Ep. 147 - Why Knowing Your Audience Matters More Than Ever in Book Marketing

Ep. 147 - Why Knowing Your Audience Matters More Than Ever in Book Marketing

Book marketing is changing, and authors can no longer rely on the same tactics that may have worked in the past. With more content, more competition, and the rise of AI, it is becoming even more important for authors to know their audience, build trust, and create meaningful connection. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we wrap up the recent book launch series by looking at key takeaways from conversations with Josh Porter, author of The Last Human Marketer, and Marissa Eigenbrood, president and partner at Smith Publicity. This episode explores why knowing your audience is still one of the most important parts of book publishing and book marketing. It is not enough to know basic demographics. Authors need to understand what their readers care about, where they spend time, what content they pay attention to, and what transformation they are seeking. You’ll also hear why your book should be viewed as more than just a book. It is your content, your intellectual property, and a tool that can support speaking, consulting, coaching, thought leadership, and long-term brand building. The episode also looks at why authors need to have a clear opinion in their content. In a world where information is easy to find and summarize, your perspective, meaning, and expertise are what help you stand out. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why knowing your audience is essential for book marketing today * How AI is changing the way readers discover and engage with information * Why authors need to build trust, share their perspective, and create real connection beyond the book launch Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.juxtabook.com/]  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

What Authors Need to Know About Book Launch Publicity Today | Expert Guest: Marissa Eigeenbrood

Book launch publicity has changed. Big media opportunities can still be valuable, but the most effective book marketing often comes from knowing your audience, understanding where they spend time, and showing up with consistent value. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the book launch series with Marissa Eigenbrood, President and Partner of Smith Publicity. Marissa shares what authors need to know about publicity today, how publishing options have evolved, and why a successful launch starts with clarity around the real job of your book. We also talk about why authors should prepare their network early, create content beyond the manuscript, and focus on audience-building opportunities instead of chasing visibility for visibility’s sake. In this episode, you’ll learn: *  Why book publicity is more targeted than ever  *  How content and network engagement support a stronger launch  *  Why “value over viral” is a better mindset for authors building their platform Connect with Marissa and Smith Publicity To learn more about Marissa Eigenbrood and Smith Publicity, visit SmithPublicity.com or connect with Marissa on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meigenbrood/]. Smith Publicity works with nonfiction authors, thought leaders, and publishers on book publicity, author promotion, content strategy, and media outreach.  Smith Publicity Website: SmithPublicity.com Contact Email: Info@SmithPublicity.com Smith Publicity Phone: (856) 489-8654  Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.juxtabook.com/]  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

A Book Launch That Builds Buzz, Reviews, and Business Opportunities | Author Guest: Josh Porter

A successful book launch does not happen by accident. It takes planning, focus, communication, and a clear understanding of what your book is meant to do after it enters the world. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we continue the book launch series with Josh Porter, author of The Last Human Marketer: Turning AI into Stories That Win Customers. Josh shares what it was like to turn his expertise in AI product marketing into a business parable designed to support his consulting work. The conversation explores how Josh approached the book publishing process as a first-time author, from writing and editing to design, pre-launch marketing, and launch week strategy. You’ll hear how he built a launch team, used a virtual publication-day event to create momentum, and hosted an in-person book launch party to build connection, content, and business opportunities. For nonfiction authors who want their book to do more than sit on a shelf, this episode offers a helpful look at how a thoughtful launch can build buzz, generate reviews, and support long-term author goals. In this episode, you’ll learn: *  How pre-launch marketing and a launch team can create momentum before publication day  *  Why book launches work best when they create strategic moments, not just social media posts  *  How a book can build authority, support your business, and open new opportunities  Pick up a copy of The Last Human Marketer [https://amzn.to/4vv57ug] Connect with Josh Porter at www.thunderwolf.co [http://www.thunderwolf.co]  Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.juxtabook.com/]  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

Your Book Launch Strategy Starts With Your Why

No two books are exactly alike, and no two authors have the same goals. So your book launch strategy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all either. In this episode of Your Path to Book Publishing, we’re kicking off a new series on book launches and what authors need to think about before launch day arrives. Whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or traditionally publishing, your launch should start with your “why”—why you wrote the book, who you want to reach, and what success looks like for you. You’ll learn why no one will care more about your book launch than you, how to think about sales goals versus impact goals, and why audience clarity should guide your book marketing decisions. We’ll also look at how your budget, publishing path, and reader experience can shape the launch plan that fits you best. This episode also previews upcoming conversations with Josh Porter, author of The Last Human Marketer, and Marissa Eigenbrood, president and partner of Smith Publicity, as we continue exploring what makes a strong, strategic book launch. In This Episode You’ll hear about: *  Why your book launch should match your goals  *  How your “why” shapes your book launch strategy  *  The difference between sales, impact, and business-growth goals  *  Why audience clarity matters before choosing launch tactics  *  How to think about the reader experience before and after launch Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.juxtabook.com/]  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]

Author Habits That Help You Sell More Books and Build Reader Trust

Author habits are not just about writing every day, hitting a word count, or trying to create the perfect routine. They are about building momentum, creating a better experience for your readers, and developing the consistency needed to make a lasting impact with your book. In this wrap-up episode of the author habits series, we look at the biggest takeaways from recent conversations with Todd Musig, Jones Loflin, and Platte Clark. The episode explores why authors need to think beyond the book itself and consider the full experience they are creating — from the first time someone encounters their message to the way they read, remember, and share it. You’ll also hear why proof of concept matters in book publishing, how generosity with your book can become a smart book marketing strategy, and why strong nonfiction authors use story to add meaning to the facts they share. For any author trying to publish, market, and build trust with readers, these habits can help turn a book into something much more meaningful than words on a page. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why author habits are about more than consistency * How to create a stronger experience for your reader * Why proof of concept matters for nonfiction authors * How generosity can support book marketing and long-term opportunities * Why story helps readers trust and remember your message Learn more about Your Path to Book Publishing by visiting Juxtabook.com [https://www.juxtabook.com/]  and discover if traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is right for you.  Liked this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram @juxtabookpress [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabookpress/] Connect with the Host on LinkedIn: @ZachKristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachkristensen/] Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website [https://www.juxtabook.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juxtabk/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JuxtaBook]