Thanks so much Renee! This is the most down-to-earth and easy-to-read guide on self-publishing on Amazon. I understand, however, that it's focused a bit on non-fiction books that have a "practical use" for its readers, like self-help, business, etc. I sense this guide can also be used, with some variations, to promote fiction and short stories compilation books, which are the ones I am writing. I published one book on Amazon just to be able to gift it to my daughter, so I did not care about marketing or promotion; I just didn't want to print it myself.
The compilation of short stories I am writing is also for some family members, and I have collected some of the old tales my ancestors used to tell me when I was a kid. I recognize that having them read these stories is the ultimate goal of these works, but, at the same time, I think it wouldn't hurt if they could also be sold to other people. I am not asking for a personalized guide, though, but there must be some ways to promote a book that hasn't been done after market research like the one you explained. Thanks, Renee, again for sharing, and I will use this guide for any other non-fiction work!
Hi Luis! That is such an encouraging comment! Thank you!
So, promoting your short stories is similar to promoting memoirs... Promoting them takes a fair amount of effort over time, and do not believe the people who say they were overnight successes. They likely have been building an audience for years already. I want you to build an audience and understand their hunger for short stories like the ones from your family members; no doubt there is entertainment, wisdom, catharsis, and utility from those stories. I plan to write one based on my family's stories too, but I know I want take the time to build the audience first.
However, I do think you still can benefit hugely from market research. Mostly because by empathizing with what people want and hunger for, you will be positioned to find that intersection between writing for yourself and getting paid in kind for your efforts. Definitely continue building a following on Substack, promote these stories on Substack, get on podcasts to promote your Substack, and when the time is right, launch your short stories via podcasts and Substack tours. I think you have a ton of potential!
And I'd love to do more case studies to understand how fiction, memoirs, and short-stories can be best marketed! Great idea :D
Books can be so great for creating an audience. For instance, I've recently found a bunch of great people through their books. After reading their books, I went to their websites, checked out their courses and offers, etc.
I assume that someone who reads your book is much more likely to buy something else from you than someone who's just watching a video or reading a Social Media post.
You make am excellent point Louise! Youtube, podcasts...all great. But when someone has decided to buy your book, they have made a micro-commitment to you and your mission and your authority. They believe in you. They trust you. And when you can lead them to the promised land via your book, and now they want help with implementing what they learned in your book...bingo. Those are my favorite kind of sales (they kind where they sold themselves).
Hey Abbey! That's awesome! Was it traditionally published? That sounds like a great opportunity. I really do think that indie publishing is getting so strong these days, especially with all the tools we have. And you get to keep all rights. What kind of book is it?
I've published two books and the biggest question I have regarding this very solid advice is "How much did it cost, and How much did you make?" Simply put, what was the ROI?
While I published two sci-fi novels I've extensively researched non-fiction publishing as well and have found it's mostly a pay for play model. I've met marketers who will guarentee a WSJ and Amazon Best Seller for $90,000USD There's similar for the fiction world as well.
I'm just curious if these 10K copies were an investment or when you made money off of this strategy.
I found this post super helpful! I'm going to create a for-freelancers/ghostwriters resources post soon; do you mind if I link your publication and this post? I'll definitely be using these tips myself, too. :)
Great read, Renee! I've been in private publishing decades before the Internet, and wrote an award-winning book proposal (award not yet received 😂) in 2009 and sought a book agent... To no avail.
I have Chicken Soup for the Soul beaten in terms of the number of no's from publishers. Oddly enough, I'm proud of that 😊
As a result, i formed a publishing company and bought a 100 bundle of ISBNs from Bowker, and my book, MindShift On Demand, was published in 2017.
When Barry Dohrman, the founder of CEO Space picked up my book in 2019 at a CEO Space Forun, he became quiet and stared at the cover for a full minute (an unexpected pause for the man who talked!), and he said, "This is the next Chicken Soup for the Soul!"
When it was published through CreateSpace, it reached #1 hot new releases in Sports Psychology on Amazon during day 1. Yay!
That happened without any planned launch. I am profoundly lucky!
I've drafted a dozen of different outlines from MindShift On Demand for Poker Players... to MindShift On Demand for Authors... to MindShift On Demand for Athletes... Etc.
Before the end of 2024, let's connect and see how well we can work together.
I'm new to Substack and will be launching my newsletter (with name changing to) Life Lessons From Poker shortly.
Currently, I'm recovering from a "tiny" stroke that happened ten days ago. I got the message to STOP doing it all yourself. 💯
Apparently, I just wrote a post in your comment section LOL 😂
I'd love to learn more about your poker playing. Was just in Vegas and have been practicing some blackjack, pretty tough. Maybe need to try out poker lol. You definitely have something there, with the "for different audiences" thing.
Sorry to hear about the stroke. Please take care of yourself!
Excited and pulling for you always, Donna. Happy to chat when you're ready.
Ref blackjack -- today, in the vast majority of houses, there are six decks in a shoe, and counting cards is the old way to play when one deck was shuffled.
Yes! Your skills can transition to the poker table and give you an advantage
Hm, I agree to disagree. As a self–published fiction author since 2019 I agree that these basic beginner methods work to some extent. Amazon loves new books and will push you for 90 days straight. If you give them your money aka buy ads, too, even better. If you want to keep momentum over many years, though, and build a brand and create a sustainable author business you need to consider another bazillion points. Also, ROI, cash flow and net profit are to be taken into consideration. It’s nice to sell thousands of books, but how much money did you really make?
Hi Nina! Indeed, these techniques were really important to get the ball rolling and build the initial fan base. I have seen the ads get more and more expensive over time and would think that continuous marketing via content, podcast guesting, etc. will need to be in the cards. I personally don't have a negative connotation with spending money on ads - people need books like this, and ads help them find the book. In terms of revenue, so far, the book has brought in a little over $120,00 since launching, but with ads and marketing, the margins can be thin to live on. That is what made me realize it's way better to sell other things besides books in your business, and thus started this newsletter 😁 What's worked for you?
Hi Renee, I gather that you published a non-fiction book. So, tactics vary drastically to fiction. As a romance author what has worked best for me is building a brand, building a community and listening to my readers and their feedback. I write in series, so implementing reader feedback and having them a say over the stories is important. Other than that services like newsletter swaps and free group promos (Bookfunnel, Storyorigin) and reviews from my ARC Team as well as Booksprout have helped greatly. I do use Amazon Ads and by following the advice of Bryan Cohen and his Ad Squad my ROI has drastically improved. I also distribute my books through the aggregator Draft2Digital worldwide. And my readers get a lot of free stuff related to the work in progress or series in progress. This short list is only the tip of the iceberg, though 😅
Yes, fiction is so different from nonfiction. I've heard that creating a Facebook Group or similar (maybe even a Substack chat?) is the basis, and then you market to that fanbase. I have indeed noticed that there are a lot of "techniques" to experiment with... promo lists, groups, guest blogging, Instagram, etc. etc. My frustration with these is that it becomes shiny-object-syndrome, and now my desire is to simplify for anyone and everyone. What are the the basics that ring true, always? That is now my current investigation.
You can't simplify the process for anyone or everyone! Each author is an individual with an individual approach and an individual personality. I am an INFJ and just refuse to use certain recommended techniques. What someone might find "easy" might be "horrible" for me or anyone else out there. The only "self publishing marketing bible" I truly use all the time is from Erik Nicholas who is a fiction author himself. Down to earth. No fluff. Relentlessly honest. Updated regularly. Also, it greatly helps to know one's Myers-Briggs personality, Human Design, and Clifton's Strengths to NOT burn out as an author trying to build a sustainable business, avoid shiny object syndrome and stay authentic in the process.
Happy to hear from you Renee. Am writing a book about the mindset. Exploring the different ways we can change ourselves by just changing our mindset. It seems writing is a good way to explore.
Hey Georgia! Starting scrappy so website in the pipeline, can certainly provide more info to you over a call to learn more about you and your projects. You can book here : https://calendly.com/reneepuvvada-authorreneedang/30mins
I need to bookmark this! Huge congratulations.
Thanks Michelle, and happy to hear it was helpful. Were there any aspects of this that still left you scratching your head?
Thanks so much Renee! This is the most down-to-earth and easy-to-read guide on self-publishing on Amazon. I understand, however, that it's focused a bit on non-fiction books that have a "practical use" for its readers, like self-help, business, etc. I sense this guide can also be used, with some variations, to promote fiction and short stories compilation books, which are the ones I am writing. I published one book on Amazon just to be able to gift it to my daughter, so I did not care about marketing or promotion; I just didn't want to print it myself.
The compilation of short stories I am writing is also for some family members, and I have collected some of the old tales my ancestors used to tell me when I was a kid. I recognize that having them read these stories is the ultimate goal of these works, but, at the same time, I think it wouldn't hurt if they could also be sold to other people. I am not asking for a personalized guide, though, but there must be some ways to promote a book that hasn't been done after market research like the one you explained. Thanks, Renee, again for sharing, and I will use this guide for any other non-fiction work!
Hi Luis! That is such an encouraging comment! Thank you!
So, promoting your short stories is similar to promoting memoirs... Promoting them takes a fair amount of effort over time, and do not believe the people who say they were overnight successes. They likely have been building an audience for years already. I want you to build an audience and understand their hunger for short stories like the ones from your family members; no doubt there is entertainment, wisdom, catharsis, and utility from those stories. I plan to write one based on my family's stories too, but I know I want take the time to build the audience first.
However, I do think you still can benefit hugely from market research. Mostly because by empathizing with what people want and hunger for, you will be positioned to find that intersection between writing for yourself and getting paid in kind for your efforts. Definitely continue building a following on Substack, promote these stories on Substack, get on podcasts to promote your Substack, and when the time is right, launch your short stories via podcasts and Substack tours. I think you have a ton of potential!
And I'd love to do more case studies to understand how fiction, memoirs, and short-stories can be best marketed! Great idea :D
Great advice, Renee!
Books can be so great for creating an audience. For instance, I've recently found a bunch of great people through their books. After reading their books, I went to their websites, checked out their courses and offers, etc.
I assume that someone who reads your book is much more likely to buy something else from you than someone who's just watching a video or reading a Social Media post.
You make am excellent point Louise! Youtube, podcasts...all great. But when someone has decided to buy your book, they have made a micro-commitment to you and your mission and your authority. They believe in you. They trust you. And when you can lead them to the promised land via your book, and now they want help with implementing what they learned in your book...bingo. Those are my favorite kind of sales (they kind where they sold themselves).
Very helpful, thank you! I have a book I wrote years ago, and am considering re-releasing it as a self- published book.
Hey Abbey! That's awesome! Was it traditionally published? That sounds like a great opportunity. I really do think that indie publishing is getting so strong these days, especially with all the tools we have. And you get to keep all rights. What kind of book is it?
I've published two books and the biggest question I have regarding this very solid advice is "How much did it cost, and How much did you make?" Simply put, what was the ROI?
While I published two sci-fi novels I've extensively researched non-fiction publishing as well and have found it's mostly a pay for play model. I've met marketers who will guarentee a WSJ and Amazon Best Seller for $90,000USD There's similar for the fiction world as well.
I'm just curious if these 10K copies were an investment or when you made money off of this strategy.
Thanks for this comment Michael! I left a reply in your restack. Would love to discuss all that you have learned
I found this post super helpful! I'm going to create a for-freelancers/ghostwriters resources post soon; do you mind if I link your publication and this post? I'll definitely be using these tips myself, too. :)
For sure, thanks Emma! :)
Thank you for putting this together! ☺️
YW!
Great read, Renee! I've been in private publishing decades before the Internet, and wrote an award-winning book proposal (award not yet received 😂) in 2009 and sought a book agent... To no avail.
I have Chicken Soup for the Soul beaten in terms of the number of no's from publishers. Oddly enough, I'm proud of that 😊
As a result, i formed a publishing company and bought a 100 bundle of ISBNs from Bowker, and my book, MindShift On Demand, was published in 2017.
When Barry Dohrman, the founder of CEO Space picked up my book in 2019 at a CEO Space Forun, he became quiet and stared at the cover for a full minute (an unexpected pause for the man who talked!), and he said, "This is the next Chicken Soup for the Soul!"
When it was published through CreateSpace, it reached #1 hot new releases in Sports Psychology on Amazon during day 1. Yay!
That happened without any planned launch. I am profoundly lucky!
I've drafted a dozen of different outlines from MindShift On Demand for Poker Players... to MindShift On Demand for Authors... to MindShift On Demand for Athletes... Etc.
Before the end of 2024, let's connect and see how well we can work together.
I'm new to Substack and will be launching my newsletter (with name changing to) Life Lessons From Poker shortly.
Currently, I'm recovering from a "tiny" stroke that happened ten days ago. I got the message to STOP doing it all yourself. 💯
Apparently, I just wrote a post in your comment section LOL 😂
Wow, congrats Donna!
I'd love to learn more about your poker playing. Was just in Vegas and have been practicing some blackjack, pretty tough. Maybe need to try out poker lol. You definitely have something there, with the "for different audiences" thing.
Sorry to hear about the stroke. Please take care of yourself!
Excited and pulling for you always, Donna. Happy to chat when you're ready.
If you choose to take my advice, stay away from blackjack! PLEASE.
In blackjack, you play against the house, and the house has about a 2% edge if you played every hand perfectly.
On the other hand, poker is thought to be a card game played by people, but it is a people game played with cards.
Your expertise in people reading and market research can become your asset in poker!
Wow, good to know! Maybe I won’t start learning to count cards lol.
Maybe it’s time to learn to play poker!
Ref blackjack -- today, in the vast majority of houses, there are six decks in a shoe, and counting cards is the old way to play when one deck was shuffled.
Yes! Your skills can transition to the poker table and give you an advantage
Well shoot!
How did you learn how to play? Or, what would you recommend to learn how to play currently?
I learned poker for recreation. As a diversion, time away from my 17-hour 8-day-a-week real estate business.
My husband taught me at the kitchen table. I became a poker journalist so that I could interview and learn from the best.
Today there are online leagues with smaller fees, women poker organizations, and women tournaments that can be educational.
I avoid free online poker because it's a shove-fest, where you can pick up bad habits
Quite a few women, who know nothing about poker, have expressed an interest to learn to play
I've toyed with the idea of teaching beginning poker virtually on zoom.
So insightful and love this distinction between marketing and promotion!
Very informative article and love the quote on marketing being an intimate relationship with your ideal customer!
Very informative article and love the quote on marketing being an intimate relationship with your ideal customer!
Very informative article and love the quote on marketing being an intimate relationship with your ideal customer!
Hm, I agree to disagree. As a self–published fiction author since 2019 I agree that these basic beginner methods work to some extent. Amazon loves new books and will push you for 90 days straight. If you give them your money aka buy ads, too, even better. If you want to keep momentum over many years, though, and build a brand and create a sustainable author business you need to consider another bazillion points. Also, ROI, cash flow and net profit are to be taken into consideration. It’s nice to sell thousands of books, but how much money did you really make?
Hi Nina! Indeed, these techniques were really important to get the ball rolling and build the initial fan base. I have seen the ads get more and more expensive over time and would think that continuous marketing via content, podcast guesting, etc. will need to be in the cards. I personally don't have a negative connotation with spending money on ads - people need books like this, and ads help them find the book. In terms of revenue, so far, the book has brought in a little over $120,00 since launching, but with ads and marketing, the margins can be thin to live on. That is what made me realize it's way better to sell other things besides books in your business, and thus started this newsletter 😁 What's worked for you?
Hi Renee, I gather that you published a non-fiction book. So, tactics vary drastically to fiction. As a romance author what has worked best for me is building a brand, building a community and listening to my readers and their feedback. I write in series, so implementing reader feedback and having them a say over the stories is important. Other than that services like newsletter swaps and free group promos (Bookfunnel, Storyorigin) and reviews from my ARC Team as well as Booksprout have helped greatly. I do use Amazon Ads and by following the advice of Bryan Cohen and his Ad Squad my ROI has drastically improved. I also distribute my books through the aggregator Draft2Digital worldwide. And my readers get a lot of free stuff related to the work in progress or series in progress. This short list is only the tip of the iceberg, though 😅
Yes, fiction is so different from nonfiction. I've heard that creating a Facebook Group or similar (maybe even a Substack chat?) is the basis, and then you market to that fanbase. I have indeed noticed that there are a lot of "techniques" to experiment with... promo lists, groups, guest blogging, Instagram, etc. etc. My frustration with these is that it becomes shiny-object-syndrome, and now my desire is to simplify for anyone and everyone. What are the the basics that ring true, always? That is now my current investigation.
You can't simplify the process for anyone or everyone! Each author is an individual with an individual approach and an individual personality. I am an INFJ and just refuse to use certain recommended techniques. What someone might find "easy" might be "horrible" for me or anyone else out there. The only "self publishing marketing bible" I truly use all the time is from Erik Nicholas who is a fiction author himself. Down to earth. No fluff. Relentlessly honest. Updated regularly. Also, it greatly helps to know one's Myers-Briggs personality, Human Design, and Clifton's Strengths to NOT burn out as an author trying to build a sustainable business, avoid shiny object syndrome and stay authentic in the process.
Good point. What techniques have you found to be very difficult to implement?
Happy to hear from you Renee. Am writing a book about the mindset. Exploring the different ways we can change ourselves by just changing our mindset. It seems writing is a good way to explore.
Would be glad to connect with you and talk more.
Absolutely! Please come and leave me a message. I’d love to learn more about you and your project.
As someone on a journey of writing a book this is useful 📌
Happy to hear thar McDaniel. What’s your book going to be about?
Do you have a website?
Hey Georgia! Starting scrappy so website in the pipeline, can certainly provide more info to you over a call to learn more about you and your projects. You can book here : https://calendly.com/reneepuvvada-authorreneedang/30mins
loving this, very helpful. thanks so much for sharing!
You're welcome Claudia!