The Bestseller Experiment

Holy cow! Only four weeks till publication? Already?? What do we do? What do we do? How did it come round so soon? Yes, the two Marks discuss their impending deadline and their pre-publication marketing strategy with their usual calm, professional manner… and they finally reveal the title of their novel! In this episode you will discover:   - Strategies for choosing a title - The process of choosing and working with a cover designer - How to create a publication plan - And how you can get quotes and blurbs from beta readers and other authors Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

Samantha King is a bestselling debut novelist, and her book The Choice taps into parental fears. Sam has also worked in publishing and has a unique perspective on the process of writing, editing, publishing and promoting a bestseller… In this episode you will discover:   - How you can discover your story’s true intent through rewrites - The subject you should study to become a better writer (and it isn’t creative writing!) - How to cope with those first reader reviews. - How you can build compelling characters. Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

A very special episode with an amazing opportunity for writers. Find out more here: https://gingerbread.org.uk/content/2454/One-in-four-new-writer-competition   In this episode you will discover:   - How sharing your story can change social stigma - Tips on finding time to write - How to find the courage to tell your own story - And tips from editor Sam Eades on writing second drafts Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

As the two Marks gear-up for publication, it’s suddenly dawned on them that they will have to market and sell their novel! Who better to turn to for advice than the folk at Bookbub, whose newsletter can boost a book up the bestseller charts? And we also bust a few myths and misconceptions about this game-changing mailing list…   In this episode you will discover:   - How a book’s metadata will affect its visibility online - Tips on how to master the dark art of online marketing  - And where to find help if you’re daunted by all this! - And why you should build a dream team. Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

The two Marks have met with their editor. Sit in on one of their story sessions as they go through their notes, and discover the huge change that they will have to make to improve their chances of marketing a bestseller with less than two months to go! In this episode you will discover: - How you can make the most of an editor’s notes and feedback - How a synopsis, blurb and shout line can help your edit - How your opening can make or break your novel - How an editor can help hone your style Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

In the second part of this conversation between the two Marks before their book goes to their editor, they wonder if it will survive the edit, or does the experiment end here? In this episode you will discover: - Why you should try and make scenes work harder before discarding them - Why giving ideas time to marinade is so important - Some tips on how to generate a title for your book - The importance of an author’s name and should you use a pseudonym? - And why it can be good to be forced to make decisions. Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

The two Marks are recording in the same room! Will universes collide? Will they reveal any more about their damn book? They talk about research, reconnoitring locations, and more in the first of a two-parter... In this episode you will discover: - Tips for speaking to experts for research - The importance of a critical path and the consequences of missing deadlines - The benefits of actually going to a place for research, over just looking on Google Earth - The importance of keeping the tone even, resisting cheap gags and gaining the confidence to cut material - What you should never say to an author, and why changing the name of a character can be a bad idea… Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

Katherine May is an award-winning writer, blogger and the programme director of creative writing at Canterbury, Christ Church University. She is an extraordinary talent, makes a mean gin cocktail, and has an incredible series of books coming in the next year… In this episode you will discover: - The pros and cons of writing under a pseudonym - The importance of celebrating milestones - Top tips for tackling procrastination - And how a nice, long walk can not only improve your writing, but change your life Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

Martina Cole is the undisputed queen of British crime fiction. She’s sold over 14 million books and her novels regularly top the Sunday Times bestsellers. She’s come a long way from being told ‘Women don’t write these kinds of books.’ We were delighted to speak on the eve of publication of her new paperback Betrayal. In this episode you will discover: - How writing for yourself and not an audience can help you break out - Why you should think twice about burning your old manuscripts - Why it’s okay to steer away from your outline - And a top tip for editing! Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com

Jennifer Niven is a phenomenally successful YA novelist. All The Bright Places was a Goodreads Choice Award winner and is now being adapted for film starring Elle Fanning. We spoke to Jennifer not long after her tour of Australia and New Zealand… In this episode you will discover: - How bravery and honesty can only improve your writing - How your characters can teach you about the story - How to storyboard your book with a music mood board - And a great solution for parents trying to write with kids running around the house! Get your free ebook with advice and tips from million-selling authors at: http://www.bestsellerexperiment.com