What does it take to write a book that truly changes lives—yours included? Today’s guest has made it her life’s work to help authors do exactly that.

As a publishing strategist and developmental editor, she’s guided everyone from first-time writers to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of copies sold. Her approach goes far beyond the mechanics of writing—it’s about crafting a must-read that builds connection, credibility, and community.

She’s been the writing partner behind ten books with author Mike Michalowicz, including “Profit First” and “Clockwork.” As the Head Writing Coach for Heroic Public Speaking, she has helped thought leaders, scientists, and speakers from Harvard, Yale, and TEDx Cambridge bring their big ideas to the stage with clarity and heart.

The authors she coaches learn how to develop transformational manuscripts that make an impact and leave a legacy.

Please join me in welcoming AJ Harper.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

🟠 Start With Who You Want to Serve for the Next Five Years: A practical “who” question that anchors your book idea, your message, and the problem (or desire) you’re truly addressing.

🟠 Treat Your Book as Part of Your Ecosystem: How the right book connects to what you want to speak about, coach about, and build in your business over time.

🟠 Use Books to Triage and Clarify What Comes Next: Why writing multiple books can be part of the path, and how a diagnostic lens can help you see what the “real” book is.

🟠 Invest in Book Development and Editing: A candid reminder that skimping here often creates bigger problems later, even if your marketing is strong.

🟠 Stop Chasing Vanity Metrics: Why expensive plays like bestseller campaigns, big displays, and billboards can distract from what actually moves your business forward.

🟠 Build a Launch Team of Likely Prospects and Referral Partners: A launch approach that prioritizes written reviews and real post-launch momentum over short-lived status wins.

Links

AJ Harper on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
www.ajharper.com
Don’t Write That Book podcast (with Mike Michalowicz)
“Write a Must Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives, Including Your Own”

Books mentioned in this episode:

“Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine” by Mike Michalowicz
“Clockwork, Revised and Expanded: Design Your Business to Run Itself” by Mike Michalowicz
“Fix This Next: Make the Vital Change That Will Level Up Your Business” by Mike Michalowicz
“Alignment: A Montessori Approach to Reimagining Work-Life Balance” by Katie Keller Wood
“Do Good While Doing Well: Invest for Change, Reap Financial Rewards, and Increase Your Happiness” by Marcia Dawood
“Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half” by Dr. Kerry Burnight

Other Resources

Learn more about the National Speaker Association.

Robbie’s Resources

Schedule a complimentary book launch brainstorming session: www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com.

Find all the archived podcast episodes, plus an invitation to free virtual networking events for writers and authors, AND Hub Partners ready to help entrepreneurs become successful authors: www.BizBookPubHub.com

Join the waitlist for the next Kindle Flash Sale for entrepreneurial authors: www.BizKindlePromo.com

Subscribing (or following) and leaving a rating and review wherever you are listening helps this podcast be discovered.

Biz Book Pub Hub Podcast features interviews with experts who help entrepreneurs become successful authors and author panels discussing the ROI of publishing a business book.

Tune in for frank conversations about the ups and downs of the author journey. Find out what common mistakes you can avoid and what resources you can use to ensure your effort leads to business growth.

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HUB 487: AUTHOR INTERVIEW - AJ Harper