Storytellers Rule the World

Collaborative subscriptions are an emerging opportunity in the author subscription market, and today we will be learning how Jason Sizemore, the founder of Apex Books, built a subscription for his small press with hundreds of paying readers

Jason’s Links:

Apex Book’s website: https://www.apexbookcompany.com/

Apex Book’s subscription: https://apex-magazine.com/product/apex-magazine-subscription-one-year/ or https://www.patreon.com/apexbookcompany

Episode Outline:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:09 What Is Apex Books?

00:04:05 Jason Sizemore's Origin Story

00:07:48 Jason's Role in Apex

00:10:01 Apex Books and Their Successful Digital Magazine Subscription Model

00:12:38 Strategy for Attracting Readers and Growing Author Audiences

00:14:10 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Twitter

0016:38 Evaluating Writer Success and Nurturing Author-Publisher Relationships in the Small Press Landscape

00:23:12 Diversifying Revenue Streams: The Evolution of Apex Books' Business Model

00:25:30 Balancing Act: Project Management in the World of Hybrid Publishing

00:27:22 Strategies for Introducing and Growing Patron Support

00:32:48 Advice for Writers

00:35:43 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

Today we sit down with Willow Winters, romance author extraordinaire, TikTok sensation, and a titan in the subscription and book box space. Yes, we used a lot of big adjectives… that’s cause Willow is amazing, and we learn everything from her mindset to marketing tips to the BTS of running a book box so popular it needs its own warehouse. This one is a real treat.

Willow’s Links:

Willow’s website: https://willowwinterswrites.com/

Willow’s book boxes: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/book-box-subscriptions/

Willow’s subscription: https://www.patreon.com/WillowWintersAuthor

Episode Outline:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:43 Willow's Subscription

00:05:08 Mastering the Author Ecosystem: Navigating Kickstarters, Patreon, and Direct Stores

00:07:00 Willow's Approach to Elevating Accessibility

00:12:11 From Zero to 500K: The TikTok Journey

00:14:26 Empowering Storytellers: TikTok Tips for Aspiring Authors

00:18:05 Nurturing a Thriving Readership: Scaling Your Author Community

00:23:52 Diverse Creative Avenues: Exploring OnlyFans and Web Comics

00:33:38 Cracking the Mystery Box Code: Viral TikTok and Subscription Box Retention

00:37:32 Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Navigating Explosive Success in the Author World

00:41:02 Authorship and Entrepreneurship in the World of Willow Winters

00:44:26 Connect with Willow Winters: Where to Find Her

00:46:20 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

Natalie Knight is a best-selling dark romance author who gained over 100+ paid subscribers when she launched her Forbidden Pages membership. Today we dive into the insights she learned in the process and how she is continuing to scale her membership growth.

Attend the Subscriptions for Authors Summit: https://summit.subscriptionsforauthors.com/

Natalie’s Links:

Natalie’s site: https://www.natalieknightromance.com/

The Forbidden Pages (her subscription): https://www.natalieknightromance.com/theforbiddenpages

EPISODE OUTLINE

00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:10 Natalie's Career

00:05:49 Fulfillment and Merchandise Management: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

00:08:08 Exploring Direct Sales and Shopify Integration in Natalie's Empire

00:10:58 Building a True Readership: The Key to Newsletter Success

00:13:01 Key to Newsletter Success Squarespace for Author Mailing Lists

00:15:37 Effective Email Strategies for Nurturing Your Audience

00:18:53 Balancing Sales and Subscriptions: Insights from an Author's Journey

00:25:40 Launch Success and Marketing Strategies

00:30:07 Insights on Launching a Successful Author Subscription

00:32:14 Balancing Act: Juggling Writing, Publishing, and a Full-Time Job

00:36:36 Maximizing Income and Managing Growth: Tips for Authors

00:40:59 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

You can join Ream here: https://reamstories.com

This may just be our most important podcast ever. It’s a vision for the future of publishing and how we as storytellers can take control of this industry and win together. It breaks down the 3 elements undergirding this industry and outlines how we can build our own network that empowers storytellers like never before.

An important message for steamy romance authors on payment processing: https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/on-payment-processing-for-steamy-romance-authors-a-message-from-the-ceo-of-ream/

Episode Outline:

0:00:00 Introduction to the Networked Age of Publishing

0:05:56 Why Ream Doesn’t Have an App in the Apple Store

0:11:50 Owning Your Payment Data

0:16:24 Who Platforms Are Accountable To

0:19:00 Content Moderation for Authors

0:22:47 The New Age of Discovery for Authors

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

You can join Ream here: https://reamstories.com

In 10 simple and actionable steps we learn how we can launch, grow, and supercharge our subscriptions… starting with one paid subscriber… then another… and another… you get the idea 🙂.

If you want to learn how to grow your subscription and take your subscription author career to the next level, join the next cohort of the Six-Figure Subscription Author Accelerator: https://academy.storytellersruletheworld.com/subscriptions-for-authors-accelerator

#49 Episode Outline:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:56 Step #1: Knowing Your Readers

00:02:07 Step #2: Focus

00:05:09 Step #3: Funneling Readers Into Your Subscription

00:06:43 Step #4: Knowing When to Market Your Subscription

00:10:38 Step #5: Call to Action

00:12:49 Step #6: Retargeting

00:15:33 Step #7: How to Keep Fans in Your Subscription

00:18:29 Step #8: Upselling Readers to New or Higher Tiers

00:20:23 Step #9: Limited Time Subscription Launch

00:22:23 Step #10: Free Trials

00:23:57 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

You can join Ream here: https://reamstories.com

Best-selling thriller and horror author David Viergutz shares with us his strategy to grow his subscription by writing horror short stories and the genius way he involves his readers in his process and leverages his intellectual property to maximize the discovery and revenue from his subscription ecosystem.

Book a call with Michael to migrate to Ream today: https://calendly.com/reamceo/ream-author-migration

David Viergutz’s Links:

David’s website: https://davidviergutz.com/

David’s nonfiction resources for horror writers: https://davidviergutz.com/the-nightmare-engine-academy01

David’s subscription + reader group: https://reamstories.com/nightmareriders/public

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:16 David's Journey into Horror Writing, Community Building, and Unique Author Subscriptions

00:08:42 Mastering Self-Sustaining Authorship

00:12:12 Building Lasting Reader Relationships

00:15:52 From Insights to Action: Crafting a Niche Subscription Funnel with David

00:21:11 Behind the Scenes: Crafting Stories and Streamlining Workflows with David

00:37:22 Balancing Income Streams: Evaluating the Worth of Diversified Writing Ventures with David

00:40:35 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

You can join Ream here: https://reamstories.com

Failure is often a taboo topic in author communities, but today we are sharing stories of struggle + failure from the SFA community and working together to overcome them.

The Subscriptions for Authors Coaching Podcast Series:

#46: Starting from Zero and Succeeding in Subscriptions: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/46-starting-from-zero-and-succeeding-in-subscriptions/

#42: Subscriptions and Chronic Illness: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/42-achieving-author-subscription-success-with-chronic-illness/

#40: Helping an Author 10x Her Subscription Income: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcast/40-helping-an-author-10x-her-subscription-income/

#37: Starting Subscriptions as a Side Hustle: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcast/37-starting-a-successful-subscription-as-a-side-hustle/

#34 Helping a Fantasy Author Get Subscribers: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcast/34-helping-a-fantasy-author-get-paid-subscribers/

EPISODE OUTLINE:

0:02:10 5 Common Reasons a Subscription Fails and How to Fix Them

0:09:21 Michael’s 5 Failed Creative Businesses

0:17:40 5 Lessons for Failure in Publishing and Life

0:26:16 Stories of Failure from the Subscriptions for Authors Community

1:01:38 Conclusion and Takeaways

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

Starting from a small or zero readership is challenging. Today, we have a live coaching session with historical fiction author Gina Hogan Edwards to help her increase her subscription as she moves from nonfiction into fiction.

Read the Author Creator Marketing Playbook for free: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iOymUlZ4ydk9DPTVr00FRSkzeLj2FVcigsWECK-v_sk/edit?usp=sharing

Content Curation article by Michael in The Tilt: https://www.thetilt.com/audience/content-curation

Gina Hogan Edward’s Links:

Gina’s website: https://www.ginahoganedwards.com/

Gina’s subscription: https://reamstories.com/gina/public

EPISODE OUTLINE:

0:00:00 Introduction

0:02:41 Exploring Gina's Author Journey

0:05:59 Challenges and Focus Areas in Gina's Author Journey

0:12:37 Understanding Your Reader Profile

0:14:17 Capitalizing on Your Fiction Advantage and Crafting a Subscription Vision

0:29:49 Potential Content Strategies and Collaboration for Discovery

0:32:30 Breaking Down Short-Form Content As Marketing

0:46:21 Content Matrix

0:52:31 Researching Reader Format Response

0:55:08 Addressing Gina's Doubts

0:57:02 Gina's Subscription Tiers

1:09:08 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

This is a special episode all about why subscriptions are a great way for KU authors to make more money and how you can start a successful subscription as a KU author. There is also a special Q and A from the community to cap it off :).

Why You Should Consider Subscriptions While in KU: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/why-you-should-consider-subscription-while-in-ku/

Read the essay on KU vs Wide is a False Debate: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/ku-v-s-wide-is-a-false-debate-heres-why/

Read Community and Future of Publishing Series: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/why-community-is-the-greatest-asset-for-authors/

Read Building Your Own Author Platform: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/the-power-of-building-your-author-platform/

Watch Podcast Episode with KU Author Aven Ellis: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcast/24-how-aven-ellis-has-100-patrons-at-1-chapter-per-month/J

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.

Get your ticket to the Subscriptions for Authors Summit (May 6 - 7, 2024 in Boston): https://summit.subscriptionsforauthors.com/

EJ Frost is a steamy romance author that makes $500 per month from her subscription bolstered by a unique cross-promo strategy that has helped authors in the group achieve dozens of paid subscribers. Not only this but EJ shares brilliant insights on reader retention and community building that you won't want to miss.

EJ Frost's links:

EJ's Website: https://emmafrostuk.wordpress.com/

EJ's Subscription: https://www.patreon.com/ejfrost and https://reamstories.com/ejfrost/public

EROS Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368625391891021

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction

06:27 How EJ's Subscription Cross-Promo Works

12:50 How EJ Gets Readers To Upgrade + Her Subscription Income Details

17:47 How EJ Retains Readers as Paid Subscribers

22:42 EJ's Physical Newsletter

27:19 EJ's Unique Strategy for Signed Books

37:28 How EJ Leverages Her Time in Her Subscription for Profit

42:15 What EJ Has Learned About Short Stories

48:06 EJ's Monthly Zoom Call at Her $25 Tier

55:46 Conclusion

Join our community of subscription authors: https://www.facebook.com/groups/subscriptionsforauthors

Free storytelling insights delivered to your inbox each week: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/

And join Ream, the all-in-one publishing platform by fiction authors for fiction authors: https://www.reamstories.com

Review/rate Storytellers Rule the World on your favorite podcast app. You can also find the episode transcripts here: https://storytellersruletheworld.com/podcasthome

Thank you so much for tuning into the show! Always feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected]

ABOUT STORYTELLERS RULE THE WORLD

We help authors break free from publishers, retailers, and big-tech platforms that take advantage of us. The most powerful people in publishing are YOU – storytellers.

Emilia Rose, a multi-six-figure romance author and co-founder of Ream, and Michael Evans, sci-fi author of a dozen novels and CEO of Ream, are here to help you succeed in the future of publishing as the founders of Storytellers Rule the World.

But wait... what is Ream?

ABOUT REAM

Ream is an all-in-one publishing platform for fiction authors.

Ream combines the best features of a mailing list, community platform, and a world-class reading and listening experience into one easy-to-use platform. All for $0 a month. We only make money when you do — and authors keep 90% of what they earn.