The Six Figure Author Experiment Podcast

In this candid episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee discuss navigating significant financial and business changes, the reality behind income and profit, and the crucial systems authors need to succeed long-term. Russell shares the ups and downs of his recent financial rollercoaster, the closure of Writer MBA, and how unexpected challenges ultimately led to growth and newfound financial stability. Lee highlights the importance of building sustainable systems, prioritizing newsletters and community engagement, and emphasizes the value of resilience, emotional regulation, and strategic pivoting.Topics Covered:* Managing drastic financial shifts and loss of major income streams* Realities of revenue versus profit for authors* The hidden cost of business growth and reinvestment* Why some authors appear successful but struggle financially* The importance of reducing friction in business growth* Long-term strategies versus short-term gains in publishing* The power and profitability of newsletters and automation* Creating sustainable income through diverse revenue streams* The emotional toll of closing down projects and businesses* Pivoting effectively after setbacks* Building financial and emotional resilience* Introducing Russell’s new membership, "Capitalist," focusing on happiness and balanced success* Lee's Book Marketing Bootcamp details and approach* How to create systems that continuously support author income* Understanding the true value of passive income and long-term asset creation* Learning to embrace endings and creating space for new opportunities* Strategic budgeting, saving, and financial preparedness for uncertainty* Emotional intelligence in handling business disappointments and stress* How mindset and expectations shape enjoyment and success This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this emotionally insightful episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell returns from a whirlwind European tour through Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava with a personal story that carries a deeper lesson. He shares a moment of panic when he thought he lost his expensive SLR camera and how, instead of spiraling into stress and ruining the trip, he chose peace. This unexpected act of mindfulness—of staying present despite looming loss—sparks a conversation about growth, mindset, and how long-term success as a creator is deeply tied to emotional resilience.Lee and Russell explore how years of professional challenges—from losing companies to surviving chaotic launches—have reshaped how Russell views control, money, and creative life. They touch on themes like letting go of perfection, managing emotional responses, and focusing on what’s truly in your control.This episode isn’t just a travel tale—it’s a powerful metaphor for author life. Sometimes, you have to trust the process, accept uncertainty, and keep moving forward.Takeaways:* Emotional growth is a key part of author success.* You don’t need to control every outcome to enjoy the moment.* Losing something can be an opportunity to gain perspective. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this deep and emotionally resonant episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, Russell and Lee go beyond marketing strategies to talk about what really holds authors back: fear of being seen, fear of momentum, and the resistance that shows up when we’re close to success.Lee opens up about launch avoidance, the anxiety of visibility, and the physical effects of pushing through emotional blocks. Together, they explore the tension between doing the “right things” and sabotaging yourself at the moment it matters most. From co-author dynamics to the pressure of performance, from setting the vulnerability level in your community to crafting transformational fiction—this episode is a masterclass in emotional clarity and sustainable authorship.If you’ve ever found yourself procrastinating the most important thing, questioning your worth, or wondering why you can’t seem to follow through—this episode is for you.Topics Covered:* Why self-sabotage isn’t laziness—it’s fear of transformation* The surprising emotional toll of being seen and gaining momentum* Co-author partnerships and the temptation to hide behind others* How fear can manifest as over-productivity, burnout, and avoidance* Physical anxiety responses to visibility and viral success* Setting the vulnerability tone in small reader communities* Why readers share: building emotional resonance over gimmicks* Using fiction to help readers (and ourselves) feel deeply seen* How dark romance, fantasy, and smut can become safe containers for exploration* Forest author marketing: transformation, resonance, and identity* The myth of “needing to connect more” vs. letting your work connect* Russell’s insight: “Nobody loves your book because you wrote it well”* Understanding your true offer: what transformation does your book provide?* Marketing as a conduit—not the transformation itself* Scaling slowly and sustainably: from one-person bootcamps to lasting legacy* 31 launches in 36 months: the consequences of saying yes to everything* Letting go of cluttered calendars to build something amplifiable* Six Figure series case study: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/l/pdp/six-figure-series-case-study* Book marketing bootcamp: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/bookmarketingbootcamp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

n this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, we sit down with Erin Wright—bestselling romance author and founder of Wide for the Win—to unpack the real differences between wide publishing and Kindle Unlimited. Erin joins co-hosts Russell and Lee to explore how author archetypes, release strategies, international markets, and even dopamine hits from Amazon rank can affect your success depending on the path you choose.We dig into the psychology, practicality, and sustainability of both publishing approaches—from mental health and burnout to long-tail income and international reach. This isn’t about one path being better—it’s about helping you choose what actually works for your books, your audience, and your life. Whether you’re in KU, thinking about going wide, or just trying to future-proof your author business, this conversation is full of insight, humor, and real-world experience.Topics Covered:* Erin Wright’s journey from librarian to bestselling wide author* Founding Wide for the Win and growing to over 18,000 members* How KU limits access to libraries and international markets* Author archetypes: Forest, Grassland, Aquatic, and Phoenix* The psychological toll of KU’s treadmill and algorithm dependence* Why KU can be detrimental—not just neutral—for some authors* How wide platforms reward longevity vs. KU’s focus on newness* Preorder mechanics: Apple and Kobo vs. Amazon* Bank over rank: why chasing rank won’t pay your mortgage* Wide publishing as “choose your own adventure”* Transitioning to wide with foreign translations* Real examples of burnout, bounce-backs, and big wins* Hiring help for wide distribution (and knowing when to do it)* Tips for sustainable author careers in an unpredictable marketLinks:* Six Figure series case study: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/l/pdp/six-figure-series-case-study* Book marketing bootcamp: https://millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/bookmarketingbootcamp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode, Jennifer Hilt, author of The Trope Thesaurus series, joins Lee and Russell to break down the true power of tropes in fiction writing—not as clichés, but as emotional shorthand and marketing gold. Together, they explore how tropes function in storytelling, why they’re the secret weapon of bestselling authors, and how to twist them in ways that honor your voice and resonate with readers. Whether you’re writing epic fantasy, spicy romance, domestic thrillers, or cozy mysteries, this episode helps you see tropes not as a box but as a toolkit. You'll learn how to identify, use, and market tropes so readers instantly “get” your story—and want more.Topics Covered:* Jennifer’s definition of tropes—and how they differ from clichés* The three “buckets” of tropes: character, conflict/stakes, and setting* Why tropes aren’t formulas—they’re ingredients readers crave* The role of tropes in genre blending (e.g., romance + mystery, fantasy + thriller)* Using tropes to reverse-engineer your blurb and boost conversion* The growing importance of “trope cards” in romance marketing* Why your book already has tropes (even if you don’t realize it yet)* How identifying tropes can solve plot problems and unlock stalled drafts* Misdirection and red herrings as underused “conflict” tropes* Tropes as shared language between you and your reader* Examples of evergreen tropes: ticking time bomb, forced proximity, only one bed* Why “structure is just a list of tropes” and how that builds trust with readers* The value of “same but different” stories in commercial fiction* Baking marketing into your book from the beginning* Layering in secondary genre tropes to widen appeal* How voice transforms tired tropes into unforgettable stories* Using your personal “id list” to build trope-rich stories that excite you* The power of identity and series-spanning tropes (e.g., orphan to icon arcs)* The difference between trope usage in high-concept vs. slow-burn fiction* Tropes as both creative springboards and safety nets for readers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, we sit down with Oriana Leckert, Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, to dive deep into how authors are leveraging Kickstarter to hit six-figure goals, build powerful communities, and take full control of their careers. Oriana shares insider stats, success strategies, and powerful examples of how direct-to-reader models are reshaping the publishing world. We explore why crowdfunding is more than just funding—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences, amplifying your brand, and future-proofing your author career in an uncertain world. Whether you're a new author, seasoned indie, or thinking about launching your first campaign, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.Topics Covered:* Oriana Leckert’s journey through publishing and Kickstarter leadership* Why direct-to-reader models are outperforming traditional and self-publishing* Year-over-year growth statistics for publishing projects on Kickstarter* Key success metrics: 84% success rate with 25+ backers, $16K average raise* How Kickstarter backers behave differently from typical book buyers* The secret to Kickstarter’s algorithm: attention and early momentum* Why backer community and engagement trump pure audience size* The growing power of subscriptions and how Patreon and Kickstarter work together* Using Kickstarter to test ideas, validate demand, and build sustainable income* Examples of creative rewards: from scene kits to special editions and experiences* How Kickstarter campaigns drive amplification even beyond funding* Curating emotional experiences for readers through physical and digital rewards* The future of publishing: quality over quantity, 100 true fans, and direct community building* Oriana’s advice for building a resilient, connected author career in uncertain times This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

In this high-impact episode, former Amazon insider Janet Margot drops truth bombs about what really moves the needle on Amazon—and it’s not just tweaking your ad bids.After a decade helping build the Amazon ads platform specifically for books, Janet has seen the game from the inside. Now she’s out in the wild, coaching authors to not just run ads, but to think strategically about their entire Amazon ecosystem.💡 What You’ll Learn:* Why most ad problems aren’t ad problems—they’re product problems.* The biggest myths authors believe about Amazon ads.* How to use your product page, book packaging, and strategy to create a flywheel that works even when ads aren’t.* Why Janet calls herself an “Amazon coach” instead of an “ads coach” now—and what that shift means for your career.* The missing piece from most advertising courses (including her first book!) and why her new second edition focuses more on strategy over tactics.🛠️ Lee and Russell jump in with their own experiences—Russell brings his signature “burn-it-down-and-rebuild” mindset while Lee’s juggling spicy Batman novels and the grind of the long game.This episode is a goldmine for indie authors who:* Feel like their ads are “working” but sales still suck.* Are ready to stop throwing money at Amazon and start building a sustainable system.* Want to understand what Amazon rewards (hint: it's not just money).If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the backend of your author business, or you’re tired of buying one more ads course that doesn’t deliver, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

Episode Summary: Live from New Orleans – Six Figure Author ExperimentIn this episode, recorded live at a conference in New Orleans, hosts Monica Leonelle, Lee Savino, and Russell Nohelty reflect on a uniquely energizing experience. Unlike typical conferences that leave attendees drained, this event fostered connection, collaboration, and genuine breakthroughs.Key Takeaways1. Surprisingly Energizing Experience• Despite two full days of activities, the hosts felt energized instead of exhausted.• This is rare for conferences, especially when you’re also organizing or speaking.2. Responsibility Was Shared—By Design• The event was intentionally structured so attendees, not just organizers, contributed to each other’s success.• This created a more collaborative atmosphere and lightened the burden on the “core team.”3. Mastermind Format Delivered Results• The small group and one-on-one conversations during the mastermind led to powerful breakthroughs.• Attendees had space to talk, listen, and support one another—something often missing from big events.4. Hybrid Structure = Best of Both Worlds• The event included both a mastermind and a traditional conference portion.• The mastermind was experimental but impactful; the conference followed a more familiar format with vendors and speaker tracks.5. The People Made It Work• The success was largely due to curating a room full of generous, driven, “cool” people.• The team trusted that putting the right people together would lead to magic—and it did.Final ThoughtThis episode is proof that author events can go beyond panels and presentations. With intentional design and the right community, they can create meaningful momentum and real change in an author’s career.Let me know if you’d like this turned into show notes, a newsletter, or something visual! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

This episode features a presentation Russell gave in Lee’s Facebook group tht breaks down a crucial lesson for authors: success isn’t about picking the “best” platform, whether it’s Kickstarter, Substack, or direct sales, but about how they work together to amplify each other.The focus isn’t on chasing the next big thing or worrying about industry collapse. It’s about simplifying, optimizing, and integrating existing strategies to create a sustainable sales ecosystem.Key takeaways include:* Why direct sales, crowdfunding, and memberships work better together.* How to build a system where each platform strengthens the others.* The importance of doing fewer things, better, instead of chasing silver bullets.If you’re tired of constantly adapting to new trends, this talk offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to making a living as an author. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com

Summary: In this episode of The Six Figure Author Experiment, hosts Monica and Russell welcome co-host Lee Savino and guest Ines Johnson, a prolific romance author and Kickstarter powerhouse. Ines dives deep into the art of crafting page-turner pacing, drawing from her background in screenwriting and television. She shares insights into the structural techniques that keep readers hooked, such as adapting episodic storytelling methods to novels and mastering subplot integration.Key highlights include:* Kickstarter Success: Ines shares how Russell inspired her to relaunch a Kickstarter campaign, leading to a staggering $24,000 in just two days.* The Page-Turner Formula: Ines discusses her screenwriting roots and how the discipline of episodic TV informs her approach to building tension and satisfying resolutions in books.* Writing Weird and Marketable: The group debates balancing creative uniqueness with market demands, encouraging authors to lean into tropes and genres while adding their personal "special sauce."* Books for Fans vs. Audience Growth: Ines and the hosts explore how authors can create projects to satisfy devoted readers while planning broader appeal books to attract new fans.* Practical Writing Tips: From understanding shared marketing language in tropes to layering storylines using concepts like Levitt's Paradigm, this episode is packed with actionable advice.The episode also tackles questions from the audience about applying pacing techniques to unconventional books, tracking subplots, and the value of creating standalone versus serialized works.Takeaway: Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this episode delivers essential strategies for crafting compelling narratives, building a loyal audience, and navigating the complexities of the modern publishing landscape. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com