Between Drafts

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.

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!