In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore creative ways to boost book sales! Learn how limited editions, bundles, personalized products, and more can incentivize new and returning shoppers to buy directly from you - without resorting to discounts. Love watching your podcasts? Publish & Prosper is now on video! Check us out on YouTube. Join us at Autho…

How can understanding our doshas support our mental health? In today’s podcast episode, I’m delighted to introduce you to Jody Vassallo. Jody has been a recipe writer and food stylist for over 20 years, working with some big names like Marie Claire, Donna Hay, Jamie Oliver and Vogue. She’s also a yoga teacher and ayurvedic practitioner. I love Jody…

How do we bring polyvagal theory into our yoga practice and teaching to support healing and growth? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr Arielle Schwartz (she/her), a fellow clinical psychologist and yoga teacher, and a leading voice in the healing of trauma, to dive into this fascinating topic. Arielle is an internationally sought-after teacher an…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren tackle the upcoming holiday season. They’ll discuss best practices for getting your books ready, optimizing your site or bookstore, speaking to gift givers instead of your target audience, and reviewing your social media for book promo opportunities. Dive Deeper 💡 Check These Resources Make Books Make Bank PDF Downloa…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt tackle some common pain points entrepreneurs and ecommerce store owners struggle with. We’ll talk through solutions and tips for collecting sales tax, setting up shipping and managing shipping issues, and providing proactive customer service for your shoppers. Dive Deeper 💡 Sales Tax Lulu Knowledge Base | How Do I Con…

Pull up a cushion, pour yourself a chai and join Dr Raj Balkaran and I around the virtual fire for storytime. Raj is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative literature, wisdom teacher and online educator. He's the founder of The Indian Wisdom School, author of the book The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures and ru…

Self-publishing might be a DIY publishing model, but there are plenty of tools and resources to help you get your book from manuscript to market. In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss a debatable number of tools to help you draft, edit, format, design, market, and ship your book. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn More About Fictionary Vellum Atticus Bublish Lul…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt review strategies for getting your self-published book into indie bookstores, including participating in consignment programs, pitching yourself for author events, and making your book available through retail distribution. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts Selling Your Book on Consignment With Indie Bookstores 5 Vi…

Have you ever wanted to go to India to experience authentic yoga and Ayurveda, but not sure where to start? Let me introduce you to Amy Landry! Amy is a senior yoga teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner, mentor and podcast host, and takes people on pilgrimages to India to create meaningful memories of a lifetime. What a job! In this podcast episode, we’l…

In this episode, Matt and Lauren take listeners on a journey through self-publishing and traditional publishing. We’ll look at where those paths overlap, where they diverge, and what to expect on your publishing adventure. Dive Deeper 💡 Jane Friedman’s The Key Book Publishing Paths 💡 Listen to These Episodes: Episode #2 → Is Self-Publishing the Bes…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt dive into what makes a successful go-to-market strategy for your book. Learn how to pick the right launch date and products, choose the best sales and distribution platforms, and craft effective pre-launch and post-launch sales strategies. Have a question about self-publishing, selling direct, Lulu, or any of the weir…

Have you ever heard people say that yoga helps them to navigate the ups and downs of life? I know this is something that I say all the time. But what does it actually mean? In today’s episode, I’m joined by beloved Brisbane yoga teacher, Julie Smerdon (she/her), where she shares some of the big health and financial challenges of life, and how movem…

In this episode, Lauren attempts to convince Matt (and the listeners) of the power of a well-written book description. Listen in to learn how to craft a compelling book description that will help you hook new readers. Have a question about self-publishing, selling direct, Lulu, or any of the weird tangents Matt & Lauren like to meander through? Ema…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt share ideas for repurposing your existing content. Hint: it's by turning that content into a book. We share ideas for both nonfiction and fiction book projects, including options that require little to no new writing. Have a question about self-publishing, selling direct, Lulu, or any of the weird tangents Matt & Laur…

Danni Carr used to wake up some mornings with a feeling of dread, wondering if she’d remembered to put her kids to bed and what alcohol fuelled things she’d said or done the night before. After years of touring and partying with her husband Ash Grunwald, a much-loved Australian Blues Musician, the excessive binges started to take their toll and the…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren review five things you’ll need to know before you start on your publishing journey! We share insights about knowing your content, knowing your goals, knowing your limits, knowing your audience, and knowing your publisher. Also featuring a meandering detour into graphic novels and an ongoing discussion about crying (no…

In this episode Lauren & Matt talk through the 7 essential steps to building your own online bookstore. From choosing the right platform to launching your site, we’ll cover everything you need to know to sell your self-published books directly to your readers. Dive Deeper 💡 Step 1: Shopify Learn More About Selling Your Book With Shopify and Lulu Di…

I like to think I'm a feminist, but my guest on today's podcast episode really called me out on something important! Today’s episode is to celebrate our sponsor, Yoga Australia’s 25th year anniversary. And joining us is their Vice President, Merridy Woodroffe. Merridy is a wife, a dog mum, a lawyer, an ashtanga yoga practitioner and a yoga therapis…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate the distinctions between author and reader communities, discuss the value of participating in either, and share some suggestions for how to bridge the gap between them. Dive Deeper 💡 Check Out These Online Communities Enter the Luluniverse Meet the Nonfiction Authors Association Learn More About Novelists, Inc.…

With so many of you reaching out to me to share your stories of deep fatigue and burnout, I’m delighted to share another episode on this very important topic. In today’s episode, you’ll hear a very personal conversation with a dear teacher, mentor and friend Stephanie Lopez. I met Stephanie around 10 years ago when she first came to Australia to te…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt share their insights from attending dozens of author events to set you up for success. Hear tips for preparing sales strategies and inventory, promoting the event to your fans, and maximizing your presence at the event. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn More About These Events CEX Author Nation NINC 💡 Read These Blog Posts How to P…

In this episode, Lauren is joined by Joe Solari, Managing Director of Author Nation, for our first-ever Publish & Prosper interview! Get excited for the Author Nation event coming to Las Vegas this November, take an inside look at CEX 2024, and hear Joe’s thoughts on the future of indie publishing. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn more about Author Nation 💡 Lis…

With so much information at our fingertips these days, you would think that we would know a thing or two about self-care. But so many women I know are experiencing burnout in midlife. When I shared my own experience about coming a little too close to burnout for comfort last year, Leila Stuart reached out to me and shared about her own experience w…

There’s a fine line to balance when you’re setting the retail price for your book! Too high, and you might discourage potential new readers. Too low, and readers might question the value of your content - or worse, you wind up losing money on every sale. In this episode Matt & Lauren discuss how to determine the optimal list price for your book and…

As authors, writers, and creative types, it’s easy to get caught up in the perceived importance of customer reviews. But do those reviews actually help you sell more books? In this episode, Lauren & Matt debate the value of book reviews for increasing your sales, boosting your book’s discoverability, and providing social proof for new readers. Dive…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explore author brands. Listen now to discover the power of your author identity, why it is so important, and how to create and maintain a brand for your long-term marketing and sales success. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts What Is an Author Brand and Why Does It Matter? Complete Book Marketing Plan for Creators a…

Super fans! We know them, we love them, we want them for our own. But how do you turn your casual fans into loyal, dedicated super fans? In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss strategies like diversifying your products, demonstrating the value of your content, and creating a community for your fans. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts 5 Ways You Ca…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren share their favorite survival tips for attending author and creator conferences! From packing essential supplies to putting your health first, hear our team’s must-haves and must-dos for anyone trying to maximize their time at a conference. Dive Deeper 💡 Read more about Why Creator Events Are a Must for Creators & Ent…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss the most valuable tool in any creator’s arsenal: customer data. Whether you’re tracking book sales and behavioral data, collecting customer information through direct sales, or reviewing your key social media and email marketing metrics, understanding your customer data is essential for long-term brand success…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt take a look at best practices for book design. We’ll review key design elements that often get overlooked on book covers, what to include inside your book, and whether or not we think it’s worth the cost to pay for book cover and interior design. Dive Deeper 💡 Download Lulu’s Free Guides & Templates 💡 Check Out the Pr…

In this episode Matt & Lauren take a look at the different types of editing your manuscript might need, debate which ones they think are most valuable, and share a few of their tips for making sure your book editing is done right. Dive Deeper 💡 Find Freelance Editors and Hybrid Publishers on Lulu’s Hire A Pro Page 💡 Browse Fiverr for Freelance Edit…

Am I contributing to the cultural appropriation of yoga? As a white yoga student and teacher, how can I do better? These are questions that I’ve been wrestling with over the past two decades of practicing and teaching yoga, and so I’m delighted to be speaking to Susanna Barkataki about them in this podcast episode. Susanna (she/her) is a teacher, c…

In this episode Lauren & Matt discuss the whys and hows of using Kickstarter to crowdfund your book. Learn why we think Kickstarter is a great option for self-published authors, what you need to know to get your campaign started, and how successful authors are crushing it with crowdfunding. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn More About Kickstarter 💡 Check Out Som…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren take another look at generative AI and how it can be a powerful tool to help authors and content creators. Hear some of our favorite tips for using ChatGPT as a sounding board, a hammer against writer’s block, and an expert ally on your writing journey. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts Think Outside The Bot: How AI…

Matt & Lauren recap their time at London Book Fair 2024, one of the biggest publishing conferences in the world. Get the lowdown on hot topics from the conference, an insider's look at the event, and a special peek into what it’s like to travel with Team Lulu. Dive Deeper 💡 Learn how (and why) Lulu is a Certified B Corp 💡 Watch this video on 5 Thin…

What does it mean to truly make yoga accessible? Accessible yoga is more than simply using yoga props in your classes or reminding your students that Child’s Pose is always an option. In today’s podcast episode, I’m joined by yoga teacher Jivana Heyman (he/him) from Accessible Yoga and we talk about how we can truly make our yoga classes accessible…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren explain why indie authors need to stop relying on Amazon as their primary sales channel. Listen now to hear why we feel so strongly about it, what alternatives we suggest, and how to get your readers on the same page. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts The Independent Author’s Guide to Thriving Without Amazon How To …

Want to meditate, but don’t have the time? This episode is for you! In today’s podcast episode, I sat down with Ann Swanson (she/her) to talk about all things meditation. Ann is a yoga therapist and the author of the internationally bestselling book the Science of Yoga and the brand new book Meditation for the Real World. Listen in to hear us talk …

In this episode Lauren and Matt discuss Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans theory, what it means to be a true fan (or super fan), and a few unique ways small business owners and content creators have turned casual buyers into true fans. Dive Deeper 💡 Read the Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans essay 💡 Read The 1,000 True Fan Theory: Sustainable Income for Cr…

In today’s podcast episode, I had intended to ask J. Brown about topics that I know him for, like ‘gentle is the new advanced’ and ‘slower is stronger’. But in this interview we ended up talking about how as a 16 year old he grappled with his mother’s cancer diagnosis, the promise he made to her before she died, what it means to receive a message o…

In this episode Matt & Lauren explore paid book promotion. We review our favorite sponsorship opportunities, take a brief look at different types of book promo ads and paid social media ads, and debate the value of influencer marketing. Dive Deeper 💡 Check out Written Word Media 💡 Check out BookFunnel 💡 Learn how to set up BookBub Ads 💡 Read Social…

In this episode, Matt & Lauren debate earned promotion, PR and publicity efforts, and creator collaborations. Learn how to promote your book with earned media opportunities, book signings, public speaking, and collaboration with fellow creators. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts The Complete Book Marketing Plan for Authors and Creators How to Pit…

Sixteen months ago, one of our beloved Mental Health Aware Yoga mentors, Sandra Palmer (she/her) was diagnosed with stage four cancer, and was told that it was likely that she had less than two years to live. In today’s episode, Sandra talks about what it was like when she was first given this diagnosis totally out of the blue, how she has navigate…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt talk about using valuable and authentic social media engagement to find new readers, ideas for promoting your books, and a few of their favorite social media dos and biggest don’ts. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts Check out our Social Media 101 for Authors series Learn how to Promote Your Book on Social Media Get …

In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss one of the most successful marketing strategies, share ideas and tips for building your email list, and review best practices for keeping those subscribers engaged. Dive Deeper 💡 Check Out These Reports Lulu & The Tilt’s Creator Insights Report Email marketing stats from HubSpot’s State of Marketing in 2024 re…

Have you ever wondered why you tend to get sick after a busy or stressful period, and wished you could do something about it? I certainly do! If you joined me for the Mental Health and Yoga Summits that we held in 2022, you might have noticed towards the end of each of the week-long Summits that my voice was getting pretty scratchy. After each Summ…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore the three stages of promoting your book—pre-launch marketing, at-launch marketing, and post-launch marketing. Download your free book marketing checklist to help you stay on track. Dive Deeper 💡 Read These Blog Posts Review your complete book marketing plan Plan your pre-launch marketing timeline Learn how to …

In this episode, Matt & Lauren discuss some of the most important questions asked by authors and creators - is it worth it to publish my books in print? Are readers still buying print books, or is print dead? Dive Deeper 💡Review the Data Overall book sales & revenue statistics, reported by Words Rated How print book sales in 2023 compared to previo…

How can yoga help us to dissolve our addictive patterns? Today I’m joined by Lissie Turner (she/her), CEO of the The Prana Project, to talk about addiction recovery and yoga. In this moving interview, Lissie shares her own journey with transforming what she describes as a 22-year drinking career during her time as a presenter on Triple J Radio, int…

In this episode, Lauren & Matt discuss the publishing, design, and marketing experts that you may want to help you self-publish your book. We take a look at hybrid publishers, different types of editors, and interior versus exterior designers. Plus, hear our thoughts on which services are a must-do and which we think you can DIY to help keep costs …