Writing & Publishing (Books, Kindle)
How I Made My First $100 Self-Publishing a Short Ebook on Amazon KDP
I loved baking sourdough bread and decided to compile my beginner tips into a short, 10,000-word ebook. I wrote it over a few weekends, used Amazon KDP’s free tools for formatting, and designed a simple cover using Canva. Uploading to KDP was straightforward. I priced it at $2.99. Sharing it with online baking groups and my small social media following felt nerve-wracking. Sales trickled in slowly – one or two a day. Seeing those first royalty deposits, even just a few dollars, was thrilling. Within about two months, I crossed the $100 earnings mark, proving my hobby knowledge could actually make money.
My $0 to $1k/Month Journey as a Kindle Author (Writing Fiction)
I started writing short fantasy romance stories, aiming for consistency. My first book made maybe $50 total. Instead of giving up, I studied successful authors in my genre: analyzed covers, blurbs, and release schedules. I committed to writing and publishing a new short novel (around 50k words) every 6-8 weeks. I focused on building an email list with a free reader magnet story. Gradually, with each new release boosting visibility of my older books (my backlist), royalties climbed: $100/month, then $300, then $700. Hitting $1,000/month consistently took about 18 months of dedicated writing and learning.
How I Wrote and Published My First Book in 30 Days (My Process)
I challenged myself to write a non-fiction guide (20k words) in just 30 days. Day 1-3: Detailed outlining – chapter by chapter, key points. Day 4-20: Writing sprint – aimed for 1000-1500 words daily, focusing on getting the draft done, not perfection. Day 21-25: Self-editing – focused pass for clarity and flow. Day 26: Cover design (used a $5 Fiverr gig). Day 27-28: Formatting using Kindle Create. Day 29: Wrote book description (blurb) and selected keywords. Day 30: Uploaded to KDP and hit publish! Intense, but the tight deadline forced focus and action.
Choosing a Profitable Niche for Non-Fiction Ebooks (My Research Method)
I wanted to write non-fiction but needed a topic people would actually buy. My research: 1) Brainstormed topics I knew well (knitting, project management, vegan cooking). 2) Searched Amazon Kindle Store: Looked at bestseller lists in relevant categories. Were books selling well? What was the competition like? 3) Checked Keyword Difficulty/Demand: Used tools like Publisher Rocket (paid) or just Amazon’s search suggestions to see what terms people searched for and how many competing books existed. I settled on “Time Management for Freelancers” – clear demand, moderate competition where I could offer a unique angle.
My $50 Book Launch Strategy That Hit the Amazon Bestseller List (in a Small Category)
For my niche historical non-fiction book, I aimed for visibility within its specific sub-category. Strategy: 1) Identified a small, relevant KDP category. 2) Built a small Advance Reader Team (ARC team) of 15 people who got a free copy pre-launch. 3) Ran a 5-day launch promotion pricing the ebook at $0.99. 4) Spent $50 on targeted Amazon Ads driving traffic only during the promo week. 5) Coordinated with my ARC team to leave honest reviews early in launch week. The combination pushed sales velocity enough to hit #1 Bestseller in that very specific category, boosting visibility.
How I Outline a Book Quickly and Efficiently (My Template)
Staring at a blank page was daunting. My outlining template saved me: 1) Brain Dump: Wrote down every idea related to the topic. 2) Core Premise/Goal: Defined the book’s main purpose in one sentence. 3) Target Audience: Who is this for? What do they need? 4) Logical Flow: Grouped brain dump ideas into 3-5 main sections (Part 1, Part 2, etc.). 5) Chapter Breakdown: Under each part, listed specific chapter titles. 6) Bullet Points: Under each chapter, bulleted the key points, examples, or steps to cover. This structured approach turns chaos into a clear roadmap before writing starts.
My Simple Cover Design Secret (Using Free Tools or $5 Designers)
An amateur cover kills sales. My secret for professional-looking covers on a budget: Option 1 (DIY): Use Canva’s free ebook cover templates. Choose high-quality stock photos (Unsplash/Pexels or Canva’s library), pick clean genre-appropriate fonts, keep text minimal and readable as a thumbnail. Option 2 (Ultra Budget): Hire a designer on Fiverr specializing in ebook covers for
15. Provide clear examples of covers you like in your genre. For $5, I got a surprisingly professional cover that looked much better than my DIY attempts, significantly boosting initial clicks.
How I Format My Manuscript for Kindle Easily (Free Software)
Formatting for Kindle seemed technical, but free tools made it easy. My process: 1) Wrote my manuscript in Microsoft Word (or Google Docs). Used basic styles (Heading 1 for chapters, Normal for text). 2) Downloaded Amazon’s free Kindle Create software. 3) Imported my Word document into Kindle Create. 4) Used Kindle Create’s simple interface to apply chapter styles, check formatting, and add elements like drop caps easily. 5) Previewed how it looked on different devices (Kindle, tablet, phone). 6) Exported the ready-to-upload file (.kpf) directly from Kindle Create. Simple and effective.
My Failed Book Launch (And the $200 Mistake I Won’t Repeat)
My first fantasy novel launch flopped, despite my excitement. My big mistake: I spent $200 on Facebook Ads targeting broad interests like “Fantasy readers” and “Game of Thrones fans.” The ads got clicks but almost zero sales. Why it failed: 1) Poor Targeting: Too broad, didn’t reach my specific subgenre readers. 2) Unprofessional Cover: My DIY cover didn’t match genre expectations. 3) No Early Reviews: Launched with zero social proof. The $200 was wasted because I skipped crucial foundational steps: targeted audience understanding, professional presentation, and a coordinated launch plan beyond just ads.
Building an Author Email List: My Reader Magnet Strategy
Relying only on Amazon felt risky. I needed direct connection with readers via email. My strategy: Offer a “Reader Magnet” – a free, exclusive short story set in the same world as my main book series. I mentioned this free story in the back matter of all my published books with a clear link to a simple landing page (created with MailerLite/ConvertKit) where readers could sign up to my email list to receive it. This gave readers a compelling reason to subscribe, growing my list with people already interested in my specific genre and style.
How I Get Authentic Book Reviews on Amazon (Without Begging)
Reviews are crucial social proof. My ethical approach: 1) Ask Nicely in Back Matter: Included a polite request at the end of my book: “If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a brief, honest review on Amazon. It helps other readers find the story.” 2) Use an ARC Team: Provided Advance Reader Copies to a dedicated team pre-launch who voluntarily left honest reviews (good or bad) near release day. 3) Engage Readers via Email List: Occasionally reminded my list that reviews help authors immensely. Never offered incentives for reviews, just focused on writing a good book and asking politely.
My Experience with Kindle Unlimited (KU) vs. Going Wide (Pros & Cons)
I started in Kindle Unlimited (KU), meaning my ebooks were exclusive to Amazon but available to KU subscribers for free (I got paid per page read). Pros: Access to millions of KU readers, potential for high page-read income (especially for series), simpler marketing focus on Amazon. Cons: Exclusivity limits reach (no Apple Books, Kobo, etc.). I later experimented with “going wide” (publishing on all platforms). Pros: Wider potential audience, diversification. Cons: More complex marketing, often lower initial income compared to KU page reads. For my fiction series, KU yielded higher initial income.
My $500 Month Writing Short Romance Reads for Kindle
Intrigued by the high volume market, I tried writing short, steamy romance novellas (15k-20k words) under a pen name. I focused on popular tropes (e.g., billionaire boss, secret baby), studied successful covers/blurbs in the niche, and aimed to publish one novella every 3-4 weeks. Using rapid release and targeting specific keywords, momentum built surprisingly quickly. Within four months, combining sales and KU page reads from about five short reads, I consistently hit around $500/month in royalties. It required fast writing and understanding reader expectations in that specific market.
Using Social Media (Author Platform) to Connect With Readers and Sell Books
Social media isn’t just for ads. I used it to build connections: 1) Chose One Platform: Focused on where my readers hung out (e.g., Facebook group for my genre, Instagram for visual non-fiction). 2) Shared More Than Just “Buy My Book”: Posted behind-the-scenes writing updates, related articles/tips, asked engaging questions. 80% value/connection, 20% promotion. 3) Ran Occasional Giveaways: Contests for signed copies or small gift cards boosted engagement. 4) Interacted Authentically: Responded to comments and messages. It built a loyal following who were more receptive when I did announce a new release.
How I Turned My Blog Content Into a Published Book
I had years of blog posts on sustainable living. To create a book: 1) Identified Core Theme: Grouped posts around a central topic (“Beginner’s Guide to Zero Waste Living”). 2) Organized & Outlined: Arranged relevant posts logically into chapters. Identified gaps needing new content. 3) Edited & Updated: Rewrote posts for consistency, updated outdated information, added introductions/conclusions/transitions to make it flow like a book, not just blog articles. 4) Added New Material: Wrote missing chapters/sections. 5) Standard Publishing Steps: Cover design, formatting, KDP upload. Leveraged existing content, saving significant writing time.
My Experience with Audiobook Creation (ACX) and Royalties ($100/Mo Passive?)
I decided to turn my bestselling non-fiction ebook into an audiobook via ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). Options: Pay narrator upfront (costly!) or Royalty Share (narrator gets 50% of royalties, no upfront cost). I chose Royalty Share. Finding a good narrator took time (listened to many auditions). Production took about a month. Once live on Audible/Amazon/iTunes, sales trickled in passively. After about six months, the audiobook consistently generated around $100/month in royalties after the split. Lower effort than writing a new book, providing an additional income stream from existing content.
How I Use Beta Readers and Editors (Even on a Budget)
Publishing an unedited book is professional suicide. My budget-friendly approach: 1) Beta Readers: Recruited 5-10 fans from my email list or social media who read my genre. Gave them the manuscript draft for free. Asked specific questions about plot holes, character consistency, pacing. Their feedback was invaluable for story-level issues. 2) Professional Editing (Essential): For copyediting/proofreading (grammar, typos), I hired an editor found through author groups or freelance sites (like Reedsy). Even investing
500 for a crucial final polish made a massive difference in quality and reader reception.
My Strategy for Writing Compelling Book Descriptions (Blurbs) That Sell
The blurb is crucial sales copy. My formula: 1) Hook: Start with an intriguing question or statement pulling the reader into the story/problem. 2) Introduce Character/Conflict: Briefly introduce the protagonist and their main challenge or goal. 3) Raise the Stakes: Hint at what’s at risk if they fail. 4) Hint at Genre/Tone: Use keywords and phrasing appropriate for the genre (e.g., “sweeping romance,” “fast-paced thriller,” “practical guide”). 5) Cliffhanger/Call to Curiosity (Fiction) or Benefit Statement (Non-Fiction): End leaving the reader wanting more or stating the key benefit. Keep it concise and focused.
How I Find Profitable Keywords for My Book Title and Amazon Listing
Keywords help Amazon show my book to the right readers. My process: 1) Brainstorm Seed Keywords: List terms related to my book’s topic/genre. 2) Use Amazon Search Bar: Type seed keywords into Amazon; note the auto-suggested phrases – these are what people search for! 3) Analyze Competitors: Look at keywords used by bestselling books in my category (visible via tools like Publisher Rocket or by manual inspection). 4) Check Niche Relevance & Competition: Aim for keywords with decent search volume but lower competition if possible. Strategically used these keywords in my book title/subtitle and the 7 KDP keyword slots.
My Journey From Aspiring Writer to Published Author (Making Real Money)
For years, I just dreamed of writing. The shift came when I treated it like a business, not just a hobby. I stopped waiting for inspiration and set daily word count goals. I invested time learning about cover design, blurbs, and Amazon algorithms. I published my first book, even though imperfect. It made little money, but I learned. I wrote the next one, applying those lessons. Slowly, by consistently writing, publishing, learning, and reinvesting small amounts in editing/covers, my monthly royalties grew from $10 to $100 to eventually over $1000. Persistence and continuous learning were key.
How I Balance Writing Time With Marketing My Books
Finding time for both writing (creating product) and marketing (selling product) is a constant juggle. My system: 1) Dedicated Writing Time: Blocked specific hours (e.g., early mornings) only for writing new words. Protected this time fiercely. 2) Batch Marketing Tasks: Scheduled blocks once or twice a week for marketing activities – writing newsletters, scheduling social media, checking ads. 3) Prioritize Based on Phase: During drafting, focused 80% on writing. During launch week, shifted to 80% marketing. 4) Use Simple Systems: Automated email sequences, simple ad strategies – avoided overly complex marketing time-sinks.
My System for Tracking Book Sales, Royalties, and Expenses
Understanding my author business finances was crucial. My simple tracking system: 1) KDP Reports: Downloaded monthly sales/royalty reports from Amazon KDP dashboard. 2) Spreadsheet: Created a spreadsheet tracking Monthly Royalties (by book/platform), Ad Spend (Amazon Ads, FB Ads), Other Expenses (Editing, Covers, Software), Net Profit. 3) Expense Receipts: Kept digital copies of all invoices/receipts for tax purposes (in a dedicated folder). Reviewing this monthly showed which books were profitable, ad effectiveness, and overall business health, informing better decisions.
How I Use Pen Names for Different Genres or Niches
I write both cozy mysteries and spicy sci-fi romance. Mixing these under one author name would confuse readers and dilute branding. Solution: Pen names. I created a separate author persona (name, simple website, email list) for each genre. This allowed me to: 1) Target Readers Effectively: Tailor marketing and branding specifically to each audience’s expectations. 2) Manage Genre Expectations: Readers knew exactly what kind of book they were getting from each name. 3) Experiment Freely: Test new genres without impacting my established author name. Keeping them separate requires organization but maintains brand clarity.
My Experience with Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
I initially queried agents for my novel (traditional publishing). Pros: Prestige, potential for wider bookstore distribution, publisher handles editing/cover/marketing (in theory). Cons: Very hard to get accepted, slow process (years!), loss of creative control, lower royalty rates (typically 10-15% of net). Frustrated, I self-published via KDP. Pros: Full creative control, faster time-to-market (weeks!), higher royalties (up to 70%), direct connection with readers. Cons: Responsible for all aspects (editing, cover, marketing), requires business mindset. For me, the speed, control, and higher royalty potential of self-publishing proved a better fit.
My $20 Investment in Professional Editing That Doubled My Sales
Okay, maybe not $20, but investing in good editing significantly impacted sales. For my second novel, after okay-but-not-great sales on my first (which I only self-edited), I hired a professional copyeditor found through an author group for around $350. They caught hundreds of typos, grammatical errors, and awkward sentences my eyes had glazed over. Readers noticed the difference. Reviews for the second book consistently mentioned how polished and professional it felt compared to many indie books. Sales were roughly double those of my first book, proving quality editing is an investment, not an expense.
How I Create Box Sets or Bundles of My Books for Higher Revenue
Once I had three books in my series, I created a digital box set. Process: 1) Combined Manuscripts: Merged the formatted files of books 1-3 into one large file. 2) Created Box Set Cover: Designed a new cover showcasing all three books (used 3D box set mockup generators). 3) Published as New KDP Title: Uploaded the combined file and new cover as a separate ebook on KDP. 4) Priced Attractively: Priced the box set lower than buying all three books individually (e.g., $7.99 vs. $3.99 x 3 = $11.97). This offered readers value and significantly increased my earnings per sale.
My Networking Strategy Within the Author Community (Finding Support)
Writing can be isolating. Connecting with authors helped immensely: 1) Joined Genre-Specific Facebook Groups: Actively participated, asked questions, shared my own experiences (didn’t just lurk or self-promote). 2) Attended Virtual Conferences/Workshops: Engaged in chat sessions, connected with speakers and attendees. 3) Followed & Interacted on Social Media: Commented thoughtfully on posts by authors I admired. 4) Formed Small Accountability Group: Connected with 2-3 authors at a similar stage for mutual support and critiques. This network provided invaluable advice, encouragement, cross-promotion opportunities, and friendships. Community is crucial.
How I Handle Writer’s Block and Stay Productive
Writer’s block feels like hitting a wall. My tactics: 1) Lower the Bar: Just write something, even if it’s terrible. Aim for 100 bad words. Often gets things flowing. 2) Switch Projects/Scenes: Work on a different part of the book or a completely different story for a while. 3) Outline/Brainstorm: Go back to the outline or mind map ideas instead of forcing prose. 4) Change Environment: Write somewhere new (cafe, library, park). 5) Set Tiny Goals: Focus on writing for just 15 minutes. Often leads to longer sessions. Consistency, even small amounts, beats waiting for elusive inspiration.
My Content Calendar for My Author Platform (Blog, Social Media)
Posting randomly felt inefficient. I created a simple content calendar (spreadsheet): Columns for Date, Platform (Blog, Facebook, Email List), Content Theme (e.g., Writing Update, Book Promo, Reader Question, Genre Chat), Specific Post Idea, Status. I planned themes monthly (aligned with launches or seasons) and specific posts weekly. This ensured consistent presence, balanced promotional content with engagement/value posts, reduced daily “what to post?” stress, and kept my author platform active and engaging for readers even between book releases.
How I Use Amazon Author Central to My Advantage
Author Central is a free, powerful tool for KDP authors. I used it to: 1) Create My Author Profile: Added bio, photos, blog feed – makes my author page look professional. 2) Claim My Books: Ensured all my titles were linked to my profile. 3) Track Sales Rank & Reviews: Easily monitor book performance and see new reviews in one place. 4) Add Editorial Reviews: Included positive snippets from blog reviews or contest wins. 5) Link International Accounts: Managed profiles across different Amazon marketplaces. Optimizing my Author Central page enhanced credibility and provided valuable data insights.
My Strategy for Launching a New Book Series Successfully
Starting a series requires planning beyond book one: 1) Strong Book 1 Hook: Ended the first book resolving the main plot but clearly setting up the next conflict/mystery. 2) Clear Call to Action: Directed readers to sign up to my email list for release notifications for Book 2. 3) Rapid(ish) Release Schedule (Initially): Aimed to release Books 2 and 3 within 2-4 months of each other to maintain reader momentum. 4) Consistent Branding: Used similar cover styles and series titles. 5) Cross-Promotion: Mentioned other books in the series in the front/back matter of each book. Building momentum early is key.
How I Repurpose My Book Content for Other Platforms
My non-fiction book contained valuable info. I repurposed it to extend reach: 1) Chapter Summaries -> Blog Posts: Turned key chapters into standalone articles on my website. 2) Key Concepts -> Social Media Carousels: Created visual summaries of tips/steps for Instagram/Facebook. 3) Anecdotes/Tips -> Short Videos: Recorded brief talking-head videos sharing insights from the book for YouTube/TikTok. 4) Book Sections -> Lead Magnets: Offered a specific chapter as a free PDF download to grow my email list. This maximized my content creation efforts and drove traffic back to the book.
My Experience Selling Print Versions (Paperbacks) via KDP Print/IngramSpark
Beyond ebooks, I offered paperbacks using KDP Print. Pros: Easy setup (uses KDP dashboard), prints on demand (no inventory needed), linked to ebook page. Cons: Limited distribution beyond Amazon. For wider reach (bookstores, libraries), I also used IngramSpark. Pros: Broad distribution network. Cons: Slightly more complex setup, requires properly formatted files (cover/interior), potential setup/revision fees. My strategy: Use KDP Print for Amazon sales, IngramSpark for expanded distribution. Print royalties are lower than ebook, but it satisfies readers who prefer physical copies.
How I Built an Advance Reader Team (ARC Team) for Launch Reviews
Early reviews are vital for launches. I built my ARC team by: 1) Putting out a Call: Asked my existing email list/social media followers if they’d like to receive free Advance Reader Copies in exchange for honest reviews. 2) Using a Sign-Up Form: Collected emails and preferred ebook formats (Mobi/ePub). Asked about review platforms (Amazon, Goodreads). 3) Setting Clear Expectations: Communicated review deadlines (ideally within launch week) and emphasized honesty over guaranteed positivity. 4) Delivering ARCs Easily: Used services like BookFunnel or StoryOrigin to distribute digital copies securely. Nurturing this team provides reliable launch support.
How I Analyze My Amazon KDP Sales Reports to Make Better Decisions
KDP reports offer valuable data. My analysis routine: 1) Monthly Sales Report: Tracked overall units sold and royalties per book. Identified bestsellers and underperformers. 2) KU Page Reads Report: Saw which books generated the most KENP reads – crucial for KU authors. Often different from top sellers! 3) Ad Campaign Reports: Monitored ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sale) and conversions for Amazon Ads to optimize spend. 4) Prior Period Comparison: Compared current month’s sales to previous months/years to spot trends. This data helped me decide which series to continue, where to focus marketing, and which ads to scale or kill.
My Long-Term Strategy for Building a Sustainable Author Career
Making consistent income as an author requires a long view: 1) Build a Backlist: Consistently publish new books. More books = more potential income streams. 2) Cultivate an Email List: Direct connection with readers is crucial for launches and long-term engagement (less platform dependency). 3) Focus on Quality: Invest in editing and professional covers. Readers notice. 4) Understand Your Genre/Market: Know reader expectations and market trends. 5) Treat it Like a Business: Track finances, reinvest profits wisely, learn marketing. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Building slowly and consistently leads to sustainability.
How I Deal With Negative Reviews or Criticism of My Writing
My first 1-star review felt like a punch to the gut. How I cope now: 1) Don’t Respond Emotionally: Never engage defensively with reviewers on Amazon/Goodreads. It looks unprofessional. 2) Consider the Feedback (Objectively): Is there a valid point hidden in the negativity? Multiple reviews mentioning the same issue (e.g., pacing) might signal a problem to address in future books. 3) Focus on the Positive: Remember the good reviews and readers who do connect with my work. 4) Develop Thicker Skin: Accept that not everyone will like my books. Art is subjective. Let it go and keep writing.
My Favorite Writing Software and Tools (Many Are Free)
Good tools streamline the writing process: 1) Writing/Drafting: Scrivener (paid, great for organizing complex projects) or Google Docs (free, accessible, good for collaboration). 2) Editing/Proofreading: ProWritingAid or Grammarly (free/paid plans, catches grammar/style issues). Hemingway App (free, helps simplify sentences). 3) Outlining/Notes: Scrivener’s corkboard, Trello (free), or simple pen and paper. 4) Formatting: Kindle Create (free) or Vellum (Mac only, paid, beautiful results). 5) Cover Design: Canva (free/paid) or hiring budget designers (Fiverr). You don’t need expensive software, just tools that fit your workflow.
How I Find Time to Write Around a Full-Time Job or Family
Finding writing time felt impossible with a busy life. Strategies that worked: 1) Early Mornings: Waking up 30-60 minutes earlier before the household woke up provided quiet, focused time. 2) Lunch Breaks: Using half my lunch break for a quick writing sprint. 3) Commute Time (If Applicable): Writing on a laptop/tablet during train commutes. 4) Weekend Blocks: Scheduling specific 1-2 hour writing sessions on weekends. 5) Saying No: Protecting my scheduled writing time from less important commitments. Consistency, even in short bursts (15-30 mins), adds up significantly over time.
My $500 Royalties From a Niche Non-Fiction Guide
I wrote a very specific guide on “Caring for Senior Cats,” drawing on my personal experience and research. It wasn’t a huge topic, but the audience was passionate. I published it on KDP for $7.99 (ebook) and $12.99 (paperback). Because it addressed specific pain points for a dedicated audience searching for solutions, it sold steadily without much active marketing beyond initial setup. Within about 8 months, cumulative royalties crossed the $500 mark. It proved that targeting a deep niche, even if small, can lead to consistent income if the book provides genuine value.
The Future of Self-Publishing: Trends I’m Watching
The landscape keeps changing. Trends I monitor: 1) AI Writing/Editing Tools: Potential impacts on drafting, editing, and content generation (both opportunities and challenges). 2) Audiobook Growth: Continued expansion of audio format consumption. 3) Subscription Models: Kindle Unlimited dominance vs. growth of other subscription platforms. 4) Direct Sales & Community: Authors building platforms (like Substack/Patreon) to sell directly and foster community. 5) Short Form Content/Serialization: Platforms like Kindle Vella or reader appetite for shorter, episodic reads. Adapting to reader habits and new technologies will be key.
My Advice for Someone Wanting to Write Their First Book for Money
- Choose Your Niche/Genre Wisely: Write something you enjoy, but research if there’s a market for it. Passion + Market Need = Success.
- Finish the Book: Don’t get stuck perfecting chapter one. Get a draft done. You can fix it later.
- Invest in Editing & Cover: Non-negotiable for appearing professional and attracting readers. Budget for this.
- Learn the Basics of KDP: Understand formatting, keywords, categories. Amazon’s help pages are useful.
- Start Building an Audience Early: Even a small email list or social following helps at launch.
- Be Patient & Persistent: Your first book likely won’t make you rich. Keep writing, keep learning.
How I Overcame the Fear of Hitting “Publish”
Putting my writing out there felt terrifyingly vulnerable. What helped me hit “Publish”: 1) Reframing Perfection: Accepting the book wouldn’t be flawless, but it was the best I could make it right now. Done is better than perfect. 2) Focusing on the Reader: Shifting focus from my fear to potentially helping or entertaining just one reader made it feel less about me. 3) Trusting the Process: Knowing I’d followed steps (writing, editing, formatting) gave some confidence. 4) Setting a Deadline: Having a launch date created external pressure to overcome hesitation. 5) Remembering “Why”: Recalling my passion for the story/topic.
My Strategy for Using Substack or Patreon as an Author
Beyond book royalties, I explored direct reader support: Substack: Used it to offer a free weekly newsletter with writing tips/updates. Added a paid tier (
1, $5, $10 tiers). Offered perks like acknowledgments in books, deleted scenes, exclusive short stories, or signed bookmarks. Both platforms allowed me to build a direct relationship with my most dedicated readers and generate recurring income independent of book sales cycles, funding my writing career more stably.
The Unexpected Perks of Being a Published Author (Beyond Royalties)
Making money from writing is great, but other perks surprised me: 1) Connection with Readers: Receiving emails from people touched by my stories felt incredibly rewarding. 2) Sense of Accomplishment: Holding my physical book or seeing it online was a huge personal milestone. 3) Learning New Skills: Became proficient in marketing, design basics, running ads – valuable business skills. 4) Community: Connecting with fellow authors provided support and camaraderie. 5) Credibility: Being a “published author” opened doors for guest posts or speaking opportunities (even small ones). The non-monetary rewards often fueled my motivation.
What I Wish I Knew Before Self-Publishing My First Book
- It’s a Business, Not Just Writing: Success requires learning marketing, finances, and platform algorithms.
- Covers and Editing Aren’t Optional Skimps: They are essential investments for credibility and sales. Budget accordingly.
- Building an Email List is Crucial: Don’t rely solely on Amazon; build your own direct line to readers from Day 1.
- Marketing is Ongoing: It doesn’t stop after launch week. Consistent effort is needed.
- Comparison is the Thief of Joy: Don’t compare your beginning to another author’s bestseller success. Focus on your own journey and progress.
- Patience is Key: Building a readership and income takes time and multiple books.