Boris Bacic, a bestselling horror author from Serbia with over 30 works, dives into the evolution of horror subgenres and shares his unique publishing journey. He discusses finding inspiration from personal experiences and the importance of setting. Bacic elaborates on whether ideas suit short stories or novels and explores the various income streams for authors in the genre. He also addresses the impact of platforms like creepypasta on horror narratives and highlights the challenges indie authors face in marketing their work.
Understanding ISBNs is crucial for self-publishing authors, influencing their book distribution and overall visibility in the market.
The podcast highlights that many authors prioritize storytelling over financial gain, underscoring the importance of defining personal success.
Marketing is identified as a significant challenge for indie authors, with effective strategies correlating strongly to better financial outcomes and visibility.
Deep dives
Understanding ISBNs for Self-Publishing
ISBNs play a critical role in self-publishing, serving as unique identifiers for books. New authors often seek clarity on whether to own their ISBNs, as some countries require purchasing while others do not. The self-publishing guide 'ISBNs Made Easy' provides essential insights, addressing common misconceptions and pitfalls. Understanding the proper usage and significance of ISBNs can greatly impact an author’s book distribution and visibility.
Author Motivation and Income Insights
A recent survey revealed that 43% of authors prioritize making money from their writing, while 19% are primarily motivated by storytelling. This highlights a key distinction in author motivations, indicating that many writers do not necessarily seek financial success. Furthermore, approximately 46% of authors reported earning $100 or less monthly from their book sales, emphasizing the importance of defining success within one's personal context. The data suggests that an author's mindset toward income influences their business choices and overall success.
The Role of Marketing in Author Success
Marketing remains the most formidable challenge for indie authors, with 78.5% acknowledging it as their hardest hurdle. The survey indicates a strong correlation between marketing expenditures and author income, suggesting that those who invest in marketing strategies tend to see better financial outcomes. Additionally, it points to the significance of consistent book production, where prolific authors often enjoy higher earnings due to greater visibility. Embracing effective marketing and understanding its essential role can be crucial for long-term success in the self-publishing realm.
The Impact of Taylor Swift's Self-Publishing Move
Taylor Swift's announcement of her foray into self-publishing has sparked considerable discussion, highlighting her significant business acumen. The commemorative book celebrating her Eras Tour will be sold exclusively at Target, showcasing her ability to maintain creative control while maximizing profits. However, it's important to recognize that her situation differs vastly from that of typical indie authors, as her corporate backing and established fanbase provide unique advantages. This situation prompts reflection on the diverse paths within the publishing industry and their implications for independent authors.
Shifts in Audiobook Production and Consumption
The podcast discusses Seth Godin's insights on the growing prevalence of audiobooks and their production by AI. He argues that while audiobooks are undergoing a significant transformation, and AI narration may soon dominate the market, the nuanced emotional connection of human narrators remains irreplaceable. The impact of this evolution in audio content consumption could redefine how authors approach audiobook production and distribution. Godin's perspective calls attention to the balance between technological advancements and the intrinsic value of human narrative performances.
What are some of the key elements in writing horror? How can you be successful writing and self-publishing in the genre? With Boris Bacic. In the intro, ISBNs made easy [Self-publishing Advice]; Written Word Media’s 2024 author survey; Taylor Swift self-publishing [Morning Brew]; Thoughts on audiobooks [Seth Godin]; This is Strategy: Make Better Plans – […]
