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Do 45% of Authors *Already* Use AI?! | Author Update

Do 45% of Authors *Already* Use AI?! | Author Update

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | May 23, 2025 | Author Update

Thomas: Welcome to Author Update. I’m Thomas Umstead, Jr. And sometimes on this show, we don’t talk about AI even a little bit. And today is not one of those days. What’s our first story, Jonathan? Jonathan: And I’m Jonathan Scherger. This is...
Adapting a Podcast to YouTube

Adapting a Podcast to YouTube

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jun 11, 2025 | Platform, Podcasting

Discover the keys to adapting a podcast to YouTube. Understand what works best to grow your channel effectively.

Networking for Authors: How to Build Relationships Without Being Awkward

Networking for Authors: How to Build Relationships Without Being Awkward

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Dec 18, 2024 | Platform

Many authors feel stuck. They’re toiling away in obscurity, and none of their promotion efforts seem to go anywhere. Success in publishing is as much about who you know as what you know. And sometimes, the lack of knowing the right people keeps you from finding...
Amazon, AI, and Author Strategy Shifts: What You Need to Know Now

Amazon, AI, and Author Strategy Shifts: What You Need to Know Now

by jonathan | Jun 23, 2025 | Author Update

Welcome to this week’s Author Update, where we break down what’s happening in the world of publishing, AI, and tech—so you can write better, market smarter, and keep ahead of the curve. In this episode, we covered sweeping changes at Amazon, unexpected shifts in how...
How Connor Boyack Sold Millions of Books Directly to Readers Without Using Amazon

How Connor Boyack Sold Millions of Books Directly to Readers Without Using Amazon

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Jul 3, 2024 | Promotion

Learn a reproducible strategy for getting to know your readers, selling to them directly, and avoiding Amazon’s ecosystem.

How to Boost Sales With Permafree Books

How to Boost Sales With Permafree Books

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 24, 2025 | Promotion, Strategy

Discover how giving a book away might actually boost sales. Learn to use a permafree book to drive sales, grow your list, or book events.

How to use Reedsy to Independently Publish Your Book

How to use Reedsy to Independently Publish Your Book

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Mar 13, 2024 | Book Design, Platform

Find out how Reedsy can help indie and traditional authors create beautiful, compelling, and marketable books.

Indie Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Indie Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 19, 2025 | Publishing

Indie or traditional publishing? Hear from one author who experienced both and made a surprising decision.

Tariffs Up & NaNoWiMo Closing Down | Author Update

Tariffs Up & NaNoWiMo Closing Down | Author Update

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Apr 4, 2025 | Author Update

Discover how rising tariffs and NaNoWriMo’s closure impact authors in this Author Media update. Get insights and strategies to navigate these challenges and thrive as a writer. Thomas: Welcome to Author Update! I’m Thomas Umstattd Jr. and today we are NOT...
Marketing 101: Place 

Marketing 101: Place 

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Mar 20, 2024 | Marketing 101, Promotion, Strategy

Selling your book in the right place is important for maximizing sales. Consider these three case studies and learn 12 online places and 24 offline places where you can sell your book.

How to Launch Your Book in 2022

How to Launch Your Book in 2022

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 16, 2022 | Promotion, Strategy

Your book deserves a well-planned, effective book launch. Learn how to maximize sales in those all-important first 30 days after release.

The Starving Author: How to Market Books When You Have No Money

The Starving Author: How to Market Books When You Have No Money

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Feb 7, 2024 | Business Advice, Promotion

You have two options if you don’t have money to market your book. Find out how an “expensive option” can be the “budget option” and where to invest your time when you don’t have the money.

How to Use Research to Market Your Novel

How to Use Research to Market Your Novel

by Novel Marketing | Aug 21, 2024 | Platform, Promotion

Wondering what to include in your newsletter, blog, or podcast? Find out how to repurpose your research and thrill your readers.

Workshops, Retreats, and Pitches: How to pick the best writers conference for you

Workshops, Retreats, and Pitches: How to pick the best writers conference for you

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 6, 2023 | Conference Tips

Learn what types of events are available and discover how to pick the best writers conference for your stage in the publishing journey.

Author Update: Judge Approves Anthropic $3K Author Payments, NaNoWriMo Replacement, & Scam Warning

Author Update: Judge Approves Anthropic $3K Author Payments, NaNoWriMo Replacement, & Scam Warning

by Thomas Umstattd Jr. | Sep 26, 2025 | Author Update

Thomas: Welcome to Author Update. We have a massive episode packed with breaking news that could put real money in your pocket, especially if you have older books. We will also expose a dangerous book club and review scam that you may have already encountered....
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