Rachel McLean, an award-winning crime author and publisher, shares her journey in scaling her author business after selling over 2 million copies. She discusses the importance of hiring freelancers with diverse skills and balancing writing with business duties. The conversation touches on moving readers from Kindle Unlimited to direct sales and the surge of audiobooks. McLean also explores leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity while maintaining an authentic voice, ultimately emphasizing reader engagement and innovative marketing strategies.
Transitioning from a solo author to managing a team can enhance productivity and strengthen reader engagement.
The rise of new e-book technologies and audiobook markets is creating more opportunities for authors to reach diverse audiences.
Utilizing AI tools creatively allows authors to streamline their writing process while maintaining their unique voice and style.
Deep dives
Scaling an Author Business
Transitioning from being a solo author to managing a growing business is a significant shift. An author discussed how they expanded from writing a single series to overseeing multiple series and a team of seven freelancers. This decision was influenced by the realization that managing people in a small, flexible environment differs greatly from experiences in larger organizations. The author now enjoys collaborating with a team, leveraging their skills to enhance productivity while still engaging with readers personally.
New Opportunities in E-Book Devices
Amazon's recent launch of new Kindle devices, including a color Kindle, shows a continued investment in e-book technology, which is seen as a positive sign for e-book sales. This aligns with ongoing developments in the audiobook market, as Spotify expands its offerings into new regions, allowing for increased audience reach. The shift suggests growing accessibility and options for readers and listeners, and it emphasizes the importance of being mindful about where to focus marketing efforts in a constantly evolving industry. Both e-books and audiobooks present valuable opportunities for authors to broaden their readership and increase sales.
Harnessing AI in Writing
AI tools are increasingly becoming invaluable resources for authors, particularly for brainstorming and organization. Various authors shared how they utilize AI to overcome creative blocks, develop characters, and streamline research processes. The integration of AI assists in generating ideas and organizing thoughts, enhancing the creative process while allowing writers to maintain their personal voices. The discussion highlighted the importance of using AI ethically and creatively to support rather than replace the author's unique contributions.
Reader Engagement and Community Building
Engaging with readers remains a vital part of an author's strategy in both traditional and self-publishing environments. Building a 'reader army' allows authors to enlist their loyal fan base to promote their work collectively. This encouragement fosters a sense of community among readers who are eager to support the author and spread the word on new releases. By leveraging tools and platforms effectively, authors can facilitate increased sales and direct traffic to their own online stores.
The Future of Direct Sales in Publishing
As authors pivot towards direct sales models, exploring platforms like Shopify showcases a shift in marketing strategies. Conducting pre-order campaigns directly on their websites allows authors to create buzz and engage their audience on a more personal level. This instructional approach will likely open up new revenue streams as authors experiment with exclusive content and promotional offers. What remains evident is that building a direct relationship with readers is becoming increasingly important in sustaining an author's career.
How do you successfully scale an author business? How do you delegate to your team as well as continue to research and write the books you love? With award-winning crime author, Rachel McLean. In the intro, new Kindle devices [Amazon]; new European markets for Spotify audiobooks [Spotify]; customisable audio with Google NotebookLM; Amazon Ads launches […]