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Becoming a successful self-publishing author requires more than just the ability to write a compelling story. To truly thrive as a BookPreneur—an author who treats their writing like a business—you must develop marketing, branding, and business skills. With the right knowledge and strategies, you can not only write and publish your books but also build a brand and make money from your craft.
To help guide you on your journey, here are five essential books every self-publishing author should read to succeed in the competitive world of self-publishing and become a thriving BookPreneur.
1. “Write. Publish. Repeat.” by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant
For any self-publishing author, “Write. Publish. Repeat.” is a must-read. Written by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant, this book offers a comprehensive roadmap for authors who want to publish consistently and build a sustainable writing career. It’s not just about writing and throwing your book out into the world; it’s about building a system that allows you to publish multiple books successfully over time.
The authors, who have experience building their own self-publishing empire, focus on the importance of treating your writing like a business. They explain how to craft an effective publishing strategy, from writing to marketing to branding. “Write. Publish. Repeat.” also delves into topics like understanding Amazon’s algorithms, developing a publishing schedule, and maximizing the profits of each book.
Key Takeaways for Self-Publishing Authors:
- Create a long-term publishing plan, not just a one-off strategy.
- Understand how to leverage Amazon and other online platforms to get your books in front of readers.
- Learn the importance of consistency in building your brand and reputation.
2. “Your First 1000 Copies: The Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Book” by Tim Grahl
Marketing is one of the biggest hurdles for many self-publishing authors, especially those who are new to the business. Tim Grahl’s “Your First 1000 Copies“ demystifies the often daunting world of book marketing. He provides a step-by-step guide on how to attract your first thousand readers—something every BookPreneur needs to succeed.
Grahl’s system revolves around creating lasting relationships with readers through email lists, social media, and a personal author website. The book also covers practical ways to promote your work, focusing heavily on building an audience and maintaining it for future releases.
What makes this book invaluable is Grahl’s emphasis on connection over hard selling. He shows self-publishing authors how to provide value and build a loyal following, which is critical for long-term success.
Key Takeaways for Self-Publishing Authors:
- Focus on building a strong relationship with readers rather than just selling books.
- Learn how to effectively use email marketing to connect with your audience.
- Develop a book marketing plan that’s simple but incredibly effective.
3. “The Business of Being a Writer” by Jane Friedman
Jane Friedman is a publishing industry veteran, and her book “The Business of Being a Writer” is a must-read for any self-publishing author serious about building a long-term writing career. This book doesn’t focus on the creative side of writing but rather on the business aspects that self-publishing authors often overlook.
Friedman delves deep into the financial realities of being a writer, discussing everything from royalty payments to managing freelance income and understanding book contracts. For self-publishing authors, she provides valuable insights into the world of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, helping you make informed decisions that can impact your career’s sustainability.
This book is full of practical advice on how to approach your writing as a business and how to make money beyond just book sales—such as through speaking engagements, workshops, and additional content creation.
Key Takeaways for Self-Publishing Authors:
- Understand the financial and legal side of being a self-publishing author.
- Learn how to create multiple income streams from your writing.
- Discover how to build a sustainable writing career through smart business strategies.
4. “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
While “Atomic Habits” isn’t a book specifically for authors, its lessons are crucial for anyone striving for success in a highly competitive field like self-publishing. James Clear’s book is all about how small habits can lead to significant changes over time—something that is particularly important for self-publishing authors looking to produce work consistently and stay motivated.
Writing, publishing, and marketing require discipline and consistency, and Clear’s book provides practical advice on how to build habits that make you more productive. He explains how to create systems that make writing and marketing part of your daily routine, ensuring that you can stay on track with your publishing goals.
For self-publishing authors, this book is a game-changer in terms of how you approach your work and manage your time.
Key Takeaways for Self-Publishing Authors:
- Learn how to build productive habits that keep you writing and marketing consistently.
- Understand the power of small, incremental changes in achieving long-term success.
- Create systems that help you stay on track with your self-publishing business goals.
5. “Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen” by Donald Miller
In the crowded world of self-publishing, standing out is crucial. “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller is the perfect book for self-publishing authors looking to refine their messaging and build a strong author brand. Miller’s book focuses on using storytelling to clarify your message and connect with your audience, which is essential for marketing your books effectively.
Miller provides a framework for creating a clear and compelling brand message, which will help you attract and retain readers. His approach focuses on making the reader the hero of the story, positioning yourself as the guide, and solving your audience’s problems—whether that’s through fiction or non-fiction.
For self-publishing authors, branding is just as important as writing. This book offers actionable strategies to develop a brand that resonates with readers and differentiates you from other authors in your genre.
Key Takeaways for Self-Publishing Authors:
- Learn how to clarify your brand message to connect with readers.
- Understand the importance of storytelling in marketing your books.
- Develop a strong author brand that helps you stand out in a competitive market.
Conclusion
For any self-publishing author looking to build a successful career as a BookPreneur, reading these five books will provide invaluable insights and actionable strategies. From mastering the art of writing and publishing to building an audience, marketing your work, and managing the business side of being an author, each of these books offers essential lessons for success.
Treating your self-publishing journey like a business requires dedication, but with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, you can achieve your goals and create a thriving author brand. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your writing career to the next level, these five books will help guide you toward becoming a successful BookPreneur.
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