25 publishing lessons learned the hard way

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

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  • @BethanyAtazadeh
    @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +50

    P.S. I wish I would’ve clarified in the video what I meant by “success” at 20-30 books, because I was thinking specifically selling thousands of books and making a five, six, or even seven figure income-but we can be successful in other ways long before then as well! Keep in mind that there are many other types of success besides this one, and if you're able to write even a single book that is a massive success!

  • @WanjiruWaithaka
    @WanjiruWaithaka 11 місяців тому +23

    20 books. Wow. Got a little discouraged by No 1 and then No 18 made me smile. Perhaps I'm not doing too badly after all. Just need to keep going.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +6

      I wish I would’ve clarified in the video what I meant by “success” at 20-30 books, because I was thinking specifically selling thousands of books and making a solid consistent income-but we can be successful in other ways long before then! You’ve got this!

  • @TheDarqProject
    @TheDarqProject 11 місяців тому +5

    I wholeheartedly agree with the whole "Move on to the next book" point. Give a new release some love for a bit, then get the next one ready to go. It seems like building your backlist steadily is a big factor in long-term success as an author. Especially an indie author. Thanks for the awesome list!

    • @jimnorton7993
      @jimnorton7993 3 місяці тому

      Fantastic video. I never thought about giving my first memoir free on my next book to help boost sales of the second memoir. Thanks for all your info,

  • @Avionne_Parris
    @Avionne_Parris 11 місяців тому +7

    Nothing's more ADORABLE than Penny's lil Corgi butt sashaying from one room to the next :) She's a natural in front of the camera.
    Thanks for this, Bethany! A lot was tough to hear but it had to be said... Was bummed when I heard about only achieving success at 20 to 30 books when I haven't even published ONE yet.
    Better get my first pancake outta the way then lol. I guess it's a good thing I write serials so getting to 20 books might not be so far off :)

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +3

      Hehe thanks Avi! Thought she hadn’t been in videos for a while so I wanted to bring her back 😂
      I wish I would’ve defined “success” a little better on that point, because really I meant massive sales and making tons of money-I DO think we can be successful in other ways way before that though, and I also think anyone capable of writing and publishing even one book is a huge success because a lot of people can’t even do that! So my bad for not qualifying that better, you’re doing amazing!

    • @Avionne_Parris
      @Avionne_Parris 11 місяців тому +1

      @@BethanyAtazadeh Aww, thanks :)

  • @76kilosofshade81
    @76kilosofshade81 Рік тому +12

    Yes to blurbs video. I like to browse KU and read the worst ones.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  Рік тому +4

      Okay awesome, I'll add that to my upcoming videos list - and lol that's not good but it's kinda funny!

    • @76kilosofshade81
      @76kilosofshade81 Рік тому +2

      @@BethanyAtazadeh there's a lot of things I've picked up by seeing it done badly and knowing what to avoid. Some writing things are like that too, I think! 😆

  • @Daniel-m2i2s
    @Daniel-m2i2s 11 місяців тому +3

    I'm really glad I found your entire series on being a self publisher. You explain yourself very well, you lead us through your course material very methodically, you're not boring in the least, you have your beautifully baby there as a back-up, and I appreciate the fact that unlike many others teaching the same materials, you manage to do so in a very pleasant, no cursing format that they seemed to have not gotten a handle on yet! Lol!
    With your help, and your lessons, I'm closer now to getting my first two manuscripts published than I've ever been. They're both works of non-fiction. My question is; where does one find a good editor or can you get away with using a program like professional Grammarly?

  • @Laura_DiNunno
    @Laura_DiNunno 11 місяців тому +5

    Number 6, omg, yes! The more you know, the harder it feels to write.

  • @alandavies3727
    @alandavies3727 11 місяців тому +6

    That was very interesting Bethany. I agree with everything you say. I’ve published six books. Sales have been very poor. It’s very difficult to get noticed. But I treat it as something that I really want to do- money doesn’t come into it. It’s always a labour of love. We all hope one day that miracle will happen, but most of us are only really dreaming. At the end of the day though you’ll always leave your work as your legacy.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +3

      Love that perspective! So glad you enjoyed the video! 🥰

  • @stewartpalmer2456
    @stewartpalmer2456 11 місяців тому +1

    Way to nail the writing description. I had to slow myself down just so I would not force the content. Forcing the foot print is fine, but the editing and content insertion is critical. I took a short step back just to refocus. My prior chapter had such good content and I needed the material to flow into the next chapters. Thank you for helping me decide my direction from your lessons learned. Sincerely Akerace Drill. P.S. New Term learned "Bookish Swag" sweet.

  • @crystalrosenberger4221
    @crystalrosenberger4221 11 місяців тому +1

    Yes, would love a blurb writing video!

  • @deathabillypete570
    @deathabillypete570 11 місяців тому +1

    This is the realest book tube video in a long while. And great editing. So cool.

  • @woodlandlady7011
    @woodlandlady7011 11 місяців тому +6

    This was truly enlightening for me. Another video in my saved folder. Thank you Bethany for being honest and showing how many mistakes can and will be made in this writing and publishing business. I can't wait for your non-fiction publishing book to come out. Can you give us an estimate on the non-fiction book's release? Oh, and if you could add a video on writing the dreaded book blurb/description formula that would be epic❣

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +4

      So happy to hear that, thank you! And I have a video coming out where I attempt to estimate the nonfiction books release but I’ll be honest it’s still up in the air since it’s got a long way to go… Hopefully late 2024 or early 2025! And I’m super excited to say the blurb video is planned for February! 🎉

  • @coritellastory
    @coritellastory 11 місяців тому +5

    Thank you for this. You are inspiring in this saturated, loud market.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much, I appreciate that!

  • @ElizabethsManyAdventures
    @ElizabethsManyAdventures 10 місяців тому

    I've been watching a ton of your videos from the last 2 years. I can't help but feel like when you talk about sales stats and numbers, that is applies more to fiction because I feel like self help and business how to books are just totally different. And that's where I am, I'm releasing my first book, a freelance how to book in 2 weeks and then working on wrapping up my next book which is a spiritual, self help, personal development book.

  • @alyssaheck8750
    @alyssaheck8750 11 місяців тому +3

    Yes please. A blurb video would be great. Also should book blurbs be the same as what we post in the book description or should the descriptions be more detailed?

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      Yay coming soon! They’re typically the same.

  • @Reedukayofficial
    @Reedukayofficial 11 місяців тому +1

    I just want to say thank you for ALL of your videos. I have always had a love for writing music snd now i want to use my talents for books snd youre videos have been extremely helpful through every step! Thank you

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      You're so welcome, so glad to hear they've been helpful! :D

  • @jennys3919
    @jennys3919 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for these tips, this video was super helpful! I'd love to see a video about blurbs. That is something I really struggle with.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Yay glad it was helpful! And will do!

  • @storiesbydesirae
    @storiesbydesirae 11 місяців тому +1

    Yes, this video was helpful! Also, I would love a video about making blurbs. If you could give examples in that video as well, that would be so helpful! As always, thanks for sharing :)

  • @najeeamurray323
    @najeeamurray323 11 місяців тому

    I would love a part two of this, or tips for self-publing your first book. I love marketing, but my struggle is building a fanbase. I'm still trying to figure out how to find my readers and get them excited about reading my book.

  • @gigi-2204
    @gigi-2204 11 місяців тому +5

    Love your videos and love your points in this one. I think it’s important to point out though that you can find great success with your debut novel (indie & trad). Or with your second or third book. You don’t have to wait years and years to have a stable income either. Sure, it doesn’t happen to most people, but it CAN happen. I just don’t want anyone to be discouraged and think their first 19 books can’t possibly make them successful. Speaking from experience here ❤

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you Barbara! And yes I was actually thinking I wish I would've clarified what I meant by "success" on that point, because I was thinking massive income and sales, but that doesn't mean we don't have other types of success prior to that - even writing and publishing the first book is a massive success in my opinion because most people can't do that, so that's a huge win! Definitely don't want to discourage anyone, and hope that clarification helps!

  • @annakristensen8797
    @annakristensen8797 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for all this great advice! I'd love a video about blurbs!

  • @aisazia
    @aisazia 11 місяців тому +2

    Great advice!!! #22 really resonated with me as I've been sitting on this book for far too long. Thanks for sharing Bethany and I'd love to hear more of your thoughts if you have more!!!

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      I’m so glad it was helpful, and I’d love to do more! You’ve got this!

  • @KJ-zr2ko
    @KJ-zr2ko 9 місяців тому

    I was really hoping for publishing mistakes. I'm new to this stuff. Well, thank you for the video.

  • @amandacalling
    @amandacalling 11 місяців тому +1

    This was great and really helpful. Please do a part 2.

  • @67LMcC
    @67LMcC 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank you - such great advice. And YES - please do a vid on writing blurbs. That would be so helpful!!

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      So glad it was helpful! And I'm excited to say I'll have a video on blurbs coming soon!

  • @wronghandlane9665
    @wronghandlane9665 11 місяців тому

    Thank you! Iwould love a part 2! Or videos on any resources you used to learn and improve your craft, I will check your channel in case you’ve already uploaded a video like that but just came to mind, thank you!

  • @jmikemc446
    @jmikemc446 11 місяців тому +1

    I would love to see a blurb video from you!

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      Yay! Coming soon, hopefully in February!

  • @author.s.j.palmer4137
    @author.s.j.palmer4137 11 місяців тому +2

    Life got busy and I somehow haven’t gotten to read The Queen’s Rise series yet so I am super pumped for the omnibus (I have the Stolen Kingdoms omnibus so it’ll match).

  • @hewen8199
    @hewen8199 11 місяців тому +1

    This is great. Really helpful. You should keep doing these videos. Thanks much!!

  • @catherinebrown8501
    @catherinebrown8501 11 місяців тому +1

    Oooh! A video on blurbs please!

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Yay I’m excited to say I’ve got that video planned for February! :)

  • @rachelswritingroom8261
    @rachelswritingroom8261 11 місяців тому +4

    I’d love a video a blurbs!

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Yay sounds awesome-I have it all planned out and hope to do the blurb video in early February! 😊

  • @7Bloodfire
    @7Bloodfire 10 місяців тому

    I sell my bookmarks and merch when I sell books. I just make it a deal if they want it packaged together. 6x bookmarks plus 3 signed art prints, plus the book for $25-$35.
    But I also make my own bookmarks so they cost $.006 per bookmark to make, and I do my own art and create my own art prints, so that is also way way cheaper. The books I only make about $8 from even if they are $20 (less than that if I have to ship the book). So my money so far has been in the DIY merchandising part.
    My free bookmarks are sometimes just bonus items if I'm having good sales days or in the mood.
    I will be making a new set or two just to give away tho, eventually. But for now, my system's only costs are the books in my shop, and the equipment and supplies I purchased to make stuff with, and a couple programs.
    Later I will delegate or hire someone, but not even close to that yet.
    My very first book launch made me about $1800 because of my merch stuff being added. Haven't even sold 100 copies yet. Still at about just 51 or so in total.
    I'm really excited about it tho. Just sold 2 more of that one this year (haven't marketed or written anything else yet cuz been extremely busy, but gearing up to get back in it all!)
    I have a plan to tackle it all soon as my planners are done, and I will be narrating my own work too, until I can afford to delegate that later, too)

  • @raveled8953
    @raveled8953 11 місяців тому +1

    Loved the lessons and would gladly listen to another video with any more you’ve learned! ❤

  • @Musikchic47
    @Musikchic47 11 місяців тому +2

    I have a fellow author friend who has been writing for years but has hasn't made much in sales - part of that might be what you said about focusing on the next book, but I do wonder if it's the fact he's only on Amazon. I get keeping to one site like KDP is easy, but you wonder if he made himself available on like Ingram, or D2D sales might improve a bit. I'm curious on your take on authors who just on sell through Amazon only, or maybe only their website and don't go wide.
    Hope that makes sense 😅

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      I totally understand your thinking, but I think it’s more likely the book itself or the packaging of it, than it is the vendor, because I know of a LOT of indie authors doing absolutely amazing on KDP only, like some six and even seven figure authors who are exclusive on there.

    • @Musikchic47
      @Musikchic47 11 місяців тому

      Thanks for your insight! Always helpful as usual :) @@BethanyAtazadeh

  • @supergalaxyfist7730
    @supergalaxyfist7730 9 днів тому

    Thank you for the insight, very helpful as always.

  • @selfpubwithdale
    @selfpubwithdale 11 місяців тому +1

    Another great one, Bethany!

  • @savannahwagner8240
    @savannahwagner8240 11 місяців тому

    This video truly encouraged me and made me believe that I can do it I can make it if I put in the effort and the passion

  • @tracy-marie
    @tracy-marie 11 місяців тому

    A blurb video would be great. 😊

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      Yay! I'm excited to say I'll have one coming soon!

  • @author.s.j.palmer4137
    @author.s.j.palmer4137 11 місяців тому

    A blurb video would be great!

  • @hc2622
    @hc2622 11 місяців тому

    Yes we want part two! Also, why do you not have any wall decor? Just curious lol

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      I’ll see what I can come up with! And I do have some wall decor, I’m just not a big decorator, it bores me lol

  • @Deenatheknittingauthor
    @Deenatheknittingauthor 11 місяців тому +1

    love a video on blurbs. It's my brain stops functioning when it comes to writing them. I can't seem to make them captivating. Or I am holding myself back trying to but afraid I am telling too much

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      Totally understandable! I’m excited to say I’ve got the blurb video planned for early February! 🎉

  • @wizkidsvideos
    @wizkidsvideos 11 місяців тому +1

    Bethany, thanks for the enlightening video. Do you have beta readers and or editors that you would highly recommend?
    Thanks

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      Glad it was helpful! I'm not going to share my beta readers names, because that's not my place, but I can recommend Enchanted Ink publishing as a great place for an editor.

  • @NotMolly-jf2rh
    @NotMolly-jf2rh 11 місяців тому

    Yes. Part 2, please.

  • @suzettehopkins5734
    @suzettehopkins5734 5 місяців тому

    20 books just fininishing first in my series. Of course we have ideas for more in the series.

  • @daviddarlingauthor
    @daviddarlingauthor 11 місяців тому

    Congratulations on 50k Subscribers!

  • @kristiacole
    @kristiacole 11 місяців тому

    This was super helpful! Thank you! ❤ 😄

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      You're so welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

  • @joanl3115
    @joanl3115 11 місяців тому

    Yes, blurb tutorial please ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Yay! I’m excited to say I’ve got that video set up for early February! 🎉

  • @authoralaskawalters
    @authoralaskawalters 11 місяців тому

    What PR company’s did you use and would you recommend them?

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Honestly I wouldn’t :( the first one I worked with was very kind but led to no sales both times I tried and was too expensive to recommend, and the other that I tried recently was even worse.

  • @judyprescottmarshall4713
    @judyprescottmarshall4713 11 місяців тому

    I made it! Every one of your videos are amazing and soooo helpful! Thank you!

  • @ewes824
    @ewes824 11 місяців тому

    I love the new video format 🙂

  • @authordarlenerodriguez
    @authordarlenerodriguez 11 місяців тому

    Any places you recommend to get small bulks of bookish swag?

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      I personally have used Gotprint and Vistaprint

  • @gamexpress111
    @gamexpress111 11 місяців тому

    I really want to "commercialize" my book by going to public streets and handing out brochures with a brochure stand so people can get my books for free, but I'm way to shy to do that. I think it's a good market strategy, but you would probably would have to get the city's permission or something. But, I recently just finished my trilogy, and awaiting for the finale to be published soon, and can't wait to start on my new series. I'm really excited about it! It's magic, magical realism with sprinkles of Harry Potter 😁

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      I think a much easier way to do that would be to use online promo and deal sites that share ebook deals with readers on a daily basis like I mentioned in the video. :) a lot easier (and less stressful), plus you’re way more likely to actually find your target readers.

  • @hiddenkittie
    @hiddenkittie 11 місяців тому

    I wish I knew you personally as I'm in the midst of writing a poetry book and everything is pretty different in this genre ughhh

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      I don’t think it’d help to know me in person because I don’t know much about that genre at all, sorry! Check out the UA-cam channel “Marketing by Shelby” for a poet perspective.

    • @hiddenkittie
      @hiddenkittie 11 місяців тому

      @@BethanyAtazadeh thank you so much 🖤🖤🖤

  • @tonyaroche7733
    @tonyaroche7733 11 місяців тому +1

    Blurbs… yes, please! 😎

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +2

      Yay! I’m excited to say I’ve got that video set up for early February! 🎉

  • @mhappleton765
    @mhappleton765 10 місяців тому

    Top draw Bethany. Thank you.

  • @jamesalaniz5148
    @jamesalaniz5148 11 місяців тому

    Just had to republish something last night 😂 I had exported my short story on reedsy using 'pocket book' size and made it into 6×9 paperback smh big pages and small words had to redo it

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      It happens! At least you caught it, it would've been way worse if you didn't realize!

  • @taliabasma6120
    @taliabasma6120 11 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing! As someone who has boycotted Amazon, do you think I can self publish without touching it?

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому

      You could definitely publish on Barnes and noble, kobo, apple, and google play, as well as libraries even if you use draft2digital. Personally I’d say 80% of my sales come from Amazon, so just be aware it could be harder to sell as much but if that’s what’s right for you then go for it!

  • @EmmaRosenBooks
    @EmmaRosenBooks 9 місяців тому

    This is a great video!

  • @SpectacularWebHead
    @SpectacularWebHead 11 місяців тому

    Great vid

  • @mlbullbooks
    @mlbullbooks 11 місяців тому

    Great points about publishing! Writing a series can be helpful too more than single novels, especially if it’s a good one. Perhaps things will improve a lot more for my author career when I start releasing series books, especially my standalone Christian drama series. I have so many different characters, scenarios, and storylines for it. Just about every installment will have a different storyline and cast of characters.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! That's so true that series have a lot of benefits.

  • @5Gburn
    @5Gburn 11 місяців тому

    I'm going to *slightly* disagree that impostor syndrome is a good quality to have in your life. I've often seen writers struggle with it and languish. I'd rather say that nudges of self doubt are healthy to have. Staring at the page deciding if you've done the right thing for your story or if you absolutely need to kill your darlings... versus sitting paralyzed with thoughts of shame that you haven't written enough, then closing your laptop after 5 minutes.

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому

      That's fair! I think we're on the same page, because I wasn't thinking of a constant struggle so much as the type of imposter syndrome that strikes unexpectedly and at random haha

  • @xChikyx
    @xChikyx День тому

    book 20-30???? 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳

  • @mohamadsaleih6287
    @mohamadsaleih6287 9 місяців тому

    First
    Book
    Like

  • @Perseph23pom
    @Perseph23pom 11 місяців тому

    Blurbs please!!!!

  • @currangill430
    @currangill430 11 місяців тому

    Well my books are in the 200k range, so it'll take me a while to get to 20 lol

    • @BethanyAtazadeh
      @BethanyAtazadeh  11 місяців тому +1

      20 is just an estimate-and I wish I’d have said this in the video but I was talking more “5,6 and 7 figure income type success” but that doesn’t mean all the income, books, and milestones leading up to that don’t count as success too!

    • @currangill430
      @currangill430 11 місяців тому

      @@BethanyAtazadeh Got it! I guess Ryan Cahill is an outlier? He seems to have gotten successful very quickly after just a few books. But I think the Cradle guy writes more like you. Very short books after another. So perhaps he's already hit the 20 threshold of 6+ figure income.

  • @mohamadsaleih6287
    @mohamadsaleih6287 9 місяців тому

    Thanks for you videos
    I wrote my furst book it is about islam
    It is 700+ pages ,i csn seprate it to 3 books seprstely or seires
    It valued bpok for humanity,I wrote this post so as we can make a deal,for formatting the 3 types and earn from the royallties, till you get double your fees,
    Iam confident this
    Book will get more attention
    I watch and read more videos about publshing,but not do formatt before
    And it is my first book,as you said the important of the first.
    My book name is FLEE TO ALLAH
    ALLAH is the name of our God in all religons
    Pls need your help
    Thanks
    I loke your spproach on this video by this song 😅❤