In our very first episode, Paul and Barry kick off Becoming Bestsellers by breaking down what every author needs before they ever think about publishing or marketing. From the myth of needing a massive book, to the power of simplicity, to the real reasons writers stall, this opening conversation is part inspiration, part tough love, and packed with decades of experience.

Barry shares stories from co-authoring Chicken Soup for the Soul and writing his first book in just 17 days. Paul breaks down why specific, vivid books sell better, and explains how focusing on one clear problem helps authors actually finish strong.

If you’ve ever said “I don’t know where to start,” this is the episode that gets you moving.

00:00 – Welcome to Becoming Bestsellers

Meet Paul (Jersey tough) and Barry (Canadian nice), and the tone for the entire show is set: honest, helpful, fun, and built for authors who want results.

01:00 – Why Most Authors Never Start the Right Way

The difference between writing by “gut feel” versus writing by guidance, intention, and clarity.

02:30 – Barry’s Lombardi Lesson: “This is a Book”

A simple reminder that a book can be big, small, stapled, photocopied, or published — what matters is that it exists and solves a problem.

05:00 – Paul’s #1 Marketing Tip: Make Your Book Specific and Vivid

The story of transforming a 600-page baseball manuscript into an 80-page bestseller by focusing on one clear promise: How to Hit a Curveball.

09:50 – Why Specific Books Sell Better Than Famous Authors

People buy solutions, not resumes. If your book solves a problem fast, it wins.

12:30 – Barry’s First Big Lesson: “Write a Great Book”

The backstory of Barry showing up in California with a manuscript Jack Canfield said “wasn’t very good”, and how revising it changed everything.

15:45 – The Problem With Trying to Change Millions of Lives

Paul explains why aiming too big makes writing harder, and why solving a small, specific problem makes writing easier and impact deeper.

18:30 – Tip #2: Write for a Specific Audience

Paul talks about books written for conventions, associations, and communities, and why this approach sells books before you even publish them.

21:15 – Barry on “What Do You Want Your Book to Do for You?”

A book can get you speaking gigs, open doors, position you as an expert, or launch a brand. When authors skip this step, they quit too early.

25:30 – Tip #3: Begin With the Last Page in Mind

Paul explains why readers rarely finish books, and why shorter, tighter books build lifelong fans.

29:00 – How to Craft a Bingeable Book

Lessons from Netflix, restaurants, and The Beatles. If every page delivers value, people keep reading.

32:30 – Barry’s Most Vulnerable Lesson: “Why I Almost Didn’t Write This Book”

A powerful segment about imposter syndrome, shame, and why authors sabotage themselves.

37:00 – How Barry’s Honest Confession Sold More Books

The story of Golftown rejecting his book… then inviting him to speak because of the honesty he wrote in the introduction.

42:00 – What Every Reader Really Wants

Barry repackages his entire book around one sentence: “I just shot my best score ever,” and suddenly readers understand exactly what they’re buying.

48:00 – Wrapping Up: One Clear Message

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