Don't Write That Book

Hosted by Mike Michalowicz, AJ Harper

Arts Books Education

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Episodes

144

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The "Don’t Write That Book" podcast serves as your guide to crafting your bestseller and embracing your role as an author. Your hosts, Mike Michalowicz and AJ Harper, act as your personal experts, steering you through the intricacies of writing and publishing. Mike and AJ demystify all aspects of creating and releasing your book, offering insights drawn from their own journeys. This podcast will be your safeguard against writing THAT book.

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60 recent

August 14, 202628 min

Should You De-list Your Book on Amazon?

Sometimes authors rewrite their books or create expanded versions of their books, so what do you do with your old book? This week, Mike and AJ answer that question and lay out all of the pros and cons of delisting your book. Mike has pondered the same question himself and shares his personal experience. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Page Two Simplified Take Breaks Work Better, by John Briggs Profit First for E-Commerce Sellers, by Cindy Thomason Traction, by Gino Wickman Not Your Sidekick, by CB Lee Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

August 7, 202645 min

The After the Book Launch Blues

In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ cover a listener’s (shoutout Kathy) question: How to know when to move on after the book is complete? They share their own personal experiences with moving on when their launch is over and how to keep it alive after the fact. They also discuss how to not move on too quickly to your next project. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Page Two Simplified Joyspan, by Dr. Kerry Burnight Sustainable Ambition, Kathy Oneto Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

July 30, 202648 min

When Your Book Needs to Change in Big Ways

Today’s episode is inspired by a request from listener Mara: “Finding the legs when the original book you envision hits a stumbling point.” Almost every author has experienced a hard stop like this while working on their book. Mike and AJ bring up how many authors may immediately bulldoze their work, but counter how that may do more harm than good and how to save your book. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Page Two Simplified Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

July 23, 202650 min

New Ideas and Developments for Audiobooks

You would never believe this, but the last time we made an episode about audiobooks was 122 episodes ago! Today’s episode covers piracy in audiobooks and new ways to protect your books. Audiobook sales are on the fast rise and it’s time that the industry grows with it. Mike and AJ talk about their new ideas and some insider scoops on the changes occurring in publishing. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: The Money Habit for FREE David Lawrence, Audiobook Coach and Audible Producer The Biology of Trauma, by Dr. Aimie Apigian Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

July 16, 202639 min

Making the Shift from Academic Writing to Transformational Nonfiction

Shoutout to listener Irena for inspiring this week’s episode, all about the challenges of going from academic writing to transformational nonfiction. Mike and AJ discuss how to focus on the reader more and why the shift is so hard for those in academic writing. They give solutions on how academics can become more comfortable with writing for their readers. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Page Two Simplified Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

July 9, 202643 min

Book Club Scams & Other Bad Ideas

As an author, have you ever gotten offers in your inbox that promise you things like turning your book into a movie or getting it highlighted in a featured magazine or make your book an overnight Tiktok trend? Mike and AJ have received hundreds, maybe even thousands, of these emails. It’s simply fishing and scammers trying to pull the rug out from underneath new and aspiring authors. AJ and Mike break down these scams and how to catch them before you fall into their trap. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Page Two Simplified Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

July 2, 202641 min

Using Substack to Grow Your Author Platform

In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ talk about the use of Substack and newsletters as an author. They discuss what has worked for them and what has flopped. If you're struggling starting out and figuring out revenue generation, this episode is for you! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Page Two Simplified Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

June 25, 202656 min

Hybrid vs. Traditional: Revisiting Publishing Path Decisions

In this episode, Mike and AJ talk about the pros and cons of hybrid and traditional publishing. Mike and AJ discuss their own personal journeys through publishing their books and why they chose the paths they did. Wherever you are in your journey of authorship, this episode will be full of information you need to know! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: Take Breaks, Work Better by John Briggs Time Freedom by Brian Herriott Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

June 23, 202650 min

Lindy West: What Happens When Your Readers Are Mad at You

Surprise! This week, we have a bonus episode all about what happens when your readers are upset with you. Author of Shrill, Lindy West, was a feminist sensation who became a millennial icon. But when her next memoir, Adult Braces, hit the market, it stirred up a frenzy of backlash. Articles started coming out, and West and her partners did not appreciate what was being said. Soon enough, it snowballed out of control. Mike and AJ are here to help authors who may find themselves in this situation and to show them how to respond. Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app.

June 18, 202641 min

Five Years Out: Bold Predictions for Publishing

In this episode, AJ and Mike discuss and reflect on the publishing industry and its evolution over the years. They even share what their predictions are for the future of book publishing. Mike and AJ will be making some pretty bold statements, you do not want to miss! Be sure to visit https://dwtbpodcast.com for more information and add your name to start receiving their newsletter. If you’d like to support this show, rate, subscribe, and leave a review on your podcast app. Books/Resources Mentioned: The Coaching Habit, by Michael Bungay Stanier The Comfort Crisis, by Michael Easter Connect with AJ & Mike: AJ Harper, website Write A Must-Read Free resources AJ’s Socials: Facebook LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz, website All books Mike’s Socials: IG FB LinkedIn

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Don&apos;t Write That Book