
Advertise on podcast: Don't Write That Book
Rating
5from
This podcast has
154 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Mike Michalowicz, AJ HarperExplicit
No
Date created
2023/10/25
Latest episode
2026/10/15
Average duration
43 min.
Release period
7 days
Description
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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Check latest episodes from Don't Write That Book podcast
When to Give Away Free Copies of Your Book
2026/10/15
Most authors have had this experience: someone approaches you and asks for a free copy of your book. And that request can hurt, since the best way to support an author is by buying a copy. But sometimes giving away copies is in your best interest. Mike and AJ dive into this week's topic and break down when to give away copies and when not to.
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:Simplified
AJ's writing sprint community
Buoyant, by Susie deVille
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
What to Do When You (or Someone Else) Blows Up Your Book
2026/10/08
AJ and Mike discuss how to handle your book blowing up in your face this week. In this episode, your favorite author co-hosts break down the devastating but necessary process of realizing a part of, or your whole book, simply isn’t working. Mike and AJ share their personal experiences and stories behind their own books and concepts “blowing up” and how they survived it.
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:Simplified
AJ’s Writing Sprints
AJ's all-day Writing Sprint Marathon (registration)
Uncertain, TX on Substack (special for DWTB listeners!)
Scar Tissue, by Melissa Dugolecki
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
Is Prescriptive Nonfiction Dead
2026/10/01
In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss the controversy sparked by Tim Ferriss's article, "Has AI Already Killed How-To Nonfiction?" The two debate whether AI summaries have made prescriptive nonfiction obsolete or whether the use of AI everywhere has made humans more desperate for human-made content.
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:Simplified
Tim Ferriss Article
AJ's Rebuttal to Tim
Take Breaks, Work Better by John Briggs
AJ's all-day Writing Sprint Marathon (registration)
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
Don’t Sleep on Panel Discussions as a Marketing Tool
2026/09/24
In this episode, Mike and AJ discuss panel discussions and why too many authors are not utilizing them. Panels are easier than solo talks and are often easier to get, but have been overlooked lately. They both share their experiences with them and why the invitation to discuss benefited their books more than simply talking about them.
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:
Simplified
Big Freakin' Change, by Cara Poppett
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
Get Pre-orders Way Before Your Pub Date
2026/09/17
This week’s episode covers all about pre-orders and when you can start getting orders in. Well, turns out you don’t need to wait for a pre-order link. Mike and AJ discuss their own experiences with taking orders before their books were even linked and other methods to start orders as early as possible.
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:
Simplified
AJ's writing sprint community
Check, Please!
The Disregulated Kid, by Roseann Copanna-Hodge
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
How to Write on an Airplane
2026/09/10
In this week’s episode, Mike and AJ discuss adapting your writing to the environment you are in. Mike has extensive experience with writing on planes and even found that he sometimes writes best on planes. Mike and AJ all discuss their creative differences and how finding yours is extraordinarily important for becoming a bestselling author.
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
When Your Publisher Bullies You
2026/09/03
What do you do when you get your dream traditional publisher, an offer of a lifetime, and then everything goes sour? Your publisher begins to bully you, completely bulldozes your story, and you… Well, sadly, this happens from time to time. But AJ and Mike know exactly how to handle this!
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:
Simplified
AJ's Writing Sprint Community
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
Should You Put Your Book on Pause?
2026/08/27
Sometimes writing just stops- not writer’s block, but simply stuck. Life is busy, more urgent matters take precedence, and your body is exhausted. So what do you do? You pause on your book. But how do you decide when life is too much to do that? AJ and Mike cover just that in this latest episode and their own experiences, sharing their best strategies to get through the muck.
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:
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
How to Choose Between Publishers
2026/08/20
When your publishing offers come in all at once, it can be hard to decide. Even the difference between two traditional publishing houses can be starkly different. In today’s episode, we tell you how to notice all of those little differences and what can be a make or break for your book’s life.
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:
Simplified
In Search of You, by Kasey Compton
Beyond Compassion Fatigue, by Jen Blough
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
Should You De-list Your Book on Amazon?
2026/08/14
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
The After the Book Launch Blues
2026/08/07
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
When Your Book Needs to Change in Big Ways
2026/07/30
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
New Ideas and Developments for Audiobooks
2026/07/23
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
Making the Shift from Academic Writing to Transformational Nonfiction
2026/07/16
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
Book Club Scams & Other Bad Ideas
2026/07/09
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
Podcast reviews
Read Don't Write That Book podcast reviews
BiggamusBoyRex 2026/02/19
Create a Must-Hear Podcast (Well, they did.)
As an aspiring author, I love the information and insights offered by Mike and AJ. I never cease to be amazed at the wealth of experience she has and...
YontonY 2025/11/09
Book Author and/or Speaker—this is a must listen!
Bingeing and implementing these episodes! Thank you Mike and AJ.
If you want to get ideas, hear behind the scenes about publishing/writing/communicat...
Stormberry17 2025/07/24
Perfect for aspiring or experienced authors!
AJ & Mike have such a fun and helpful way of sharing insight and encouragement for writing non-fiction. Feels like you’re hanging out with friends tha...
gnatgnatg 2025/07/21
My second go-round!
I am deep into my second journey binging these episodes. AJ and Mike are the perfect partnership, balancing enthusiasm and ideas along with practical,...
Gtddcvhbuhb 2025/02/27
Exactly what I need as a first-time author
The world of writing and publishing is mysterious and intimidating, but thanks to Mike and AJ, it doesn’t have to be! Learning is fun because these tw...
Ericka Sylvester 2024/12/30
Every author should listen
I’m about to publish my 3rd traditionally published book. Neither of the first two sold well.
I am SO thankful I found this podcast & AJ’s book, Wri...
SuePhilly2 2024/08/24
The Real Deal
Practical, wise and witty!
Dr. Roseann 2024/08/08
An essential listen for all writers!
Even as a seasoned author, I have learned so much from AJ and Mike, as they share valuable insider knowledge. Wonderful conversation infused with grea...
A?F 2024/05/31
The impossible became inevitable
I was about halfway through my very first draft of my first manuscript when I started binging this podcast. At that time, I was questioning the writin...
Steph 100DC 2024/04/30
Binge-worthy!
I was thrilled to have stumbled upon this podcast by one of my favorite authors, Mike Michalowicz. I immediately binged the entire show, from the begi...
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