BTB139 | Book Series Episode 15: Gatekeepers

Before the Bestseller


Today we’re on Episode 15 of our 18-part series Before the Bestseller, and we’re digging into a topic that can quietly make or break your book’s reach: gatekeepers. These are the people your readers already trust—think podcasters, bloggers, authors, and professionals—and earning their support can take your book much further than trying to do it all yourself.

This episode unpacks what it really takes to connect with the right people—without spamming or cold pitching. We explore ways to build genuine relationships, offer value in unexpected ways, and stay consistent with outreach across each stage of your launch. Whether you’re months out from publishing or deep into post-launch, there’s a strategy here that might just open the right doors.

The truth is, most books don’t take off from a single post or pitch. They build momentum through thoughtful outreach and the quiet support of people who already have their audience’s trust. It’s not about chasing influencers or gaming the system—it’s about showing up consistently, offering real value, and letting trust do the heavy lifting for your book.

Alex Strathdee
BeforeTheBestseller | AdvancedAmazonAds

Recent PoDCASTS

how readers will find your book a year from now: 3 secrets, 2 links, 1 quote

I take a photo of my bookshelf I upload that photo to chatGPT I ask chatGPT to tell me what I should read next Is your book on that list? That’s what today is about. BUT FIRST Freshly back from reporting for Uncle duties in Virginia 🫡 Secondly…my good friend Susan Friedmann of the one and only Book Marketing Mentors podcast is hosting Book Marketing Summer Camp. Use code SUMMER50 at checkout for the Basic Bunk level. ($50 OFF) An accountability partner is invaluable so let Susan be that for…

LISTEN NOW

BTB145: Inner Excellence | Jim Murphy

Today’s guest is someone who’s helped some of the world’s top performers not just succeed, but grow into stronger, more grounded people. Jim Murphy is the author of the best-selling book Inner Excellence,

LISTEN NOW

how to go viral: 3 secrets, 2 links, 1 quote

Today is all about going viral thanks to what I learned speaking with Brendan Kane who just released The Guide to Going Viral. Here are the top secrets I pull from our chat. Listen to the full conversation here. 3 Secrets 1. Stop the scroll: Start every video or post with a pattern-disrupting hook that visually or emotionally breaks the scroll. Think weird, bold, contradictory, or highly specific.Kane emphasizes that the first 3 seconds determine whether someone keeps watching. If they don’t…

LISTEN NOW