Between Drafts

Grab a copy of HuskJoin Nathan's author newsletterJoin Nat's author newsletterNathan and Nat tackle one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring authors: how to financially sustain yourself while pursuing a writing career. They explore various strategies writers use to make ends meet before their books become profitable, drawing from their own experiences and those of successful authors.They discuss the realities of the publishing industry, including the daunting statistics about author earnings and the fierce competition in the market. They share practical approaches like maintaining a day job while writing nights and weekends, building multiple revenue streams through consulting and newsletters, and strategically saving money to take time off for writing. The conversation also delves into the differences between fiction and nonfiction publishing, including their distinct paths to profitability and marketing strategies.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Affording a writing career[01:28] Publishing contracts and financial realities of writing[02:43] Writing while working a full-time job[05:44] Managing multiple revenue streams as a writer[07:23] Client work and consulting[11:02] Writing as a parent[15:19] Saving money first to focus on writing full-time[22:04] Balancing writing for work vs creative writing[29:20] Fiction vs nonfiction writing income potential[31:28] Sales conversion differences between fiction and nonfiction[33:14] Book marketing and bulk purchase strategies[37:05] Getting stuck on your first book[39:33] Writing multiple books before success[42:41] Updates on current writing projectsFollow us on Twitter twitter.com/between_draftsFollow us on Instagram instagram.com/betweendraftspod

Dive into a thrilling exploration of memory and time with Blake Crouch's 'Recursion.' The hosts analyze how the novel transforms from an intimate character study into a global crisis. They compare it to 'Dark Matter,' highlighting the author's evolution in handling complex scenarios while keeping the emotional core intact. The discussion delves into unique time travel concepts, causality, and philosophical elements, making it a captivating listen for sci-fi fans who enjoy thought-provoking narratives.

Explore the behind-the-scenes of launching a self-published novel with insights on navigating Amazon's ranking system and the balance between direct sales and distribution. Discover the secrets behind selling over 500 copies in just one week! The hosts discuss marketing strategies, including the importance of early reader reviews, and the effectiveness of pre-orders. Learn about the challenges of long-term promotion and hear unique strategies like using social media ads and TikTok hacks to engage potential readers.

As Nathan prepares to launch his sci-fi novel 'Husk', he and Nat dive into the emotional and strategic nuances of self-publishing. They discuss choosing Amazon categories for better visibility and the fine art of pricing and promotions. Insights into effective pre-order sales, direct website purchases, and social media engagement reveal the complexities of modern book marketing. The duo also touches on the evolving landscape of publishing and the challenges of maintaining creativity under time pressures, all while navigating their personal experiences.

The hosts dive into the epic science fantasy of 'Empire of Silence,' exploring its rich world-building and deliberate pacing. They compare it to classics like 'Dune,' discussing character development and the intricate narrative structure. Key themes include the blending of faith and power, alongside moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The conversation also addresses the challenges of self-publishing, offering insights from Nat’s book launch experience, and sets the stage for their upcoming book club choice, 'Recursion.'

Dive into the world of paid newsletters as hosts discuss launching subscription-based content. They explore inspiring models like George Saunders' Story Club and emphasize the importance of valuable storytelling. The conversation reveals strategies for monetizing writing on platforms like Substack, the shift from one-time purchases to subscriptions, and the art of collaboration in storytelling. Plus, they tackle the complexities of marketing books and boosting audience engagement, highlighting the benefits of bundling and community support.

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.

Discover the essential strategies for authors looking to build their audience. The discussion emphasizes the need to distinguish between attracting writers versus readers. Key topics include leveraging social media, the power of niche content, and the effectiveness of short-form videos. Insights are shared on how to convert social media followers into newsletter subscribers, and the speakers highlight the importance of engaging content and leveraging reviews for book success. Tune in for practical tips on enhancing your author brand!

The hosts unveil their diverse strategies for book launches, focusing on platforms like Shopify and Amazon. They share insights on the high costs and intricate production of audiobooks, highlighting the importance of narrator selection. The discussion delves into the evolution of writing processes, balancing confidence gained from past works with fresh challenges. Additionally, they touch on effective email marketing tactics and the significance of timeline planning for editing and presentation, ensuring a successful launch.

The hosts delve into the financial intricacies of book publishing, sharing firsthand experiences with their own projects. They discuss the complexities of audiobook production and the stark contrasts between self-publishing and traditional routes. Insights about revenue shares and production costs reveal the challenges authors face in monetizing their work. An exciting book club launch focused on sci-fi and fantasy adds a community element, while an analysis of successful indie titles provides a glimpse into lucrative publishing opportunities.