Between Drafts

Nat lays out his roadmap for launching a sci-fi novel, tackling the intricacies of self-publishing. He shares a three-pronged marketing strategy involving influencers, podcasts, and newsletters to build excitement. The challenges of shifting from nonfiction to fiction are explored, along with insights on genre expectations and reader engagement. Nat dives into the details of typography, ebook pricing, and the importance of pre-orders, all while fostering connections within the sci-fi community.

Delve into the fascinating world of novella writing as the hosts share their personal journeys and strategies. Discover how novellas can attract new readers while enriching larger fictional universes. Learn why traditional publishers often hesitate to embrace these shorter works, contrasted with the success self-published authors find. The conversation also touches on the vital role of character development, pacing challenges, and the impact of digital platforms like Substack on reader engagement. Plus, get insights on effective marketing tactics for launching novellas!

Dive into the world of book pre-orders as Nat reveals his unique strategies for launching his sci-fi thriller. He shares the benefits of using Shopify over Amazon, highlighting the importance of direct customer relationships. Listen to his candid insights about managing challenges in fulfilling diverse formats and the nuances of book marketing in 2024. Discover how engaging an audience through social media can enhance visibility and impact sales while exploring innovative tactics to make pre-orders profitable.

Dive into the art of cover design as the hosts reveal strategic insights into the delicate balance of market appeal and artistic vision. They share experiences with writing tools that spark creativity and discuss adapting to the landscape of self-publishing. Learn about the importance of consistent content creation to engage audiences leading up to a book launch. Plus, they explore the power of personal narrative in nonfiction, showcasing how vulnerability can resonate in an AI-dominated world, all topped off with a thrilling announcement about pre-orders!

Navigating the journey from manuscript to publication, the discussion highlights crucial steps like securing cover art, editing, and marketing strategies. Insights into self-publishing versus traditional publishing reveal unique challenges and opportunities. The importance of building an author email list and leveraging novellas for audience engagement are emphasized. Audiobook production is explored, detailing collaboration in creating quality recordings. Finally, strategies for maximizing reach through innovative marketing approaches and leveraging platforms like Amazon are shared.

Dive into the art of refining your novel through feedback as the hosts share strategies for prioritizing reader insights while staying true to your vision. Discover how to balance the emotional challenge of cutting scenes with the necessity of filtering valuable advice. They delve into genre-specific elements, like integrating romance without overshadowing main themes, and explore the delicate dance between personal passion and audience expectations. Plus, practical tips for managing the revision process and the importance of trusting your gut when navigating feedback!

The journey of hiring a developmental editor can be daunting for novelists. Insights into finding and vetting editors, including innovative methods like using AI tools, are shared. Pricing ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, reflecting the landscape's shift as top editors now work independently. The conversation highlights the need for polished submissions in today’s competitive publishing market. Balancing writing timelines with personal changes adds another layer of complexity to the editor selection process. Tips for managing feedback and improving manuscripts are also discussed.

Dive into an engaging discussion about the best fantasy and sci-fi reads from 2024! The conversation kicks off with insights on literary agent queries and manuscript progress. Highlights include the captivating 'Will of the Many' and a unique magic academia novel. Timeless classics like 'East of Eden' and 'A Wizard of Earthsea' are reflected upon, while thrilling reads like 'Daemon' explore autonomous AI. They also recommend 'Logicomix', a graphic novel that blends philosophy with art. It's a treasure trove for book lovers!

Discover the intense challenge of drafting a novel in just a month, as the hosts share personal experiences and practical strategies for writing 5,000 words a day. Dive into the importance of detailed outlines, balancing daily routines, and managing editing alongside new material. They also discuss the NaNoWriMo controversy and the dynamic nature of the publishing world, including networking successes and feedback from industry professionals. Explore the tension between creativity and productivity in the path of becoming a published author.

Discover how a surge in cryptocurrency is boosting book sales. Hear about one author's return to success with his crypto-themed book. Learn about the strategic choice of self-publishing a sci-fi novel, focusing on maintaining creative control and faster market entry. Explore the pressing challenges of querying literary agents and the comparison of traditional versus self-publishing experiences. Dive into effective marketing, distribution strategies, and the essential nature of manuscript revisions and professional partnerships.