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 p...
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
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52:24
Q&A: Best Writing Tools, Building an Audience, Designing a Cover, Release Strategy & More
Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/11In this mailbag episode of Between Drafts, Nathan and Nat tackle listener questions about cover art strategy, exploring the delicate balance between artistic vision and market appeal, and share their experiences with various writing tools and technologies that help bring their stories to life.The conversation offers insights into the evolving landscape of self-publishing, from pricing strategies and pre-order campaigns to the crucial decisions around cover design and format choices. The hosts discuss how they're navigating the transition between online writing and fiction, sharing their perspectives on maintaining audience engagement while pursuing longer-form creative projects.The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on crafting compelling non-fiction content in an AI-dominated world, emphasizing the importance of personal narrative and internal conflict in storytelling. And finally, Nat's exciting announcement about pre-orders opening for his upcoming book "Husk."TIMESTAMPS[00:53] How long it takes to make a book cover[03:22] How Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson took off with a new cover[04:36] Nat's cover design process for Husk[09:39] Business book cover trends and formulas[10:26] Hardcover vs paperback release strategy[17:21] Writing tools we're using[26:02] Balancing online writing with fiction writing[30:19] Newsletter platforms: Substack vs Beehive vs ConvertKit[36:07] Writing process: linear vs non-linear scene development[43:42] Introducing conflict in nonfiction writing[47:02] How we think about blogging strategy[50:16] Husk preorder bundle announcement and logisticsSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
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53:10
What Happens After Finishing Your Book? (Ep. 10)
Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/10Fresh off submitting the final manuscript of Husk, Nat breaks down the steps between completion and publication, from locking in the cover art to editing to planning marketing strategies and the audiobook production.Nat compares his experience with "Crypto Confidential" at Penguin Random House to his current self-publishing journey, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities each path presents. Particularly interesting is the discussion about how authors can leverage different formats and platforms - from special edition bundles to Amazon's algorithm - to maximize their book's reach.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Overview of post-manuscript submission process and timeline[02:14] How much does a cover cost[04:24] The cost of fiction and nonfiction self-publishing[06:12] Building an author email list[07:51] Using novellas for marketing and audience building[18:00] Cover design process[19:28] Copy editing and proofreading process[22:49] Designing your book layout across different editions[25:06] Audiobook production considerations and voice acting[31:06] Book endorsements and blurbs in publishing industry[33:45] Marketing strategies and Amazon platform optimization[41:29] Timeline for book launch preparations[44:25] Post-submission author routine and future projectsSubscribe to the newsletter https://betweendraftspod.comFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod
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47:13
Getting & Using Feedback on Your Novel (Ep. 9)
Get the full notes and bonuses for this episode https://betweendraftspod.com/episodes/9Nathan and Nat dive deep into the challenging process of incorporating feedback during the writing and editing process. They explore how to effectively evaluate and implement reader feedback while maintaining the core vision for your work, drawing from their experiences writing their respective novels.How do you decide which feedback to take seriously? When should you trust your gut versus listening to readers? They share strategies for prioritizing feedback, from focusing on "top-down" story-level changes to being selective about beta readers. They also discuss the delicate balance between getting enough outside perspective while avoiding the trap of endless revisions.Whether you're working on your first novel or your fifth, their discussion offers practical advice and reassurance about the messy reality of incorporating feedback while staying true to your creative vision.TIMESTAMPS[02:25] Nathan's novel update[06:47] Career authors' advice on taking time with dialogue[11:16] Strategies for incorporating feedback[13:51] Identifying problems vs solutions in feedback[16:00] Balancing genre expectations with writing goals[19:21] Incorporating elements from other genres[23:35] Using gut instinct to evaluate feedback[25:23] The top-down editing approach[31:02] Pressures of first novels[37:00] Editing in self-publishing vs traditional publishing[42:08] Optimal number of beta readers and feedback sources[47:28] Techniques for self-editing[51:20] Permission-giving in writing through reading others[57:08] Getting feedback vs trusting your instinctsSubscribe 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.
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