📕 Self-Publishing: Write in Public, Presales, Podcasts

Welcome to the 632 new entrepreneurs who joined last week. Hey there, Welcome to the 632 new entrepreneurs who joined last week. 📕 Let's talk about Self-Publishing. In this free report, you'll learn: - ✍️ How to write in public? - ⚖️ How to validate demand? - 🤓 How to build a community of readers? - 📚 How will AI streamline book creation? - 🎙️ How to market books on podcasts? - 🚅 How to write about rapidly-changing topics? - 📤 How to use print-on-demand?  [Become a Trends Pro Member](=.lrLAr8TtlqhotTZ5k8eeb6tIFyJYcnLppLfEAe_Z7a0) and join 1,500 other freedom-loving founders - 🧠[Founder Mastermind Gropus](=.n7JZACyH08QxLKkqjIEKlIRX-w40gJ5KBcV-DYht3hM) • To share goals, progress and solve problems together, each group is made up of 6 members who meet for 1 hour each Monday. - 📈 [Trends Pro Reports](=.jfghqzQiciadXGmhQx3JfnHzuqpfXXsam-vfBWUIkqI) • To make sense of new markets, ideas and business models, check out our research reports. Including the Pro Version of this report. - 🧍 [Daily Standups](=.J_5m5nSoQ4elH4QPRgt5pYipj0iRJXFxdOzufp4oOyQ) • Stay productive and accountable with daily, async standups. Unlock access to 1:1 chats, masterminds and more by building standup streaks. - 💬 [1:1 Chats](=.bK9niAUwaUzAFbLoq1YoAtAcZLg7fMzdTl7hDtVeWy4) • Make new friends, share lessons and find ways to help each other. Keep life interesting by meeting new freedom-loving founders each week. 1-on-1 chats give you a chance to discuss unique shared interests. [Self-Publishing](=.ryUqB04XHZaLbRNYnz4rgm4W3x-y0oF_gIJKC2bQzjk) =.z5RWDgyWHWGIqSTk5Ywp8tVvPRm8DNQV1C9kWJoKiSQ “The good news about self-publishing is you get to do everything yourself. The bad news about self-publishing is you get to do everything yourself.” — Lori Lesko 💎 Why It Matters Gatekeepers have historically decided what gets published. 🔍 Problem Traditional publishers act as gatekeepers. They pick what you read. 💡 Solution Self-publishing makes it easier for you to publish “long-tail” books. With more control and upside. See: - [Philip Kiely](=.kQd7kwfJQCcFP12uDbfBeU7z6UoguZ6hNWNyCsHiuRI) made [$34,524](=.r_-PAl7JOxeloToAkFf24RS1VMIiqohso1aYqPTCobE) with [Writing for Software Developers](=.vdq5dIt7VYEv1X_mXnGpF2fcg7DgRCbeX-QMvOUvb0g) - [Jon Sherman](=.xRQ8_IsUVGbGwRga0iDBgZfUDv7h_YIvTI0GcVgaM7s) made [$25,000](=.MiD77a4gk6Usmi8xNBADzervN45bm57ls21kRBCMxV4) with [101 Mistakes All Golfers Make](=.hJiIfOldIA3pds9OaDXINomACrXst9eBxLejKzNpcm8) - [Alex Ellis](=.4Bht8Yb0IhuOVUHpv1q8LYEUFlk9LORl44y_pGmTEQU) made [$10,396](=.Ee3Rqg91r5E2HMKAZCYWtfFl7_-06D-au9QjiYmvBDk) in 1 month with [Serverless for Everyone Else](=.v81f3ZrNKtplO5BR7KyQvZraGcyyN2XvFRrLJaxh_Jw) 🏁 Players Self-Published Authors - [Arvid Kahl](=.91eUNekinO3zydSPiTbUNYtrRr0CcOBbfQPuoz1Ns4E) • [Zero to Sold](=.fHu3Td0Jc4VL0dEh6MfaN2GoBxyngySjhGDsSWs69GA) and [Embedded Entrepreneur](=.BknatO4XLGmgFP24ohtrtMoG5bsSzGOd3OC1dK3J4Cc) focus on entrepreneurship - [Michael Gill](=.AftZatFbPninXYjrGhNSJYcRGXOvObFdXyZPSF7n6OE) • [Maker Minions](=.1WvDToVQGpHFxpOOJDP7IlCL8cIdXWLzB4NqIMuYVQI) focuses on developing efficient work processes - [Sherry Walling](=.puL4XR-G5bVnyCafIHri4mmemEP1lcBSSuBkCvM3zck) • [The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together](=.-xj3N4lpkQMs6ZH4wsreOOXAyVKlFZR3q7zWNy1CjpU) focuses on stress management for entrepreneurs - [Rob Hope](=.dzCSliVms1WymsaVlXBqLPu-q2BlEM4Xy4gPwG70CuI) • [Landing Page Hot Tips](=.Qsfq6bJBjBE6PsG69NliYYcf9PbZ5uaZYkLxPRbCSFQ) focuses on landing page design and conversion - [Rob Fitzpatrick](=.D2hH-jRVDgHN7867qL4VuUg7e_8bjFPn42J2zqUY9Uo) • [The Mom Test](=.DEQaoGoYTTnStOBYSezby38vKk7JILpIAXxlQBbbmaM) focuses on talking to customers - [Steph Smith](=.muqmTDQ-015iNuuSAaHufZYQv7BozWI9Iei-50rPXzc) • [Doing Content Right](=.jWCu1j1R1MmmRwL3AtgpI3wk7KldIiV-FyBzIEnergg) focuses on creating, writing, and scaling blogs and newsletters - [Steve Schoger](=.z_QoGZ_f_6qr2TpUG8rkhciB6_tb-CQnhfl2GF7fdpQ) and [Adam Wathan](=.Wa-Yb17ELq1JpR6wUbczr-CK-Qoj52yt-E4Q_yGbh3k) • [Refactoring UI](=.3YW_y3K-6f6_R3dfKJvcbzYiStmVOfvnKEZlNAYeYVU) focuses on designing user interfaces - [Daniel Vassallo](=.0J9S4zmNLpmJmDt6-mEytsXPcuKb_OYi7DPI16TkRp8) • [The Good Parts of AWS](=.EBbQhh3CPXKGqJSkpyf8BV_x9rZl_FCBifBobD1NMfo) focuses on mastering Amazon Web Services - [Swizec Teller](=.npthvK49Ys8qBet883xDw6AydwIrEOInHUkv-ivtR4Y) • [Senior Engineer Mindset](=.N6LkckJ5jIwV-d8bJRoQDuifiMzpLgstqCgkCPH79Uo) focuses on the mindset of a senior engineer Self-Publishing Tools - [Gumroad](=.lw8H5KQt_BFc3OUx0RwClVX4xmMaY3uNyOpk7jdCCIk) • Publish and sell ebooks - [Hemingway](=.OCPaSOgdPKY2z8LMhUclIwh0OGOEQUiIM5d_jXxyLcI) • Check the complexity of your writing - [Grammarly](=.kotTjtuqMun2WXxxus2hiG4WCrmJVEMc1TLrGtzV2C8) • Check your grammar and spelling - [Scrivener](=.ShHBdlJUe4xXLRHwKo3e8ziGPUy4j7f_zoqy2ihTzss) • Create, manage and publish your writing - [Ulysses](=.opijZSmH7TEFImvOF9w0B5V6M4FQsriXD5aW50t7urI) • Writing app with built-in proofreader and editing assistance - [Magic Author](=.JnhT-0vC8svE7Yf-FF8v1WZAyzVBjRCAl2I6MlKK5QE) • Write, translate and format your books - [Typora](=.NlI-X72HBHSSr6W6w80jBTKtLWfkDSRo8yxqKjMrTQM) • Minimalist markdown editor Self-Publishing Services - [Foster](=.7DPdJdA7C8x3PTMDH1VpsywYdqPRCIUa2PePAom7HAI) • Get help from writers, editors, and experts. - [Scribe Media](=.QkLoJdDmyZyJQN4fn_6z4TuZ5KjiSkK96CHM9_wPbt0) • Write, edit, publish and market your books with premium guidance - [StreetLib](=.4oi9hF0bwH4X0f02LeYc_maZqYQwMuX6W9JEU1mnmJw) • Distribute your ebooks, audiobooks comics and more - [Reedsy](=.EYsZPQi9eo5b86_04k7GMIIih-Hr_Br_kw8Qmea0Kfs) • Find editors, designers, marketers, ghostwriters and more - [Ebook Launch](=.K4_84Bs_s8HVy8XuphgJDK8MDEp3K_hXZ5ReR1EBu-Y) • Edit, design and format ebooks - [PrintNinja](=.IrCDDFr_iw0LDEBGGRFRS6UQOSVjLAOs-0L8m3MZhis) • Print hardcover and paperback books  🔮 Predictions - AI will streamline [book creation](=.DG82NNvnpwozlgH3VP-HMZO4VO-lCdQWa0GNd8kPg34). This helps you automate mundane tasks. - [Speechki](=.7jePddWuSxICPkghsgyKGJUi7KxSdvsgxM3NOHOb7zY) and [Murf](=.ECnweoH9lQDJ51-wuoBzZ6CDk1t2nwXVamFmsiX9j_s) turn text to speech. - [GPT-3](=.uBY3eWa2QuXr0LWGUKUFZOa_-c8yzQfqO6WSsz-06qU) performs a lot of natural language tasks. - [Marlowe](=.yjuolQZ8IJ6YRKVSCGJn7GORbdSNpaNAo9FcRX4MQ4k) gives a high-level analysis of your writing. - [Grammarly](=.K5DiHivIGykfu7Z_FmHESLGxifZykv1M0aZcd10Us2o) and [ProWritingAid](=.UoDUV5b7rJUU9gHlsXsbqPgQ5JhyReuz4mNOwS-qPn4) check grammar and spelling. - [DeepL](=.DRao_S766U2mficqu5klIIBgLNMG7m1MlRGguYRnKhs) and [Systran](=.nRoQ4aI_qEW92JUyck6AcWhEX1yStkWXXeAS0NWQS9g) translate dozens of languages [in seconds](=.LL-mGpKZ00K4Qh3_PK5DIPRfX44TrajhfMlJbShc-Pk). - [DALL·E 2](=.rlBPJoSgUBHLymSRR0V1352ZgeS3FZfLu6GWAHCdMf4) creates images and art from natural language descriptions. - Traditional publishers will become amplifiers. They will bet on potential or proof to minimize risks. - [Seth Godin](=.TxorPSXJZDeOK09W6-tVhqa1--MMikxFF4uBAJxpa1s) got [picked](=.N1SxmPHE1TMbqsMNL4rSW5_OTapuQZbQUKGOAgCR_EE) by [Portfolio](=.8to5LHC9SITUG9pKcT9WAVKfd3_HX4Dmq6PTGTQCwaY) after selling 10,000 copies of [Purple Cow](=.Vk3Vyg0_q5hOVNst1AFX-v-NE22DENkdJr_0ExXZb5w). - [J.A. Konrath](=.g5_WrOXf5TKNBnh1M5IDj0lAzJSC05fl9bp9I9yvREs) got [picked](=.OgSg_Aueh_3INqIiNnlmLxLn6U4NInQftwdhFJFnyCk) by [Kensington](=.59I5iSdOjvkleu5g-uUrrOS3YRnMRiexRjltzlwmst4) after selling 2,000,000+ self-published ebooks. - [Justin Mares](=.BOAnbMKMDffgxMXaoj2YtmQiAQqjlr8JlLTpiyEd5EU) and [Gabriel Weinberg](=.FSZfXTfF4nbJq8y6vSXsflGBN57amHP6tBUjUmHN4JQ) got [picked](=.1AXloOHAZBK3gagOgtYFqIZaoF-NtiXTchNZo0-ruao) by [Portfolio](=.rVhcyU7wCPgUjIacU3AcQ3vrMH84x6oh5H_m9uJvhns) after succeeding with [Traction](=.WsbOrMSzSRkIHJSN6zA6LHHaVDGEtKcwdsMmHqpBHjY). - [T.R. Ragan](=.7s2peFk4IuIjXasqMXPOB-cp-Bt4cK96fQRYClqDMJU) signed a deal with [Thomas & Mercer](=.J96kyJ17Dj5bbyRkAK3dO5R-lNB3Qp41K0Mve9zppMc) after selling [300,000](=.DWi73jPM8EM2HBnQadnk1X7aPAPstX2zstGYftWuAq4) books as a self-published author. - [Mark Manson](=.1KxE5KQMA1cl96NxYVGmIP4018yxSo5OIlDRuqHpG10) got [picked](=.yGw9MLp7vlHbp-JSv7G0TEWA-M1nnzAhNiWrS4AzcWw) by [HarperCollins](=.PnnR8wWqt1yefGw7J9BDqePVbi114i1V6c1DfGVTD7U) after [selling](=.tQE9Aea576FYWmPsniJrpfQXmZbk3eDPste9LP0y9_U) thousands of copies of [Models: Attract Women Through Honesty](=.XjvD9vFdbzbHWpq2G8aahYrhfzbbx4PNtHd5zSYPD3o). - [Andy Weir](=.S4g4xdffZWf7zb043O29WLKCcJfwaFXbScxrskZJaI8) self-published and sold 35,000 copies of [The Martian](=.gUI1nkuNgEJb2f7wqgxy0BMrryibSEiQnn1tcpnL7ms) before he got [picked](=.7IdqC8XHCh6RRqLQLns4pUu2Dp1ohrjgIpbrulOcsYI) by [Random House](=.SvkKjskL21KEqLQ8TNU2gaf3y3iHwPiRgfOus9LN28g) and [20th Century Fox](=.jEOWsdcS4qP6QcWtqS8pWu5iWI61oRISA4Zh5v1KmnI) for the [film](=.lggx5_Qlm0VHqoiSlxtqYJAPQjyRFCKOCYhgNb9jGHQ). - Authors will launch [communities](=.S9Jmg0PoG8obj6tw_oUBrB1_b3a2NER5527OGH2gdMI) for their readers. This makes your message stickier and helps you keep readers in your ecosystem. - [Phil Sturgeon](=.u05fq0NoEdbQ-t145dhaS147yfS5kRwKYHI3wjKDwPg) launched a [free community](=.cwKORfRzAiOx5kHpl1By68WFzNmP1fHrT3RqFN82RKI) for [Build APIs You Won’t Hate](=.PBFL7i_ojdkJXqV_LZGRfwRhxPgaHXMur-iHe5PsXHE) readers. - [Teresa Torres](=.b-5NbHh1MekBaLNCRgPVOpx92tYO00Tfh9_z7BIHXU4) launched a [paid community](=.-FmyYWtG3byzuAAHCaPz42AZlx4orq5eXYnQGM6Ae9g) for [Continuous Discovery Habits](=.nSPLzBYzNdqKhx_HRzchoHmMhz48iaO-5JW1GVM5iPI) readers. - [Rob Fitzpatrick](=.tqOk8bcK8zIbLUH4Wnv-AUzH8Z7asNJ3BUSMPixPg18) launched [Robfitz in progress](=.5k75ZatzaJJCRWqtKP07mgkTrYB8ntRqm2zwlcDX9zo) with early ideas, daily struggles and Q&As. - [Shawn Wang](=.vLghhSYGl8SVUJlOen-ueZsvo5H-S5_lhB8qKMEBp28) gives 2,000+ developers access to a [community](=.QxvT-0_KyiLk_jqo1Z8-UubmbjvwOdsyreFrbdQtzUY) with [The Coding Career Handbook](=.40GN5xrr0-gq_MmeHqVjlVmN1pQTD65vyYFIfx6SVBw). - [Yoroomie](=.zcYgEyUGcDI6qV9HhG0xjf2D7SmVPZBKDEFiQqRAh5o) offers [The Guide to No Code Marketplaces](=.ojOLyIdH_BVGiAhDfAHUQ2Vh6uUYXw2b1gc7agEF1Js) as part of the [Everything Marketplaces](=.qoIh3ImjTu92YoPrNj5HguQwY9nquJm6Q02qa5WNi2U) community. - [Jason Swett](=.eITRb1JyX2YJiawzF_jboV0XPY_B0fH4EajkZ4bhUro) gives Rails developers access to a private Slack channel as part of [The Complete Guide to Rails Testing](=.Y1LtznsvdbbPkWJJD6FM9xPI6Fy7vezGzCgXGHbV2JM). ☁️ Opportunities - Write in [public](=.1C78iBmeuwwJ3KEWDH-BSO6ytqgubrFf4vubwLtNIVQ). Crowdsource ideas, get feedback and build early readership. - [Daren Smith](=.Resb8qIf9mNL3EkNVPNqzVETaRUhan-QFEDF3Jq9Dq8) included public feedback into [Craftsman Creative](=.6sbZCxRQeuqlXLM-klB4q35RCRGvPXbV77HTLwSBBdo). - [Michele Hansen](=.oLmKhkd9LhCjJpd48OAACZe5cuRcdxuWFnjD68LQOdA) wrote [Deploy Empathy](=.jVMsE4cghz3maP-8naPO1M6yVVewJQGmxXyhN1aR99w) in public to get [honest feedback](=.20uDBFDVgNAi9JwVDvR4ZakprKKgOpH7rt3FQHX-z14). - [Arvid Kahl](=.DI2Q_3Ai00T2jTdfqjAChLKnFIo4syP44d_t0pUhaHQ) wrote [The Embedded Entrepreneur](=.uJ9OoAVUMCqNIBCAwjiJxmzQJ1a_flz4lxdGSnl_cx0) with the help of [500+ founders](=.Cq1-Pd4rbgCAcOUKtULQ6rduI7VS0AhKBs4Oszx47yg). - [Visakan Veerasamy](=.pZwPAe2yOh02v5TbEXra-xgfbZxj4ZCCY6alHeLlVxg) wrote [Friendly Ambitious Nerd](=.7NlkQvOR1tl1_veJsKEE2LM9Al7ku50HQ9mJ3CyGARE) and [Introspect](=.gxVHKLU22KtuzKWlCJfcqO0J4t8eX43SvsscOzvDac8) by [talking to people](=.GKB54W0GJv1RLynhsuVWzT3XCn_9SVI58vI67vCQdt0). - [Kevon Cheung](=.iSsPHrNaCy_rxSr94ElApRrcT8FdKhvmUtj7MtnYmFY) wrote [Find Joy in Chaos](=.cPAFgXJr53PSgFNjCyw-MF9VGS-nmRMdSKsjbRdunww) in [public](=.qiJqxZ2-oCTfZVjuIgB74ZPjT0tBuux9A8pnury7ViA) using live calls, videos and beta readers. - Create audio versions of your books. Use [Podcastle](=.3XHOiTE6-XrrFvspblXPxUjQt3GcWAcDhb8yulAgGmU), [Findaway Voices](=.ugN3Z6_EA41yrDoRPVX7nvTMN-oFq976xbzogFvnBCg) and [ACX](=.YxtpvuuDqPGRXpwEUUXdMhCweUOBiEekEqe5ZMg2VcI) to create audiobooks and boost the total addressable market for your message. - [Taylor Pearson](=.4U7BeQh9OyFm1fls6ol9Ssl0R-_DE9GLrKghfhYph1U) recorded [The End of Jobs](=.halqxNkNr9SR6yqI3cTIDz-BkIubGiKox2FXgUi3C6o). - [Jovante Ham](=.2fZgFS2jE6Lmq5t5b29DkT0XBSdQnAv8Gt58K96h7_s) recorded [The Hood Scholar](=.31OmKkLnNaeXHGkfILh95c0PAsf2yapOIJN3BKivf8o). - [Mitch Jackson](=.tjDI5yTLFG3MyA6Sv41pJa6RHX_kA8xAVRso8FcwCkk) recorded [The Ultimate Guide to Social Media For Business Owners, Professionals and Entrepreneurs](=.iwYuatZTJ1MKrdJ1r2Uhfr-AlTdieOYReGLanD-11RE). - Use podcasts to market books. Borrow trust from podcast hosts and [build connections](=.CICrJ7I3YZ37N6NS3jgXiNsulk4gT84fLBSa00w1VTU) with potential readers. - [Derek Sivers](=.H1evuqJHiTMps1s0_SXilHz-sZ3f6xWhRhy_62-c96E) [talked](=.3flrPStI6gJvLRcB98SjPDgNfg_Dw-NzvWO2_E4dZnI) about [Anything You Want](=.Qqmul_UXTLVCp7HUTyw60a71AN_ZtAxmULgAEQnUc-E) that made [$500,000+](=.FDX_IfUjsxuePM4oaEfSgKGHgdfHEoCtloV5_4nO30E) in sales. - [SPA Girls](=.ZvsePvOiipKv09QjTobDB_OeH57UGW36OAdn6m2kTps) talked about [Kick Author Overwhelm to the Curb](=.swBzoNSJgwfEEv2Yq3BpPXO0ErTSMcjL6r8p22LCBrc) on their own podcast. - [Sherry Walling](=.cvB70ne6Q2QLVBj4XHbjP6-Nnth0LD5FN8VmbR6EFd0) [talked](=.C4xXEEEtXxa0eefaDVzCWxT3RcJTbywuZuMXphTItjk) about [The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together](=.Zl-P83sscrH0R_-Te6YL8SG-DFoj_g006qIi_FPFcXk). - [Theodora Taylor](=.Tz4HaedGB0nIG6Cpg4R74Sv6k6pkCJzmsZuBkTl3Mdg) [talked](=.X7ZTtDReofKhLOCl9KFT7ShLDL6OovhkHNCCyhPrihs) about [7 Figure Fiction](=.IPZO_DbcQtUL1XRvAW2F4rnhJnPCNdzlaEZCE9D1z28) on how to build a 7-figure author business. - Publish revised editions. Turn readers into repeat customers and cover fast-moving areas such as programming tools and frameworks. - [Tony Redmond](=.ghgOBHDKmznTHP0JzLe8o1qOyhqJfdZusKeP_VPt-x8) co-authored the 9th edition of [Office 365 for IT Pros](=.NkGdY3ip5JMD7lFFirHdAHS02d1ZENRhm3PL-DYvbc0). - [Robin Wieruch](=.6g22xs8KxBURBIlOPwKBWrBnsy1SK4BF9mxtSg7SbEc) wrote 4 programming books and [updated](=.TEaK4kAWX_Sh_7XJNhj3KPQ9-WOwFRbtjIUEuGHpBak) them as needed. - [Leda Muir](=.q4I8kQj1yrT5qvkgSPoLHfgAIhfoQh684k3P4V0dUc4) [wrote](=.tRWcT4HiBqX9FLTBZa8QsHsCoDQi45C_1aykVhJLzJc) the First Anniversary Edition of [Mooncallers: Stars Wake](=.dJo0hpxgyeh_dPBvCYJNeoJG47r40NTjFNcghYiatgg). - [Luca Dellanna](=.q2ZqHURN0kmtEoFVDV4Dicyh3BfMZjPs0or42d3jLlU) wrote the 3rd edition of [100 Truths You Will Learn Too Late](=.GZQMxy_HiY1wI1FsyG5MCe71wx2mf1eDWl5Hbn7BUFg). - [Greg Lim](=.jdXOECooIKVBsxIVAw70-g3koXoZicf2ZggCcY7x_rw) wrote [Beginning Angular with Typescript](=.QeHoDybJk8gJPjz1jA-Lyy_X_-0S3hiL4X5pk6diKF0) for Angular 9. Then [updated](=.aZoI37QYbaiZ2FIuVtvv9Hcn7kDHgJpgBH1D2NiUJlw) it to Angular 12. - [Joanna Penn](=.FA20p64UEln7KlU1NUGWCVw-Cr54vK-g8E3MaClGvm4) wrote the 3rd edition of [How to Market a Book](=.Vr5VephETwMXfoGVb6yTPnb3T1_530_fYcG6sxG8DJk) and [How To Make a Living with Your Writing](=.hEQVEb4oqQyZv0oN568F6z14bYsmgQaI2DXlgxpw1Ow). - [Presell](=.FaWPyGkuuMipxnlkGg5oQfwjzzzbwL_IKkAoFDwkOV4) books. Validate demand and find people ready to support you when the book launches. - [Tracy Osborn](=.k09HDfuY-3zl-nFUqEt4MqvU0-buanajdIiabNQhcv4) got ~[$5,000](=.KOnJzTM7tjLNzWD2XusUrfNOQ3AVLkGbsE35H7nWmfM) preselling [Hello Web App](=.dg5_LXJN-wDYt8yKqBiazcuHt0HsLjdE-8vpuJGp8Ik). - [Steph Smith](=.8H3WTtRcfPVBCNXIied3VCo9HHY9lQmsh5KJ-G6wVtY) got [$4,000](=.LRT2fQx0SQ4gkf5L9wK36z3O8qBLajBAuFiwUN_ulhc) preselling [Doing Content Right](=.vp65pjGn9CN1v5vkNS6S5NUqnJ_PXzRE01p7t44MvfY). - [Alex Hillman](=.bVcLSSZJFm91AV-P6s20aWytbG1nNQrUzYU9Sc1NWyc) presold [150 copies](=._RMxEKLEAi1lze0rIuN1-FSCXeGfphqnH-Kjg7WKKkA) of [The Tiny MBA](=.i7U03BhTNh4vHRWjxxO2sQwRlZjbL-V_exeOFw1JZv4) in a few hours. - [Jason Swett](=.OZMRP492DHLfAXDmG9PXDxFYggjwqYEHGzumg0VOR9E) [presold](=.bW3YImJ3vwG58cXNr9BZVyEU5lLEnx1VDJfw1yEj6sc) “Angular for Rails Developers” for $49 and got 7 sales. - [Jon Yongfook](=.vPSjSMV5TjStUFFxheA3Y0eaOrpe6t_Y4Npx_m-Rg7U) got [$12,000](=.EuIRVyXav52UKyOIZ1bbb0KdBxRm7mvusErMD_I6MJc) preselling “Growth Hacking Handbook” in 1 month. - [Marc-André Giroux](=.EKZYKfuXZjlcVmEswoAAWSCUq1rf5HPP_b1SAPV0T_I) [presold](=.j4QWlob8ZsjKEYawRs7W4h3SbObelvfQ7la5CoCNIzE) [Production Ready GraphQL](=.32hn9raA1wYx114OQvEONIWQsa9umbwu19I8juv4Ntw) before its official launch. - [Nicolas Dupont](=.11cF2mTSCnCIA-dmsgXV85yLNcJQgaNftSfNXesi6LA) presold [The Engineering Manager's Survival Guide](=.vRh_VlMebwQX6AJeFGZ5jZXn0b0WHOUjpCBmeVXQYEE) and got [10 sales](=.FkK41N3xMzLW89ehWIXF0etMRRUKq-FTDy4lPNEWwE4). - [Nils Mehlhorn](=.vswihRXlmP1NfaneHg0SqJI6so5eCq0vqjRXygEQkJA) presold [100 copies](=.gV8W6ln956TjehKZ0sYy7J911uHnJMCE3WDlMatiJiE) of [NgRx Book: Reactive State Management for Angular](=.NBXfD2t2S1qG8vpMyUzHwxRrwYtQiLEKpitYSmEdiLI). 🏔️ Risks - Launching to Crickets • You’ll launch into the void if you don’t market the book before publishing. - [Competitor Risk](=.1ff06v0ZsbtgXattHbUMEJktyV0oHtVxkJldCbp3Zwk) • It’s hard to stand out among ~[1,700,000](=.T9s4CSva1LpKiMIQV_3nPBmf4zCQNIepP6sPVpTcHco) self-published books per year. - Platform Risk • You’re subject to platforms’ [terms](=.CtI15_VVn46Yy9WWcJYizFOZKWiHgWH-1v4g672cj-Y) and fees. 🔑 Key Lessons - Small books can be successful too. [Sacha Greif](=.0TvrA_WMybOJUDn8kH7IeaB35OwhcsT1H8sSR4wtEPc) wrote [Step by Step UI Design](=.B16PoM_7FcnE61OD0TNNRjM5prxODtZlAc1MIKUq6Lg). A 40-page book that generated [$6,663](=.atGwV-pgjPrabqX4F-PZrdo5VSe3UaZdGmFWTVNk0Y4) in 48 hours and [$25,000](=.Bp598jU33ZGXx2q3h6wXq5QkvPwYLN625ty4z8rTxpY) in a month. - Self-publishing leads to higher royalty rates. Traditional publishers pay 10% royalties on average. While self-publishers can get [up to 70%](=.2t1fl0aKf3klTiUb9gWjvMNLY4lgqZqKAmCugnSOFuo) when selling on [marketplaces](=.Mn4CWYgMF5KJEBgHXbFBAl3S5c3NvVEOPlLFm77RgF0) and [up to 97%](=.C05mB9tRb9EtsGT8plqabPFHUxikZiHn7_cVYsOQzmI) when selling directly. - Self-publishing helps authors take full control over their books. This unlocks creative control, higher revenue and rights licensing. - Self-publishing unlocks long-tail ideas. Without gatekeepers, we experiment more, fail more and succeed more. 🔥 Hot Takes - Writing books is largely a [charitable act](=.Cxbm8RbPRtK3Vus9hVeaJ9aFxhEYqwNhRuVKDg4AP5Q). Don’t write to make money. Write to get a message out. [Seth Godin](=.OwnBbZZxDdsw5x9LOvwLSApeZ0rCaSGrCbmH5AKdWPk) [says](=.ssTpQsJa464_slh5YvGiDoY_Kxyhkpy04LmZvLmg1VE) “Publishing a book is really nothing but a socially acceptable opportunity to promote yourself and your ideas far and wide and often”. - We'll see entire comics or graphic novels generated with [DALL·E 2](=.cGzNjAljTkEEFUGKEg45Ydr-NR36ZKeTwA5E7VpNqD0). [Julian Glander](=.g_FZH2CgNDwEqbzse84KGzsPqJ1ZbaaW4ezBFlVW2Pw) used DALL·E 2 to generate art and [GPT-3 Playground](=.xZbs0oBolad69Pf8GkwmpFM7Rbho48RVhDIe5LmT2bc) to generate text for [Frog Comic](=.WIDzeHs3jr79OQLj_ICu4N86W_FsOH0_d8hvg_TGrmM). 😠Haters “Self-publishing transfers the responsibilities of traditional publishers to authors. Which I don’t want.” You can control the production process as a self-published author. It can be wise to take the traditional route if you prioritize writing over publishing. If you get permission to. “Traditional publishers invest their own money, not mine.” With great risk comes great reward. Traditional publishers do risk their money. Be it non-refundable [book advances](=.3RqY_Q6d1TKsohoQcBERGf12FFsJll-13h0aob0kjsM) or publishing costs. That’s why they keep up to ~90% of yours. “Self-publishing has led to more noise. These days everyone's an author.” We can’t blame people for following their dreams. With [1% acceptance rates](=.GJgZlkwFG1kUkbCy-0mi_Iu08EAUmIqG99pGGAMtaGA), traditional publishing is a tough field to stand out. [Rob Hope](=.Ej83N9WWvsWGlsLTBNsjcWQxAdoNp5uav3KDbNFRMBU) says “all you need to do to be an author is to just put in the work”. “Traditional publishers signal quality.” Traditional publishers are experts at picking and publishing quality books. Yet their judgment is not error-free. [Amanda Hocking](=.1333t4iI1DseNw8GtnitUFoQFz2hJTIbbm-8gI0sHto) received rejections for 9 years. She went the self-publishing route. Sold 1,500,000 books. Then signed a [$2,000,000](=.85JD4-qiR3AWIrMnOVG82Cs50yLm4WD7xE6Bx5_FcLo) deal with [St. Martin’s Press](=.YXpdtBoY2BSv1WxfXgKZtoKolTN_--1I6ELVkxtFG-c).  🔗 Links - [Looking for self-published authors](=.Ua8dlUxiCFs3H1xbTAY2Q83mOlg7rfp-UybqgVY2nUA) • The tweet behind this report. - [Print On Demand 101](=.DLHQFmOnBRmKvacp-L_hId1oiCL06PcEVhe-Qvx_8FM) • [Steven Spatz](=.ZBXEhzXWeGmKuHte1xLPWaq6EqIkaAaT_Nxtd2ZBC-Q) talks about how to self-publish books with print-on-demand - [Amazon International Markets Explained](=.zB-pM_KZHTcYvOQ6XTSdVXCGqsEBu0yfcYuaAfk8bRk) • [Dave Chesson](=.e4zElyFA-O8caxB3Cb8VTj7_xQozSSDdlOQVOHOi6OY) talks about selling Kindle books internationally 📁 Related Reports - [Digital Products](=._bQaEF9sFq_JUa060vQVuRqrZ6CEjAjEEuwdT_lMQZ4) • Ebooks are a type of digital products. - [Presales](=.1YUttTkfs7jb9JXJKuJ9MZChqxjBrkK_Ifoo7NKmuqo) • Preselling helps you validate demand for your books. - [Personal Brands](=.mBV1XK4NLMyiI5ulU2wfA-g_PqxmmUDGdEikaHJ862E) • People buy from authors that resonate with them. - [Build in Public](=.Dfw65OOowQJNAOfi5CWSPBR8m_S8RmwLs5ar17JbA2k) • Build early readership and get valuable feedback. - [Audience-First Products](=.S7s2AGxeFwEuQQGg7kAr7nGfh5qtk3Eema4XZxFSSyM) • Build trust by focusing on people’s problems. 📈 What else? =.lZLgELIUqPyGPpLOUv-pxPHBeQG8GYzlfmRU7P7_LO0[Trends PRO #0092 — Self-Publishing](=.qvDKyXvVTrzVg6gU5TDwhSnRQSBMC1SnEWouBEvo11o) has more insights. What you’ll get: - 31 Self-Published Authors (244% More) - 37 Self-Publishing Tools (428% More) - 16 Self-Publishing Services (166% More) - 10 Predictions (233% More) - 18 Opportunities (260% More) - 7 Risks (133% More) - 10 Key Lessons (150% More) - 5 Key Lessons (150% More) - 10 Links (233% More) With Trends Pro you'll learn: - (📈 Pro) How to boost the perceived value of your book? - (📈 Pro) How to keep up to 97% of royalties? - (📈 Pro) How to upsell? - (📈 Pro) How to combine books with NFTs? - (📈 Pro) How to find grants for authors? - (📈 Pro) How to turn books into lead magnets? - (📈 Pro) How to use value-based pricing? - (📈 Pro) What are hybrid authors? - (📈 Pro) How to fund your book? - (📈 Pro) How to find professional services? - (📈 Pro) How to turn your experience into a book? - (📈 Pro) How to break through noise? - (📈 Pro) How to reduce friction? - (📈 Pro) How to build appealing book visuals? - (📈 Pro) How to boost your book's visibility? - (📈 Pro) What to do before writing a book? [Become a Trends Pro Member](=.i-w4rWCb8V9LEKrrM3pr7ldYjBna1YI-HbmKnQqRbsA) and join 1,500 other freedom-loving founders - 🧠[Founder Mastermind Gropus](=.h9id_Iqi83Rl76U4NPBGMiTJbVB-1ZQpau0uMlh_7i8) • To share goals, progress and solve problems together, each group is made up of 6 members who meet for 1 hour each Monday. - 📈 [Trends Pro Reports](=.hbqZ-RS81pcJcfDqXeLyaxUSozH7ihr-lMDzxZZfSwQ) • To make sense of new markets, ideas and business models, check out our research reports. Including the Pro Version of this report. - 🧍 [Daily Standups](=.VM1iLRfLd7OnXf_KOZE__JqyGbV29-KQr33XmosM-ig) • Stay productive and accountable with daily, async standups. Unlock access to 1:1 chats, masterminds and more by building standup streaks. - 💬 [1:1 Chats](=.tH0wgs9EDV5cUMEKXwHXRPzGNYbsRdyeKnQEIYh5GAo) • Make new friends, share lessons and find ways to help each other. Keep life interesting by meeting new freedom-loving founders each week. 1-on-1 chats give you a chance to discuss unique shared interests. [Become A Trends 📈 Pro Member](=.VCoUvyBvwHJg9Qr-CTtXXrScnuzN7UHGAsG6GMezNHg) Join 1,500 dedicated founders building businesses based on these insights. Want to become a Lifetime Trends Pro Member? Collect the [MetaTrends #0092 NFT](=.grc3VKr-0YZyTU475qrzwMB9guUJgAFus9nvCk0RRAM)! 👉 To check it out, [click here](=.GMESz2x5aycE9CHIBcWa9ZpizzbvWGo8Hk68Ke2io-o). Thanks to [Rob Hope](=.-WE-sp5TKFBH5nqwOAZGPKUyiOtFt9DMwTRGbWi0YNY), [Eric Chou](=.ho0J7o1RC2IBKPl2ry2zB1hDnpBEwBttDLOFzIzxAxk), [Soma Mandal](=.quZtcluEKpRS9KKHMj9N0IqQQB9Ky6t7Ml917GOzx8Y), [Maciej Cupial](=.rOsxa_HVcIEWxFT26kt8ScoJG6xICzgSvecV4Dt4WQk), [Stewart Townsend](=.1BiIHd1IXjI4LLgpscgU0VJLX4w71oCPGxFhwk71X2o), [Tyler Priest](=.TVtqwQ5WGiFmgmK1k8hIjOrDmZuFArgB7k3yW0CFfb4), [Krish](=.rndOf6SUW7Y-ByeWgLAWvDECd1VOAK6iFT5pUznLtUM) and [Shashank](=.rOhhWO_joahbWkv6LxFQjIesiiB8TE0lj8MhVoBXINE). We had a great time jamming on this report. ✏️ [Emin](=.kTTxsd8zU0OrPSWYC2qv8DB9l4OVRb5G_exhYCe_v0M) researched and wrote this report. [Dru](=.JL-A3tHZIT68QXSuQWCV_WzMNzihml3JuNzyMDzla2g) researched and edited this report.  To sign up for Trends Pro, [click here](=.jVEGhu27_d7H_cWc-FHMhkj0x0NCtwd7vkDG3b4f4vM). To get insights on Twitter, [click here](=.Szry3nBw_W7PwLBRMO-OFZ4vEoqaIh4_Hjlly4b3qYw). To sponsor a report, [click here](=.YinuwpqBUlck43n8ZB3xW1is8M70qN3Z9rzbgycq8q4). Trends.vc 101 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta Georgia 30303 United States You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us. [Unsubscribe](=.F8uPlRYSD82Gh08EJR8VR9BHC8ZND94FHlcns_5f680)