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HUB 487: AUTHOR INTERVIEW – AJ Harper

by Robbie Samuels | Jan 13, 2026 | Networking, Podcast, Professional Development | 0 comments

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.

Would you please leave an honest rating and review on Apple Podcast? They are extremely helpful, and I read each one. Thanks for the inspiration!

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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

Books mentioned in this episode:

Other Resources

Robbie’s Resources

  • 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

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.

Stay Connected

WANT TO CHAT? [email protected] | 617-600-8240 | www.robbiesamuels.com

How can Robbie Samuels help you?

How can Robbie Samuels help you?

Robbie Samuels is a book launch strategist who helps entrepreneurs turn their books into revenue-generating business assets, not passion projects that stall after publication.

He coaches business authors to:

  • Build launch teams filled with prospects and referral partners
  • Generate 50+ Amazon reviews during a strategic soft launch window
  • Use their book to spark meaningful conversations that lead to clients, speaking opportunities, and partnerships

Robbie is an award-winning author of four books, including “LAUNCH Your Book! An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Reviews That Drive Revenue.” His books have received nearly 900 Amazon reviews and reached #1 Best Seller status in more than 37 paid categories across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

If you are planning a book launch and want clarity on your next steps, you can schedule a complimentary 30-minute book launch brainstorming session with Robbie at:
www.BookLaunchBrainstorm.com

As the founder of the Biz Book Pub Hub, Robbie curates a trusted ecosystem of experts who support entrepreneurs through writing, editing, publishing, launching, and marketing. The Hub also includes free author resources, virtual networking events, and podcast episodes focused on making books work harder for your business.
www.BizBookPubHub.com

Robbie is also a professional speaker and TEDx speaker whose work has been featured by NPR, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc. His talks and coaching focus on networking, launch strategy, audience building, and using relationships to support sustainable business growth.

Bonus resources for Robbie’s books:

Robbie is always open to being a pdocast guest and especially loves conversations focused on books, launches, and how authors can turn readers into long-term business relationships.

Affiliate Links: Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links above are “affiliate links”. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products and services I use personally and believe will add value to my listeners. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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