The Heidi Thorne Show: Recent Episodes
Heidi Thorne
What is all the fuss about ChatGPT? I’ve talked about AI tech for the writing and publishing space before. Here are additional developments that could impact authors and publishers, and our understanding and management of creative work. Warning: Star Trek references included! 🖖 😉
YouTube video:
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or listen on YouTube):
0:45 What is ChatGPT?
2:49 What does this mean for authors?
3:40 What about copyrights?
5:33 How good is AI tech now?
6:59 Connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 285.
Some industry optimism about audiobooks and their double-digit growth in recent years was noted in Publishers Weekly’s reporting from this year’s Digital Book World conference. But as with any industry’s growth comes change. Let’s talk about some current and anticipated changes for audiobooks, and how they will impact self published authors.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/egtUpH4YfpE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 Optimism and alarm about audiobooks
0:38 ACX and Audible reduce audiobook prices
4:12 Updates on AI tech for audiobooks and distribution
7:33 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 284.
As platforms continue to copycat their competitors, one of the more recent entries in that race is YouTube Shorts. Let’s talk about pros and cons, and how authors can use YouTube Shorts. Be aware that YouTube Shorts could change dramatically and quickly as YouTube figures out what it wants to do with this feature.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/SjYJCl96Svg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 YouTube copycats TikTok and Instagram Reels
0:54 What are YouTube Shorts?
1:26 The good news/bad news about YouTube Shorts
1:48 What I learned by eavesdropping on husband's YouTube Shorts viewing
3:22 YouTube Shorts still feels beta
6:20 YouTube Shorts best feature
8:42 How authors can use YouTube Shorts
9:57 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 283.
The 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey asked self published authors what motivates and challenges them. Here's how they responded.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/BJNq_wn32rA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view/listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 The self publishing motivation question
0:38 The ACME model of self publishing motivation
5:28 Top 3 motivations for self publishing in 2022
5:47 What doesn't motivate self published authors?
6:30 Categories of self publishing challenges
10:18 What doesn't challenge authors?
10:33 Top 3 challenges for self publishing in 2022
10:51 Interpreting the survey results
11:42 Get the written 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey report
12:00 How to connect with Heidi
Watch more 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey videos!
How Much Did Self Published Authors Make in 2022 https://youtu.be/6ZlLbu1R64Q
Do Self Published Authors STILL Want Book Deals with Traditional Publishers? https://youtu.be/byK4f4Qi4nQ
2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey Results and Analysis report (Amazon Kindle & Kindle Unlimited) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRRJ1H3X
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 282.
Do self published authors still consider getting a book deal with a traditional publisher? I asked them in my 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. The answers of why and when they do, or don't, might surprise you.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/byK4f4Qi4nQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view/listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 The traditional publishing question I wanted answered
1:10 Do self published authors understand what traditional publishing is?
1:43 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey answers on traditional publishing
2:32 The interesting write-in answers
4:30 Do traditional publishing considerations differ by genre?
5:11 What do these answers tell us?
6:45 How to get the 2022 Self Publishing Survey written report
6:58 How to connect with Heidi
2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey Results & Analysis complete written report https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRRJ1H3X
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 281.
The 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey results are in! Find out how much self published authors made in 2022, and what they're forecasting for 2023. This is the first of three video reports on the survey.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/6ZlLbu1R64Q
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view/listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 About the 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey and participants
2:26 How much did the majority of self published authors make in 2022?
3:38 Most popular self published book income answers for 2022
5:30 Did demographic factors impact book income?
5:46 Do you make more book income with more books published?
7:43 What are authors forecasting in book income for 2023?
10:22 Does having more books increase book income forecasts?
11:50 Why is it so difficult to make a living from self publishing books?
13:12 How to get the complete written survey report
13:22 How to connect with Heidi
2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey Results & Analysis complete written report https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRRJ1H3X
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 280.
Just in time for a new year, author pages on Amazon have been redesigned. The redesign is a good move. But authors need to be aware of some changes.
YouTube video:
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube):
0:14 Programming note about Self Publishing Survey Results reporting
0:28 Amazon launches redesigned author pages
0:39 How to get an Author Page on Amazon Author Central
1:17 Author Page redesign details
2:13 Most popular book?
3:31 More changes to Amazon Author Pages
3:55 New Book Recommendations feature
4:42 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 279.
A signature book title is one that when people see it, they immediately know what it is and associate the author with it. But do authors really need to strive to create one for their books? I share examples and tips.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/g1N_xKyVA2o
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 Authors want to be memorable
0:57 What is a signature book title?
2:01 How do you create a signature book title?
3:13 Having a signature book title without even trying
3:41 Pivoting from a signature book title
4:20 Does a signature book title need to be a best seller?
5:14 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 278.
A familiar request came from an author via email. “Which of these logos do you like best?” I responded that I wouldn’t go with any of them. My opinion on the choices had nothing to do with the actual art. Here's why I responded this way.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/EyVojXPhBjo
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view/hear segment on YouTube):
0:14 A familiar question about logos
0:40 Celebrity authors don't need logos
1:40 A brand is not a logo
2:28 Author brand failures
4:25 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 277.
I took the new Amazon Attribution Tags system for a test drive to see if it really does help authors track mystery sales sources on Amazon generated off Amazon, such as social media ads. Here's how it went, including screenshots of my results.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PC6zYs9_WKs
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 New book, new book marketing tests
1:05 My Amazon Attribution Tag campaigns
3:35 Amazon Attribution Tags used for organic social media posts
4:30 My Amazon Sponsored Product ad campaigns
6:12 Screenshots and discussion of my results from the Amazon Attribution Tag test run
17:40 Final thoughts on Attribution Tags and social media ads
20:16 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 276.
I posted a video on TikTok and Instagram asking if you received a used book as a gift, would you think the giver was cheap, or that they found a treasure for you. Here’s how my tribe responded.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/yri2mX0ZMq8
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 I asked my TikTok and Instagram tribe about used book gifts...
0:29 It's a treasure if...
1:06 It's all about the intention
2:07 Depends on condition
3:40 Used books as gifts? Yes or no?
4:22 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 275.
December 2022 marks the end of my 14th year on Twitter. In light of the culture changes and chaos from its recent acquisition by billionaire Elon Musk, will it also be the end of me using Twitter? Let’s talk about that since I’m sure many of you are also considering your future on Twitter.
Blog: Will I Quit Twitter? http://hub.me/apvkl
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fH7C2sRHy9o
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Celebrating 14 years on Twitter. Will it be my last?
0:52 What Twitter used to be
2:31 Who changed? Me? Or Twitter?
6:10 Ghost hunting on Twitter
10:30 The Elon Exodus
13:17 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 274.
I have just wrapped production on a new audiobook that’s a departure from my usual content. In doing this latest book, I ran across some updates to ACX, Audible, and audiobook trends that I’ll discuss here.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/VH9OKzb7r1o
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube);
0:15 My new audiobook, Cradle to Crochet: Thoughts on the Crocheting Life
0:45 ACX updates
3:00 Audiobook listening trends
6:00 Spotify Audiobooks vs. Apple
7:40 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 273.
I just published another book on Kindle Direct Publishing, KDP, that was an experiment in a couple of ways. It was a departure from my usual genre. And it was a test for the latest 2022 version of Kindle Create, KDP’s free book formatting software. Here's what I learned.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CDzHrUXgB48
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 New book formatted using Kindle Create
2:14 Improvements in hyphenation
5:03 Widows and orphan control improving, but needs more work
6:44 Still no print preview in Kindle Create
7:05 Can I recommend Kindle Create?
7:44 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 272.
New Book, Cradle to Crochet: Thoughts on the Crocheting Life is available in Kindle eBook, print, and audiobook on Amazon and Audible.
Finally! Amazon has introduced a way for authors to measure sales generated by non-Amazon channels like organic social media posts and paid ads. It's called Amazon Attribution.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bXN690DGXgY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Amazon introduces Amazon Attribution Tags
1:00 What is Amazon Attribution?
1:20 Who is eligible to use Amazon Attribution?
1:33 Amazon Attribution terminology explained
5:12 How quickly can you see analytical data?
5:58 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 271.
I see authors and low content book creators forging ahead full steam to write or design their books before they decide on the niche markets their books will serve and what those markets could want and need. This is totally backwards if you’re hoping to make sales. I explain why.
Blog: You're Doing Niche Marketing Wrong for Your Books http://hub.me/aprOT
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/xcSFJpTiq9Q
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Putting the niche marketing cart before the horse
1:32 Why doing niche marketing wrong will cost you money
2:44 Niche down, but not too far
4:56 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 270.
On October 12, 2022, I celebrated 13 years of having a YouTube channel. A whole lot has changed, and keeps changing on YouTube, mostly for the better, even though using it effectively is still a challenge. I’ll be talking about some newer features that can impact authors and small businesses, as well as sharing insights from my YouTube journey.
Blog: YouTube Handles, YouTube Shorts, and My YouTube Journey http://hub.me/aprow
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/TfMtiBEtVjs
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Celebrating my YouTube anniversary
0:40 YouTube ain't social media, but looks like it wants to be
1:06 YouTube Handles
3:03 YouTube Hashtags
4:28 YouTube Chapters
5:27 YouTube Shorts
7:41 YouTube Subtitles
8:33 YouTube Studio and Analytics
9:24 My YouTube journey
14:17 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 269.
I love my author community! On a recent video I did about KDP print on demand quality and quality control, one of my favorite author people, Shanon, whose pen name is @S.D. Huston, commented about how she learned to cope with limitations on book design for print on demand. So this is a followup on that discussion, focusing on some specific design issues for book spines.
Blog: Does Your Book Have Spine Problems? http://hub.me/apqpA
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/s0bZEvi__9k
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Shanon shared her book spine design story (visit @S.D. Huston channel)
0:45 How spine design impacts your book title
2:22 Book spine line alignment issues
3:58 How to avoid book spine design problems & examples
6:14 Getting book design help
8:47 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 268.
I see a lot of confusion and questions on author forums about trademarks, copyrights, and book titles. While I’m not a lawyer, and this does not constitute legal advice of any type, I will provide some definitions and discussion of these terms, particularly as they relate to authors and self publishing.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oouZeakqP3E
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view or listen to segment on YouTube):
0:15 Author confusion on trademarks, copyrights & book titles
0:36 What is a trademark?
2:42 Trademarked words
4:47 Book titles can't be copyrighted, but...
5:58 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 267.
Got called out on one of my videos where I ranted on authors being overly sensitive about what they perceive as KDP print on demand quality issues. Out of respect for that author’s concerns, let me address each of them here, though some points might still might echo my position on the earlier video.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/L11jIaPCkGY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Got called out on YouTube
0:43 What was the complaint?
1:41 Quality vs. quality control for KDP print on demand
6:03 Why might a proof look different than the final?
8:06 How to get better print outcomes for your book
8:34 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 266.
In September 2022, Spotify launched audiobooks on their music and podcast platform. How does this affect the audiobook market? Will it impact self published audiobook authors, especially those on Amazon’s ACX and Audible?
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-U-Q-_lpO5A
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 Spotify adds audiobooks to their music & podcast platform
0:36 How to Spotify audiobooks work?
1:53 Will Spotify audiobooks impact existing audiobook markets?
3:43 ACX and Spotify's audiobook pricing & royalties explained (or exposed)
6:36 Exclusivity issues with ACX and Spotify's Findaway Voices
8:08 Should self published authors switch to Findaway Voices?
11:14 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book:
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 265.
In September 2022, Spotify launched audiobooks on their music and podcast platform. How does this affect the audiobook market? Will it impact self published audiobook authors, especially those on Amazon’s ACX and Audible?
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-U-Q-_lpO5A
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 Spotify adds audiobooks to their music & podcast platform
0:36 How to Spotify audiobooks work?
1:53 Will Spotify audiobooks impact existing audiobook markets?
3:43 ACX and Spotify's audiobook pricing & royalties explained (or exposed)
6:36 Exclusivity issues with ACX and Spotify's Findaway Voices
8:08 Should self published authors switch to Findaway Voices?
11:14 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book:
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 265.
All authors, whether traditionally or self published, suffer from a “shall I stay or shall I go” moment at some point. Probably more now as book and content markets become more competitive. Here are some things to consider as you consider continuing your self publishing career. Also, update on my 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey.
Take the survey! Anonymous, 10 click-to-answer questions, takes 2-3 minutes. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7SQFCJ
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RnNmarIRC3Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Barrett Laurie's video on quitting
1:11 2022 Self Publishing Survey update
2:22 Loving the process or the outcome
3:42 The Never Work a Day in Your Life Fallacy
4:29 The You Can Do It, Too Fallacy
5:28 The If Fallacy
6:17 Being realistic
7:59 Stick or quit?
8:37 How to connect with Heidi
Mentioned in this episode:
- Barrett Laurie's Vlog on "Time to Quit" https://youtu.be/XCgArKE249Y
- Barrett Laurie's Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/BarrettLaurie
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 264.
All authors, whether traditionally or self published, suffer from a “shall I stay or shall I go” moment at some point. Probably more now as book and content markets become more competitive. Here are some things to consider as you consider continuing your self publishing career. Also, update on my 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey.
Take the survey! Anonymous, 10 click-to-answer questions, takes 2-3 minutes. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7SQFCJ
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RnNmarIRC3Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Barrett Laurie's video on quitting
1:11 2022 Self Publishing Survey update
2:22 Loving the process or the outcome
3:42 The Never Work a Day in Your Life Fallacy
4:29 The You Can Do It, Too Fallacy
5:28 The If Fallacy
6:17 Being realistic
7:59 Stick or quit?
8:37 How to connect with Heidi
Mentioned in this episode:
- Barrett Laurie's Vlog on "Time to Quit" https://youtu.be/XCgArKE249Y
- Barrett Laurie's Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/BarrettLaurie
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 264.
Two authors were complaining about sudden downturns in their book sales. What is happening and why? Could it happen for your book? Can you do anything about it?
Blog: Why are Your Book Sales Down? http://hub.me/apmhU
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/aNOxB9hPX6Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Two authors, same downturn in book sales
0:51 What is happening?
2:34 Could a sudden downturn in book sales happen to you?
3:47 Is there anything you can do?
6:19 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 263.
Two authors were complaining about sudden downturns in their book sales. What is happening and why? Could it happen for your book? Can you do anything about it?
Blog: Why are Your Book Sales Down? http://hub.me/apmhU
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/aNOxB9hPX6Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Two authors, same downturn in book sales
0:51 What is happening?
2:34 Could a sudden downturn in book sales happen to you?
3:47 Is there anything you can do?
6:19 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 263.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in the United States which provided a variety of economy boosting measures and incentives, many of them focused on dealing with climate change. Scheduled for September 2022, The Merge of the Ethereum blockchain will be a game changer in the blockchain and NFT space. In this episode, I discuss issues relating to climate change and self publishing.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/cpCYWwOcK0A
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Climate change and can we change it?
1:13 The Merge of Ethereum and Impact on NFTs
3:58 eBooks and audio books as sustainable publishing options
4:27 Print book sustainability issues
5:49 Skip the swag
6:43 The triple bottom line
7:19 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 262.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in the United States which provided a variety of economy boosting measures and incentives, many of them focused on dealing with climate change. Scheduled for September 2022, The Merge of the Ethereum blockchain will be a game changer in the blockchain and NFT space. In this episode, I discuss issues relating to climate change and self publishing.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/cpCYWwOcK0A
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Climate change and can we change it?
1:13 The Merge of Ethereum and Impact on NFTs
3:58 eBooks and audio books as sustainable publishing options
4:27 Print book sustainability issues
5:49 Skip the swag
6:43 The triple bottom line
7:19 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 262.
People who have a relationship with a creator are more likely to become paying and continuing subscribers. But that's not a given. I discuss why people don't want to pay for subscription content on Patreon, YouTube, etc
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rZ2P3z9s1xc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Replying to comment on inflation impact on subscription content
0:53 How many creators can you support?
2:05 It's not about the money
4:07 YouTube Creators woes
6:30 Is Patreon the answer?
7:44 Are we all just buskers now?
10:00 Blame it on TV
12:04 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 261.
In response to inflation, if consumers realize their money is dripping away month after month for subscriptions, they may have an epiphany moment and start scrutinizing those costs. I discuss the stats that show this is happening, and how this impacts content creators and authors.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RSMqqRM3Du4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Our retirement reset on subscriptions
0:39 "I'm spending how much on subscriptions?"
2:23 How this impacts authors and content creators
3:28 What should authors and content creators do?
4:16 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 260.
An AI writing assistant functions like a robot ghostwriter. You tell the program what you want to write about, along with any stylistic elements and tone you’d prefer. As an author, I’m sure your head is spinning right now with a lot of questions and concerns about how robot ghostwriters like this will impact you and the writing industry.
Blog: AI Writing Assistants: What You Need to Know About Robot Ghostwriters http://hub.me/apiPG
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fWQZarTfT6s
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 AI writing assistants have arrived
1:03 What does an AI writing assistant do?
2:22 How does an AI writing assistant know how and what to write?
3:50 What about copyrights... and monkey business?
9:10 Will AI writing assistants put human ghostwriters out of business?
10:13 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 259.
Are Amazon ads worth doing for traditionally published authors? I’m not so sure. Let me explain why, based on my experience from running Amazon ads for my self published books since 2016.
So there’s no confusion, just for this episode, when I talk about authors, I’m specifically referring to traditionally published authors. However, some self published authors may also find this information helpful.
Blog: Amazon Ad Tips for Traditionally Published Authors http://hub.me/aphSx
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/f8SY3amhSpg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Amazon opens up ads to traditionally published authors
0:58 The new traditional publishing paradigm
2:10 Amazon ads are not a sure-fire marketing tactic
5:22 Key ad metrics to watch (ACoS and Sales Conversion)
7:22 Why did Amazon open up ads for traditionally published authors?
8:38 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 258.
One of the reasons self published authors sign up for KDP Select on Kindle Direct Publishing is to do Free Kindle eBook Promotions. I’m not a big fan of free eBook giveaways, whether on Amazon KDP or other platforms. Here’s why.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/h5Y1E83Ju_Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Not a fan of Kindle Free eBook Promotions
0:35 Why would you buy a book you got for free?
1:50 Reader magnet potential and problems
2:58 Do lots of free downloads equal a successful free eBook campaign?
4:30 Can free downloads be correlated to book sales?
6:35 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 257.
I’ve decided to do another round of my Thorne Self Publishing Survey to see how self published authors are doing in terms of income, motivations, and challenges in 2022. All self published authors (and authors who do both self and traditional publishing) are invited to participate in the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7SQFCJ It's anonymous, 10 quick click-to-answer questions, and takes about 2 minutes.
I did the first survey in 2016, and planned to do it every two years. The last survey was in 2018. 2020 was supposed to be the next survey. But 2020 was, well, 2020. So I skipped doing it that year, and postponed it to 2022.
I discuss more about the goals and plans for the survey, as well as what's been updated for the 2022 survey. Thank you for your participation!
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/VmWJ4aMjOTU
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 The 2022 Thorne Self Publishing Survey has launched
1:22 About the 2022 survey
2:26 Updates for the 2022 survey
4:13 2022 survey timeline and deadlines
5:31 How to connect with Heidi and get survey updates
SurveyMonkey survey link (feel free to share, too!) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7SQFCJ
If you would like to help support the cost of conducting this year's survey, I have set up a GoFundMe campaign at https://gofund.me/f7e57695
I’m a bit put off by Mark Cuban's brag of spending no money on marketing for his new venture, relying totally on word of mouth. Authors may look at this successful billionaire, thinking they can spend no money or resources on marketing, too. Let me explain why this may not work.
Blog: Does Word of Mouth Marketing Work for Books? http://hub.me/apf4i
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/YAZjYd22bJY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Mark Cuban's word of mouth marketing brag
1:21 Mark Cuban is a PR machine. You are not.
3:12 "I don't monetize my friends."
4:52 Word of mouth marketing definition
5:28 Are referral marketing and leads groups word of mouth marketing?
7:09 Is word of mouth marketing the same as PR?
7:34 Is social media word of mouth marketing?
8:18 Does word of mouth marketing work for authors?
9:54 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 255.
Pretty regularly, I come across a post from an author on social media where they’re crying about their low book sales. After reviewing many of these posts, I’d like to share some general observations about what ails these authors, their books, and their book sales.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/4MGWnxTayEY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Let the crying begin
0:37 Sneaky self promos
1:24 Pity pleas
2:38 Keyword stuffing
4:05 Unrealistic advertising expectations
5:20 It's not the book
6:28 No author platform, no sales
8:32 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 254.
Common videos on TikTok and Instagram are those showing creators packaging up arts, crafts, or book orders for their customers. Then there are the follow-up videos in which those customers unbox these orders, delighting in all the extra goodies and packaging they receive with their orders. I just cringe when I see these videos. Let’s discuss why over-delivering will under-cut your creative income, and why it’s a behavior you need to stop immediately.
YouTube video:
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 The boxing and unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram
1:47 Why do creators feel the need to offer more than they should?
3:40 Why over-delivering is so bad for creative businesses
5:18 Saying "No, thank you" to thank you notes
6:39 Do the math
7:43 "But it's branding"
9:30 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 253.
Authors may have concerns about protecting their writing work, but want to build fans for their work, prior to publishing. Lots to unpack here!
Blog: Protecting Your Book Idea While Building Fans Before Publishing http://hub.me/apd4Z
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MrzYr1tyB8M
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Author concern about protecting work
1:07 Traditional or self publishing decision
2:22 How do you build an author platform before publishing?
4:29 Your book idea cannot be protected... and why that's okay
6:07 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 252.
Some customers will be disappointed with what they purchase, regardless of what you offer. Admit it, you’re not happy with everything you buy. I don’t fret that somehow my books or content are bad if they are returned for refund. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry about it either.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/dmMSzcIi05k
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 The horrible review I got on Udemy
1:20 Business as usual... and getting worse
2:55 "Library-ing"
4:00 How many of your books have actually been returned?
5:56 The realities of returns and refunds
6:44 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 251.
The audiobook market is still on an upward trajectory, with another year of double digit gains. But the audiobook industry is in somewhat of a practical and existential crisis with Google Play now offering self publishing of audiobooks using text-to-speech (TTS) robot voices.
Let’s talk about what auto-narration is, how it will impact audiobooks, and what that means for authors who are self publishing audiobooks. P.S. Did you know that AI narration was used in the Top Gun 2 sequel movie? You'll want to hear about this!
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ovC-0yhL6BQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:17 Growth and challenges for the future of audiobooks
0:56 What are Google Play auto-narration audiobooks?
3:42 The LOL problem
4:34 ISBN and GGKEY numbers for Google Play auto-narration audiobooks
4:59 Exciting and scary future for robot auto-narrating of audiobooks
6:00 How the Top Gun 2 movie used AI narration
7:11 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course: How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 250.
Do you always have to get professional photos for your author headshots? Can you use selfies? Are there any rules for using photos in books? I share what you need to know about author headshot photos for your books.
Blog: Author Headshot Photos: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/apako
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Kq0U_aO-ig4
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Author questions about headshot photos for books
0:42 Legal concerns of working with photographers
3:30 Tips for working with professional photographers
6:08 Selfies as headshots?
10:43 Tips for using selfies for your books
12:18 How to connect with Heidi
To connect with editor and author, Shayla Raquel, visit her website at https://www.shaylaraquel.com/
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 249.
I'm known for saying that book covers aren't as important as authors think. But what if the book cover is the real value of the book, and not the writing in it? I discuss the emerging and disturbing "books as decor" trend and what it means for authors.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/o7ez2za_lJo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Maybe book covers do matter?
0:44 Books for "shelf esteem"
2:55 What are book stylists?
4:05 What would you think if your book was a prop?
5:51 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 246.
If you self publish journal books on KDP, listen up! Kindle Direct Publishing has made some BIG changes to low content and journal publishing. I share the changes and what that means for you.
Blog: What are Low Content Books? http://hub.me/amYE6
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/iFArTGMCGas
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Heads up, journal publishers!
0:48 New definition of low content on KDP
3:04 Low content product categories
4:28 No ISBN or your ISBN?
7:30 No Look Inside preview for low content books
11:00 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 247.
As you’re shopping on Amazon, you may have run across product pages that include additional photos and content to help promote the product. I don’t know about you, but I was puzzled about how it all worked… and kind of jealous since I’d love to have that capability for my books. This additional content is referred to as A+ Content on Amazon. It’s now available for authors who self publish on KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing. I’m testing the waters. Here’s what I’ve discovered about it.
Blog: Amazon A+ Content for Self Published Authors on KDP http://hub.me/ap8JE
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3hyhM5iUl1s
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 KDP rolls out A+ Content for authors
0:47 What is A+ Content on Amazon?
2:37 How can authors create A+ Content?
4:41 Crossing language barriers
6:40 Is A+ Content effective for selling books?
7:30 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 246.
Keywords are important for marketing your self published books on Amazon. But choosing the right keywords is not guarantee your books will sell. I explain why.
Blog: Marketing Your Book on Amazon with Keywords http://hub.me/ap84A
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/AixJm9hbhhc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Author frustrations with keywords on Amazon
1:05 SEO ain't what it used to be... but it's still important
4:42 Think like your readers
7:19 Readers should go to Amazon to buy your book, not to search
8:48 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 245.
Udemy course: How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Can the format of your book affect what markets respond to your self published book? I discuss.
Blog: Book Marketing Challenges of Self Published Books in Multiple Formats http://hub.me/ap7mp
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/TZnFsUELjDw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Author concerns about marketing multiple book formats
0:55 An eBook is a real book
1:44 eBook readers are not the same as print readers
2:46 Understanding markets for formats
3:39 eBooks as giveaways to promote print book sales?
5:50 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 244.
What are those weird ISBN numbers anyway? What purpose do they serve? Do you really need them? I explain what you need to know about ISBN numbers.
Blog: What is an ISBN Number? http://hub.me/alMTo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:24 What is an ISBN number?
1:20 How did ISBN numbers get started?
2:00 Where do ISBN numbers come from?
2:29 What's the difference between a 10-digit and a 13-digit ISBN number?
3:04 Is an ISBN a barcode?
3:26 Do you really need an ISBN number for self publishing?
5:53 Should you use the free ISBN offered by KDP?
7:55 What if you move your self published book distribution?
10:49 Is Amazon's ASIN number the same as an ISBN?
11:54 Does having your own ISBN number help you make book sales?
13:00 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 243.
I have to confess that I struggle constantly with the concept of goals. Yes, I’ve worked with coaches. I’ve read extensively in business and leadership literature on the topic. Tried all the tips and tricks. Yet, I just find myself consistently resisting officially setting goals. One of the often suggested panaceas for people like me is S.M.A.R.T. goals. While the structure is sound theoretically, it often has its flaws in practice. Let’s see how authors get goals wrong.
Blog: S.M.A.R.T. Goals for Self Published Authors http://hub.me/ap4eb
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/iSGbRsBzfg8
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 My goal setting confession
0:51 What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?
1:50 Specific
2:23 Measurable
3:55 Achievable
5:22 Relevant
8:00 Time-bound
8:50 Why S.M.A.R.T.R.R. goals are smarter
10:11 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 242.
Having many years in and around trade shows and fairs, I’ll share some things I learned, and how it all applies, or doesn’t, to self published authors’ book marketing.
Blog: Are Book Fairs and Trade Shows Worth Doing for Self Publishing? http://hub.me/ap460
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/phDx1tcu980
Timestamp show notes (click on time stamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Self published authors with big goals, maybe too big
1:25 The "Go Big" problem
3:29 Dirty little secrets about trade show and fair attendee numbers
7:54 You won't make a lot of sales at the show
10:35 Do trade shows and book fairs make sense for self publishing?
12:14 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 241.
An obviously new author in an author group on social asked if opting into KDP Select would affect book sales. Well, yes, it can. Here’s how.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/weJS_lqkVeo
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:32 What is KDP Select?
3:01 Kindle Free Book Promotion issues
4:06 Kindle Countdown Deals issues
4:59 How does Kindle Unlimited affect book sales?
9:05 Why do I keep my books in KDP Select?
10:03 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 240.
Book marketing fails happen! As authors and creators, how do we get these things wrong? Have we really gotten them wrong? How to you drill down to find your real audience? I discuss and share examples.
Blog: Self-Published Book Marketing Bloopers http://hub.me/ap3Id
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/CxiawovJ_FM
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Creative and book marketing fails happen!
1:03 My big book marketing blooper
3:43 YOUR ideal reader vs. THE ideal reader
5:41 Niche, but not too niche
6:39 Some books don't sell... and that's okay
7:50 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 239.
Find out what a video book trailer is, as well as best practices for them. And I share whether they're worth doing for self published books.
Blog: Best Practices When Using Book Trailers for Book Marketing http://hub.me/ak8Mm
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oPnXtLSUHaI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:59 What is a video book trailer?
2:54 Best practices for video book trailers
5:33 Do video book trailers really help sell more books?
7:24 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 238.
Wide distribution, sometimes referred to as expanded distribution, is a goal for many self published authors. But is it really possible... or even useful?
Blog: Do You Really Want Mass Distribution for Your Self Published Book? http://hub.me/amJuq
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/hURrelmwLQs
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 The fantasy and fallacy of seeking wide distribution
1:43 What do you mean by wide distribution?
7:13 What's your wide distribution number?
8:23 How to get real with your book distribution expectations
10:45 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 237.
Self published authors often ask for PR or social media help, not knowing what they're asking for or what they really need. As a former trade newspaper editor and trade show marketing manager, I share what you need to know about public relations for self published books.
Blog:
-
Hiring PR Help for Your Self Published Book http://hub.me/ap1Bj
-
How to Write a Press Release for a Small Business http://hub.me/akPx8
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Y36MxnIt3p4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 The cry for PR help
1:32 What is PR?
3:46 What can you expect from working with a PR rep?
5:49 Can you do your own PR?
7:34 How to write a press release
9:47 Why social media help for PR doesn't help
11:29 How do you find PR help?
13:05 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 236.
Publishing companies, publishers, and self publishing platforms all kind of sound similar. But they couldn't be more different! I explain the differences in these publishing organizations.
Blog: Publishing Companies versus Publishers http://hub.me/ap0FT
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bpA92vnjkbk
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Why authors have questions about publishing companies
1:18 What are publishing companies?
5:05 Are publishing companies just scams?
6:00 What are publishers?
6:58 What are hybrid publishers?
8:27 What are self publishing platforms?
10:00 How to connect with Heidi
What self published authors need to now about adding trigger warnings to books and other content.
Blog: What are Trigger Warnings for Books? http://hub.me/aoZX6
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/O5OWQjpqi50
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Trigger warning for my discussion of trigger warnings
0:40 The book report that almost made me throw up
3:28 What exactly is a trigger warning?
5:25 What about content for adults?
6:06 The YA problem
6:53 What about diversity and inclusion issues?
7:57 Where should a trigger warning go?
8:20 Do trigger warnings turn off readers?
9:13 Creative freedom and responsibility
9:32 How to connect with Heidi
As authors, we have to be very careful about “aging” our audiences. And this goes in both directions of the age spectrum. So let’s talk about a few of the pitfalls to avoid in age classifications for your readers.
Blog: Avoiding Age Bias in Self Publishing http://hub.me/aoZ6G
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/SaV4KXMsjb4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Am I a "senior?"
1:35 Myth 1: Older Readers Like Print Books
2:42 Myth 2: Seniors are Electronically Challenged
5:45 Myth 3: Children’s Books are Picture Books
7:29 What does this mean for authors?
8:13 How to connect with Heidi
Bad book marketing isn't the only reason for low book sales. Book reading trends also play a part. Find out how.
Blog: Book Reading Trends Authors Need to Know http://hub.me/aoXnr
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bfBn61ALwoU
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:14 Low book sales might not be just due to bad book marketing
0:37 eBook reading is growing... maybe and slowly
3:05 People are reading less books
3:54 Availability of book substitutes
6:13 What exactly is a "book?"
7:54 What does this all mean for authors?
8:42 How to connect with Heidi
Amazon Best Seller Rank (BSR) is a confusing (and largely useless) measure of your book's success. I explain what Amazon BSR means for authors.
Blog: Amazon Best Seller Rank Explained for Authors http://hub.me/aoXnq
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Ytlcc2K--X0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Authors' confusion about Amazon BSR
0:48 Amazon Author Central
1:39 Amazon Best Seller Rank explanation
5:10 Different book format, different sales rank
5:56 Amazon Historical Sales Rank
6:52 Categories Sales Rank
8:40 How could your book rank in a category you didn't choose?
11:44 Top 100 Sales Rank
13:17 NPD Bookscan
14:58 "Only 2 Books Left" issue
18:13 How to connect with Heidi
booktok is a hashtag community on the TikTok social media platform that is dedicated to conversations about books and book-related topics. Learn how it's influencing book sales.
Blog: What is #Booktok? http://hub.me/aoWSj
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/4G09zgnZKoA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 TikTok isn't just for kids and dance videos
0:54 What do people do on #booktok?
1:12 Why the publishing industry is paying attention to #booktok
4:02 #booktok backlist bump
4:38 How influencers could ruin #booktok
6:30 How does #booktok affect self publishing?
7:32 How to connect with Heidi
Writing poetry is challenging. Selling it is even tougher. I discuss marketing your self published poetry.
Blog: Self Publishing Your Poetry http://hub.me/aoWcW
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Z_83xCXz970
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:50 Why is selling poetry so hard?
3:06 Poetry and SEO
4:19 Rise of Instagram poets and Instapoetry
6:29 Using Instagram to expose your poetry writing weaknesses
8:07 Poetry marketing tips for Amazon
9:08 Other outlets for your poetry
10:09 My first poetry book (but maybe not my last?)
11:17 How to connect with Heidi
NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which are bought and sold with blockchain technology, are getting a lot of hype and attention for monetization of creative work, including writing. I explain what NFTs are (and are not), and how they relate (or not) to self publishing.
Blog: NFTs Explained for Self Publishing http://hub.me/aoVul
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/dlBeoG6swNg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:28 What NFTs are (and are not)
4:59 Why are creators are excited by NFTs
5:52 Legal challenges and issues with NFTs
8:16 NFTs and climate issues
11:37 NFTs and self publishing
14:34 How to connect with Heidi
Zestworld is a new monetization platform for comic creators and authors. It has additional features and benefits not offered on standard self publishing platforms such as KDP. I share what we know so far about it.
Blog: What is Zestworld? http://hub.me/aoUDt
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/w85OrVpkHwc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:26 Zestworld is coming!
1:12 The Superman IP Saga
3:14 What's different about Zestworld?
6:55 What's the problem with these monetization platforms?
10:30 How to connect with Heidi
My author friend and YouTuber, @Barrett Laurie, asked how often you should do a clean up on your email subscriber list. Let’s talk about what an email list cleanup is, why you might want to do it, and how and when to do it.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-VFQbvZ32xA
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:30 What is an email list cleaup (or scrubbing)?
0:42 Why should you cleanup your email list?
2:07 How to do an email list cleanup
4:42 When should you do an email list cleanup?
7:03 How I lost almost 90% of my email subscribers through email list cleanups
11:03 How to connect with Heidi
Your best friend, or maybe a family member, has just completed a book manuscript. The person asks if you'd be willing to edit, proof or review it. Then you begin to read the "masterpiece" just created. All you can think is, "Oh dear God, this stinks!" Here's how to handle this awkward situation with the hope of preserving your relationship.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/w5K1TPSB_WM
Blog: Editing and Proofreading Tips for Being Critical and Kind When Reviewing Friends' Writing http://hub.me/akzjg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:14 The ask by friends and family author wannabes
1:03 What your author friends really want from you
2:45 What to do if you're stuck reviewing a real book manuscript stinker
4:50 Preventing bad feelings and bad book review requests
5:26 The SETUP for less UPSET when reviewing friends' work
8:18 How to connect with Heidi
Blog Posts to Share with Your New Author Friends:
- Editing versus Proofreading and Why You Need Both http://hub.me/ajA30
- What is Editing? http://hub.me/ajYQ1
I've estimated that 1% of your author platform, or fan base, actually buys your self published books. But how can you figure how many fans you actually have? This is a deep dive into social media, YouTube, and email marketing metrics that matter.
Blog: How to Forecast Your Self Published Book Sales http://hub.me/aoT6Y
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3g5we8t7fXI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:20 Engagement metrics that matter
3:18 Email & blog subscribers
5:45 YouTube
8:42 Facebook Pages
9:45 Instagram
13:00 Twitter
13:45 LinkedIn
15:09 Podcast followers
16:04 Calculating your book sales forecast
17:02 How to connect with Heidi
Is a book the best way to get your message or story to the world? Do you understand your motivations for wanting to write book? I offer some food for thought on whether writing and self publishing a book is really worthwhile.
Blog: Do You Really Need to Write and Self Publish a Book? http://hub.me/aoRM6
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/kQvOM1sC07Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 The post-book launch letdown
1:18 Your book won't make you famous
2:04 Your book won't make you money (or lots of money)
3:57 Is a book the best way to reach your target audience?
6:42 How to connect with Heidi
Book: Understanding Your Creativity: Discover the Internal and External Factors that Affect Your Creative Life (Amazon/Audible)
Do you dream of seeing your self published book on the shelves of your local independent (indie) bookstore? I bust some myths about indie bookstores and self publishing, and I share what you need to know about the indie bookstore business.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/LYF2I1e13ZI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:59 Myth #1: Indie bookstores are interested in your indie author book
2:25 Myth #2: Indie bookstores will buy inventory of your self published book
5:58 Myth #3: You'll make more money selling your self published book through indie bookstores
7:33 Myth #4: Expanded distribution on KDP will make your book available in bookstores
9:00 Understanding the bookstore business landscape
10:04 What is Bookshop.org?
13:38 Why do you want your self published book in indie bookstores?
15:34 How to connect with Heidi
Owning a media channel (e.g., email marketing, blog, podcast, etc.) gives you some control over your marketing efforts. But can you really own a channel? Is there really an advantage to owning a channel?
Blog: What is Owned Media? http://hub.me/alNZD
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/0mtp5MIUEss
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:35 The problem of information overload
1:53 Owned versus non-owned media
2:44 What exactly is owned media?
5:15 Diversifying your marketing investment
7:34 Do incentives work to build your email list?
9:29 How to connect with Heidi
Being on a podcast can help you promote your book and your business. I share how to make a pitch to a show to become a podcast guest. As well, I share podcasting's dirty little secret which might change your mind doing this.
Blog: How to Be a Guest on a Podcast http://hub.me/akXwH
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/8w6ehoD_1QI
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:00 Start
0:42 How to find the right show for podcast guest opportunities
4:28 What podcast hosts really want
6:39 How to approach podcasts with your guest proposal
11:12 How to be a good podcast guest
15:02 How to connect with Heidi
Is your book bad? What is bad book marketing? How can you know whether your book or your marketing is bad? I discuss.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Bu3lvlmojZs
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
1:01 What is a bad book?
3:01 What is bad book marketing?
5:12 Is it bad book marketing or a bad market?
6:15 How to connect with Heidi
You’ve probably seen stories in the news about the post-pandemic global supply chain woes and how it might impact the availability of print books, especially during the holiday season. Here’s what you need to know about the current supply chain issues and what it means for self publishing.
Blog: What is a Supply Chain? http://hub.me/ag3Va
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-6qORieOhfE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
1:33 What is a supply chain?
1:40 What are supply chain concerns for publishing?
5:36 How do supply chain issues affect self publishing?
7:30 How to connect with Heidi
In 2021, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) self publishing platform introduced hardcover edition availability. But is it really valuable for self publishing? I share my experience with using KDP's hardcover printing.
Blog: KDP Hardcover Printing Review http://hub.me/aoNhM
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bGfoI1HOxE8
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Hardcover printing is now available on KDP
0:49 Reformatting for hardcover editions
2:49 Hardcover finish and construction
4:18 Hardcover interior paper choices
4:38 Do higher priced hardcover editions mean more sales and royalties?
6:55 Are KDP hardcover editions worth doing?
8:26 How to connect with Heidi
Self published authors often want to get on popular news and talk shows to promote their books since they see the big authors doing this. Well, that's just not usually possible. So I discuss other, more realistic, earned media PR opportunities for self publishing.
Blog: What is Earned Media? http://hub.me/alDk5
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/d3NKRxARIKA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:48 What is earned media?
2:08 Is earned media the same as social media?
3:20 Is earned media free?
5:13 How to earn realistic media coverage
8:15 How to connect with Heidi
Will boosting your ad bids or spend on Amazon result in more sales of your self published books? Or will winning the ad bid game just waste your money? I discuss my cheap advertising strategy for authors who self publish on Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. I'll also share formulas for figuring your maximum ad bid to help avoid losing money.
Blog (with formulas): Amazon Marketing Services Advertising for Self-Published Books http://hub.me/am716
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/LzINVQA46Fc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Author frustrations with Amazon ads for books
1:47 Amazon Marketing Services (AMDS) black box
4:25 Unrealistic author expectations for Amazon advertising
5:51 What are typical sales conversion rates for Amazon ads?
7:07 How to determine Amazon ad bids for books (with formulas)
12:45 Why you need to keep your Amazon ad bids low
14:47 Should you up your ad spend for book launch?
15:56 How do you know if your ads are effective? (Discussion of ACoS: Average Cost of Sale)
16:46 Sharing my ACoS results 19:13 One more ad metric to watch
20:41 Non-ad bid reasons your ads may not be working
23:48 Why Amazon ads for books don't work as well as they used to
24:53 Suggested resources
25:19 How to connect with Heidi
Book (on Amazon): Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXW57RW
Udemy course: How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
By taking this quiz, you'll discover what it really takes to self publish.
Blog: Do You Have What It Takes to Self Publish? Take the Quiz http://hub.me/anQIn
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/30UzeZ2IvNo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Writing is the easiest part of self publishing
0:26 Take the self publishing readiness quiz
2:10 Discussion of each self publishing question and issues
12:39 Suggested resources
13:17 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Can merchandising and displays incentivize bookstores to carry your self published book? Probably not. I explain why.
Blog: Can Merchandising Help Get Your Self Published Book in Bookstores? http://hub.me/aoJRy
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/mRBWm7FzRis
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:14 Author question that prompted this discussion
0:53 Merchandising, branded merchandise & promotional products defined
2:48 Confusion between merchandising and branded merchandise
3:52 Can merchandising help get your self published book in bookstores?
7:48 Why you should depend on merchandising to sell your books.
8:20 Suggested resource
8:44 How to connect with Heidi
Book: SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1RP5H6
Got a great comment and request from fellow author and YouTuber, Barrett Laurie (Authors, check out his YouTube channel! Link is below.), about self publishing versus writing. So here's the deep dive.
Blog: Self Publishing is About Marketing, Not Writing http://hub.me/aoIZN
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/nOH5pYHtvT8
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Author/YouTuber, Barrett Laurie, prompts this discussion
0:30 Writing is craft. Self Publishing is business.
1:37 The E-Myth and Emerson problems
4:26 Avocation to vocation
7:29 Suggested resources
8:28 How to connect with Heidi
Barrett Laurie's YouTube channel for authors https://www.youtube.com/c/BarrettLaurie
Udemy course: How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Box sets can be a great way to boost sales of multiple book titles. But is it a good sales strategy for self publishing?
Blog: Self Publishing a Box Set of Books http://hub.me/aoIea
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/QUDesz1frkE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube): https://youtu.be/QUDesz1frkE
0:38 What is a box set?
1:44 What types of books make good box sets?
2:27 Can you go a box set on KDP and Amazon?
6:51 Why a box set didn't work for me
7:58 How to connect with Heidi
Sometimes you just want to stop offering a book you've self published on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Here's what you need to know about doing that.
Blog: Unpublishing a Book on KDP http://hub.me/aoHI7
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/WC7x3PW7HlQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 I'm unpublishing books? Why?
1:10 What is unpublishing?
1:52 Unpublishing considerations for nonfiction and fiction
3:21 Unpublish to republish?
4:12 KDP Select considerations for unpublishing
5:11 Amazon Author Page issues with unpublishing
6:06 Why not just leave books up for sale?
6:44 How to connect with Heidi
Good for you for wanting to donate some of all of your self published book profits to charity. I explain why it isn't a good idea.
Blog: Downsides of Donating Self Published Book Profits to Charity http://hub.me/aoGiw
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/HV7t_T7RHtA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Why you can't afford to donate your self published book profits to charity
6:51 Beware of tax ramifications of donating profits to charity
7:51 What to consider before donating self publishing profits to charity
10:28 How to connect with Heidi
Don't want to do social media to market your self published book? Is that even possible these days? I take a look back at how we marketed before social media was a thing, and whether these methods work now. I also discuss newer non-social media methods.
Blog: Blog: Self Published Book Marketing Without Social Media http://hub.me/aoFKS
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/g_yBDl0WBRI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 The "book marketing without social media" question
0:57 Book marketing in the "before time" before social media
4:34 Events and trade shows
6:15 Email marketing
10:54 Reader magnets
13:11 Newsletter swaps
14:33 Goodreads
15:50 Advertising
17:32 Content marketing
19:30 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Does self publishing on KDP plus other self publishing platforms, such as IngramSpark or Lulu, mean more book sales? I discuss why it doesn't.
Blog: Does Self Publishing on Multiple Platforms Multiply Book Sales? http://hub.me/aoFTd
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Ekv25AbOCXo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Why authors want to use multiple self publishing platforms
2:21 Self publishing on multiple platforms does not multiply sales
3:34 "Please don't buy my book on Amazon!"
5:46 ISBN issues when using multiple self publishing platforms
7:20 KDP or Smashwords for eBook publishing?
9:39 The only platform you need to be concerned about
10:10 How to connect with Heidi
Bartering for services you can't do yourself sounds like a great way for authors to save money on editing, formatting, and book cover design. But often one or both barter partners feel like they're not getting a good deal. I discuss what authors need to know about the bartering process.
Blog: What Authors Need to Know About Bartering http://hub.me/aoDTa
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/frbjTy2qOoQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Should you barter for author services?
0:41 Buy what you can't DIY
3:04 Recruiting barter partners
4:23 When barters go bad
5:47 How to connect with Heidi
It's easy to get delusional with initial book sales from family and friends, then get disappointed when that level of sales doesn't continue in the future. I discuss how to get real about your early self published book sales.
Blog: The Problem with Convenience and Pity Buys http://hub.me/al1YX
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/9sarn9zu_10
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Dunbar's number and what it means for your book launch sales
4:03 Pity buys of your self published book
4:44 How to be real about your self published book sales
7:40 How to connect with Heidi
Let’s dig into the topic of selling—not just creating and self publishing—custom card decks such as tarot, oracle, motivational, and inspirational.
Blog: Selling Your Self Published Custom Card Deck or Journal on Etsy and Online Sites - What You Need to Know http://hub.me/aoCoV
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fQgPWJVFBWs
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:14 Following up on previous episode on self publishing custom card decks
1:08 Creating a custom card deck or journal is easy
1:58 Creator selling sites don't help you make sales
4:40 The one big thing creator selling sites (Etsy, eBay, Amazon, etc.) have that you don't
8:12 Pricing challenges of custom card decks and journals
10:24 What about promoted listings?
12:06 Would I self publish a custom card deck?
13:09 How to connect with Heidi
Also watch these episodes:
- Self Publishing Custom Card Decks: What You Need to Know https://youtu.be/DAnyyJX9iWI
- Self Publishing Workbooks and Journals https://youtu.be/MmlbvaAP1Ao
My first self published book on Amazon, SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in July 2021. I share what I've learned in a decade of self publishing, and what I see for the industry's future.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/-sl1-j1BWkE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 10th anniversary of my Amazon self publishing career and SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business
2:55 Increasing competition for self published books
3:52 The riches in the niches marketing fallacy
5:19 The rise of subscription reading programs
6:44 Self publishing success factors?
8:39 How to connect with Heidi
See all of Heidi Thorne's books on Amazon https://amazon.com/author/heidithorne
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
The whole subject of fan fiction (or fanfic) puts me into a panic. Let me explain why and share a few things you need to know.
Blog: Self Publishing Fan Fiction: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/aozsY
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/9AeALOgEaF8
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Why fan fiction makes me panic
0:58 What is fan fiction?
1:49 Is fan fiction legal?
4:58 What about fan fiction contests?
5:36 Doesn't fan fiction help you get noticed?
6:12 What about fan fiction based on public domain content or IP?
7:07 Why do you want to do fan fiction anyway?
8:35 How to connect with Heidi
Doing a pre-order for your self published Kindle eBook is pretty easy. But does it really provide any advantages? I discuss.
Blog: Should You Do a Pre-Order to Market Your Self Published Book? http://hub.me/akFk3
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/BzFcFgzrSrM
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 New Pre-Order report in KDP Reports Beta
1:04 What is a book pre-order?
1:56 Why would you want to do a pre-order?
3:39 Are there any advantages to offering a pre-order for self published books?
6:30 How to connect with Heidi
You can also listen to The Heidi Thorne Show on your favorite podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 201.
Some self published authors really want to be traditionally published authors. But does self publishing get you any closer to getting a book deal or agent representation? I discuss pursuing a traditional publishing path AFTER you've become self published.
Blog: Traditional Publishing After Self Publishing: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/akTzM
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/0MoMPlSv-YU
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:56 How a self published author friend got a traditional book deal
1:53 How can you show traditional publishers your book idea has a market?
4:30 How to connect with Heidi
Should you do a print book, eBook, or both? I discuss how to choose the best formats for your self published books.
Blog:
- Self Publishing Tips: Should You Publish a Print Book, an eBook, or Both? http://hub.me/ajxL7
- Why Your Print Book May Outlive Your eBook http://hub.me/ak5HI
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/5g0P7i__rTY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube:
0:14 Book format purchase stats from 2020
1:37 Looking back at digital publishing history
4:52 Another reason to do both print and eBook: More sales
5:24 When doing only an eBook makes sense
6:56 What to consider when choosing book formats
8:31 Why audio books are a new format to consider
9:10 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
Backlist book titles can represent a valuable part of your self publishing empire. I explain what a backlist title is, and how to promote it.
Blog:
- Self Publishing Tips: Using Your Backlist http://hub.me/akcLz
- Beyond the Book Launch: Selling Your Self Published Books' Backlist http://hub.me/amNwq
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/BhwuTzJ_wtM
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 What is a backlist?
1:28 What is a frontlist?
2:20 Why backlist titles are valuable
4:23 Backlist book marketing vs. book launch marketing
7:36 More sales and marketing strategies for backlist books
8:54 Advertising for backlist titles
11:54 How to connect with Heidi
Authors may not realize that the reason they're not selling books is seasonal. I explain the seasonality of sales and why it should matter to authors.
Blog: How to Plan for Sales Slumps http://hub.me/afDaY
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/te7MGGJyy9g
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
2:47 How do you know if your book sales are in a seasonal slump?
5:01 Why is book seasonality important for authors?
7:24 Recommended Udemy course: How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon
8:20 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Kindle Vella is an episodic or chapter-by-chapter reading program available from Amazon. But is it worthwhile for self published authors? I explain what we know so far about Kindle Vella.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oiDwm9e-rPI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:31 What is Kindle Vella?
2:16 How does Kindle Vella work for authors?
4:46 How can authors earn money with Kindle Vella?
8:10 Do I recommend Kindle Vella for authors?
9:28 How to connect with Heidi
In 2020, Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) introduced a new Sponsored Brand advertising product. Does it work for self published authors? I discuss my experience and experiments with Amazon Sponsored Brand ads.
Blog: Using Amazon Marketing Services to Advertise Your Kindle eBooks: What I've Learned http://hub.me/alEwV
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/I_qPwtz2zYw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:36 What are Sponsored Brand ads on Amazon?
2:06 My experience using Sponsored Brand ads for books
4:38 How and why AMS sponsored ads have changed
6:28 Should authors still use AMS ads?
7:03 How to connect with Heidi
Let’s explore why authors may feel compelled to rewrite self-published fiction works and whether it’s advisable to do so.
Blog: Should You Rewrite Your Self-Published Fiction Book? http://hub.me/aop6F
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/FwxuecRyqDc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:37 Why do authors feel compelled to rewrite their fiction books?
1:34 Perfecting the past
2:56 Genre trends
4:04 Cultural and societal trends
5:21 Historical novel issues
7:10 Fiction rewriting approaches
8:40 How to connect with Heidi To listen to the audio podcast of The Heidi Thorne Show, visit https://heidithorne.podbean.com OR subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 194.
I'm amazed at the creativity of so many crafters, needleworkers, and artists. Some of these talented individuals have taken to offering their how-to information to others, sometimes for money, sometimes for free on social media. If you're one of these crafters interested in sharing and selling your project ideas, and you want to do a self published craft book, there's a lot you need to consider. I discuss.
Blog: The Challenges of Self Publishing a Craft Book http://hub.me/alnxA
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/urS7VWGUTFo
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:51 Instructions for instructions
2:20 Using pictures in craft books
4:11 Use black & white or color images in craft books?
7:10 What about craft eBooks?
9:09 A BIG no-no for craft books
10:37 More legal issues with craft books
11:58 Challenges of craft books for kids
12:55 Amazon or Etsy for selling your craft books?
14:32 Heidi's new eBay profile (thornecomm) for crafting books
15:15 How to connect with Heidi
Heidi's eBay link: https://www.ebay.com/usr/thornecomm
One of my author friends asked if book advertising was different for fiction and nonfiction. The answer is yes and no. I explain the similarities and differences.
Blog: Is Book Advertising Different for Fiction and Nonfiction? http://hub.me/aongF
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/eXdXW8vYHDM
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:39 Who is your ideal reader?
1:25 Advertising channels for self published books
3:38 Non-ad promotional posts on social media
4:48 The biggest difference in fiction and nonfiction advertising
5:56 How to connect with Heidi
To avoid being misunderstood, authors wishing to reach audiences who don't speak their own native language, should consider hiring an editor for localization. However, the investment in this effort needs to be weighed against potential sales.
Blog: What is Localization for Book Editing? http://hub.me/alL4E
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Kl3mlrEyHsQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Awkward communications caused by using incorrect language for the audience
1:11 What is a localization edit?
2:46 Localization and cultural awareness
3:50 But it's all English, right?
5:14 Localization challenges with Kindle eBooks
7:29 Editing and proofreading tips for localized edits
9:05 How to connect with Heidi
It's amazing how many authors still say that they want to write and publish a book to change the world. I explain why a book is a slow and difficult way to bring about change.
Blog: Can Your Book Really Change the World? http://hub.me/amKeF
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Kcn-CK8Btuo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:17 What books have changed the world?
1:00 Why it's difficult for books to change the world
3:44 Why do authors think their books will bring about change?
4:53 How will authors measure impact their books?
6:20 Should you write and publish books in hopes of changing the world?
6:53 How to connect with Heidi
How do you know when your book is finished and ready to enter the publishing and production phase? Sometimes authors just don't know when to quit writing their books. I explain why that happens and how to get it off your To Do list to done.
Blog: How to Decide When Your Book is Done http://hub.me/alf1Q
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/hU5zqRlnU08
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Authors with perfection paralysis
1:31 Approval-seeking authors
2:27 The goal problem
2:50 The ego problem
3:29 The sense of loss
4:15 Tips for deciding when your book is done
7:52 How to connect with Heidi
Link to Daylily Coloring Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YQCQRMQ
Anthology books are collections of writings that showcase the work of multiple authors. But are they useful for building one's writing resume? I discuss the pros and cons.
Blog:
- Anthology Books: What are They and How Can Writers Use Them? http://hub.me/afVXv
- Anthology Books: How Valuable are They for Authors? http://hub.me/amATZ
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/tp-FBk45O7E
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:17 Does participating in an anthology lead to bigger and better things?
0:43 What is an anthology book?
3:51 Why would writers want to be in an anthology book?
7:08 The association effect of anthologies
9:11 Who are you marketing when you're in an anthology?
10:55 Does participating in an anthology help you get book deals?
12:36 Tips for successfully participating in an anthology
15:57 Games you shouldn't play with anthologies
18:25 One type of anthology that could work for you
19:12 How to connect with Heidi
Hardcover, perfect bound paperback, saddle stitched, or spiral bound? Which one is right for your self published books? I share the construction details, pros and cons of these book binding types, so you can decide.
Blog: Types of Book Binding http://hub.me/aj8lw
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/vXLv_UISHKA
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:17 Book binding examples
0:35 Hardcover books
4:22 Perfect bound trade paperback books
7:51 Saddle stitched books
9:43 Spiral bound books
13:05 How to connect with Heidi
The mere mention of a new book by a celebrity author can send fans running to get a copy. Self published authors don't usually have that pull. But does that mean you should just promote your book as an entity separate from you? I discuss promoting the author and the book.
Blog: Book Marketing Ideas: Should You Promote the Book or the Author More? http://hub.me/agzDH
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/e8Z-BFoXSVs
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 What celebrity authors have that you don't
1:14 Promoting the author
2:21 Promoting the book
3:20 You need to promote the author AND the book
3:31 The 3 Fs of Business Competitive Advantage
6:14 How to connect with Heidi
Book: Business Competitive Advantage by Heidi Thorne (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SY5BB4
It’s easy to get sucked into a coaching scenario when one of your author friends or followers asks for some “help” with their books. This can be the trigger that lures authors into “I could get paid for this” coaching mode. Don’t take the bait unless you’re ready for what’s ahead. I explain.
Blog: Why I Quit Coaching Authors http://hub.me/aohdQ
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ojPALkTtowE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Sharing your writing journey is a generous act
1:06 How authors get sucked into coaching
1:43 How I got into author coaching
3:26 When author coaching becomes a nightmare
5:36 Why I quit author coaching
7:02 How can you help other authors without coaching them?
7:39 How to connect with Heidi
Heidi's Udemy Courses on self publishing:
-
How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon
-
How to Self Publish an Audio Book
-
How to Self Publish a Nonfiction Kindle eBook Like a Pro
Getting mass media coverage for self published books is really, really tough. As a former trade newspaper editor for 15 years, I share why that is, and provide tips for making points with media.
Blog: How to Get Media Coverage for Self Published Authors and Books http://hub.me/aofEW
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/i5L6QdbMIqM
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:14 The challenge of getting media coverage for self publishing
0:39 Why editors don't want your press release
2:52 Why reporters and editors aren't interested in doing stories on you and your book
4:20 Do paid newswire services help get media coverage?
5:51 Why you should write your press release in the 3rd person
6:17 Does having media connections help get coverage?
7:36 Pitch a story, NOT your story
8:20 Social media is media you control
8:41 Don't be yesterday's news
9:13 How to connect with Heidi
If your goal is to get your message into the hands, hearts, and minds of lots of people you want to influence, just self publishing a book might not be the best way to accomplish that. I explain why.
Blog: Why Your Self Published Book May Not Help People http://hub.me/aoejP
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/XyBJ9Db_3SM
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 The "I want to get my book to lots of readers" complaint
1:43 Why a book?
2:30 Author role model for helping people, therapist Sarah Dosanjh*
3:02 Important caution for authors who post an audiobook on YouTube
3:51 The memoir mindset problem
5:04 Helping people takes marketing... lots of it
7:00 How to connect with Heidi
- Link to Sarah Dosanjh's FREE audiobook on YouTube, "I Can't Stop Eating," https://youtu.be/Qr5qmQxiutw
Authors, especially those who are self published, can obsess over their Amazon Best Seller Rank (BSR). But they shouldn't. I explain why.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/AT_atQ0OIkw
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 The question that sparked the Amazon BSR discussion
0:39 What is Amazon Best Seller Rank?
1:54 Author Central shows your Best Seller Rank, but not much else
3:16 How your Amazon BSR can improve with no sales
4:07 Amazon Best Seller Rank is impossible to control
5:04 How Amazon BSR varies over time
6:51 Don't play games to improve your Amazon BSR
7:53 How to measure your book's sales success on Amazon
9:08 How to connect with Heidi
Self publishing coloring books and activity books can be a way for self published authors to expand sales. I share tips for using Kindle Direct Publishing to self publish coloring books, along with inspiring examples of authors who have used KDP for their coloring books.
Note: For my audio podcast listeners, I highly recommend that you check out the YouTube video for this episode because it shows some great examples of self published coloring books. Also, check out the links to these authors' work.
Blog: Self Publishing Coloring Books and Activity Books: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/aobVS
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/UXjIAcui0Xo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:14 Coloring book history and opportunities for self publishing
1:32 The adult coloring book trend
2:36 What should the subject of your coloring book be?
3:17 Using Kindle Direct Publishing to self publish your coloring book
5:54 Tips for coloring book artwork
7:34 How should you price your coloring book?
8:09 Inspiring examples of authors who self published coloring books on KDP (links to their websites are below)
11:56 How to connect with Heidi
Links to featured authors who used KDP for their self published coloring books:
- Anne Manera https://annemanera.com
- Amelia Griggs https://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Griggs/...
- Austin Fabinski https://www.austinfabinskiart.com
- William D. Holland https://artistrywithwords.com
To listen to the audio podcast of The Heidi Thorne Show, visit https://heidithorne.podbean.com OR subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Amazon TuneIn Radio. This is Episode 181.
Should you do an audio podcast, a video podcast, or both? I discuss the merits of both formats, along with my personal experience using them.
Blog: Audio Podcasting Versus Video Podcasting? Should You Do Both? http://hub.me/aoaL2
Udemy course: How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/EZBEkPP0czc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:24 Growth of audio podcasting
2:05 Why audio podcasting is challenging
4:32 About video podcasting
6:05 YouTube as a video podcast platform
7:29 Which is better? Audio podcasting or video podcasting? Or both?
7:46 Comparing my audio and video podcast experience
9:42 Why authors shouldn't offer books as podcasts
10:19 How to connect with Heidi
Multi-genre books are like mixed media art, combining multiple materials or styles. They are experimental and done intentionally to create new forms of expression. However, for some authors, multi-genre books are a symptom of their muddled writing motivations and inexperience. I explain.
Blog: Why Multi-Genre Books Don't Work http://hub.me/aoacf
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/9zbzuwzLVP8
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:17 The memoir how-to book?
1:39 Why would authors want to do multi-genre books?
3:29 Autofiction, the multi-genre genre
4:42 Killing 2 audiences with 1 book
5:30 The one question multi-genre authors can't answer
6:14 Marketing challenges of multi-genre books
7:42 How to connect with Heidi
For self published authors, Substack, Patreon, and Medium can seem like a lucrative way to make additional non-book money. I discuss the hype and myth behind these content monetization sites.
Blog:
- Substack, Patreon, and Medium: What You Need to Know About Content Monetization Platforms http://hub.me/ao9kI
- Is Blogging Going Extinct... or Evolving? http://hub.me/alvUA
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/7PelgayKnzo
Timestamp show notes:
0:42 How to Substack, Patreon and Medium fit in self publishing ecosystem
1:42 Paid subscription email newsletters explained
4:06 The content monetization platform myth
5:49 Can you make money on content monetization platforms?
9:02 What to think about before you sign on
9:59 How to connect with Heidi
Was 2020 as challenging for you as it was for me? I share my stats, the good and the bad, from the crazy year that was 2020. I also share some things I've learned about growing my YouTube channel. And I discuss why social media may not be working as well as it used to for you.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/W9tZtbqBmvQ
Timestamp show notes:
0:23 My 2020 blog stats
2:07 Why social media isn't driving a lot of traffic to my blog
2:57 My podcast stats
3:11 Analysis of my YouTube traffic, and tips for analyzing yours
5:29 Tips for boosting visibility and accessibility of your YouTube videos
7:37 My 2020 sales results and how the pandemic impacted book sales
10:50 Self publishing training opportunities for you on Udemy
12:58 How to connect with Heidi
Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Though it may seem to be an easy way to make some extra cash, when I receive collaboration or affiliate marketing deal offers, I ignore most of them. Some of them just aren't legit. Others just want too much. And some are just not a good fit. But how can you determine which are good for you or not? I share questions you need to ask yourself when considering these offers.
Blog: How to Evaluate Collaboration and Affiliate Marketing Offers http://hub.me/ao2Qo
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/gRpMaUzYuEI
Timestamp video (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
1:03 What is a collaboration or affiliate marketing deal?
2:57 Is this offer aligned with your brand?
4:12 Could you be authentic promoting this product or sponsor?
5:31 What do you get? What do they want? Is it enough?
9:29 FTC and disclosure requirements
11:08 How to connect with Heidi
I review some exciting recent changes to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Author Central, and the Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) platforms as we head into 2021.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/zDRK7KHKiDA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:34 Updates to new KDP Reports Beta interface
2:46 New Amazon Author Central interface
3:35 New Customer Reviews reporting on Author Central
4:34 New Sponsored Brands ads on AMS
6:26 New Kindle Unlimited KENP Reads & Estimated Royalties tracking in AMS
7:51 Why you shouldn't be discouraged with your 2020 book income
8:41 How to connect with Heidi
Check out my Udemy courses to level up your self publishing game in 2021:
- How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
- How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
For self published authors who are interested in doing branded merchandise (or “branded merch”) for their books, there are very economical and efficient ways to do that with print on demand these days. But it still may not be worth the doing.
In this episode, I share some of my thoughts on branded merch based on my experience in the imprinted products industry. I was a promotional products (or “swag”) distributor for 17 years, and I'm the author of SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business (available on Amazon and Audible).
Blog: Selling Branded Merchandise: What Self Published Authors Need to Know http://hub.me/ao1rl
Book (Amazon/Audible): SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1RP5H6
Featured site in podcast (not sponsored or paid link or endorsement):
- Printful https://www.printful.com/
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/jcxV7_Z3cZY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:20 Why I'm talking about branded merch
1:16 What's the difference between branded merch and swag?
2:05 Branded merchandise is not your brand
3:02 Does it make sense for self published authors to offer branded merch?
5:36 Print on demand branded merchandise options
7:27 What types of items should you offer?
8:32 What should you print on your branded merch?
10:21 Cautions to avoid violating copyrights with branded merch
12:59 No DIY or arts & crafts branded merch!
14:04 Your branded merch needs to make a profit
15:31 How to connect with Heidi
Authorpreneurs (the combination of an author and entrepreneur) are a completely different breed of self published author. I explain the differences between them so you can figure out which one you are.
Blog: Are You a Self Published Author or Authorpreneur? http://hub.me/ao08q
YouTube: https://youtu.be/5d5lu3F-zds
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:18 Crazy income and advertising stats for authorpreneurs
3:05 Author versus authorpreneur
6:16 Key differences between self published authors and authopreneurs
9:34 Advertising risks of being an authorpreneur
13:19 Why authorpreneurs have to keep advertising all the time
14:03 How self published authors waste money on advertising
15:16 The Author versus Authorpreneur Quiz
15:21 You might be an author if...
15:45 You might be an authorpreneur if...
16:32 How to connect with Heidi
Do your readers feel they need to read your books in private? Some markets are more prone to this behavior, such as romance which we normally associate with women readers. But men can like it, too, and may be closet readers.
For self published authors, closet reading audiences present a huge marketing challenge. I discuss the closet reading situation and offer some insight on how to reach these hidden readers.
Blog: Book Marketing Challenge: Closet Readers http://hub.me/anZ9r
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/bFBBWOXSspo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:17 Who are closet readers?
1:16 My closet reading confession
2:46 The reader isn't the problem!
4:51 Kindle closet readers
5:11 Marketing challenges and tips for reaching closet readers
8:11 How to connect with Heidi
Almost anything is possible when it comes to book printing if money is no object. If you don’t have lots of cash, and you want to have a profitable book, then you need to consider your book printing options carefully.
I’ve collected and will provide insight on some frequently asked questions and comments about book printing for self publishing.
Blog: Book Printing FAQ for Self Publishing http://hub.me/anXXo
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/RBHKgz9ByGE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:22 Why I feel qualified to talk about book printing
1:37 Print on demand versus book printing
3:53 How many books should you print?
5:00 Does anyone know a cheap overseas book printer?
8:54 My print on demand books look "horrible!"
10:20 Your mantra for self publishing your book profitably
11:12 Photos in my print on demand book look blurry!
15:37 What book size should I use?
17:13 Color printing for print on demand books
18:10 Hard cover print on demand books
20:49 How to connect with Heidi
Getting a signed book by an author before she or he became famous, is a rare treasure. This is why self published authors are often so anxious to offer signed copies of their books. That could happen. But is it likely for most self published authors? Sadly, no. I explain why offering signed copies for sale, creates a logistical mess for self published authors.
Blog: Should You Offer Signed Copies of Your Self Published Book? http://hub.me/anVDe
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/5AMW6C3jYvk
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Why self published authors want to offer signed copies, but shouldn't
1:52 How Amazon and KDP make it difficult to offer signed copies
3:06 How much should you charge for a signed book copy?
3:32 Cost and logistical challenges for offering signed book copies
5:22 What about signed book plates?
7:22 Offering signed copies as rewards
7:59 What about signed eBooks?
8:23 How to connect with Heidi
So you want to run a sale on your Kindle eBook. Great. But how do you do that? One way is with a Kindle Countdown Deal. I explain what these Deals are, and why you may, or may not, want to use them.
Blog: Kindle Free eBook and Countdown Deals: Are They Worth Doing? http://hub.me/alIuY
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/T6970_rLeQU
Timestamp show notes (click on the timestamp to watch the segment on YouTube):
0:43 What is a Kindle Countdown Deal?
2:25 Why I like Kindle Countdown Deals
3:05 What I don't like about Kindle Countdown Deals
3:45 When not to run your Kindle Countdown Deal
4:19 How to connect with Heidi
When you upload your book manuscript to KDP, you’ll be asked to choose two categories for your book. This is a very important decision because it signals to KDP where you think your book should appear on Amazon. But those aren't the only categories in which your book will appear. And what if Amazon places your book where you think it doesn't belong?
In this episode, I explain how categories work for books on Amazon that are self publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and what you can and cannot do about it.
Blog: Choosing Categories for Your Self Published Book on Amazon http://hub.me/anTVK
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Hej_c_2RRPg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Did Amazon put this author's book in the wrong category?
0:43 How you choose categories for your self published book on KDP
1:07 What are BISAC categories?
1:42 What are browsing categories on Amazon?
3:28 How to find out where your book places in categories
5:14 Can you change your book's categories?
7:20 Sales rank issue that freaks out self published authors
8:24 Why you need to stop obsessing over categories and sales rank on Amazon
10:05 How to connect with Heidi
What is all the Stories mania about? Now almost all major social media networks--including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube--have some sort of Stories feature that allows users to post photos or videos that disappear after a while. How did this feature come about? What are some of the pros and cons of using it? Find out in this episode.
Blog: Using Stories Features on Social Media: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/anSOz
Follow my stories on Instagram at @heidithorne
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/7L8c5lFEXZ0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What are Stories on social media?
0:28 The history of Stories
2:54 Why are Stories features so popular?
4:55 Challenges of using Stories
7:43 Stories-like features and networks that are not Stories (Instagram Reels, TikTok)
8:52 Best practices for using Stories
It might surprise you to learn that for some authors, I don't recommend self publishing. I explain why, and explain the differences between traditional publishing, self publishing, and hybrid publishing.
Blog: Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing Which One is Right for YOU http://hub.me/ak5Mw
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ZKPpf-KpcM0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What is traditional publishing?
5:46 What is self publishinng?
8:01 What is hybrid publishing?
9:54 Why I encourage some authors to got with traditional publishing over self publishing
11:56 When should you make a decision about what publishing path to take?
What do you do on book launch day? Is it a regular day? Do you have some sort of party or an event? Well, I'll be honest. I've never had a book launch party or event. However, for some people it's a big deal. And especially if it's your first book, it's worth celebrating. So I'm not dissing a book launch day celebration. I just think you have to keep it in perspective. So let's talk about what to do on book launch day.
Blog Articles & Resources:
- What Should You Do on Book Launch Day? http://hub.me/anPyH
- How to be a Guest on a Podcast http://hub.me/akXwH
- Book Trailers: Best Practices for Book Marketing http://hub.me/ak8Mm
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/EWL-S6izPJU
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 What should happen on book launch day?
1:29 Doing a live in-person book launch event
3:03 The most awkward book launch event ever
7:31 Virtual book launches and book tours
9:36 Video book trailers
10:01 Non-book things to do on book launch day
10:47 What your book launch day really is
Some authors just keep writing, writing, writing and publishing, publishing, publishing... and are getting nowhere. If this describes you, you may be self publishing too many books. I explain why that's a problem and what to do about it.
Blog: Are You Self Publishing Too Many Books? http://hub.me/anPnb
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/D-kZp3YqOpA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Why authors self publish too much
2:09 How do you kick the habit of self publishing too many books?
4:47 Advertising on Amazon won't build your fan base
Pen names, or pseudonyms, can be a great way to create an author brand and persona, and keep your work in multiple genres separate. But using a pen name has both rewards and risks. I discuss what you need to know.
Blog: Should You Use a Pen Name for Your Self Published Books? http://hub.me/anQ2A
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MnnH2YnMiBA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:49 When using a pen name is a good idea
1:43 Your real identity could get revealed
3:35 Copyrights and pen names
4:27 Setting up author pages for pen names on Amazon
5:37 Too many pen names equals too much marketing
7:14 Are you covering up a secret life?
8:16 Diversity and inclusion issues with pen names
Often self publishing success coaching programs showcase the success the presenter or outstanding customers have attained. But just as I expect, these programs and strategies have some serious flaws, primary of which is the "If it worked for me, it'll work for you" fallacy.
In this episode, I share what to look out for when buying self publishing coaching or any coaching programs.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/q4rMXGCbbww
0:10 Why self publishing coaching programs are heartbreaking for me
0:52 The world's greatest self publishing success program... for free
1:41 The "If it worked for me, it'll work for you" fallacy
1:53 The craziest self publishing & coaching claims I've heard
8:14 Do money back guarantees guarantee success?
9:43 5 questions to ask when buying self publishing success coaching
Blog: Online Business Coaching Programs: What You Know Before You Buy http://hub.me/al6F9
Udemy Courses:
How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
How to Self Publish a Nonfiction Kindle eBook Like a Pro https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-a-nonfiction-kindle-ebook-like-a-pro/?referralCode=B0919FA7E454FEA26B72
Using Public Speaking to Get Sales https://www.udemy.com/course/public-speaking-to-get-sales/?referralCode=C69F51196FEA69C66A44
Reader magnets are usually freebie eBooks that self published authors give away in exchange for collecting a reader’s email address. In years past, it was common for self published authors to give away a free chapter of their books to encourage email opt ins, and ultimately a sale of the full book. Or an author would give away an entire shorter book to lure readers to purchase additional books or future editions of a book series. But do they really work to build fans and book sales?
Blog: What is a Reader Magnet for Book Marketing? http://hub.me/anNF0
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/6pnMiwJctU4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:39 What is a reader magnet?
1:17 Benefit of reader magnets
1:42 Downsides of using reader magnets
3:29 Services that help with reader magnet programs
5:33 Driving web traffic to your reader magnet is tough
9:07 How email trends impact reader magnet marketing
Children's books seem so simple, right? But don't let that fool you! Children's books are a huge challenge, especially for self published authors. I share what you need to know about taking on this daunting type of project.
Blog: Writing a Children's Book Challenges http://hub.me/akUhN
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/uhpMy5z-nTY
Timestamp show notes (click on a timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Doing a children's book is tougher than it looks
1:01 The issue of age appropriateness for kids' books
2:16 Grade reading level and readability testing
3:29 A children's book is not always a picture book
4:23 Children's book illustration issues
6:07 Content maturity issues for kids books
6:56 Marketing issues for children's books
7:36 Hire a children's book editor
8:53 Is traditional publishing a better choice?
A self published author was concerned to discover that a new book with a very similar title was appearing before hers in search on Amazon. She feared that this other book would take away her visibility on Amazon and Google, even though hers was published much earlier. Were her fears justified?
Blog: What If Another Book Has the Same Title as Yours? http://hub.me/anLe7
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/586ZiPg2j7M
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Are authors' fears of other books with similar titles to theirs justified?
1:03 Books with the same title may not be the same
2:22 In US, titles are not copyrightable, but may be trademarked
4:02 Why I'm not concerned about similar titles on Amazon or Google
6:27 Readers want you and your book, not any book with the same title
Are you a great cook or chef who wants to self publish a cookbook? Then this episode is for you! I discuss all the issues you'll need to address for your self published cookbook project.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/yqeKzA5HlgI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:32 First step in writing your self published cookbook
1:44 Photo issues for self published cookbooks
2:46 Color or black & white printing?
4:12 Paperback or hardcover cookbook?
6:20 Kindle eBook cookbooks?
7:18 Copyright issues with cookbooks
9:19 Allergen, health and nutrition info?
9:56 Using brand name ingredients?
Blog:
- How to Self Publish a Cookbook http://hub.me/aloyH
- Stock Photo Issues for Self Published Cookbooks and How-To Books http://hub.me/am5J5
Collaborating on a book can be a fun and fulfilling project between family, friends, or colleagues. But co-authored books add several issues to all the challenges of individual self publishing. I explain.
Blog: Self Publishing a Co-Authored Book: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/anKqg
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/cVM0--d0ctM
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:32 What is a co-authored book?
3:12 Why self published co-authored books are messy
6:20 Real-life example of a co-authored book project gone wrong
I get many inquiries from authors who want to write a memoir, autobiography, or family biography. But they've never written a book before. Here's how and why I discourage them from doing so.
Blog: Do You Really Need to Write a Memoir or Biography? http://hub.me/anJ36
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/eh3PpjpgL0U
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What are legacy books?
1:09 What's the problem with memoirs and biographies?
2:18 "My first, and maybe only/last, book."
2:58 The words-per-pound problem
5:04 Why memoir and biography authors don't care about the market
5:59 What memoir and biography authors really want... and how to get it
7:56 The video alternative
Writing is only one of the skills you need if you want to become a self published author. Surprisingly, writing is the easiest of the skills. The rest? Well, they'll challenge you. Find out what skills you'll need to develop for self publishing.
Blog: What Skills Do Self Published Authors Need to Have? http://hub.me/anJYp
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/TpcjQcUyHfc
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
2:19 They don't know what they don't know about self publishing
3:12 Self published authors need to be entrepreneurs
3:58 Skill: Self editing
4:21 Skill: Choosing a business model
4:47 Skill: Book production and quality control
5:18 Skill: Basic accounting
6:12 Skill: Book marketing and sales
6:50 Skill: Emotional skills
7:16 Where to learn these skills
8:00 What impatient self published authors want, but what they really need
8:58 The one self publishing skill you shouldn't outsource
I occasionally get inquiries from self published authors who want to sell large quantities of their books to organizations such as schools or corporations. These are referred to a bulk book orders or volume sales. Here's what you need to know about making these sales.
Blog: Selling Bulk Orders of Your Self Published Books: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/anJET
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MsyJjga6ZDI
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:45 What is a bulk book order or volume sale?
1:29 Author copies don't earn royalties
2:04 Why you might not want to offer a discount
4:14 Shipping and sales tax issues for bulk book orders
5:30 Challenges of selling bulk book orders
A book series can be challenging for self publishing. I discuss what you need to know before you make a commitment to doing a series.
Blog: Self Publishing a Book Series: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/anIkF
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/x2qBs2l8x_M
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:42 When should you start a book series?
1:07 Why new authors have trouble with book series
1:39 The sequel problem with book series
2:30 How many books should be in your book series?
6:33 Tips for branding your book series
9:53 Should you tell readers your book is the first in a series?
“What are the best niches?” This is understandably a question that many self published authors have. We want to make sure that we get a return on our self publishing investments. But this is not an easy question to answer. I discuss what a “best” niche is and how to find ones that are best for you.
Blog: What are the Best Niches for Self Published Books? http://hub.me/anHAP
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/VRj10yw-tGo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:36 What is defined as a best niche?
3:56 The best niche for your self published books.
4:17 Your best niche might not be best for sales.
6:29 How to evaluate your niche on Amazon.
9:52 How to keep up with publishing trends and news.
Almost everyone seems to want to write a book, though not everyone can or should do it. As a writer, author, or editor, you could get trapped into fulfilling someone else's book writing dream. I explain the issues surrounding these impossible dream projects, as well as how to avoid getting suckered into them.
Blog: How to Handle Book Writing Requests that are Impossible Dreams http://hub.me/anGEV
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/2sETZvNWCNI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Everyone wants to write a book, but some can't or shouldn't
0:40 Real life examples of impossible dream book projects
4:13 Biggest problems with these book projects
5:12 The legal issues with these books
6:32 These book dreamers need ghostwriters
7:55 Authors and writers are not charities!
8:13 Why and how dreamers impose on writers
10:10 What book dreams really want
12:31 Thinking outside the book
Barely a week goes by where I don’t see some “I won’t work with Amazon” outburst from an author on social media. I think the problem stems from them not understanding their author relationship with Amazon. I explain that relationship in this episode.
Blog: Do You Understand Your Author Relationship with Amazon? http://hub.me/anFPS
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/9DeLsovldPE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 "I won't work with Amazon"
1:15 Your author relationship with Amazon
2:50 Tech headaches you avoid when working with Amazon
7:08 Avoid customer service issues when working with Amazon
8:49 Will I ever quit working with Amazon?
Be careful with photos in your self published books! A question from an author forum prompted me to share these tips to help keep you out of copyright hot water, save money, and provide a better user experience.
Blog: Using Photos in Self Published Books: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/anBev
U.S. Copyright Office Circular 15a on Duration of Copyright: https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ15a.pdf
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/V5eyhwYwnpI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:12 One rule of thumb for using photos
1:07 What about "old" photographs and images?
2:25 Why you need permission to use photos
4:50 Your headshot and book cover photos
6:22 Stock photography issues
8:10 Photo quality that's needed for print books
8:29 Photo issues for eBooks
10:46 How photos can make your book outdated
13:19 Photos for fiction books? Nonfiction?
14:18 Take a tip from the big trade publishers
Podcasting is the hot new content format. But is anyone making money at it? How can you make money from your podcast? I share the real deal when it comes to podcast monetization.
Blog: How to Make Money Podcasting: What are Your Possibilities? http://hub.me/anAT6
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ywTtBdyABIE
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Podcasts are growing
0:46 Podcast advertising
1:21 Dynamic ad insertion for podcasts
2:48 Podcast sponsorships
3:55 Why podcasts aren't that attractive for advertisers
6:15 Paid podcast subscriptions
6:29 Apple, Spotify, etc. don't pay podcasters
8:22 Selling your other products and services on podcasts
10:38 Why podcasts may not sell lots of books
12:40 The podcast marketing double whammy
13:15 Why you should do a podcast
Authors often fret about getting 4-star reviews on Amazon for their books. Prompted by an exchange on social media, I rant on the Amazon ratings system.
Blog: Why a 4-Star Review on Amazon Isn't Bad http://hub.me/anzYi
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rd0scmk8oKE
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 The social media exchange that inspired this rant
2:11 Myth: Anything less than a 5-star review is bad
2:27 Why Amazon named their stores 4-Star Stores
4:12 Why hoping for all 5-star reviews is unprofitable and ego-driven
5:15 Ratings and reviews are feedback, not rewards
6:34 Very few buyers actually rate and review Amazon purchases
7:35 Why 5-star reviews don't mean high quality
9:12 Why customers may view all 5-star reviews as suspicious
11:01 Some buyers are always negative
11:56 No one knows how Amazon's algorithm works
13:49 Competition is fierce on Amazon
14:37 You have no control over customer reviews and ratings
15:11 Do low ratings and reviews on Amazon really cause low sales?
16:14 Factors you can control that impact your book sales
Self publishing custom card decks sounds like such a cool idea for educational, inspirational, or motivational material. But they are one of the most difficult and expensive printing and publishing projects ever! I explain the things you need to watch if you're considering doing a custom deck.
Link to Full YouTube Video and Time-Stamped Show Notes (click time-stamp to jump right to that point in video):
Full YouTube video: https://youtu.be/DAnyyJX9iWI
0:11 One the most asked questions on my blog
1:33 What's involved with creating a custom card deck
2:24 How to find a custom card deck printer
4:10 Card deck customization issues
6:36 Custom card deck packaging
9:05 Custom card deck sales and distribution
10:15 ISBN numbers for custom card decks
11:48 Why I would (or wouldn't) do a card deck
12:38 How to connect with Heidi
Blog: Self-Publishing a Custom-Printed Deck of Cards
Influencer marketing is one of the hot marketing trends. But does it work for self publishing? I discuss what you need to consider before you dive into using this channel for your books.
YouTube video and Time-Stamped Show Notes (click on time stamp to go right to that section):
Full YouTube video: https://youtu.be/0FecK6L0IbI
0:21 Why I'm talking about influencer marketing now
1:29 Problems with influencer marketing
3:22 Influencer marketing platforms
4:44 Pay for performance vs. pay to post
6:44 Why influencer marketing doesn't work well for books
8:24 Who are the best influencers for self publishing?
9:32 How to connect with me
Blog: Should Influencer Marketing Be Used for Self Published Books?
I interviewed author, Lauren Darnell (@tryhardwriter on Instagram and TikTok), about her recent successful Kickstarter campaign for self publishing her children's picture book, The Day It Rained Iguanas. If you've been thinking about doing this for your next book, watch this before you launch!
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/r0Cwlp_PMBI
Timestamped show notes for YouTube (click timestamp to view segment):
0:20 Welcoming author Lauren Darnell to the show
1:36 Lauren Darnell's writing and publishing experience
2:35 Lauren's crowdfunding campaign and why she choose to self publish that way
2:57 Challenges of writing children's picture books
4:51 Why Lauren chose self publishing and Kickstarter
7:27 Tips for crowdfunding with Kickstarter
11:53 Evaluating your author platform and fan base
13:41 Planning a timeline for Kickstarter
17:12 Handling Kickstarter campaign logistics, taxes, shipping, etc.
22:16 Challenges of working with educational and children's markets
26:00 Lessons Lauren learned from the campaign
26:35 How did the coronavirus pandemic impact campaign launch?
30:07 How to reach Lauren Darnell
Want to know more about Lauren and her books? * Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LaurenDarnellAuthorpage * Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tryhardwriter/ * TikTok (@tryhardwriter)
What exactly is a book foreword? What is its function and value? Do you even need one? I explain what a book foreword, preface, introduction, and prologue are.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/_Hv3lGye7z8
0:28 What is a book foreword?
1:07 Who should write a book foreword?
5:01 What is a preface?
5:31 What is a book introduction?
6:01 What is a prologue?
6:43 Is a book foreword required?
7:19 How long should a book foreword be?
7:40 Why I declined an invitation to write a book foreword
Free online resources explaining your book's front matter:
- What is a Book Foreword?
- Parts of a Book Explained
Ugh! Lead generation books. Many entrepreneurs and authors want to do them, hoping for a big sales bonanza. In theory, they're a great idea to build your brand and business. But here's how they really work... or don't.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/IPkgBTpo-NQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Why the concept of sales lead generation books is crazy
3:45 Two entrepreneurs, two stories lead generation books
4:06 Entrepreneur #1: Looking for wider audience
6:48 Entrepreneur #2: Looking to avoid marketing and selling
8:09 My sales lead generation book fail
Blog Post: Lead Generation Books Don't Build Sales... and Here's Why
How do you know if your self published book is overpriced? And what is a right price for your book? I share an example of a self published book that was way overpriced and why that happened.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/uIVwctYfjm4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 The frustrated author who overpriced her self published book
2:58 Why decreasing your book price won't increase sales
4:04 Why you need a market competitive book price
6:21 Do you make more money on eBooks?
Here's a FREE pricing guide to help you find the right price for your book based on the market and your budget. It's free to view online, no email required to get these valuable formulas and pricing tips.
https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Self-Publishing-Tips-How-to-Price-Your-Book-or-Ebook
But if you want more information on how to sell your self published book on Amazon, check out these resources.
- Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon:
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
- Book, Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXW57RW
We've already discussed the overall results of the Book Discovery Survey. But do factors such as age, gender, and income affect the ways readers discovery books to read? You might be surprised at which of these factors has the most impact.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/xDNU2UPuuYg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Revisiting the 2020 Book Discovery Survey results
1:14 Most often used sources for book discovery by demographic breakdown
3:45 Most occasionally used sources for book discovery by demographic breakdown
5:20 Never used sources for book discovery by demographic breakdown
5:40 Why age had most influence on book discovery source choices
8:35 What does all this mean for self published authors' book marketing?
In case you missed the earlier episodes about the Book Discovery Survey...
Book Discovery Survey Results Revealed | Episode 138
Survey: Do Fiction Readers Discovery Books Differently than Nonfiction | Episode 139
Though most readers read both fiction and nonfiction, each genre is a very different reading experience. So does each genre discover books differently, too? Find out in today's episode which continues discussion on the Book Discovery Survey 2020.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/akoCfTWWSKI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Revisiting results of the 2020 Book Discovery Survey
0:39 What readers participated in the Survey?
1:26 Most often used sources for discovering books to read
2:27 Most occasionally used sources for discovering books to read
2:25 Never used sources for discovering books to read
3:48 Using social media to reach fiction and nonfiction readers
Did you miss the overall results of the Book Discovery Survey? Listen or watch now!
- Audio podcast: Book Discovery Survey Results Revealed
- YouTube video: Book Discovery Survey Results Revealed
The results of the 2020 Book Discovery Survey are in! Find out how real book readers really discover books (like yours) to read. You might be surprised.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/h0FQqzjqxZU
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Thanks for supporting the 2020 Book Discovery Survey
0:32 About the 2020 Book Discovery Survey
2:06 The Survey questions
3:47 Most often-used sources to discover books to read
8:03 Most occasionally-used sources to discover books to read
9:47 Never-used sources to discover books to read
11:52 Summary of survey research
We all know of book titles that have almost become household names such as "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," and "The E-Myth." But is that really effective for book marketing? I discuss the value and challenges of branded titles for self published nonfiction books, and why descriptive titles might work better.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/e1y152Kcjb4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 What is this book about?
1:28 Why titles are a big issue for nonfiction
2:24 Successful branded nonfiction titles
3:12 Why branded titles are challenging
4:02 My personal experience using branded titles
Blog: How to Choose a Good Book Title When Self Publishing Nonfiction http://hub.me/al4po
I've loved using Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) ads on Amazon for my self published books, but maybe not so much now. I explain what's happening with the AMS advertising platform now and how it impacts your campaigns for promoting your self published books.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/eNYwxkh-FHw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:56 Amazon ads for books used to be good
1:23 How Amazon (AMS) advertising changed
4:43 Don't increase ad spend and lose money!
7:10 Why Amazon ads are still good
8:12 2 types of advertising and when to use each one
Blog:
- Using Amazon Marketing Services for Advertising Kindle eBooks: What I've Learned http://hub.me/alEwV
- Amazon Marketing Services Advertising for Kindle eBooks: Are You Winning Ad Bids, but Losing Money? http://hub.me/am716
Udemy Course: How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
The COVID 19 coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyone and everything for even self published authors. I share some observations and news, along with tips for adjusting your self publishing efforts during this time.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/S5kxnDsKiSQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 Amazon shipping delays due to COVID19
3:20 Book launch challenges during pandemic
5:02 Should you wait to publish until pandemic is over?
5:47 Pivoting and going virtual
7:14 How pandemic could impact your creativity and productivity
9:32 Why your fans may ignore you during the pandemic
Blog: Instagram Live and Facebook Live: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Go Live Button https://turbofuture.com/internet/Instagram-Live-and-Facebook-Live-What-You-Need-to-Know-Before
Udemy Course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
Book: Understanding Your Creativity (on Amazon, Audible) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VYTDFYB
Libraries are a valuable community service. But that doesn't mean they're a great venue for your self publishing efforts. I rant on why that is.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/VvFqd21sBkM
0:10 Am I anti-library?
1:32 You won't make a lot of sales to libraries
3:22 People go to libraries to borrow, not find books to buy
4:26 Authors get nostalgic about libraries
5:27 Challenges of selling books to libraries
7:18 Even donating your book to a library is challenging
Blog: Are Libraries Helpful for Self Published Book Promotion? http://hub.me/ankTG
Giving away a signed copy of your book sounds like such a great promotional idea, right? Wrong! I explain why, and offer an alternative, in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/1dJo4fK5sM8
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:24 Free book giveaways sound like a great idea, but they're not
1:15 Problems with giveaways on recorded presentations
2:20 Data collection issues with giveaway entrants
3:41 Logistics issues with book giveaways
5:05 Giveaways attract freebie seekers
5:57 Giveaways don't attract good sales leads
6:49 Gifting your book to special people
Blog: Why You Might Not Want to Do a Book Giveaway Promotion for Your Self Published Book http://hub.me/ankjd
Creating branded merchandise (also known as promotional products, branded merch, or swag) for your self published book could be a losing investment. I explain why and offer a print on demand alternative to consider.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/w6vU53Fe2EM
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Why authors shouldn't do branded merch for their books
2:41 New print on demand option for branded merchandise
5:18 Why your author fans don't want your swag
Blog: Book Promotions Using Swag: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/amvPH
Are your sales and royalties dropping because your book or series needs some repackaging, like a new book cover? I discuss how to decide if that's the reason for your sales slump.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PC-t7SydNsQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Is a refresh or repackage of your book needed?
1:07 What is a refreshed or repackaged book?
2:17 How to make a book refresh decision?
5:09 Will a refreshed book make more sales?
6:32 Author mistake that a book refresh won't solve
Audiobook news for authors! The Audible Captions case has settled (well, mostly). And the new ACX Audio Analysis Tool can help you publish your audio book more confidently.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/70VtJfBJaSo
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Update on Audible Captions case
3:19 New ACX Audio Analysis Tool
Previous YouTube video for background on the Audible Captions case: https://youtu.be/QPXFYs7DH7Q
Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
Networking for Authors audiobook and Kindle eBook on Amazon, Audible and Apple Books https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084D4HZTR
This is a very special episode of the podcast! My fellow editor and author friend, Shayla Raquel, joined me for a conversation about author branding. She is the author of The Ten Commandments of Author Branding and the novel, The Suicide Tree. Links to Shayla's books and website--and her great resources!--is provided below.
Full YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PofTD3F--m4
Time-stamped show notes (click time-stamp to jump to that part of the video on YouTube):
0:10 Author Shayla Raquel joins the show
1:10 Shayla's book, The 10 Commandments of Author Branding
1:52 Shayla Raquel's writing, editing, and community service work
3:59 Does your book stink like rotten eggs?
7:42 Why Shayla loves constructive criticism
9:36 The First Commandment of Author Branding
14:02 Authors' privacy and social media concerns
22:48 Why Shayla no longer recommends book launch teams
28:13 How to connect with Shayla Raquel
Want to connect with Shayla?
- Website (find her email newsletter signup & social media links there): https://shaylaraquel.com/
- Books (Amazon author page): https://www.amazon.com/Curiouser-Editing/e/B0117S5DHS
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihql6U0atc_bmPB0H6RNRQ
Are sales for your self published book lagging? Is that just the natural falloff that happens with books? Or is it a sign that your book is no longer relevant and market-worthy? I explain how books can become irrelevant, and things you can do about it.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/n1uxJAR8S5U
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:38 Is your book topic outdated?
1:39 Does fiction become irrelevant?
2:48 How do you know if your book is irrelevant?
4:21 Why a book series can become irrelevant
5:27 Is a book the best way to deliver content?
9:30 Taking advantage of hot publishing trends
Blog post: Has Your Self Published Book Become Irrelevant? http://hub.me/anjsg
The Kindle Create ebook and print book formatting tool from Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) just keeps getting better and better... and it's free! I review some of the new features that I discovered and tried while creating my latest book, Networking for Authors (available on Amazon; link below).
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/wkc4hr31ysk
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:39 Kindle Create has been updated
1:51 Front matter features
2:11 New: Book manuscript file should be chapters only
4:10 Changes to chapter formatting
5:20 Back matter features
7:25 Changes to Kindle Create for print editions
9:11 Problems with Kindle Create for print
Udemy course, How to Self Publish a Nonfiction Kindle eBook Like a Pro https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-a-nonfiction-kindle-ebook-like-a-pro/?referralCode=B0919FA7E454FEA26B72
Book: Networking for Authors: How to Build Your Fan Base and Book Sales through Networking (Amazon)
Your book idea isn't that original. There, I said it. But on the odd chance that your idea is "original," that doesn't mean your "unicorn" idea will make sales. Plus, you have the "no shoes" problem. I explain all of this in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/NLcZu_652OY
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Revisiting the topic of original book ideas
1:48 Don't confuse originality with being first to market
2:21 Why your book isn't original
4:11 Amazon test for your book's originality
4:36 Original doesn't mean valuable
5:40 The "no shoes" sales problem
Think pricing your Kindle book at just 99 cents will make a lot of sales? I explain why it doesn't, and provide a tip for finding the right price for your Kindle book.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Qkz-faOtjPM
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 The 99-cent Kindle eBook myth
1:35 The 99-cent "try and buy" fallacy
3:50 99-cent price doesn't cover your costs
5:58 99-cent price doesn't increase book sales volume
7:20 How Kindle Unlimited impacts book pricing and sales
8:44 Using the KDP Pricing Support Tool
Blog: "Does Pricing Your Kindle Book at 99 Cents Boost Sales? http://hub.me/angEH
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners' Lending Library are great programs for readers... but maybe not so much for authors. I discuss what these subscription and lending programs mean for your self published royalties.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/C6ufXH1FY1U
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:33 What is Kindle Unlimited?
5:03 What is Kindle Owners Lending Library?
6:28 What is Amazon Prime Reading?
8:43 What is Kindle Lending Library?
10:30 Did I lose book sales with these programs? My results!
12:04 Why authors need to rethink subscription programs
Blog: KDP Select, Kindle Unlimited, and Kindle Lending Programs Explained http://hub.me/alEgQ
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon: https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Get Apple Podcasts and The Heidi Thorne Show on your Alexa device! https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210759
Will your self published book sales grow in the coming year? I discuss the product life cycle of books and how it is different than that for regular products. I also discuss a mindset that keeps authors on an unproductive self publishing hamster wheel, and what to do instead.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/7KB297gCvGE
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 Normal product life cycles doesn't apply to books
1:11 The waterfall sales cycle for books
2:13 Why churning out new books doesn't build sales
5:32 Maintaining peak book sales is expensive
6:44 2 things you can do to expand book sales
Blog: Will Your Self Published Book Sales Grow Over Time?
Udemy course, "How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon" https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
As the year and decade come to a close, I take a look at the publishing trends that can impact self published authors.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PFIMi53nGb4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:44 Largest selling book of 2010 decade
2:19 Print and eBook sales stats for 2010 decade
3:24 Growth of audio books
4:31 Fiction and nonfiction sales stats
5:26 Growth in voice technology
Just a quick episode wishing The Heidi Thorne Show podcast family a very Happy Holiday season! Thank you for your support and I'll look forward to continuing the conversation on self publishing in the New Year!
CRM (customer relationship management) software can be a valuable tool. But do self published authors really need it? I discuss what a CRM system does and why most authors don't need it.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/dOq0IXdEoH0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What is CRM?
1:14 How to find CRM systems
2:39 Why CRM systems don't work for most authors
5:22 Does CRM make sense for business authors?
7:28 How to decide if you need CRM
8:08 How social media can be CRM for authors
8:44 Special CRM issues for authors who are public speakers
Apple Podcasts is now on Alexa! If you love listening to content on your Alexa device, but have been frustrated by not being able to listen to your favorite Apple Podcasts (including The Heidi Thorne Show), here's good news. There's an Apple Podcasts Alexa skill! More info: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210759
How will emerging voice technologies, such as smart speakers and voice assistants, affect self publishing? What can authors do to prepare for a voice enabled future? Here's what you need to know.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/UBdKTVjE078
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
1:07 Why authors need to be concerned about voice technology
1:50 Authors needs to be more concerned with audio books than print
4:11 How voice shopping with affect authors
7:02 Voice technology stats that'll shock you
Blog: How Will Voice Technology Affect Self Published Authors http://hub.me/an99j
Udemy Course "How to Self Publish an Audio Book": https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
The Kindle Quotes (#kindlequotes) feature that's available in the Kindle app for iOS can help you easily share beautifully formatted quotes from your self published books on social media. (Sorry, it doesn't appear to be available for Android devices just yet.) I share a step-by-step mini tutorial with screenshots in the YouTube video to show you just how easy it is and the results you can achieve.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/nbDDWkKnB3Y
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Introducing Kindle Quotes feature with step-by-step screenshots
2:15 How to use this feature for your Kindle eBooks
3:51 #kindlequotes hashtag and sharing quotes on social media
Learn more about Kindle Quotes from the Amazon Kindle Store: https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=19530372011
So what is an Amazon 4-Star Store? Does it mean anything for self published authors? I share my first impressions of the Amazon 4-Star Store in Oakbrook Center in the Chicago area.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/7Q19l4O9wIM
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:10 My visit to the Amazon 4-Star Store, Oak Brook, IL
2:17 Why 4-Star Store?
3:07 Why your self published book won't be in this store
4:35 Why I wasn't impressed with this Amazon 4-Star Store
4:55 Did Amazon locate here because of other tech stores?
I answer a blog reader question about being contacted by a company who said her book had traditional publishing potential. Legit or a scam?
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/g-lBdZUOS38
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 The too-good-to-be-true phone call
0:57 Self published books may be eligible for a book deal, but unlikely to get one
2:18 Authors that do interest traditional publishers
3:11 What these suspect callers really want
5:29 Why you should be wary of these callers
For further reading https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Self-Publishing-Scams-and-How-to-Spot-Them
Are Facebook ads or ads on Amazon better for books? I share my experience with both.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/UjEdJrcg_lk
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:31 When should you use Facebook ads or Amazon ads?
1:15 Why Facebook ads don't work for book ads
4:32 Why I prefer Amazon ads for books
7:24 Why Amazon ad performance for books is slipping
10:00 Amazon ads are difficult to scale
Self published authors may be overly concerned about their book ideas getting stolen. I address these concerns... and what you should be more concerned about.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/E7hv-e-40sg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Author concerns about their book ideas being stolen
0:36 Book ideas are not copyrightable
2:14 Biggest problem with book ideas
3:05 Your book idea isn't original
3:58 What differentiates your book idea
6:06 Why self published books probably won't be counterfeited
Promoting sales of your self published books during the holidays sounds like a logical idea, right? Well, not always. I share what books might be holiday sales-worthy, the worst times to run your holiday book sales promotions and ads, and why you need to be careful with discounts.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/QShpLm5e15k
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 Is promoting your book during the holidays a good idea?
0:48 Books that are holiday sales worthy
1:14 What if your book is not holiday sales worthy?
2:46 Cautions for holiday discounts and deals
5:19 Why you shouldn't promote your book for Black Friday or Cyber Monday
6:58 Don't win sales and lose money!
8:57 Tell buyers how to buy your books
Blog:
- Promoting Holiday Sales for Your Self Published Book http://hub.me/an2sZ
- Amazon Marketing Services Advertising for Kindle Ebooks: Are You Winning Ad Bids, but Losing Money? http://hub.me/am716
I'm definitely gonna get some argument on my contrarian view about ISBN numbers! But hear me out, okay? I go over what an ISBN number is, as well as pros and cons of getting them for your self published books.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/A9Wj80C7IDA
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:52 What is an ISBN number?
2:30 How people really buy books
4:45 How your own ISBN numbers increase your costs
5:20 ISBN numbers don't help get your book in bookstores
8:21 ISBN versus ASIN
9:52 ISBN numbers don't help your book's search visibility
Blog: What is an ISBN Number? http://hub.me/alMTo
Are people reading more or less? And what book format (print, eBook, or audio book) do they prefer? I think you'll be surprised, even a bit concerned, about the research I report on in this video. But I do offer a way to future proof your self publishing efforts.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3BVBhpMzGTc
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:25 Growth in audio books
1:35 Audio books are gaining ground on eBooks
2:28 Print books are still strong
3:22 Book reading overall is falling
3:47 Books aren't books, they're content
Link to my Udemy course, "How to Self Publish an Audio Book." NOTE: Discount mentioned in video has expired.
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?referralCode=75A2310A555CB12AFE4C
TikTok is an emerging social media (?) platform that is short, vertical video content. It's gaining a lot of popularity with younger audiences. But is it worth using for business and for building your author brand? I share my experience with TikTok so far.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/by4zosSmjjA
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:29 What is TikTok?
2:55 How is TikTok different from other social media?
8:16 Is TikTok like YouTube or IGTV?
11:52 What type of content is on TikTok?
14:56 How content creation is challenging on TikTok
16:39 Is TikTok good for business?
18:19 What advertising options are on TikTok?
Blog: What is TikTok? Is It Worth Using for Business? http://hub.me/amZFA
The debate about the new Audible Captions feature has gone to court! I share my thoughts on why I don't think it's that big a deal... and the BIG question at the heart of it all. So where do you stand?
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/QPXFYs7DH7Q
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What is the issue with Audible Captions?
1:27 Why I disagree with Audible Captions concerns
2:21 The real issue: What is a "book?"
Find my audio books on Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Heidi-Thorne/B005G8AXT4
They sound like a self published author's dream! Low content books can be an alternative self publishing profit center that provide additional value for your readers, too. Find out what low content books are in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/1HIUbw8TUWg
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 The low content book trend
0:41 What is a low content book?
1:50 Examples of low content books
5:45 Do low content eBooks work?
7:34 What about low content custom card decks?
Blog: What are Low Content Books? http://hub.me/amYE6
I often get inquiries that ask,"My friend (or family member) just wrote a book. What should they do next?" Whether these folks are truly asking for a friend, or "just asking for a friend" because they don't want to tell me about their own plans, they're asking a loaded question! So in this episode, I share a quick overview of the two primary publishing paths, traditional and self publishing.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/P0wYjD_U2r0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Publishing questions from those "asking for a friend"
2:08 Getting your book manuscript together
3:59 Why your book manuscript needs to be in one document file
4:35 Why authors are in sales
5:43 Traditional publishing path
11:13 Self publishing path
Blog: "You Just Wrote a Book. Now What?" http://hub.me/amWSR
Links for my Udemy courses on self publishing. NOTE: The discounts mentioned in the podcast and video have expired.
How to Self Publish a Nonfiction Kindle eBook Like a Pro https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-self-publish-a-nonfiction-kindle-ebook-like-a-pro/?referralCode=B0919FA7E454FEA26B72
How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
The debate continues! Which is better? Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark? Both have merits. But I rant on the concerns about them that may be non-issues for most self published authors.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/64wR7rDFn08
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Hot debate in self publishing: KDP or IngramSpark?
1:45 KDP advantages and challenges
10:57 IngramSpark advantages and benefits
16:39 Why doing both KDP and IngramSpark doesn't make sense
Blog: Kindle Direct Publishing versus IngramSpark: What You Need to Know
When self published authors complain about the quality of their print on demand (POD) books that they get on KDP, do they really know what they're talking about? As someone who has worked in the publishing and printing realm for years, I discuss setting realistic expectations for your book. See the links below for more reading on the topic.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/g6A3P7y591c
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Self published authors complaints about "defective" printing
0:59 Why I'm qualified to talk about this topic
3:01 Print on demand technology
3:56 My experience with KDP print on demand book printing
4:29 What quality can you expect from KDP print on demand
6:34 Authors' unrealistic printing expectations
8:27 Protective varnish coatings for your books
12:15 Print on demand may not be right for your book
12:46 Avoiding the masterpiece "trophy book" problem
13:55 How Amazon supports you and your book for print quality
15:02 Don't listen to judgmental family and friends
15:54 Putting the print quality issue into perspective for self publishing
Blog Posts on POD and printing:
- Types of Book Binding (with explanation of POD) http://hub.me/aj8lw
- Kindle Direct Publishing Print Quality Concerns for Self Published Books http://hub.me/amW8T
My new book, Understanding Your Creativity: Discover the Internal and External Factors that Affect Your Creative Life, is available now in print, Kindle eBook, and audio book on Amazon, Audible, and Apple Books. I hope you'll check it out. Thank you for your support!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VYTDFYB
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B07WJYCSRD/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-160904&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_160904_rh_us
Do readers really judge a book by its cover these days? I contend they don't. I explain why in this rant on self published authors' obsession with book cover design.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/0kHh0nAv_K4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Authors are obsessed with their book covers
0:53 Why I think readers don't judge a book by its cover these days
1:12 Why your book cover matters less on Amazon
2:48 How your book cover could make you lose money
4:10 The era of author branding
6:12 Your book cover is just packaging
Blog: Should You Hire a Graphic Designer for Your Book Cover Design? http://hub.me/akxPZ
What if you sell your books off Amazon on either your own website or at events and expos? Should you pursue getting unverified purchase book reviews from them? I discuss these reviews in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/IQJtm1IFgsQ
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 Author questions about unverified purchase book reviews on Amazon
0:36 Authors who are most concerned about unverified purchase book reviews
1:49 Should you encourage unverified purchase book reviews?
2:34 Why unverified purchase book reviews may have less value
4:04 Why book buyers do and don't leave book reviews
7:04 Why authors who sell direct to customers may not care about Amazon reviews
"But they said they bought my book!" That's a common lament from first-time self published authors. If you didn't sell it to them directly, how do you know if your family and friends actually bought your book? I explain book sales reporting and customer review issues for off-Amazon sales. I also discuss why sales of your book to your family and friends can be the worst sales.
Blog: The Problem with Convenience and Pity Buys http://hub.me/al1YX
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/EUY_UG6lXOg
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Authors panic over who bought their book
0:49 Only way to know if a certain person bought your book
1:32 Tracking book sales on Amazon and expanded distribution
2:46 Why friends might lie about buying your book
5:01 How long does it take for book sales to show on reports?
6:50 Book sales may have slow growth
7:13 Worst book sales ever: Pity buys
8:11 How do expanded distribution book reviews show on Amazon?
Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon:
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
I've been using email marketing since 2005. I discuss why email marketing isn't the powerhouse tool it used to be, along with what to do now in this new marketing era.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/iEtMuxdelLw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 Why I'm not subscribing to email newsletters
2:23 Email opt-in incentives aren't the answer
2:53 How information overload impacts email marketing
3:26 Why multichannel marketing makes sense now
6:01 Why I'm concerned about Facebook Messenger type marketing
8:16 Watch social media trends and adjust your marketing
More resources on email marketing from my blog:
- Building an email list: http://hub.me/akVTC
- Email marketing alternatives: http://hub.me/alV2L
- Does list size matter? http://hub.me/akaSb
Wanna know why your book might not appeal to your target audience? I discuss why by sharing a story about my recent visit to a science lab. I also offer some tips for figuring out if your book is appropriate for your intended reader.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/43WbDGh0LLo
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 My staycation that inspired this episode
2:46 Who is your book for?
3:57 Why "who is this for" question is critical for children's books
5:03 Using editors and beta readers to clarify your reading audience
5:45 Why books for "everyone" are for "no one"
I go on a bit of a rant about marketing gurus who tell content creators to make better content if nobody likes what they create. Who's "nobody?" And how do you determine if your content is really bad, or if it's just not getting love due to other factors? I share how to figure out if you're delusional.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/hA4MJdWVOZw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 Who is "nobody?"
1:18 Is your content in the early adoption phase?
2:11 Why your niche may be too small
2:58 Dealing with information overload
5:07 Dealing with extreme competition
6:41 Dealing with slow adoption for content medium
9:05 How do you know if you're fooling yourself?
10:12 Watching for trends
Blog: Do People Hate What You Create? How to Know http://hub.me/amQcU
Have you ever heard of editorial reviews for books? I explain what they are, how they differ from customer reviews, and how self published authors can leverage them to give their books more credibility and visibility.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ykUg46SZRkw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What is an editorial review?
1:20 How editorial reviews are different than customer reviews
3:46 Where do you post editorial reviews?
4:36 How to use editorial reviews in book marketing
6:58 Find a editorial reviewer who is relevant
Blog: What is an Editorial Review? http://hub.me/amQbN
Should you launch the print book or eBook edition first? Or should you launch them together? I share pros and cons of staggering the launch of your book's print and electronic editions.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/QFFVZ-QUOz4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 How an author friend's book launch bummed me out
0:52 Why a staggered book launch doesn't work today
2:28 When a staggered book launch makes sense
3:24 What is a soft book launch?
4:19 Why I release all book formats at the same time
Authors can get so lazy when preparing their Kindle eBooks. I explain why they are and how being lazy about the eBook version ruins readers' user experience.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/59FRXKJmVls
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:23 The awful Kindle eBook that prompted this rant
1:59 Why PDFs don't work on Kindle
4:25 Why you should use Microsoft Word and Kindle Create for your eBook
4:58 Authors are obsessed with their print editions
7:07 Pay attention to your users' experience
Live in-person events, expos, and trade shows seem like a great way to connect with readers and make self published book sales. But since they can be a substantial financial investment, you need to know how to assess if it's right for you. In this podcast, I share my experience from working in the trade show industry, as well as an exhibitor at smaller networking events and expos.
Blog: Selling Your Self Published Book at Events and Expos http://hub.me/amPjI
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/DjIva7AFp5s
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:31 2 Types of value you can get from events and expos
0:42 PR value of events and expos
1:04 Sales value of events and expos
2:27 Sales and income tax issues of selling at events and expos
4:37 Event organizers don't know who attends their events
5:19 Why you should attend event first before exhibiting
7:40 Attendees may want to buy, just not at the event
8:20 How do you find events?
Thinking about switching genres or writing in multiple genres? Cool. But have you thought about how that could affect your life and writing career? Here's what you need to know about using pseudonyms (pen names) and marketing for multiple genres.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/A1-_fODCyP4
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 What is a cross genre author?
0:50 Being a cross-genre author is challenging
3:02 Using pseudonyms for alternative genres
5:55 How writing in multiple genres increases your costs
6:29 Why authors switch genres
Blog: Becoming a Cross-Genre Author: What You Need to Know http://hub.me/amNUu
Authors can get so excited about launching their books that they don't plan for promoting their books in the long term. I offer some thoughts on long-term book marketing for your backlist (I explain what that is, too).
Blog: Beyond the Book Launch: Selling Your Self Published Books' Backlist http://hub.me/amNwq
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/uo3rc9MODfE
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 Authors don't prepare for after the book launch
0:57 What is your backlist?
1:55 Backlist titles are valuable
2:49 How to think long term for your books
5:06 Advertising your backlist book titles on Amazon, Facebook and Instagram
Social media platforms are doing everything they can to keep people on them. And that's not good news for self published authors' book promotions. I explain what native social media is and how it will change your book marketing tactics.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/iqjHxkeO_Jk
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:42 What are native social media posts?
2:22 How native social media trend impacts your marketing
3:27 Why native social media trend is happening
6:41 Why social media is emphasizing live content
7:57 What should self published authors do about native social media trend?
Blog: What are Native Social Media Posts? http://hub.me/amMia
Are you embarrassed by your previous books and just want a do-over on them? Should you rewrite your old books? What happens to the old editions on Amazon? I discuss it all in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rVrE8me3hVk
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
1:05 How unpublishing your book works on KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
3:17 When you should upload a new book manuscript to KDP
4:17 When is an updated manuscript actually a new edition?
6:01 Why new editions are common with nonfiction
6:49 Do you lose reviews and ratings for the previous edition when you offer a new edition?
8:03 How to create something new from your previous editions
8:52 Is embarrassment driving you to create a new edition?
Blog: Blog: Should You Unpublish and Republish Your Old Self Published Books? http://hub.me/amMpq
Authors can often be tempted to create a separate website for their books. Seems cheap and easy to do until... well, I explain in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/S91mnrSGW6E
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:29 Does your book need a separate webpage, website, or Facebook page?
1:57 The real cost of setting up a separate web presence for your book
6:24 What do big name authors do for their books?
7:04 Get your free Amazon author page on Author Central
Blog:
Should You Set Up a Book Page on Your Website? http://hub.me/amkDQ
Should You Buy a Domain Name for Your Book Title? http://hub.me/ajd3k
Swag, which is slang for imprinted promotional products and merchandise, can be very effective for marketing. But when it comes to self published books, it can be a huge money waster. I explain why in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/i6IR1I16KMM
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:25 What is swag?
1:38 Why promotional products ads are deceiving
4:17 How would you send swag to your readers?
5:54 You don't make enough to justify buying promotional products for your books
7:51 Why it's illogical to reward readers with promotional products
9:18 My book, SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business
Read these tips on my blog: https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Book-Promotions-Using-Swag-What-You-Need-to-Know
Listen to a FREE sample of my audio book, SWAG: How to Choose and Use Promotional Products for Marketing Your Business, on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B07FXZ2DDQ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-123241&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_123241_rh_us
Or get SWAG on Amazon in print or eBook at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J1RP5H6
I've never used a book launch team, and don't recommend them for self published authors. Not only do they dance on the edge of Amazon policy violations and ethics, they could impact your early book sales, too. I rant on why in this episode. Got an opinion? Connect with me on Twitter (@heidithorne).
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/0Cxp93R5mcc
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:11 What is a book launch team?
1:33 Why book launch teams may violate Amazon policy
2:41 Book launch teams use the guilt factor
3:44 Book launch teams are not beta readers
4:08 Gaming the system with book launch teams
6:35 Most unethical use of a book launch team
7:22 How book launch teams hurt your book sales
8:25 Problems with sending PDFs to reviewers
10:07 Alternatives to book launch teams
13:54 New audio book, Blogging for Money
If you'd rather read my rant, here ya go: https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Book-Launch-Teams-Why-I-Dont-Recommend-Them-for-Self-Publishing
And here's the link to listen to a FREE sample of my new audio book on Audible, Blogging for Money: Myths and Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Blog for Profit: https://www.audible.com/pd/B07R43RXQK/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-149948&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_149948_rh_us
You can also get the new audio book on Amazon and iTunes Audio Books.
Something that just drives me nuts on social media is when self published authors post a photo of their proposed book covers for feedback. Why does that bother me so much? You'll understand why from my rant in this episode. And you might think twice about doing it for your next book. I also offer tips on properly getting feedback for your cover.
Blog: Do You Really Want Feedback on Your Self Published Book Cover? http://hub.me/amHDn
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/T5skln9Lvz8
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 How self published authors drive me nuts on social media
1:19 What authors really want when they post book covers on social media
2:29 Why authors post book covers to reassure themselves
3:32 Why book covers aren't as important as they used to be
5:59 Posting your book cover for feedback is not book promotion
7:32 How to get genuine feedback on your book cover
8:33 Don't ask your friends and family for feedback
9:50 The focus group problem with feedback
10:22 How people really decide to buy your book
There's a scary thought for self published authors! What would you do if Amazon went away? While that's really unlikely for the foreseeable future, it doesn't hurt to think about it. I offer tips for future-proofing your self published books.
Blog: https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Self-Published-Authors-What-If-There-Was-No-Amazon
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/BvsGt82vc6w
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 Why Amazon and KDP are excellent for self publishing
1:31 What if Amazon went away? Lessons from Sears
3:12 How can you protect your book investment in Amazon and KDP?
4:34 ISBN number issues in a non-Amazon future
7:20 Look for non-exclusive agreements and copyright protections on non-KDP platforms
7:59 Selling your books in a non-Amazon world
9:28 2 ways to future-proof your self publishing investments
11:43 Announcing Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Books on Amazon
Link to Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Books on Amazon (note that the discount mentioned in the episode has since expired):
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
In past episodes about the Thorne Self Publishing Survey, we talked about what drives authors to self publish. But what doesn't motivate them to take that route? I have to confess that I can totally relate to their answer. And what doesn't motivate is just as interesting as what does!
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/8tpDHhwEF04
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:26 Factors that do motivate self published authors
0:46 What doesn't motivate self published authors?
1:07 Authors who don't know why they want to self publish
1:27 Social comparative factors that don't motivate authors
4:28 Why social comparative factors don't motivate authors
7:10 Introducing Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon
Link to Udemy course, How to Sell Your Self Published Book on Amazon:
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-sell-your-self-published-book-on-amazon/?referralCode=CC4046D09C80264BC0BE
Selling self published books is tough. And it's getting tougher. In this episode, I share three mega trends that are affecting how much we make from self publishing.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/dqjmJPg0HO4
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:31 3 mega trends impacting self publishing income
0:49 Mega trend #1: Too many books
3:49 Mega trend #2: Competition from other content
5:17 Mega trend #3: Subscriptions
7:00 How Kindle Unlimited pays royalties to authors
8:54 How can you beat these trends?
With self publishing being easier than it's ever been in history, do self published authors still consider pursuing a book deal with a traditional publishing company? I share results from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. And is there any justification for pursuing a traditional book deal these days?
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/cf0zUOuW_h8
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:36 How many self published authors consider traditional book deals?
1:47 Considering traditional book deal before or after self publishing?
2:45 Do authors who haven't self published yet consider traditional book deals?
3:47 What do authors expect from traditional publishing book deals?
7:43 Announcement on Self Publishing to Make Money book
Want more surprising survey results? Get the full report on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Also, get a copy of my book, Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXW57RW
The audio edition of my book is on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B07PQSZNVL/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-145994&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_145994_rh_us
Did we see an rise in self publishing income from 2016 to 2018? I discuss with results from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. I also dive into what is impacting self publishing income, and a couple things you can do about it.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Cm2HjUJ2IEI
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
1:15 How book pricing strategies affect book sales income
2:46 What is your backlist of book titles?
3:49 Impact of increasing competition
5:24 How Kindle Unlimited impacts your income
6:45 Your income depends on your author platform
Plus, my latest book, Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know, is now available in audio book on Audible! Listen to a free sample by clicking here.
Want more stats from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey? Get the full report on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Is there a mysterious X factor that determines whether you'll make book sales as a self published author? I review some common factors that we've discussed in previous episodes, along with additional insight.
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WlMZOMXX9Lc
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:42 Factors that could impact self published book sales
3:19 This is the X factor that determines your book sales
3:30 How your niche market impacts your book sales
4:43 How to determine size of your niche market
7:44 Don't blame yourself for low book sales
8:44 Competition for your book is huge
9:44 A key factor in making book sales
Full report on the 2018 Self Publishing Survey on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Audio book recording is challenging! And one of the toughest things is reading what's actually on the page. I offer some tips for learning how to read your manuscript.
Video podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AHyLln70Ofs
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:57 ACX Audible Whispersync technology means no ad libbing!
2:36 Tips for improving your audio book recording and narration skills
Also, check out my audio books on Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Heidi-Thorne/B005G8AXT4
Authors who are coaches, consultants, and small business owners often self publish to help promote their businesses. But do they make more money from self publishing than authors who are non-business owners? I discuss results from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/9DTxNwaFago
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 How many authors were business owners in 2018 Self Publishing Survey?
2:17 Did business ownership affect these authors' book sales?
3:23 Why do business owners want to self publish books?
5:59 Does a "business card" or "lead generation" book help build a business' sales?
7:17 Should you write and self publish a book for your content marketing?
10:18 New book, "Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know," made with Kindle Create
Can't wait to hear all the results from the 2018 Self Publishing Survey on the podcast? Get the full report on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
My new book that I mentioned in the podcast, Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know, is available on Amazon (print, eBook, and Audible audio book): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXW57RW
I took the new Kindle Create for Print feature for a test drive. It's still in Beta mode, but I'm impressed so far. While I explain things as best I can in the audio podcast, I'd really suggest that you check out the YouTube video so that you can see the results. Here's the link.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/LzU6x43r04A
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:12 Introducing the Kindle Create tool (beta)
1:19 Changes for print proof copies
1:51 How Kindle Create works... and works better than the old Createspace
2:47 The 2 most amazing Kindle Create features
4:17 Formatting your book in Kindle Create
6:18 What doesn't work well yet in Kindle Create beta
And I'd strongly suggest getting my new book, Self Publishing to Make Money: What You Need to Know, to check the results for yourself in real life AND get some great information on self publishing. It's on Amazon in eBook, print, and audio book (Audible) at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NXW57RW
Logically, you would think that if you self publish more books, you should make more money, right? I share results from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey on author income as it relates to number of books published.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/lQkVoqvi1LA
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:25 Self publish more books, make more money?
1:12 Most popular self published income answer for all published book quantities
1:47 Self published income breakdown by number of books published
7:42 Should you self publish more books?
Full results of the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Is age a factor in how much an author makes from self publishing? I share what the results of the 2018 Self Publishing Survey say about that.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/vMel3evm7-M
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:28 What age of authors participated in the Self Publishing Survey?
1:56 Do older or younger authors more money from self publishing?
2:37 Why did authors in their 50s have slightly different results?
3:52 Why the youngest and oldest authors have similar motivations for self publishing
5:51 Another statistical test to see if age affects self publishing income
Get the full results of the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Who makes more money? Nonfiction or fiction authors? I share results from my 2018 Self Publishing Survey, along with reasons why you don't want to be jumping genres.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/xi7GqRRGD1k
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to watch segment on YouTube):
0:39 How many fiction and nonfiction authors participated in the survey
1:41 Who makes more? Fiction or nonfiction?
1:53 Most popular self publishing income answer for both fiction and nonfiction
2:58 Does strictly doing fiction or nonfiction make a difference in income?
3:35 Should you switch genres to make more money?
5:05 Do authors who write books to market their business make more money?
Can't wait to hear all the survey results on the podcast? Get the Thorne Self Publishing Survey 2018 Results and Analysis report on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
A surprising finding from the 2018 Self Publishing Survey was that many participating authors had not yet published. Hmm. So when can you legitimately call yourself an author? I answer in this episode.
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Vldj4-BR0w
Can't wait to hear all the results and analysis from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey? Get the full report on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
You probably won't be surprised at what challenges self published authors! But there were some curious findings from the 2018 Self Publishing Survey.
Can't wait to get all the survey results from the podcast? Get the full 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey Results and Analysis report on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/OCIyI6Bi2F8
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:27 About the challenges question in the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey
1:09 Money challenges were top concern for self published authors in 2018
4:28 Overwhelm and skill concerns for self published authors in 2018
8:17 What doesn't challenge self published authors in 2018?
9:14 Self publishing motivation and challenge disconnect
With the often low book income that self published authors achieve, you have to wonder what motivates them to do it. Find out what drives authors to self publish in today's podcast which discusses author answers from the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey.
Can't wait to hear all the results from the survey? Get the full report on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SexKA0zZLr8
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:25 The ACME model of self publishing motivation
2:14 What achievement motivated authors in 2018?
4:02 Community motivators weren't a priority in 2018
5:40 Money wasn't a top motivator in 2018
6:49 Expression motivations ruled in 2018
8:42 The write-in answers for self publishing motivation
Here's a free sample from my audiobook, How to Network: Networking Tips for Solopreneurs and Self-Employed Consultants. The complete audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes Audiobooks. Enjoy and share this sample!
Here are the links:
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B07GRC94QW/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-125808&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_125808_rh_us
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRDYSXC
iTunes Audiobooks:https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/how-to-network-networking-tips-for-solopreneurs-self/id1434343567
Is there a gender pay gap in self publishing? I share results from my 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey.
Can't wait to hear all the results from the survey? Get the full report on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ocN0a9s3BtE
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:24 Participation by gender in the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey
1:37 Are more women self publishing than men?
4:11 Is there a gender pay gap in self publishing?
6:31 Are their book pricing gaps between genders?
Some exciting changes are happening on the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) self publishing platform. I review what's new in this quick update.
Next episode will return to our discussion on results of the 2018 Self Publishing Survey.
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xxbCpnD8ScI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:15 Kindle Create now offers Kindle eBook and paperback publishing with same file
1:25 Kindle Create can handle formatting that used to be done in Microsoft Word
1:56 Changes to Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) for book advertising
Are self published authors optimistic or pessimistic when it comes to their book income for the coming year? Find out the most popular answers for book income forecasts for 2019 in this episode.
Get the full report and analysis for the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Video podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8juPxgTD18U
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:40 Most popular self published book sales forecast for 2019
1:42 Self publishing income isn't a major source of household income
2:15 Self published authors are over optimistic with book income forecasts
5:32 2nd most popular book income forecast
8:16 What are high income self published authors forecasting?
The BIG question that everyone wants to know gets answered! I share how self published authors answered the current book income question in the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. Brace yourself.
In the next episode, I'll talk about what self published authors forecast for their income 2019. Plus, I'll be talking about so many key findings from the survey in the weeks ahead that you should subscribe to the podcast (if you haven't already) so that you don't miss an episode.
Can't wait to get the results through the podcast? Click here for the full report on Amazon.
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IDejdrEyVHU
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 About the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey
2:19 About the survey's income question
5:24 Most self published authors earn less than $1K/year
5:56 How 2018 income compares to 2016
7:01 Most popular income answer 2018
8:12 The big earners in 2018
11:24 What does this mean for all self published authors?
Happy New Year! How are you going to approach your writing in 2019? I discuss getting your mindset right about writing habits in today's episode.
YouTube video podcast: https://youtu.be/k7iWO4p_1dI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 The problem with New Year's resolutions
2:15 Writing is a habit
2:24 The Moses Problem with writing
3:49 Developing a reading habit
Just a quick episode to thank you for your support in 2018, along with a preview of what's coming in January. Happy Holidays!
Video podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fs2TqPs-Ibc
Website: https://heidithorne.com
In this episode, I rant on why you shouldn't just ask for "editing" for your book.
Blog: Types of Editing http://hub.me/akVTv
Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iWTXiXfFJ7E
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:19 Why you shouldn't ask for editing "surgery"
2:51 Authors don't understand the types of editing (developmental, line, copy)
5:32 Editing requires multiple rounds
6:21 You don't have to agree with your editor (but usually you should)
8:17 It starts with a critique
You might think you've written the next great novel. And even if you have, traditional publishers and agents are interested in more than just your book. Find out what they want in this episode.
Blog: Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which One is Right for You? http://hub.me/ak5Mw
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/O-U89q-hfZI
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:50 Self publishing or traditional publishing?
0:58 Self Publishing Survey results on authors who consider traditional book deals
1:42 Why authors still consider traditional publishing route
2:58 Why traditional publishing takes so long
4:20 Why your book almost doesn't matter when pursuing a book deal
4:36 What traditional publishers really want
6:08 Why you might end up in a publisher's slush pile
6:37 How agents help authors get published (if you can get an agent)
9:30 Why authors turn to self publishing... and why I only self publish
If you participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this November, good for you. But I honestly don't like programs like this. I explain why in this episode.
Blog: How Many Words Should a Book Be? http://hub.me/al1Sc
2018 Self Publishing Survey Results (podcast): https://heidithorne.podbean.com/e/survey-how-much-do-self-published-authors-make-the-heidi-thorne-show-episode-66/
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PVlTKBSnTz0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:29 What is NaNoWriMo?
1:35 Why I don't like artificial restraints like NaNoWriMo
2:12 The "I love you" test for books
3:24 Don't pad your book with filler!
4:10 Why you can't measure a book's value by word count
5:09 The "words per pound" problem with book writing
5:32 Where word count does matter
5:57 The "War and Peace" problem
7:00 Avoiding "brain vomit"
8:23 The real value of your book
8:50 What to do after NaNoWriMo
The big question on every author's mind: Can you make money self publishing? Well, technically, yes. But I talk about what you need to consider in this episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/EqmO5ZKGQ3U
0:18 Self Publishing Survey update
1:25 The question isn't can you make money; it's how much
2:14 Royalties versus revenues
3:24 Selling print books direct to customers
5:14 Selling eBooks direct to customers
7:05 Profit and loss analysis for selling direct
8:00 Cost analysis for selling on KDP or other platforms
10:05 The upside of self publishing
Blog: https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Can-You-Make-Money-from-Self-Publishing
2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey Results and Analysis: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH8T9YG
Hard to believe the Kindle has only been around since 2007. In this episode, we celebrate Kindle's anniversary and I share how it's impacted my life and work.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/u0-meBw2T9g
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:16 How I got started with Kindle
1:03 Kindle's Anniversary (November 19, 2007)
1:14 Why I didn't immediately jump on board with Kindle eBooks
2:51 The gift that changed my life
4:45 Converting to the Kindle app
5:26 Why I love Amazon for giving us Kindle and KDP
To see all my Kindle eBooks, visit my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon.com.
Bummed because your self published book isn't in the big retail bookstores? Don't be! I explain why, along with issues of selling through independent bookstores, in this episode.
Click here to read my blog post, Why Isn't My Self Published Book for Sale in Bookstores?
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/oKdjwbcBsaw
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:29 How bookstores used to be
1:49 Why I don't care if my books are in bookstores
3:00 What expanded distribution means on KDP
4:20 Why bookstores don't really carry that many books
4:56 Why bookstores don't want to work with self published authors
5:32 Consignment sales with local bookstores
9:35 Where most self published books are sold
Some self publishing companies offer "promotion" assistance as part of their service packages for authors. But you need to understand what that means! I explain some of the terminology so you know what you're buying!
Resource: How to write a press release: https://toughnickel.com/industries/How-to-Write-a-Press-Release-for-a-Small-Business
Resource: How to distribute a press release: http://heidithorne.hubpages.com/hub/Where-to-Submit-a-Press-Release-So-It-Gets-Read
2018 Self Publishing Survey Results (YouTube video): https://youtu.be/IDejdrEyVHU
2018 Self Publishing Survey Results (Podcast): https://heidithorne.podbean.com/e/survey-how-much-do-self-published-authors-make-the-heidi-thorne-show-episode-66/
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/K7DFTK0Y9N0
Timestamp show notes (click on timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:13 Self Publishing Survey update
0:46 Self publishing company "packages"
1:36 Book promotion is not the same as book marketing and advertising
2:46 What self publishing companies mean by "book distribution"
4:33 What self publishing companies mean by "press releases"
7:16 Why the talk shows won't want you as a guest
7:41 What self publishing companies mean by "viral promotion"
9:41 Why you have to do your own book marketing
Getting organic book reviews is tough! But forcing your friends and others to do reviews isn't the answer either. I discuss some ways to professionally approach potential book reviewers in today's episode.
Blog: Asking Friends for Book Reviews
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/MA7kOmHYrlo
Timestamped show notes (click timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
1:05 Here's why getting organic reviews online is so difficult
1:45 Online reviews can be very polarized
2:58 Problems with friendly reviews at book launch
4:55 How giving away free copies of your book hurts your book sales
5:30 Don't make your friends feel bad if they don't want to review your book
6:30 Don't force copies of your book on potential reviewers
10:55 Why you should buy review copies for your reviewers
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), Amazon's audio book publishing platform, is hosting FREE training for audio book publishers and producers, October 29 - November 2, 2018. Topics will include narration, audio book marketing, ACX Quality Assurance and more.
For details, visit https://acxuniversity.com (I am not associated with ACX, except for earning royalties as an audio book publisher, and am just passing along this info as a PSA.)
_________________________
While this free ACX training is great for those who are already producing audio books, if you need to know the basics, check out my Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book, and use Promo Code PODCAST for a special discount. (My Udemy course is not offered by, associated with, endorsed or approved by ACX, Amazon or Audible.)
As a professional editor, I should probably tell you never to self edit. But I know there are situations where it is an inevitable and practical choice. So in today's episode, I share 3 techniques for more effective self editing of your book (or other writing).
Blog: How to Self Edit (Even Though You Shouldn't)
View the YouTube video of the podcast at: https://youtu.be/gcDrTlSoTz8
Timestamped show notes (click to view segment on YouTube:
0:14 An editor telling you how to self edit your book?
0:34 Self editing if you have no money
1:21 When hiring an editor isn't worth the money
2:22 Editing before you send manuscript to pro editor
2:59 How to self edit your book
3:42 Using time to improve your editing
7:05 How seeing your manuscript in print or another format can improve your editing
8:32 Using online editing tools
But if you find you really need an editor, connect with me at https://fiverr.com/thornecomm5r
Just because the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) system can process your manuscript file in 24-48 hours, doesn't mean that your book only takes that long to self publish! Find how long it really takes to self publish in this podcast episode.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/NkG0U6ifmdA
Timestamp show notes (click timestamp to view segment on YouTube):
0:12 News about the Kindle Create tool for KDP
2:15 You can publish fast on KDP, but...
3:01 How much time should you allow for each step in the self publishing process?
At a writers' conference, I was shocked to hear that authors were considering crowdfunding (e.g. Kickstarter) their self published book projects. What? And why? In this episode, I explain what this is all about and question if it's just crazy or creative. I also explain the difference between crowdfunding and crowdsourcing.
To watch the video for this episode on YouTube, go to: https://youtu.be/WoMlc5UexIQ
Timestamped show notes (click on timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:13 What got me thinking about crowdfunding for self publishing
1:41 Crowdfunding vs. crowdsourcing
2:43 How crowdfunding is done
3:25 Why would anyone want to fund your book project?
5:09 Why would authors consider crowdfunding a self published book?
7:48 Why you need to do a profit & loss analysis
10:15 Why I probably wouldn't crowdfund a book
My favorite business show, Shark Tank, is starting another season! For those who don't watch, Shark Tank is a reality competition show where entrepreneurs pitch their business or product idea to venture capital investor "sharks." Got me thinking about how our books--especially traditionally published, but self published ones, too--are like entrepreneurial projects. Listen to today's podcast (on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or Podbean) for some key questions you need to answer about investments in book projects.
For a review of the questions asked in the podcast, visit my blog post on ToughNickel: https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Authors-Would-You-and-Your-Book-Survive-on-Shark-Tank
To watch the video of the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E_hY88rtp1A
0:13 Why I love Shark Tank
0:38 Why authors are like entrepreneurs
1:02 Why authors' book pitches to publishers fail
1:38 Questions traditional publishers want answered
2:11 Who is the ideal reader for your book?
2:42 How big is the market for your book?
3:10 Is your book selling anywhere?
4:20 Understand trends for your genre or topic
4:54 How big is your author platform?
6:48 Why good book writers are horrible copywriters
7:40 What is the logline for your book?
8:29 How editors and beta readers can help
9:55 The long-term publishing game
Self publishing a workbook or journal can be a great way to complement and supplement a consulting or coaching business, and gain more book sales. I discuss the benefits and challenges.
To view video podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MmlbvaAP1Ao
Timestamped show notes for YouTube (click timestamp to jump to segment on YouTube):
1:57 How I got started with self publishing workbooks and journals
3:12 How my client used her workbook to build her business
4:46 Benefits of self publishing workbooks and journals
6:08 Challenges of self publishing workbooks and journals
13:15 Why authors don't consider doing workbooks or journals, but should
Marketing a podcast can be challenging. In this episode I discuss ways to make your podcast more search friendly and memorable. Plus, I introduce the video podcast edition of my show.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/FUCRI8DUQUA
Timestamp show notes (click the timestamp to view that segment on YouTube):
0:57 Why marketing with podcasts is a great idea
1:37 Challenges of marketing with podcasts
2:04 Why audio translation is a challenge
4:28 How to optimize your podcast for search as best you can
6:04 Dealing with the non-clickable nature of podcasts
8:40 Creating a YouTube-friendly podcast
Confused about ISBN numbers? I explain what they are and what they can (or cannot) do for you.
Here's the link to the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey on Survey Monkey. It's anonymous and takes about 3 minutes. Thanks for your participation! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2M5QL
Connect with me on my website at HeidiThorne.com. To get my books, eBooks and audio books, visit my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon.com. My audio books are also available on iTunes.
Print book self publishing platform is moving to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Find out what that means and what you can do to be ready for the transition.
As noted in the episode, here's the link for the KDP documentation on the transition: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GSJULX3WGP36HQ3R
To connect with me, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com. For my books and audio books, visit my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon. You can also get my audio books on iTunes.
Being in a business that isn't visual, which would include most authors and consultants, it can be difficult to come up with visual content to post on the likes of Instagram, Pinterest, and even Twitter or LinkedIn these days. I share my tips for developing social media content for non-visual businesses.
I also announce my latest audio edition for Small Business Failures Solopreneurs and Self-Employed Consultants Need to Avoid, now available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.
To connect with me, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com. For more on my books, visit my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon.com.
Children's books seem so simple, right? Wrong! They can be one of the most challenging self publishing projects. In this episode, you'll learn what you need to know before you leap into the kids book market.
Just for my podcast listeners, here's the special promo code (PODCAST) and direct link to my new Udemy course, How to Self Publish an Audio Book: https://www.udemy.com/how-to-self-publish-an-audio-book/?couponCode=PODCAST
To connect with me, or learn more about my books and services, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com, or go to my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon.com.
It's the magical mystery number! Self published authors are often unrealistic about how many books they'll actually sell. I offer some insight on estimating how many books you'll sell.
Also, don't forget to participate in the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2M5QLZ
For more information on me and my books, visit HeidiThorne.com or my author page on Amazon.com.
Self publishing a cookbook is a much more complicated project than a standard nonfiction book. Find out what's involved so you don't waste your time and money!
Also in today's episode is an invitation to the 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. It's anonymous and takes about 3 minutes on Survey Monkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2M5QLZ
For more information on my books and services, visit HeidiThorne.com or my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon.com.
In this short bonus episode, I discuss responses from self published authors in the 2016 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. Can you relate? Also, if you're invited to share your self publishing experience in the 2018 Survey. To participate, go to HeidiThorne.com and click "Self Publishing Survey" in the navigation menu (brings you to Survey Monkey) OR click the following link to go directly to the 2018 Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2M5QLZ
Thank you for your participation and support!
As a followup to the previous episode on Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) advertising for Kindle eBooks, I discuss how aiming for winning ad bids can lose money. In the episode, I mention the following blog post where I detail the formulas for figuring a maximum ad bid to avoid overspending:
https://toughnickel.com/self-employment/Amazon-Marketing-Services-Advertising-for-Kindle-eBooks-Are-You-Winning-Ad-Bids-But-Losing-Money
Authors are invited to participate in my 2018 Thorne Self Publishing Survey. Here's the direct link to the survey on Survey Monkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2M5QLZ
To connect with me, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com or visit my author page on Amazon.com.
As authors and book marketers, we can get bored with the books we wrote and self published just because we've seen them for so long! But that's the wrong attitude to have about your backlist. In this episode, I talk about ways that previously published books can mean more sales and royalties. Plus, I talk about a weird thing happening on IGTV, Instagram's mobile video app.
To connect with me, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com or my author page on Amazon.
I took Instagram's new IGTV video sharing app for a test drive. Listen to hear what I think of it, along with tips for authors and content creators. Want to join me on the IGTV adventure? Follow me on Instagram and IGTV at @heidithorne.
Also, an announcement about my second audio book, Public Speaking to Get Business, now available on Audible, iTunes Audio Books, and Amazon.
For more about me, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com or visit my author page on Amazon.com.
Your nonfiction book title is your book's "ingredients label," telling readers what to expect. But how do you choose a good one? I discuss in today's episode. Plus, update on my second audio book project and my first impressions of IGTV, Instagram's mobile video app.
Is your book writing project stalled because of summer... or something else? Discover some thought provoking questions to determine whether to keep going with your book or not. Plus, a quick update on my second audio book project, along with a tip on audio book artwork.
To connect with me, visit my website at HeidiThorne.com or tweet me on Twitter at @heidithorne. Check out my books, eBooks and audio books on my Heidi Thorne author page on Amazon.
Advertising your Kindle eBooks where people are already buying them is a great idea! Luckily, Kindle authors can take advantage of advertising opportunities with Amazon Marketing Services (AMS) that are integrated into the Kindle Direct Publishing platform. In this episode, I explain the basics of the program.
To connect with me, visit my website at https://HeidiThorne.com. And if you'd like to read my books, eBooks and audio books, visit my author page on Amazon at https://amazon.com/author/heidithorne.
Confused about KDP Select? Worried about how programs such as Kindle Unlimited impact you as a self published author? In this explainer episode, I discuss the major Kindle programs including KDP Select, Kindle Unlimited, Kindle Online Lending Library, and Kindle Book Lending.
To connect with me, visit https://HeidiThorne.com. All my books, eBooks and audio books are available on my Amazon author page at https://amazon.com/author/heidithorne.
After reviewing many, many manuscripts, I’ve identified some of the most common writing mistakes. Are you making any of them? Plus, in today’s episode, I announce my new audio book on sales, Invisible Competition, that’s now on Audible.com.
Amazon Alexa smart speaker devices have a whopping share of the market. So podcasters are sure to want their shows playing there. But it’s not as easy as it is for Apple HomePod. In this episode, I share what I’ve discovered about playing podcasts on smart speakers. Plus, I share an update on my audio book project and what I’ve discovered about the process.
Did you update your email marketing list for new GDPR regulations for the EU? I talk about how it impacted me, and what it could mean for small business email marketing in the future. Also, an update to changes to this podcast to a longer, weekly format.
Have you ever been surprised at what resonates with your readers? I discuss what to do with these results.
Just like the blockbuster movies, books can also utilize video book trailers to get people interested in reading. I share tips for making inexpensive book trailers for self published books.
Bad book reviews on sites such as Amazon can be very disheartening for self published authors. How should you approach them without getting all bummed about it? I discuss some mindset strategies in this episode.
Self publishing companies can offer comprehensive service packages for authors. But since these can be thousands of dollars, you need to know what you're buying and what you're getting for the money. I explain some of the jargon, particularly about marketing, so you can buy with greater confidence (or decide to do it on your own!).
As an editor, I can tell you that many authors don't know the difference between editing and proofreading. Big difference! I explain.
An audio book is a much more complex project than an eBook or even print book. Find out what you need to consider for self publishing an audio book.
How much is too much when it comes to getting feedback for your self published book? I discuss how much might be too much in today's episode.
Even though most podcasts are in the 30 to 60 minute range, mine are relatively short... on purpose. See why they are and what to consider when planning for your podcast broadcast.
I took Kindle Create, the Kindle eBook formatting tool from KDP, for a test drive. Here are the results.
As an editor, I've reviewed books ranging from 10,000 words up to 175,000 words. So what's the right book length? I discuss in today's episode.
When we think of algorithms, we rarely think of them being "sensitive." See how I discovered that one of Amazon's algorithms has a sensitive side. And it helps prevent some potential embarrassment for you.
Bummed because your self published book isn't making sales? I discuss some of the most common reasons why this happens. And it's not always because your book is bad!
Not what you might think! I talk about how I’m approaching my podcast production for both practical reasons and trends.
Quick informational episode about the GDPR regulations that go into effect May 25, 2018. This WILL affect email marketing for the future!
Confused about podcasting hosting and distribution? I explain the basics, with tips for choosing platforms that are right for you.
I rant about the problems caused by self published authors quoting too much when writing their self published books.
Heidi rants about manipulated and manufactured "best seller" statuses that self publised authors use to pump up their egos... but not necessarily their sales.
Costs and challenges of starting a podcast for authors, small businesses and solopreneurs.
Want to build some good karma for your books? I explain how to do that with book reviews.
Bookstore sales were reported to be down for January 2018. In this episode, Heidi explains how (and if) that affects self published authors.
Online courses are a hot consulting and marketing trend! But are they right for your business? In this episode, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses the pros and cons of creating online courses for coaching and consulting practices.
Tips for scoring guest blogging opportunities, as well as qualifications needed and understanding expectations for all involved.
Having an elevator pitch--also known as an elevator speech, networking commercial or 60-second--can be helpful in making connections and sales at in-person events. In this episode, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses the elements that go into an elevator pitch, how many words you should use and how to make it an effective marketing tool.
Tougher than the decision to open a blog is deciding whether to close one. In this episode, blogger and author, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, shares her experience with closing a blog and offers thought provoking questions for those making this important decision.
Has an anthology book editor approached you about participating as a contributing author? In this episode, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses the positives, expectations and drawbacks of anthology book projects.
Want to host a book signing event for your brand new self published book? In this episode, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses the challenges and choices of these events for self publishing, how to keep costs from getting out of control, and how to keep sales from walking out the door!
Getting organic book reviews for your self published book can be tough! But is the answer to get book reviews from friends? Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses issues with asking friends for reviews and tips to preserve friendships and your finances when doing so!
Are book pre-orders a good tactic for self published authors? In this episode, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses pros and cons to consider.
It can be easy to confuse using a book to market your business with marketing your book. Hear more about the difference between the two and how it can impact your business.
Curious about self publishing? Even more curious if you can make money with it? In this episode, Dr. Heidi Thorne, MBA/DBA, discusses the four basic income streams from self publishing, and the risks and rewards for each, including: royalties, DIY (Do It Yourself), BOR (Back Of Room sales for speakers) and repackaging.