Don't Publish Crap!

Plus Fiction vs Non Fiction ads? What's the difference?

Author

Teddy Smith
March 15, 2025

Hey there!

This week I'm gearing up to speak at Writer MBA in New Orleans about something I get asked the most —the differences in strategy when it comes to Amazon ads for fiction vs non-fiction.

With non-fiction, it's all about solving problems for your readers. For example, if someone searches for "how to manage stress," your ads need to clearly offer solutions like "7 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress Daily."

Fiction is a different game altogether. Here, readers aren't always searching for solutions—they’re often casually browsing, looking for their next great escape. 

I’m a big one for this. 

Nerd alert… I love historical fiction 🤓, and Robert Harris is one of my favorites. (go and read his Cicero series, it is amazing)

So I usually search for things like ‘Ancient Rome Thriller’.

The best ads tap into these popular tropes and categories, making sure the right readers find your book. Think: ads targeting "small-town romance" or "psychological thrillers with a twist."

Speaking of great conversations, I had Alexa Nazzaro on the podcast this week from Axel Author Group, whose brilliant tagline is, "We won't let you publish crap." 😂

Alexa shared how she transitioned from business communications into helping authors publish professional, eye-catching books. We covered some essential tips on book design, finding readers, and launching effectively, whether you're writing fiction, non-fiction, or children's books.

Alexa is the absolute expert when it comes to book launches, so if you have a new book about to come out, or you are thinking of re-launching a book, you need to listen to this episode.

Catch the full conversation here:
Listen to this week's episode!

📚 Teddy’s Book Cub - Free Book of the Week!

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, you'll love this series. If you like Lee Child, James Patterson, and David Baldacci type books you will love it. The main character is an FBI agent who goes through cold cases to try and find murderers.

I tore through book one in about 3 days, and it is super fast paced and there is a great twist. If you haven’t started yet, try book one, Within His Reach, I didn’t read much crime until I read the Strike books by JK Rowling, and they are probably my favourite books now. 

Question for you this week: What's your biggest challenge with Amazon ads—either fiction or non-fiction? Hit reply and let me know!

By the way, if you have any New Orleans recommendations, I’d love to hear them.

Keep writing and keep selling,

Teddy

P.S. Follow along on socials—I’m @teddyagsmith everywhere. See you there!