Chris Cordani sits down with Scott Lorenz, one of the most respected book publicists in the industry and the founder of Westwind Book Marketing. With more than three decades of experience promoting books across every major genre, Scott breaks down what authors really need to know after they finish writing their book—and why publishing is only the beginning. Scott shares practical, real-world advice for aspiring and established authors navigating today’s crowded publishing landscape. From Amazon self-publishing and media outreach to book titles, cover design, social media strategy, and press releases, this episode delivers a masterclass in modern book promotion. In this episode, you’ll learn:
- What aspiring authors should do before they write their first book
- Why publishing on Amazon is easier than ever—and what most authors get wrong
- How professional book publicity actually works behind the scenes
- Why book titles and subtitles matter more than most authors realize
- The biggest mistakes authors make when marketing their own books
- How radio, TV, podcasts, and print media fit into a smart publicity strategy
- Guerrilla and “stealth” book marketing techniques that actually work
- The role of social media, memes, press releases, and Amazon ads in book sales
- Why most authors aren’t ready for national media—and how to get there
- How AI is changing publishing, publicity, and content creation
- What authors should look for when hiring a book publicist
Scott also discusses his own journey into book marketing, his experience working with high-profile authors, and why every book has an audience—it’s just a matter of finding it. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a self-published author, or someone preparing to launch your next book, this episode offers practical guidance, honest industry insight, and actionable strategies to help your book stand out in a competitive market.
🌐 Learn more about Scott Lorenz and West Wind Book Marketing:
WestWindBookMarketing.com
🎙️ Listen now and discover how successful authors turn books into visibility, credibility, and lasting impact.