Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Six Figure Author Experiment, where we guide you through breaking your first or next $100,000 goal. This week’s episode dives deep into the unpredictable world of hiring and firing in the creative industry.Another “Mess-ipode.” Lee and Russell discuss leveling up in your author business by failing bigger and failing forward. Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. Do you like this free form (Squirrel!) conversation or do you prefer a more structured episode? Or do you not notice a difference? :P Key Points:* Hiring and Firing Realities:* Hosts Lee and Russell initially planned to discuss comic creation but pivoted to talk about the challenges of managing team dynamics.* Lee shares her recent struggles with team performance, emphasizing the importance of aligning hires with industry-specific experience to avoid costly mistakes.* Russell highlights the critical nature of making "bankruptable mistakes" as you scale, stressing the need for calculated risks and the inevitability of learning from failures.* Adventures in Advertising:* Russell recounts his $30,000 investment in ads to grow an email list, which despite the high cost, provided invaluable insights and a growing subscriber base.* Discussion on the niche-specific effectiveness of co-registration in ad campaigns, with a spotlight on the varying returns based on the audience's interest area.* Leveraging Small Wins:* Lee and Russell discuss the concept of having reliable "levers" in business—strategies or products that consistently generate revenue.* Lee mentions her successful methods, like specific writing series that guarantee returns, and Russell reflects on his data-driven approach to testing and iterating on different strategies.* Comic and Content Creation:* Both hosts talk about their ventures into creating comics and the importance of diversifying content formats.* Russell shares insights on translating success from one medium (novels) to another (comics) and the lessons learned from high-cost, high-reward projects.* Lee explores the potential of using splash pages in comics to maximize artistic and financial returns, ensuring each piece of art has multiple uses.* Future Prospects and Strategy:* Lee considers combining special edition book releases with comic projects, targeting both romance readers and comic enthusiasts.* Both hosts agree on the importance of thorough planning and the strategic use of data to ensure the success of future projects.FINAL THOUGHT:Navigating the highs and lows of creative entrepreneurship involves a delicate balance of risk-taking and strategic planning. Lee and Russell’s candid discussion underscores the importance of learning from every venture, making data-driven decisions, and continuously adapting to new opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of the creative industry. Whether it’s through meticulous hiring, innovative advertising, or diversifying content formats, the journey to a six-figure income is paved with both challenges and triumphs.* Find the levers that make money and pull them * Bankruptable Mistakes * Two things to do to make your business antifragile * Packaging: do something once, profit forever * Accessing new markets * Building business structures  * Meet Russell and Lee in person at the Writer MBA conference: https://writermba.com/conference/Super fan offer: https://www.russellnohelty.com/bystas/ 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 week Russell and Lee talk about everything. We’re calling this style podcast a “Mess-ipode.” Do you like this free form (Squirrel!) conversation or do you prefer a more structured episode? Or do you not notice a difference? :P Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. * Lazy launches or Do as Lee says, not as she does* “Life is so lifey”* How do you level up as a creator?* Delegating and firing or how Russell blew $30,000 on marketing but learned a lot* Lee’s conference strategy * Manifesting and creating your dream life* “Bet on people not projects”  * Lee’s rules for co-writing and collaboration: * Love the other person’s creations * Start small* Do your best but don’t be precious * 1+1 = 1 million* If your gut says no to a handshake agreement, don’t sign a contract * Russell reveals the secret to everything * Russell’s secret society - the cult of Russell–and how you can joinResources: * “Who not how” book - Lee read almost 2 chapters! * Lee’s millionaire author mug: midnightromanceshop.com/products/millionaire-author-tumbler * Lee’s co-writing tips: Co-writing FTW!* Join Russell’s cult here: www.sixfigureauthorexperiment.com/subscribe  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 9 Russell’s six figure author experiment and book launch is coming together! In this episode, Lee and Russell are joined by Kathleen Sweeney from Book Brush to talk about how Book Brush can help authors with marketing and promotion with their image creation tools and their new social media management service. Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. * Direct vs. indirect sales * How to make a “love my book kit” (media kit) * Batching - how Lee bulk creates facebook posts, newsletters and ads * Diminishing returns of social media * How to delegate * Attention domination by Frank Kern Resources: * Check out Russell’s series launch checklist: https://BookHip.com/BDJDMNG* Grab your own Free Book Launch Checklist (includes how to apply for merchandising)* www.bookbrush.com   * bookbrush.com/hourly-concepts-portfolio* bookbrush.com/social-media-management  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

We’re still talking about Lee’s Kickstarter project, The Millionaire Author Mindset. Listen to Part One here: Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. Join us as we discuss: * Why nonfiction can be perfect for Kickstarter* The nonfiction funnel - book to courses* How kickstarter allows you to test your ideas * How to get over your fear of doing something new* “Investment comes before growth”* The question to ask yourself when you are writing nonfiction: Who am I helping?* Harnessing your inner Aquatic: Lee becomes a mermaid * Branding to attract and repel your idea reader/customer * An anti-authoritarian bee, a purple psychedelic pig and other customer avatars / psychographics * “If you’re talking to everybody, you’re talking to nobody” * “Are you speaking to the 99% of people who aren’t going to buy your thing, or the 1% who are?”* What to put in a Kickstarter stack: $1, $20, $50, $100, $300, $600 pledge tiers* Ideas for nonfiction tiers and rewards: checklist, ebook, audiobook, paperback, workbooks, physical decks, VIP live calls and hot seats, master classes, masterminds, coaching cohorts, courses * The Kickstarter spillover effect * Book launch and pre-order strategy in tandem with Kickstarter * Russell’s foolproof clipboard strategy * What are Kickstarter perks and stretch goals, and why do we care?* The best time to launch a Kickstarter* How long should my Kickstarter be? *  Lee’s homework: complete the simple "perfect" sales page worksheet and walkthrough from Russell’s coursehttps://writermba.teachable.com/p/the-kickstarter-acceleratorLet us know what you think of this episode, and what you’d like to see in Lee Savino’s Millionaire Author Mindset kickstarter!  Resources:* The Kickstarter Accelerator course:https://writermba.teachable.com/p/the-kickstarter-accelerator* The Seven Figure Author course:millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/seven-figure-author * The author ecosystem: https://authorecosystem.com/overview 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 7 It’s Opposite Day! Russell is launching Amazon so Lee’s going to launch her project, The Millionaire Author Mindset, on Kickstarter. This is the first part of a 2-part episode. Part 2 can be found below. Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. Join us as we discuss: * Why nonfiction can be perfect for Kickstarter* The nonfiction funnel - book to courses* How kickstarter allows you to test your ideas * How to get over your fear of doing something new* “Investment comes before growth”* The question to ask yourself when you are writing nonfiction: Who am I helping?* Harnessing your inner Aquatic: Lee becomes a mermaid * Branding to attract and repel your idea reader/customer * An anti-authoritarian bee, a purple psychedelic pig and other customer avatars / psychographics * “If you’re talking to everybody, you’re talking to nobody” * “Are you speaking to the 99% of people who aren’t going to buy your thing, or the 1% who are?”* What to put in a Kickstarter stack: $1, $20, $50, $100, $300, $600 pledge tiers* Ideas for nonfiction tiers and rewards: checklist, ebook, audiobook, paperback, workbooks, physical decks, VIP live calls and hot seats, master classes, masterminds, coaching cohorts, courses * The Kickstarter spillover effect * Book launch and pre-order strategy in tandem with Kickstarter * Russell’s foolproof clipboard strategy * What are Kickstarter perks and stretch goals, and why do we care?* The best time to launch a Kickstarter* How long should my Kickstarter be? *  Lee’s homework: complete the simple "perfect" sales page worksheet and walkthrough from Russell’s course https://writermba.teachable.com/p/the-kickstarter-acceleratorLet us know what you think of this episode, and what you’d like to see in Lee Savino’s Millionaire Author Mindset kickstarter!  Resources:* The Kickstarter Accelerator course: https://writermba.teachable.com/p/the-kickstarter-accelerator* The Seven Figure Author course:millionaire-author-coaching.teachable.com/p/seven-figure-author * The author ecosystem: https://authorecosystem.com/overview 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 6: Self-liquidating offers: a boring term that makes us sound super smart! Join Lee and Russell as they discuss ways to advertise and push a pre-order using a direct store bundle–the author version of a self-liquidating offer.Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. * Self-liquidating offers in courses and nonfiction, and now fiction* Russell’s pre-order marketing strategy  * Launch marketing strategy * Nick Erik’s 5x5 ad creation strategy* Nick’s recommended romance audience: Diana Gabaldon, Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts, EL James, Sylvia Day, Contemporary romance   * How to test ads* What is the halo/spillover effect and why is it worth millions?* “He was everything, he was nothing…and now he’s a potato!” * The two ways to make a direct store: Shopify or landing page with a store plug in like Optimize Press * The benefits of running ads to your own store versus Amazon or other retailers Resources: * Free Book Launch Checklist (includes how to apply for merchandising)* Russell’s book launch checklist (the generic one tailored to him): https://BookHip.com/BDJDMNG * Solid marketing and ad advice: nicholaserik.com* Steve Pieper’s direct sales course: app.stevepieper.com * Russell’s offers* www.russellnohelty.com/obsidiansales* russellnohelty.myflodesk.com/rc0k0kug3u* www.russellnohelty.com/ichabodcomplete/* www.russellnohelty.com/series/the-godsverse-chronicles/ 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 5: Monica Leonelle joins Lee and Russell to discuss big launches. We run down a laundry list of the things Lee Savino and her cowriter did for their biggest launches (which resulted in each book hitting the USA today bestseller list back in 2021-2022). Then we asked Russell: What sounds fun for you? Opening credits and editing by the amazing Jim Wilbourne. The Book Launch Laundry list: * Bookbub pre-order promotions * Social media posts, giveaway posts* Goodreads giveaways* ARC Team vs Street Team * Your own newsletter * Newsletter Swaps with author peers* Merchandising at Kobo, Barnes and Noble* Newsletter promo sites like Bargainbooksy (Lee used Book-rank.com/Ram’s Promo stacker and clicked “Give me the Max”) * Pay per click ads Lee hasn’t had much success with: Amazon ads, tiktok ads, Bookbub ads, Snap chat ads, Google ads, Pinterest ads * Facebook ads, including self-liquidating offers like running ads to a direct store* Not discussed: affiliate marketing and video content marketing on Reels, Tiktok and Youtube shorts  Ask yourself “What on this list sounds fun to try for my next launch?” Resources: * Free Book Launch Checklist (includes how to apply for merchandising)* Book-rank.com (formerly Ram’s promo stacker)* Recommended book Promotion sites by Nicholas Erik: https://nicholaserik.com/promo-sites/* Stats on the revamped USA Today Bestseller list: https://hotsheetpub.com/2023/10/the-revamped-usa-today-bestseller-list-isnt-what-it-used-to-be/* What’s your Author Ecosystem? (Forest, Tundra, Desert, etc): * Free book on Author Ecosystems: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dddd61c9j4Monica Leonelle’s Book Sales Supercharged seriesAnd the Written Word Media Book Marketing template: https://geni.us/Bookmarketingtemplate 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

Mike Hourigan from Written Word Media discusses promo stacking, newsletter growth, and book marketing tools with Lee and Russell. They delve into maximizing marketing strategies, testing book blurbs, and covers, utilizing promo stacking for book marketing success, and boosting book rankings through strategic advertising. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with a loyal fanbase and effective book launch promotion strategies.

Episode 3: Lee and Russell are joined by Melissa Storm to discuss releasing a NSFW paranormal romance comic book on Kickstarter. They’re two days into this launch and are already fully funded. Content warnings: dirty jokes. It’s Lee’s fault. Put your headphones in. * The basics of Kickstarter projects* Popular genres on Kickstarter  * Pros and cons of working with a comic publisher * Best practices for collaborating or co-writing with another creator * The three stages of a Kickstarter launch* The challenges of publishing a French and English version simultaneously * The optimal length of a Kickstarter campaign* What to include in a Kickstarter campaign * A crash course in different types of comic covers (metal FTW) * The stages of making a comic * Color printing options with Bookvault * Russell’s most important tip for authors who want to turn their books into comics Resources: * Free Book Launch Checklist* How to build an email sequence for a book launch - * 5 biggest mistakes writers make transitioning their book into comics - * Romance class - russellnohelty.com/sexytimecomicclass* More about Melissa Storm’s services for authors: https://www.novelpublicity.com/about/ 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 2: We’re still covering the OG Six Figure Author Experiment: the launch of Russell’s fantasy series, the Godsverse Chronicles. In this episode Russell updates us on his experience uploading four of his novels to book retailers. He and Lee discuss mindset and the fear that bubbles up on your author journey–fear of both failure and success. Fear is the mind killer but there are antidotes that don’t involve riding a giant worm. Content warnings: discussion of depression, mental illness and suicidal ideation. * The busywork that’s part of an indie author’s life * “The Busy Mom” publishing option for authors who have no time* Boo to Ingram Spark, yay to PublishDrive and Draft to Digital  * Character-driven writing * How dysfunction in the mind is NORMAL * How to expand your comfort zone * How Russell caused the apocalypse* A useful approach to success or failure* “Every decision you make in writing is also a marketing decision” * The ideal number of books for a successful series * The advice Lee gave to a millionaire author * Russell’s dog’s happily ever after  * The #1 thing you can do to realize instant success Your Homework:* Make a list of things you’re grateful for, especially regarding your books and your writing career so far. * Choose a book from your catalog and make a list of things that are holding that book back–the cover, the plot, the writing style, the audience and market you’re targetingWe want to hear from you! Let us know how the homework goes and what was your favorite part of this episode. Resources: * Free Book Launch Checklist* The Secrets of Story: Innovative Tools for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers by Matt Bird: https://amzn.to/4cuqC5P* Jim Butcher’s Livejournal: https://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/969.html* An excellent resource for shifting your mindset and relieving anxiety: The Rapid Resolution Technique by Jon Connelly: https://www.rapidresolutiontherapy.com/* Author ecosystems: https://authorecosystem.com/overview/Gratitude StudiesWong Y J, et al. Does Gratitude Writing Improve the Mental Health of Psychotherapy Clients? Bartlett M, Condon P, et al. Gratitude: prompting behaviors that build relationships Yu H. Gao X, et al. Decomposing Gratitude: Representation and Integration of Cognitive Antecedents of Gratitude in the Brain Lúzie Fofonka Cunha, et al. Positive Psychology and Gratitude Interventions: A Randomized Clinical Trial Philip Watkins: Thieves of Thankfulness: Traits that inhibit gratitudePhilip Watkins: Grateful recounting enhances subjective well-being: The importance of grateful processingP. Kini, et al. The effects of gratitude expression on neural activityFor more, check out the excellent video “An Antidote to Dissatisfaction” by Kurzgesagt 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