Read the Damn Book – Deep Roots & Real Trust: What It Really Takes to Build a Book Brand

Because literary influence that lasts is grown, not gifted.

Everyone wants a platform. But not everyone wants to do the work that earns trust. I didn’t grow my podcast or business by chasing numbers—I built it through connection. One listener at a time. One book at a time. One honest conversation at a time.

Because when it comes to books, integrity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation.

Steph said something in our latest episode of Booked & Unfiltered that I haven’t stopped thinking about:

“Why grow a brand that doesn't have solid roots? Because that tree is going to topple. I would rather grow like a tiny little shrub if it meant I had solid roots than a giant oak that's going to fall over. At the end of the day, if you don't have integrity as your base, someone will get hurt.”

It hit me because it’s exactly what we’ve been circling in this series—how we build trust in the book world, and what separates real literary influence from performative content.

We’ve talked about integrity. About actually reading the book. About the difference between a bookfluencer and a bookfaker.

But underneath all of it is this core truth:

You can’t fake trust.
You can’t build trust overnight.

In the book world, the podcast world, the business world—just like in life—credibility comes from doing the work consistently.

Not from your follower count.
Not from a color coded book stack.
Not from shouting that you’re an “advocate for authors” while skimming the first few chapters and saying you read it.

Readers are smart. Authors are paying attention.
You might get someone’s attention with a viral post, but if you haven’t built a strong foundation—deep roots—you’ll lose their trust the moment the surface cracks.

What do deep roots look like?

• Reading the book before you talk about it

• Showing up for the author, not just the algorithm

• Staying in integrity even when no one’s watching

• Recommending books you stand behind

• Saying “I haven’t read it yet” when you haven’t

Being okay with growing slowly, because what you’re building is real.

Books and authors deserve better.

This isn’t just a transaction—it’s a relationship.

When you read the book, when you take the time to know the story and the person behind it, you’re not just recommending a product.
You’re creating a connection.
You’re planting trust.

And trust is what makes your voice matter in the long run.

So if you’re growing a book brand—whether you’re an influencer, a podcaster, a reviewer, or a reader—don’t chase the storm. Build the roots.

📚 Keep reading.
🎧 Keep listening.
🪴 Keep showing up.

That’s how we create a book culture that lasts.
That’s how we rebuild trust.
That’s how we lead.

📖 And to the authors reading this:
You deserve interviews that honor your work, not just promote it.
You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity, especially the ones that feel more like a performance than a conversation.

Trust that the right readers will find you—even if you’re not on the “biggest” show.
Because when a host hasn’t read your book, it shows. And your story deserves more than fluff. It deserves depth, care, and someone who actually turned the last page.

My Current Reads

I finished Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon and was so excited to not see what happened coming at me! I also finished Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert which I’d been reading daily since Februrary. I’m feeling very motivated to keep exploring my creativity and writing. My beautiful friend

nandareddy

(A Girl Within A Girl Within A Girl) sent me Resistance, Rebellion, Life: 50 Poems Now which I added to my morning routine. It was compelling, moving and left me awestruck. I’m currently reading Everyone Is Lying To You by

Jo Piazza

who has to think I’m a complete stalker because I’m devouring this book and posting how much I love it. Think murder + tradwives + influencers…I’ve actually stopped reading parts just to send a text to friends about it. Pre-order this one and thank me later!

Thankful For Books

I’d be remiss not to share how lucky I feel to be reading so many incredible books right now. In the midst of doing the work—speaking up, advocating for what’s right, trying to lead with empathy—it can get exhausting. Especially when calls for compassion are met with hatred or cruelty.

Lately, I’ve felt an even deeper gratitude for authors who offer us an escape, for the people who keep showing up for honest conversations, and for everyone using their platform to stand for something real.

There are days I wonder why I keep going. Why I keep posting. Why I keep trying to push back against the noise. And on those days, I’ve learned it’s okay to rest. To turn toward the stories that nourish me. To step back so I can return stronger.

If you’re feeling that too, please know this: you’re not alone. You are appreciated.

How To Get On Podcasts Audiobook Sale

My amazing audiobook publisher has put How To Get On Podcasts on sale! Now through July 15th, you can make my book your beach listen for only $10!

My Simplified Life Podcast

There’s nothing quite like meeting the founder of one of the largest volunteer led grass roots movements in the US. I have followed Shannon Watts for years, met her last year and this week released our conversation around her new book, Fired Up. If you’re in San Jose, come meet Shannon on Monday, June 30th. I’ll be there!

#323 Fired Up with Shannon Watts

What makes a bookfluencer or even a podfluencer? Integrity. Steph and I don’t hold back..honestly, do we ever? This might actually be my favorite conversation we’ve had so far.

#324 Booked & Unfiltered: Read the Damn Book: What Makes a Book Infleuncer Worth Trusting

We are taking back the word “loser”! I am absolutely in love with Kate Compton Barr of the Can’t Win Victory Fund. She shared her journey of running for office and how she’s helping candidates not only run but lose with intention!

#322 PERSIST. Voices: Can’t Win Victory Fund with Kate Compton Barr

📝 P.S. Last week, I mentioned I’d be sharing what it really takes to curate a summer reading list—but the conversation around trust and integrity felt too important to cut short. That post is still coming, because there’s a big difference between trendy titles and thoughtful curation—and I want to walk you through how I choose books I actually believe in. Stay tuned for that one. 💛