The Coloring Book Creator Podcast: Recent Episodes

Rodney Washington

The Coloring Book Creator is dedicated to helping first-time creators go from idea to published coloring book in their hands in 30 days. If you ever dreamed about creating a coloring book but don't know where to start this is the podcast for you. Rodney Washington is a Creative Marketing Strategist, Coloring Book Author, Publisher, Educator & Coach

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Most authors believe the journey ends when the book is published.

Aleta Hodge proves it can actually begin there.

In this episode, Rodney Washington sits down with author, historian, playwright, and cultural preservationist Aleta Hodge to discuss the newly updated Second Edition of Indiana Avenue: Life and Musical Journey from 1915 to 2015.

Together, they explore why books shouldn't exist in isolation and how authors can build thriving communities, immersive experiences, educational opportunities, and lasting impact around the work they create.

Whether you're an author, coach, speaker, educator, or creator, you'll discover practical ideas for transforming your expertise into something much larger than a book.

Episode HighlightsIn this conversation:

• Aleta shares how childhood curiosity led her to preserve the history of Indiana Avenue.

• Why interviewing people directly creates richer, more authentic stories.

• The inspiration behind writing about Noble Sissle and preserving overlooked history.

• Why updating a published book can be a powerful strategy.

• Creating the Indiana Avenue Jazz Experience Community.

• Why authors should think beyond book launches.

• How community creates long-term opportunities.

• The importance of listening to readers.

• Why experiences create deeper impact than products alone.

• Building an ecosystem instead of simply selling books.

Memorable Quotes

"The book is only one part of the experience."

"Don't just publish your book. Build a community around it."

"Your book is the doorway—not the destination."

"Listen to your audience. They'll tell you what comes next.""History deserves to be experienced, not just read."

Resources Mentioned📖 Indiana Avenue: Life and Musical Journey from 1915 to 2015 (Second Edition)

📖 The Robust Life and Music of Noble Sissle, Sr.

🎷 Indiana Avenue Jazz Experience Community

🎤 The Published Creator Podcast on YouTube

📖 Preview of my forthcoming book The Authorpreneur Decision

🎤 5 Costly Mistakes Stopping You From Turning Your Content Into a Paid Offer, a Book, or Both Masterclass

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

What if everything you've been taught about building authority is incomplete?

For years, we've been told to write a book, launch a podcast, grow a following, and post more content. While those are all valuable strategies, they aren't what creates authority.

In this episode, I share a powerful breakthrough I experienced from attending David Shands' Podcast Summit in Atlanta and explain why the future of authority isn't about creating more content. It's about building an ecosystem around your message.

You'll discover why your book isn't the destination; it's the catalyst, and how the most successful creators build trust, influence, and opportunities by thinking beyond individual platforms.

Whether you're an author, coach, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, or creator, this episode will challenge the way you think about personal branding, authority, and the future of your business.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

Why expertise alone is no longer enough to build authority
The biggest shift Rodney experienced after attending David Shands' Podcast Summit
Why "What got you here won't get you there" is essential for every entrepreneur
The difference between creating content and building an authority ecosystem
Why your book should be the beginning of your business, not the end goal
The simple mindset shift that creates opportunities before your book is even published
How to stop thinking like a content creator and start building like an authority

Key Takeaway

Your authority isn't your book. Your authority isn't your podcast. Your authority isn't your follower count.

Your authority is the trust you've earned by consistently helping people move from where they are to where they want to be.

Everything else is simply the delivery system.

📖 Complimentary Preview: The Authorpreneur Decision

If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to invite you to download a complimentary preview of my forthcoming book, The Authorpreneur Decision.

Inside, you'll discover why building a successful author business begins long before your book is published and how to transform your expertise into an authority ecosystem that creates influence, opportunities, impact, and income.

Download your complimentary preview:
👉 http://authordecision.com/

Connect with Rodney Washington

🌐 Published Creator Skool Community

📚 Published & Thriving YouTube Channel

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepublishedcreator

If you enjoyed this episode...

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another creator who's ready to build an authority that's bigger than a book.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Most authors believe the opportunity comes after the book is published.

More sales.
More clients.
More speaking engagements.
More visibility.

But what if that's the wrong way to think about it?

In this episode, Rodney Washington sits down with Paige Stapleton and Brian Stark, co-founders of Authentic Marketing, for a powerful conversation about why your book should never be viewed as the finish line.

Together, they explore why so many authors, coaches, consultants, speakers, and creators are sitting on valuable intellectual property they're not fully leveraging—and how a book can become the entry point into a much larger ecosystem of opportunities.

You'll discover:

• Why your marketing isn't about convincing people—it's about listening

• How conversations become your most valuable source of content and messaging

• Why the real money often comes from the relationships a book creates, not the book itself

• How to stop hiding behind your book and start building visibility around your message

• The difference between building a product and building an ecosystem

• Practical ways to turn one book into content, community, speaking opportunities, consulting engagements, and additional revenue streams

If you're writing a book, thinking about writing a book, or wondering how to create more opportunities from the one you've already published, this conversation will challenge the way you think about authorship, marketing, and monetization.

Because your book isn't the business.

It's the doorway.

Connect with other Published Creators on my Skool Community:
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Apply for a Complimentary Authorpreneur Readiness Assessment:
https://author-ecosystem-builder.lovable.app/

Access a preview from my forthcoming book, The Authorpreneur Decision

Paige and Brian create a gift for listeners of the podcast called:
The Authentic Content Multiplier™ https://authenticmarketing.ai/rodney

How to Turn One Core Idea Into Weeks of Content, Conversations, and Client Opportunities, Without Constantly Starting From Scratch.

Subscribe to The Published Creator Podcast for more conversations on publishing, authority building, podcast guesting, and creating profitable opportunities around your expertise.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

🚀 Want help mapping YOUR idea into income?

Book a Monetize Your Book Before You Publish Mapping Session, and let’s break it down together

To get started, join me inside the Published Creator community where we do this live: 👉 https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767

Episode Description:

Most creators think the next step is writing a book.

But what if that’s the slowest—and least profitable—way to monetize your ideas?

In this episode of the Published Creator Podcast, I sit down with Raissa Silva, founder of Outsmart Your Toxic Boss, who chose a completely different path…

Instead of writing a book, she turned her expertise into a card game, and built an experience people can play, share, and talk about.

Inside this conversation, we break down:

Why books aren’t always the best starting point
How to turn your ideas into experiential products
The real reason most creators struggle to monetize
How to validate your idea before you create it
Why feedback > perfection when building anything
The concept of “shapeshifting authorship” (this will change how you think about content)

If you’ve been sitting on a book idea… this might completely shift your strategy.

🎯 Connect with Raissa:
👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raissa-silva/
Kickstarter Waitlist: https://www.outsmartyourtoxicboss.com/see-the-game

🔁 Subscribe for more:
If you’re a coach, creator, or expert who wants to turn your content into real revenue—not just content for content’s sake— this show is for you.

📅 NEW VIDEO EVERY WEEK ON YOUTUBE
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications.

👥 FOLLOW RODNEY on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepublishedcreator/

👥 FOLLOW RODNEY on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

If you’re writing a book right now… you might want to pause.

Because the reason most books don’t sell has nothing to do with the writing—and everything to do with what you’re building around it.

In this episode, Rodney Washington breaks down why your book isn’t the business… and what you need to build before you publish if you actually want influence, income, and opportunities.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Why publishing your book is NOT the finish line

The biggest mistake most self-published authors make

Why Amazon is a fulfillment platform—not your marketing strategy

How to stop writing in isolation and start building demand

The Published Creator Flywheel (visibility → audience → offers → book → opportunities)

How to validate your ideas before your book is finished

Why authority, not your manuscript, is what drives sales

⚙️ THE CORE SHIFT

Most people follow this path:

Write the book → Publish → Hope people buy

Authorpreneurs do this instead:

Build visibility → Attract audience → Create offers → Then publish

👉 The book becomes a result—not the starting point

🔥 READY TO APPLY THIS?

If this episode clicked for you, don’t stop at understanding it.

Join my next Authorpreneur Decision Live Masterclass
I’ll help you map your idea into an authority platform and show you how to turn your content into a book and a business.

👉 Register here: https://publishedandthriving.com/authorpreneurmasterclass

👥 CONNECT & GO DEEPER

👉 Join the Published Creator Skool Community
🔗 https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

👉 Subscribe on YouTube for more episodes
🔗 @thepublishedcreator

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAY

If you don’t have authority…

You don’t have a book problem.

You have a visibility, audience, and positioning problem.

📌 FINAL INVITATION

Don’t just write a book.

Build something that makes the book inevitable… valuable… and profitable.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

If you’re an author, coach, speaker, or expert, you’ve probably been told your next step is to “build an online course.”

We're often told:

👉 “Build an online course.”
👉 “Create passive income.”
👉 “Record modules and scale.”

But what happens when people buy… and never finish?

In this conversation, I sit down with Executive Learning Producer Parchelle Osumaré to unpack why traditional online courses are struggling — and what smart experts are building instead.

This isn’t about information anymore.
It’s about transformation.

Parchelle has helped hundreds of authors, coaches, and organizations turn their intellectual property into immersive learning experiences that actually move people — and generate real impact and income.

If you have expertise, a book, or a message you want to monetize, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about packaging what you know.

🎯 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

✔ Why course completion rates are collapsing
✔ The real reason people buy educational products
✔ Why more content does NOT equal more results
✔ How to design learning experiences people actually finish
✔ The role of community, cohorts, and facilitation
✔ How to build an ecosystem around your expertise
✔ What to create instead of another self-paced course

👤 About Parchelle Osumaré

Parchelle is an Executive Learning Producer and Founder of The Author’s Leverage. They specialize in helping experts transform their knowledge into premium learning assets, including private podcasts, interactive frameworks, facilitated cohorts, and strategic educational experiences.

Connect with Parchelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parchelle/

🚀 Ready to Turn Your Expertise Into Real Income & Impact?

Take the FREE Authorpreneur Readiness Assessment
👉 https://forms.gle/aPVR5cV7RzG4KNnAA

Discover your next best step to build a book, offer, or experience that actually sells.

🔔 Subscribe for More

If you’re an author, coach, speaker, or content creator who wants to build a business around your ideas — not just sell information — subscribe for weekly insights on publishing, positioning, and monetization.

🎧 Listen on Podcast Platforms

(Search “Published Creator Podcast” on your favorite platform)

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Uncover where you are and what your next step should be as an Authorpreneur by taking the 👉 Authorpreneur Readiness Assessment

Most authors believe the path to making money from their book is selling more copies.

It’s not.

The authors who build thriving businesses from their books focus on something deeper. They get clear on their WHY.

Your WHY determines who buys from you, what opportunities find you, and whether your book becomes a one-time project… or a lifelong asset that fuels your brand, income, and impact.

In this video, I break down why clarity on your WHY is the real foundation of building a book that attracts clients, collaborators, and opportunities beyond book sales.

If you're writing a book, or thinking about writing one, this may be the most important decision you make.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why selling more book copies is not the real goal
• The hidden reason most authors never monetize their book
• How your WHY determines your income potential as an author
• Why clarity attracts clients, collaborators, and opportunities
• How to position your book as the foundation of a thriving ecosystem

This is for you if:

• You’re writing your first book
• You’ve published a book but aren’t seeing meaningful income
• You’re a coach, creator, or expert with a message
• You want to build a business around your book
• You want to become an Authorpreneur, not just an author

Learn how to turn your book into clients, income, and opportunities.

New videos weekly: Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos on building a thriving book-based business:

Connect with Rodney Washington
👉 On Instagram
👉Join my free Published Creators Skool Community https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Authorpreneur Strategist | Founder of Published & Thriving
Helping creators turn books into thriving brands and ecosystems

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

What if a single leaf could open the door to a lifetime of curiosity?

In this episode, longtime educator and author Rosetta Wood shares the story behind her beautifully illustrated science storybook, The Miracle of Changing Leaves: A Journey Through Seasons.

After more than 25 years in the classroom, Rosetta witnessed firsthand how children light up when they connect with the natural world. A simple moment during a fall field trip, watching a woodpecker tap into a tree, sparked questions from her students that would eventually grow into a book designed to help children understand why leaves change color, how trees grow, and what happens during each season of the year.

Her mission is to nurture curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lifelong love of learning in children.

This conversation explores how storytelling can make science accessible, memorable, and meaningful for young readers.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschool educator, this episode will inspire you to see nature as a classroom—and help your child do the same.

📘 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Why children are naturally drawn to trees, leaves, and seasonal change
How Rosetta turned classroom moments into a science storybook
Simple ways to help children understand photosynthesis and plant growth
Why emotional connection make learning science more effective
How parents and educators can nurture curiosity through observation
The deeper mission behind The Miracle of Changing Leaves

🌱 About the Book

The Miracle of Changing Leaves: A Journey Through Seasons is a beautifully illustrated science storybook that helps children ages 7–11 understand:

Why leaves change color
How trees grow and transform
What happens inside a leaf during each season
How to observe and appreciate the natural world

Written by educator Rosetta Wood, this book blends STEM education with gentle storytelling to help young readers fall in love with nature.

🍁 Order the book on Amazon

Download the free coloring pages:
👉 The Miracle of Changing Leaves: A Journey Through Seasons

⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please follow, rate, and share this episode with a parent, teacher, or educator who would love helping children discover the miracle happening in every leaf.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Rodney and Chela are hosting a live virtual experience called The Authorpreneur Decision, designed to help you clarify your authority, map your monetization ecosystem, and turn your book into a credibility engine.

💸 Join Us For The Live Cohort 💸
https://publishedandthriving.com/decision

Publishing a book doesn’t make you an authority.

In this conversation, Rodney Washington is joined by publishing project manager and author support specialist Chela Hardy to break down a truth most professionals discover too late: the book is not the business, it’s the engine.

They unpack why so many smart, experienced creators publish a book, put it on Amazon, and then wonder why nothing changes… and what actually needs to be in place before and during the publishing process for a book to create credibility, clients, and momentum.

This episode reframes the entire idea of “writing a book” into something far more powerful: building an ecosystem.

You’ll hear:

Why Amazon is a fulfillment tool, not an authority strategy

How existing content (podcasts, blogs, talks, YouTube) is already your book

The mindset shift from “writing” to building a book

Why most authors get stuck after publishing — and how to avoid it

What it really means to make the Authorpreneur Decision

How books become entry points into communities, programs, and experiences

Why authority is built through intention, mapping, and experience — not sales alone

This isn’t about writing faster, selling more copies, or chasing bestseller lists.

It’s about deciding how you want to show up in the world — and designing your book to support that decision.

If you’re a coach, consultant, speaker, content creator, or professional with a message — and you want your book to do more than sit on a shelf, this conversation will change how you think about publishing.

✅ Follow Rodney:
https://instagram.com/thepublishedcreator
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

🚀 Join The Published Creator Skool Community 🚀
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

✅ Follow Chela:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelahardy/
https://www.reggiebrownreads.com/
https://www.askchela.com/

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Most authors think marketing means promotion, pressure, or constantly “selling themselves.”

In this episode of the Published Creator Podcast, I sit down with Keisha Williams, creator of the Money Alphabet: ABC of Money Activity Coloring Book, to explore a very different approach—one that feels natural, relational, and effective.

What began as a simple idea to help her nephew learn about money has grown into a book that sparks conversations, builds confidence, and spreads organically through everyday interactions. No hype. No ads. No aggressive tactics. Just clarity, consistency, and sharing the work in real life.

This episode is a real-world case study in how authors can market their books simply by talking about them in meaningful ways—and why that approach often outperforms waiting on Amazon or social media algorithms to do the work for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why the most effective book marketing rarely feels like marketing
How everyday conversations can become your most powerful promotional tool
What makes a book naturally shareable
How simplicity and clarity help ideas spread
Why books that create dialogue tend to create opportunities

If you’re an author (or aspiring author) who wants your book to do more than sit on a sales page, this episode will help you rethink how momentum is really built.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about the Money Alphabet: ABC of Money Activity Coloring Book and grab a sample.
Click here if you're interested in bulk orders, community use, or collaboration opportunities
Want help turning your book into a living ecosystem? Take the free Book-to-Ecosystem Assessment

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

🎯 Ready to turn your content into a book or paid offer?
Grab your spot in the free masterclass: 👉 5 Costly Mistakes Masterclass

If you’ve ever stared at a pile of content and wondered, “How do I turn this into a book or paid offer?” This episode is for you.

Rodney sits down with Andy Clark, a former lawyer turned business coach, who breaks down the real reason most books never get finished (hint: it’s not a lack of ideas).

Andy introduces us to his “Whole PIE Framework” — a powerful, repeatable process that helps small business owners create more Profit, Impact, and Enjoyment in their work.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights on turning chaos into clarity through structure, and how a strong framework can make your book — and business — sustainable.

✨ What You’ll Learn:

Why more ideas aren't the answer — and what your book really needs
How to identify your “superpower” and turn it into a teachable system
The difference between messy content and a marketable framework
Andy’s 3-step recipe to transform your expertise into a book
What a “Whole PIE” really means for small business success
How to avoid the common mistakes when turning content into a paid offer

🔗 Resources & Links:

🎯 Ready to turn your content into a book or paid offer?
Grab your spot in the free masterclass: 👉 5 Costly Mistakes Masterclass

Follow Rodney Washington:

Instagram: @thepublishedcreator
LinkedIn
YouTube

Guest: Andy Clark

📖 Getting The Whole PIE: How to Create More Profit, Impact, and Enjoyment in Your Small Business
- Amazon (USA)
- Amazon (Canada)
Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

📚 Recommended For:

Coaches & consultants looking to turn frameworks into books
Podcasters, YouTubers, and content creators ready to monetize
Creatives struggling to organize their ideas into teachable systems
Small business owners who want to enjoy running their business again

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

🌟 Join the Published Creators Skool Community
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Sick of pouring your energy into social media and getting almost nothing back?

You're not alone. And you're not doing anything wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning, best-selling author and book coach Lana McAra, who shares how authors can sell more books—faster—without relying on algorithms, ads, or endless posting.

We dive deep into the lost art of in-person book promotion and why it still works (maybe better than ever). Whether you're introverted, writing fiction, or just burned out by digital hustle, this conversation will give you a fresh, fun, and human approach to marketing your books.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

Why online marketing alone isn’t enough (and never really was)
How to turn your book into a live experience readers love
Where to find venues that actually want you to speak
Easy ways to make events interactive—even if you hate public speaking
How in-person events help you grow your email list and online sales, too
Stories from real authors making real money… without a single boosted post

🧩 Episode Highlights:

The forgotten power of face-to-face connection
Creative examples of book events that sell (even fiction!)
What bookstores and libraries really want from authors
Why “marketing” can be the most fun part of publishing
A powerful mindset shift for long-term author success

🔗 Resources & Links:

🎧 Lana’s Fiction Writer’s Podcast
📕 Lana's Publishing Company
✍️ How To Write A Novel That Sells Course
📸 Follow Rodney on Instagram
💼 Connect on LinkedIn
📺 Watch The Episode on YouTube

💬 Let’s Connect:

If this episode gave you a lightbulb moment 💡 — or reminded you that yes, you can promote your book in ways that feel fun and aligned — I’d love to hear from you.

📥DM me on Instagram or join the Published Creators Skool community and let’s talk about YOUR next live event idea!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Join the Published Creator Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Ready to take your book sales to the next level—beyond Amazon?

In this conversation, Rodney Washington chats with publishing expert Michelle Vandepas about expanding your reach through library sales, gift shops, international rights, and more.

If you're an author wondering how to distribute your book worldwide (and not just digitally), this episode is packed with real-world strategies.

📌 Mentioned in this Episode:

🎁 Michelle’s Free eBook – “26 Questions to Ask Before You Publish”: https://gracepointpublishing.com/25-publisher-services

📘 Marketing Your Book – Free Webinar:
Watch here - https://gracepointpublishing.com/marketing-your-book-webinar

🔗 Michelle Vandepas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellevandepass/

Connect With Us:

🎙 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepublishedcreator

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodneywashington.creative

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert interviews and author tips.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

📝 Join the Published Creator Skool community (At the time of this recording, it's free)

✨ Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and strategy-packed episode, I sit down with Micaela Benn, children’s book author, marketer, and founder of The Children’s Book Marketing Lab, to talk about how authors can create powerful, purpose-driven children’s books and sell them before they even go to print.

Whether you’re a writer, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is filled with insights that will shift how you think about publishing, storytelling, and selling with heart.

🧠 What We Cover:

Why good stories start with connection, not just content

How to sell your children’s book before it's printed

The difference between bulk sales and wholesale, and how to find the right buyers

Real-life stories of emotional impact from readers

Why your book can be more than a product, it can be part of a movement

How authors are partnering with schools, dentists, and even shelters to reach more readers

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Connect with Micaela Benn:
📚 Join The Children’s Book Marketing Lab:
https://www.skool.com/childrens-book-marketing-lab-8402/about

📺 Watch her on Children’s Book Marketing TV:
https://www.youtube.com/@childrensbookmarketingtv

📷 Follow her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/micaelasbenn

💻 Follow her on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micaelasbenn/

Connect with Me (Rodney Washington):
🎓 Join The Published Creator Skool community:
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

📺 Subscribe to The Published Creator on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thepublishedcreator

📷 Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rodneywashington.creative

💻 Follow me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneylwashington/

📣 Call to Action:

If this episode inspired you, here’s how to take the next step:

Join our communities to get support, ideas, and connections with like-minded creatives

Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if this helped you see your book — and business — in a new way

Your story deserves to be told. And there’s someone out there waiting to read it. 💛

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

📝 Join the Published Creator Skool community (At the time of this recording, it's free)

In this episode, I sit down with Chelsea Bennett, Education & Community Manager from Lulu.com, to explore how authors can think beyond “just a book” and turn their content into a full-fledged brand experience.

Whether you’re a coach, course creator, or speaker, this conversation is packed with strategies for turning your book into a powerful business tool—one that supports memberships, bundles, events, and more.

We cover:

Why spiral-bound books (not available on Amazon!) are game-changers for workbooks
How to use Lulu Direct to sell on your own website with full control
Tactics to bundle your book with courses, coaching, and communities
Using QR codes to grow your list, drive engagement, and build your ecosystem
Kickstarter & fulfillment tips using Lulu’s Order Import Tool
When and why to use ISBNs, and how to avoid common mistakes
How to sell internationally without managing inventory

🔥 Bonus Insight:
Your book isn’t the final product—it’s the entry point into your brand and your world.

🎁 Mentioned in this episode:

Lulu Pricing Calculator: https://www.lulu.com/pricing
Lulu Direct (Shopify/Wix/Woo integration)
Free interior templates for planners, journals, and notebooks
Order Import Tool for bulk/kickstarter fulfillment
Book a Monetization Mapping Call (includes a free Bestseller Impact Assessment)

🎧 Listen + Watch:
→ Watch The Episode on YouTube (includes a comprehensive and detailed list of resources mentioned)

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

*Join The Published Creator Skool Community:*
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Take my FREE Bestseller Impact Assessment
https://publishedandthriving.com/bestseller-impact-assessment

What if you could turn your book idea into a six-figure Kickstarter campaign?

In this interview, author and marketer Josh Jenne breaks down the exact funnel that helped him raise over $202,000 to launch his fantasy book series, without relying on AI-generated art, and with a razor-sharp marketing strategy.

You’ll learn:

Why concept is king — and how to position yours

How Josh used Reddit, Facebook, and Discord to build momentum

Why he spent over $30K on Facebook ads (and how he knew it was working)

The controversial truth about using AI art for books

How to build a pre-launch email list that converts

The one mindset shift that separates authors who succeed on Kickstarter from those who don’t

📚 This is required watching for any author, artist, or creator thinking about crowdfunding their next book.

👉 Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/7xhJpwMiQAY

*🎯 Resources Mentioned:*

Josh Jenne’s latest Kickstarter:
(Warning: NSFW - Content may be considered Not Safe For Work) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/leopardprintpress/pinup-monster-girls-55e?ref=5ce39o

Lulu Print-on-Demand: https://www.lulu.com
Jellop: https://jellop.com/
BackerKit: https://www.backerkit.com/

Artist Rosa Mendez: https://www.instagram.com/_nubesrosas_

💬 Enjoyed the episode?

Give it a 👍, subscribe for more interviews like this, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. Have questions about launching your own Kickstarter campaign? I’d love to hear them!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Join The Published Creator Skool Community
https://www.skool.com/thepublishedcreator-2767/about

Take my FREE Bestseller Impact Assessment
https://publishedandthriving.com/bestseller-impact-assessment

In this episode of The Published Creator Podcast, I sit down with author and creative entrepreneur Josh Jenne, who successfully raised $202,000 on Kickstarter to fund his beautifully illustrated fantasy book for the Dungeons & Dragons community.

*Note: (this is part 1 of a two-part interview series)*

👉 Watch Part 2 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7DoUIh9M8Y

If you've ever wondered whether crowdfunding your book could actually work, especially without a massive audience, this conversation is for you. Josh shares the exact strategy he used to validate his idea, build momentum before launch, and structure his Kickstarter campaign for maximum conversions.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:

How Josh went from zero audience to $202K in book sales

The importance of concept validation before you launch

Why building an email list and community is critical for Kickstarter success

How to use platforms like Lulu for fulfillment and print-on-demand

The role of pricing, bundles, and “whale tiers” in campaign growth

Why your day one launch matters more than you think

The difference between publishing on Amazon vs launching with Kickstarter

Whether you’re writing a novel, creating a graphic novel, or launching a tabletop gaming guide, this is a masterclass in self-publishing and Kickstarter strategy.

🎯 Resources Mentioned:

Josh Jenne’s latest Kickstarter:
(Warning: NSFW - Content subject may be considered Not Safe For Work) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/leopardprintpress/pinup-monster-girls-55e?ref=5ce39o

Lulu Print-on-Demand: https://www.lulu.com
Jellop: https://jellop.com/
BackerKit: https://www.backerkit.com/

Artist Rosa Mendez: https://www.instagram.com/_nubesrosas_

💬 Enjoyed the episode?

Give it a 👍, subscribe for more interviews like this, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.

Have questions about launching your own Kickstarter campaign? I’d love to hear them!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

I’m closing the chapter on The Coloring Book Creator and stepping into something bigger. In this kickoff episode of the Published Creator Podcast, I share the turning point that sparked this shift and how you can take your book beyond the pages to build a thriving brand, business, and legacy.

Welcome to the very first episode of the Published Creator!

I’m Rodney Washington, and I’m thrilled to share this space with you. This podcast is here for authors, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to go beyond publishing a book and instead build experiences, communities, and thriving businesses around their ideas.

Turning the Page: From Coloring Book Creator to a New Beginning

For three years, The Coloring Book Creator has been my platform to help aspiring authors bring their ideas to life. But as I’ve worked with more creators, I realized the journey doesn’t stop at the book.

The real opportunity lies in how you take that book and expand it into something bigger, coaching, courses, memberships, retreats, and even licensing opportunities.

This is the heartbeat of becoming a Published & Thriving author creator.

Why Books Are Just the Beginning

A book is powerful, but it’s not the finish line. Think of it as your business card on steroids; it opens doors, creates opportunities, and builds credibility. But if you stop at book sales, you’re leaving so much potential on the table. In this episode, I share how to reframe your book as the foundation of a much larger ecosystem.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for joining me for this first episode of the Published Creator podcast.

As I close the chapter on The Coloring Book Creator and step into this new season, I invite you to come along for the journey.

Together, we’ll explore how to turn your book into more than just pages; we’ll turn it into a thriving brand, a business, and a legacy.

Join our new Published Creator Community on Skool

Watch Episodes on YouTube

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In Episode 60 of the Published Creator Podcast, we dive deep into common fears surrounding the creation and sales potential of your coloring books, planners, and journals.

I share 10 actionable strategies to help you release those fears and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you're brainstorming your first book or trying to improve sales on existing titles, these insights will guide you toward success.

Want to continue the conversation, plus get additional action steps you can implement immediately? Join Us On Skool

Key Takeaways:
1. Conduct Thorough Research:
Understand the market demand before you create your book. Just because a subject has been covered doesn't mean there isn't room for your unique perspective.

2. Align with Your Passion:
Choose a book topic that you are genuinely interested in, as it will require a significant amount of your time and energy to bring to life.

3. Mindset Adjustment:
Prepare to learn from the process regardless of the outcome. Challenges will arise, but persistence will teach you invaluable lessons.

4. Pre-Sell Your Book:
Start marketing your book before it’s complete. This approach not only validates your idea but also generates early interest and potential sales.

5. Leverage Community and Collaboration:
Engage with communities and collaborate with others to expand your reach and credibility. Shared interests can lead to powerful partnerships and opportunities.

Episode Highlights:
- Discussion on the importance of market research and finding a niche within popular genres.

Tips for mentally preparing for the hurdles of book creation and sales.
Strategies for pre-selling and marketing your book early in the creation process to gauge interest and secure early buyers.
Importance of community support and collaboration in spreading the word and enhancing your book’s success.

Listen and Engage:
Tune in to learn how to navigate the fears of book creation and sales with strategic actions that can lead to success. Engage with us through comments or on our social media to share your experiences and insights.

Additional Resources:
- Link to the full video discussion on YouTube for visual insights.

- Access to a free audio course to help validate your coloring book ideas.

038: After The Rain with Surface Pattern Designer & Illustrator Now Coloring Book Creator Lisa Dolson

019: The #1 Mistake Coloring Book Authors Are Making That's Killing Sales On Social Media

051: You’re Leaving Money On The Table If You Aren’t Doing This

047: 10 Steps to Pre-Launch Your Book (Without Ads or Being on Social Media All Day)

Bonus Episode: The Passive Income Myth (what nobody tells you about selling your book on Amazon)

We’re committed to supporting you in turning your creative vision into reality. Join us to learn, grow, and succeed together in the world of coloring book creation!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Looking for an idea for your first or next Coloring Book, Planner/Journal but don't know where to start?

If you answered YES, then you're in luck because in episode 59 of the Published Creator Podcast I dive into the world of AI with my new GPT Unlock Your Coloring Book or Planner Idea, now available exclusively to Skool MembersInside, the community I'll show you how AI can be a powerful tool for creators of coloring books, planners, and journals.

This episode is all about leveraging AI, specifically ChatGPT, to assist with ideation, research, and even content creation, helping you bring your creative visions to life.

Key Episode Takeaways:
1. Turn AI Into Your Creative Assistant: Discover how ChatGPT can be used not to replace traditional artists, but as a tool to enhance and support your creative process, from idea validation to content generation.

2. Validate Your Book Idea: Learn how to use AI to validate your book ideas before investing time and resources into creation, ensuring your project resonates with your target audience.

3. From Ideation to Execution: Coming up with an idea for your book can be challenging especially when you have so many to choose from. That's why I'm thrilled to announce a new tool designed to help creators brainstorm and refine ideas for books, providing suggestions on layout, content, and even cover design.

4. Join the Live Workshop: Get the chance to participate in a live workshop where Rodney will walk you through the ideation process, offering real-time feedback and support to help you bring your project to fruition.

5. Start Your Journey Today: With access to my new custom GPT and upcoming live workshops, you have all the tools and support you need to start creating and marketing your next big project.

Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
- Access the GPT Tool and Watch the Demo
Side Note: When you access the Unlock Your Coloring Book or Planner Idea with the power of AI 🤖 includes an invitation to join me for new Live Workshop TBA

Share your ideation results inside The Published Creator Skool Community

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this episode, I dive into a recent conversation with one of my digital planner mentor students about the challenges and opportunities in publishing, particularly when using print-on-demand services like Lulu.

We discuss the beauty and quality of her newly created planner, but also the significant pricing differences that arise, especially with international shipping.

Using print-on-demand services often results in higher costs per unit, particularly for full-color books. These expenses can be daunting, especially when you factor in shipping, which can drastically increase the overall price.

However, there are strategic ways to position and sell these products to ensure profitability.

I share my experiences and insights on how to creatively bundle your book with other offerings, such as courses, workshops, or membership communities, to provide additional value and justify a higher price point.

The key takeaway?

In the nonfiction space, the book is rarely the sole income source. Instead, it's an entry point into a broader ecosystem of experiences and services that truly drive revenue.

Tune in to learn how to effectively position your book, create meaningful experiences around it, and build a sustainable income stream that goes beyond just book sales.

Don't forget to check the show notes for links to valuable resources:

Join the conversation in my free Facebook group, the Coloring Book Creator Club

052: Beyond Amazon Creating Profitable Bundles That Sell with Vervante's Cindy TylerBook a 30 Min 1:on:1 Discovery Session With Rodney
(Please Note: Just $20 to secure your spot and can be applied to any of my paid programs)

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this episode of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast, I'm diving into a topic that's close to my heart: what to do when you're just not feeling it in your business.

As someone who's been an entrepreneur for nearly two decades, I've faced my fair share of burnout and low motivation.

Today, I want to share some personal insights and practical strategies that have helped me reconnect with my passion and realign my work with where I am now. Whether you're struggling to find your spark or simply feeling stuck, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Acknowledge When Something Feels Off: Recognizing and admitting that you're feeling disconnected or unmotivated is the first step to making necessary changes in your business or creative projects.
Take Time Off to Reflect: Whether it's a day, a week, or even longer, stepping back from your routine can offer fresh perspectives and help you recharge. This time off might involve unplugging from content consumption or simply changing your physical environment.
Experiment and Try New Things: Sometimes the solution to feeling stuck is to inject new energy into your work by exploring different approaches, projects, or technologies. Don't be afraid to play and experiment.
Seek Professional Support: If the pressure of entrepreneurship feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. It can provide invaluable clarity and emotional support, allowing you to navigate challenges more effectively.
Be Willing to Change Direction: If after deep reflection, you realize your current path no longer aligns with your goals, don’t be afraid to pivot. This might involve rebranding, targeting new clients, or even a complete career shift.

Tune in for an honest conversation about the emotional realities of being an entrepreneur and how to navigate them with grace and resilience.

Links Mentioned:

BetterHelp Counseling Service
Explore Rodney's New GPT Tool
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan

Contact Rodney:

Email: rodney@rodneywashington.com

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Growing your email list is crucial for staying connected with your audience, and we’re sharing innovative strategies to help you do just that.

From creating engaging shopping guides and offering sample templates to hosting impactful workshops and utilizing quizzes, these tips will help you build and nurture a thriving email list.

Plus, we have a bonus idea that involves leveraging custom ChatGPT for personalized engagement.

Tune in to discover how these techniques can elevate your publishing business and keep your audience engaged. The video iteration of this episode is available on YouTube

Don’t miss out on these actionable insights and start growing your email list today! 🎧✨

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
📺 Watch This Episode On YouTube
🧑‍🏫 Validate Your Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It Mini Course
👨🏾‍💻 Contact Me For Workshop Updates

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. Check the links above for more resources and stay connected!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this insightful episode, we delve into the critical role of book covers in driving sales, especially on platforms crowded with competitors like Amazon.

I'm joined by LaKeshia D Walton, a talented designer and author, to discuss what makes a book cover stand out and how it can influence potential buyers' decisions.

We explore several book covers, discussing what works and what could be improved. This episode serves as an introduction to a more detailed visual discussion available on YouTube.

Key Takeaways:
1. First Impressions Count: Your book cover is often your first opportunity to grab a potential buyer's attention. It needs to be striking enough to stop the scroll and compelling enough to encourage further exploration.

2. Research and Inspiration: Before designing a cover, research competing books on platforms like Amazon. Use a swipe file to collect covers that catch your eye and analyze what draws your attention to them.

3. Use High-Quality Visual Tools: Tools like Pinterest and Unsplash can be invaluable for gathering inspiration and high-quality images that resonate with your book’s theme.

4. Engage with Your Audience: Early in the design process, share mock-ups of potential covers on social media to gauge audience preferences and gather feedback, helping you refine your cover design.

5. Iterate and Improve: Continuously refine your cover design by experimenting with different elements like fonts, colors, and images to find the perfect balance that represents your book best.

Additional Resources:
- Full video discussion on YouTube - Dive deeper into our cover design discussion with visual examples.

Book a Book Cover Consultation with LaKeshia D. Walton - Get professional advice on your book cover design.
Blooms Of Hope Planner & Journal by LaKeshia D. Walton
Validate Your Book Idea Before You Make It - Access a free audio course that includes a 10-step roadmap to refine your book concept before you publish.

Final Thoughts:
Remember, the right cover doesn't just attract eyes—it can significantly impact your sales. Spend time crafting a cover that truly represents your book and appeals to your target audience.

Listen and Leave Feedback:
Don’t forget to watch the detailed YouTube session for a comprehensive breakdown of book cover design, and let us know your thoughts either there or in the podcast comments!

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

Welcome to Episode 54 of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast!

In this special milestone episode, I'm celebrating a milestone of 3000 downloads!

Join me as I share the lessons learned along the journey and how these insights can benefit you, even if podcasting isn’t your goal.

Episode Highlights:
1. Milestone Celebration: Join me as I reflect on reaching 3000 episode downloads and what it means personally and for the future message of the podcast.

2. The Journey: Including the creation of the Coloring Book Creator Program, its development, and the success stories that inspired the podcast.

3. Lessons from the Past: Insights from previous podcast experiences and how they shaped the current show’s format and focus.

4. Consistency and Passion: Emphasizing the importance of consistency, alignment, and passion in content creation.

5. Future Directions: Exciting upcoming plans, including my latest program focused on creating and publishing digital and physical planners.

Key Takeaways:
1. Align Your Content with Your Passion: Find a content creation method that resonates with you and your audience. Whether it’s podcasting, video, or writing, choose the platform where you feel most comfortable and inspired.

2. Consistency is Crucial: Stay committed to your content creation schedule. Even if the initial traction is slow, consistency will help you find your voice and build an audience over time.

3. Focus on Your Audience: Create content that serves and inspires your audience. Shift the focus from personal gain to providing value, and you’ll build a loyal following.

4. Test and Iterate: Experiment with different content types and platforms to find what works best for you and your audience. Don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t resonating.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward is progress and helps maintain motivation and enthusiasm.

Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt discussion on the ups and downs of podcasting and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting, there’s something here for everyone!

Thank you for listening and supporting the Coloring Book Creator Podcast!

Let’s continue to inspire and create together.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and join our community to stay updated with the latest episodes and news.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Validate Your Book With My 10-Step Roadmap And Get Your Coloring Book, Journal, or Planner Idea Out Of Your Head And Into Your Hands

Never Too Late To Make It Happen Adult Coloring Book

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this episode, we delve into a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of online entrepreneurship: ensuring that potential customers know about your products.

Especially for creatives, talking about and promoting our work can feel daunting, but it's crucial for achieving the sales and success we desire. Join us as we explore why staying top of mind is essential and how to effectively engage your audience without feeling spammy.

Five Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Visibility is Crucial:
- People can't buy what they don't know exists. To capture attention, you must consistently promote your work so that it stays top of mind for potential customers.

2. Content Creation Strategies:
- Content doesn't always have to be about direct selling. It should inspire and engage your audience, making them feel connected to your work without feeling like they are being sold to constantly.

3. Consistent Engagement:
- Post regularly on social media to ensure your audience sees your content. Posting once or twice is not enough. Frequent posting increases the chances of your content being seen by a larger portion of your audience.

4. Interactive Content Ideas:
- Share different aspects of your book, like a page or an inspirational quote. Use various formats such as videos, reels, written posts, and images to keep your content fresh and engaging.

5. Overcome Perfectionism:
- Focus on consistency over perfection. Don’t let worries about your appearance or production quality prevent you from creating content. Your audience cares more about the value and authenticity of your content than its perfection.

Additional Insights:
- Develop a content creation habit by posting daily for 30 days. This will provide valuable data on what types of content resonate with your audience and help you refine your strategy.

Use engagement strategies like calls to action to build an email list and create a community around your work.
If you're developing a book, share your journey and involve your audience in the process. This builds interest and anticipation before your book is even published.

*Join the 30-Day Content Challenge:*
I'm inviting you to participate in a 30-day content creation challenge. Join our Facebook group, the Coloring Book Creator Club, where I’ll be sharing tips and strategies to help you develop a consistent content creation habit.

*Connect with Us:
- Join the Coloring Book Creator Club Facebook Group
- Book a 30-minute Strategy Call with Rodney (Please Note:* A $20 deposit is required to confirm your session, it is refundable if we find we're not a fit to work together otherwise the fee can be applied to any of my paid programs)

Until the next episode stay creative and keep engaging with your audience.

Remember, people can’t buy what they don’t know exists!

Tune in next week for more insights and strategies on The Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

In this special edition of the podcast, I interview Cindy Tyler founder of the publishing and print-on-demand company Vervante

We explore how creators of coloring books, planners, and journals can leverage Vervante's services to produce stunning, quality, high-profit products.

Join us as we discuss opportunities to expand beyond Amazon's KDP and create unique, sought-after bundles that will delight your customers and boost your profits.

Please note: I highly recommend watching the YouTube iteration of the podcast

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Vervante Help Desk

Online Catalog

Book a 30 Min 1:on:1 Discovery Session With Rodney
(Please Note: Just $20 to secure your spot and can be applied to any of my paid programs)

Got questions, ideas, thoughts on the episode? Send us a Text

You’re listening to the coloring book creator podcast episode 051 and in this episode, I’m going to be talking about the ways you’re leaving money on the table and the most important thing you must start focusing on today to quickly get cash flow moving

If you’ve created and published your book (written, audio or coloring, planner, journal) but your sales are lackluster or plateaued and now you’re ready to get cash flow moving this is the most important and valuable episode you'll listen to all year

What do you do? Simple Bundles - Why Are Bundles So Attractive, Easier To Sell, and Fast Track Opportunity To Increase Your Bottom Line Resources Mentioned In This Episode:052: Beyond Amazon Creating Profitable Bundles That Sell with Vervante's Cindy TylerBook a 30 Min 1:on:1 Discovery Session With Rodney
(Please Note: Just $20 to secure your spot and can be applied to any of my paid programs)

Welcome to today's episode of the podcast, where we delve into the art of managing overwhelm, getting unstuck, and thriving as a creative entrepreneur.

Our guest, Dr. Christiane Schroeter, brings over 20 years of experience as a business and wellness coach, empowering women globally across various industries.

With her signature coaching systems, she has transformed countless goals into reality and increased productivity for her clients.

In this insightful interview, Christiane shares her wisdom on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and maintaining a balanced life. Here's a sneak peek at what we'll be discussing:

1. Personal Experience: Christiane opens up about her own journey through overwhelm and getting stuck in the hustle, offering valuable insights into how she managed to break free.

2. Petite Practices: We explore the concept of "petite practices" for achieving work-life balance and discuss actionable steps to integrate them into our daily routines.

3. Cultural Perspectives: Christiane shares insights from her time in Germany, shedding light on how cultural differences influence our approach to work and leisure.

4. Transition Rituals: We discuss the importance of transitioning between work and home life, drawing inspiration from German customs.

5. Breakthrough Strategies: Christiane shares strategies for gaining new perspectives and clearing the mind when faced with challenging tasks.

6. Content Creation Challenges: We delve into the challenges content creators face when expanding to new mediums and discuss effective strategies for overcoming them.

7. The ABC Framework: Christiane introduces the ABC framework for personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness.

8. Celebrating Wins: We explore the significance of celebrating small victories and share personal experiences of acknowledging achievements.

9. Stepping out of Comfort Zones: Christiane offers advice for those hesitant to pursue their dreams, encouraging them to embrace boldness.

10. Prioritizing Self-Care: Finally, we discuss the importance of self-care in achieving ambitious goals and share practical self-care practices for busy times.

Join us as we dive deep into these topics with Dr. Christiane Schroeter, and discover actionable strategies to thrive as a creative entrepreneur while maintaining balance and well-being.

**Recommended Resources:

Want to work with me 1-on-1? Call me at 415-851-1222 and tell me you found me on the podcast and I'll respond with info on how to book a call to discuss your book idea and how to get it out of your head and into your hands in 30 days or less.**

You can reach Christiane and learn more about her programs including her podcast
Happy Healthy Hustle at: HelloHappyNest.com

Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan

If you’re working on a book and you’re not focused on starting and building your email list you’re missing out on a huge opportunity

Why? Your email list is one of the most valuable assets any author/entrepreneur can have in their business next to the publication of your actual book

A common question I often get is, "Should I wait to start my email list after I publish my book?"

Absolutely not!

As a matter of fact, the best time to focus on launching and growing your email list is while you’re working on your new title!

Hopefully, starting today this episode has inspired you to take email list building seriously, and to help you get started on the right foot I've created a special time-limited opportunity to get direct 1-on-1 support from me where I'll set up and launch your email list including publishing your one-page website for just $97

To secure one of the spots -Email List Builder Package and on that page, you'll see everything included in the package 📦

*Done For You Spots Are Limited***

It's an incredible opportunity especially if you don't want to deal with the tech

So if this speaks to you Act Quickly

Go to - http://emaillistbuilderspackage.com

**Why Your Creator Biz Is Tap Dancing On The Brink Of Disaster If You Ignore This

Please Note: There's an accompanying written iteration of this special episode available if you'd like to read while you listen**

That might sound rather dramatic but it’s true

What am I talking about?

I’m talking about not having an email list

There are so many creators both existing businesses or those launching for the first time not giving email list growth the attention it deserves and operating under the assumption that they're safe because they're a small fish which is why in the special edition episode of the podcast I talk about:

Why it's absolutely imperative to get started list building immediately.
I share a tragic example of a creator whose business was practically left in ruins after an untimely Amazon takedown but because they embraced list building early they managed to have a solid foundation on which to rebuild
What we as creative entrepreneurs must focus on immediately to safeguard our hard work
The special opportunity I've created to help you kickstart your list-building efforts

If you would be so kind, if you found value, please share this episode with a colleague or friend who's getting started creating, publishing and selling books, products, or courses.

This is must must-list episode no entrepreneur can afford to miss whether you're business is off or online.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

How To Set Up A Simple One-Page Website Designed To Help You Pre-Launch Your Book As You’re Creating It Boot Camp

Coloring Creator Course & Mentor Program

011: What’s Ahead For Coloring Book Creators in 2023 | 10 Ways To Protect Yourself Financially & Safeguard Your Coloring Book Creator Biz038: After The Rain with Surface Pattern Designer & Illustrator Now Coloring Book Creator Lisa Dolson

You’re listening to the Coloring Book Creator podcast episode 047 and in this episode, I’ll be sharing 10 Steps to Pre-Launch Your Book (Without Ads or Being on Social Media All Day)

So, you've made the bold decision to dive into the world of book writing – awesome!

But, hold up, there's more to this journey than just crafting words on paper.

Have you thought about how you'll launch your masterpiece?

Let's break down the 10 steps to navigate this pre-launch journey:

Announcement Post
Create a Focus Group
Share Book Insights
Vote on Titles:
Choose a Book Cover
Build a Simple 1-Page Website:
Collect Emails:
Share Book Samples:
Host Free or Paid Workshops or Challenges:
Maintain the Momentum:

Remember, building a book is a collaborative process. Don't hide away in solitude; bring your audience along for the ride.

The more invested they become in your journey, the more eager they'll be to grab a piece of your literary creation when it finally hits the shelves.

Ready to connect, collaborate, and create? Let the soft pre-launch begin! 🚀

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

042: Is Your Book Cover Helping -or- Hurting Your Sales?

037: Turning Pages, Turning Profit: Why I Love Using Bootcamps, Challenges & Retreats To Launch A Book

021: Why Your Story Is An Essential Ingredient For Selling Anything Especially Coloring Books

019: The #1 Mistake Coloring Book Authors Are Making That's Killing Sales On Social MediaJoin the Coloring Book Creator Course (members and get access to all bonus workshops)

To learn more about my upcoming Build Your 1 Page Website and Email List Building Bootcamp DM on Facebook or Instagram and say 1 page in the message

You're listening to the coloring book creator podcast, episode 46. In this episode, I'm going to be sharing more about the rebrand of the Coloring Book Creator, including this podcast. The new book I'm writing and why I'm making this pivot.

And if you're considering making a pivot, either in your life business, or both, what things or signs could be telling you that it's time to consider making one?

Or you're thinking about writing a book this year, or creating your first paid online course, or employing more educational-based marketing in your business to attract your right-fit audience listen to the episode and consider joining me and small intimate group of fellow creatives on my journey to writing my new book

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

If you're interested in participating in the behind-the-scenes creation of my rebrand including the new book I'm currently writing Message me on Facebook or Instagram and say "I want to read it" and I'll send a link to Google form to answer a few questions to see if you're a good fit to participate in this collaborative process.

You're listening to the coloring book creator podcast, episode 45 and in this episode, I'm continuing the conversation from episode 43: Do you have a vision for your creative business in 2024? And why you need one!

In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation about vision and how we all have one, either the one we create and control ourselves, or one that's created for us by others' perception of us which impacts how we respond to the world.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

043: Do You Have A Vision For Your Creative Business In 2024? And Why You Need One

038: After The Rain with Surface Pattern Designer & Illustrator Now Coloring Book Creator Lisa Dolson

I’m hosting a new virtual live 3-Day Event Crafting Your Creative Future: A Visionary Retreat & Roadmap for Creative Entrepreneurs Retreat + Live Coaching - February 7th, 8th, and 9th

The experience will include live coaching,

✨ The 3-Day Retreat with lifetime access to all recordings

✨ Physical and digital copies of the 2024 Vision Journal and Biz Planner

✨ Live coaching to fine-tune your next profitable book project

✨ A personality and income-aligned quiz to pinpoint YOUR perfect idea

✨ PLUS an opportunity to upgrade to a Special VIP that includes bonuses that you don’t want to miss.

Want to join me in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico late spring and summer of 2024 to work on your book in person?

Contact me to learn more about a special one-on-one VIP Day Experience

Will 2024 be the year you finally decide to get serious about your creator biz?

If you answered yes this is the level you want to play at so don't wait, reach out today, and let's chat

If you’d like to know more about the live retreat experience happening February 7th through the 9th shoot me a text at 415-851-1222 and in your text say retreat and I’ll respond within 24 hours or messenger me on Facebook

You’re listening to the Coloring Book Creator Podcast episode 044 and today’s episode I’m going to be talking about the 10 Most Common Reasons Why Creative Entrepreneurs Struggle To Experience The Artistic and Financial Freedom We Want

But before we get started I wanted to make sure that I told you about a brand new event I’m hosting I’m calling Crafting Your Creative Future: A Visionary Retreat & Roadmap for Creative Entrepreneurs 3 Day Retreat + Live Coaching - Happening January 17th thru the 19th

At the time I’m recording this episode we just entered the top of 2024 and of course, the #1 thing that most of us do is set New Year's resolutions, well… if you listened to my previous episode 043 I talk about how I’m not a fan of resolutions.

What I believe we should do instead is to give ourselves the space and the grace to spend some quality time to get clear about what we really want to experience and map out a vision for its achievement and that’s exactly what I and an intimate group of fellow creative entrepreneurs are going to do over three days in this new virtual retreat

We’re going to get clear about what we want to experience in the new year both personally and professionally and map out your vision including a crafting roadmap and launch plan for your business

The experience includes a copy of my new 2024 Vision Journal and Biz Planner both a physical copy sent to your door and a digital iteration available immediately in time for the retreat

There’s still space if you’d like to join us, again at the time I’m recording this our next retreat is happening on January 17, 18th and 19

For more information send a text to, 415-851-1222 and I’ll send you everything you need to sign up if you’re listening after those dates reach out anyway because I’m thinking about hosting a new retreat event once a quarter throughout 2024

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:039: Why Having A Clear Identity Impacts Your Book Sales
043: Do You Have A Vision For Your Creative Business In 2024? And Why You Need One

A new year is upon us and like so many people do at this time make resolutions that typically are forgotten about before the end of the month if not within the first week or two of the new year and that’s why I don’t bother making them

Instead, I prefer to focus on something bigger something that will remind me every time I think about it (even in the struggle) why I’m doing what I’m doing.

It's called a vision

When you have a vision that’s so perfectly tailored to you and your soul's desires you can’t help but do something to make it a reality, especially on those days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed and you’re ready to throw in the towel

Vision is inspiration in its truest sense

Vision is big picture thinking that impacts the totality of your life not just one area in other words you’re not just setting intentions for one but all areas of your life.

If you don’t have a vision or you don’t know how to create one then I invite you to join me in my private Facebook group and or on YouTube for Vision Week where I’ll be deep diving into several key areas and breaking down why it’s crucial to our emotional, financial and physical health to have a vision and how to get started creating one that’s truly aligned with who you are and how you want to live.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Join us for Vision Week Inside The Coloring Book Club Facebook Group and/or on YouTube

I’m hosting called a virtual live 3-Day Event
Crafting Your Creative Future: A Visionary Retreat & Roadmap for Creative Entrepreneurs Retreat + Live Coaching - Encore Experience Happening - February 7th, 8th and 9th

That experience will include live coaching,

✨ The 3-Day Retreat with lifetime access to all recordings

✨ Physical and digital copies of the 2024 Vision Journal and Biz Planner

✨ Live coaching to fine-tune your next profitable book project

✨ A personality and income-aligned quiz to pinpoint YOUR perfect idea

✨ PLUS a $97 coupon code to level up to any of my advanced programs

If you’d like to know more about the live retreat experience happening January 17 through the 19th shoot me a text at 415-851-1222 and in your text say retreat and I’ll respond within 24 hours or messenger me on Facebook

You’re listening to the Coloring Book Creator Podcast Episode 042 and in this episode, break down what makes a newsfeed scroll-stopping book cover for your coloring book.

If you're selling your book on Amazon but you're not getting the sales you hoped your book cover could be the culprit.

Think about this, your book is competing with 'everything' on the platform, and your cover is the first thing that a prospective buyer sees before they read a word of your book description.

They notice your cover first and yours absolutely must make them stop and take notice.

In my part of my two-part mini-series, I demonstrate over a dozen visual examples of book covers that work and some that don't.

I highly recommend visiting the group to watch the video iteration of this podcast episode the link is available below:

If I offered to personally help you get your coloring book idea out of your head and into your hands in the next 30 days…

Using the exact process that helped me create and publish my first book in five days, then leverage my status as a newly published author to launch and leverage it to create two additional income streams in less than six months allowing me to make more money faster than relying solely on one-off book sales on Amazon or Etsy

{Which is vulnerable to being shut down without any warning.}

And I did it with no formal art training or prior design experience

Would you be interested?

If you answered yes, then send me a text to 415-851-1222 and say "Yes" and I’ll reach out within 24 hours for more details.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Is Your Book Cover Helping -or- Hurting Your Sales Part 1 (video replay)Is Your Book Cover Helping -or- Hurting Your Sale Part 2 (video replay)

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program (the price is doubling in 2024)
Take advantage and save $50 til December 31st, 2023 (use the coupon code PODCAST50 At Checkout)

You’re listening to the Coloring Book Creator Podcast Episode 041 and in this episode, I’m going to talk about why Amazon is not a genie in a bottle.

It’s not a magician more specifically just because you’ve published a book on the platform does not mean that sales are automatic or guaranteed.

This is sort of a continuation of the conversation I had on my bonus episode: The Passive Income Myth (what nobody tells you about selling your book on Amazon) I’ll link it up in the show notes but first I want to discuss I feel so strongly about this topic.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Profitable Pages: 3-Step Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals

039: Why Having A Clear Identity Impacts Your Book SalesBonus Episode: The Passive Income Myth (what nobody tells you about selling your book on Amazon)Validate Your Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It Prep Guide Free Course: Includes my 10-Step Roadmap To Get Your Coloring Book Idea Out Of Your Head And Into Your Hands

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program Take $50 off when you use the Coupon Code: PODCAST50

Want to sell more books this holiday season all year round?

Start implementing more short-form video content in your regular marketing, I know for some coloring book creators the idea of making regular videos can be downright overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Admittedly I'm not a huge fan of being on camera myself.

But when I'm focused more on service than how I look, I actually get more sales so take from that what you will.

The most common issue I hear is "I don't know what to post" If that's you, so you definitely want to listen to this episode because I just released a special report called 36 Short Form Video Ideas 💡 For Coloring Book Creators that report combined with the virtually uptapped resource I speak about in this episode will provide you with tons of opportunities to create highly engaging video-based content that grows audience, email lists and sales!

So if this sounds like something you're excited to dive into, grab yourself a favorite beverage, get comfy, and prepare to take some notes

PS: Make sure to sign up to get my free gift because with it I'm hosting a free workshop as a value add bonus where I'll help you take your book or book idea, match it with a few of the ideas featured in the report and coach you on some strategy for producing and posting your short-form videos quickly

And use them to turn viewers into buyers.

The holiday season is here, now is the perfect time to start putting yourself out there and short-form video is one the best ways to do it

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

36 Short Form Video Ideas For Coloring Book Creators That Will Help You Sell More Books

039: Why Having A Clear Identity Impacts Your Book Sales

012: She Turned Her Passion for Tea Into A Beautiful Book with Coloring Book Creator Margaretha Madison

Profitable Pages: 3-Step Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals

National Day Calendar

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program Take $50 off when you use the Coupon Code: PODCAST50

Welcome to the Coloring Book Creator podcast, episode 39. In this episode, I'm sharing the recording from a live session that I do exclusively for members of my free Facebook group. The Coloring Book Creator Club.

Link in the show notes that you'd like to check it out.

At the time I'm recording, we have just shy of 550 members in the club, and something that I just launched recently as a weekly live stream that I do exclusively for members of the group where I'll pick a topic and I'll share tips, ideas, strategies, and sometimes I do some coaching for live attendees. Now, this is something that I'm experimenting with and something that I actually highly recommend you do.

If you'd like some support and strategy on how to create and grow an engaged Facebook group fast definitely check out the Coloring Book Creator Club we'd love to have you, link available in the resources section

Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeThe Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program - my complete A-to-Z course& mentoring programthat will take you from idea to published book in your hands in 45 days or less! Includes 90 days of live coaching in a supportive community
Use the code PODCAST50 to get $50 off at check out

Profitable Pages: 3-Step Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals & Facebook Ads for Creative Entrepreneurs Kickstarter Workshop - Just $33

Coloring Book Creator Club Free Facebook Group - Meet and connect with fellow author/creators, join us for weekly live training sessions and coaching

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Personal Brand in 2024 ft. Chalene Johnson on YouTube (Highly recommend watching this video, it will totally change your perception of what you think of when you think personal brand)

Ready To Create & Publish A Coloring Book But Don’t Know Where To Start? Get My 10-Step Roadmap To Get Your Coloring Book Idea Out Of Your Head And Into Your Hands

You’re listening to the coloring book creator podcast episode 38 and on this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to artist, pattern, and surface designer Lisa Dolson, now recently published author/creator of the beautifully illustrated coloring book After The Rain

If you’re an artist in any genre, especially visual you definitely want to listen to this interview with Lisa, with a solidly established career as a successful pattern and surface designer and illustrator, she quietly held a lifelong dream to create and publish a coloring book of her very own and not only has she done it.

She's smartly positioning her book as a foundational staple in the marketing and promotions portfolio that's attracted a variety of new products starting with the launch of a wall calendar to accompany her new book, and a variety of teaching opportunities, and guest appearances with local retailers currently stocking her embroidery kits in her local area of Glasgow Scotland

I love Lisa's entrepreneurial drive and spirit, no doubt we'll be hearing more from this multi-passionate go-getter.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Gift From Lisa - Download Three Free Coloring Pages From Her New Book: After The Rain

Visit Her Website: https://lisadolson.com/

New Training: Profitable Pages: 3-Step Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals - Everything you need to go from no idea to a profitable one in 30 days!

The Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program - my complete A-to-Z course& mentoring programthat will take you from idea to published book in your hands in 45 days or less! Includes 90 days of live coaching in a supportive community
Use the code PODCAST50 to get $50 off at check out

Ready To Create and Publish A Coloring Book But Don’t Know Where To Start? Get My (Free Mini Course) Validate Your Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It

Coloring Book Creator Club Facebook Group - Meet other creators, join us for live weekly sessions, and so much more.

This bonus episode is being brought to you by Profitable Pages: 3 Day Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals

My new 3-day BootCamp at the time I’m recording, is happening November 16, 17th, and 18th 2023

On the Bootcamp you're going to:
Day 1: Discover How to Uncover Your Perfect Idea for Your Next Book Project
Day 2: Gain Clarity on How to Position Your Book Idea for Rapid Income Generation
Day 3: Craft A Personal 30-Day Publish & Profit Plan

At the end of the 3 days, you’ll know exactly what you need to do and in what order to go from idea to published book, to producing one that actually generates income without relying solely on making passive sales on Amazon

I’m only accepting 20 people in the Bootcamp and at the time I’m recording this November 14th only 8 spots remain, so to see if there are any spots available gohttp://profitablepagesbootcamp.com/

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Profitable Pages: 3 Day Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals

Validate Your Coloring Book Idea You Make It Prep Guide (free mini course)

Coloring Book Creator Club Facebook Group

Never Too Late To Make It Happen (my first published coloring book)

None

This special episode of the podcast is sponsored by my new live virtual BootCamp Profitable Pages: 3 Day Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & JournalsIf you ever asked yourself if it's possible to monetize your and actually make good money based on coloring books, planners, and journals then you definitely want to attend this free live virtual event.

Again, the BootCamp is free to attend live and recordings will be available in a private Facebook group for a very limited time.

But in case you can't make all of the live sessions there is a VIP Upgrade option where you can keep lifetime access to the recordings, plus, get an opportunity to join me for a bonus workshop titled Facebook Ads For Creative Entrepreneurs, consider it a Kickstarter beginners training for one of the most powerful ways to get leads quickly on the platform

Please Note: Attendance is limited to 20 spots so grab yours quickly heres the link to register

Profitable Pages: 3 Day Roadmap To Making Your First 1K Creating & Publishing Coloring Books, Planners & Journals

I did a poll in myColoring Book Creator Live Facebook groupand the highest-scoring issue was, **“I hesitate talking about my products, programs, and services because I don’t want to seem like I’m hustling for business”

Resources Mention In This Episode:**

You Are A Bad Ass at Making Money by Jen Sincero (Bonus Tip: to retain the most I recommend getting both the audio and either the digital or physical copy and listen/read simultaneously)

Validate Your Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It Prep Kit available at the link

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program (includes the course plus 90 days of live coaching)

022: Make Your 1st 1K or More With Coloring Books (without solely relying on Amazon)
If you are interested in the Your 1st 1K BookCamp DM Me on Facebook or Instagram and make sure to say 1K Bootcamp in the message and I’ll alert you to the date and how to register

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources.

Resources:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

Ready to get that coloring book idea out of your head and into your hands?

**If you answered yes awesome and I have the program for you it’s called The Coloring Book Creator Course where you’ll receive all of the foundational training, tools, templates, and monthly live coaching to create a standout, in-demand coloring book that you’ll actually enjoy creating, promoting, and selling!!

Podcast listeners receive $50 off when they enter a special coupon code at checkout the code is located inside the portal and is exclusively for registrants of the Coloring Book Idea Prep Kit you can access but all of the training including the PDF prep guide, accompanying lessons and templates by going to MyColoringBookIdea.com and you can join the Coloring Book Creator Course at https://coloringbookcreatorcourse.com**

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

Resources:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

- Use the prep guide to list potential collaboration partners and for additional support consider signing up for the Coloring Book Creator Course and Mentor program **which in addition to training covers everything from how to physically put your book together.

Also includes 90 days of live coaching where you’ll get hands-on support on how to promote and sell your book**

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

*Watch The Video Tutorial First Before Adjusting This Form
- How To Create A Branded Google Form To Start Collecting Leads and launch An Interest List VERY IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION: Make a Copy of the form DO NOT Edit The Original*

*Prep Kit Sample | Demo of Lead Form Template***

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

- Use the prep guide to list potential collaboration partners and for additional support consider signing up for the Coloring Book Creator Course and Mentor program which in addition to training covers everything from how to physically put your book together. Also includes 90 days of live coaching where you’ll get hands-on support on how to promote and sell your bookCreating Your PDF Sample Pages in Canva

Canva Template

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

Resources:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

- Use the prep guide to list potential collaboration partners and for additional support consider signing up for the Coloring Book Creator Course and Mentor program **which in addition to training covers everything from how to physically put your book together.

Also includes 90 days of live coaching where you’ll get hands-on support on how to promote and sell your book**

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

Resources:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

- Use the prep guide to list potential collaboration partners and for additional support consider signing up for the Coloring Book Creator Course and Mentor programwhich in addition to training covers everything from how to physically put your book together.

Also includes 90 days of live coaching where you’ll get hands-on support on how to promote and sell your book

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called

Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

- ChatGPT (at the time I’m recording ChatGPT offers a free and paid version) the paid iteration is not a requirement for the level of research I’m recommending.

Create A Coloring Book Buyer Persona With ChatGPT Intro Tutorial

I am hosting a series of live workshops on the subject, stay tuned to your email inbox as well as the Coloring Book Creator Live Facebook Group for updates.

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called
Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

**Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide**

- How To Use The Amazon Best Seller Ranking Tool Video

- Amazon Best Seller Ranking Tool

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called
Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide

- 012: She Turned Her Passion for Tea Into A Beautiful Book with Coloring Book Creator Margaretha Madison

- 003: She Was Told She Wasn’t Cut Out To Be An Artist with Coloring Book Creator Michele Wolf

Welcome to this special edition of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast.

The next 10 episodes will walk you through a 10-step roadmap that I created called
Validate Your First or Next Coloring Book Idea Before You Make It.

Accompanying this series is a printable PDF roadmap that you can download and print or view on your computer or tablet, you can download a copy link available in the resources

**Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

- Download the accompanying Coloring Book Idea Prep Guide**

- How To Use The Amazon Best Seller Ranking Tool Video

- Amazon Best Seller Ranking Tool

- My Coloring Book Never Too Late To Make It Happen

Do you have a wellness self-care plan?

Are you taking time away from biz to get out of the house, away from your computer, phone put away to sit, and just be?

Work in something that makes you feel good, like listening to music that makes you feel good go get some bodywork, massage, mani, pedicure, facial

Sit still in silence

Chat with a friend about anything but business, why? Even if you’re the friend and yes, I’m talking about talking to yourself, because here’s the deal

Who listens to you more than you?

It’s not that you talk to yourself, but rather are you listening to what you’re saying?

Because who you are and how you’re doing personally impacts your business decisions and sometimes you need to just to decompress and chat with a good friend about anything other than business and work, even if you love what do.

So talk about your dreams, talk about how you’re feeling, talk about a nonfiction book you’re reading, the movie or Netflix series 🍿 you just finished watching.

Sometimes those personal conversations or journal entries can bring up things that perhaps your friend isn’t equipped to help you process and that’s why it’s worth considering hiring a therapist, when I was going through my grieving process after losing my father I reached out to Better Help an online service that matches you a qualified therapist

Consider investing in a journal that inspires you and feels good to hold in hand.

Journaling by hand, not on a device can be very therapeutic and reflective I got the inspiration for my coloring book creator business journaling

Remember feelings impact decisions

If there’s something you want to do but you can’t seem to get yourself to do it

Ask yourself, “Whenever I think about doing that thing what’s coming up for me? When I think about how does it make me feel?”

Again, feelings impact decisions

We have to get comfortable with releasing specific outcomes

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

BetterHelp.com is an online therapist matching service, I’ve personally used them and found it very valuable, but please note: I’m not a licensed therapist, and take no financial, legal, or medical responsibility for any interaction so please exercise your judgment when working with a service or hiring professional help.

The best advice comedian and SNL alumni Leslie Jones got that shifted her mindset about money

Rick Mulready Creator of the Art Of Online Business Podcast I’m Taking A Sabbatical (What, When, Why)

Episode 022: Make Your 1st 1K or More With Coloring Books (without solely relying on Amazon) and in that episode, I made an offer to get a downloadable PDF of my Your 1st 1K 30-Day Profit Planner

DM me on Instagram or via Facebook Messenger and in the message say "1st 1K"

In that planner I walk you through how to set a monthly intention for your business and map the steps to its achievement, this is a monthly practice I’m implementing with my Coloring Bookpreneur Society.

Can you increase sales of your coloring book through the power of your words?Join me for this lively and highly informative conversation with Conversion Copywriter Holly Williams who discusses the power of words, more specifically how to use storytelling in your coloring book business to sell more coloring books and any other products you sell.

Items discussed on the podcast:

How to draw inspiration from your daily life experience to craft engaging email copy that converts readers into buyers

The customer journey of sales conversion

How to write product descriptions that capture customers

How to take headlines from popular magazine articles and repurpose them for your own copy

How to use ChatGPT to write copy for your audience

The role customer research plays in product creation and her experiments with her own Etsy shop and she's using image-generating AI tools like MidJourney in her coloring page designs.

The simplest way to start getting excited about email marketing (even if you've never written a customer email before)

Even if you think "I can't write anything more than a to-do list" this episode is filled with so many nuggets and easy-to-implement tips and tricks to inspire you won't be able to resist sending out that next email, and the one after that and the one after that!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Discover How To Write Emails That Your Customers Can’t Wait To Read with Holly’s StoryFlow Guide (an absolute must-read)

Otter.ai - voice-to-transcription tool (paid tool)

A free option is Voice Type in Google Docs to locate the feature open a new document in Google Drive, next, go to tools, and in the dropdown menu scroll down until you see Voice Typing -or- you can use the shortcut command + shift + S and with the microphone enabled on your computer start speaking your message and let Google transcribe your words.

If you're worried you have nothing to say or talk about think again, the famous marketer and thought leader is quoted as saying the following:

*"No one ever gets talker's block. No one wakes up in the morning, discovers he has nothing to say, and sits quietly, for days or weeks, until the muse hits, until the moment is right until all the craziness in his life has died down"

If you can speak, you can write*

ChatGPT - the powerful AI-generated research tool that's taking the world by storm(stay tuned to the newsletter, a special AI training for coloring book creators is coming soon!)

To be notified send me a DM on Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and or join the Coloring Book Creator Live Facebook group.

MidJourney - AI-driven image creation tool

Holly's Etsy Shop

We all want to see our books in the hands of people who will enjoy and appreciate them, but’s face it, selling your books one-to-one can at times feel daunting.

But what if there was a highly effective way to go from one-to-one to one-to-many?

That’s what you’re going to learn in this new live presentation with my guest Sheryl Bass of the self-published children’s book Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze that's sold to date over 400 copies in six months!!

Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship.

Video of the presentation is available on YouTube
PR Secrets: 7 Ways To Get Media Attention (so you can sell more coloring books)

1. Why you must get clear on your story and why it’s essential to secure the right media opportunities

2. What is a compelling hook and why you must have one

3. How to craft a press release that makes an editor/media contact stop and read

4. Where to find media contacts to send your release pitch to

5. Prepping your online presence for media attention and sales (getting your Amazon listing page media/sales ready for example, taking advantage of A+ content, researching alternative categories to add your book on Amazon) how to get more book reviews

6. Why it’s important to create connections offline as well as online we'll cover best practices for approaching bookstore owners/librarians, Facebook Group Admins, and Trade Associations

7. Little-known resources that can help you get more media attention and sell more of your self-published books

Resources Mentioned In Episode 023 of the Coloring Book Creator Podcast:

Publisher Rocket

Pubby.co

Story Originapp

Ingram Spark

BGS Authors

Net Galley

Sheryl Bass Website Be Kind Publishing

Baby Dragon's Big Sneeze: A Picture Book About Empathy and Trust

Self Publishing Made Simple

Claire McKinney Public Relations

021: Why Your Story Is An Essential Ingredient For Selling Anything Especially Coloring Books

Never Too Late To Make It Happen Adult Coloring Book (my coloring book on Amazon)

Want To Publish A Coloring Book But Don't Know Where To Start?
Check out my mini-course: Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea

Today’s podcast episode was inspired by a video How To Make $3,500 a Month Selling Books Online WITHOUT Writing a Single Word! (Step-By-Step) on the popular YouTube Channel The Table With AO by Anthony O’Neal

The video offers astep-by-step tutorial on how to create a Low Content journal using the Book Bolt software

To be fully transparent I have not used the software, and I’m not an affiliate and that’s not the focus of this episode!

With that said, Anthony’s tutorial was designed to guide a newbie through the basics of assembling a very basic lined journal notebook featuring the BookBolt software and uploading to file to the Amazon KDP platform.

All foundational steps I do with students of my Publish & Promote Your Coloring Book mentor program a very comprehensive course that goes deeper into additional steps that both newbies and seasoned publishers can do to maximize sales opportunities.

This brings me to the focus of today’s YouTube video and accompanying podcast, because after helping over dozen students to become published coloring book authors of multiple titles and not just of books but actually developing a business based on their skills and talents with the real potential to earn $1k and more monthly without being solely dependent on Amazon sales.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Watch The YouTube iteration of this episode: Make Your First $1000 Dollars or More With Coloring Books (without relying solely on Amazon)

Join my Online Membership Community For Coloring Book Creators 💻
The Coloring Bookpreneur Society: https://coloringbookcreator.gr8.com/

To get a copy of the Your 1st 1K 30-Day Profit Planner
DM me on Instagram or via Facebook Messenger and in the message say "1st 1K"

016: Why Coloring Books Are A Great Starter Product And Can Be A Profitable Side Hustle For Creatives017: 5 Reasons Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Publish A Coloring Book018: 7 Ways To Make Money With Coloring Books (plus 7 additional income generating opportunities)015: Creating Books With Service & Purpose with Coloring Book Creator Nefertari Guice (to date has sold 70+ copies of her book in person)002: Bringing Awareness To The Epidemic of Bullying with Coloring Book Author Contona B. Fair (sold 30 copies of her book in person in one afternoon)

Welcome to another special episode of the podcast, I'm calling Ask Rodney I'm exploring it sort of like a column where I'll take listener questions and dedicate a bonus episode or two a month focused on addressing any questions you might have.

If you'd like to submit a question about book marketing, sales, book design, or any related topics DM me on Instagram, I can't promise to get to all of them but I will do my best to address it on future episodes of Ask Rodney

This first question came from a member of my Coloring Book Creator Mentor program who asked:

"I hired a designer on Fiverr to create my book cover for my book this is our second project with this person, the first time went great but I'm not getting similar results with my second book, what's the best way to handle this?"

A few of the members are artists that hand draw their own work while most of my members source their art from online resources like Creative Fabrica many more of them hire illustrators on Fiverr to create original work. This conversation is good to have regardless if you're a provider or hiring freelance services

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Fiverr (Info on their request refund policy)

Fiverr (Contact Support)

Coloring Book Society Membership

Are you an author of a book on self-help, finance, nutrition, health, and self-esteem, or maybe you're a coach, speaker, or workshop/retreat leader and you want to create a custom companion workbook, activity/coloring book, or journal to support your clients, students, and readers.

I offer a Done With You service where I can help you create a custom book.
For more information CLICK HERE to book a short, no-obligation 15-minute conversation to discuss your idea.

Help Me Spread The Word
Your support will help more creators like yourself find the show, if you could please rate and review the podcast.

Take a screenshot of your review and DM it to me on either on Facebook or Instagram I'll send you a special surprise thank-you gift

Something that I constantly preach to the members of my Coloring Book Creator Member program if your not familiar I run a course and membership program called the Coloring Book Creator and in that program I have a course where I walk my first time coloring book creators how to design, publish and promote their first book in 30 days

The program comes with six live coaching calls per month which is unheard of really in the online course community especially at the price point I charge.

The reason why I offer such a high touch level of service is because it’s super important to me that my members feel and know they’re always supported

So how does this tie back to my the topic of this episode and why story is an essential ingredient for selling more copies of your books and related products.

It’s simple

Connection

In the world of artificial intelligence this and automated that, we’re continually losing the one thing that we really crave now more than ever

Human interaction

No one wants to do everything alone, and that’s why I created my first group program My Coloring Club (currently on pause) if you’re not familiar MCC was a weekly group virtual gathering where coloring book enthusiasts got together to connect, share life experiences and coloring together

I ran that membership for about a year and it was very well received in huge part to the high touch level of experience I created from the start

Ultimately I opted to shutter the membership because I felt in it’s at the time current iteration was no longer aligned with where I wanted to direct my energy opting to focus exclusively on supporting newbie colorist produce and promote their books.

But even before I created My Coloring Club the #1 thing I believe helped create was my audience, soon to becoming my founding members was their connection to me and they connected to me through my story.

That's what you're going to master in a new free class/interview I'm hosting
PR Secrets: 7 Ways To Get Media Attention (So You Can Sell More Coloring Books) with Sheryl Bass of the self-published children’s book Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze that's sold to date over 400 copies in six months!!

Sheryl holds a master’s degree in Social Work and has studied child development. She uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Sheryl also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations.

So if you’re serious about selling more books you need to understand how to attract the attention of the media I’m talking…

Podcasts
Print and digital publications
Blogs
Television and radio
Speaking opportunities
Influencer/Partner opportunities and so much more
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 12th 2023 to attend this live interactive experience

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

PR Secrets: 7 Ways To Get Media Attention (So You Can Sell More Coloring Books)

Never Too Late To Make It Happen (my coloring book that inspired all of this) available on Amazon

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast, I'm calling Ask Rodney I'm exploring it sort of like a column where I'll take listener questions and dedicate a bonus episode or two a month focused on addressing any questions you might have.

If you'd like to submit a question about book marketing, sales, book design, or any related topics DM me on Instagram, I can't promise to get to all of them but I will do my best to address it in future Ask Rodney episodes

This first question came from an Instagram follower who wrote:

Hello. I have sketches I would like to digitize so I can turn them into a book but I have no idea where to start or what type of drawing tool I would need to do that

A few of the members of my Coloring Bookpreneur Society mentor program are artists that hand draw their own work while most of my members source their art from online resources like Creative Fabrica many more of them hire illustrators on Fiverr to create original work.

What do you do if you’ve hand drawn your art on paper, but you need to digitize it so you can lay it out in book format for printing?

You have two possible three options:

Option 1:

You’ll have to scan your artwork that’s the most common way to digitize physical art but with it comes additional adjustments that you’ll need to make the most obvious will be cleaning up the background and making the background pure white.

This can be done typically in Photoshop or perhaps Adobe Illustrator.

What if you don’t have or are not familiar with either of this software?

You could have your drawings scanned and then hire someone on Fiverr to clean them up. Enter the term “Photoshop editing” in the search will yield a variety of providers that could help you.

Option 2:

If you don’t own a scanner or have access to one, you could take your art to copy shop like Kinko’s and have your art scanned, or you can try photographing it with your phone and send it to a provider on Fiverr to clean it up.

If you choose this option you’ll need good lighting and I recommend photographing as close as possible without losing the full piece end to end so your editor has plenty to work with.

Option 3:

I address in detail on the podcast but it's only applicable if you're using Apple Products

Resources Mentioned:

Procreate (Apple only product)

Creative Fabrica Spark (at the time I'm publishing payment plans start at $9 a month)

MidJourney (at the time I'm writing this payment plans start at $10 to $30 a month)

Canva (not crazy about the Ai tools, but definitely a contender for laying out and formatting your coloring book)

Fiverr (enter the search bar Photoshop editing)

Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator (subscription plans start at $10 a month)

iPad and Apple Pencil

DM me on Instagram if you like to book a complimentary 15-minute no pressure conversation about the Coloring Book Creator Mentor program

Coloring Book Creator Live Facebook Group

If you’re doing this you’re totally missing the point of social media

I feel that 90% of creative entrepreneurs that use social media to “promote” their biz, myself included often miss the biggest opportunity to attract customers and get sales, it’s one word, well… actually it’s two… Being Social

Social media is an awesome tool when used correctly and that's the focus of this episode of the podcast

Tips To Move Forward
The best way to engage is to answer questions that you truly want the answer to.

For example, try these conversation starters:

Welcome, how are you?
What brings you to the page today?
How did you find or come across my profile, page, or group?
What resonated with you about my post today?
What did you think about today's post?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Coloring Book Creator Live Facebook Group

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program

Help Me Spread The Word
Your support will help more creators like yourself find the show, if you could please rate and review the podcast.

And if you take a screenshot of your review and DM it to me on either on Facebook or Instagram I'll send you a special surprise thank you gift

In this episode, I share seven, actually fourteen ways to generate more income based on your coloring book. If you’ve not yet published this episode will definitely inspire you to get started.

If you’d like help consider joining the Coloring Book Creator Mentor program, a monthly membership where I walk you through everything you need to publish, promote and sell your 1st or next coloring book in 30 days!

In addition, members, receive ongoing monthly live coaching and support designed to not only produce a book but create and grow a successful creator business.

Sell physical copies
Offer digital downloads
Sell licensing rights
Create a coloring book series
Offer workshops and classes
Sell related products
Advertise through social media

7 Additional Income Generating Opportunites:

Host coloring events
Offer custom coloring book services
Sell printable coloring pages
Create an online course
Collaborate with other artists
Affiliate marketing
Offer print-on-demand services

Again, if you'd like hands-on support fleshing out these opportunities consider joining the Coloring Book Creator Mentor Membership Program

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

002: Bringing Awareness To The Epidemic of Bullying with Coloring Book Author Contona B. Fair (Sold 30 copies of her book in one afternoon)
015: Creating Books With Service & Purpose with Coloring Book Creator Nefertari Guice (has sold 50+ copies of her book including getting it placed in her local bookstore)

The most frequently asked question I get from first-time creators

“What if I publish my coloring book and no one buys it?”

It’s a fair question, so I want to give five reasons why NOW is the perfect time to publish your coloring book:

**Increased stress levels
Growing demand
Diverse audience
Easy accessibility
Low cost of production

Bonus Reason:** Increased income producing opportunities to repurpose your designs into a variety of print on demand products, like sneakers, socks, wall art, mugs and so much more

So if this interests you and if you’ve been dreaming about creating and publishing a coloring book and don’t where to start, check out my Salable Coloring Book Idea workshop where I'll walk you through everything you need to find and verify your 1st (or next) coloring book idea and it can be yours for just $10

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Creative Fabrica (great starter resource for POD print on demand coloring pages)

My Saleable Coloring Book Idea Mini Workshop (just $10)

Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program - If you're ready to go from idea to completed published coloring book with my direct support this is the program for you

012: She Turned Her Passion for Tea Into A Beautiful Book with Coloring Book Creator Margaretha Madison

Want to start an online business selling your creativity?

Looking to make some extra cash? Maybe add a new side hustle?

Why not add a coloring book to your portfolio of income streams?

Why Coloring Books?

Coloring books are easy to produce and with my Coloring Book Creator mentor program you could be holding your first book in your hands in 30 days or less

Coloring books are easy to create and sell!

Especially if your book is centered on a topic that people are interested in you can sell them fairly quickly

In this episode of the Coloring Book Creator podcast, I share why I believe coloring books are the perfect side income stream

In addition, I share a variety of inspirational resources illustrating what’s possible if you’re considering using coloring books as the basis for a digital creator biz

You’ll also get vital tips to help you safeguard your creator publishing biz and grow it beyond just coloring books

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 015: Creating Books With Service & Purpose with Coloring Book Creator Nefertari Guice (has sold 50+ copies of her book using grass works marketing)

Episode 002: Bringing Awareness To The Epidemic of Bullying with Coloring Book Author Contona B. Fair (sold 30 copies of her book in one afternoon using grass works marketing)

Episode 003: She Was Told She Wasn’t Cut Out To Be An Artist with Coloring Book Creator Michele Wolf (has published over 10 books in less than 9 months and is developing new products including an information product based on just of her books!)

Episode 005: Former Cake Baker Deepened Her Faith In Herself Through Coloring with Coloring Book Creator Pamela Sisler (has published over 6 books in less than 9 months and created a new paid membership community and new products including a line of greeting cards based her coloring book page designs )

Episode 011: What’s Ahead For Coloring Book Creators in 2023 | 10 Ways To Protect Yourself Financially & Safeguard Your Coloring Book Creator Biz

Link Tree (the link is to my LinkTree page)

Want to Publish A Coloring Book in 2023 But Don’t Know Where To Start?
Get all the steps A-to-Z in this free on-demand workshop Salable Coloring Book Idea Workshop

Ready to publish your coloring book and turn it into a thriving creative side hustle or even a full-time income check out Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program (everything you need A-to-Z to not only publish your 1st or next coloring book but turn it into a thriving digital creator biz!)

Printify.com (POD Print On Demand resource for publishing your page designs on physical products)

Red Bubble.com (POD Print On Demand resource for publishing your page designs on physical products)

Canva.com (By far one of the most important investments you can in your coloring book and digital creator biz)

You’re listening to the Coloring Book Creator podcast episode 015 and in this episode, I’m proud to introduce you to Nefertari Guice author of the new coloring and activity book Serve The Silent: Activity and Adult Coloring Book for the Justice Impacted and Their Families

What I love most about the interview you’re about to listen to (and it’s something I talk about frequently with attendees of my workshops and challenges is not only can create coloring books from your heart but books that have a deeper meaning and purpose beyond coloring

So if you’re feeling stuck on a possible topic or focus for your 1st (or next) coloring book project I know you’re to glean a ton of inspiration from today’s interview enjoy!

Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode:

Nefertari's book Serve The Silent: Activity and Adult Coloring Book for the Justice Impacted and Their Families is available on Amazon!

Check out her Facebook Group of the same name as the book she designed to provide positivity, and connection, and bridge the gap of the effects of institutionalization.

Did today's episode inspire you to create a coloring of your own? If you or someone you know has been thinking about creating a book invite them to check out a special on-demand training where I’ll help future authors uncover a Salable Coloring Book Idea

It’s like an idea jump starter kit for finding, validating, and developing your 1st coloring book idea and it can be yours for just $10!

You can snag your copy at: https://coloringbookidea.gr8.com/

Today’s episode is an excerpt from a recent live event I hosted inside the Coloring Book Creator LIVE Facebook group where I addressed the top 12 questions, comments, or concerns members shared with me regarding getting started publishing a coloring book.

The video replay from that presentation is no longer available in the group, but the content I felt was so good and so relevant that I wanted to make it available to all of my podcast listeners.

In addition, I thought it would be helpful if I provided the slides from that presentation so you’ll have a visual reference to the content I shared.

To get them, DM me on Facebook to receive a special offer invite to join my private coaching group the Coloring Book Creator Society mentor program

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Canva

Grammerly

ChatGPT

Validate Your 1st (or next) Coloring Book Idea Workshop replay just $10 and when you enter your contact info in addition to the workshop includes access to special code to take $10 off towards an upgrade for the Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program

DM me on Facebook to get the slides, plus a special bonus code to join the Coloring Book Creator Mentor Program

You’re listening to the coloring book creator podcast episode 13 and on this episode, I’m introducing you to Kim Sarsons, author of the amazing coloring/journal book Highly Inspired Women's Creative Self Care Retreat

PLEASE NOTE: Kim’s book is on the subject CBD/cannabis (so if you aren't interested in the topic you may elect to bypass this episode)

A three-time published author her latest book HIGHLY INSPIRED was designed to serve as a creative self-care sanctuary using a combination of non-clinical art therapy, music, and mindful cannabis consumption.

She created it to help bring balance to your mind and body, and bliss to your days through mindful engagement with colouring, journaling, and cannabis.

Enjoy

Speaking of a good coloring book idea, registration for my new workshop 3-day series opens on January 24th to get early notification access go to mycoloringbookidea.com to add your name and email.

Registration opens on Jan 24th and the 3-day live workshop starts on January 31st!

Highly Inspired Women's Creative Self-Care Retreat: Over 100 Pages of Coloring and JournalingKim’s Author Page on Amazon to see her other booksConnect with Kim on Facebook and on Instagram

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You’re listening to the coloring book creator podcast episode 12

On this episode, I’m introducing you to Margaretha Madison, author of the amazing coloring/recipe/journal book Tea-N-Me Time you’ll hear her story and her journey from a salable idea to a published book that is selling!!

So pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy this conversation because I know it will inspire you to never underestimate the power of a good idea or give up on your dream especially when the journey gets a little challenging.

Recently I wrapped the 2nd cohort of my Publish & Promote Your 1st (or next) Coloring Book Program with five amazing new talents that I’ll be sharing on the podcast so stay tuned for those interviews to drop in the coming weeks.

Enjoy

Speaking of a good coloring book idea, registration for my new workshop 3-day series opens on January 24th to get early notification access go to mycoloringbookidea.com to add your name and email.

Registration opens on Jan 24th and the 3-day live workshop starts on January 31st!Margaretha's book Tea-N-Me Time is available on AmazonIt's Tea Time by Margaretha (Facebook Group)

Recently a very prolific coloring book author and creator presence on Amazon was shut down without warning it was this traumatic event that inspired today's episode.

Gone are the days when we can just set it and forget it. One thing is certain, regardless if you’re a prolific veteran or a newbie just starting out we cannot rely on one social media platform, retail outlet, printing company, payment processor, or source of income!

10 ways to prepare yourself and your digital creator business for unexpected changes

Don’t wait until you need it. Do your research and test platforms and processors from payment, hosting, and design, and have alternatives in place as backups
Start an email list immediately and do something to grow it every day and stay in communication with your list not just when you want to sell something
Don’t rely on one social platform, social media is fickle, it’s great when it works, but it’s fickle and can change on a dime.
Explore alternatives to social media, for example, you could start a blog, but you could also start a newsletter where you share your favorite tips, pages, products, examples, etc. I suggest picking a platform like YouTube or Pinterest post regular content, and continually direct email subscribers to that content. Other options include guesting on podcasts or starting one of your own. Whatever you decide I recommend actively pursuing getting on other people's platforms be they podcasts, blogs, or social media feed.
What’s old may quickly become new again. Remember the days of print advertising and regular mail that arrived on your doorstep? I’ve got a feeling that this is going to make a comeback.
Consider setting up and owning your own social platform you could a service like Circle to host your content, your products, and classes if you offer them, but even better is a platform like Circle allows for engagement between its members, similar to a Facebook group but you have control over everyone seeing your content not just being at the mercy of an algorithm
Whether you sell on Amazon or Etsy, or any online platform where you collect money, whatever you do please, please, please have more than one payment processor
Explore other printing options and not just explore, order samples, and test quality to make sure that they will serve as an acceptable alternative in the event something happens to the one you’re currently relying on and depending on conducting business.
Having more than one income stream is imperative. If you sell books, multi-purpose your designs into other products, and create one-off workshops (as I did in with my creator your own coloring calendar workshop), explore other options like launching a monthly membership or subscription box service. Whatever you decide you’ve got to be willing to test new ideas
Get started today!!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Join the notification list for The Salable Coloring Book Idea Workshop (registration opens January 24th and the 3-day workshop starts January 31st)

Payment Processors
Stripe and Gumroad

Alternative Printer Options
Lulu and Vervante

002: How one of my students sold 30 books at a Live Event Using Bookmarks009: Why I decided to get over myself and start taking TikTok seriously

This episode of the podcast is a continuation of (009 - Why I decided to get over myself and start taking TikTok seriously) - ie. me getting over being on camera

In this episode, I'm sharing my own personal TikTok journey what I've done, what I'm doing to start creating consistent content, and why this is essential to selling more coloring books (or anything online for that matter)

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
The TikTok video that I spoke about in today's episode

009: Why I decided to get over myself and start taking TikTok seriously

If you'd like more information and enroll in my free Light's, Camera, Shop co-working session where we'll create video content together DM me on Facebook and/or TikTok or Instagram

Looking to create and publish a coloring book but don’t know where to start?
My Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand Workshop is the perfect first step
(Just $10)

I've never been a fan of video, more specifically being on camera, so when I discovered TikTok and saw all of the dancing and (in my opinion silly videos) my immediate reaction was nope, not for me!

Over the last two years I rapidly witnessed how fast the platform was not only growing but maturing, the videos seemed less "bubble gum" and frivolous, but more educational and inspiring, without being boring, much more my speed.

Quickly, every entrepreneurial-based podcast I listened to or business coach I followed continually spoke on the need to start paying attention to not just TikTok, but, short-form videos and I quickly noticed how visual artists utilized the resources available to them to demonstrate their creativity.

Once I become clear on how platforms like TikTok could be used to promote art/artists I decided to get over myself, get some training, roll up my sleeves, and dive in, because like it or not, if you're using social media to promote your coloring book you better get serious about using video and that's the focus of this episode and the next episode of the podcast

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

My TikTok Channel:
Rodney Washington Creative

Lorayne's TikTok Channel:
Coloring Book Creator Lorayne Dawson

Want to create and publish a coloring book but don’t know where to start?
My Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand Workshop is the perfect first step
(Just $10)

Why do creators resist taking consistent action in marketing their books? (this is a continuation of the conversation that started in episode 007 where I asked the question, “What if wasn’t about the book?”

If you haven’t listened I highly encourage you to do so after you listen to today’s episode) if this is your first time hearing me my name is Rodney Washington, a published coloring book author and I have 14 plus year background in marketing specifically online I want I know after working with all sorts of creatives generally speaking creatives struggle with marketing. And that’s why I created the last episode of the podcast which served as the inspiration for this one.

I’ve shared this with the students of my Publish & Promote program that marketing is actually one of the most creative things as creators we can do because at its core we’re natural connectors and that’s why in my opinion if we can get out of our heads about it make us great marketers.

So many creatives when we hear the word marketing immediately start thinking about being pushy, salesy, or aggressive. But here’s the deal when someone sees our book we don’t have to be any of those things. If you’ve created something, in this case, a book, that someone wants, and assuming you present it to the right people, why would they not want it?

No need to be aggressive or pushy, true marketing is all about connection and that’s the focus of this episode, first connecting with yourself by first becoming honest with yourself why do you resist marketing? Let’s start with the #1 reason why talking about our products is so challenging.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

007: What if wasn't about the book? (podcast episode)

Join me Tiktok (I have a future episode of the podcast coming on TikTok)

Join me on Instagram @coloringbook.artist

My Salable Coloring Book Idea On Demand Workshop (Just $10)

**What if it wasn’t about the book, but who you’ll become as a result of producing your book?

Questions to ask yourself:**

Who do you want to become?

Who do you want to inspire with your book?

How will your book inspire your colorists?
How will it serve them?
What will it help them achieve?

**And finally, how will you feel about yourself knowing that your coloring book helped them achieve all of it and more?

This is an episode you can listen to repeatedly, anytime you start to doubt yourself or need a reminder of your why

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:**Good to Great by Jim Collins

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. WalkerColoring Book Creator LIVEMy Coloring Book Idea On-Demand Workshop - ($10) includes access to the recording and digital workbook, +PLUS a special code you can use to take ten dollars off the full Publish & Promote Your 1st (or next) Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge Program

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker

I asked my group members what topics they have an interest in and one of the options 7 Ways To Market Your Coloring book was overwhelmingly the topic that got the most interest and that's why I'm choosing that for this week.

If you're listening to the audio iteration of this podcast and you want to join that Facebook group that includes an invitation to attend the live podcast recording sessions as well as invites to other offerings available exclusively to group members.

The link to my Coloring Book Creator LIVE Facebook group as well as links to all the resources mentioned in this episode is available here in the show notes.

Coloring Book Creator LIVE Facebook Groupwww.facebook.com/groups/coloringbookcreatorlive/

My Coloring Book Idea On-Demand Workshop it’s just $10 and includes a coupon code you can use to apply towards the Publish & Promote Your Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge Program - http://mycoloringbookidea.com

Additional Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

If you’re hosting a contest this is a fun engaging tool to pick winnershttps://wheelofnames.com/

Crate Joy (great inspirational resource for subscription box creators) https://www.cratejoy.com/

I hosted a live interview series featuring five newly published coloring authors from my Publish and Promote Your 1st Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge program

The third interview in this Coloring Book Creator series features coloring book author Michele Wolf, Michele is the publisher of the coloring book for children, When I Grow Up Exploring Careers Through Coloring

Links To Michele's Resources:
Creative Kids Coloring Club Facebook Group
Get Michele's Book on Amazon

Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand WorkshopIncludes everything you need to find a salable coloring book idea that you can publish in 30 days all yours for just $10!!

I hosted a live interview series featuring five newly published coloring authors from my Publish and Promote Your 1st Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge program

The fifth interview in this Coloring Book Creator series features coloring book author Pamela Sisler, Pamela is the publisher of Deepen Your Faith Scripture Coloring Journal and bible study group

Links to Pamela's Resources:
Coloring Connections 2260
Get Pamela's Scripture Coloring Journal on Lulu

Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand WorkshopIncludes everything you need to find a salable coloring book idea that you can publish in 30 days all yours for just $10!!

I hosted a live interview series featuring five newly published coloring authors from my Publish and Promote Your 1st Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge program

The fourth interview in this Coloring Book Creator series features graphic designer turned coloring book author Marsha Ashley, Marsha is the publisher of the colouring book and arts therapy journal Do All Things With Kindness.

Links To Marsha’s Resources:
Fruitness In Colour Facebook Group
Get Marsha’s Book on Amazon

Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand WorkshopIncludes everything you need to find a salable coloring book idea that you can publish in 30 days all yours for just $10!!

I hosted a live interview series featuring five newly published coloring authors from my Publish and Promote Your 1st Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge program

The second interview in this Coloring Book Creator series features coloring book author Contona B. Fair, Contona is the publisher of the coloring book and activities book, Be A Blessing! Not A Bully.

Links to Contona’s Resources:
Be A Blessing Not A Bully Facebook Group
Get Contona’s Book on Amazon

Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand WorkshopIncludes everything you need to find a salable coloring book idea that you can publish in 30 days all yours for just $10!!

I hosted a live interview series featuring five newly published coloring authors from my Publish and Promote Your 1st Coloring Book in 30 Days Challenge program

In the first interview in this series, I speak with retired nurse turned full-time artist and coloring book creator Lorayne Dawson, Lorayne is the author of the witty and entertaining book Sarcastic Coloring and Journaling.

Links To Lorayne’s Resources:Adult Colouring with Covlolly
Get Lorayne's Book on Amazon

Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand WorkshopIncludes everything you need to find a salable coloring book idea that you can publish in 30 days all yours for just $10!!

The Coloring Book Creator podcast is a show dedicated to helping first-time creators go from idea to published coloring book in their hands in 30 days.

If you ever dreamed about creating a coloring book but don't know where to start this is the podcast for you.

Rodney Washington is a Creative Marketing Strategist, Coloring Book Author, Publisher, Educator, Coach, and host of the show

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
Get A Salable Coloring Book Idea On-Demand Workshop