How Much to Charge for a Self-Published Book

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May 13, 2025

The hosts discuss Nathan's first paperback copies of his sci-fi novel, focusing on innovative pricing strategies for various formats. They delve into the evolving landscape of author marketing, highlighting the power of platforms like Instagram's Bookstagram community. The effects of Amazon's pricing on self-published works are examined, alongside the potential benefits and drawbacks of Kindle Unlimited. They also share engaging insights on connecting with readers through Discord and maximizing influencer collaborations.

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ANECDOTE

High Quality Self-Published Paperbacks

Nat Eliason received his first paperback copies from Ingram, noting great print quality and professional design.
He carefully chose fonts and layout to ensure the book looks polished and not self-published.

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ANECDOTE

Targeted Advance Copies to Bookstagrammers

Nat used 50 paperbacks as advance copies for influencers rather than mass distribution.
He focuses on Instagram bookstagrammers for sci-fi instead of nonfiction-focused Twitter influencers.

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ADVICE

Instagram Strategy with Social Proof

Reach out to bookstagrammers of varying audience sizes, especially 5K to 25K followers.
Use Instagram Story Highlights to build social proof by showcasing reviews from advanced readers.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Innovative Marketing Strategies for a Sci-Fi Paperback

05:25 • 2min

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Strategies for Engaging Influencers and Efficient Book Distribution

07:17 • 3min

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Navigating Self-Publishing Pricing Strategies

10:22 • 23min

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Navigating Shipping and Promotion in Publishing

33:11 • 7min

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The Viability of Monetizing Creative Work

40:04 • 2min

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Literary Adventures and Gaming Memories

Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot" is a collection of short stories exploring the Three Laws of Robotics and their implications for human-robot interaction. The stories delve into the complexities of artificial intelligence and the potential for robots to develop their own forms of consciousness. Asimov's exploration of ethical dilemmas and the potential for unintended consequences remains relevant today. The book's enduring popularity stems from its thought-provoking scenarios and its exploration of the relationship between humans and machines. It's a classic work of science fiction that continues to inspire discussions about the future of AI.

In 'Hyperion', Dan Simmons crafts a complex and engaging narrative that follows seven pilgrims as they travel to the enigmatic planet Hyperion. Each pilgrim has a unique story to tell, which they share during their journey, revealing their connections to Hyperion and the Shrike, a metallic creature with the power to grant wishes. The novel is structured similarly to 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer, with a framing narrative that presents the tales of the pilgrims. The story explores themes of religion, war, love, and the human condition, set against a backdrop of interstellar politics and technological advancements. The novel is praised for its detailed world-building, character development, and literary references.

Red Rising

Ted Starkey

In 'Red Rising: The Washington Capitals Story', Ted Starkey chronicles the transformation and resurgence of the Washington Capitals. The book includes original interviews with key figures from the team, providing a detailed and personal look at the team's history, challenges, and successes.

Mistborn

The Final Empire

Brandon Sanderson

In this epic fantasy, Brandon Sanderson introduces a world called Scadrial, where ash constantly falls from the sky, plants are brown, and supernatural mists cloak the landscape every night. The story follows Vin, a young half-Skaa orphan with the rare ability to become a Mistborn, and Kelsier, a charismatic thief who recruits Vin to join a group of Allomancers in a high-stakes plan to overthrow the divine despot, the Lord Ruler. The novel explores themes of rebellion, trust, and the complexities of a well-crafted magical system based on metals. The world-building is rich and detailed, with a focus on the political intrigue and the harsh realities of a dystopian society.

In 'Wool', the first book of the Silo series, Hugh Howey depicts a dystopian future where humanity lives in a self-sustaining underground silo. The story follows Sheriff Holston and later Juliette, a mechanic turned sheriff, as they uncover the sinister truths and conspiracies within the silo. The novel delves into the lives of the silo's residents, who are kept in the dark about the true state of the outside world, and the harsh punishments for those who express a desire to leave. The book is known for its suspenseful and engaging narrative, exploring themes of survival, hope, and the quest for truth in a confined and controlled environment.

The Pathless Path

Imagining a New Story for Work and Life

Paul Millerd

The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd chronicles his journey from being a high-achieving consultant to embarking on a path of self-discovery and creating a life based on personal values and freedom. The book explores the history of work, the concept of the 'default path' versus the 'pathless path,' and offers practical advice on how to navigate uncertainty, redefine success, and find meaning in one's life. Millerd shares his experiences of living in different countries, facing existential crises, and developing principles that guide him towards a more fulfilling life. The book is an invitation to readers to question their current path and consider a more unconventional, yet meaningful, way of living.

Husk

Frederic L'Homme

Arnaud Boudoiron

Grab a copy of Husk

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Nat shares his experience receiving the first paperback copies of his upcoming sci-fi novel, Husk, and discusses his strategic approach to pricing across different formats - from hardcover to ebook to audiobook. The conversation explores how Amazon's various platforms, including Kindle Unlimited, shape modern publishing decisions and reader behavior.

The hosts also discuss their evolving thoughts on different marketing channels, with some surprising insights about where fiction readers actually hang out online. While Twitter may be losing its appeal, platforms like Instagram's "Bookstagram" community are proving invaluable for connecting with readers.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Husk paperbacks[04:43] Discord communities for authors and readers[05:38] Sending advance book copies[07:18] Targeting different audience sizes on Instagram[11:06] Book pricing strategy[14:03] How Amazon discounts books[17:55] Kindle Unlimited strategy and benefits[22:04] Potential downsides of Kindle Unlimited[26:42] Process of sending out initial paperbacks[31:14] Marketing to the Bookstagram community[32:07] Hardcover shipping logistics for Nat's book store[35:35] Amazon's impact on independent publishing[42:14] Empire of Silence book discussion

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