In this fifth episode of the Indie Author Blueprint podcast, we shift focus toward the practical aspects of treating your indie publishing journey as a serious business venture. As the CEO figure of your publishing company, you are not only a writer but also the manager responsible for ensuring the success of your publishing efforts. Michelle provides comprehensive guidance that will help you navigate the essential steps you need to take to establish and grow your indie publishing business effectively.
Key Takeaways
1. Analyzing Your Genre:
It's crucial to identify your book's genre accurately, whether it's fiction (romance, mysteries, contemporary, etc.) or nonfiction (self-help, memoir, Christian living, etc.).
Study at least three successful books in your genre, focusing on their covers, categories, and general appeal.
Pay close attention to professionally published books for a clearer benchmark.
2. Understanding the Market:
Define your target audience precisely. Your book isn't for everyone; it's for a specific ideal reader.
Determine the unique problems or desires your book addresses and how it stands apart from others.
Look at what keywords and categories these books use, especially what readers are typing into search engines.
3. Treating Publishing as a Business Venture:
Draft a simple business plan. Outline your budget, financial goals, and any training or professional help you might need.
Explain how this effort is legitimate and not merely a hobby, which might be particularly valuable to communicate to supportive partners or spouses.
4. Striving for Quality:
Identify professional help for editing, cover design, and other essential aspects of your book.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses in design and production to determine where you need help.
Ensure that your book's cover and content can stand up to professional standards, as this significantly impacts sales.
5. Creating a Marketing Plan:
Develop a detailed but actionable strategy for marketing your book.
Know which platforms you’ll use and plan how you'll engage with your target audience.
Break down marketing activities into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
6. Handling Legal Aspects:
Investigate legal requirements like registering your business, obtaining necessary permits, and understanding tax implications.
Consider the need for an LLC, contracts, and other legal frameworks depending on your specific situation.
7. Avoiding Shortcuts:
Reflect on potential shortcuts, such as skipping editorial processes, and understand why they could harm your book’s success.
Reiterate the importance of professional quality and the long-term benefits of not cutting corners.
8. Knowing Your Weaknesses:
Identify areas where you lack expertise and devise a plan to address these challenges.
Seek out resources and professionals who can support you in these areas to ensure the success of your publishing venture.
Special Features
Free Worksheet: This episode includes a printable worksheet designed to help you think through the various aspects discussed. Get it from the link below and use it to outline your business plan, marketing strategy, and more. In future episodes, worksheets like this will be for paid subscribers to accompany audio episodes.
Action Items
Download the free worksheet.
Analyze successful books in your genre.
Define your target audience and market your book accordingly.
Treat your publishing like a legitimate business by drafting a business plan and focusing on quality.
Handle the legal requirements and avoid taking harmful shortcuts.
Identify your weaknesses and seek the necessary help to overcome them.
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