I want to pipe in on the website piece as a reader. In recent years, I've noticed my favorite *traditionally published* authors have let their websites go and become horribly out of date as they focused on social media, and I think this is a mistake. It's aggravating that the only place I can find updates on the next release is by digging through their Facebook or Instagram posts. And I wholeheartedly agree with the "rented land" mentality. It can go to crap so fast, without much warning. If the Meta bots decide they didn't like something about your ad, you can find yourself SOL.
Do not rush to put out a book. I did this with my first novel, and because I rushed, I did not put out a good, legible book. And I didn't realize it till 4 years later! I've since taken the book down, and I'm revising into what it should’ve been. Take your time, get feedback, and read it till you're sick of it. Otherwise, it won't be your best work. Trust me, I learned this the hard way and lost four years because of it.
In the same boat here. Had to take multiple books down to re-edit/re-master for a better reading experience. It's taking up a lot of my time, which hinders me from writing new books
"Readers don't want something they've never seen before" YES! So much this. Tropes exist for a reason. We naturally gravitate towards the things we know we enjoy. And that's not a bad thing!
As a cover artist the "butterfly" thing happens ALL the time. One thing I wish authors did more is trust the professionals they have hired. Bc we will deliver whatever is asked but if it's micromanaged to the bits by someone who doesn't know visual media well it will not perform to it's maximum potential!
Don't over-promise on content you're going to deliver. To yourself, but ESPECIALLY to your readers. I did that when I released my first book. I started my pre-release marketing build-up on a blog with a promise that I was going to put out two short stories a month while writing my second novel while working a full-time job as the sole provider for my family and raising a 4 year old. Guess what didn't actually happen. Now I'm working to rebuild my readership (so excited I still have a couple left looking for the next release!). Looking forward to Publish and Thrive to help me build a SUSTAINABLE plan for continuous engagement!
Proofreading tip: always print proofs on paper, preferably in the size and format it will be published. Your brain perceives text differently than on the screen and your eye will pick up things. (That said, while striving for 100 per cent typo free manuscript, if one slips by, don't beat yourself up too badly -- I've recently caught typos in books by a couple of the largest publishing houses and those manuscripts go through rigorous editing and proofing by several people.)
Don’t miss out on this course because you’re scared or think you aren’t ready!! This made SUCH a huge difference that I come back every year as an alumni & continue to learn & grow!!!
As a reader that reads multiple genres, I find it odd that writing in multiple genres is bad for revenue. I never hold that against the author. If I like the author's writing style, I'll go through their blacklist and instant buy everything else.
Thank you so much, Sarra! I took P&T earlier this year and have been doing HB90 since 2022, but my progress has slowed due to a flare-up of my autoimmune disease that I can't seem to recover from. I was determined to self-publish for two years, but market research overwhelmed me. I’ve taken a break to play games and read a ton, hoping to figure out what I actually want to write. Your "Don't Give Up" message really resonated with me. I feel like I've given up, honestly. Please make more tough love videos!
I'm sorry to hear you've been dealing with such a bad flare up. We all go through seasons, so rest and refill and get inspired. There's no time limit on your dreams!
All generally excellent advice. I'm glad you stressed to people that early mistakes can still be overcome. It's that old idea of not mattering if you get knocked down but whether you get up again. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for all your great work encouraging us. Yours was one of two clips that made me start writing. You talked about your personal journey that led you to always writing what you love, ever since. You basically said Write what you love, not what people say you should. That's what I needed to hear
I've used the Publish and Thrive index weekly and listened to specific videos in the course whenever I needed to work on a particular step. I can't thank you enough for a treasure chest of help! Access to a single section of modules or the index alone is worth the cost to me- and having lifetime access eases my fear of losing the guidance when I'm better prepared and ready to publish. Can't thank you enough, Sarra!❤
(pulls up with salad, prepared for the call out) Thank you for being so authentic with the community and safe haven you've made. Seriously. This message is so effective because of your kindness. Also... thank you for helping so many grow through your trips through the publishing theme park! We know where all the hot spots are and where all the epic paths to take lead because of your guidance. Thank you.
So agree with hiring an editor or at least finding critique partners because you are blind to the problems in the story I sent some pages to a fellow author to review and when she sent me an email back her comments were completely different from how I thought the character came across so I did a lot ofrewrites. Very valuable.
As soon as you said, “Don’t give up,” I burst into tears. I can’t thank you enough for what you give us, Sarra. I’m ten published novels in and I still go to your videos and the HB resource library time and time again. You’re meant to do this, dear heart, and I’m just so grateful we all get to be a part of it.
My first novel has taken me three years to get to a finished state, through harsh critiques and multiple revisions it’s finally ready for an editor to rip to shreds. I can’t wait.
I am nowhere near she point of thinking about publishing the novel I’m working on, but having these things in mind now, is going to be so incredibly helpful. Thank you for your experience, the way you presented this whole topic, and the genuine heartfelt way you root for everyone to succeed. You really embody the principle I have always felt, which is that success is not a zero sum game. Just because someone else is successful doesn’t mean that I can’t be.
Self publishing is taking on all the jobs a publishing company covers - including doing your own publicity, marketing and strategy - not to mention editing and story support. It’s a lot of work - but that’s cause it’s many people’s jobs all in one!
"Thank you, ma'am! May I have another!" These kinds of videos from you always make me feel like Kevin Bacon. LOL. Needed this video today, and I'm always down for some Sarra. Today especially, after all the writing wins I've had the last couple weeks. So close to publishing! My first time indie and my 18th book published in total. So stoked!
Such great advice! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I think the biggest thing for me to hear is that social media isn't an absolute "must-do." I hope to use a newsletter (as scared as I am of starting one) and a website to help build a community and connect with readers.
I'm still writing my first book, but thanks Sarra for the reminder to set up a website and newsletter sequence. I don't want to do these things last minute when I'm ready to publish 😅❤
I'm sorry, I don't want to mention her series since I also gave info about her overall income! Another author that does very well with a long series and very small social media presence is Robert Crane's Girl in the Box series!
Hi Sarra, I am so excited to take your course! I have been working on a manuscript in Danish for 4 years and I'm in the process of translating it into English. However, since I am not a native English speaker, I need someone to proofread and edit my manuscript. Will this course provide resources to find the right fit for our manuscripts and needs? I write historical fiction and have a degree in linguistics and literature and ideally I would want to work with someone who has an understanding of literature, grammar, and plot. I'm so excited for this next chapter in my writing journey!
We focus more on what to look for in an editor and how to budget for it than we do actually matching you up with an editor. Alumni in the group are usually happy to give you recommendations on editors but I don't provide a long list of editors in the class.
Yes! I know it's still a bit away but I'm planning a lot of new plotting videos in Sept and Oct! One will focus hopefully on mirror moment and midpoint
Nice to hear you don't do tiktok as I do not want to create account there. An author friend of mine suggested getting book edited even if you are submitting to trad publisher as it gives you a better chance to be published. She actually got a 2 book deal doing that.
A butterfly on the cover of a psychological drama works… in the context of the iconic cover of Silence of the Lambs. Gotta do something unnerving with butterfly.
Ha! I misread your title. I thought it said - Harsh Self-Punishment Advice. I was like, “hmmm, Sara really needs a vacation” 😂. Love your advice - stay wonderful 💜!
Someone below said that they're throwing in the towel because they have no hope left that they can be successful as an author. While I totally understand how easy it is to feel this way sometimes, its important to recognize this as imposter syndrome. If you put it out into the universe that your writing isn't good or your books won't sell, then no matter how much money you throw at your work, or how much time and effort you put in, you will not be successful (in whatever way you've chosen to measure your success). You have to believe in yourself and think positively and trust that the universe has your back. Trust me, I'm not the strongest writer in the room. But I have an amazing story to tell and I'll be damned if I let my negative thoughts get in the way of my goals. As long as you have passion, anything you "don't know" or "aren't good at" can be learned and mastered. NEVER give up. 😊❤
Hi just discovered your youtube page and videos. I have always loved reading and books, just recently I had an idea on a novel and decided to write but.. i have no experience and went to school for business instead no school or anything on writing 😂 any tips on some I should take? or should I just go for it? hope you can reply to this. anyway thank you for this video.
Your business school experience will actually be very helpful in your writing career if you choose to pursue it! Check out this video for some advice on getting started! ua-cam.com/video/mJoRgkTTCs4/v-deo.htmlsi=TQetI3ONsyde_ura
Is that publishing roadmap course American based? I'm looking for something Canadian and I need help with the whole process of setting up a publishing company in Canada for KDP.
I include information on how to set things up in Canada as well! In Module 2 we go over a lot of the account setups and Module 3 is business setup. I do lean on USA laws in business setup but I also provide links, support, and access to our global alumni group for help figuring it out. We have lots of Canadian authors and we're all jealous you don't have to pay for ISBNs haha.
@@HeartBreathings i will definitely check it out! The business side is very confusing to me, and it's so frustrating because I have my book ready but this is holding me back!
Also please, PLEASE DO NOT use AI art! Invest in commissioning a real artist, there are endless amounts of talented artist with affordable rates all over the internet. There are obvious flaws in AI art that people may not pick up on, but they will notice the poor quality, Plus, it's cheap and lazy. It's cool to play with for inspiration and helping with visualization, but it's a tool, not a solution.
That can definitely work to publish faster, but you always have to balance the price with reader expectations, too. Novellas also can be tougher to market in some instances because newsletter promos often have a minimum word/page count to qualify as a "novel". But you can make anything work, and if it's part of a broader strategy to publish more rapidly, it can often be the best way to go .
For #2 if I'm writing sci fi can I write under multiple sub genres? For example, if my debut is dystopian can my second book be utopian or space opera or whatever? It's still sci fi.
Hi! Yes, the closer the books are in genre, the easier it will be to have readers cross over from one to the next. Going from different sci fi subgenres will usually work out great, especially if you explore similar themes and your voice is the same. It's when people write one sci fi dystopian and then switch to historical fiction or mystery or something further out that readers often just won't follow.
Funny you should say 'don't give up'. After 16 years of utter failure, I have decided to give up. Throw in the towel and finally admit defeat. I have tried everything you've said. I am completely ignored and have lost so much money it is not funny. Hope is a poison, not a solution.
I typed up a long reply to this comment but it got deleted over a network problem..... Long story short try looking into getting a personal coach would be my no1 advice. Persevering doesn't make you a failure & you can always take a pause and go back to writing for fun. Take care
Jo, I completely understand how difficult it can be to find your audience and figure out what's working or what isn't. If you want to send me an email with a link to your backlist, I am happy to offer a few tips if you want to listen. You're always welcome in my course, as well. Hope is sometimes really difficult to find when you're exhausted and feeling down, but I am wishing you the best on your journey and hopeful you will not give up.
@@HeartBreathings Thanks for the offer. I have tried just about everything I can think of and most of what others have suggested. My conclusion is that my books aren't good enough. And, I am not sniffing for compliments or just being moody. I can't get traction and I have had opportunities that some would kill for. I think this is a road I shouldn't have started in the first place. Sadly, I don't have anything else going for me outside of this. So, I honestly don't know what I am going to do. Sorry, don't mean to be childish. Thanks again.
I really don’t agree with you about writing different genres. Writing should be at the first instance FUN! How boring it is to keep on writing about the same old thing. If you have a traditional publisher they won’t allow you to do other genres. I don’t agree with you either about doing your own cover.What fun it is to do this. I always design my own cover but it then done professionally, but it will be my idea.
For sure! Fun is wonderful but it comes down to expectations and priorities. For some people the fun is all that matters. For others, their writing has to pay for their edits and expenses. If you're publishing for fun and joy, do whatever is most fun and follow the joy! If you want to make money, sometimes you're going to need to look at the market too.
@@HeartBreathings very few people make any many writing. Sometime the only way is keep going, you might get flop after flop. But those people who keep going will be the ones who have a chance of making it. Jk Rowling was turned down by every agent. But one day a secretary of an agency who didn’t even deal with children’s stories read Harry Potter and she liked it. The book was a flop when it came out. It was only when American picked it up that it became a success. The reason for this story is: you never know when your luck will change , but in the meantime enjoy what you’re doing. Experiment with your writing, you never know.
You know what? Don't give up IS harsh writing advice. It's easier to say it's too hard, there's too much going against you, writing with a dayjob is hard, finding the money to self-publish properly is difficult - but that is all bullshit. You can do it - but only if you keep picking yourself up and trying again.
I understand! Me too. If you can figure out a way to publish and get established in one main genre first, you can still write what you want and publish it later when you have a loyal fan base. But you can also just do it your way and figure it out as you go. Follow your heart.
I have 8 books written. I flailed and failed so spectacularly (and EXPENSIVELY) with my first book that I am utterly paralyzed. AND I simply CAN NOT follow your advice to concentrate on a single genre. I. Can't. Ms. ADHD over here would never finish ANY book if I was limited to a single sub-genre. That's not how my brain works. I know, I know. That means that the cute contemporary romance novella is an uphill first-time author battle, and my beautifully crafted women's lit book will face the first-time author uphill battle, and my brilliant world-building and engaging aliens in my science fiction novel will have zero support from any fans I manage to acquire, and that I face the same battle with "Save Your Child" the story of how I coached my profoundly dyslexic son to success (he has a master's degree in bioengineering, so he made up for not reading until he was 10), and that my incredibly practical nonfiction 'how to' books (each on a different topic) will face the same uphill battle. At least the non-fiction books are thematically related (an encyclopedia of frugality). The books are all written. What am I to do? How can I overcome the burden of my own brain? I'm fast - it takes me about a month or two to crank out a book, and another month or two to get it edited, proofread, typeset, and get a cover. I set up my website as a small indie publisher "battling vulgarity and ignorance one book at a time" so it would be easy to segregate by pen name with exciting new releases every few months in a variety of genres. You see, I know my own brain. Now what? To quote Popeye, "I am what I am and that's all that I am." Is there any way to make this financially viable? I really can't afford to keep writing books as an expensive heart-breaking hobby!
Can you choose one genre to be a main focus of a single pen name that you can write 4 books in a year for? Maybe alternate Genre 1, Genre 2, Genre 1, Genre 3, Genre 1 or something similar? Or write multiple things at once. I think there's always a way to make it financially viable but you just have to find it for yourself, which I know is challenging.
I'll just add that one of the key things is that you need a way to ramp up and get a foothold. It's so hard to do that with multiple genres in a single name, but the fact you recognize it is a bigger win than you might think. A lot of people refuse to see it, and that means it's hard to find solutions if you can't see the problem. If you could manage to figure out a strategy of maybe holding books back in a single series (the most marketable one which right now might be women's lit or contemporary romance) and releasing them with a strong launch plan, you could get enough of a fan base to then write just two a year in that pen name/series and then do whatever you want and need in any other pursuit. It's definitely possible.
@@HeartBreathings I have enough of a backlog to do that without much writing (final drafting and editing, mostly). Maybe (1) Frugal Encyclopedia, (2) historic women's lit (3) science fiction and/or paranormal romance (I think I can combine them under a single pen name). I'll publish the nonfiction under my own name. Off I go to ChatGPT to figure out two pen names! Thank you.
@@HeartBreathings I agree. I have long planned to use pen names to segregate my books (that's why I set up as a small indie publisher, so it would look like several different authors). I don't do series, although I do carry through settings or themes. For instance, all the women's lit is set in Regency England, etc. That's about as close to a series as I've been able to get. God bless you for your helping guidance - I'm now going to binge-watch your content!
This isn't true for me. I almost always have a free first in series and they have lots of good reviews and sales through the series. You just have to find the right readers.
I'd say step back and get a good overview of where you are with each genre or series. What do you enjoy most? What sells best? What do you want to do moving forward? Look at sell through from book to book, poll newsletter subscribers and see which genre they are they for or if they read it all. If you aren't getting any traction anywhere, I'd recommend coming up with a strategy moving forward where you focus on your most marketable ideas.
Really and honestly I have to ask this. Not only for you but for everybody that do these advice videos, do you listen to yourself? Half the video consist of things you have to, must, should, should not do otherwise there is no way you are going to be successful. The other half is do whatever works for you because there is no one way of gaining success and nobody can plot or predict your path or tell you what will be successful or not. Seriously, you cannot have it both ways. Either you can do it any way you want to, or you must follow the rules -- pick a side and stop sitting on the fence. If you can do it with no social media, then you can also do it with no newsletter. If I want to neglect newsletters, only rant on twitter and write books with quirky titles in different genres that can work because I do it the way it works for me, OR, it can never work because the gods of indie publishing degreed that only multiple series book in trope heavy genres with newsletter cover reveals is the way to go. Harsh feedback, but come on...
There aren't any rules except following terms of service. I'm not giving you rules, I'm giving advice. There aren't rules but there are commonalities and we each have to find the right blend of doing it how we want and doing what we can to stack the odds in our favor. Can you do it without a newsletter? Sure. I never said you couldn't. But I feel a newsletter is super important - thus the advice. It's up to you to listen or not.
@@HeartBreathings I did not say anything about rules. To be more specific then, your advice is contradictory. You say you suggest that a writer should start with one specific sub-genre and stick to it for a while. That is by definition writing to market. But then you say, you don’t feel anybody has to write to market because they can find that thing they love to write that matches up with what readers want to read, or in other words, write to market. So, write to market, but write what you love, just ensure it is to market by being in a specific genre. One example of contradictory advice that sounds good on a surface level but coming to making use of it starts falling apart. Rules can be arbitrary, advice needs to be useful, or at least not contradictory.
Agree or disagree? Let me know your thoughts!
I want to pipe in on the website piece as a reader. In recent years, I've noticed my favorite *traditionally published* authors have let their websites go and become horribly out of date as they focused on social media, and I think this is a mistake. It's aggravating that the only place I can find updates on the next release is by digging through their Facebook or Instagram posts. And I wholeheartedly agree with the "rented land" mentality. It can go to crap so fast, without much warning. If the Meta bots decide they didn't like something about your ad, you can find yourself SOL.
This is a good point! Make it easy to find those updates! Thank you.
Do not rush to put out a book. I did this with my first novel, and because I rushed, I did not put out a good, legible book. And I didn't realize it till 4 years later! I've since taken the book down, and I'm revising into what it should’ve been. Take your time, get feedback, and read it till you're sick of it. Otherwise, it won't be your best work. Trust me, I learned this the hard way and lost four years because of it.
So good! Glad you are on the right track now!
In the same boat here. Had to take multiple books down to re-edit/re-master for a better reading experience. It's taking up a lot of my time, which hinders me from writing new books
"Readers don't want something they've never seen before" YES! So much this. Tropes exist for a reason. We naturally gravitate towards the things we know we enjoy. And that's not a bad thing!
As a cover artist the "butterfly" thing happens ALL the time. One thing I wish authors did more is trust the professionals they have hired. Bc we will deliver whatever is asked but if it's micromanaged to the bits by someone who doesn't know visual media well it will not perform to it's maximum potential!
It can be a tough lesson to learn but one of the most important!
Don't over-promise on content you're going to deliver. To yourself, but ESPECIALLY to your readers. I did that when I released my first book. I started my pre-release marketing build-up on a blog with a promise that I was going to put out two short stories a month while writing my second novel while working a full-time job as the sole provider for my family and raising a 4 year old. Guess what didn't actually happen. Now I'm working to rebuild my readership (so excited I still have a couple left looking for the next release!). Looking forward to Publish and Thrive to help me build a SUSTAINABLE plan for continuous engagement!
Proofreading tip: always print proofs on paper, preferably in the size and format it will be published. Your brain perceives text differently than on the screen and your eye will pick up things. (That said, while striving for 100 per cent typo free manuscript, if one slips by, don't beat yourself up too badly -- I've recently caught typos in books by a couple of the largest publishing houses and those manuscripts go through rigorous editing and proofing by several people.)
PS Thanks for the excellent advice (as usual).
So good, thank you!
It’s almost impossible to get all the mistakes out of writings. Sometime you can read a sentence over and over again and still don’t see it.
This!!! Yes! To read your novel in its printed format opens your eyes to so many things that somehow were missed when looking at a screen
Another tip I use, is to have the text be 'read out loud' to you - AI can do this. You can pick up quite a lot of errors that may slip past the eyes.
Don’t miss out on this course because you’re scared or think you aren’t ready!! This made SUCH a huge difference that I come back every year as an alumni & continue to learn & grow!!!
Ah, I love this so much! Thank you!
Learning this the hard way. It's very hard but the general consensus is that this is a marathon and not a sprint. Solid advice!
As a reader that reads multiple genres, I find it odd that writing in multiple genres is bad for revenue. I never hold that against the author. If I like the author's writing style, I'll go through their blacklist and instant buy everything else.
Thank you for covering this! So many times people go over what is going to happen in an "ideal situation" and it just doesn't always work that way.
Thank you so much, Sarra! I took P&T earlier this year and have been doing HB90 since 2022, but my progress has slowed due to a flare-up of my autoimmune disease that I can't seem to recover from. I was determined to self-publish for two years, but market research overwhelmed me. I’ve taken a break to play games and read a ton, hoping to figure out what I actually want to write. Your "Don't Give Up" message really resonated with me. I feel like I've given up, honestly. Please make more tough love videos!
I'm sorry to hear you've been dealing with such a bad flare up. We all go through seasons, so rest and refill and get inspired. There's no time limit on your dreams!
Even your harsh truths were dealt with such gentleness and love from you 🥺🥺❤️
All generally excellent advice. I'm glad you stressed to people that early mistakes can still be overcome. It's that old idea of not mattering if you get knocked down but whether you get up again.
Thanks for sharing!
The Index you made for Publish and Thrive is worth its weight in gold!
🙌 so glad you love it!!
Thank you for all your great work encouraging us. Yours was one of two clips that made me start writing. You talked about your personal journey that led you to always writing what you love, ever since. You basically said Write what you love, not what people say you should. That's what I needed to hear
Same about five years ago. She's a blessing🕊️💜
This means so much! I'm so happy it's made a difference for you!
I've used the Publish and Thrive index weekly and listened to specific videos in the course whenever I needed to work on a particular step. I can't thank you enough for a treasure chest of help! Access to a single section of modules or the index alone is worth the cost to me- and having lifetime access eases my fear of losing the guidance when I'm better prepared and ready to publish. Can't thank you enough, Sarra!❤
Love to hear this!!
This is hands down the best advice I've heard about self publishing. Very clear and precise and authentic. Thank you so much !
(pulls up with salad, prepared for the call out) Thank you for being so authentic with the community and safe haven you've made. Seriously. This message is so effective because of your kindness. Also... thank you for helping so many grow through your trips through the publishing theme park! We know where all the hot spots are and where all the epic paths to take lead because of your guidance. Thank you.
Jenna, you are such a treasure to me! Thank you for all you do for this community too!
@@HeartBreathings
So agree with hiring an editor or at least finding critique partners because you are blind to the problems in the story I sent some pages to a fellow author to review and when she sent me an email back her comments were completely different from how I thought the character came across so I did a lot ofrewrites. Very valuable.
Truth!
As soon as you said, “Don’t give up,” I burst into tears. I can’t thank you enough for what you give us, Sarra. I’m ten published novels in and I still go to your videos and the HB resource library time and time again. You’re meant to do this, dear heart, and I’m just so grateful we all get to be a part of it.
I am so glad this meant so much to you!
My first novel has taken me three years to get to a finished state, through harsh critiques and multiple revisions it’s finally ready for an editor to rip to shreds. I can’t wait.
Wow!! Huge congratulations!! 🥳
I am nowhere near she point of thinking about publishing the novel I’m working on, but having these things in mind now, is going to be so incredibly helpful. Thank you for your experience, the way you presented this whole topic, and the genuine heartfelt way you root for everyone to succeed. You really embody the principle I have always felt, which is that success is not a zero sum game. Just because someone else is successful doesn’t mean that I can’t be.
It's so true! We can all find our readers and help lift each other up! Thanks so much for your uplifting comment!
Oh my gosh, I just opened UA-cam to find an old video of yours to watch (listen, lol) while I work. This is perfect! Thank you! 😂💜
I love that timing!!
"We only dream of the things that are truly possible for us." Love that.
This is great advice, and you have such a healthy and generous attitude. Thanks; always enjoy your content.
I love the harsh advice and I can't wait to start my own writing business with Publish and Thrive this year. Keep up the great work.
Excellent advice. Thank you. Marketing is SOOO hard. It's a near vertical learning curve for me.
Welp. The last point made me cry. Thank you.
💕 you've got this!
@@HeartBreathings thank you!❤️
Self publishing is taking on all the jobs a publishing company covers - including doing your own publicity, marketing and strategy - not to mention editing and story support. It’s a lot of work - but that’s cause it’s many people’s jobs all in one!
Yes, this!!
"Thank you, ma'am! May I have another!" These kinds of videos from you always make me feel like Kevin Bacon. LOL. Needed this video today, and I'm always down for some Sarra. Today especially, after all the writing wins I've had the last couple weeks. So close to publishing! My first time indie and my 18th book published in total. So stoked!
Such great advice! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I think the biggest thing for me to hear is that social media isn't an absolute "must-do." I hope to use a newsletter (as scared as I am of starting one) and a website to help build a community and connect with readers.
I'm still writing my first book, but thanks Sarra for the reminder to set up a website and newsletter sequence. I don't want to do these things last minute when I'm ready to publish 😅❤
So good to get them going and so it gradually over time!!
"We only dream of the things that are truly possible for us." 20:25
Hey! I’ve heard you mention your friend’s long book series in previous videos. Do you mind sharing the name of the series?
I'm sorry, I don't want to mention her series since I also gave info about her overall income! Another author that does very well with a long series and very small social media presence is Robert Crane's Girl in the Box series!
I clicked this video so fast! You always look beautiful, but you look really radiant and well-rested.
Thank you so much!!! Phoenix heat did me good haha
Great video, Sarra. I’m writing my first romantasy novel and loving the process ❤️ more videos like this one pretty please!
Hi Sarra, I am so excited to take your course! I have been working on a manuscript in Danish for 4 years and I'm in the process of translating it into English. However, since I am not a native English speaker, I need someone to proofread and edit my manuscript. Will this course provide resources to find the right fit for our manuscripts and needs? I write historical fiction and have a degree in linguistics and literature and ideally I would want to work with someone who has an understanding of literature, grammar, and plot. I'm so excited for this next chapter in my writing journey!
We focus more on what to look for in an editor and how to budget for it than we do actually matching you up with an editor. Alumni in the group are usually happy to give you recommendations on editors but I don't provide a long list of editors in the class.
Sarra, can you make a video explaining what the mirror moment is?
Yes! I know it's still a bit away but I'm planning a lot of new plotting videos in Sept and Oct! One will focus hopefully on mirror moment and midpoint
Really great advice on publishing! Also, a good peptalk! You are such a blessing to authors!
You are so kind, thank you!
Great video and love your channel. i'll be watching through more and have subscribed.
Nice to hear you don't do tiktok as I do not want to create account there. An author friend of mine suggested getting book edited even if you are submitting to trad publisher as it gives you a better chance to be published. She actually got a 2 book deal doing that.
A butterfly on the cover of a psychological drama works… in the context of the iconic cover of Silence of the Lambs. Gotta do something unnerving with butterfly.
Yes, good point!
Ha! I misread your title. I thought it said - Harsh Self-Punishment Advice. I was like, “hmmm, Sara really needs a vacation” 😂. Love your advice - stay wonderful 💜!
😂✨
Someone below said that they're throwing in the towel because they have no hope left that they can be successful as an author. While I totally understand how easy it is to feel this way sometimes, its important to recognize this as imposter syndrome. If you put it out into the universe that your writing isn't good or your books won't sell, then no matter how much money you throw at your work, or how much time and effort you put in, you will not be successful (in whatever way you've chosen to measure your success). You have to believe in yourself and think positively and trust that the universe has your back. Trust me, I'm not the strongest writer in the room. But I have an amazing story to tell and I'll be damned if I let my negative thoughts get in the way of my goals. As long as you have passion, anything you "don't know" or "aren't good at" can be learned and mastered. NEVER give up. 😊❤
Hi just discovered your youtube page and videos. I have always loved reading and books, just recently I had an idea on a novel and decided to write but.. i have no experience and went to school for business instead no school or anything on writing 😂 any tips on some I should take? or should I just go for it? hope you can reply to this. anyway thank you for this video.
Your business school experience will actually be very helpful in your writing career if you choose to pursue it! Check out this video for some advice on getting started! ua-cam.com/video/mJoRgkTTCs4/v-deo.htmlsi=TQetI3ONsyde_ura
@@HeartBreathings Thank you so much for your response! just watched! will be watching a lot of your videos, love them so far, so helpful
Make a budget for publishing your book (editing, cover design etc) and don’t spend more than you can afford.
Thanks for sharing all this good information. We appreciate you!
Loved this advice, thank you Sarra
Your bookshelf! 🤩
Hi Sarra, please tell me the absolute, best website builder for a new author. Thanks❤
Is that publishing roadmap course American based? I'm looking for something Canadian and I need help with the whole process of setting up a publishing company in Canada for KDP.
I include information on how to set things up in Canada as well! In Module 2 we go over a lot of the account setups and Module 3 is business setup. I do lean on USA laws in business setup but I also provide links, support, and access to our global alumni group for help figuring it out. We have lots of Canadian authors and we're all jealous you don't have to pay for ISBNs haha.
@@HeartBreathings i will definitely check it out! The business side is very confusing to me, and it's so frustrating because I have my book ready but this is holding me back!
Also please, PLEASE DO NOT use AI art! Invest in commissioning a real artist, there are endless amounts of talented artist with affordable rates all over the internet. There are obvious flaws in AI art that people may not pick up on, but they will notice the poor quality, Plus, it's cheap and lazy. It's cool to play with for inspiration and helping with visualization, but it's a tool, not a solution.
We need the harsh advice! Thank you!
If Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams had 8 babies they would be my books
Non fixtion writer first book in process...this is timely
What about novelas or shorter novels to get feedback from the readers quickly? What are your thoughts?
That can definitely work to publish faster, but you always have to balance the price with reader expectations, too. Novellas also can be tougher to market in some instances because newsletter promos often have a minimum word/page count to qualify as a "novel". But you can make anything work, and if it's part of a broader strategy to publish more rapidly, it can often be the best way to go .
For #2 if I'm writing sci fi can I write under multiple sub genres? For example, if my debut is dystopian can my second book be utopian or space opera or whatever? It's still sci fi.
Hi! Yes, the closer the books are in genre, the easier it will be to have readers cross over from one to the next. Going from different sci fi subgenres will usually work out great, especially if you explore similar themes and your voice is the same. It's when people write one sci fi dystopian and then switch to historical fiction or mystery or something further out that readers often just won't follow.
Pro tip for the guys. Use a pen name if you're publishing romance.
No one will read your work otherwise, if you even manage to get published. 😔
It can be tricky for sure.
@@HeartBreathings You've no idea...
Just enjoying writing regardless of the nonsense!
And on editing: merely running spellcheck on the manuscript is *not* a substitute for actual editing.
Amen!
Funny you should say 'don't give up'. After 16 years of utter failure, I have decided to give up. Throw in the towel and finally admit defeat. I have tried everything you've said. I am completely ignored and have lost so much money it is not funny. Hope is a poison, not a solution.
I typed up a long reply to this comment but it got deleted over a network problem..... Long story short try looking into getting a personal coach would be my no1 advice. Persevering doesn't make you a failure & you can always take a pause and go back to writing for fun. Take care
Jo, I completely understand how difficult it can be to find your audience and figure out what's working or what isn't. If you want to send me an email with a link to your backlist, I am happy to offer a few tips if you want to listen. You're always welcome in my course, as well. Hope is sometimes really difficult to find when you're exhausted and feeling down, but I am wishing you the best on your journey and hopeful you will not give up.
@@HeartBreathings Thanks for the offer. I have tried just about everything I can think of and most of what others have suggested. My conclusion is that my books aren't good enough. And, I am not sniffing for compliments or just being moody. I can't get traction and I have had opportunities that some would kill for. I think this is a road I shouldn't have started in the first place. Sadly, I don't have anything else going for me outside of this. So, I honestly don't know what I am going to do. Sorry, don't mean to be childish. Thanks again.
Love this!!
Excellent advice!
I'm just not going to be able to do Facebook etc., So it's good to know that's not mandatory
It's not! There are so many ways to get out there!
@@HeartBreathings 💜🫶🏻💜 Thanks to you and P&T, I can know that!
I really don’t agree with you about writing different genres. Writing should be at the first instance FUN! How boring it is to keep on writing about the same old thing. If you have a traditional publisher they won’t allow you to do other genres. I don’t agree with you either about doing your own cover.What fun it is to do this. I always design my own cover but it then done professionally, but it will be my idea.
For sure! Fun is wonderful but it comes down to expectations and priorities. For some people the fun is all that matters. For others, their writing has to pay for their edits and expenses. If you're publishing for fun and joy, do whatever is most fun and follow the joy! If you want to make money, sometimes you're going to need to look at the market too.
@@HeartBreathings very few people make any many writing. Sometime the only way is keep going, you might get flop after flop. But those people who keep going will be the ones who have a chance of making it. Jk Rowling was turned down by every agent. But one day a secretary of an agency who didn’t even deal with children’s stories read Harry Potter and she liked it. The book was a flop when it came out. It was only when American picked it up that it became a success. The reason for this story is: you never know when your luck will change , but in the meantime enjoy what you’re doing. Experiment with your writing, you never know.
Thank you!
I’m in the United Kingdom . Could I sign up for your Publish and Thrive course July 31, 2024? Thanks
Yes, you can!! Registration will be open until August 3rd!
If no one knows who I am anyway, it doesn't matter if I write in multiple genres 😅 it's good advice though haha
True 🤣 But this is assuming you want to make a living at this. It always comes down to your personal goals and preferences!
@@HeartBreathings agreed! I'm hoping the genres I'm writing in are adjacent enough to not have a negative effect on my growth :)
You know what? Don't give up IS harsh writing advice. It's easier to say it's too hard, there's too much going against you, writing with a dayjob is hard, finding the money to self-publish properly is difficult - but that is all bullshit. You can do it - but only if you keep picking yourself up and trying again.
🙌
The "stick to one genre" is hard for me.
I understand! Me too. If you can figure out a way to publish and get established in one main genre first, you can still write what you want and publish it later when you have a loyal fan base. But you can also just do it your way and figure it out as you go. Follow your heart.
Aaaaaannnd you are the best
Agree ❤🙂
3:15 those kind of problems? (problems like that)
I have 8 books written. I flailed and failed so spectacularly (and EXPENSIVELY) with my first book that I am utterly paralyzed. AND I simply CAN NOT follow your advice to concentrate on a single genre. I. Can't. Ms. ADHD over here would never finish ANY book if I was limited to a single sub-genre. That's not how my brain works. I know, I know. That means that the cute contemporary romance novella is an uphill first-time author battle, and my beautifully crafted women's lit book will face the first-time author uphill battle, and my brilliant world-building and engaging aliens in my science fiction novel will have zero support from any fans I manage to acquire, and that I face the same battle with "Save Your Child" the story of how I coached my profoundly dyslexic son to success (he has a master's degree in bioengineering, so he made up for not reading until he was 10), and that my incredibly practical nonfiction 'how to' books (each on a different topic) will face the same uphill battle. At least the non-fiction books are thematically related (an encyclopedia of frugality). The books are all written. What am I to do? How can I overcome the burden of my own brain? I'm fast - it takes me about a month or two to crank out a book, and another month or two to get it edited, proofread, typeset, and get a cover. I set up my website as a small indie publisher "battling vulgarity and ignorance one book at a time" so it would be easy to segregate by pen name with exciting new releases every few months in a variety of genres. You see, I know my own brain. Now what? To quote Popeye, "I am what I am and that's all that I am." Is there any way to make this financially viable? I really can't afford to keep writing books as an expensive heart-breaking hobby!
Can you choose one genre to be a main focus of a single pen name that you can write 4 books in a year for? Maybe alternate Genre 1, Genre 2, Genre 1, Genre 3, Genre 1 or something similar? Or write multiple things at once. I think there's always a way to make it financially viable but you just have to find it for yourself, which I know is challenging.
I'll just add that one of the key things is that you need a way to ramp up and get a foothold. It's so hard to do that with multiple genres in a single name, but the fact you recognize it is a bigger win than you might think. A lot of people refuse to see it, and that means it's hard to find solutions if you can't see the problem. If you could manage to figure out a strategy of maybe holding books back in a single series (the most marketable one which right now might be women's lit or contemporary romance) and releasing them with a strong launch plan, you could get enough of a fan base to then write just two a year in that pen name/series and then do whatever you want and need in any other pursuit. It's definitely possible.
@@HeartBreathings I have enough of a backlog to do that without much writing (final drafting and editing, mostly). Maybe (1) Frugal Encyclopedia, (2) historic women's lit (3) science fiction and/or paranormal romance (I think I can combine them under a single pen name). I'll publish the nonfiction under my own name. Off I go to ChatGPT to figure out two pen names! Thank you.
@@HeartBreathings I agree. I have long planned to use pen names to segregate my books (that's why I set up as a small indie publisher, so it would look like several different authors). I don't do series, although I do carry through settings or themes. For instance, all the women's lit is set in Regency England, etc. That's about as close to a series as I've been able to get. God bless you for your helping guidance - I'm now going to binge-watch your content!
🩷❤️🩷❤️💯
Freebie readers are not interested in anything but free stuff. They don’t review.
This isn't true for me. I almost always have a free first in series and they have lots of good reviews and sales through the series. You just have to find the right readers.
What advice would you give to authors who have already published in more than one genre going forward?
I'd say step back and get a good overview of where you are with each genre or series. What do you enjoy most? What sells best? What do you want to do moving forward? Look at sell through from book to book, poll newsletter subscribers and see which genre they are they for or if they read it all. If you aren't getting any traction anywhere, I'd recommend coming up with a strategy moving forward where you focus on your most marketable ideas.
Really and honestly I have to ask this. Not only for you but for everybody that do these advice videos, do you listen to yourself? Half the video consist of things you have to, must, should, should not do otherwise there is no way you are going to be successful. The other half is do whatever works for you because there is no one way of gaining success and nobody can plot or predict your path or tell you what will be successful or not. Seriously, you cannot have it both ways. Either you can do it any way you want to, or you must follow the rules -- pick a side and stop sitting on the fence. If you can do it with no social media, then you can also do it with no newsletter. If I want to neglect newsletters, only rant on twitter and write books with quirky titles in different genres that can work because I do it the way it works for me, OR, it can never work because the gods of indie publishing degreed that only multiple series book in trope heavy genres with newsletter cover reveals is the way to go. Harsh feedback, but come on...
There aren't any rules except following terms of service. I'm not giving you rules, I'm giving advice. There aren't rules but there are commonalities and we each have to find the right blend of doing it how we want and doing what we can to stack the odds in our favor. Can you do it without a newsletter? Sure. I never said you couldn't. But I feel a newsletter is super important - thus the advice. It's up to you to listen or not.
@@HeartBreathings I did not say anything about rules. To be more specific then, your advice is contradictory. You say you suggest that a writer should start with one specific sub-genre and stick to it for a while. That is by definition writing to market. But then you say, you don’t feel anybody has to write to market because they can find that thing they love to write that matches up with what readers want to read, or in other words, write to market. So, write to market, but write what you love, just ensure it is to market by being in a specific genre.
One example of contradictory advice that sounds good on a surface level but coming to making use of it starts falling apart. Rules can be arbitrary, advice needs to be useful, or at least not contradictory.
this was chock-full of honest and insightful information!!! thank you for sharing💫🫶🏻