Book Writing & Publishing

Even if you haven't heard of The 5-Second Rule, you've likely heard of its author, Mel Robbins, given that she's arguably the highest paid woman on the speaking circuit.

The 5-Second Rule was published in 2017 and went on to sell millions of copies and be translated into 33 languages. 

But did you know...

IT WAS SELF-PUBLISHED (via a hybrid publisher, which is essentially hiring someone to partner with when it comes to the tasks associated with self-publishing. They do the majority of the publishing legwork, providing connections to editors, cover designers, interior formatters, and sometimes marketing partners. This option gives authors the creative and financial benefits of self-publishing along with the expertise and potential distribution channels of a traditional house.

The 5-Second Rule later went on to become the most successful self-published audiobook in history. 

*Note: Today, the book is noted as being published by a division...

The landscape of self-publishing (and book publishing, period) is evolving rapidly, as are the strategies and insights authors need to succeed. While self-publishing offers a wealth of opportunities for authors, it also creates yet another noisy landscape to navigate. Staying up to date on new developments by ingesting information from a small number of on-the-ground sources is the best way to keep yourself underwhelmed and confident in your journey as an author. 

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I detail my 2024 predictions for self-publishing. This episode is a must-listen for any author looking to make an impact this year with their book, whether they're intent on self-publishing or merely considering it. 

The episode details my insights, predictions, and, honestly, hopes when it comes to the following areas:

• Expansion of self-publishing opportunities and greater transparency in...

Have you ever wondered how authors juggle character's voices when writing from multiple perspectives? In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, it's just one aspect of the creative labyrinth I chat through with Sarahlyn Bruck, author of Light of the Fire (Lake Union Publishing, January 2024) as well as Daytime Drama and Designer You.  

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

• The evolution of authors' writing processes and the essential practice of breadcrumbing to keep readers hooked.

• The art of writing in multiple POV

• Unforeseen delays and the art of book release timing 

• Personal challenges authors face when weaving their personal threads into the tapestry of fiction and memoir

• Sarahlyn's experience working with a book coach (she still has one!) and the impact of editorial feedback

ABOUT SARAHLYN

Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction and is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the...

A topic always and forever close to my heart: the world of lesser-known yet exceptional books. These hidden gems, whether authored by independent or traditionally published writers, deserve to be brought into the limelight every single week, in my opinion (thank you Jane Friedman for starting a bestseller list that highlights books often overlooked by the formula behind the "big" lists).

As a 6x author, I understand firsthand the dedication, sweat, and some days, excessive swearing that go into crafting a narrative that can transport readers to faraway places, evoke deep-seated emotions, and establish a profound sense of relatability. However, many of these amazing works go unnoticed amidst the glittering allure of blockbuster bestsellers and always-mentioned titles.

So, in this list of Top Books that Should Be Bestsellers of 2023 (as submitted by my social media following because, let's be honest, I want others' suggestions so I can...

Interested in creating a companion journal or workbook to complement your book?

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I dive into the true cost and labor involved in creating a companion guide (don't panic; I have multiple solutions!) as well as the importance of a ready-made audience before heading down this route.

To be clear, creating a companion guide isn't a magic bullet for low book sales (nothing is besides consistent marketing), but it can be a powerful tool if incorporated properly.

To that end, I also explore the world of digital products for authors, from customizable templates to selling on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Plus, you'll discover why printed digital products are rapidly gaining popularity as physical journals. Whether you're a seasoned author or newly published (or soon-to-be-published), this episode will guide you in both creating and marketing your companion journals and workbooks without losing your mind.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Just Leaves...

Are you ready for an honest conversation about what skill authors will most require in 2024? 

In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I tackle the sometimes harsh realities of the creative industry while stressing the importance of patience and persistence. 

No author's success is an overnight miracle. Instead, it’s akin to the restaurant business, demanding hard work and time.  Together, let's redraw your mental map of the author journey, equipping you with a realistic and resilient mindset to conquer 2024 as a published author. 

Click here to get instant access to the FREE Self-Publishing Starter Pack >>

In this resource, you'll discover the exact steps to focus on (and mistakes to avoid) so you can self-publish an incredible book that's indistinguishable in quality from a New York Times bestseller.

Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

To see all...

In the world of book writing and publishing, it's critical to distinguish between the role of a publishing house and that of a printer. While they both play important roles in bringing books to life, their functions and responsibilities differ significantly. 

A publishing house is an organization responsible for acquiring, (sometimes) editing, producing, (sometimes) marketing, and distributing books.

Depending on whether you work with a traditional publishing house or a hybrid publishing house, your publisher may or may not edit or actively market your book. Those may be aspects of your publishing journey you need to source separately from your publisher. (And, of course, if you're self-publishing, you're responsible for all of the above. But unless you're printing off copies from your office like Nick and Jess did for The Pepperwood Chronicles in "New Girl", you're the publisher, not the printer.)

The publisher acts as the intermediary between authors and readers,...

To clarify, a beta reader is someone who provides feedback on a WIP (work in progress), helping an author refine and improve the story or flow of the message.

Beta readers can be invaluable in helping authors to identify holes, typos, and other issues that can be difficult to spot from the author’s own perspective. They can also provide valuable insight into how readers may react to the content, allowing authors to make changes before publishing. 

When looking for beta readers, it is important to find people who are willing to provide honest feedback, and who are, ideally, the target reader for your book. After all, if your book is about how to feel less anxious day-to-day but you ask someone who has never felt a tinge of anxiety to be a beta reader, she likely won't be terribly interested in the content or able to provide the most valuable feedback. 

I typically recommend having no more than 4 beta readers. Too many cooks in the kitchen can create quite a bit in a...

*This is an excerpt from Elizabeth's latest book, Write the Damn Book Already: Tell Your Story, Share Your Message, Make Your Impact. Content may not be duplicated or redistributed without written permission from the author. 

Hybrid publishing is a model whereby an author pays a publishing house to do the publishing legwork--including editing, cover design, interior formatting, and distribution channel setup--while retaining final say over the edits, title, cover design, interior layout, and retail price.

The cost to work with a hybrid publishing house is likely to fall somewhere between $1,500 and $50,000. I consider my publishing house, Finn-Phyllis Press, to be a hybrid publisher. Several of the bigger, more well-known traditional publishing houses offer a hybrid model: Hay House has Balboa Press, and Simon & Schuster has Archway Publishing. 

Some publishing houses take no profit off sales, while others take 15 percent (or more). Some houses pay author...

“How do I get my book in bookstores?” is a question I’m asked by every single person I’ve ever spoken with who wants to write a book. Every. Single. One.

Some are referring to big box bookstores like Barnes & Noble, some aspire to be carried by their favorite independent bookstore, and some dream of seeing their book in the book section of Target (just after purchasing their flat white latte to enjoy while excitedly putting 89 items they didn't come for into their cart). 

The first question to answer isn't, "How do I get the book into bookstores?" (I can give you the how.) The first question is, "Will you even want to once you know how it all really works?"

It’s possible that you won’t meet a person who loves bookstores more than I do. Especially indie bookstores—my devotion to them runs deep.

When it comes to big chain bookstores (Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, etc.) or the book sections of big box stores (Target,...