allende Writer’s Retreat - January 17-24, 2026

Immerse yourself in the magic of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage city recently named Best City in the World by Travel & Leisure!

This intimate experience—limited to just 16 writers—features dynamic large and small-group workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and exclusive access to the stunning Casa de la Noche, a historic boutique hotel with art-filled rooms, lush gardens, and inspiring spaces to write.

We've covered so many amazing marketing topics for authors in first season of The Best of Book Marketing Podcast, from book blurbs and mindset hacks, to how to work with libraries and bookstores.

In this episode, we'll recap each episode to help you catch-up on topics you might have missed and highlight all the amazing expert guests who joined us live. Use it as your listening menu, then go dive in!

We’d love if you sent us future episode ideas or suggestions - tell us right here!

⁠⁠Join our newsletter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠and you'll always hear about new episodes and resources!

Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for all resources and links featured in this episode.

With Special Guests Laura Drake & Sharon Dukett

Marketing books is hard, but what if your book includes themes readers might consider sensitive or controversial?

From political commentary and social issues, to serious medical topics like cancer, dementia or the right to die, how should you approach marketing books like that?

Join us for a frank conversation about the challenges and opportunities presented when marketing controversial books.

Laura Drake is a hybrid author of Women's Fiction and Romance. Her debut, THE SWEET SPOT, won the Romance Writers of America® RITA® award for Best First Book. She’s since published 10 more romances and 4 Women’s Fiction.

Sharon Dukett is an award-winning author who writes thrillers and memoirs. Her memoir, No Rules, won a gold medal in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in Memoirs (Historical/Legacy). Her novel, The Shutdown List, won the 2025 Pencraft Winter Prize for Best Fiction – category Thriller.

Lainey's novel! ⁠⁠

The Exit Strategy is fun feminist fiction and a 15-time award-winner!

A powerful, entertaining, and uplifting story of how even the smartest and strongest women fall victim to manipulation, and how, supporting one another, they can fight back, and find friendship.

Winner of 15 book awards including Readers' Favorite, American Fiction Awards, National Indie Excellence.

⁠⁠Join our newsletter⁠⁠⁠ and you'll always hear about new episodes and resources!

Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode page⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for all resources and links featured in this episode.

With Special Guest Jessie Cunniffe of Book Blurb Magic, expert on writing book blurbs that sell.

The book blurb (back cover description) is one of the most essential elements for your book's success. But it can also be one of the most challenging!

In this episode, Jessie Cunniff joins Paulette and Lainey to go deep on her formula for writing a great blurb and discuss mistakes to avoid.

Jessie Cunniffe is a professional blurb writer and book blurb coach from Sydney, Australia. A passionate advocate of the indie author community, Jessie has dedicated herself to taking the pain out of blurb-writing with her custom blurb services and two signature courses: Book Blurb Magic and The Spicy Blurb Playbook.

⁠Join our newsletter⁠⁠ and you'll always hear about new episodes and resources!

Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠episode page⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for all resources featured in this episode.

Paulette's new novel! ⁠⁠

⁠What We Give Away⁠⁠ ⁠by Paulette Stout (just released!)

In this compelling tale of self-discovery and romance, Leslie must navigate a world that demands she conform, while finding the courage to be true to herself and live her best life.

With Special Guest Camille Pagán, master-certified career and mindset coach and #1 Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of numerous novels.

Nothing in life goes as expected, and the same is true for our author journeys.

Making a career change in our author lives can feel uncomfortable, scary and even like admitting failure. But change also presents opportunities to grow, innovate, and become even better.

Lainey and Paulette welcome the incomparable, Camille Pagán, to discuss how to successfully navigate career pivots and emerge stronger on the other side.

Join our newsletter⁠ and you'll always hear about new episodes and resources!

Visit our ⁠⁠⁠episode page⁠⁠ ⁠for all resources featured in this episode.

Episode Sponsor:

Alida Winternheimer is the author of ⁠The Story Works Guide to Writing series ⁠of craft books. She offers ⁠coaching⁠, editing and MFA-level writing workshops that focus on developing the writer while growing craft knowledge and skill.

And she has a special offer for friends of this podcast (10% off her Spring workshops if you use code BBMLOVE at ⁠www.wordessential.com/workshops⁠ !

Book Marketing Help from Lainey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

12 Weeks to Book Launch Success⁠⁠ ⁠⁠is Lainey’s program to help authors successfully launch their book. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the wait list⁠⁠ ⁠here⁠.⁠

Paulette's new novel! ⁠⁠

What We Give Away⁠ ⁠by Paulette Stout (just released!)

In this compelling tale of self-discovery and romance, Leslie must navigate a world that demands she conform, while finding the courage to be true to herself and live her best life.

Setting goals is a great way to ensure you're spending your precious time and resources on what matters. Join Paulette Stout and Lainey Cameron as they discuss tips for authors looking to set annual goals, including ways you can effectively measure along the way.

Your fearless hosts will also go over their personal goals for 2025, and spoiler alert--sometimes not doing something can be a goal too!

Book Marketing Help from Lainey:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12 Weeks to Book Launch Success⁠⁠ ⁠⁠is Lainey’s program to help authors successfully launch their book and a new group is starting on February 24th, 2025! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the wait list⁠⁠ ⁠here⁠.

Paulette's new novel! ⁠What We Give Away⁠ by Paulette Stout (releases February 4th, 2025)

In this compelling tale of self-discovery and romance, Leslie must navigate a world that demands she conform, while finding the courage to be true to herself and live her best life.

Episode Sponsor:

Alida Winternheimer is the author of ⁠The Story Works Guide to Writing series ⁠of craft books. She offers ⁠coaching⁠, editing and MFA-level writing workshops that focus on developing the writer while growing craft knowledge and skill.

And she has a special offer for friends of this podcast (10% off her Spring workshops if you use code BBMLOVE at ⁠www.wordessential.com/workshops⁠ ! )

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our newsletter⁠ ⁠and you'll always hear about new episodes and resources!

Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠episode page⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for all resources featured in this episode.

Got ideas for future guests and topics? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us your ideas here⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(or submit as a potential guest).

Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a quick rating or review!

With Special Guest Mark Leslie Lefebvre, author of An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries and Bookstores.

Nothing excites the imagination of an author more than seeing our books on the shelves of bookstores and libraries.

But how do you get your book in a bookstore or library?

In this episode, we're pleased to welcome Mark Leslie Lefebvre, an author, professional speaker and bookseller with over 30 years of experience, to talk about how to work with book sellers and librarians to get your book noticed and on shelves.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our newsletter and you'll always hear about new episodes and resources!

Visit our ⁠⁠episode page⁠⁠ for all resources featured in this episode.

Episode Sponsor:

Alida Winternheimer is the author of The Story Works Guide to Writing series of craft books. She offers coaching, editing and MFA-level writing workshops that focus on developing the writer while growing craft knowledge and skill.

And she has a special offer for friends of this podcast (10% off her Spring workshops if you use code BBMLOVE at www.wordessential.com/workshops ! )

Book Marketing Help from Lainey:

⁠⁠⁠12 Weeks to Book Launch Success⁠⁠ is Lainey’s program to help authors successfully launch their book. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the wait list here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Or⁠ ⁠⁠⁠join Lainey’s list for free book marketing tips and webinars⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Got ideas for future guests and topics? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us your ideas here⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠(or submit as a potential guest).

Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a quick rating or review!