Self Publishing School: How To Write A Book That Grows Your Impact, Income, And Business

Today, joining me is Seth and Tori Bolt. Seth is a book author, Grammy-Nominated artist, and the bass player and founding member of NEEDTOBREATHE. Tori has created Bolt Farm Treehouse and has a background in television.The first record deal NEEDTOBREATHE signed was in 2005, which took years to achieve for his band. “Typically, the longer you build something and the slower it grows, the stronger it is and the longer it lasts.” Seth’s advice is to think of growing your business for the long term.Seth has taken advertising to the next level. His record label set him up with late-night show performances, even in the pandemic. NEEDTOBREATHE had PR opportunities through the music scene, popular magazines, and podcasts.Tori says that her entrepreneurship aligned with her bigger goal. “For me, Bolt Farm Treehouse and being an entrepreneur allowed me to align with my bigger vision goals because it was about having purpose and hearing other people’s stories and doing something with impact.”Both pieces of advice to make something amazing, and your project will attract people when they know you really care. Of course, marketing and PR are a big part of getting the word out about your business. Make sure to tell the world about your company!Listen in to find out what to expect at Bolt Farm Treehouse, how to find local press opportunities, and how to target niche markets to advertise your product or company. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

Today, joining me is Ryan Levesque, the Inc. 500 CEO of the Ask Method Company and author of the best-selling book Ask. Ask is the #1 marketing book of the year on Inc.’s book list. Ask helps readers avoid the single biggest mistake when starting a business and guides readers to answer the important question of what type of business they should start.Ryan believes everyone should write a book. “If you can convince someone to read a book, they are investing hours of their life. You can convey your beliefs and ideas.” Books are one of the few ways you can personally relay your message and advertise in one medium. “You own physical shelf space with a book, which is the best advertising medium in the world.”Looking to get people from Amazon or Barnes and Noble to your email list? Ryan recommends using a quiz funnel. By creating a short quiz related to the content in your book, your potential client can use the quiz results and outcome as a path to purchasing your upsell that is offered. “I see this as a universal strategy that any non-fiction writer can incorporate into your book.”Two main funnels attract different types of buyers: people who are aware of your brand and the potential customers unfamiliar with your brand. Find out how to advertise to these two distinct markets.Listen in to find out how you can use pixel segmentation in your book marketing, how to become an expert in your space by using quiz funnels, and how Ryan’s new software company fits into his brand. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

Today, joining me is Chris Ducker, who is a keynote speaker and author of two books. His first book, Virtual Freedom, he had traditionally published, his second book, the Rise of the Youpreneur, is self-published. He is known as a Virtual CEO and regarded as an authority on virtual staffing and personal outsourcing. Chris is here to talk about using a book to build your personal brand and your business.“For me, I believe that a book is one of the easiest and most important expert positioning strategies for anyone who wants to build a business based around their experience and expertise should act on - plain and simple.” This is the first action item he works on with coaching clients is to create and publish a book.He knew that authoring his book would bring him more business. The trick was to put all the information he had in his mind into one definitive guide. Currently, his book has over 1000 five-star reviews on Amazon and continues to create monthly sales every quarter.“We don’t give Virtual Freedom away, but we do pitch it as a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn how to work with virtual staff, and to learn how to hire support and run their business with a virtual team.” Chris considers his book a “tripwire product” to get the easy, low-dollar item out of someone to get them warmed up to his business. “I totally agree with qualifying a prospective customer.”Chris recommends not to work on your weaknesses when building your personal brand, but to delegate them to others to get the job done. “Delegate your weakness and work with your strengths. Do the stuff that you’re good at but do it in a way that is uniquely your own path.” Completing this process with the right amount of transparency will build a community of people around you that will consume your content.Listen in to find out why Chris put his face on the cover of his second book, why he self-published his second book, and his mistakes when publishing his first book. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

Join me in this episode as I chat with Jenna Moreci, a YouTube star with over 200,000 subscribers and the author of The Savior Series. Jenna shares her valuable insights on finding beta readers for your book and building a strong author platform.As a full-time writer and caregiver, Jenna understands the challenges of balancing writing with other responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of your story and involving others in the process. She relies on critique partners and enlists 20 diverse beta readers to provide valuable feedback on her work.But Jenna doesn't stop there. While her beta readers are reviewing her book, she maximizes her time by working on her author platform, collaborating with cover artists, and finding editors. By multitasking, she ensures that the publication process doesn't get delayed.During our conversation, Jenna also shares her wisdom on handling different types of criticism and selecting the feedback that truly resonates with your vision. She discusses the benefits of having a YouTube channel as part of her creative journey and offers insights on managing her scriptwriting alongside her book writing.Tune in to discover Jenna's Rule of Three approach to beta reading, her strategies for managing a beta reading group, and the significance of writing from a place of passion. Don't miss out on this episode packed with practical advice for finding beta readers and creating an engaging author platform.Listen now and take your book to the next level with the help of beta readers! Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

Join me as I sit down with Leif Babin, former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front. In this episode, Leif shares the fascinating story behind the launch of one of the most successful books ever published.With a background as a Navy SEAL and recipient of prestigious awards including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart, Leif brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table. He co-founded Echelon Front, a renowned leadership consulting company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build high-performance winning teams.During our conversation, Leif and I delve into the journey that led to the creation of Extreme Ownership. Drawing from their own combat experiences, Leif and his co-author Jocko Willink recognized the universal application of their leadership principles in any team or organization. They embarked on a mission to share these invaluable lessons with the world, while humbly representing the SEAL teams and honoring fallen servicemen.Leif discusses the decision to co-author the book and the desire to provide actionable leadership insights rather than simply writing a memoir. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over the end product and ensuring that the book accurately reflected their intentions and the true spirit of their experiences.Discover how Leif and Jocko navigated the writing process, avoiding ego-driven pitfalls and staying true to their mission. Leif also sheds light on the strategic marketing approach they employed to spread the message of Extreme Ownership and empower readers to apply the principles in their personal and professional lives.Don't miss this captivating episode as Leif Babin shares his remarkable journey from Navy SEAL to influential author and leadership expert. Gain insights into the power of Extreme Ownership and learn how to apply these invaluable lessons to achieve success in any endeavor. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Dave Chesson, renowned Kindlepreneur and successful entrepreneur, join me. With his expertise in self-publishing, Dave has made a significant impact on the industry. We delve into the strategies and techniques that have made him a prominent figure in the world of Kindle publishing.Dave's journey as a self-published author and entrepreneur began in 2014. Since then, he has built a thriving business, generating a consistent six-figure income annually. Today, he shares his invaluable insights on boosting discoverability and driving book sales on Amazon.Discoverability is the key to success on Amazon, and Dave reveals the essential steps you need to take to ensure your book stands out in search results. Through effective optimization techniques, you can capture the attention of potential readers and increase your book's visibility.As someone who has dyslexia and struggled with writing, Dave emphasizes the power of providing solutions to readers' problems. You don't need to be a Hemingway-level writer to connect with your audience. By understanding what readers are looking for and offering the answers they seek, you can overcome any limitations and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.We also explore the significance of BISAC codes, which play a crucial role in categorizing and marketing your book. Dave shares valuable insights on selecting the right categories and utilizing Publisher Rocket, his powerful software tool, throughout your writing and publishing journey. From validating your book idea to optimizing your keyword phrases and running effective Amazon ads, Publisher Rocket will be your indispensable companion.If you're ready to take your self-publishing journey to new heights, don't miss this episode with Dave Chesson, the Kindlepreneur. Harness the power of strategic optimization and unlock the potential of your book on Amazon. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

Join me in this exciting episode as I sit down with Qat Wanders, an accomplished author, editor, and speaker who has used books to build her thriving seven-figure business. Qat shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from traditional publishing to self-publishing and the incredible impact it had on her career.Dealing with chronic pain and seeking a work-from-home opportunity, Qat discovered the power of self-publishing through Self-Publishing School (SPS). Despite facing personal challenges, including her father's terminal illness, Qat embarked on a remarkable publishing journey. She transformed her initial memoir project into a best-selling book about yoga, fulfilling her father's dying wish to witness her success.Qat's creativity extended to her daughter, Ora, who at the age of eight, came up with a captivating fiction storyline. With Qat's guidance, Ora turned her idea into a published book, receiving accolades from school, teachers, and a growing social media following. Qat shares valuable advice for parents supporting their children's book-writing aspirations, emphasizing the importance of encouragement without crossing into nagging territory.As Qat continued to hone her writing skills, she found that the more she learned and edited, the greater her improvement. By understanding the nuances of different book genres, she could focus her editing efforts effectively.Listen in to discover how Qat established her successful business after her book launches, her transition from traditional publishing to becoming a circus entertainer, and her insightful tip on eliminating double spacing between sentences.Don't miss this engaging conversation about the power of writing a book to build a business and the transformative impact it can have on your life and career. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Sloan Ketchum, one of our esteemed SPS coaches, joining us. Sloan is spearheading our brand new program, "PR and Speaking for New Authors." With a wealth of experience under her belt, including over 50 podcast interviews, speaking engagements on various stages, and a thriving income from speaking engagements, Sloan is the perfect guide to help authors navigate the world of speaking gigs.PR and speaking engagements require a systematic approach. Sloan advises authors to be proactive in their campaigns, focusing on three essential aspects:Getting clear on your hook: Craft a compelling and unique message that grabs attention.Booking gigs: Utilize a three-step plan involving research, outreach, and referrals to secure speaking opportunities. Foster partnerships and prioritize opportunities with the potential for significant impact.Monetizing: Explore ways to monetize your book or business through speaking engagements. Discover when and how you can get paid to speak and other innovative strategies to market yourself and build a dedicated following.Tune in to this episode to gain insights on creating an irresistible hook, effectively booking speaking gigs, and the importance of embracing "fast no's" when seeking opportunities. Learn how to monetize your expertise, leverage speaking engagements to boost your brand, and discover additional techniques to market yourself as an author.Don't miss this valuable conversation with Sloan Ketchum as she shares her knowledge and empowers authors to unlock exciting speaking gigs. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

In this episode, I am honored to have James Altucher, the acclaimed author of Future Self and host of the James Altucher Show podcast, joining me. James possesses a remarkable blend of analytical and creative talent, making his books a unique and captivating read. With a background as a former hedge fund manager and computer science major, James infuses his writing with humor and an analytical perspective.While self-publishing has been a significant part of James's journey, he considers it a form of "professional self-publishing" rather than casual self-publishing. He aims to replicate the high-quality standards of traditional publishing houses, utilizing professional assistance to ensure his books are polished and well-crafted.A key principle James emphasizes is the alignment of passion and necessity. By combining what you love with what you need to do, you can unlock incredible possibilities. He encourages aspiring authors to overcome naysayers and embrace the belief that success lies on the other side of doubt.His upcoming book, Skip the Line, builds upon the ideas explored in Choose Yourself. James's transparent and vulnerable writing style resonates with readers, as it reflects the shared human experience of both failure and growth.During this episode, James shares his insights on the decision-making process behind choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing. He highlights the importance of retaining control over book marketing and delves into his shift from financial to self-help writing. Additionally, he reveals the top three book marketing strategies that have contributed to his book sales success.Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation with James Altucher, as we uncover the secrets behind his publishing journey, explore the power of vulnerability, and gain valuable advice on book marketing. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...

In this captivating episode, I am thrilled to have Gary Williams. With over 4,000 hours of coaching calls and a passion for helping authors bring their books to life, Gary shares his valuable insights on utilizing the Myers-Briggs personality assessment as a powerful tool in the writing process. Discover the methodology he has honed to perfection, and learn how you can apply this transformative approach to create meaningful change in your life.The Myers-Briggs test provides a comprehensive understanding of the four distinct preference types that shape individuals' unique personalities. This invaluable tool allows authors to uncover their natural preferences and identify their specific personality type. By gaining this self-awareness, you can harness your strengths and optimize your writing journey.As Gary explains, individuals receive and process information through either sensing or intuition. Those who prefer sensing rely on concrete, black-and-white facts to comprehend the world around them. On the other hand, individuals who lean towards intuition rely on their "sixth sense" and thrive in theoretical and imaginative realms.Underlying these preferences are cognitive functions that influence the way our minds work. Different personality types approach the writing process in distinct ways. Structured individuals excel in organized and methodical work, while those who favor intuition embrace the creative freedom of open-ended exploration. Observing these preferences in action throughout the journey of writing a book or embarking on a new project is truly fascinating.Unlock the transformative potential of the Myers-Briggs assessment as you embark on your writing journey. Discover how understanding your unique preferences can empower you to craft your best work and navigate the path to authorship with confidence. Need help mapping out your first book? Download your 1-Page Book Launch PlanThousands of first-time authors have already turned their ideas into bestselling books with our guidance. You could be next. Book A Free Consultation Popular Free Resources:Nonfiction Book Outline TemplateFiction Book Outline TemplateFollow selfpublishing.comYoutube Instagram TikTok Facebook Follow Chandler BoltYouTube...