Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast

Q&A - How To Self-Publish Your First Book

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Sep 4, 2024

Dive into the world of self-publishing and discover why it's often the best choice for most writers. Learn about pitfalls in traditional publishing, like the chase for status and bookstore placements. Get practical tips on finding editors, balancing passion with market demand, and leveraging reader feedback. Explore strategies for consistent content production and smart book distribution. The secrets to successful self-publishing are unveiled, making it a must-listen for aspiring authors!

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INSIGHT

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Nicholas Cole argues that self-publishing offers more creative freedom and financial gain than traditional publishing.
He emphasizes the pitfalls of chasing book deals for status or New York Times recognition.

INSIGHT

Value of Traditional Publishers

Traditional publishers primarily offer value in New York Times bestseller placement, bookstore presence, and status.
Cole highlights the declining trend of bookstore sales and the misconception that book deals guarantee widespread bookstore placement.

ADVICE

Finding an Editor

Utilize platforms like Reedsy, Upwork, Fiverr, or Twitter to find editors for grammar, spelling, or structural feedback.
Consider companies like Scribe or even publishing.com for structured, repeatable book-creation processes.

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Q&A on how to self-publish your first book

In this episode, I dive deep into the world of self-publishing, sharing why I believe it's a better path for 99% of writers compared to traditional publishing. With ten self-published books generating $10,000 a month on autopilot, I provide a clear argument against the allure of book deals, exposing the pitfalls of chasing traditional publishing for status, New York Times bestseller recognition, and bookstore placements. I also answer common questions on how to successfully self-publish, offering practical advice for leveraging, formatting, and publishing your work. This episode is packed with practical advice on leveraging your content, staying consistent, and understanding your market to succeed as a self-published author.

(00:00) Intro
(00:31) The Problem with Book Deals
(01:19) “A Publisher Will Help You Win The NYT Best-Seller Game”
(02:47) “A Publisher Will Help You Get Into Bookstores”
(01:19) “A Publisher Will Help You Win The NYT Best-Seller Game”
(02:47) “A Publisher Will Help You Get Into Bookstores”
(08:14) “Where is the bets place to find an editor?”
(11:49) “How do you balance writing what you love versus writing what sells?”
(16:38) “Is it worth trying to self-publish even if you haven’t established an audience and tested on social?”
(17:26) “Distribution: should you do a soft launch to your list or just post on all platforms and let it ride?”
(21:54) “How many books in a series should you do before doing another series or pivoting?”
(26:07) “What are the best practices for writers of literary and upmarket fiction? Any success stories?”
(32:50) “How do you handle the design side?”

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