Award-winning San Francisco journalist Michael Castleman has written 3,000 magazine and web articles, and 19 books, 15 nonfiction books, and four mystery novels. Most of his titles deal with health or sexuality. His latest release is a departure from that. It’s The Untold Story of Books: A Writer’s History of Book Publishing, which he researched for 44 years.

In this first of three segments of episode 44 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P talks with Michael Castleman, author of ‘The Untold Story of Books: A Writer’s History of Book Publishing’. Castleman discusses the history and evolution of book publishing from Gutenberg’s press to Amazon and digital publishing. They explore myths about the industry, including the impact of technological changes and the lack of conspiratorial actions in publishing. The conversation also covers the dramatic increase in book titles since 2000, the economics of eBooks, and practical advice for modern authors navigating a saturated market.

In this second of three segments of episode 44 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Michael Castleman the realities of the book publishing industry, focusing on the phenomenon of ‘book scammers’ and authors who publish for SEO rather than sales. The conversation explores the vast number of books published annually, with many aiming for a mass audience, yet few achieving bestseller status. Specific attention is given to genre fiction, particularly romance and its market dynamics, and the competitive challenges authors face. The dialogue also touches on the digital revolution’s impact on publishing, where books no longer go out of print, posing both opportunities and heightened competition for authors. Additionally, it discusses the gender-based preferences in reading and the perception that mainstream publishing has shifted towards a female audience, prompting men to seek alternative genres and historical works.

In this third and final segment of episode 44 of the Iron Age Marketing podcast, host Nicky P discusses with guest Michael Castleman strategies that authors can employ to successfully market their books and the variety of publishing routes available. Topics include the importance of professional editing, the traditional publishing route versus self-publishing, the significance of building relationships and a large email list for marketing, and the challenges faced by minority authors in the publishing industry. Practical advice is also offered on targeting niche audiences and the realities of book sales and marketing effectiveness.