The BookFunnel Podcast Self-Publishing Aggressively Wide with Mark Leslie Lefebvre, The BookFunnel Podcast Ep. 38
Mar 20, 2026
Mark Leslie Lefebvre, seasoned author and publishing strategist who blends trad and indie experience. He explains 'aggressively wide' publishing across formats and retailers. He covers mixing traditional deals with self-publishing, building multiple income streams, creative IP adaptations like audio tours and themed events, and practical marketing and bookstore tactics.
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Aggressively Wide Means More Than Ebooks
- Going aggressively wide means exploiting all formats and channels, not just choosing Amazon vs KDP Select.
- Mark Leslie Lefebvre uses print, audio, direct sales, traditional deals, and BookFunnel to diversify reach and control rights.
Always Build Your Own Reader List
- Build a newsletter and reader magnet whether you're trad or indie to own direct contact with readers.
- Mark says publishers won't give you customer lists and publicists focus only on frontlist, so your list is essential for long-term promotion.
Publishing Is A Marathon Not A Sprint
- Expect publishing to be a long game; most books never earn $500 total.
- Mark took decades (first story 1992, sustainable income around 2017) and cites Hugh Howey's 10th book breakout as an example of persistence.
