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Reader, Today, a question for you: We’ve already begun to see the sales of some books drop off as a result of how people learn about a topic. Prescriptive how-to is losing traction as people can instead get customized instructions on how to do anything (based on our own sales data for how-to books). Why buy a book on composting IF your AI-of-choice can simply walk you through applying knowledge to YOUR specific situation? On the other hand, maybe there’s an opportunity for authors in the how-to space… I was at a bachelor party over the weekend and between the pickleball bracket tournament and laser tag match (I’m not too old for that, right?) we got to talk about my favorite topic – books. Instead of READING a how to book, many of the guys were instead asking their AI to give them a strategy for implementing the content of their favorite author. Not dissimilar to plugging Mario Kart (or whatever your favorite game was) into an Wii or Xbox to interact with the content, it seems some readers are now simply asking AI to solve their problem BUT to do it based on the teachings of X author. Let me give you an example… My good friend Marshall, father of two, is focused on getting back into great physical health so he can be sports-ready for his boys as they grow. Instead of just asking his AI to lay out a training plan, he told his AI… “Give me a training plan based on the teachings of Scott Hogan in Built from Broken“. Books are potentially becoming interactive video games thanks to AI. What do you think about this? Are you or anyone you know doing this? How else do you think nonfiction books are evolving in the age of AI? Furthermore, will every fiction author have an interactive video game to go along with the book? Reply with your thoughts, I would genuinely LOVE to hear what you think about this. 3 Secrets Doug Evans left 4-minute voice messages to major celebrities via Instagram DM, recognizing that this bold approach helps stand out from typical text messages despite feeling uncomfortable. This differentiation strategy can capture attention when text messages might be ignored. Source: BTB60– How Doug Evans used TikTok and Social Media Networking to Sell Thousands of Copies 2. Focus on one marketing channel and master it rather than spreading yourself thin, and match your promotional strategy to your strengths Authors consistently emphasize picking platforms that match your strengths and committing to them for at least a year. This focused strategy proves more effective than trying to be everywhere at once. Successful authors pick one primary channel – whether Amazon ads, email marketing, speaking, or social media and devote energy to mastering that approach. Additionally, If you’re more comfortable writing than speaking, focus your energy on guest blogging rather than forcing yourself to do podcasts or videos. Playing to your natural communication style will yield better results. Source: Mentioned in 8 episodes | Source: BTB101– Laura Russom on Pre-Launch Planning, BTB134– Book Series Episode 10-Organic Social Media, BTB124– LinkedIn in 2025, BTB4- Brian Meeks – Fiction & Non-Fiction Authors-, BTB43-Rob Fitzpatrick on making 6-figures as a self published author- (+1 more) 3. Build relationships with gatekeepers, influencers, and other authors before making any asks Start building relationships at least 12 months before launch by engaging with their content, interviewing them, solving their problems, or connecting them with others. Implement a ‘no asks for a year’ rule to signal genuine relationship building. The author community is uniquely collaborative because readers buy multiple books, partner for joint ventures and cross-promotion. Source: Mentioned in 11 episodes | Source: BTB139– Book Series Episode 15- Gatekeepers, BTB138– Book Series Episode 14-Moonshots, BTB46– The Long Game – Dorie Clark, BTB173– Nir Eyal on Marketing, BTB30– Allan Dib on cousin books (+2 more) 2 Links
1 Quote “Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It’s courage to continue that counts.”
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