Having just made the decision to self-publish my non-fiction book, reading this story has given me butterflies so thank you for sharing. I definitely felt the draw to have a "proper" publisher at the start of my process (probably a bit of misdirected ego) but after a couple of rejection emails and mainly no response to my submissions led me to explore my options, I know I'm taking the right route, working with a tam who not only proof and edit the book, design the cover, manage the publishing etc also provide support and guidance around marketing and PR and give me access to a ready-made audience of other female writers and business owners. For me, it was essential that anyone supporting my book had to have first hand understanding of the problem it solves.. the idea of handing it over to a publishing house that didn't, sent all the wrong vibes to me. It's great to have options.
Congratulations! 🎊~ I'm self-publishing my books as well. ~ After receiving an offer from a small publisher, I had doubts. The publishing date, the marketing, and their overall view of me as an author didn't match what I was looking for. I'm not lying, the marketing part is a lot of work, but I love the freedom I have.
Thanks Olivia. And congrats to you too for getting your book out there. There is a lot in just trusting your gut when it comes to getting what you really want x
Agreed... I do think of a lot of people get overwhelmed/intimidated by the marketing and just want someone else to do it... until the results don't add up in the end :/
This is definitely inpsiring...but not going to lie, it sounded like Louise just uploaded her book to KDP and somehow got 20,000 reviews on Amazon. What I'm curious to know is the timeline for which she uploaded, first started promoting, which promotional strategies worked and didn't work, what the bones of her book club are built on, etc. I know she probably doesn't share much of that, but those details would be most helpful!
I agree Renee, that info would be great to know! I couldn't find anything on what promotion strategy Louise used (although given that it was 2015, I imagine it was mostly through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). By all accounts she just promoted her book to her friends and family and it took off from there. Social media algorithms were much less restrictive in 2015 than they are now, so it's entirely possible she was able to gain traction purely through posts on her personal accounts (along with word of mouth).
Yes, Renee, I agree with you. I’m happy to hear of her success publishing through KDP. Yet this story leaves out so many important core details of how this writer got there, which is really the most essential part of the process. Just publishing a lot of books is not enough to do this. Yes, word of mouth does come eventually, but getting over the first years of public awareness as an author is no small hurdle, and I would love to hear more about what this author actually did to market her brand new debut books, not just what someone else thinks she did. That’s why I devoted a section of my SubStack to deep diving into the behind the scenes work of writing and publishing that many people don’t share.
Totally understand JW. Again, Louise doesn't seem to have shared that info - if she had, I would have included it. My guess is that the internal promotion she did with family and friends was enough to get the ball rolling, and the reduced algorithmic restrictions on social media at the time allowed things to snowball.
Very inspiring story! It's important to keep in mind, though, that a lot of self-publishers don't make much of a splash with the very first book. I think a more common pattern is the gradual build. Having a lot of books out isn't by itself a guarantee of success, but it's more likely someone will stumble across someone with twenty books than someone with only one.
I found LJ’s publishing journey described here extremely interesting and inspiring. I’d love to see a follow up piece about details of the “grunt work” she mentioned. Thanks for the fascinating information!
Very helpful thank you - the self publishing route still seems to have a negative image but it's probably changing due to the success writers are having
I guess I hear some people say that self publishing is the way to go if you can’t get a publisher ! But this is based on a few comments and in no way should be thought of as fact or the overall view - anyone else have a view ?
Agree Lynn Hill - and build some confidence? Maybe? To know you could actually do this for real - I love reading inspiring stories how brave individuals - go it alone (in a matter of speaking) we all need support - but, being able to own your own story and letting your audience speak not someone who my not have the same desires for your story.
Very inspiring. Reading a lot of similar stories these days, and I'm thinking that this might be a valid option. The only problem. I'm not a native English speaker/writer. Is it an option to write natively, translate via Chad Gippity, re-read and publish?
Having just made the decision to self-publish my non-fiction book, reading this story has given me butterflies so thank you for sharing. I definitely felt the draw to have a "proper" publisher at the start of my process (probably a bit of misdirected ego) but after a couple of rejection emails and mainly no response to my submissions led me to explore my options, I know I'm taking the right route, working with a tam who not only proof and edit the book, design the cover, manage the publishing etc also provide support and guidance around marketing and PR and give me access to a ready-made audience of other female writers and business owners. For me, it was essential that anyone supporting my book had to have first hand understanding of the problem it solves.. the idea of handing it over to a publishing house that didn't, sent all the wrong vibes to me. It's great to have options.
Yes, and as a biz owner, owning the rights to your IP seems to be a solid business strategy.
Absolutely. That's a big part of it for me.
Congratulations! 🎊~ I'm self-publishing my books as well. ~ After receiving an offer from a small publisher, I had doubts. The publishing date, the marketing, and their overall view of me as an author didn't match what I was looking for. I'm not lying, the marketing part is a lot of work, but I love the freedom I have.
Thanks Olivia. And congrats to you too for getting your book out there. There is a lot in just trusting your gut when it comes to getting what you really want x
Agreed... I do think of a lot of people get overwhelmed/intimidated by the marketing and just want someone else to do it... until the results don't add up in the end :/
This is definitely inpsiring...but not going to lie, it sounded like Louise just uploaded her book to KDP and somehow got 20,000 reviews on Amazon. What I'm curious to know is the timeline for which she uploaded, first started promoting, which promotional strategies worked and didn't work, what the bones of her book club are built on, etc. I know she probably doesn't share much of that, but those details would be most helpful!
I agree Renee, that info would be great to know! I couldn't find anything on what promotion strategy Louise used (although given that it was 2015, I imagine it was mostly through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). By all accounts she just promoted her book to her friends and family and it took off from there. Social media algorithms were much less restrictive in 2015 than they are now, so it's entirely possible she was able to gain traction purely through posts on her personal accounts (along with word of mouth).
And…if you believe that then…
Yes, Renee, I agree with you. I’m happy to hear of her success publishing through KDP. Yet this story leaves out so many important core details of how this writer got there, which is really the most essential part of the process. Just publishing a lot of books is not enough to do this. Yes, word of mouth does come eventually, but getting over the first years of public awareness as an author is no small hurdle, and I would love to hear more about what this author actually did to market her brand new debut books, not just what someone else thinks she did. That’s why I devoted a section of my SubStack to deep diving into the behind the scenes work of writing and publishing that many people don’t share.
Totally understand JW. Again, Louise doesn't seem to have shared that info - if she had, I would have included it. My guess is that the internal promotion she did with family and friends was enough to get the ball rolling, and the reduced algorithmic restrictions on social media at the time allowed things to snowball.
Very inspiring. It’s the kind of thing I enjoy reading, first thing in the morning, to set me up for the day.
Very inspiring story! It's important to keep in mind, though, that a lot of self-publishers don't make much of a splash with the very first book. I think a more common pattern is the gradual build. Having a lot of books out isn't by itself a guarantee of success, but it's more likely someone will stumble across someone with twenty books than someone with only one.
a VERY inspiring story and making me feel more and more excited at the possibilities with KDP... thank you for this!
I found LJ’s publishing journey described here extremely interesting and inspiring. I’d love to see a follow up piece about details of the “grunt work” she mentioned. Thanks for the fascinating information!
Very helpful thank you - the self publishing route still seems to have a negative image but it's probably changing due to the success writers are having
I've been in self-publishing for a while now...what are people saying for it to have a negative image still? Thank you!
I guess I hear some people say that self publishing is the way to go if you can’t get a publisher ! But this is based on a few comments and in no way should be thought of as fact or the overall view - anyone else have a view ?
Excellent deep dive bio. Thanks
Agree Lynn Hill - and build some confidence? Maybe? To know you could actually do this for real - I love reading inspiring stories how brave individuals - go it alone (in a matter of speaking) we all need support - but, being able to own your own story and letting your audience speak not someone who my not have the same desires for your story.
Great read - thank you!
Wow! inspiring
Inspiring! Especially as I am currently submitting by the traditional route. Definitely another option.
JANE, PLEASE BE SURE TO INFORM US WHEN YOU GET DOWN THE ROAD WIRH THE TRADIRIONAL ROUTE.
Brilliant, congrats to LJ.
What an inspiring story!
Congratulations! Speechless guide and motivation for writers.
Very inspiring. Reading a lot of similar stories these days, and I'm thinking that this might be a valid option. The only problem. I'm not a native English speaker/writer. Is it an option to write natively, translate via Chad Gippity, re-read and publish?