Summary: In this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, hosts Monica and Russell welcome co-host Lee Savino and guest Ines Johnson, a prolific romance author and Kickstarter powerhouse. Ines dives deep into the art of crafting page-turner pacing, drawing from her background in screenwriting and television. She shares insights into the structural techniques that keep readers hooked, such as adapting episodic storytelling methods to novels and mastering subplot integration.

Key highlights include:

* Kickstarter Success: Ines shares how Russell inspired her to relaunch a Kickstarter campaign, leading to a staggering $24,000 in just two days.

* The Page-Turner Formula: Ines discusses her screenwriting roots and how the discipline of episodic TV informs her approach to building tension and satisfying resolutions in books.

* Writing Weird and Marketable: The group debates balancing creative uniqueness with market demands, encouraging authors to lean into tropes and genres while adding their personal "special sauce."

* Books for Fans vs. Audience Growth: Ines and the hosts explore how authors can create projects to satisfy devoted readers while planning broader appeal books to attract new fans.

* Practical Writing Tips: From understanding shared marketing language in tropes to layering storylines using concepts like Levitt's Paradigm, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

The episode also tackles questions from the audience about applying pacing techniques to unconventional books, tracking subplots, and the value of creating standalone versus serialized works.

Takeaway: Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this episode delivers essential strategies for crafting compelling narratives, building a loyal audience, and navigating the complexities of the modern publishing landscape.

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, we dive into the messy, exciting world of building a six-figure author career. Joined by the incredible Katie Cross, we explore how she’s turned direct sales into a thriving business for her fantasy novels and why connection with readers matters more than following every trend.

We talk about the "need" trap and how authors pile unnecessary pressure on themselves by chasing shiny objects like Shopify stores or TikTok shops. Instead, the real magic happens when you focus on what lights you up and let that guide your efforts.

You'll learn:

* Why sequencing your tasks beats chaotic multitasking every time.

* How to redefine success beyond financial milestones and embrace the joy of the creative process.

* The power of stillness, trust, and letting time happen instead of blowing things up just to feel busy.

* How to uncover and tackle the limiting beliefs that might be holding you back.

This one’s packed with insights, laughs, and the reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Whether you’re just starting out or working to sustain your wins, this conversation will leave you inspired to lean into what works for you.

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 lively episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, hosts Russell and Lee dive into the intricacies of success, mindset, and manifestation alongside guest Renee Rose. Together, they explore the philosophies and practices that have propelled them to creative and financial milestones.

Key Highlights

* The Power of Manifestation and Mindset:

* Renee and Lee emphasize aligning your intentions with an open mindset to receive opportunities. Renee shares her journey of clearing mental blocks, explaining that success stems from removing limiting beliefs and allowing abundance to flow naturally.

* Lessons from "Write to Riches" and "Relax to Riches":

* Renee introduces her two books, explaining how they provide actionable strategies for authors to attract wealth and clarity. The second book, Relax to Riches, focuses on intention setting, clearing mental clutter, and operating from a space of ease and confidence.

* Breaking Through Fear and Guilt:

* The trio unpacks the concept that fear and guilt often serve as unseen roadblocks. Renee advocates for "radical approval" of one’s fears, transforming resistance into freedom. Lee expands on how accepting these feelings can free mental energy for creativity and growth.

* Finding the Right Frequency:

* Manifesting isn’t about chasing arbitrary goals. Instead, it’s about understanding what truly resonates with you, whether that’s financial security, luxury, or creative freedom. Lee recounts how aligning her goals with her values, like comfort and autonomy, reshaped her perspective on success.

* Sleep as a Manifestation Tool:

* Both authors highlight the importance of sleep in achieving goals. Renee explains how programming her subconscious during sleep has been pivotal in her success. Lee adds that sleep connects her to her characters, helping her write effortlessly.

* Clearing Mental and Emotional Blocks:

* Addressing past traumas and limiting beliefs is key to unlocking potential. Renee shares techniques to reframe negative experiences and turn fear into opportunity. These processes allow authors to focus on their craft and embrace their creative identities fully.

* Practical Steps for Listeners:

* Begin with small practices: set an intention before bed, visualize your success, and reflect on your fears to identify what’s holding you back.

* Experiment with manifesting by focusing on specific, actionable desires, such as financial milestones or career achievements, and notice shifts in your mindset.

Final Takeaway: Manifesting success isn’t about working harder but aligning your mindset, intentions, and energy with your goals. By embracing fear, clearing mental blocks, and prioritizing rest, authors can unlock their full creative and financial potential.

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, Heather Hildenbrand joins the Six Figure Author Experiment to share her journey as an author, coach, and advocate for embracing success. Together, we explore the intersection of mindset, nervous system regulation, and actionable strategies for authors aiming to achieve their next $100,000 milestone.

Highlights:

* Manifestation 101:Heather discusses the importance of accepting abundance, training your subconscious for success, and why saying “yes” to money signals the universe to send more your way.

* The Science of the Nervous System:Chronic stress and trauma can block creativity and decision-making. Heather shares tools like tapping and vagus nerve exercises to calm the fight-or-flight response, allowing for greater focus and productivity.

* The Power of Community:Aligning with successful peers helps normalize success. Heather and the hosts discuss how surrounding yourself with goal-oriented individuals accelerates personal and professional growth.

* Healing, Embodying, Allowing:Heather introduces her framework for transformation, emphasizing that healing past trauma, embodying your ideal self, and allowing outcomes to unfold are simultaneous processes.

* Compassion Over Perfection:The episode critiques traditional notions of perfectionism, reframing it as an opportunity for self-compassion. Heather explains how this shift leads to long-term growth and fulfillment.

Actionable Takeaways:

* Create an Evidence List: Track your achievements to reinforce positive beliefs about your capabilities.

* Calm Your Nervous System: Practice techniques like tapping or vagus nerve exercises to manage stress and foster clarity.

* Surround Yourself with Success: Network with goal-oriented individuals to internalize their mindset and habits.

* Adopt Heather’s Framework: Focus on healing, embodying your goals, and allowing success to manifest organically.

* Prioritize Rest: Evidence shows that stepping back and resting can lead to your most significant breakthroughs.

Final Takeaway:Success isn’t about striving for perfection—it’s about believing you deserve it, embracing your flaws, and creating the right conditions for growth. As Heather says, "You get to be rich and a hot mess." Find your balance, lean into self-compassion, and watch everything fall into place.

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, 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