Aviva Publishing

The Real Reason Your Book Isn’t Selling Nobody's going to tell you this. So I will. For most authors, the book isn't selling because they're asking the wrong people to buy it. They're broadcasting to an audience that isn't ready instead of having conversations with people who already need what they know. They're playing it too safe with positioning. Writing something that tries to appeal to everyone, which means it resonates deeply with no one. And they've separated themselves from their content. They share the book but they don't share themselves. In a world drowning in content, people don't buy books. They buy people they trust. If any of this sounds familiar, the fix probably isn't more posts, more platforms, or a better hook. It's showing up with a point of view sharp enough to make the right reader think "this was written for me." The right reader doesn't find your book by accident. They find it because something you said made them feel understood. Does this ring true for you, or have you found a different reason your book isn't getting the traction you expected? Transform your book marketing with magnetic messages that work. Grab this essential guide today https://lnkd.in/ek36Zz9y

Do you know why some authors struggle to market their books even when they have a powerful message? This week’s guest expert is April Adams Pertuis, award-winning journalist, producer, and founder of Light Beamers. After conducting more than 10,000 interviews over a 30-year career, April has learned one truth most authors miss: storytelling is not separate from marketing. It is the marketing. In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll discover how to use your personal stories to build trust, spark curiosity, and create stronger connections with readers. April also shares how AI can help uncover and organize your stories without replacing your authentic voice. If marketing your book feels forced, awkward, or exhausting, this episode may completely change the way you think about promoting your work. Key Takeaways: • Storytelling makes marketing feel human. When you stop “selling” and start sharing meaningful stories, people pay attention. • Your “why” matters more than your pitch. Readers connect with the reason behind your book before they connect with the book itself. • AI can help uncover your stories. Used the right way, AI becomes a creative partner that helps you organize ideas and discover stories you may have forgotten. • Create a story bank. The best authors collect stories from their life, work, and experiences so they always have meaningful content to share. • Authenticity builds trust. Real stories, challenges, and lessons create deeper audience connection than polished marketing language ever will. Don’t miss this episode if you want your marketing to feel more natural, more engaging, and far more effective. Tune in now! (link in comments)

Have you ever found yourself in the same situation again… …wondering why you’re still here? It’s easy to call that failure. To think you should be “past this by now.” But repetition isn’t failure. It’s information. It’s pointing to a decision you haven’t fully owned yet. That realization changes everything—especially in business. Because the same thing happens with books: • Writing them • Selling them • Using them effectively Most people repeat patterns that don’t work… instead of stepping back and choosing differently. That’s where real growth happens. So the better question isn’t: “Why is this happening again?” It’s: “What am I ready to do differently this time?” This story is part of the Wisdom of the Sisterhood—a collection of real experiences from women who chose to share what shaped them. If you want to explore the full deck and the lessons behind it visit: https://lnkd.in/g3MpdSGU

As a non-fiction author, I know how overwhelming book marketing can feel — that's exactly why I created the Book Marketing Mentors podcast! 🎙️ Every week, I sit down with incredible expert guests to bring you smart, actionable strategies to help you get noticed in a crowded marketplace. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned pro, I designed each episode to give you real tools you can put to work right away. 🙌 I'd love for you to tune in! #BookMarketing #NonFictionAuthors #AuthorSuccess #BookMarketingTips #PublishingPodcast

Do readers judge a book by its cover? Absolutely. And if your book looks self-published, readers notice before they read a single word. This week on the podcast, book designer extraordinaire Victoria Wolf pulls back the curtain on what makes a book look polished, credible, and impossible to ignore. With more than 30 years in the industry and 500+ books designed, Victoria shares the design choices that separate books people buy from books people scroll past. We talk covers that instantly signal quality, interiors that keep readers engaged, and the subtle design mistakes that quietly kill credibility. You’ll also hear why many nonfiction authors sabotage their authority with amateur visuals without even realizing it. If your book is supposed to open doors, your design can’t afford to whisper. Key takeaways from this week's episode: • Why interior design matters far more than most authors think • The typography and layout choices that make books easier to read and harder to put down • The real job of a book cover and why most self-published covers miss the mark • When your author photo helps your brand and when it hurts it • The tiny design tweaks that instantly make a book feel professionally published • How strong design builds trust, authority, and sales before readers even open the book If you want your book to compete with traditionally published titles instead of looking like an afterthought, don’t miss this conversation. Tune in now! (link in comments)

The Backwards Build Most authors build their book business backwards. They focus on getting the book out. The launch, the listing, the distribution. Then they wait for something to happen. It doesn't. Here's what nobody tells you. Publishers care about getting the book published. What happens after that is largely your problem. And six weeks after launch, when the promotional support quietly disappears, most authors discover this the hard way. The authors who build real traction figured out one thing early. The book isn't the business. It's the entry point. Stop treating it like the destination. Start building what comes after it. What's the next step someone can take after they finish your book? If you don't have a clear answer, that's where your marketing is breaking down. If you've published a book, what was the moment you realized the launch was just the beginning, not the finish line? Unlock the full potential of your book and discover how to repurpose your content. Download this go-to infographic today https://lnkd.in/gjmJPUcm

After 20+ years in the trade show industry, I realized I had lost the excitement that once fueled my work. So I started over. That decision eventually led me to found Aviva Publishing, where I've had the privilege of helping bring more than 1,200 nonfiction books into the world. But the lesson I carry from that transition has nothing to do with publishing — it's about paying attention. I recently joined Bill Ellis on the What's the Point? podcast, and we went deep on what it really takes to sustain meaningful work over time. A few things I shared that I hope are useful: → Publishing your book is not the goal. Marketing it — consistently, clearly, and with a deep understanding of your reader — is where the real work begins. → Letting go of a professional identity you've spent decades building is genuinely hard. But staying in something that no longer fits has a cost too. → Curiosity is a strategy. When something feels stale, I don't abandon it — I look for a new angle. Travel, new relationships, even AI have all given me fresh perspectives on my work. → Longevity requires honesty. With yourself, with your audience, and about whether what once fit still does. I hope something in this conversation is useful for where you are right now. 🎧 Listen here — Apple Podcasts - apple.co/3fa0CBx Spotify - bit.ly/4nKtvDK Watch on YouTube - bit.ly/3WMPmzt #Podcast #Publishing #BookMarketing #NonfictionAuthors #AuthorMarketing #Reinvention #BusinessLongevity #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #AvivaPublishing

Stop Selling Books One at a Time Most authors try to sell books one reader at a time. That’s the slowest path to success. Selling books individually often feels like filling a swimming pool with a teaspoon. Organizations think about books differently. Companies, associations, and professional groups often need resources for training, leadership development, or client education. When your book supports those goals, the conversation shifts from a single sale to a much larger opportunity. Early in my career, one company purchased 500,000 copies of my first book because it supported their training program. They weren’t buying a book, rather, they were investing in a solution. Action step: Write down three organizations connected to your topic and ask yourself how your book could support something they already care about. That question opens doors many authors never knock on. Question How often do you refresh your book promotions? Get my latest eBook, "Steal These 5 Proven Marketing Ideas for Nonfiction Book Success." Grab your copy now https://lnkd.in/ebzteisR

Are you actually stuck… or are you hiding behind perfection? Most nonfiction authors say they’re “not ready.” Kristin Bentley calls that out for what it is. As founder and CEO of EP House, Kristin has spent 25+ years helping leaders, experts, and change-makers turn lived experience into books that matter. In this conversation, she breaks apart the idea that confidence comes first… and replaces it with something far more uncomfortable and far more effective. Because the truth? You don’t think your way into writing a book. You write your way into clarity. What This Episode Will Challenge: “Ready” is a moving target. If you’re waiting for it, you may be waiting forever. Clarity doesn’t come before the work. It shows up because of it… and only if you start. Outlines can help… or quietly stall you. There’s a fine line between structure and avoidance. Writer’s block isn’t random. It’s usually pointing to something deeper you’d rather not face. Your voice gets lost the moment you try to please everyone. And most authors don’t realize when that’s happening. Kristin also shares how to use tools like AI without losing your voice, how to move through resistance without forcing it, and why your first draft should feel a little uncomfortable if you’re doing it right. If you’ve been circling your book, tweaking your outline, or telling yourself you’ll start “soon”… this episode will hit closer than expected. So, tune in now!

Looking for ways to make your nonfiction book shine? See why fellow authors can’t stop talking about the Book Marketing Mentors podcast! ⭐ “Top-notch advice for authors! I found this podcast a few weeks ago, and it’s quickly become my go-to for marketing tips. The episodes are short, practical, and full of strategies for authors at any stage.” ⭐ “Insightful and inspiring. Susan Friedmann’s welcoming style and deep expertise make every episode valuable. I walk away with new ideas to strengthen my writing and marketing skills.” ⭐ “A must-listen for nonfiction writers! Susan brings in diverse guests and shares actionable insights in every episode. I highly suggest tuning in as often as you can!” From actionable marketing plans to expert perspectives, Book Marketing Mentors equips you with the know-how to boost book sales and leave your mark in nonfiction. Ready to elevate your author journey? Listen today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform! #BookMarketing #NonfictionAuthors #AuthorSuccess #BookMarketingMentors