Best Thomas Umstattd Jr Podcasts (2025)

1
Book Discoverability In An Age Of AI. GEO For Authors With Thomas Umstattd Jr. 57:54

10d ago57:54

57:54

How will generative AI change search and book discoverability in the years ahead? How can you make sure your books and your author website can be found in AI tools like ChatGPT? Thomas Umstattd Jr. joins me to discuss Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and how it will replace traditional SEO marketing. I first covered this topic in Dec 2023, How …

1
How The Iran War Will Impact Authors 1:04:45

1d ago1:04:45

1:04:45

The Israel-Iran War, more AI impact on the workforce, zeitgeist discussion and more Patron Tools in the toolbox. All here with Author Update. https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-is-patron-130533769By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
Is Your Traditional Publisher Going Bankrupt? 8 Warning Signs to Look Out For 31:59

5d ago31:59

31:59

The publishing industry is facing significant challenges. We just went through a major zeitgeist shift, and reader preferences radically changed. AI also showed up in a big way, so it should be no surprise that several traditional publishers are struggling to adapt. What happens to you and your book if your publisher goes bankrupt? How will you kno…

1
Finding Your Voice, Writing Across Genre And Loving Book Marketing With Betsy Lerner 55:52

6d ago55:52

55:52

How can you find your voice through writing in different genres and mediums over the years? How can you shift your mindset around book marketing, whatever your age? Betsy Lerner shares her experience of writing and books over decades in the publishing industry. In the intro, Going Local: Authors on the payoffs and pitfalls of hometown sales and pro…

1
Amazon Drops Printing Prices, Lays Off Kindle Staff, and Ends Hourly Rankings 1:03:48

9d ago1:03:48

1:03:48

Watch us on YouTube live! https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-is-patron-130533769By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
How to Adapt a Podcast to YouTube 59:29

12d ago59:29

59:29

You work hard to create content for your audience. But how do you get more mileage and reach out of each piece you create? One way is to adapt your content for another platform. I recently started adapting my podcast into a YouTube channel. But how do you do that? I learned the hard way how not to do it. To gain traction on YouTube, you have to res…

1
Tension: The Key Ingredient for a Novel Readers Can’t Put Down 58:15

13d ago58:15

58:15

Why do some books keep readers up all night while others fall flat? If you've ever wondered whether your novel is gripping enough, you're not alone. One of the biggest challenges writers face is keeping readers hooked to the end. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into what truly drives great storytelling. Whether you're writing legal thrillers, …

1
Casting A Wider Net: Author Brand And The Writing Business With JD Barker 58:56

14d ago58:56

58:56

How can you ‘cast a wider net' and reach more readers with your books? How can you embrace the best of publishing options for your work? JD Barker explains how his publishing business works. In the intro, How Authors Measure Success [Self-Publishing Advice]; Creating through Grief [Go Creative]; Death Valley; Successful Self-Publishing, Fourth Edit…

1
Is the AI Bubble Popping? 1:01:38

16d ago1:01:38

1:01:38

A new version of Vellum, Publisher Rocket ends its lifetime deal, and is the AI bubble going to burst? https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-is-patron-130533769By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
How to Publish a Novel in 2025 37:49

19d ago37:49

37:49

Have you been dreaming about publishing a book that actually sells? The hard truth is that most authors fail because they jump straight into writing. They spend months writing a book only to find out later they made a key mistake, and nobody wants to buy the book. I've helped thousands of authors go from blank page to profitable launch, and in this…

1
Music, Writing, And The Mind-Body Connection With Jennifer Roig-Francoli 1:03:11

21d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

How can creativity be expressed in both writing and music? How can you improve your creativity by being more mindful of your physical body? How can you manage anxiety when speaking or performing? Jennifer Roig-Francoli gives her thoughts in this interview. In the intro, Taylor Swift buys back the rights to her first six albums [The Verge]; Understa…

1
The End of Google for Authors? 56:50

22d ago56:50

56:50

🎙️ Author Update – Episode: The End of Google (for Authors?) Hosts: Jonathan Shuerger & Thomas Umstattd Jr. 🕒 Runtime: \~57 minutes 📚 Topics: AI Search, SEO, Voice Cloning, Book Marketing, Author Tools --- 🔍 Episode Summary: Is this the beginning of the end for Google? In this episode, Jonathan and Thomas explore how AI is disrupting traditional se…

1
An Introduction to Author Ecosystems with Russel Nohelty 51:24

26d ago51:24

51:24

Have you ever followed popular marketing advice that worked wonders for someone else but completely fell flat for you? Or have you watched another author succeed with a strategy you were told would never work? That’s because book marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this week’s episode, I talk with USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty abou…

1
Crafting Story Worlds, Creative Control, And Leveraging AI Tools With Dave Morris 1:00:59

28d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Why is creative control and owning your intellectual property so important for a long-term author career? How can AI tools help you be more creative and amplify your curiosity? Dave Morris talks about his forty-year publishing career and why he's still pushing the boundaries of what he can create. In the intro, Writing Storybundle; Finding your voi…

1
Do 45% of Authors Already Use AI?! 1:21:12

1M ago1:21:12

1:21:12

By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
AI Optimization for Authors 31:25

1M ago31:25

31:25

Most authors are thinking about AI the wrong way. AI isn’t really a tool for writing books, but it’s quickly becoming the most powerful tool for selling them. Even if you’re not using LLMs like ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, or Claude, your readers are. In fact, today, readers across the globe asked AI, “What book should I read next?” Did ChatGPT recommend…

1
Embracing Change: How To Flux with April Rinne 1:04:06

1M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

How can you embrace the process of change in life and author business, especially in an era of AI? How can you take control of what's possible and be more comfortable with uncertainty? How can you develop a career portfolio that future proofs you in changing times? April Rinne shares her insights into how we can flux. In the intro, KDP royalty chan…

1
KDP Royalty Changes & Invasion of the AI Audiobooks 1:03:20

1M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
Your Author Toolbox 34:07

1M ago34:07

34:07

What if you had a toolbox filled with over 30 expert-level resources to help you sell more books and spend less time marketing? In this week’s episode, I reveal the suite of powerful tools I’ve built to simplify writing and marketing for authors like you. From crafting irresistible blurbs to designing reader magnet covers, optimizing email campaign…

1
How to Write a Novel Faster Using Dictation Software 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

Did you know the Apostle Paul didn’t write the book of Romans by hand? He dictated it to a someone else who wrote it down, and he’s not the only famous author to do so. In this week’s episode, we explore how authors from Cicero to Agatha Christie to USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller have used dictation to write faster, better, and with m…

1
Language, Line Breaks, And Punctuation. Poetry With Abi Pollokoff 1:04:09

1M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

What can prose writers learn from poets about language, line breaks, and punctuation? How can we help people engage with our work in different ways? Abi Pollokoff talks about her advice from poetry. In the intro, how to reframe success as a writer [Ink in Your Veins]; How I Write Podcast with Dean Koontz; Direct selling [SelfPublishing Advice]; Suc…

1
How to Write Your Novel from the Middle 47:03

1M ago47:03

47:03

Most authors start writing from the beginning. But what if the beginning is the wrong place to start? In our most recent episode, I talk with bestselling author and writing teacher James Scott Bell about one of his most powerful ideas: the mirror moment. You’ll learn ✅ Why the midpoint is more than just the halfway mark ✅ How to turn a sagging midd…

1
Skype Dies, Romantasy Surges, & Mr. Beast Starts Writing the Bestest Best Seller Ever 58:42

1M ago58:42

58:42

Author Update New Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Author-UpdateBy Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
How to generate passive income with affiliate marketing 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

Are you leaving money on the table every time you share a link to your book? In this week’s episode, we talk with Jesse Lakes, co-founder of Geniuslink, to explore how universal book links and affiliate marketing can help you reach more readers and earn extra income. You’ll learn: Why Amazon.com links could be costing you sales The tools that make …

1
Make Life Your Biggest Art Project: Pia Leichter On Writing, Creative Courage, And Changing Your Narrative 1:06:15

2M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

How can you explore the edges of your creativity to find your next becoming? How can you turn the evolution of your life into art? Pia Leichter talks about her creative courage, different ways to rest, and intuitive book marketing in this interview. In the intro, Lessons from Six Years Writing Full-time [Sacha Black]; Reflections on big shifts in l…

1
Book Bans, Copyright Trolls Target Authors, and is Social Media Mostly Bots? 58:21

2M ago58:21

58:21

Blog Version: https://www.authormedia.com/book-bans-copyright-trolls/By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
How to PROFITABLY Advertise a Solo Book on Amazon 50:56

2M ago50:56

50:56

Without advertising, most books only sell to the author’s friends, family, and neighbors. People across the country or across town may never hear about your book. Amazon ads can help you reach beyond your social bubble. Many authors think they need a series to make ads work, but that’s not true. You can run profitable ads even if you only have one …

1
See, Do, Repeat: The Practice of Creative Entrepreneurship With Dr Rebecca White 59:40

2M ago59:40

59:40

How can you implement ‘See, Do, Repeat' in your writing and author business? How can you embrace optimism as a creative entrepreneur and move past fear of judgment to publish your book? Dr Rebecca White shares her journey and tips. In the intro, Short form audio opportunities and tips [Self Publishing Advice]; Wiley's guidelines for AI usage; Colle…

1
Does Facebook Think Your Book is Worthless, Author Certification & AI Gets Religion 44:57

2M ago44:57

44:57

By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
Expanding Audiobook Revenue Through YouTube And Podcasting With Derek Slaton 56:37

2M ago56:37

56:37

How can you shift your writing and publishing process to focus on YouTube and podcasting as a primary audiobook focus? How can you use AI tools to help you create, publish, and translate your books? Derek Slaton goes into his indie author process. Inspired by Derek, you can now find my audiobooks on YouTube: Books for Authors on YouTube @thecreativ…

1
Announcing Author Update 1:00:15

2M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Publishing is changing faster than ever before. New AI tools are dropping every time you turn around, and the way authors write, publish, and sell books is being rewritten in real-time. On Novel Marketing has been committed to sharing evergreen marketing principles that do not change, which is why it's become such a trusted resource for authors. Ho…

1
Ebook Sales, Subscriptions, Audiobooks And Book Marketing With Tara Cremin From Kobo Writing Life 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

What are the different ways you can distribute and monetise your ebooks and audiobooks through Kobo Writing Life? How can you market them more effectively and reach more readers? With Tara Cremin. In the intro, the potential impact of tariffs and what to do about it [Self Publishing Advice]; Pep talk for authors during chaotic […] The post Ebook Sa…

1
Amazon's New AI Series Recap Feature: How It Will Impact Your Kindle Books 54:08

2M ago54:08

54:08

By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
2025 Laptop Buying Guide for Authors 27:07

2M ago27:07

27:07

Too many writers waste hundreds or thousands of dollars on laptop features they’ll never use. Worse yet, some struggle along with outdated, unreliable machines that sabotage their creativity and productivity. Here’s what tech companies don’t want you to know: That pricey laptop with all the bells and whistles? Most of those features are totally use…

1
Writing Memoir From A Life In Film With Gretchen McGowan 1:00:17

3M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

What’s the difference between telling a story on screen and on the page? How does indie film production overlap with indie publishing—and what can writers learn from the world of filmmaking? Why might a producer choose creative freedom over big studio deals, and what does that mean when it comes to book marketing? Gretchen McGowan […] The post Writ…

1
Death Valley Audiobook Chapters And Book Marketing Tips With J.F Penn 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

What are some ways you can market a book during a launch period using audio, video, and text? What does my JFPenn voice clone sound like narrating the first two chapters of my thriller, Death Valley? J.F. Penn is the Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, crime, horror, […] The post Death Valley A…

1
Tariffs Up & NaNoWiMo Closing Down 50:01

3M ago50:01

50:01

By Thomas Umstattd Jr.

1
Email List Alchemy: How to Grow Your Email List Fast With Giveaways 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

Description & Times Building an email list made up of more than friends and family can feel impossible, especially before you've launched your first book. Eventually, you have to attract strangers. But how? How do you convince strangers to join your email list? We've been using a surprisingly effective method for years, yet I have never dedicated a…

1
From Hollywood To Novels: TD Donnelly On Screenwriting, Adaptation, and Storytelling That Lasts 1:17:50

3M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

What's the difference between writing a book and writing a screenplay? What are the different business models? If you've written a screenplay, how can you get it read? TD Donnelly talks about the challenges and rewards of screenwriting, as well as his first thriller novel. In the intro, ProWritingAid spring sales 25% off; Key takeaways […] The post…

1
Invasion of the AI Images 1:09:08

3M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Here’s what you can expect from Author Update: Publishing News: Stay in the loop on what’s happening in the industry. Advice That Matters: Learn how to make your book irresistible to readers. Live Q&A: Bring your questions and get answers from Thomas Umstattd and Jonathan Shuerger. Links: - Novel Marketing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/novelmark…

1
Escaping the Procrastination Prison: A Guide for Tired Authors 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

Are you having trouble starting or finishing your writing? A subtle and sinister phenomenon may be keeping you from success. It may even be the reason your book is not finished yet. It might be why your book isn’t selling. What is it? Procrastination. You can’t beat procrastination by hustling harder; you need a plan that’s smarter. So, how do you …

1
How Ordinary Drafts Become Extraordinary Books. Revisionaries With Kristopher Jansma 57:01

3M ago57:01

57:01

How can we avoid the mistake of comparing our first drafts with the finished books we love? How can we improve our manuscripts? Kristopher Jansma gives his tips. In the intro, Finding your deepest reason to write [Ink In Your Veins]; London Book Fair, AI audio and ‘vibe coding' [Self Publishing with ALLi]; Pirated database […] The post How Ordinary…

1
Did Meta Steal Your Book? 1:02:55

3M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Publishing news and advice from Novel Marketing host Thomas Umstattd Jr. and indie author Jonathan Shuerger. Join live to get *your* questions answered. Links: Novel Marketing Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/novelmarketing How to Make Your Author Website Amazing: https://training.authormedia.com/p/amazing-author-websites First Email Challenge: htt…

1
How to Craft a Cancel Proof Marketing Strategy 41:58

3M ago41:58

41:58

Blog version: https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-craft-a-cancel-proof-marketing-strategy/ A few years ago, getting canceled could end your career. But author cancel culture has changed. Now, it can supercharge book sales. But how? In this week’s episode of Novel Marketing, I spoke with book marketer Christine Eriksen about how an indie author used …

1
Writing As A Tool For Grief And Dealing With Change With Karen Wyatt

3M ago

—

How can writing help you through difficult times, whether that's a change you didn't anticipate or an experience of grief? How can you differentiate between writing for yourself vs. writing for publication? Karen Wyatt gives her tips. In the intro, Amazon opens up AI narration with Audible Virtual Voice on the KDP Dashboard [KDP Help]; […] The post…

1
Author Website Review: Christian Historical Romance 45:16

3M ago45:16

45:16

How effective is your author website? In this week’s episode of Novel Marketing, I review the websites of top Christian Historical Romance authors, analyzing what they’re doing well and where they could improve. From SEO wins to missed opportunities, you’ll discover practical ways to enhance your own website. Find out: What bestselling authors get …

1
Discovery Writing 101: How to Craft Gripping Stories Without an Outline 47:55

3M ago47:55

47:55

The term "pantser" has been used to describe writing a book without an outline. At writers conferences, outlining and "pantsing" (also known as discovery writing) are often framed as rivals. However, most writers fall between the two extremes. I've seen successful authors across that spectrum. What truly matters is finding the method that works bes…

1
Intuition, Journaling, And Overcoming Fear. The Creative Cure With Jacob Nordby 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

How can you release more creativity into your writing — and your life? What are some practices to foster creativity in a time of change and overwhelm? Jacob Nordby gives his tips. In the intro, tips for spring cleaning as indie authors; Death Valley – A Thriller Kickstarter; Death Valley book trailer; Footprints Podcast – […] The post Intuition, Jo…

1
Book Promotion in 2025: How AI Gives Authors More Time to Write 59:40

4M ago59:40

59:40

It’s 2025, and authors are at war over AI. Some are embracing it, others are retreating to bunkers, and a few think it’s just another passing fad. But amid all the controversy, most authors are missing out on the AI advantage that everyone can agree on: AI can help you market your books, which gives you more time to write. Most of us became authors…

1
Writing Action Adventure And Traveling For Book Research With Luke Richardson 1:05:31

4M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

What are the tropes and reader expectations for action adventure thrillers? Why publish into KU and what are some of the ways to market there? How can travel enrich your writing? Luke Richardson gives his tips. In the intro, ProWritingAid launches their Manuscript Analysis tool; Navigating legal risk in memoir [The Indy Author]; Social media […] Th…

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Thomas Umstattd Jr Podcasts

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