Grab a copy of HuskJoin Nathan's author newsletterJoin Nat's author newsletterNathan and Nat tackle one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring authors: how to financially sustain yourself while pursuing a writing career. They explore various strategies writers use to make ends meet before their books become profitable, drawing from their own experiences and those of successful authors.They discuss the realities of the publishing industry, including the daunting statistics about author earnings and the fierce competition in the market. They share practical approaches like maintaining a day job while writing nights and weekends, building multiple revenue streams through consulting and newsletters, and strategically saving money to take time off for writing. The conversation also delves into the differences between fiction and nonfiction publishing, including their distinct paths to profitability and marketing strategies.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Affording a writing career[01:28] Publishing contracts and financial realities of writing[02:43] Writing while working a full-time job[05:44] Managing multiple revenue streams as a writer[07:23] Client work and consulting[11:02] Writing as a parent[15:19] Saving money first to focus on writing full-time[22:04] Balancing writing for work vs creative writing[29:20] Fiction vs nonfiction writing income potential[31:28] Sales conversion differences between fiction and nonfiction[33:14] Book marketing and bulk purchase strategies[37:05] Getting stuck on your first book[39:33] Writing multiple books before success[42:41] Updates on current writing projectsFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
--------
44:46
--------
44:46
Should You Read Recursion by Blake Crouch?
Grab a copy of HuskJoin Nathan's author newsletterJoin Nat's author newsletterDive into a mind-bending exploration of memory, time, and identity with Blake Crouch's "Recursion." Nat and Nathan dissect this thrilling sci-fi novel that pushes the boundaries of what's possible when memories become more than just recollections. They examine how Crouch masterfully expands the scope of his story from an intimate character study into a global crisis, while maintaining the emotional core that keeps readers invested.The hosts compare "Recursion" to Crouch's previous work "Dark Matter," discussing how this new novel showcases his evolution as a writer and his ability to handle complex scientific concepts without losing the human element. They explore the book's unique take on time travel, its handling of consequences and causality, and how it differs from typical entries in the genre. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi thrillers or simply enjoy well-crafted narratives that make you think, this spoiler-free discussion (with a clearly marked spoiler section) will help you decide if "Recursion" should be your next read.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Recursion by Blake Crouch[01:53] Time travel stories[03:31] Improvements from Dark Matter to Recursion [04:23] Analysis of antagonists[04:57] Character development and emotional core[06:03] Philosophical elements in time travel plot[07:08] Critique of scientific resolution and story ending[08:41] Analysis of opening hook and False Memory Syndrome setup[09:54] How time travel mechanics are introduced[11:38] How the story grows[15:04] Examining Slade's motivations and character inconsistencies [22:28] Critique of romance subplot development[25:39] Impact of Barry's death on narrative structure[28:03] Final recommendations and comparison to Dark Matter[30:03] Updates on our writing projectsFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
--------
42:52
--------
42:52
Nat Launched a Self-Published Book and Here's What Happened (Husk Launch Recap)
Grab a copy of HuskJoin Nathan's author newsletterJoin Nat's author newsletterNat takes us behind the scenes of launching his new novel "Husk," sharing detailed insights about the realities of self-publishing. From navigating Amazon's complex ranking system to experimenting with different sales channels, Nat breaks down the numbers and strategies that went into his launch week, which saw over 500 copies sold across multiple formats.The conversation explores the intricate balance between direct sales and Amazon distribution, the impact of pre-orders, and the vital role of early reader reviews. Nat and Nathan dive deep into the various marketing approaches available to indie authors, from professional review services to social media advertising, while discussing the challenges of building long-term momentum beyond the initial launch spike. TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Intro[00:25] Launch sales numbers[01:37] Kindle vs physical book sales ratio[02:56] Kindle Unlimited pages read and royalties[05:08] Breakdown of profits[06:14] Hardback bundle pre-orders and early reviews[07:29] Amazon category rankings and launch challenges[11:18] Goodreads 100-book giveaway campaign[13:25] Professional review services[15:14] Getting reviews post-publication[18:59] Amazon and social media advertising[23:20] TikTok account hack and social media challenges[27:36] Pre-order strategy effectiveness[29:02] Key lessons learned about book marketing[32:05] Fiction vs nonfiction launch experiences[34:53] Balancing writing and marketingFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
--------
38:12
--------
38:12
How to Launch Your Self-Published Novel (Nat's Plan)
Grab a copy of HuskJoin Nathan's author newsletterJoin Nat's author newsletterWith Nat's sci-fi novel "Husk" just days from release, Nathan and Nat explore the strategic decisions and emotional rollercoaster of bringing a book into the world. From choosing the right Amazon categories to maximize visibility, to the delicate balance of pricing and promotion strategies, the episode offers fascinating insights into modern book marketing.The discussion reveals the careful thought that goes into every aspect of a book launch - from pre-order bundles and signed copies sold directly through the author's website, to timing social media posts and newsletter campaigns for maximum impact. The hosts also touch on broader industry trends, including the evolving relationship between traditional and self-publishing, and how authors can leverage different platforms and formats to reach readers.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Husk book launch timing[00:16] Recursion by Blake Crouch[07:02] Altered Carbon[10:14] Preorder sales for Husk[11:31] Book pricing to maximize profit margins[13:24] Marketing strategies for a self-published launch[14:28] Analysis of successful book marketing[22:38] Amazon category optimization strategy[31:44] Launch week marketing and email strategy[38:33] Future projects and Nat's paternity leave plansFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
--------
42:16
--------
42:16
Should You Read Empire of Silence? Our Review
Grab a copy of HuskJoin Nathan's author newsletterJoin Nat's author newsletterNathan and Nat dive deep into Christopher Ruocchio's epic science fantasy novel "Empire of Silence." They explore the book's unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, comparing it to works like "Dune" and "Name of the Wind." The hosts discuss how the novel's deliberate pacing and rich world-building may challenge some readers, but ultimately leads to a compelling payoff.The conversation touches on key aspects of the novel's construction, from its intricate use of language and religious themes to its character development and narrative structure. The hosts highlight how the story truly comes alive in its final third, when the protagonist's journey takes a dramatic turn. They also explore the broader implications of writing a series opener that requires patience from readers, and how this affected the book's initial reception.As a bonus, the episode begins with updates about Nat's own book launch for "Husk," offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the self-publishing process. The hosts conclude by announcing their next book club selection, "Recursion" by Blake Crouch, setting up an intriguing contrast to their current discussion.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Husk book release[04:03] Challenges of self-publishing vs traditional publishing[04:49] How to get book reviews[09:17] Empire of Silence book discussion[11:18] Empire of Silence vs. other sci-fi/fantasy series[14:11] Character development and story structure analysis[20:18] Science fiction vs fantasy genre elements[35:14] Analysis of religion and the Chantry in the book[44:10] Discussion of key characters and squad dynamics[50:06] Target audience for the book[54:14] Next book club selection: Recursion by Blake CrouchFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
Are you an aspiring author dreaming of writing full-time? Join Nathan and Nat, two online writers navigating the murky waters of the publishing world, as they pull back the curtain on their journeys to becoming professional authors. With refreshing honesty and hard-won insights, they'll share the ups and downs, rejections and victories, and get real about their numbers, pitches, and publishing experiences.
Whether you're hoping to publish fiction or nonfiction, traditionally or independently, this is a candid, unfiltered look at what it really takes.
USA