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How do you sell 25,000 copies of a book that isn't even on Amazon? ...and charge $37+ for it??!! Sean Vosler shares how he's done it on this episode. He also teaches the fundamentals of copywriting that you can use to sell more books and how he sells books using Facebook ads. I had a blast on this one! Sean is a smart marketer and someone to learn from if you want to sell more books.

Today, I'm joined by Carlos Whittaker, a people's choice award winner, a former recording artist who spends his time creating new books and travels to speaking gigs. I'll be chatting with Carlos about how he sold his books "from the trunk of my car." With a passion for writing starting with his blog, Carlos was pursuing writing in addition to a career as a singer. In 2010, he created a VLOG that went viral, which, in turn, produced traffic for his blog. At this point, he had 30,000 readers per day looking at his website, and publishers started to find his blog. "Although I was a singer, I had more people reading my words than buying my music." When Carlos decided to write his first book, he chose his best blog writings from his work that created the most traction from his past seven blogging years. Moment Maker was birthed from his blog in 2014. Although it didn't sell well, "this was my little experiment, and I'm proud of it." He took his first offer from a publisher that approached him. "The first book was a book that I wanted to write that felt good for me, and I thought that maybe this could help a lot of people." Carlos decided to be strategic in writing his second book and directly answered his audience's pain point. Doing beta testing, targeting sales, and tweaking his talks to target more book purchases in the lobby post-speaking. "Once I found that secret sauce, I just stuck to that." With his third book, he is creating many Zoom talks and hasn't had as much success with video marketing. Carlos is looking forward to 2021, when he can hit the road and see people in person to market his book. Listen in to find out how you can make your audience the hero of your story, how to set up your book sale to get more people to buy your book, and Carlos' pro tips for selling books. Show Notes [01:40] Why Carlos decided to write his first book. [05:16] Getting approached by publishers to write his book and had one offer. [07:01] Tips for bloggers who want to turn their blog into a book. [09:52] Why he wrote his first book. [18:18] How to make your audience the hero of your story. [24:26] Pro tips for selling books at speaking gigs. [28:05] Figuring out how many books to bring with you to sell. [32:14] What Carlos reviews when revising his talk to sell more books. [37:30] Parting advice for listeners about how to be a better author. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course How to Write a Children’s Book Online Course Visit Carlos on the web Connect with Carlos on Instagram

Today, I'm joined by Emma Sumner, one of the youngest authors at Self-Publishing School. She has inspired many other children to write books. Emma decided to write her first book when she found out her dad was writing a book. Her dad gave her the challenge to write 150 words and create a few characters, and he would help her write her first book. She was up for the challenge and came up with her new book's first few sentences within a week. "I was thinking of the different traits that I'd want to have, and I put those into each of the characters." Her writing process was free form as she would write down all the ideas that came to her mind then create a story around her ideas. Emma wrote for her age group as she wrote her book as a book she would enjoy to read. "When I first started writing, it was to entertain myself. Then it just grew from there!" The book writing process has lessons that come with writing and publishing. "The biggest lesson I learned is that you can't let people judge you." She understands that not all people are going to like her book. Additionally, Emma says that you have to focus on writing your book for yourself and not writing for others. Listen in to find out how Emma leveraged her family for her launch team, her restaurant partnership, her advice on marketing your book and how she landed her first speaking gig. Show Notes [02:37] What inspired Emma to write her first book. [04:19] How Emma decided on the characters and plot for her first book. [05:45] The process of her book unfolding to her first draft. [08:53] When Emma started the process of publishing her book. [10:30] Emma’s advice for authors is to not let other people judge you and your work. [15:55] How her family became involved in marketing her book. [19:51] Her first book signing experience at Barnes and Noble. [26:03] Emma’s suggestions for book marketing. [32:47] How she is paying it forward and working with other child authors. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course How to Write a Children’s Book Online Course Emma Loves Books Website

Today, I'm joined by Susie Moore, a Life Coach advice columnist for several of the world's largest media outlets. Susie has been obsessed with mastering the confidence game since her childhood. The one thing she knows is that having self-confidence is learned. She has made giving others self-confidence and the ability to lead an approval-free life. She is the author of multiple books, including her most recent Stop Checking Your Lights. Susie utilized her PR so well that she was noticed and picked up by traditional publishers. "I feel like being an author and being in the media are two of the best things you can do for your business. Becoming an author is a natural extension of being in the media; they go hand in hand so well if you're a writer." Using guest blogging on another website is the "most frictionless" method of getting the word out about your book to your audience on a different platform. Susie utilizes this form of media and guest posts once a week. On having a good network, Susie gives this advice, "When you have a couple people in your corner to promote you with audiences, you'll have to give them notice, assets, and make it clear what your book is about and with enthusiasm." Make sure to call in your favors when your book comes out and when you interview, know why your book will benefit their audience. Susie doesn't believe in hiring a publicist; she says, "you can do it all yourself." Also, make sure to test without limiting your markets. If your brand crosses two or three different niches, make sure to market to all of those niches, not just one or two. The pivotal question to ask yourself is, “Can someone who is reached by this market be helped by what I have to say?” if your answer is yes, then Susie recommends that you go for that market. Listen in to find out the most important factor in advertising yourself, two main reasons you may not be getting the response you want from your book promotion, and how to write a guest post that converts readers to buyers. Show Notes [01:57] Why Susie decided to self-publish her first book. [03:33] Where Susie focuses her attention when she is selling books. [05:45] The first platforms to reach out to when looking for book PR.  [09:35] Why it’s important to get someone’s attention in the moment.  [12:12] The essential part of getting PR is to have a good network.  [13:50] The questions to ask yourself to find the right platform to post your book content.  [15:51] Alignment of your book to another brand is the most important factor in deciding where to promote your publication.  [19:55] Why editors like authors and content producers.  [21:49] The most important factor in advertising yourself and your book.  [25:35] Susie’s recommendations on how introverts can successfully market their book. [29:12] Two reasons why you may not be getting the responses you want from your book promotion.  [31:00] How to write a guest post that converts readers to buyers.  [33:40] Elements you need to write a good short tail (byline) in a guest post. [35:25] Ways to add value to other platforms to sell your book. [37:35] Susie’s advice to her former self.  Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Visit Susie on the web Sign up for Get Rock Star PR Susie on Linkedin Tweet with Susie on Twitter Watch her videos on YouTube

Today, I'm joined by Hal Elrod. Hal has become one of the most successful self-published authors globally. He is best known for his international best selling book, The Miracle Morning, which sells over 10,000 copies every month as a self-published book. He has earned over one thousand five-star reviews on Amazon and has cracked the code to creating an extraordinary income and impact as an author. Hal's book is now being turned into a movie. "A good friend of mine, who is a filmmaker, was at my house and was getting advice from me on what his next movie project should be," Nick asked Hal how he was able to get his book to go viral. While brainstorming a new movie over dinner, Nick suggested creating a film based on The Miracle Morning. If you want to get your message to more people, creating a movie from your book is a great avenue to provide your message to millions of more people. "It's about taking what you are teaching in a book and putting it into a format that would reach, and could reach a greater audience." When creating the movie, Hal wanted to develop the screenplay as close to the book as possible. "The best way to tell your story is the results of your readers." He reached out to his Facebook group, asking members to record and send videos of how his book changed their lives. Planning an entire movie can be quite overwhelming. Hal's advice, "Let go of knowing exactly how this is going to turn out and have unwavering faith that if you're on a mission to change the world, we are going to capture some great stuff." Listen in to find out the movie-making process Hal journeyed through to create a movie based on his book, how he made a movie from his book with multiple storylines, and how he was able to get onto a popular radio show to promote his book. Show Notes [02:59] Why Hal decided to turn his book into a movie.  [05:07] Nick and Hal discuss how to create a movie from Hal’s book.  [09:59] What the movie making process looked like for Hal.  [11:51] The process of moving from book story to storytelling on film.  [14:27] What the production of the movie was like from Hal’s perspective.  [19:11] The final movie is the product of cutting out much of the B roll shot during production. [21:26] Iterations and improvements learned when making his movie.  [25:26] How the storyline changed throughout the movie process. [30:08] Talking about the movie premiere. [34:14] Hal’s plans for his next book.  [38:08] Why he has decided to self-distribute his movie.  [40:31] Nick Nanton and Nick Conadera as a film professional for your book. [41:24] Why you should interview videographers. [43:26] The two most important things you can do to support The Miracle Morning.  Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Hal Elrod interviews Chandler Bolt Everything You Need to Know About Writing and Publishing Listen to Hal’s Podcast Connect with Hal on LinkedIn Miracle Morning on the web Find Hal’s books here Nick Nanton on the web Nick Conadera on the web

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Sonia Wright - a board-certified radiologist, a sexual counselor, and a certified life coach. She received her education from Stanford University, the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, the Mayo Clinic, and the University of Michigan. Dr. Wright completed her life coach training from Brooke Castillo's The Life Coach School and Learning Journeys. Sonia is on a mission to help women embrace their sexuality and end the emotional pain and isolation associated with sexual difficulties. Dr. Wright believes wholeheartedly that all women deserve to experience pleasurable sexual intimacy. When she first started her author journey, "My original plan was to write my book, and I had this plan that I would go away for the weekend to Las Vegas." January came along, and her plans didn't work out. Sonia didn't get to write her book. To build her public speaking platform during COVID, Dr. Wright reached out to her network to be a guest on LIVE events and then started reaching out to podcasters to spread the word about her coaching and speaking availability. "I learned about my niche that really helped me hone in on the types of people that would listen to my message and make sure I directed my message in that direction." At first, Facebook LIVE speaking worked out the best to bring in clients to interact with people. After her website was built, she had more people contacting her through her website after listening to her interview as a guest on another podcast. Find out how her speaker kit made a big difference for her business, how Dr. Wright "normalizes" her topic, and how she grew her business while doing her regular day job. Listen in to find out how Dr. Wright chose her niche and avatar, how to get clear on your solution, and how to feel confident talking about an “outside of the box” topic. Show Notes [04:01] How Sonia planned on writing her book and starting her business. [05:18] Sonia’s public relations and public speaking goals. [07:46] How Dr. Wright decided what podcasts and LIVE events to be on as a guest.  [09:22] Types of PR that worked best for engagement. [11:27] The speaker kit and how this PR piece “legitimized” Dr. Wright. [13:14] How Sonia built her business as a side gig. [14:17] Dr. Wright and how she introduces her topic of sex coach. [17:05] How Sonia chose her niche and avatar. [20:08] Why you should be OK with speaking on your topic. [23:17] Building and selling your course from square one. [27:22] Booking calls in the evening while working her day job. [29:12] How Sonia booked her dream podcast in one month from deciding she wanted to be on the show. [31:03] Consult bookings from her podcast interview.  [32:56] Sonia’s next project she is focusing on right now. [35:58] Tips and advice for others looking to start consulting or group coaching. [38:06] How Dr. Wright plans on adding her book to her business. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Visit Dr. Wright on the web Listen in to Dr. Wright’s podcast OYSN! Group Coaching

Today, I'm joined by Chad Allen, creator of Book Proposal Academy. He is a full-time writer, editor, speaker, and writing coach. Chad has been at the receiving end of book proposals and has created proposals for his own books. We dive into a good book proposal's elements and why Chad is passionate about the Book Proposal Academy. "A book proposal is simply a document that authors prepare to pitch their book to agents and publishers." Chad says you can think about a book as a "micro-business" and to look at your book proposal as a "business plan for your book." Your proposal's job is to show that your book is a safe bet to publish for-profit and a good ROI for the publishing company. You can create a book proposal even if you are intending to self-publish. "A book proposal, even when self-publishing, is a great way to get your hands around your project." Make sure to have the "three C's of publishing success" when writing your book proposal. Chad talks about the three phases to launch your book on your platform: the pre-launch, the launch, and the post-launch. "What are you going to do at each of these phases to promote your book?" You can also add a competitive analysis of your book in your proposal and a section for possible future books if they match your current book's genre. Find out tips from Chad on how to solve the problem of starting off without a platform, why you want to build an email list, how to grow your audience. Between writing your book and your pre-launch, figure out how you are going to grow your platform. Think of the different strategies you can use to build your audience and launch your book. Listen in to find out lessons Chad learned from working in the publishing industry, the three C's of publishing success, and the elements that create a good book proposal. Learn why your title and subtitle are significant in a book proposal and ideas on how to build your audience to sell your book. Show Notes [01:40] What is a book proposal? [03:25] Benefits of self-publishing from a traditional and self-publishing standpoint. [04:25] What you can learn from writing a book proposal. [06:22] When looking at a proposal, Chad first looked at buy-in. [09:13] Casting a vision for your book through your proposal. [13:00] How to include a section for possible future books in your proposal. [16:12] Create a detailed marketing plan to propose to the publisher. [22:39] How to hire a designer for your book proposal. [23:24] Common mistakes authors make in their book proposals. [25:23] Going from book proposal to book deal. [32:08] Give enough time to your book proposal process to give you the best chance of success. [34:15] What can happen in the book proposal process with publishers. [35:38] Look for your buy back discount from a publisher. [37:10] How many free books can you get from a publisher? [38:32] Tips on choosing a good publisher. [43:15] Advice that Chad would have given himself when first starting out. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Chad Allen Book Proposal Academy Chad Allen on the web

Today, I’m joined by Wahida Clark, a New York Times Best Seller who has authored over a dozen books. She has created a successful fiction series and a raving fan base who read her books. While living in Georgia, Wahida worked for an advertising firm. She was sent to the federal prison in Kentucky. While there, she taught computer classes in the evening and worked at the library in the morning. She picked up a magazine one day that talked about an author who wrote a book in prison. “I started looking at all the books in the library, and I started visualizing my name on all the spines of the books.” That is when she decided to write a book. Wahida noticed a class on creative writing at the prison, and she decided to sign up. “We were in prison, so there were no computers. I had to hand-write my book on yellow legal paper. I had the inmates reading the chapters as I write them.” She sent out inquiry letters to publishers and agents, which ended up being rejected. One agent, however, reconnected with her when she was released from prison. She agreed to represent Wahida and is still her literary agent to this day. She asked prison workers to make copies, so she had a transcript to send to a publisher. They agreed, as long as she put them in the acknowledgment in her book. Wahita started publishing in prison and sold over a million books before she left prison. Listen in to find out how Wahita spread the word about her book throughout the prison system, sold books and became a popular author while in solitary confinement for writing a book, and how she inspired others in prison to become authors. Learn the two elements that keep her readers reading and engaged. Show Notes [01:52] Why Wahida decided to write her first book.  [05:47] The writing process in prison.  [07:55] Wahida reads books by Carl Weber. [09:06] Her first royalty check of $25,000 bounced. [10:09] The lieutenant's office at the prison wanted to know how she wrote a book. [12:30] She made flyers to send to other prisoners and her book started to take wing and fly. [14:04] Simon & Schuester signed Wahita after her release from prison.  [16:20] Why she sold so many books while in prison.  [17:59] Genres she considered when writing her book. [19:15] How she came to write a series of books.  [23:04] Keeping her readers engaged and leaving reviews. [26:32] Why Wahita is moving out of her genre. [30:23] Top takeaways from Self Publishing School. [32:05] Advice for authors to write their first book. [3:11] What she would have done differently with her book and her channel. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Wahida Clark Publishing Wahida on Fantastic Fiction

Today, joining me is Seth and Tori Bolt. Seth is a book author, Grammy-Nominated artist, and the bass player and founding member of Need to Breathe. Tori has created Bolt Farm Treehouse and has a background in television. The first record deal Need to Breathe signed was in 2005, which took years to achieve for his band. “Typically, the longer you build something and the slower it grows, the stronger it is and the longer it lasts.” Seth’s advice is to think of growing your business for the long term.   Seth has taken advertising to the next level. His record label set him up with late-night show performances, even in the pandemic. Need to Breathe had PR opportunities through the music scene, popular magazines, and podcasts. Tory says that her entrepreneurship aligned with her bigger goal. “For me, Bolt Farm Treehouse and being an entrepreneur allowed me to align with my bigger vision goals because it was about having purpose and hearing other people’s stories and doing something with impact.” Both pieces of advice to make something amazing, and your project will attract people when they know you really care. Of course, marketing and PR is a big part of getting out the word about your business. Make sure to tell the world about your company! Listen in to find out what to expect at Bolt Farm Treehouse, how to find local press opportunities, and how to target niche markets to advertise your product or company. Show Notes [04:05] How Seth received his first record deal. [07:12] His seventh video album release and the PR he created for his album. [10:27] Seth’s appearances on late night shows. [13:44] Tory talks about starting Bolt Farms Treehouse. [17:31] How Tory aligned her goals within her business. [18:24] Checking off boxes with your entrepreneurship.  [21:11] What to expect at Bolt Farm Treehouse. [23:14] Why Bolt House Tree Farm is unique. [26:23] Tips for landing local press. [29:14] Targeting niche markets to advertise. [32:47] The promise Tory and Seth are providing with the treehouse. [38:45] Affiliates and ambassadors who bring the right customers. [42:32] How Tory grew her Instagram account so quickly. [44:44] Their exposure on Good Morning America. [48:22] Pivoting their business when COVID hit. [51:18] Working on their next treehouse location. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Bolt Farm Treehouse Need to Breathe 

Today, joining me is Ryan Levesque, the Inc. 500 CEO of the Ask Method Company and author of the best-selling book Ask. Ask is the #1 marketing book of the year on Inc.’s book list. Ask helps readers avoid the single biggest mistake when starting a business and guides readers to answer the important question of what type of business they should start. Ryan believes everyone should write a book. “If you can convince someone to read a book, they are investing hours of their life. You can convey your beliefs and ideas.” Books are one of the few ways you can personally relay your message and advertise in one medium. “You own physical shelf space with a book, which is the best advertising medium in the world.” Looking to get people from Amazon or Barnes and Noble to your email list? Ryan recommends using a quiz funnel. By creating a short quiz related to the content in your book, your potential client can use the quiz results and outcome as a path to purchasing your upsell that is offered. “I see this as a universal strategy that any non-fiction writer can incorporate into your book.” Two main funnels attract different types of buyers: people who are aware of your brand and the potential customers unfamiliar with your brand. Find out how to advertise to these two distinct markets. Listen in to find out how you can use pixel segmentation in your book marketing, how to become an expert in your space by using quiz funnels, and how Ryan’s new software company fits into his brand. Show Notes [02:55] Why Ryan decided to write his book and how they work with his business model. [05:20] Which book marketing ideas worked out well for Ryan’s book. [07:45] Marketing differences in his second book.  [10:23] Which marketing factors outperform when offering a book with free shipping. [10:25] CPA - cost per acquisition and AOV - average order value.  [13:28] Attracting potential clients with a quiz funnel. [16:05] Using assessment and quizzes to buy your book or service. [19:26] Ryan’s publishing strategy with his trilogy. [20:52] Two main funnels that attract different types of buyers. [23:08] How you can use pixel segmentation in your book marketing. [30:25] Ryan’s new software company and how that fits into his brand. [33:12] Transferring your expertise into a piece of technology.  Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Visit Ryan on the Web Choosequiz.com Ryan’s book Choose  

Today, joining me is Chris Ducker, who is a keynote speaker and author of two books. His first book, Virtual Freedom, he had traditionally published, his second book, the Rise of the Youpreneur, is self-published. He is known as a Virtual CEO and regarded as an authority on virtual staffing and personal outsourcing. Chris is here to talk about using a book to build your personal brand and your business. “For me, I believe that a book is one of the easiest and most important expert positioning strategies for anyone who wants to build a business based around their experience and expertise should act on - plain and simple.” This is the first action item he works on with coaching clients is to create and publish a book. He knew that authoring his book would bring him more business. The trick was to put all the information he had in his mind into one definitive guide. Currently, his book has over 1000 five-star reviews on Amazon and continues to create monthly sales every quarter. “We don’t give Virtual Freedom away, but we do pitch it as a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn how to work with virtual staff, and to learn how to hire support and run their business with a virtual team.” Chris considers his book a “tripwire product” to get the easy, low-dollar item out of someone to get them warmed up to his business. “I totally agree with qualifying a prospective customer.” Chris recommends not to work on your weaknesses when building your personal brand, but to delegate them to others to get the job done. “Delegate your weakness and work with your strengths. Do the stuff that you’re good at but do it in a way that is uniquely your own path.” Completing this process with the right amount of transparency will build a community of people around you that will consume your content. Listen in to find out why Chris put his face on the cover of his second book, why he self-published his second book, and his mistakes when publishing his first book. Show Notes [02:03] Why Chris writes his books and how he intentionally fits them into his business ecosystem. [05:39] Chris’ experience with traditional publishing.  [07:27] Virtual Freedom launch party details. [08:27] How Chris strategically used his book in lead funnels and sales. [10:25] Using your book to prospect for future clients. [13:21] Why Chris’ book is the $20 business card for his company. [14:42] Why Rise of theYouPreneur is more of an aspirational book. [19:20] Should you put your face on the cover of your book? [23:48] Traditional versus self-publishing experience for Chris. [27:38] Chris wanted to be an example of how to self-publish your book to his students. [30:28] Have your foundations down before you build a personal brand. [34:40] Building a personal brand around you as a digital marketing strategy. [37:08] Advice for new authors. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Get Chris Ducker’s Book Coaching with Chris Ducker

Today, joining me is Jenna Moreci, who is known as a YouTube star with a subscriber base of over 200,000 watchers. She is the author of two books. Jenna has authored The Savior Series with Save Your Sister edition debuting in September. While she writes full-time, she is also a full-time caregiver. Jenna isn't able to fully devote her day to writing. If you are writing fiction, a good goal is to release one book per year. "For me, focusing on the quality of the story really matters. One way I make sure that quality is focused on is that I have a lot of people read the book before it's out. I have critique partners, which are solo writers, who critique everything from the story to the grammar. I have beta readers who like reading." She enlists 20 beta readers from very diverse sexual, ethnic, and demographic backgrounds. From this list of people, she collects market data, looks for trends within her betas, trends that they like and dislike. Jenna doesn't sit around and wait for her beta readers to finish. While busy critiquing her work, she is busy working on her author platform, looking for cover artists and editors. Her time efficiency doesn't elongate her publication date as these tasks are being done simultaneously with her beta testers. She gives advice on which type of criticism is constructive "If someone gives you feedback that doesn't stick right, sounds funny or doesn't make sense, you have to discern that this may not be the best feedback to listen to." In addition to her writing, Jenna also has a YouTube channel. "In terms of reserving the creative energy, for me, that's what I'm passionate about. That's me being myself. It's me expressing my personality." Jenna explains how she manages scriptwriting for her videos without intruding on her book writing time. Listen in to find out how Jenna uses the Rule of Three with her beta reading group, how she manages her beta reading group when someone reading her book is late, and why it's essential to write what you're passionate about. Show Notes [02:59] Quality and quantity balance of writing for a living. [04:27] How to focus on the quality of your book.  [05:25] Make sure to implement feedback given on your book. [06:27] Streamlining and discerning the beta reader feedback. [09:00] How Jenna uses the Rule of Three when writing a book. [11:38] Recruiting people to read your book grassroots style.  [12:20] Joining reading and writing groups are great places to find beta readers. [15:08] Creating videos for her YouTube channel and balancing writing.  [16:50] Differences in the creative process of videos and writing. [22:39] What you should do when you get a 1 star review. [24:18] Jenna gives tips on what works best when marketing your book. [26:50] Advertising dollars that work for your book. [30:33] How Jenna gets hundreds of reviews on her books with ARC readers. [34:28] Pros and cons of building a platform on YouTube for book authors. [40:33] The importance of paying attention to writing analytics and data. [44:00] Pre-orders and giveaways and how they work for Jenna. [45:47] Video creation dos and don’ts on YouTube. [47:47] Reading your metrics on YouTube and what they mean. [51:33] Advice Jenna would have given herself when she wrote her first book. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers Jenna Moreci on YouTube Instagram The Savior’s Champion on Amazon

Today, joining me is Leif Babin. Leif is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as President, COO, leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor. In this episode, we will chat with Leif about how he launched one of the most successful books ever published. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Leif served thirteen years in the Navy. During his last tour, Leif served as Operations Officer and Executive Officer, was again deployed to Iraq for a second time with Special Operations Task Force. He is the proud recipient of the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. Upon his active duty departure, Leif co-founded Echelon Front, a premier leadership consulting company that helps others build their own high-performance winning teams. Leif served with Jocko Williams, another author, in sustained combat regions as Navy SEALS. They talked and realized there was a real need for leadership training in companies. “Everything we learned in combat applied to any team in any organization and any situation.” As they started working with companies, many of their clients and followers were looking for a reference manual. “We wanted to get the message out about leadership from Navy SEALS that can humbly speak about this, reflect well on the SEAL teams, and pass these lessons onto others.” “We launched the Echelon company in 2012, and our book was published in 2015.” He had talked with people and found out he didn’t want to go with a ghostwriter because once they had given over their story, they completely lost control of the end product. Leif notes two examples of fallen servicemen who were written about as “bravados.” However, in reality, they were two humble men who gave their lives for our country. On writing their story, “We didn’t want to write a memoir, we wanted to write something that talked about leadership lessons learned and gave the application of those leadership lessons learned so that people could take and implement them in their professional and personal lives.” Listen in to find out how Leif and Jocko decided to tell their story when they co-authored their book, why you shouldn’t let your ego get in the way, and how Leif and Jocko marketed their book. Show Notes [03:38] How Leif decided to write his book and his process of creating Extreme Ownership. [07:34] His experience shopping for a literary agent and sending out their proposal. [10:30] Why Leif decided to write this book himself instead of hiring a ghostwriter. [13:51] The daunting process of pitching publishing houses. [18:33] Co-author process pros and cons for Jocko and Leif. [21:43] How the two authors were able to keep each other’s voice when editing the other’s manuscript. [23:25] Marketing their book and how many months before their sales started to climb. [27:01] When Leif decided to send an advanced copy of the manuscript to the press. [30:26] Publicity elements authors want to consider when marketing their book.  [31:46] When did their book make an impact for their business? [34:34] Why Leif feels it's more important to be an Amazon Best Seller than be on the New York Times Best Seller list. [35:01] How his book has increased and expanded his business. [43:48] Stories of readers loving the concept of dichotomy. [46:56] Leif’s advice to upcoming authors.  Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers Leif Babin - Echelon Front on the Web

Today, joining me is Dave Chesson. He is a full-time entrepreneur, stay at home dad, author of 7 books, and software creator. Dave built his business starting in 2014 and is now making a six-figure income every year. "What we are talking about today is what you need to do when someone types something into the search box, they show your book over somebody else's." Discoverability is key to selling your book on Amazon. "If Amazon does not choose to show your book, no matter what, you won't make sales unless you find the person and point them to your book." Dave has dyslexia and isn't a good writer. "For me to overcome my lack of Hemmingway capabilities, I understood the core principle that if people want something and they can't find it, but you have the answer, then you don't have to be Hemmingway to be the person that solves their problem." BISAC code - Book Industry Subjects Codes list are sent to retailers as part of your book's metadata. They are also used as the subject or genre codes. Intended to guide shelving, categorization, merchandising, and marketing efforts, these codes signal to potential buyers, retailers, distributors, and search engines what your book is about. BISAC will tell the buyer the primary genre, topic, and theme which relate to your book. "Knowing which categories to choose, finding the ones that give you the best chance to be a best-seller, are extremely important." There are three times you want to use Publisher Rocket: before you write your book, while you're writing your book, and last, when you go to publish. Listen in to find out how you can validate your book idea before you start writing, choose the best categories for your book, and write a book using Publisher Rocket. Learn how to find out the best keyword phrases to add to your Amazon search, run Amazon ads, and make sure your keywords fit your book content. Show Notes [02:29] Why SEO is important when you want to sell more books.  [04:26] How Publisher Rocket sells more books.  [06:40] Validating your book idea before you start writing a book with Publisher Rocket. [08:02] Learn how to use BISAC code when marketing your book.  [09:48] Using Publisher Rocket to validate a book idea and set up for success. [13:16] Discovering kindle keywords to get your book found on Amazon.   [17:05] Questions to ask when researching keywords.  [18:06] Why it's important to make sure your keywords fit your book. [20:26] Two ways that categories help with your book.  [23:31] How to set up and run Amazon ads. [27:30] Biggest mistakes people make with Amazon ads. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers Dave Chesson’s free Amazon Ads Course Dave Chesson on the web Publisher Rocket

Today, joining me is Qat Wanders, an author, editor, and speaker, and a successful self-publishing school student. She has published numerous books in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. We are going to dive into her story and how she used books to build her seven-figure business. She found the traditional publishing route very time-consuming and painful. Qat decided she wanted to move to self-publishing. Dealing with severe chronic pain and looking to work from home. “I was doing freelance writing and editing, then I stumbled across a webinar from Self-Publishing School and signed up for it immediately.” She signed up for SPS intending to get her first book self-published. “Days after I joined, my dad called me and told me he had three months to live.” Her dad’s dying wish was to hold her book in his hands, and he wanted to see her become a bestseller. She decided to switch from her memoir to writing a book about yoga. Qat had her book published in 29 days. Her book became a bestseller, and her dad held the book in his hands a week before he passed away. Qat’s daughter was eight when she came up with a fiction storyline, which she helped her daughter, Ora, turn into a published book. Her final book was a 400-page fantasy novel. However, the process was long; her daughter published, and her book became a big success at school, with her teachers and her social media following. Her advice to parents when helping your child write a book, “Be encouraging. There’s a fine line between encouraging and nagging.” “I’d say my writing has improved the more I learn. Because the more you edit, the more you learn.” She is very familiar with the genres of the books she has coming out, which gives her specific areas to focus on while editing. Listen in to find out how Qat set up her business after her book launch, why she moved from traditional publishing to a circus entertainer, and why you should stop double spacing in between your sentences. Show Notes [02:03] How Qat found Self-Publishing School and started her journey.  [04:04] Her process of self-publishing.  [07:14] The most challenging aspect of publishing her first book. [11:06] Her rewarding work helping her daughter to write and publish books. [15:16] Be encouraging and persistent with your encouragement when your child writes a book. [16:24] How she moved from launching a book to retaining clients. [18:05] Business details of Qat’s coaching program.  [23:57] Her advice on how to build a business quickly. [28:40] How she writes her books differently now that she has edited her own books. [30:45] What authors should look for in a good editor and what should they expect to pay? [34:08] How to find a good editor. [37:49] Her biggest takeaway from Author’s Advantage Live Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers Qat Wanders of Wandering Words Media Editing and show notes for Self-Publishing School by Pro Podcast Solutions 

Joining me today is Sloan Ketchum, one of our coaches at SPS. She is leading our new program, "PR and Speaking for New Authors." Sloan has interviewed over 50 podcasts, spoken on stages, and has generated a healthy income from speaking on stage. Also, Sloan is the author of the book, Beautiful Girl, You Can Do Hard Things, and has coached over 150 SPS students to date. "PR and speaking is the easiest way - it's the lowest common denominator in the best sense of the word." Learning the skills and doing the SPS course work will give you the confidence to make speaking a reality. She suggests building your launch list speaking at online conferences. "You'll be able to run into that launch with a lot of confidence knowing that you're going to hit all those goals that you want to hit." "There's a system behind PR and speaking." Make sure to be proactive in your campaign. You'll want to do the following three-bucket items to get PR for your brand: Getting clear on your hook Booking gigs Monetize You can book gigs by using the three-step plan: research, reach-out, and referral. Make sure to sift and develop partnerships that you have the potential to create. Start every call out with a win, and remember, "the fruit is there. We just have to sift and sort." Start with your three to five advocate's list and get into your feedback loop as quickly as possible.  Listen in to find out how to create a great hook, how to book gigs, and why you should get fast "no's" when looking for gigs. Learn how to monetize your book or business, when you can get paid to speak, and other ideas on how to market yourself to build your following. Show Notes [02:38] Sloan’s first opportunity with SPS.  [03:19] Why Sloan sees speaking as a PR opportunity for authors. [07:30] Her favorite student stories. [11:04] Three big buckets to fill for your PR campaign. [11:40] How can you come up with a good hook? [14:39] Basics you need to know about booking gigs. [19:27] Monetization process gives clear focus and measurable numbers.  [21:06] Find out which PR gigs give you the best conversion rate. [23:18] How authors can use speaking gigs to sell books.  [25:15] Students who have had the most success in the program. [28:00] Biggest mistakes people make from the start. [32:33] Author Advantage Live 2020 Virtual Experience [36:04] Advice for those starting on their journey with speaking gigs. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers James Altucher on the Web Editing and show notes for Self-Publishing School by Pro Podcast Solutions 

Joining me today James Altucher, author of Future Self, and host of the James Altucher Show podcast. A prolific and unique writer that blends analytical and creative talent into his book creation. A former hedge fund manager and computer science major, James has the ability to write humorous content with an analytical angle. He has published two-thirds of his books by self-publishing, with his first two or three books experiments in self-publishing. He currently has three or four books that he is considering publishing. “I always think of what I call ‘professional self-publishing,’ which is that I want to do the same things that Harper-Collins will do, except I’ll do it and with the idea that I’ll hire a professional.” He distinguishes this process against “casual self-publishing” when an author writes a book without a professional team and publishes on Amazon. “On one hand, a book is an event, and events affect every part of your life.” He has enjoyed writing since 1990 and published his first book in 2004. “I’ve enjoyed writing articles, but books are often a way to really take a consistent message and write it into a book.” He believes that you should ask yourself, “What do you love doing? What do you need to do? and how can you combine the two elements?” James says a key to this process is that your heart and your mind should be talking. “Success comes on the other side of all these people who tell you that you can’t do it.” His next book Skip the Line, is an extension of Choose Yourself. In all of his books, he is transparent and upfront with his feelings. “When you’re vulnerable, people do care about you because they can see that you’ve been through it also. Like when we fail, we’ve all failed at something, that is just real.” Listen in to find out how James decides whether to self-publish or traditionally publish his next book, why controlling the marketing is critical, and what sparked James's shift to move from financial to self-help books. Learn the top three aspects of book marketing James uses to sell his books! Show Notes [02:08] James talks about the roots of his analytical background.  [05:12] When you should publish, and when you shouldn’t publish. [07:27] How James publishes a large amount of books.  [14:05] Books and how they fit into James’ business goals.  [16:41] What sparked the shift on writing financial to self-help books. [20:14] James talks about developing his writing skill and how it became a format to write his stories. [23:05] Why Choose Yourself resonated with so many readers and is selling so well. [27:55] The process for enhancing your writing to the next level. [31:45] Better writing equates to better headlines. [34:15] Why vulnerability is very important. [36:25] James talks about how good writing comes from self-awareness. [39:29] Top book marketing practices. [47:23] Chandler’s recommendation for book marketing. [52:31] What different for James in the writing process of his last book. [54:12] To create a good book, you have to be a good writer. [56:03] Have a unique opinion when you author a book. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers James on LinkedIn James Altucher on the Web

Joining me today is Gary Williams, the author of the book Choose Your Best Life, and is an outstanding coach at Self-Publishing School. Gary has enthusiastically assisted hundreds of students with over 4,000 hours in coaching calls to publish their book. Learn how the Myers-Briggs personality assessment can be used as a tool when you write your book and his process he has learned and refined for book writing, and how you can apply this methodology to change in your life. Myers-Briggs test gives you an understanding of the four different types of preferences for individuals with differing personalities display. This tool can be used to find a preference type. “The goal is to identify your natural preference and to be able to uncover that so we can identify our unique personality type.” You understand and receive information through sensing and intuition. “Those who prefer to use sense, prefer to use their concrete sensing to understand the world around them. Typically, this person prefers to receive information that is black and white, that’s concrete and very factual.” On the flip side is intuition, represented by the letter “N.” These personality types prefer theory and process information using their “sixth sense.” “There’s this concept underneath cognitive functions, and there’s this whole deeper layering looking at the process of your mind.” Different types of personalities will write and continue the process of writing differently. Those who prefer structure will move through the more structured kind of work well, while those who prefer using their intuition will welcome the open-ended creative processes. “It’s cool to see how these different preferences can play out and manifest themselves in a journey like writing a book or completing a new project.” Listen in to find out why you can be both a thinker and a feeler, why a sense of completion needs to happen before moving on, and why people who are “perceiver” will handle their completion goals differently. Show Notes [02:29] Gary explains the purpose and application of the Myers-Brigg test. [04:50] There are eight different letters that result in 16 different personality types. [05:23] Details about the four sets of pairs of the Myers-Brigg dichotomy. [07:46] Breaking down what it means to be extroverted and introverted. [11:46] The ladder of abstraction and how it applies to personality types. [13:03] Defining thinking and feeling at a conceptual level.  [15:55] The real meaning behind judging and perceiving. [22:50] Take the 16 Personalities Test linked below. [24:22] Why a personal coach gives you a more personal experience when you’re learning. [27:10] How personality preferences play out in the book writing process. [31:52] Set a concrete deadline for your book and have an accountability partner. [35:55] Gary gives tips on marketing your self-published book. [38:14] Limiting beliefs of introverts. [40:22] Common personality traits and habits of successful authors. [44:41] The ability to have open reflection and dialogue is a powerful tool for successful authors. [48:30] Grab your ticket to Author Advantage Live 2020 with the link below. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers Author DNA Quiz 16 Personalities Test

Joining me today is Marcy Pusey, who was one of our first students at SPS, she is the author of multiple books in multiple genres, including a memoir, self-help books, and many children’s books. A long-time SPS coach, she has helped hundreds of students write their own publication with over 3,000 coaching calls! Marcy is also the creator of the SPS Children’s Book program and works with our children’s book authors. After seven years in the traditional publishing industry, along with attendance at conferences and participation in many clubs, she felt like she had little to show for the time and effort she placed into these activities. “Even my traditionally published books were published through a tiny press that is now sold privately to the homeschool community and curriculum settings so you can’t just buy them.” Agents who were using her book as a writing example at a conference still wouldn’t represent her as an author. She was feeling disillusioned. “I feel wired to write, I feel that’s what I was created to do. I felt like there were so many roadblocks.” She decided to doubt that being a writer was indeed what she was meant to do. One day, Marcy came across one of my videos. She liked the Self Publishing School concept and decided to join SPS. At the time, SPS only offered Adult Nonfiction classes. Marcy wanted to have the SPS experience and decided to come up with an idea to write an adult non-fiction book to use in the class. “This was my last-ditch effort. Can I learn how to publish my own stories, get other people out of the way, and ultimately see if this is who I thought I was - wired to write. Is this really and truly who I really am and should be doing with my life?” Marcy debunks the myth that self-publishing is not a “real way” to publish your book. “At the end of the day, the reason I have stopped submitting to agents and editors is that I love the control I have over my own process.” She can publish a book in three months as opposed to traditional publishing takes two to three years after you find a publisher. Listen in to find out how self-publishing is a more accessible and better way to publish your book, why traditional publishing overhead is very high, and why you don’t have creative control over your traditionally published book. Show Notes [02:23] Why Marcy decided to join Self Publishing School after traditionally publishing several books. [03:24] Elements that Marcy felt were deceptive in the book publishing industry. [05:20] Why Marcy chose children’s books and why she is passionate about writing in this genre. [08:00] The many benefits of self-publishing your own books. [12:30] How do you know if your book idea is good or which book idea should you choose? [15:31] When you have multiple ideas, how do you decide on which book to write first? [16:36] The process for what age group, genre and how many words to use in a children’s book. [18:55] Let yourself get out your content, then break your written words up into sections. [21:59] What your team should look like when you are publishing a children’s book. [26:39] The cost of publishing a children’s book. [30:07] Post-production work, check out upwork for options. [32:20] Marketing, launching and making money with children’s books. [36:20] Top three to five tips for writing your children’s book. [40:35] How you sell to two different people - parents and kids. [43:35] What works for children’s books when getting an idea of what works. [46:12] If you want to be an author as your main gig. [47:57] Look locally for children’s book events to read your book to children or your genre. [49:55] Advice for what to consider if you’re considering writing a children’s book. Links and Resources Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Visit Marcy on her website Marcy’s webinar on How to Write a Good Children’s Book Marcy’s children’s press