For more of my tips on self-publishing, check out Self-Publishing for the First-Time Author: 1mkwilliams.com/self-publishing-for-the-first-time-author/
Thank you for all the help with self publishing. The marketing aspect is a big hurdle for me and as a fellow introvert I am nervous about this portion of the process. But, will keep learning and make a plan to give my story the best chance to be seen. Have a fantastic day! 😄
Last year I finally published a book for the first time despite being just about done with it for 5 years thanks to watching your videos. I'm doing it 100% myself unfortunately, don't really have any author friends. But I'm still learning, and trying to learn from my mistakes. You won't even find the first edition of the first book I published (Reverie of Wrath Volume 1). I took it down and re-did a LOT of it in the 2nd edition, learning the hard way. I still have no clue how to market and I'm trying to learn, but each step has gotten massively better than the last. I'd say the best thing I ran was a TikTok ad for it that got 250ish link clicks. Starting small, but gotta start somewhere
Awesome advice, thanks! To sum up: Make a plan, keep a budget in mind, embrace learning, make author friends, & consider how you'd like to do marketing for your books
I published my first book in 2012. I did practically no research and just went for it. In 2014 is when my career actually took off. I still have no idea how. But I learned along the way and somehow this has been my full time job for over 10 years now. The resources just weren’t available back then. But I’m thankful they are now. I’m using the resources still. And I’m still learning. I’ve hit the top 100 on Amazon. And I’ve had releases that just didn’t hit for whatever reason. I’m just taking it one book at a time.
That is an amazing story!! Way to keep going and keep learning! I think more authors need to hear this story. It isn't a one hit viral sensation. It is learning and growing and enjoying the process! :)
Hi MK! My wife’s first novel, a paranormal romance is finished, formatting is in process, edited, and front cover is done. We are planning on a book launch for early September. I’ve been helping her as much as I can but I wanted to say that your videos are a HUGE help. I also watch Mandy Lynn’s videos too. Thank you and I will be watching them again asap to help with marketing ideas. Thanks again!
Hi. Thanks for your videos. I love that you take the time to answer. It shows you really want to help. One question. To use a Pen Name do I need to register it or anything like that
No, I do not believe you need to register the pen name anywhere to get started. However, if your catalog and brand grows it may be good to engage an IP attorney for any trademark protections.
It all depends on the outcome you are looking for and the marketer's experience in that specific area. Paid ads, work with someone who knows the specific platform and decide on measurable KPIs before the campaign starts. Same goes for P.R. or book tours or any other form of marketing.
Thank you so much ma'am. This is so informative. I have a question. Is it a good idea to have multiple book covers made with differing isbn numbers the same book? (basically, due to having a specific price and also "90000" barcodes for same book)
No you don't need separate cover designs for that purpose. You can have the specific price barcode on one platform and a no price barcode on another if you choose without the need for a new isbn or cover
OK so I published through Ingrham Spark. Hardcover & Paperback. On Amazon, 3rd party sellers were the default search results, with a sky high price for the paperback especially. No sales of course. So I published the paperback to Amazon again through KDP. I thought it would push the IS paperback off & leave the Hardcover. However, it pushed both versions off Amazon, leaving the KDP paperback and a 3rd party seller as the only Hardcover seller. If I pull my KDP paperback, will the IS editions return without the 3rd party sellers, or will I be at square 1? Bottom line, how can I end up with the IS editions as the default search results on Amazon?
I made a video about this exact situation: ua-cam.com/video/Orj4YLW_qRE/v-deo.html I've experienced this a few times and found that ultimately, there is nothing you can do. Amazon allows these resellers to bid to own the buy button and they charge whatever price they want and there is no appeals process or regulations apparently. It's super annoying. The good news is, eventually when their crazy high price doesn't sell, they stop bidding and your price goes back to normal.
I'm writing a comedy series but want to publish the seasons at different times is one ISBN good for the hole series or would I have to get a ISBN for every season I publish if publishing at different times? Also I know that I can get the ISBN at bowker but I want to make sure I'm at there site and not a frauds can you tell me there site so I know that I'm in the right place?
No problem, this is the Bowker website: www.myidentifiers.com/ I think if each season is distinct and separate it needs its own ISBN, but that is just my opinion.
For more of my tips on self-publishing, check out Self-Publishing for the First-Time Author: 1mkwilliams.com/self-publishing-for-the-first-time-author/
Thank you for all the help with self publishing.
The marketing aspect is a big hurdle for me and as a fellow introvert I am nervous about this portion of the process. But, will keep learning and make a plan to give my story the best chance to be seen.
Have a fantastic day! 😄
You can do it!
Last year I finally published a book for the first time despite being just about done with it for 5 years thanks to watching your videos. I'm doing it 100% myself unfortunately, don't really have any author friends. But I'm still learning, and trying to learn from my mistakes. You won't even find the first edition of the first book I published (Reverie of Wrath Volume 1). I took it down and re-did a LOT of it in the 2nd edition, learning the hard way. I still have no clue how to market and I'm trying to learn, but each step has gotten massively better than the last. I'd say the best thing I ran was a TikTok ad for it that got 250ish link clicks. Starting small, but gotta start somewhere
Glad to hear about your journey and how much you have learned along the way! The TT ad sounds interesting, 250 is a lot of clicks!
Thanks MK!
You're welcome!
Awesome advice, thanks! To sum up: Make a plan, keep a budget in mind, embrace learning, make author friends, & consider how you'd like to do marketing for your books
Yep! Glad I can help
I published my first book in 2012. I did practically no research and just went for it. In 2014 is when my career actually took off. I still have no idea how. But I learned along the way and somehow this has been my full time job for over 10 years now. The resources just weren’t available back then. But I’m thankful they are now. I’m using the resources still. And I’m still learning. I’ve hit the top 100 on Amazon. And I’ve had releases that just didn’t hit for whatever reason. I’m just taking it one book at a time.
That is an amazing story!! Way to keep going and keep learning! I think more authors need to hear this story. It isn't a one hit viral sensation. It is learning and growing and enjoying the process! :)
Hi MK!
My wife’s first novel, a paranormal romance is finished, formatting is in process, edited, and front cover is done. We are planning on a book launch for early September. I’ve been helping her as much as I can but I wanted to say that your videos are a HUGE help. I also watch Mandy Lynn’s videos too. Thank you and I will be watching them again asap to help with marketing ideas. Thanks again!
Congrats to your wife and I hope you both enjoy a wonderful launch! I'm glad I can help through these videos :)
Thank you for being direct and bubbly while sharing information. You do a great job... bubbly in a good way. 😂
Thank you so much!! That is so sweet of you 😚
Hi. Thanks for your videos. I love that you take the time to answer. It shows you really want to help. One question. To use a Pen Name do I need to register it or anything like that
No, I do not believe you need to register the pen name anywhere to get started. However, if your catalog and brand grows it may be good to engage an IP attorney for any trademark protections.
Always like your work
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you for the great tips. Do you advice having or paying a professional book marketer.
It all depends on the outcome you are looking for and the marketer's experience in that specific area. Paid ads, work with someone who knows the specific platform and decide on measurable KPIs before the campaign starts. Same goes for P.R. or book tours or any other form of marketing.
Thank you so much ma'am. This is so informative. I have a question. Is it a good idea to have multiple book covers made with differing isbn numbers the same book? (basically, due to having a specific price and also "90000" barcodes for same book)
No you don't need separate cover designs for that purpose. You can have the specific price barcode on one platform and a no price barcode on another if you choose without the need for a new isbn or cover
I want to be your author friend!
I thought you already were!!! :) Lol! Of course we can be author friends
OK so I published through Ingrham Spark. Hardcover & Paperback. On Amazon, 3rd party sellers were the default search results, with a sky high price for the paperback especially. No sales of course. So I published the paperback to Amazon again through KDP. I thought it would push the IS paperback off & leave the Hardcover. However, it pushed both versions off Amazon, leaving the KDP paperback and a 3rd party seller as the only Hardcover seller. If I pull my KDP paperback, will the IS editions return without the 3rd party sellers, or will I be at square 1? Bottom line, how can I end up with the IS editions as the default search results on Amazon?
I made a video about this exact situation: ua-cam.com/video/Orj4YLW_qRE/v-deo.html I've experienced this a few times and found that ultimately, there is nothing you can do. Amazon allows these resellers to bid to own the buy button and they charge whatever price they want and there is no appeals process or regulations apparently. It's super annoying. The good news is, eventually when their crazy high price doesn't sell, they stop bidding and your price goes back to normal.
I'm writing a comedy series but want to publish the seasons at different times is one ISBN good for the hole series or would I have to get a ISBN for every season I publish if publishing at different times? Also I know that I can get the ISBN at bowker but I want to make sure I'm at there site and not a frauds can you tell me there site so I know that I'm in the right place?
No problem, this is the Bowker website: www.myidentifiers.com/
I think if each season is distinct and separate it needs its own ISBN, but that is just my opinion.