I made a book and it's selling. I never got this far, so I'm a bit stuck xD

[BellaPippin]

Back in August I had a flash idea for a drawing book/sketchbook I wanted to exist, so I made it. I proved the concept with pre-orders and eBook sales, so I got 200 from a printer abroad.

Right now sales trickle as long as I'm investing in ads but it's been a learning curve to figure out how to put it in front of people. My plans are to continue advertising online re-investing revenue, find art/book/comic-zine fests to attend, leave it in consignment at stores... I've even sold it to a stranger at a coffee shop without even trying. Lots of good feedback-- so the challenge seems to be putting it in front of the right eyes, consistently and efficiently.

It was easy to get excited and imagine publishing more books, though I know I probably should focus on making the first one successful first (right? right?). I know it sounds silly but I guess I need to confirm with my dear mentors here. Especially because my marketing strategy changes if I promote one particular book to Audience A or promote "books"

Any good sources of info would be much appreciated. I already went through the same dozen of Google articles and I'm reading one book about self-publishing but I still don't feel very grounded. As usual it's hard to know the answers when you can't even ask the right questions.

@MJ DeMarco if you don't mind sharing any nuggets of wisdom... how to get into bigger bookstores? So far I'm trying to hit local ones, but that's not gonna yield a decent order size I doubt. How to build up to that?

 

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[Andy Black]

Back in August I had a flash idea for a drawing book/sketchbook I wanted to exist, so I made it. I proved the concept with pre-orders and eBook sales, so I got 200 from a printer abroad.

Right now sales trickle as long as I'm investing in ads but it's been a learning curve to figure out how to put it in front of people. My plans are to continue advertising online re-investing revenue, find art/book/comic-zine fests to attend, leave it in consignment at stores... I've even sold it to a stranger at a coffee shop without even trying. Lots of good feedback-- so the challenge seems to be putting it in front of the right eyes, consistently and efficiently.

It was easy to get excited and imagine publishing more books, though I know I probably should focus on making the first one successful first (right? right?). I know it sounds silly but I guess I need to confirm with my dear mentors here. Especially because my marketing strategy changes if I promote one particular book to Audience A or promote "books"

Any good sources of info would be much appreciated. I already went through the same dozen of Google articles and I'm reading one book about self-publishing but I still don't feel very grounded. As usual it's hard to know the answers when you can't even ask the right questions.

@MJ DeMarco if you don't mind sharing any nuggets of wisdom... how to get into bigger bookstores? So far I'm trying to hit local ones, but that's not gonna yield a decent order size I doubt. How to build up to that?

Not my wheelhouse at all, but there's lots of "How to make money" videos on YouTube for "print on demand books". I suspect a lot are garbage, but maybe you can get a tip or two from them?

 

[BellaPippin]

Not my wheelhouse at all, but there's lots of "How to make money" videos on YouTube for "print on demand books". I suspect a lot are garbage, but maybe you can get a tip or two from them?

Hi Andy <3

The problem with PoD for me is that 1) The pricing is ridiculous 2) My book is ring binded because it doubles as a sketchbook and they don't offer that. THAT SAID I will check them out anyway because I'm sure I'll find something good in the middle. Thank you!

 

[BizyDad]

Don't feel like I can adf anything of value, just wanted to say Congrats! It's pretty exciting to have created something that is well received and has you learning new skills.

 

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[Roli]

Back in August I had a flash idea for a drawing book/sketchbook I wanted to exist, so I made it. I proved the concept with pre-orders and eBook sales, so I got 200 from a printer abroad.

Right now sales trickle as long as I'm investing in ads but it's been a learning curve to figure out how to put it in front of people. My plans are to continue advertising online re-investing revenue, find art/book/comic-zine fests to attend, leave it in consignment at stores... I've even sold it to a stranger at a coffee shop without even trying. Lots of good feedback-- so the challenge seems to be putting it in front of the right eyes, consistently and efficiently.

It was easy to get excited and imagine publishing more books, though I know I probably should focus on making the first one successful first (right? right?). I know it sounds silly but I guess I need to confirm with my dear mentors here. Especially because my marketing strategy changes if I promote one particular book to Audience A or promote "books"

Any good sources of info would be much appreciated. I already went through the same dozen of Google articles and I'm reading one book about self-publishing but I still don't feel very grounded. As usual it's hard to know the answers when you can't even ask the right questions.

@MJ DeMarco if you don't mind sharing any nuggets of wisdom... how to get into bigger bookstores? So far I'm trying to hit local ones, but that's not gonna yield a decent order size I doubt. How to build up to that?

I'm a big fan of the book 'Write Publish Repeat', so as far as creating another one is concerned, I would urge you to go for it, the more material you have the less precious you'll get about each individual item.

It's tough because a lot of self-publishing books are focused on digital formats, but it sounds like you really need it to be print only.

Start building your email list via social media/website and of course the book itself.

Who did you print the book with?

If you do it with Lightning Source you are on a list available to a lot of bookshops whereas many others like createspace don't offer this option. Although Lightning are apparently more expensive, but their paper and cover quality is higher as well as having the marketing bonus. However, I believe this will only possible if you bought your ISBN and didn't use a free one, or the one given to you by the printer.

If you haven't read it, I would highly recommend Write Publish Repeat, by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant (they also have a popular podcast, though I haven't listened to it myself). The book was written in 2013 but there is a wealth of information that still appears to be relevant today. The marketing section is extensive and I believe it will give you plenty of ideas.

 

[Kung Fu Steve]

There are less expensive print-on-demand options for speakers' workbooks. It's the old "oh, oh, oh -- you're not a writer? Well then, for you, you get THIS price!" (learned this one the hard way multiple times)

What's the price point? I think we talked before about you wanting a series of these books, yeah?

I have a thread in the INSIDERS's section on how to run profitable and scaleable FB ads. That would be my first move. Spend $5-10 a day until you can find an audience that wants it and once you're getting sales to support a bigger adspend then start cranking it up.

 

[BellaPippin]

I'm a big fan of the book 'Write Publish Repeat', so as far as creating another one is concerned, I would urge you to go for it, the more material you have the less precious you'll get about each individual item.

It's tough because a lot of self-publishing books are focused on digital formats, but it sounds like you really need it to be print only.

Start building your email list via social media/website and of course the book itself.

Who did you print the book with?

If you do it with Lightning Source you are on a list available to a lot of bookshops whereas many others like createspace don't offer this option. Although Lightning are apparently more expensive, but their paper and cover quality is higher as well as having the marketing bonus. However, I believe this will only possible if you bought your ISBN and didn't use a free one, or the one given to you by the printer.

If you haven't read it, I would highly recommend Write Publish Repeat, by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant (they also have a popular podcast, though I haven't listened to it myself). The book was written in 2013 but there is a wealth of information that still appears to be relevant today. The marketing section is extensive and I believe it will give you plenty of ideas.

I used a printer from Alibaba. I will check those options for the next run if there's one. The book can be bought as an ebook and used along the drawing apps on a tablet, but the greatest pro it has as a paperback is that you get to see the reference and draw in the same place.
I will check those printers you mentioned and I'm getting the book as we speak. Thank you very very much.

 

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[BellaPippin]

There are less expensive print-on-demand options for speakers' workbooks. It's the old "oh, oh, oh -- you're not a writer? Well then, for you, you get THIS price!" (learned this one the hard way multiple times)

What's the price point? I think we talked before about you wanting a series of these books, yeah?

I have a thread in the INSIDERS's section on how to run profitable and scaleable FB ads. That would be my first move. Spend $5-10 a day until you can find an audience that wants it and once you're getting sales to support a bigger adspend then start cranking it up.

Damn I didn't know that. I guess I can contact them about it? Cause there's no button for that during the process hahaha

Right now I'm selling the paperback for 17.99 on my website and 7.99 for the ebook version! shooting for 21.99 on a bookstore, which is around what comps are selling for. I will check your ads post as soon as I can get inside again.

I think it must have been someone different because the idea for this book came only a few months ago. I worked pretty fast on this one I must say!

 

[BellaPippin]

Don't feel like I can anything of value, just wanted to say Congrats! It's pretty exciting to have created something that is well received and has you learning new skills.

Thank you! Are you still learning how to draw? Because you might want it ;D

 

[Kung Fu Steve]

Right now I'm selling the paperback for 17.99 on my website and 7.99 for the ebook version! shooting for 21.99 on a bookstore, which is around what comps are selling for. I will check your ads post as soon as I can get inside again.

I think it must have been someone different because the idea for this book came only a few months ago. I worked pretty fast on this one I must say!

Could've swore you posted about this somewhere and that was my first question: what are you selling AFTER that product?

If your profit is $10, you might be able to acquire a customer for $10 and break even... you could have a strong "influencer" strategy of the right people mentioning it to their audience... but you can't always rely on that.

Just spitballing here more profit = more amazing artists with your sketchbook in hand!

On the kindle version -- do you have the ability to draw in it? I've been using a couple apps on my tablet to sketch out ideas... I wonder if you could turn this into an app or use someone else's so they could sketch there?

Sorry -- caffeine hasn't kicked in yet

 

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[Edgar King]

Back in August I had a flash idea for a drawing book/sketchbook I wanted to exist, so I made it. I proved the concept with pre-orders and eBook sales, so I got 200 from a printer abroad.

Right now sales trickle as long as I'm investing in ads but it's been a learning curve to figure out how to put it in front of people. My plans are to continue advertising online re-investing revenue, find art/book/comic-zine fests to attend, leave it in consignment at stores... I've even sold it to a stranger at a coffee shop without even trying. Lots of good feedback-- so the challenge seems to be putting it in front of the right eyes, consistently and efficiently.

It was easy to get excited and imagine publishing more books, though I know I probably should focus on making the first one successful first (right? right?). I know it sounds silly but I guess I need to confirm with my dear mentors here. Especially because my marketing strategy changes if I promote one particular book to Audience A or promote "books"

Any good sources of info would be much appreciated. I already went through the same dozen of Google articles and I'm reading one book about self-publishing but I still don't feel very grounded. As usual it's hard to know the answers when you can't even ask the right questions.

@MJ DeMarco if you don't mind sharing any nuggets of wisdom... how to get into bigger bookstores? So far I'm trying to hit local ones, but that's not gonna yield a decent order size I doubt. How to build up to that?

Oh this sounds awesome! You know... I'm something of an author myself XD

I'd recommend Tiktok to display the visuals of the product, maybe show an audience what they want but can't get in other sketchbooks? Then your advertising costs would be $0 monetarily.

It can take a while to accumulate followers but over 30 days of consistent value posting (education or entertainment (e.g. music trends)) should help you cross your first 1000 (Then you can post a link to your website).

Can't estimate for the sales you can get with this method though, I've seen ranges in the thousands to hundreds to tens.

 

[BellaPippin]

On the kindle version -- do you have the ability to draw in it?

Not on the kindle but easily you can use the split screen feature to open the images and draw at the same time. That’s the premise of the ebook (besides well, just having a sketchbook with you)

 

[BellaPippin]

Oh this sounds awesome! You know... I'm something of an author myself XD

I'd recommend Tiktok to display the visuals of the product, maybe show an audience what they want but can't get in other sketchbooks? Then your advertising costs would be $0 monetarily.

It can take a while to accumulate followers but over 30 days of consistent value posting (education or entertainment (e.g. music trends)) should help you cross your first 1000 (Then you can post a link to your website).

Can't estimate for the sales you can get with this method though, I've seen ranges in the thousands to hundreds to tens.

I’m reluctant with TikTok but you’re right it’s free ads if I can grow an account a little… uuugh haha

 

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[Cameraman]

Back in August I had a flash idea for a drawing book/sketchbook I wanted to exist, so I made it. I proved the concept with pre-orders and eBook sales, so I got 200 from a printer abroad.

Right now sales trickle as long as I'm investing in ads but it's been a learning curve to figure out how to put it in front of people. My plans are to continue advertising online re-investing revenue, find art/book/comic-zine fests to attend, leave it in consignment at stores... I've even sold it to a stranger at a coffee shop without even trying. Lots of good feedback-- so the challenge seems to be putting it in front of the right eyes, consistently and efficiently.

It was easy to get excited and imagine publishing more books, though I know I probably should focus on making the first one successful first (right? right?). I know it sounds silly but I guess I need to confirm with my dear mentors here. Especially because my marketing strategy changes if I promote one particular book to Audience A or promote "books"

Any good sources of info would be much appreciated. I already went through the same dozen of Google articles and I'm reading one book about self-publishing but I still don't feel very grounded. As usual it's hard to know the answers when you can't even ask the right questions.

@MJ DeMarco if you don't mind sharing any nuggets of wisdom... how to get into bigger bookstores? So far I'm trying to hit local ones, but that's not gonna yield a decent order size I doubt. How to build up to that?

First off congratulations. A lot of people dream and never take action.

Yes, you do need to market the hell out of it if it's selling BUT get on and develop a second. Nothing will teach you as much as trying to duplicate your first success. You will also find people trying to copy and impersonate you as soon as they realise you are successful so be sure to build your products and get people on your mailing list.

Are you only selling on your own website or do you have other channels?

I would suggest breaking the process down into two halves. The writing and the marketing. Yes, they feed off each other but you need two different mindsets.

If you want to develop a good product read "How to Write Useful Books" by Rob Fitzpatrick. Reading between the lines of what you wrote, you may need to think a bit about how to apply it to your specific niche but I'm sure it will help you.

You may pick up some useful information on the Kindlepreneur website - it isn't just Kindle and Amazon despite the name.

 

[NeoDialectic]

I don't have experience in your exact field but your question mirrors a classic problem. Whether you should continue investing in the product you have or make other product. I wrote a post on this topic HERE in the past. I also don't know how much time you have actually invested in doing what needs to be done to atleast give your products a fair shake. So keep that in mind when reading my advice!

If you are strapped for time and barely have enough time to even do the minimum on this product, then stick with just this product. Otherwise, I would start putting into production other options as well. Each product builds the other up and has a chance to increase a customers lifetime value (which enables you to possibly outspend competition in advertising too).

At the end of the day, that isn't even the reason I would get other products out there. The primary reason is that while you may have a good product, it may take some work to get it growing. That's fine and completely normal . However, there are times when you make a product that vibes with the market just right and it blows up without you even having to push it hard or advertise that much. That product has SO much more potential. The more quality products you put out there the more chances you have on stepping on that friendly landmine.

Don't get me wrong. You will still have to do alot of work to scale that product up... But I would rather spend my day scaling a product that sells well with minimal advertising than spend my entire day trying to push a product that you have to advertise hard to sell.

Don't take any of this advice to mean that your current product is not going anywhere. I've had plenty of products that take a year or longer to start gaining traction and becoming successes. I'm simply talking generalities.

If I remember correctly, MJ espouses many of the same type of ideas in his books in the form of productaucracy and the gumball machine.

 

[Edgar King]

I’m reluctant with TikTok but you’re right it’s free ads if I can grow an account a little… uuugh haha

What's so bad about Tiktok ahaha?

 

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[Johnny boy]

The answer is very obvious that you need to either build an audience that consumes content at least loosely related to what you are selling (so all of your audience would be good potential customers) or you should be utilizing influencer marketing to partner with people who would have an audience who would love your product.

Imagine you sold romance novels, so you had a plan to sell them using social media and created an instagram and tik tok account that posted mini-romance stories or short quotes from the books voiced over from someone on fiverr, combined with fan art posted online to create short videos that got lots of engagement and eventually go viral among all the girls who are into those books. Boom, your account jumps to 80 thousand good followers and you sell thousands and thousands of copies of your book and they will buy the next one you put out too.

Do not just use the page as a place to post selfish content that's 100% focused on the book, create stuff people engage with. Build an audience of people who are into the stuff you make.

1. "WHO buys my stuff?"
2. "What is the most engaging, viral worthy, easy to churn out, valuable content that I can post to get everyone who fits the above 'type' of person to join my community online?"
3. Then, get to work building a community, and then put in your "hey, want to buy my book?" posts every once in a while and you'll have an audience of people who consume your stuff, buy your books every time you make one, and you can monetize in other ways too. Maybe a VIP membership, maybe they'll pay for signed copies, etc.

It's about thinking differently. Example: If I wanted to sell car accessories with a dropshipping store, I would take some short form videos using or highlighting the items, turning them into a reel/tik-tok for each one, then I'd reach out to instagram and tik tok pages that make content focused around cars. The followers will all likely be dudes who have shitty miata's and would be likely to buy the accessories compared to a normal person. I'd negotiate promotion deals and it would likely work pretty well. Or, I could post the car related content myself and build an audience and advertise to them for free. What I wouldn't do is just post pictures of what I'm selling, nobody gives a shit. That's how you use social media, identify the people who will be your customers, make stuff for them that they will consume and engage with online, then build your audience and throw your "buy my stuff" posts in the mix every 20% of the time and you'll get customers.

 

[BellaPippin]

First off congratulations. A lot of people dream and never take action.

Yes, you do need to market the hell out of it if it's selling BUT get on and develop a second. Nothing will teach you as much as trying to duplicate your first success. You will also find people trying to copy and impersonate you as soon as they realise you are successful so be sure to build your products and get people on your mailing list.

Are you only selling on your own website or do you have other channels?

I would suggest breaking the process down into two halves. The writing and the marketing. Yes, they feed off each other but you need two different mindsets.

If you want to develop a good product read "How to Write Useful Books" by Rob Fitzpatrick. Reading between the lines of what you wrote, you may need to think a bit about how to apply it to your specific niche but I'm sure it will help you.

You may pick up some useful information on the Kindlepreneur website - it isn't just Kindle and Amazon despite the name.

Thank you so much! Advice taken, good points.

 

[BellaPippin]

The answer is very obvious that you need to either build an audience that consumes content at least loosely related to what you are selling (so all of your audience would be good potential customers) or you should be utilizing influencer marketing to partner with people who would have an audience who would love your product.

Imagine you sold romance novels, so you had a plan to sell them using social media and created an instagram and tik tok account that posted mini-romance stories or short quotes from the books voiced over from someone on fiverr, combined with fan art posted online to create short videos that got lots of engagement and eventually go viral among all the girls who are into those books. Boom, your account jumps to 80 thousand good followers and you sell thousands and thousands of copies of your book and they will buy the next one you put out too.

Do not just use the page as a place to post selfish content that's 100% focused on the book, create stuff people engage with. Build an audience of people who are into the stuff you make.

1. "WHO buys my stuff?"
2. "What is the most engaging, viral worthy, easy to churn out, valuable content that I can post to get everyone who fits the above 'type' of person to join my community online?"
3. Then, get to work building a community, and then put in your "hey, want to buy my book?" posts every once in a while and you'll have an audience of people who consume your stuff, buy your books every time you make one, and you can monetize in other ways too. Maybe a VIP membership, maybe they'll pay for signed copies, etc.

It's about thinking differently. Example: If I wanted to sell car accessories with a dropshipping store, I would take some short form videos using or highlighting the items, turning them into a reel/tik-tok for each one, then I'd reach out to instagram and tik tok pages that make content focused around cars. The followers will all likely be dudes who have shitty miata's and would be likely to buy the accessories compared to a normal person. I'd negotiate promotion deals and it would likely work pretty well. Or, I could post the car related content myself and build an audience and advertise to them for free. What I wouldn't do is just post pictures of what I'm selling, nobody gives a shit. That's how you use social media, identify the people who will be your customers, make stuff for them that they will consume and engage with online, then build your audience and throw your "buy my stuff" posts in the mix every 20% of the time and you'll get customers.

Thank you! At the moment I’m growing an account but your first paragraph describes exactly the crossroads I’m at. Ok so I did this art book; I’m partnering with accounts where the audience *for that book* hangs out. At the same time I’m growing my own account for the publishing, assuming not every book is going to be the same exact niche.

 

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[BellaPippin]

What's so bad about Tiktok ahaha?

It’s not TikTok it’s me… I need to get good at churning (good) content with purpose. Focus some of my time on making good tiktoks and posting consistently.

 

[BellaPippin]

I don't have experience in your exact field but your question mirrors a classic problem. Whether you should continue investing in the product you have or make other product. I wrote a post on this topic HERE in the past. I also don't know how much time you have actually invested in doing what needs to be done to atleast give your products a fair shake. So keep that in mind when reading my advice!

If you are strapped for time and barely have enough time to even do the minimum on this product, then stick with just this product. Otherwise, I would start putting into production other options as well. Each product builds the other up and has a chance to increase a customers lifetime value (which enables you to possibly outspend competition in advertising too).

At the end of the day, that isn't even the reason I would get other products out there. The primary reason is that while you may have a good product, it may take some work to get it growing. That's fine and completely normal . However, there are times when you make a product that vibes with the market just right and it blows up without you even having to push it hard or advertise that much. That product has SO much more potential. The more quality products you put out there the more chances you have on stepping on that friendly landmine.

Don't get me wrong. You will still have to do alot of work to scale that product up... But I would rather spend my day scaling a product that sells well with minimal advertising than spend my entire day trying to push a product that you have to advertise hard to sell.

Don't take any of this advice to mean that your current product is not going anywhere. I've had plenty of products that take a year or longer to start gaining traction and becoming successes. I'm simply talking generalities.

If I remember correctly, MJ espouses many of the same type of ideas in his books in the form of productaucracy and the gumball machine.

Thank you so much. You make a great point. Cross sales are a good point as well. Right now I’m doing it part time and it’s working, albeit struggling with establishing a workflow but it’s going. I already have an idea for a cross sell lined up people have asked for.

 

[BellaPippin]

Thank you to all the GOATS that always come to add to my gray matter! You’re always such help.

 

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[biophase]

Thank you to all the GOATS that always come to add to my gray matter! You’re always such help.

At your current volume of selling, you could just make the books yourself right? Just get the pages printed, buy the binders and put them together at home as they sell.

 

[Edgar King]

If you want to develop a good product read "How to Write Useful Books" by Rob Fitzpatrick. Reading between the lines of what you wrote, you may need to think a bit about how to apply it to your specific niche but I'm sure it will help you.

Thanks a lot for the recommendation as well!

 

[SEBASTlAN]

I used Draft2Digital and IngramSpark to get into some stores.

 

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[BellaPippin]

At your current volume of selling, you could just make the books yourself right? Just get the pages printed, buy the binders and put them together at home as they sell.

Do you mean printed at a local printer or with a home printer? Because the quality of the print is very different! That said I already received the 200 from China soooo.. I’ll have to start with those for now…

 

[MJ DeMarco]

I haven't read all of the responses, so excuse me if this has already been mentioned.

You HAVE to find a way to get into Amazon. You are missing the top channel in the space. Furthermore, Amazon is the channel that can really help you get to larger audiences, expanding your personal brand. If getting on Amazon cuts your profits by 20% or some other number, it is worth it. Just make sure you maintain profitability.

I used to offset manufacture books (I've used Cushing Malloy, Worzalla) but the cost has gone up dramatically to the point that Amazon POD is the better option because it eliminates the need for costly shipping and fulfillment expenses.

Amazon Vendor Central (or Amazon Advantage) is the channel you'll want to use if you want to send Amazon inventory of your pre-printed books in inventory (printed in China per your note).

They will sell it on consignment and get you listed.

Ingram, Draft2Digital, and Lightning Source might also be an option to investigate as these outlets help you expand distribution, but also are POD, which always carry a higher cost.

I've been doing this 10 years.

There are benefits to doing your own printing (more profit, better quality, but more time and admin hassles) and benefits to POD (less profit, less time, great distribution) -- you ultimately can try both, but right now I'd be focused more on volume and distribution.

Congrats on getting sales. Very exciting!

 

[MJ DeMarco]

@BellaPippin -- send me a message via the Contact form here, I'll see if I can help you further.

 

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[Andy Black]

This thread is a great example of people preferring to help people in motion. It's not a proclamation thread, it's an "I've done this, now what do I do?" thread.

Looking for mentors? Go do stuff.

It reminds me of the line "Tell me what you've done and I'll tell you who you are."

 

[MJ DeMarco]

This thread is a great example of people preferring to help people in motion. It's not a proclamation thread, it's an "I've done this, now what do I do?" thread.

Looking for mentors? Go do stuff.

It reminds me of the line "Tell me what you've done and I'll tell you who you are."

Absolutely. It kind of how I determine which forum threads to reply to.

This person is taking action. Significant work has been done and now they are looking for guidance.

The, "I'd like to build a mobile app but don't know what to do next" are the type of questions I ignore.

People who like to ask questions about STEP 20, but ignore STEP 1-19 are likely to be dismissed as not serious, and are armed with the wrong set of expectations.