Boy, #2 hit home. I always think and think about something. I have made mistakes in the past about my author biz, and I want to do it right with this series I’m writing and trying to new things with.
I’m slow with the writing, though, so I’m not sure how much extras—like beyond the books stuff I should be doing yet. Do I create merch, etc as I’m getting ready to publish in the next few months? Do I focus on getting readers interested in my book?
Of course, I’m still juggling a side gig (day job), so that slows me down too.
Definitely focus on getting readers interested first. Beyond the Book stuff should be done in support of a business model. Meaning, it really either (a) helps you discover new readers or (b) enhance how much money you make per reader. If you think the BTB stuff can natively get you new fans by marketing it online-- it's awesome to consider. But I'd then go through the process of testing that our first. If you think that it's more something people will buy after reading your story (increases your LTV/how much you make per reader) then focus on validating your story and getting readers first.
Michele, I think you lean into your writing speed and find ways to bring readers along for the ride of story creation. This could be things like polling side character names, a drawing for someone to have an epic death scene in a book (I’ve done this), or dripping out snippets of scenes to create excitement. This way they’re craving the story by the time it launches. I’m curious what Michael says, too.
Sorry, I didn’t realize I’d commented under yours. I meant to start a new one.
Thanks for your thoughts! I’ve been sharing the WIP here on Substack weekly, and I do get views. Hopefully, they’re reading it. I’ve shared the edited first chapter with my newsletter. I need to think of some other ideas, though.
One additional advantage that the indie publisher has is that one-way situations can become two-way situations. For example: feedback that the book cover isn't working? Redo it. Definitely a case where speed is better.
Yes! 100%. We are infinitely more flexible. Easier to do when we aren't *typically* doing massive print runs of print books :). Thank you so much for reading!
I accidentally commented under Jaime's comment, not realizing I hadn't started my own. I don't know if you've seen it or not, but I'm curious as to your thoughts.
For me speed as you describe is my willingness to pivot after seeing what you’re doing isn’t working.
Yeah! Too often times we don’t “fail” quickly enough
Boy, #2 hit home. I always think and think about something. I have made mistakes in the past about my author biz, and I want to do it right with this series I’m writing and trying to new things with.
I’m slow with the writing, though, so I’m not sure how much extras—like beyond the books stuff I should be doing yet. Do I create merch, etc as I’m getting ready to publish in the next few months? Do I focus on getting readers interested in my book?
Of course, I’m still juggling a side gig (day job), so that slows me down too.
Definitely focus on getting readers interested first. Beyond the Book stuff should be done in support of a business model. Meaning, it really either (a) helps you discover new readers or (b) enhance how much money you make per reader. If you think the BTB stuff can natively get you new fans by marketing it online-- it's awesome to consider. But I'd then go through the process of testing that our first. If you think that it's more something people will buy after reading your story (increases your LTV/how much you make per reader) then focus on validating your story and getting readers first.
Michele, I think you lean into your writing speed and find ways to bring readers along for the ride of story creation. This could be things like polling side character names, a drawing for someone to have an epic death scene in a book (I’ve done this), or dripping out snippets of scenes to create excitement. This way they’re craving the story by the time it launches. I’m curious what Michael says, too.
No worries. I was happy to share some thoughts.
Sorry, I didn’t realize I’d commented under yours. I meant to start a new one.
Thanks for your thoughts! I’ve been sharing the WIP here on Substack weekly, and I do get views. Hopefully, they’re reading it. I’ve shared the edited first chapter with my newsletter. I need to think of some other ideas, though.
One additional advantage that the indie publisher has is that one-way situations can become two-way situations. For example: feedback that the book cover isn't working? Redo it. Definitely a case where speed is better.
Yes! 100%. We are infinitely more flexible. Easier to do when we aren't *typically* doing massive print runs of print books :). Thank you so much for reading!
I accidentally commented under Jaime's comment, not realizing I hadn't started my own. I don't know if you've seen it or not, but I'm curious as to your thoughts.