
12/07/2022
Skills include: being late on trends and allowing vanity to trump my desire to avoid facial recognition software.
Want a book elevator pitch template that's the key to promoting your book? www.bookelevatorpitch.com. TEDx speaker. TV talker.
I help entrepreneurs and thought leaders share their stories through books (www.launchpadpub.com). Also: NY Times bestselling author of six books (http://annadavid.com/books/), journalist (NY Times, Time, Vice etc).
Skills include: being late on trends and allowing vanity to trump my desire to avoid facial recognition software.
Skills include: being late on trends and allowing vanity to trump my desire to avoid facial recognition software.
Skills include: being late on trends and allowing vanity to trump my desire to avoid facial recognition software.
Skills include: being late on trends and allowing vanity to trump my desire to avoid facial recognition software.
Authors want publicity. Publicists cost $$$$$. What's an author who doesn't want to spend a lot of $$$$$ to do? Hire Christina Nicholson. ORRRRR you could just listen to my interview with her about how to get PR for your book without breaking the bank.
Christina Nicholson on the easiest ways to get PR, how to make a podcast want you, what do after your media appearance and so much more.
Hmmm….buy a bunch of sh*t I don’t need because it’s on sale or work on building your authority and legacy with a book? (Is it really a decision? Also you can do both.)
I'll be honest...I was scared to have this conversation.
But Tony Lyons isn't afraid. As the CEO of Skyhorse Publishing, he has published a number of books that have had the Twitterverse—not to mention plenty of people I know in LA—up in arms.
We talked about all of that, as well as why going on a podcast may sell more books than going on the Today show. And so much more.
Listen here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/lyons
I was going to make a “22 Lessons I’ve Learned in 22 Years of Sobriety” post but…
…it’s simpler to say I went to rehab in 2000 because I thought I had a problem with addiction. Turns out, I had a problem with LIFE.
Everything I want to write about this seems trite but cliches are cliches for a reason, ya know?
If this speaks to you and you you think you may have a problem, go ahead and slide into ye old DMs.
Oh and you people who loved me before I could learn how to love myself? I owe you my life.
*carousel show of the last few (and best) years
*xy
What do you do when you release your book, only to find out there's another book with that title also coming out???
It happened with my first book, Party Girl, but HarperCollins told me not to worry about it since that other Party Girl was some random book no one cared about. (That random book was written by the today not at all random Rachel Hollis.)
A similar thing happened to Brian Sachetta with his book. So in this week's episode, we dove in to what you do when there's name and trademark trouble. We also dove into beta readers and why you have to find the right ones. We dove so much into those topics, in fact, that we completely ignored the one we were supposed to discuss.
Enjoy: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/sachetta
Just had an interesting experience deciding on a title for the book I'm writing.
This has been the working title: The Author Expert Formula: How to Publish a Book That Will Make You a Thought Leader
I thought it was solid. But then I started to doubt it...By "Author Expert," I mean becoming known as an expert by publishing a book but it sounds like it means expertise at being an author.
Then I was writing my weekly newsletter and I wanted to recommend PickFu (which I'd heard about from Tim Ferriss as a way to help pick a title).
But I thought: how can I recommend a resource I haven't used?
So I signed up for a PickFu account, put in that title and then, off the top of my head, came up with two others:
The Entrepreneur's Guide to the Publishing Galaxy: Become an Author Expert in 7 Simple Steps
&
From Entrepreneur to Thought Leader: How to Publish a Book That Will Make You an Author Expert
I paid $65 and, within a few minutes, had feedback from 50 strangers.
So do you want to guess which title won (by a lot)? I'll send a copy of one of my other books to anyone who's right! Just put your guess in the comments.
Out of all the interviews I've done, the one I'm asked about most often is with Robert Greene.
This makes sense, of course; it's with Robert fricking Greene, one of the most seminal authors of our time.
But what's more compelling than name value (because I've known plenty of people with great name value who say nothing) is what he had to say about how little traditional publishers do, how incorrectly most writers approach their craft and why any leader should do a book.
As he said, "A book is the royal path to any kind of success you want in life. It's like a big board that goes around wherever you go. There's a lot of prestige about it. Your book could be terrible—it could have sold 11 copies over the course of 10 years, but you can show people and people are impressed."
To listen to the episode in full and see show notes, go here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/rgreene
Who’s your domino?
By that I mean, who have you met who had a massive influence in your life and started the positive trajectory?
This is one of many concept in the great ’s new book, What’s In It For Them. It came out last week and I’m especially excited about it after just getting back from the annual event.
It’s always filled with, well, geniuses who have so many ideas percolating that I always leave feeling like I’m almost vibrating with motivation.
And…Joe has been the domino to end all dominoes in my life. For so long I was bitter that I didn’t have a mentor but the truth is I was too bratty to have one.
Joe has become mine and domino-ed my life magnificently. If you read his book, you’ll get it. Photos from the annual, smiles all organic.
Every Thursday morning, over 4k authorpreneurs receive my Bestselling Book Bulletin, which includes one answer to a publishing question, one publishing tip, one publishing resource and one bit of publishing advice.
This week's advice is all about leaning into your you-ness and I show how both Nicolas Cole and James Altucher did that in their books.
Not on the list? Remedy that here→
Sign up to receive one answer to a publishing question, one publishing tip, one publishing resource and one bit of publishing advice every Thursday.
Let me be your voice of reason this holiday season. Yes I’m late on trend but what else is new?
Make lemons into lemonade and then realize it was your perception of lemons that was the issue because lemons are awesome, even though they’re better with sugar.
🍋
What can be said about except that I’m so grateful I got help when I needed it. When I volunteered for the Crisis Text line in early Covid, again and again I heard from people that they didn’t feel like there was anyone in their life they could share their struggles with. If you’re reading this and feel like that’s true, IT’S YOUR MIND LYING TO YOU. Share. Know that you’re not alone. You didn’t create the stigma around mental health issues but sharing with someone else can do a bit to shatter it.
So this is what relaxing is like!!
PS Not topless in the photo where it looks like I’m topless, btw
You guys! I found these things that are boxes big enough for people to fit in and they have phones that don’t take photos glued into them. So cute! But not super practical!
You hear a lot about podcasts being made into books and vice versa.
But how does it actually work?
Jeremy Enns breaks it down in this week's episode.
https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/jeremy
Craig Stanland made a big mistake that landed him in prison for two years.
Then he made another big mistake when he launched his book, Blank Canvas.
He won't make either one again.
Find out what they were in this week's episode: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/craigstan.
ONLY READ THIS if you'd like to promote your book on TV.
Good! Proud of you. Because it's 100% possible.
And even better news: when you get the opportunity, you can be prepared to SLAY it.
That's because I’m offering a free masterclass to teach authors not just how possible it is for them to be booked on TV but also the five mistakes to avoid when they are booked—so that appearance has a real impact on their business.
The coolest part of the masterclass? I talked my friend Susan Harrow - Media Coach, Publicity and Public Relations Expert, Author, who happens to be the world’s leading book media coach, to join me. She will not only be sharing those five mistakes to avoid (trust me, they’re not what you think they are) but also giving live feedback to attendees who want to workshop what they’ll say when they’re on TV.
Because this is live, the ONLY way to get Susan’s feedback (value: $700) is to show up for this masterclass. It’s Tuesday, September 13th at 10 am PST and you can sign up here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/registration-page-mc
Consider this your invitation to embrace your greatness. Once you sign up, you’ll receive a confirmation email that will contain a worksheet for you to fill out before the masterclass (if you want to take advantage of Susan’s generous offer to work one-on-one with you to prepare you for your guest spot).
You NEED to sign up in order to receive the worksheet so go do it here now: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/registration-page-mc
I’m rooting for you!
Make the best impression possible so that viewers want to purchase your book and producers want to have you back again and again
In Denver tackling shame with the glorious SHAMEBOOTH & Nadia Bolz-Weber
When my clients blow up in the media, I'm like a proud mom.
When got on Chris Cuomo, Jay Shelty and Jordan Harbinger, I cheered.
When landed on , I screamed.
When got a feature in the Daily Mail and sold her movie rights, I squealed.
When was on The Doctors and her book was featured alongside Nobel Prize winners like Toni Morrison on ’s website, I cheered, screamed and squealed.
But not all our clients have had those experiences. Some forgot how much a book could do for them the week after launch. They didn't realize how valuable a book is and how it could be the key to the rest of their career so long as they took certain steps.
If that's you—you've launched a book and aren't being featured in the media talking about it—that's a shame. If you’re planning to launch a book and don’t yet have a plan to try to get on TV, that’s also a shame.
Here's why: mainstream media attention can be a game changer. I've said it before and I'll say it again: mainstream media does not help you sell books. But it is the THING that gives you cred. When I got on for my book, Make Your Mess Your Memoir, it brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in new clients. Yes, it was the book that gave me the cred. But it was the TV appearance that amplified it by a million.
The good news, if you haven't yet promoted your book on mainstream media, is that it's not too late.
If this is something you're interested in learning more about, click on the last link in my bio!
ATTENTION AUTHORS! NEWSLETTERS HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT!
But...
Which newsletter provider is the best one to start with?
What are average open rates?
Should you re-send emails to subscribers who don't open?
Where you should put your newsletter sign up in your book?
So many questions for writers when it comes to newsletter lists.
Luckily, Holly Darling HQ was able to answer them all.
https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/holly
In the midst of this insane heat wave, I was able to throw a party for one of my favorite people on earth. Who knew having a party is more fun if you’re doing it for someone else? (Slow learner over here.) Everyone had a delightful time, most especially Mr. Berndoggle who got to charm a whole new group of people.
How many Amazon reviews do you need for a potential reader to buy your book?
Is it good to get bad reviews?
Everything this week's podcast guest, Amazon review expert Craig Tuch has to say will surprise you.
Check out the episode here:
Craig Tuch is a romance writer as well as the creator of Hidden Gems, a company that helps authors find readers who will review their books. In this interview, Tuch broke down how he gathered a list of 15,000 avid readers who love to review, & why it's good to have bad reviews.
How much money, theoretically, could a book make you? According to my latest podcast guest, potentially up to $5 million (and not in $2 bills!!)
Listen here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/rich
Have become someone who goes on a cleanse and then hops on a bike to go to - if I told 90s Anna about this, she’d shake her head 200 times and still not understand
📷 by
If you don't know the WHY, WHAT and WHO for your non-fiction book, there's no way it will be successful. Find out what else you need to prevent your book from failing here:
This solo episode is material from the book I'm currently writing and is all about the WHY, WHAT and WHO of conceptualizing a how-to book.
Hey Pub Peeps!
Do you want to know the latest book preparing and promoting techniques before anyone else?
Do you want to try out some of these things and possibly have your experiences included in my next book?
Well, this is your chance. I'm in the process of writing a new book (working title: Be Book Smart: How to Create a Book That Will Turbocharge Your Business) and I'd love to bring you in on the process.
I already have some beta readers who have given great feedback (love you, Beta's!) But anyone who just wants to know about the process of what it's like to write a book about creating a book that will, well, turbocharge your business, is also welcome to come along.
What does this mean?
→Occasional updates about the writing process.
→Occasional tips for preparing for or promoting your book—topics I'm writing about—and requests for you to try them out.
→If you try them out, requests for feedback about them. Did they work? Were they a flop? Etc
Basically, I want to bring you along for this ride. If you want to come along, click here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/podcast-book-sign-up
5 tips to 10x your book title in 5 minutes:
• Ensure it makes sense without reading the book
• Change words that are hard to pronounce
• Make it attention-grabbing
• Have a clear subtitle
• Use keywords
Make it easy for your audience to find you.
You hear a lot about the best software for writing. But we need more than writing software, particularly if our books support our businesses!
That's why my latest Fast Company story is about my favorite NON-writing essentials for authorpreneurs.
If you end up using Snappr On-Demand Photography, Sugarwish, Kindlepreneur or anything else I recommend, tell me! And please share your favorite non-writing essentials.
Check out the story here→https://www.fastcompany.com/90773745/best-non-writing-tools-for-authorpreneurs
Everyone tells authors they should go on every podcast possible.
But is that good advice?
I've never thought so. And what podcast king Alex Sanfilippo believes reinforced that feeling.
So let this be a warning: when a podcast asks you to come on, there are a few crucial things to consider.
Find out what they are—and so much more—in this week's episode: https://lnkd.in/gsjKrrtR
Tim Ferriss has an estimated wealth of $100 million.
He's had 5x NYTimes.com + The Wall Street Journal bestsellers.
It didn't happen by chance.
These 7 lessons are a masterclass in launching a successful book:
Before he published his first book, he wasn't a big name.
He had to put in the work himself.
Now The 4-Hour Workweek has:
• >18000 Amazon reviews
• 4 years as a NYTimes.com bestseller
• Sold 2.1 million copies
Here's how he did it...
#1: He tested titles with Google
Most authors choose a title via a poll on Facebook.
Tim Ferriss had a list of titles:
• Millionaire Chameleon
• Broadband + White Sand
• Drug Dealing for Fun + Profit
• 4-Hour Workweek
He bought Google Ads to see what worked best.
#2: He tested mock book covers in a real store.
He went into a store in Palo Alto + slipped his book covers onto random books.
Then he watched:
• What did people do?
• Did they pick it up?
• Did they look inside?
Sometimes you have to be there to understand your audience.
#3: He offered $4 million in bonuses
Tim used a "land rush" to sell books in bulk:
• 1 copy: private Q+A
• 4 copies: early copy of his next book
• 100 copies: invite to a private party
• 1000 copies: a day of consulting
Deliver 10x more value in bonuses to encourage sales.
#4: He marketed to 1000 true fans while he wrote.
With 4 Hour Body, Tim focused on marketing before it was even written.
He asked:
• What chapter titles would make great blog posts?
• Will it appeal to 1000 die-hard fans?
Target your writing to achieve the outcome you need.
#5: He announced the book 3 months early.
After announcing he wrote regular blog posts pre-launch:
• Posts on the topic
• Only mentioned his book every 4 posts
• Wrote posts on Wired, Huff Post, Buzzfeed
He wanted his ideal reader to "suddenly" see the book everywhere.
They did.
#6: He sent 1000 advanced copies.
1000 advance copies were sent to friends, leaders + influencers.
On launch day he sent them an email with the subject:
URGENT
The email asked them to take 30 secs to review the book today.
And they did it.
#7: He got 1 million BitTorrent downloads in the first month.
BitTorrent had 170 million users.
Tim gave them what they wanted:
• A digital bundle to download
• Previously deleted chapters
• Bonus video content
BitTorrent promoted it.
And the download rate exploded.
TL;DR - 7 lessons from Tim Ferriss that took him from zero to bestseller.
• #1 Tested titles with Google
• #2 Tested covers
• #3 Offered $4m bonuses
• #4 Pitched to true fans
• #5 Announced 3 months early
• #6 Sent 1000 advanced copies
• #7 Bundled on BitTorrent
If you like info like this, you'll love my Bestselling Book Bulletin. Subscribe at www.bestsellingbookbulletin.com
Who agrees?
63% of readers don't finish reading books.
What does that mean for you, as an author?
IF SOMEONE FINISHES YOUR BOOK, THEY ARE A FAN.
So…give your audience a call to action at the end of your book:
• Leave a review
• Invite you to speak
• Sign up for your newsletter
• Use your coaching services
Otherwise you’re missing out an opportunity to have a fan, client or customer for life.
Do I need a copyright for my book?
How many copies of my book will be printed?
If I launched a book, and I didn't sell many copies, should I relaunch it?
Should I sell my book only on Amazon?
Find out the answers to the most common questions of first-time authors here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/questions
Over the past 10 years, I've published 8 books, one of which was a NYT bestseller.
But I've made some brutal mistakes along the way.
Here are 7 crucial lessons for first-time authors:
#1: Don't skimp on the cover design.
Too often, we take the cheapest or easiest route possible.
Cover designs don't have to be expensive, but don't Do It Yourself. Also:
• Save examples of covers you like in your genre to give to your designer
• Remember most covers today are "Instagram friendly" (read: colorful) and "Amazon legible" (read: easy to see when postage-stamp size)
• Revise + review
This is what people see when they browse a bookstore or Amazon. Get it right.
#2: Optimize your book description
A great book description is the difference between a bestseller and a flop.
• Use bullet points
• Add accolades
• Take advantage of the 2000-word count
• Put 5-star reviews at the top
• Find the right keywords but don't sacrifice writing quality for it
#3: Give the audience a next step.
A good book leaves your audience wanting more.
A bad one turns your audience off completely.
But a legendary one is the best lead magnet imaginable.
Give your audience a call to action. What should they do once they've finished reading it? Make it easy for them to connect with you.
#4: Don't skim over the editing.
Until you’ve completed the editing stage, don’t take your eye off the ball.
Writing is only part of the journey.
Books need many editors.
• Developmental editors
• Copy editors
• Proof-readers
Don't cut corners here.
#5: Work hard to get Amazon reviews.
We all think our readers understand how important reviews are.
They don't.
We need to TELL THEM:
• Use Advance Reader teams/Launch Squads
• Ask people who read books in your genre to write Amazon reviews
• Thank whoever does review profusely (they'll be inspired to review your next book!)
For every 100 sales, expect 1-2 reviews.
#6: Take advice while there's still time.
Listening to feedback is great, unless there's nothing you can do about it.
• Ask your target audience
• Listen to the feedback
• Makes changes
Once it's published - it's too late for meaningful feedback. (But if you find significant typos, you can correct the file and re-upload it.)
#7: Remember it's about the reader, not the author.
It's easy to fall into telling your reader how great you are.
But you are serving them, not yourself.
• Change "I" to "you" in your writing
• Connect with them (think of them as friends, not fans)
• Take the time to listen
TL;DR 7 crucial lessons for first-time authors
#1: Don't skimp on cover design
#2: Optimize the book description
#3: Give the audience a next step
#4: Don't skip editing
#5: Word hard to get reviews
#6: Take advice while you can make change
#7: Remember it's about the reader
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People will tell you there’s no way to get mainstream media attention if you’re not traditionally published. Not true! I did it and without hiring a publicist or spending a penny. You can publish your book yourself and get on Good Morning America and the other big shows if you do this. #bestsellingbook #selfpublishing #publishingabook #authorsoftiktok # writersoftiktok #goodmorningamerica #bookpromotion #bookpromo #bookpublicity
Want to know what else happened on KATU News other than Bernie stealing the spotlight? https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/katu
Find out the books I recommend this month for KATU News and see Bernie's TV debut in one fell swoop!! Marcy Dermansky Sara ONeil Jacqueline Kravette Jennifer Grey Nic Peterson Amanda Palmer
You'll relate. And you'll laugh your a*s off. For more quickie writing and publishing tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cI4_Eu-iPA&list=PLWOgN-zXbIHo8BAj0AkUHUnUvh-7TJF1J
This month, I recommended books by Lisa Unger, Annabelle Gurwitch, Andrew McCarthy, Jeff Kober and Andrew Lipstein!
Want to listen In on my conversation with Publishing Kween Zibby Owens as we talk indie vs traditional publishing, re publishing a book 15 years later, turning books Into movies and so much more. Go here>>>https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/anna-david-party-girl
A rare treat! We shot this week's podcast episode so you can actually see it in action. Here Zara Barrie walks us through how, exactly, you get your online audience to care about your book. Dayna Troisi and I listen attentively. But you can hear how unattentive we REALLY get if you listen to the whole episode: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/girlz
My Feb book recommendations for my KATU News segment include works from Heather Havrilesky, Nicolas Cole, Alex Wieckowski, Anna Sabino and Antonia Tellis (links to all the books at the link below) Watch the full segment here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/katu
We all know the deal... writing a book can contribute to your credibility and open doors you you never imagined were possible. The pay-off for writing a book is great, but that doesn't mean it's an easy task. Check out my latest Entrepreneur article for three things you shouldn't waste your time on while writing a book to build your business: https://bit.ly/3rttsT1.
I am so honored to not only have Robert Sikes as this week's podcast guest but also to have published his instant bestseller, Ketogenic Bodybuilding. Listen in on our conversation about how success comes from following what you were passionate about as a kid: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/robert
It sounds easy enough: contribute an essay to an anthology and save yourself the trouble of having to write a WHOLE BOOK YOURSELF. But is it worth it? That's what I break down in this week's post. https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/anthology
I 100% adored my conversation with Jay Fantom on the Story Box. I rarely feel like I can just drop my inherent desire to "perform" and just chat when on a podcast but that's exactly what Jay brings out. Listen In here: https://thestoryboxpodcast.com/podcast/anna-b-david-unboxing-lets-talk-about-addiction-why-you-should-write-a-book/
I told Brianne Davis those things I normally don't admit. Listen in here: https://bit.ly/SL-Anna-David
How did the glorious Ashlea Hearn find a mentor to help her through the publishing process? And WHO Is that mentor? (Hint: she's writing these words.) Find out how it all happened in this week's episode: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/ashlea
Brian Meeks is a prolific novelist as well as the world's best when it comes to writing book descriptions. He's also found the writer's way into the NFT world. Hear all about It here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/meeks
Not only is Ed Kressy my guest on today's episode but I was also able to rave about his book in my new gig as a TV critic for KATU/Portland. Read about and listen to this brilliant, humble man and his exquisite mission here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/ed
Get all the intel on the scandal that has the publishing world abuzz in less than 15 mins! https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/bad
The great Erika Schickel was on the pod! We talked about her extraordinary new book and why traditional publishing Is both great and terrible. Listen/download/cherish here: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/blog/erika
I talked to Lisa Smith and Tawny Lara about Quit Lit, writing, famous musicians and so much more. And you can listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-89-special-guest-anna-david-talks-about-the/id1437414525?i=1000537237319
It's book release day for Columbia business school grad, angel investor, podcaster and mother of five Mimi Moriarty MacLean! So what did she have to say when it came to what it was like to add author to her list of hyphenates? Find out here: https://www.launchpadpub.com/blog/mimi
Until recently, Sarah Alaimo had no plans to write a book. So how did she go from "no plans" to #1 bestselling author? In this episode, we broke down every step. Come with us! https://www.launchpadpub.com/blog/sarah
ONLY DOWNLOAD THIS PODCAST IF YOU WANT A BOOK TO CHANGE YOUR CAREER AND LIFE. Binge the episodes here: https://pod.link/launchyourbook
It's not every day that you get to chat with NFL dudes about your recovery. Yes, I talked to the great The Darren Waller Foundation and equally great Donny Starkins on their show Comeback Stories about drugs, recovery and all the rest. Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comeback-stories/id1551398819?i=1000523259836
Don't do this. Do this: https://www.launchpadpub.com/blog/audio
Does a ghostwriter sit with you when you're writing? Does an editor read chapters as you create them? Does a coach edit? These questions and more are answered in this week's episode: https://www.launchpadpub.com/blog/difference. (THEY ARE NOT, ALAS, ANSWERED IN MY LAUNDRY ROOM.)
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