June 10, 2025

Nat Launched a Self-Published Book and Here's What Happened (Husk Launch Recap)

38 minutes

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Nat takes us behind the scenes of launching his new novel "Husk," sharing detailed insights about the realities of self-publishing. From navigating Amazon's complex ranking system to experimenting with different sales channels, Nat breaks down the numbers and strategies that went into his launch week, which saw over 500 copies sold across multiple formats.

The conversation explores the intricate balance between direct sales and Amazon distribution, the impact of pre-orders, and the vital role of early reader reviews. Nat and Nathan dive deep into the various marketing approaches available to indie authors, from professional review services to social media advertising, while discussing the challenges of building long-term momentum beyond the initial launch spike.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro
[00:25] Launch sales numbers
[01:37] Kindle vs physical book sales ratio
[02:56] Kindle Unlimited pages read and royalties
[05:08] Breakdown of profits
[06:14] Hardback bundle pre-orders and early reviews
[07:29] Amazon category rankings and launch challenges
[11:18] Goodreads 100-book giveaway campaign
[13:25] Professional review services
[15:14] Getting reviews post-publication
[18:59] Amazon and social media advertising
[23:20] TikTok account hack and social media challenges
[27:36] Pre-order strategy effectiveness
[29:02] Key lessons learned about book marketing
[32:05] Fiction vs nonfiction launch experiences
[34:53] Balancing writing and marketing