The Six Figure Author Experiment Podcast

In this episode, guest Willow Winters dives deep into the challenges and strategies of independent publishing, offering valuable insights for writers looking to grow their careers. She shares her journey with Kickstarter, self-publishing, and creative marketing, providing actionable advice for authors seeking long-term success.

* Stay Persistent and Take Risks: Willow’s early Kickstarter campaigns barely met their goals, but persistence led to six-figure successes. Writers should embrace the idea of refining strategies, experimenting, and pushing forward even after initial setbacks.

* Look Beyond the Writing World: Willow talks about how looking outside of the writing community for business ideas helped her grow. Writers can apply this by learning from other industries to innovate their marketing and sales approaches, moving beyond the conventional wisdom of indie publishing.

* Diversify Sales Platforms: Willow emphasized the value of direct sales, Patreon, and special editions. For writers, exploring different formats and platforms (such as crowdfunding, digital exclusives, or limited editions) can boost both reach and revenue, expanding beyond standard ebook or paperback sales.

* Balance Art with Business: While creative fulfillment is crucial, Willow highlighted the importance of wearing a "publisher hat" when making business decisions. Writers should understand market trends and be willing to adapt (e.g., book covers, formats) to appeal to readers and increase sales.

* Leverage Backlists for Consistent Marketing: Rather than constantly pushing new releases, Willow has found success in consistently promoting her most popular backlist titles. Writers should consider focusing their marketing efforts on older books that resonate with readers, keeping them in the spotlight and building momentum.

Final Thoughts: This episode highlights the need for writers to blend creativity with entrepreneurship. Building a sustainable writing career requires not only producing great content but also understanding the business side—adapting to platforms, experimenting with sales strategies, and consistently marketing popular works. By taking risks and learning from other industries, indie authors can unlock new avenues for success.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode, the speakers dive into the realities of building a sustainable career as an author, touching on marketing, conference experiences, and different strategies for long-term success in the writing world.

Key Takeaways:

* Conference Networking Over Information: Traditional writing conferences are often information-heavy, but true value often comes from networking. Focus on connecting with peers and industry experts who can share real-world applications and strategies. Don't be afraid to ask for specifics, like backend setups, to see how successful writers manage their business.

* Embrace "Doing" for Growth: Writers often find success by actively doing the work—whether it’s writing, marketing, or publishing. Instead of overthinking, dive into projects and learn by trial and error. This also applies to exploring marketing strategies like direct sales or using platforms like Reem or Substack.

* Find Your Sustainable Productivity Model: Writers should tailor their productivity to what they can sustain long-term. For some, that might mean writing one book a month and focusing on volume, while others may prefer slower output but with diverse revenue streams, such as special editions or translations.

* Discover Marketing That Resonates: The best marketing is the kind that feels authentic to you. Whether that’s email newsletters, social media, or building a Shopify store for direct sales, pick strategies that you enjoy and can commit to. Experiment with different methods, and don’t feel pressured to follow one-size-fits-all advice.

* Focus on Long-term Monetization: Beyond productivity, sustainable income is critical. Authors are encouraged to explore various revenue streams outside of just writing, such as subscriptions, selling special editions, or running online stores. Having multiple income streams can reduce burnout and provide financial stability even if you decrease your writing output.

Final Thoughts:

Building a six-figure writing career requires both creativity and strategy. It’s essential to experiment with what works for you, whether it’s marketing tactics, writing schedules, or revenue models. Embrace the process of learning by doing, and don't shy away from asking questions and forming connections. Sustainable success comes from finding a rhythm that suits your personal strengths and business goals.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

Launching a book as an indie author often feels like a make-or-break moment, but there are different approaches depending on your goals, bandwidth, and long-term strategy. Some writers follow an aggressive, high-frequency launch schedule, while others treat their book launches as supplementary to their overall income. The key is finding a method that aligns with your energy and business model.

* Adjust Your Launch Expectations: Not every book launch has to be a major event. If your primary income comes from other sources (like conferences or other books), consider treating your launch as a “nice-to-have” instead of an all-out campaign. Sometimes, letting the books exist quietly can still provide steady, passive income without the stress.

* Choose the Right Marketing Model: High-output authors often use the “algorithm bump” strategy—constantly launching to stay in Amazon's favor. If you don’t want to be on the treadmill of endless launches, explore wide distribution strategies. Focus on building a backlist and strategically using promos for sustained sales over time.

* Define Success for You: Every writer’s path is different. For some, success may mean hitting Amazon’s bestseller list; for others, it could be building a loyal fanbase. Reflect on what “winning” means to you and focus your energy on that goal. Whether it’s maximizing passive income or scaling up to bigger projects, clarity will guide your efforts.

* Leverage Your Strengths: Think about your personal strengths. Are you a “desert” writer who can churn out books quickly, or are you more of a networker who thrives on partnerships? Aligning your launch and marketing plans with your natural inclinations can help avoid burnout and increase your enjoyment of the process.

* Diversify Your Offerings: Beyond books, consider expanding into different formats like comics, podcasts, or foreign translations. Offering different types of content can reach new audiences and breathe life into older works, especially if you have strong brand identity and reader loyalty.

Final Thoughts:

Launching books successfully isn’t about following a single path—it’s about finding what works for you and your goals. Whether you’re aiming to hit bestseller lists or just maintaining a steady flow of passive income, aligning your launch strategy with your energy and strengths is key.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

This episode of The Six-Figure Author Experiment features Lee and Russell discussing the power of building leverage, the long-term strategies behind creating profitable book series, and overcoming the pressures of success. They emphasize the importance of loving the writing process and staying consistent, while also balancing creative freedom with business goals. Here are the key takeaways:

* Build Leverage Over Time: Success often comes after years of building a strong catalog. Russell discusses how authors like John Scalzi and Stephen King have accumulated leverage through consistent output, allowing them to release books with guaranteed sales. New writers should focus on building leverage by creating series or developing a strong mailing list to ensure future profitability.

* Experiment With Different Platforms and Formats: Russell emphasizes the importance of diversifying platforms, from Kickstarter campaigns to Amazon, and even exploring webtoon formats for comics. By experimenting with different formats and audiences, writers can expand their reach and maximize potential sales.

* Lighten the Pressure on New Projects: While financial success is important, both hosts recommend easing the pressure when starting a new project. Rather than focusing solely on numbers, they suggest centering your efforts on the joy of writing and trusting that profitability will follow if you remain consistent and passionate.

* Understand the Importance of Series: Writing a successful book series is key to long-term income. Both hosts note that series generate consistent revenue over time, allowing authors to reinvest in riskier projects. They highlight the importance of building a catalog that readers can immerse themselves in, even long after the series’ initial release.

* Profitability Begins With Breaking Even: The first goal for any book, especially when launching new projects, is simply to break even. Once a book breaks even, every subsequent sale is pure profit. This mindset can reduce stress and allow authors to experiment more freely with different genres, formats, or marketing strategies.

Final Thoughts: Lee and Russell encourage writers to focus on sustainable growth through building leverage, creating series, and experimenting with new platforms. By reducing the pressure of immediate success and focusing on long-term strategies, writers can create lasting careers while still enjoying the creative process.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode of The Six-Figure Author Experiment, Lee and Russell share their insights on the realities of being an author, discussing everything from book launches to the challenges of sustaining a long-term career. Their candid conversation provides actionable advice for writers navigating both the creative and business sides of publishing. Here are five key takeaways:

* Prioritize Collaboration Over Immediate Sales: While events like Comic-Con can feel exhausting, Lee emphasizes the real value in networking and building relationships. Long-term collaborations and connections can create opportunities far more valuable than a few book sales at an event.

* Leverage Online Reader Engagement: In-person signings are often time-consuming and may not yield high returns. Both Lee and Russell suggest shifting to online platforms like TikTok or hosting virtual signings, where authors can engage with a larger audience without the physical and financial burdens of traveling.

* Balance Creativity With Business Goals: Lee and Russell discuss the tension between pursuing creative projects and achieving financial success. Writers should find a balance—exploring creative freedom while making decisions that support financial stability and growth.

* Test and Adapt Marketing Strategies: Russell shares his experience of launching a book trilogy that didn’t hit the high expectations. The key lesson is to experiment with marketing tactics, such as cover designs or ads, and be willing to adjust strategies based on what works best for your audience.

* Create a Sustainable Work Environment: Both hosts stress the importance of maintaining physical health and preventing burnout. Lee highlights the benefits of creating an ergonomic workspace and setting boundaries to sustain long-term productivity in your writing career.

Final Thoughts: Lee and Russell remind writers that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Focusing on long-term growth, building meaningful connections, and adapting to challenges are key to thriving in the competitive world of publishing. With persistence, self-care, and strategic thinking, writers can achieve a sustainable and fulfilling career.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

This episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast focuses on post-launch strategies and marketing techniques for indie authors, featuring a detailed discussion with guest Mike from Written Word Media. The conversation explores the effectiveness of various advertising strategies, including the use of Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon ads, with an emphasis on the importance of testing different ad creatives and understanding the nuances of different platforms.

Key Discussion Points:

* Post-Launch Reflection:

* Russell reflects on his recent book launch, noting that despite a detailed pre-launch plan, he executed minimal promotional activities aside from running Facebook and Amazon ads and sending a few emails. The discussion highlights the importance of post-launch analysis to understand what worked and what didn’t.

* Advertising Strategies:

* Mike explains the benefits of using Written Word Media’s Reader Reach ads, which run on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon, tailored specifically for indie authors. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on data-driven decisions, such as analyzing which ads perform best to optimize future campaigns.

* Data and Feedback:

* Russell and Mike discuss the importance of receiving detailed feedback on ad performance, including metrics like clicks and impressions, to improve future ad campaigns. Russell expresses a desire for more granular data to understand which specific ad creatives and keywords are most effective.

* Pricing Strategy:

* The conversation delves into pricing strategies for book series, with recommendations to heavily discount or make the first book in a series free to attract readers and drive sales for subsequent books at full price. The hosts debate the effectiveness of discounting later books in a series.

* Long-Term Marketing Approach:

* The episode emphasizes the need for a long-term perspective on book marketing, treating the launch as a continuous process rather than a one-time event. This includes ongoing promotion through influencer outreach, TikTok ads, and other channels, to keep momentum going even months after the initial launch.

* Direct Sales and Conversion Ads:

* A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the advantages of running direct sales ads and using conversion events to optimize ad performance. Mike introduces the idea of using meta’s conversion pixel for better targeting and efficiency in ad campaigns, especially for direct sales through an author’s website.

* Lead Generation:

* The hosts also touch on the effectiveness of lead generation ads for building an email list, discussing benchmarks for cost per lead and the importance of list quality over quantity.

Final Thoughts:

The episode provides a comprehensive look at the complexities of book marketing, emphasizing the importance of continuous testing, data analysis, and a long-term approach to building and sustaining book sales. The key takeaway is that effective marketing for indie authors requires a combination of strategic ad spending, price promotions, and ongoing engagement with readers.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

This episode dives deep into strategies for authors to make their books more marketable while staying true to their creative vision. The hosts, including Russell, Lee, and Monica Leonelle, discuss the "bullseye method," a strategy where authors start with core, often niche, ideas that are closest to their hearts but might not be widely marketable. Over time, these ideas are gradually expanded to appeal to a broader audience, aligning more with market trends without losing the essence of the original concept.

Key Discussion Points:

* Bullseye Method:

* The hosts introduce the "bullseye method," which involves starting with the most personal, sometimes quirky or niche, ideas and gradually expanding them. The idea is to maintain the core identity of the work while adding elements that make it more marketable to a wider audience. Russell shares how he used this approach with his own projects, starting with highly personal works and evolving them to incorporate broader, more commercially viable elements.

* Understanding Market Trends:

* The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding market trends. Authors are encouraged to pay attention to what is currently popular in their genre and to consider how they might incorporate these elements into their work. This doesn't mean completely altering the original concept but rather finding ways to blend popular tropes or themes with the author's unique voice.

* Psychological Triggers:

* Monica talks about the power of psychological triggers in storytelling. These are basic human emotions or situations that resonate with a wide audience, such as wealth versus poverty or the rags-to-riches narrative. By identifying and incorporating these triggers, authors can make their stories more compelling and relatable, even if the original concept was quite niche.

* Balancing Creativity and Marketability:

* A significant part of the discussion focuses on the balance between following one's creative instincts and making strategic decisions to enhance marketability. The hosts stress that it is possible to do both: an author can stay true to their vision while making adjustments that increase the work's commercial appeal. For instance, slight changes in setting or character types can make a big difference in how a book is received by a broader audience.

* Collaboration and Learning:

* The episode highlights the value of collaboration and learning from others, especially for authors who might not be as skilled in marketing. By partnering with someone who understands market trends or has experience in a particular genre, authors can enhance their own skills and make more informed decisions about their work. This collaborative approach can also help authors who might be hesitant to venture too far from their original vision.

* Rebranding and Market Adjustment:

* The discussion also touches on the importance of rebranding and adjusting the marketing approach as trends evolve. The hosts encourage authors to be flexible and willing to update their branding, covers, or promotional strategies to align with current market trends. This might involve changing how a book is positioned or marketed to better fit what readers are currently looking for, even years after its initial release.

Final Thoughts:

The key takeaway from this episode is that while following your passion as a writer is essential, understanding and adapting to market trends can significantly enhance your success. By using strategies like the "bullseye method," authors can start with their most personal ideas and gradually expand them to reach a wider audience, balancing creativity with commercial appeal. Collaboration, continuous learning, and a willingness to adjust marketing strategies are also crucial components of building a successful writing career.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

Overview

The conversation is hosted by Russell and Lee, with guest Nick Erickson, an expert in running ads for authors. The main focus is on understanding and implementing effective ad strategies to boost book sales, particularly through platforms like Facebook, Amazon, and BookBub.

Key Discussion Points

* Challenges of Advertising for Authors:

* Many authors are reluctant to engage with advertising due to the complexity of ad platforms and the mindset that writing should be their primary focus. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of marketing, especially ads, for an author's success.

* Choosing the Right Ad Platform:

* Nick highlights the importance of selecting one platform to focus on, especially for beginners. He discusses the differences between Facebook ads, which are more creative-heavy, and Amazon ads, which require strong data management skills.

* Facebook vs. Amazon Ads:

* Facebook ads are ideal for those who are more creatively inclined and prefer not to deal with extensive data analysis. They allow for creative testing with ad copy and images. Amazon ads, on the other hand, require a good understanding of spreadsheets and data management, making them more suitable for those who enjoy optimization and detailed analysis.

* BookBub Ads:

* While BookBub ads can be useful, they are not as scalable as Facebook or Amazon ads and can be expensive to test. Nick suggests that they might be more suitable for specific circumstances, such as promoting discounted books.

* Testing and Optimization:

* The importance of testing different ad creatives and copy is emphasized. Nick recommends a "five by five" method, where five different images are combined with five different copies to create 25 ads, from which the most effective one can be identified.

* Direct Sales vs. Retailer Sales:

* The discussion also touches on the benefits and challenges of running ads for direct sales through a personal store versus through retailers like Amazon. Direct sales offer more control and data but require more effort in terms of customer service and page optimization.

* Practical Advice:

* Nick advises authors to start with established best practices, use trusted platforms like Shopify for direct sales, and to be cautious with the technical setup of ad tracking to avoid misreporting. The conversation also covers the importance of ongoing testing and scaling of ads as more data becomes available.

Final Thoughts

The episode provides a comprehensive look at the intricacies of running ads as an author. The key takeaway is the necessity of embracing marketing, especially paid ads, as an integral part of an author’s career, and the importance of continuously testing and optimizing ad strategies to achieve the best results.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

This episode is the continuation of the live stream event discussing the launch of The Godsverse Chronicles. In this session, the focus shifts to more detailed strategies around multi-format book releases, direct sales, and the importance of building a supportive team. The discussion also includes practical advice on balancing personal life with professional responsibilities.

Key Points:

* Multi-Format Launch and Its Impact:

* The conversation opens with a discussion on the benefits of launching The Godsverse Chronicles in multiple formats (eBook, paperback, audiobook). Releasing across these formats simultaneously helps increase visibility on platforms like Amazon, as their algorithm favors books performing well in multiple formats.

* Direct Sales and Maximizing Profit:

* Direct sales are highlighted as a key strategy, particularly for selling signed paperbacks. The hosts discuss how direct sales, especially through Kickstarter, can offer significantly higher returns compared to traditional retail platforms. This approach was particularly effective for The Godsverse Chronicles, enabling the sale of premium editions and signed copies directly to fans.

* Kickstarter and Special Edition Launches:

* Kickstarter is again emphasized as a powerful tool for authors. In this session, the focus is on how Kickstarter campaigns for The Godsverse Chronicles allowed for special edition launches, which helped build excitement and drive sales. The platform provided a way to engage fans directly and offer them unique, higher-value products.

* Building and Leveraging a Support Team:

* The importance of delegating tasks to focus on creative work is a major theme. The hosts discuss how they built a support team to handle various aspects of the launch, from marketing to logistics. This delegation allowed them to focus more on writing and strategic decisions for the series.

* Balancing Writing with Personal Life:

* The episode addresses the challenges of balancing personal responsibilities with professional goals. The hosts share personal experiences, including managing chronic illness, raising a family, and maintaining a successful writing career. The discussion offers practical tips for managing time and setting boundaries to ensure both personal well-being and professional productivity.

* Consistency and Market Adaptation:

* A key takeaway is the importance of consistency in marketing efforts. The hosts discuss how The Godsverse Chronicles benefited from consistent marketing, even when strategies weren’t perfect. They also talk about the need to adapt marketing tactics to align with audience preferences and market trends.

* Genre Considerations and Market Strategy:

* There’s a discussion on the importance of understanding genre expectations, particularly when working within niches like horror or fantasy. The hosts suggest strategies for aligning The Godsverse Chronicles with popular trends while maintaining the unique elements that distinguish the series.

Final Thoughts:

This second half of the live stream event delves deeper into the strategies that contributed to the successful launch of The Godsverse Chronicles. By focusing on multi-format releases, leveraging Kickstarter for special editions, and building a strong support team, the hosts demonstrate how to navigate the complexities of a major book launch. The episode also underscores the importance of balancing personal life with professional ambitions and the need for adaptability in marketing efforts.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

This episode is the first part of a live podcast focused on the launch of The Godsverse Chronicles series. It covers the journey of relaunching the series, marketing strategies, and lessons learned from the experience.

Key Points:

* The Journey of The Godsverse Chronicles:

* The series has been in development since 2017, evolving through multiple launches and rebrands.

* The podcast discusses the challenges faced in the initial launch, including low sales and poor market reception, which led to a hiatus before relaunching the series on Kickstarter.

* Kickstarter as a Launch Platform:

* Kickstarter played a pivotal role in revitalizing The Godsverse Chronicles. The relaunch on this platform marked a turning point, significantly boosting sales and visibility.

* The success on Kickstarter demonstrated the potential for consistently launching books on the platform, leading to substantial financial gains.

* Rebranding and Strategic Relaunching:

* The series underwent a major rebranding effort, including new covers and titles to better align with market expectations.

* The importance of rethinking and restructuring the series to make it more marketable and appealing to readers was emphasized.

* Marketing Tactics and the Spillover Effect:

* The episode covers the concept of the spillover effect, where marketing efforts on one platform (like Kickstarter) positively impact sales on other platforms (like Amazon).

* Strategies for timing launches, using preorders, and running ads effectively to maximize the spillover effect are discussed.

* Lessons from the Launch:

* The hosts share insights from both successful and challenging aspects of the launch, highlighting the importance of persistence, flexibility, and continuous learning in the publishing industry.

* The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of book marketing and the need to adapt to changing market conditions.

Final Thoughts:

This first part of the live podcast offers valuable insights into the process of launching and relaunching a book series, with a focus on The Godsverse Chronicles. The discussion underscores the importance of strategic planning, effective use of platforms like Kickstarter, and the power of rebranding in achieving success in the competitive world of publishing.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com