Mark Dawson's Self Publishing Formula

SPF-111: BookLab – with David F. Berens

23 March 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

This Week's Handout

BookLab Feedback Summary PDF

In this first episode of the BookLab, author David Berens gets professional feedback on his cover, book blurb and Look Inside content from industry experts (and SPF friends) cover designer Stuart Bache, copywriter Bryan Cohen, and editor Jenny Parrott.

This week’s highlights include:

Suggestions from cover designer Stuart Bache about font, colour, author name placement and prominence

Tips from Bryan Cohen about the book blurb, including focusing on the main genre first.

Also the importance of looking at the book’s plot and central conflict for a catchy blurb

Editorial suggestions from Jenny Parrot about the importance of the opening scene of a book

Remembering to populate your author bio on Amazon in the different territories (UK, US, etc.)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

FREE DOWNLOAD: Here’s the companion PDF of this episode

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

TRAINING: SPF 101 Course enrollment window extended to March 28. Learn more.

COVER DESIGN TRAINING: Don’t forget the cover design training course with Stuart Bache is still available here.

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SPF-110: How I Quit the 9 to 5 to Write (And Never Looked Back) – with Ernest Dempsey

16 March 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Thriller author Ernest Dempsey shares his road to indie author success, including some of the bumps along the way.

This week’s highlights include:

Once the first novel is done it gets easier from there

Encouragement from Ernest’s teachers

Inspiration from a local landmark

Making time to write

Mistakes to avoid when self-publishing

If you don’t do it right the first time, try again!

Success from balancing writing and marketing

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

SPF TRAINING: The Self-Publishing Formula’s 101 Course

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SPF-109: From Zero to Hero – with first time author Maria Luis

2 March 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

James talks to NOLA romance writer Maria Luis who quit her marketing job and now makes three times her previous salary via her books, thanks in part to the Self Publishing Formula courses.

This week’s highlights include:

The details on Maria’s strategic plan to leave her day job and make a living writing

The importance of being authentic with our readers

The benefits of an Advanced Reader team

Maria’s first launch strategy – what worked and what she’d do differently

Maria’s goal to be a ‘one click’ author; what that is and how she’s achieved that

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

ONLINE AUTHOR COURSE: Self Publishing Formula 101 course – open for enrollment now

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SPF-108: How To Engage Your Readers with Facebook Live – with Cecelia Mecca

2 March 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

This Week's Handout

Facebook Live – Prep Sheet

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Returning guest, Cecelia Mecca, talks to James about using Facebook Live broadcasts, with both groups and pages, to increase engagement with readers.

This week’s highlights include:

Mark discusses his move into KU and the experience he’s had

An announcement about the next enrollment period for the SPF 101 course

Dealing with technological jitters re: being on camera for Facebook Lives

Cecelia’s targets for how many Lives she does each week and why

Equipment and apps to assist with Facebook Live

An addition to the SPF 101 curriculum – a course by Cecelia about FB Live

Is this FB Live strategy have an influence on Cecelia’s book sales?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

FREE PDF: Celia’s useful FB Live Prep Sheet

FREE BOOK: Pinterest for Authors

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SPF-107: The Entrepreneurial Mindset -with Chris Ducker

23 February 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

James talks to serial entrepreneur Chris Ducker about the Rise of the Youpreneur and why self-published authors fit this business model perfectly.

This week’s highlights include:

Building a business around yourself

Why Chris chose to self-publish Rise of the Youpreneur

The economic longevity of being a Youpreneur

Why self-published authors are the ideal Youpreneurs

Chris’s marketing strategy for his new book

Resources mentioned in this episode:

CHRIS DUCKER’S WEBSITE

BOOK: Rise of the Youpreneur

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

COURSE: Book cover design course with Mark’s cover designer, Stuart Bache

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SPF-106: Masterclass: How To Get Reviews – with Mark Dawson

16 February 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

This Week's Handout

How To Get Reviews – Tip Sheet

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Mark and James discuss how even beginning authors can gather reviews for their books, and why this matters.

This week’s highlights include:

The chicken and egg problem for new writers trying to get book reviews

How to avoid Amazon removing your reviews

The benefits of an Advanced Reader team

Getting your readers enrolled in your success, which helps with getting reviews

Paid options and other tools and tips for gathering reviews

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

SPF RESOURCES: The companion PDF to this episode

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SPF-105: Increase Your Global Reach – with Kobo’s Christine Munroe

9 February 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Kobo’s Senior Manager for Author performance, Christine Munroe, talks to James about the advantages of reaching world markets with Kobo that other retailers do not reach.

This week’s highlights include:

On Kobo’s background and beginnings

The idea of buying ebooks in a brick and mortar bookstore

The reality that we’re still in a growth phase for ebooks and indie publishing

The world markets where Kobo dominates over Amazon

The ease and simplicity of listing a book at Kobo

Merchandising opportunities available to Kobo authors

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

NEW COURSE: Book Cover Design with Stuart Bache $100 savings until 16 Feb 2018

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN: The KOBO Aura H2O the waterproof e-reader

KOBO WRITING LIFE: The Kobo website for authors

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SPF-104: Book Cover Design for Authors – with Stuart Bache

2 February 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Book cover designer to the stars (John Le Carre, Stephen King and more) Stuart Bache talks to James about the new course he has put together to help authors design their own professional looking book covers.

This week’s highlights include:

Why book covers matter so much

Considering genre when designing a book cover

Mistakes authors make when they consider book covers

The DIY Facebook advertisements that Stuart offers

Details about the book cover design course Stuart has done for SPF

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

SPF BOOK COVER DESIGN COURSE: The brand new cover design course from Stuart Bache.

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SPF-103: How to be a Healthy Writer – with Joanna Penn

26 January 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Indie author community superstar Joanna Penn talks to James about putting a focus on improving her health and creating a sustainable long-term career as a writer.

This week’s highlights include:

Joanna’s collaborations and full production schedule in 2017

Making changes to prevent author-entrepreneur burnout

Joanna’s break-up letter to sugar

Being truthful and vulnerable about health and habits in order to help others

On making new healthier habits stick

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

JUST GIVING: The fundraising page for author Tommy Donbavand

Joanna’s Book: HOW TO BE A HEALTHY WRITER

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SPF-101: Smart Book Delivery – with Damon Courtney

12 January 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Demon coder and indie author Damon Courtney talks to James from the NINC conference about starting and running BookFunnel, an ever-evolving service that continues to support self published authors to get their books into customers’ hands.

SPF-100: Making Every Second Count – Time Management Tips for Authors with Kitty Bucholtz

5 January 2018

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

This Week's Handout

Kitty’s Time Management Tip Sheet

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As Kitty Bucholtz followed her husband around the globe, and dealt with increasing interruptions to her writing life as a result, she had to learn effective and easy-to-implement time management skills in order to get her books written. Today she shares with James her top tips for making the most of whatever time you have to write.

This week’s highlights include:

The challenges that promoted Kitty to ask how to get work done in a chaotic, mobile life

Figuring out what normally derails your plans to write

The importance of written lists

Planning for the year ahead in steps

Where does spontaneity fit in with planning?

Managing our expectations about what we can get done

Planning for time off

Resources mentioned in this episode:

SPF FOUNDATION: Click here to learn more

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

TIME MANAGEMENT HANDOUT: A complimentary handout from Kitty, which includes a voucher for savings on her January 2018 course

JAMES BLATCH, INTERVIEWED: James is featured on Paul Tigg’s podcast, Self-Publishing Journeys

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SPF-099: Slave to the Algorithm – with Data Ninja David Gaughran

29 December 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Champion of indie author justice, David Gaughran joins James at the NINC conference to discuss his start in self-publishing, and what he’s observing lately in the industry.

This week’s highlights include:

How the fundamentals of indie publishing have not changed since 2011

The importance of different marketing strategies depending on whether an author is in KU or publishes wide

Why the business of being an author is better than ever

Remembering that no one will work harder for your book than you will

On indie authors being miles ahead of the big 5 when it comes to marketing

David’s lesson on writing in a series

Resources mentioned in this episode:

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

David’s books:

Let’s Get Digital

Let’s Get Visible

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SPF-098: Here’s Johnny! (And Sean) – Inside stories from Two Self Publishing Pioneers

22 December 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

No doubt you’ve heard of Johnny, Sean and Dave, the self-publishing pioneers from the Self-Publishing Podcast, one of the original podcasts focused on indie authors. Today James talks to Sean and Johnny about their two brand new offerings for authors, how things have changed in recent years, and how they will continue to change.

This week’s highlights include:

Being authentic while still being helpful when giving a keynote address

On the evolution of the SPP team and the value of meeting in person

Preparing during 2017 for 2018, Sterling & Stone’s big year

Story Shop and Stories to Go, two big S&S projects

Reorganizing Sterling & Stone using the team’s natural strengths

Throwing away a $100K project and starting over

Resources mentioned in this episode:

SPF FOUNDATION: Click here to learn more

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

STORY SHOP: Writer better stories faster.

STORIES TO GO: We give you the story. You keep the rights. (Forever.)

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SPF-097: Funding Your Way from the 9 to 5 – with C. Hope Clark

15 December 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Hope Clark always knew she wanted to write. So by her mid-40s she had retired from her day job and was running a writing business full-time. She talks to James about how she supports other writers to do the same.

This week’s highlights include:

An announcement about the newest course coming from SPF

Hope Clark on retiring in her 40s so she could write

On Funds For Writers and the work Hope does to help authors

How every bit of writing helps us find our voices

Hope’s focus on realistic steps for writers to take when they want to quit their day jobs

Managing the risks involved with an author career

The increasing opportunities available for writers

Resources mentioned in this episode:

SPF FOUNDATION: Click here to learn more

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

HOPE’S WEBSITE FOR WRITERS: FundsForWriters.com

NEWSLETTER OFFER: If you’d like a complimentary subscription to Hope’s Funds for Writers newsletter, send her an email to [email protected] before December 29, 2017 and mention you heard her on the SPF podcast. An $18.75 value.

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SPF-096: A Quiet Catastrophe – with John Birmingham

8 December 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

British-Australian author John Birmingham was forced into a crash course on self-publishing when, through no fault of his own, his trad deals disappeared. Luckily for readers, John turned those lemons into a new, lucrative self-publishing career.

This week’s highlights include:

John’s success as a freelance writer, and his unplanned, rapid switch from trad publishing to indie

What’s working for John now in marketing and where his focus is

On the shrinking mid-list at trad publishers and how that could prove to be their downfall

How John adjusted to running an author business as well as writing

The challenges in the Australian book market

Resources mentioned in this episode:

SPF FOUNDATION: Click here to learn more

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

ARTICLE: John Birmingham’s article at Which-50.com, called The Quiet Catastrophe

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SPF-095: How to Defeat Imposter Syndrome – with Katie Cross

1 December 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

This Week's Handout

How to Beat Imposter Syndrome by Katie Cross

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Author, mother, and nap-time entrepreneur Katie Cross offers an explanation for why it’s normal for indie authors to struggle with Imposter Syndrome, and also specific strategies for how to deal with it.

This week’s highlights include:

Katie’s success as a YA author and her move into chick lit via Wattpad

What’s working for Katie now in marketing

The importance for Katie of segmenting her list and connecting with her readers

How Katie began investigating Imposter Syndrome and what she did about it for herself

How Imposter Syndrome can affect book sales

Tips from Katie for how to deal with Imposter Syndrome

Resources mentioned in this episode:

FREE PDF: Katie created a free PDF on how to defeat Imposter Syndrome

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Playing Big by Tara Mohr

COMPLIMENTARY SESSION: Katie offers a complimentary 20 minute strategy session with authors

SPF FOUNDATION: Click here to learn more

PATREON: Self Publishing Formula Podcast’s Patreon page

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SPF-094: A Helping Hand from SPF – with Reedsy’s Ricardo Fayet

24 November 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

James Blatch and Lucy Dawson introduce the Self Publishing Formula Foundation, a partnership with Reedsy, that will help four authors each year to fulfill their dream of publishing and marketing their books.

This week’s highlights include:

The origins of the SPF Foundation

How the foundation works and how to apply

What SPF are looking for in foundation applicants

What Reedsy does and how they help indie authors

Reedsy’s suggestions about the best use of the self-publishing support available from them

Thoughts on the rise of book marketers who help authors

Resources mentioned in this episode:

More information about the Self Publishing Formula Foundation

Reedsy

Self Publishing Formula Patreon page

Do What You Can’t video – Casey Neistat

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SPF-093: From Teacher to Writer in One Year – with Cecelia Mecca

17 November 2017

Mark Dawson

Categories: Podcast

Medieval romance author Cecelia Mecca started out thinking she’d traditionally publish her books. A chat with an indie author at an RWA conference changed Cedelia’s mind and a year later she’s a full-time author, working at home and in full command of her author career.