Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/16In this episode, Nathan and Nat dive into their respective book launch strategies, with Nat utilizing a bundled pre-order strategy through Shopify while Nathan plans to focus exclusively on Amazon to maximize algorithmic potential. They also explore the complexities of audiobook production, with Nat sharing his experience auditioning narrators and the significant investment required - ranging from $10,000 to $14,000. The conversation touches on the evolution of their writing processes, from the high-stakes pressure of first books to finding more confidence and clarity in subsequent works.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Amazon pre-orders for self-published authors[06:33] Email marketing for a book launch[10:55] Planning the timeline for book editing[17:37] Audiobook production and narration costs[23:04] Christopher Ruocchio's publishing journey[28:07] Differences in writing process between first and subsequent books[31:45] Using AI tools and beta readers for editing process[35:31] Evolution of the editing process and managing expectations[41:16] Current reading recommendations and habitsSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
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43:39
How Much Money Can a Book Make?
Nat and Nathan dive deep into the nitty-gritty financial details of book publishing, from manuscript development to audiobook production. The duo shares their personal experiences with their respective projects - Nathan's progress with his novel and novella, and Nat's journey launching "Husk."A fascinating discussion unfolds around audiobook economics and distribution, revealing surprising insights about the industry's payment structures and the stark differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing routes. The hosts explore various platforms' revenue shares, production costs, and the strategic decisions authors must make when bringing their books to audio format.The episode concludes with the exciting announcement of the Between Drafts book club, where they'll be reading and discussing popular sci-fi and fantasy books monthly, starting with Christopher Ruocchio's "Empire of Silence." They also share an intriguing analysis of the success of "Dungeon Crawler Carl," offering a glimpse into the potential earnings of successful indie authors in today's publishing landscape.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Between Drafts book club[00:41] Nathan's novel editing progress[01:40] Nathan's novella writing progress[03:30] Amazon's "under two hours" reading category[08:44] Nat's progress on novella and Husk 2[11:25] Writing productivity and daily word count goals[12:21] From underwriting to longer manuscripts[17:05] Finding and selecting a book cover designer[19:14] The audiobook production process[31:21] Amazon's audiobook pricing and revenue structure[35:32] Calculating optimal word count for novellas[41:56] Book club format and first selection announcement[44:48] Deep dive into "Dungeon Crawler Carl" series success[49:52] How much a popular book can makeSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
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54:06
Launching and Marketing a Self-Published Novel: Nat's Plan for Husk
Preorder your copy of Husk: huskbook.comIn this episode of Between Drafts, Nat shares his comprehensive strategy for launching his debut sci-fi novel "Husk." With just two months until release, Nat breaks down his three-pronged approach to building buzz and reaching readers through Bookstagram/BookTok influencers, podcast appearances, and newsletter partnerships. He discusses the unique challenges of transitioning from non-fiction to fiction marketing, and how he's leveraging his existing platform while building new connections in the sci-fi community.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Book launch planning for a self-published novel[01:28] Writing progress and word count goals[02:15] Sci-fi vs fantasy novel length differences[06:08] Typography and book formatting updates for Husk[09:32] Early reader copies and launch timing[17:49] Marketing across different social media platforms[25:11] Podcast marketing strategy breakdown[31:00] Newsletter marketing strategy[32:28] Ebook pricing strategy[37:28] Building momentum through recommendations and reviews[42:31] Instagram advertising plans[44:09] Final launch timeline and marketing schedule recapSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
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46:42
Why and How to Write a Novella
Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/13Nat and Nathan dive deep into the world of novella writing and author growth strategies. They discuss their experiences writing novellas as companion pieces to their full-length novels, exploring how these shorter works can serve as entry points for new readers while expanding their fictional universes. They also share insights on why traditional publishers often shy away from novellas, while explaining how self-published authors are successfully using them to build their readerships.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Update on Nathan's manuscript[01:14] Nathan's new short-form storytelling course[03:27] Why migrate to Substack[06:04] Substack Notes and getting more subscribers[11:37] Nathan's novella update[14:31] Novellas as entry points to your world[17:43] Cost of publishing novellas vs novels[29:13] Nat's novella progress editing process[32:33] Planning a trilogy or book series[38:06] Reading recommendations[44:22] Future podcast guests and interviews[47:56] Husk preorders[51:49] Partnering with Readwise for Husk launchSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
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53:27
$5,000 in 24 Hours: Nat's Initial Success with Book Preorders
Preorder Nat's Sci-fi thriller, Husk!Nat takes us behind the scenes of launching preorders for his sci-fi novel "Husk." Nat shares his unconventional approach to book pre-orders, choosing to sell directly through Shopify rather than Amazon - a decision that's already yielding fascinating results. Get an insider's look at the realities of book marketing in 2024, including the challenges of building anticipation for a debut novel, the complexities of managing different formats and platforms, and how previous experience in tech and marketing shapes Nat's approach. The episode offers rare insights into pre-order numbers, profit margins, and the various trade-offs between different distribution channels - details that are usually kept under wraps in the publishing world.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Nat's debut novel Husk[01:16] Launch expectations[03:06] Preorder challenges for debut fiction authors[04:04] Selling through a personal site vs Amazon[07:56] First 24 hours sales numbers and revenue breakdown[09:18] Strategy behind Amazon Kindle listing and rankings[11:17] Shopify vs Amazon fulfillment decisions[14:02] Benefits of bundle offering and direct customer relationships[27:17] Plans for custom packaging and early reader reviews[34:42] Production costs and profit margins[40:05] Building an audience for fiction writing[43:42] Book marketing plan and promotion strategy[44:56] Instagram book marketing strategy[50:07] Advanced book marketing tactics with customer data and retargetingSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow 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