Self Publishing School : Learn How To Write A Book And Grow Your Business

Discover the secrets of writing  a  captivating children's book in this engaging episode. Join us as we dive into the process with Merideth Tullous, a student of Children's Book School, who shares her valuable insights, lessons learned, and practical tips on writing and marketing children's books.During our conversation, Merideth reveals the mistakes to avoid and provides invaluable guidance on how to navigate the writing and publishing journey successfully. Learn how she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming an award-winning children's book author within just three months of launching her book, "A Gift to Remember."Don't miss out on this episode filled with actionable takeaways and inspiration. To further enhance your children's book writing journey, we invite you to register for our brand-new and free Children's Book training. Expand your knowledge and skills by joining our improved Children's Book School, where we aim to build a library of wonderful stor

Learn the essential steps to create a compelling book proposal in this enlightening episode featuring Chad Allen, the mastermind behind Book Proposal Academy. As a seasoned writer, editor, speaker, and writing coach, Chad shares his expertise in crafting effective book proposals.During our conversation, Chad emphasizes the importance of treating your book as a "micro-business" and views the book proposal as a "business plan" for your project. He guides us through the key elements of a successful book proposal, whether you intend to approach agents and publishers or embark on self-publishing.Chad provides valuable insights on the three phases of launching your book on your platform: pre-launch, launch, and post-launch. Discover strategies to effectively promote your book at each stage, including building an email list, growing your audience, and leveraging different marketing tactics. He also highlights the significance of conducting a competitive analysis and outlining potential future boo

Join me in this captivating episode featuring Wahida Clark, a renowned New York Times Best Seller and author of numerous captivating books. Wahida's incredible journey from a prison library to becoming a bestselling author is nothing short of inspiring.During our conversation, Wahida shares her story of discovering her passion for writing while serving time in a federal prison in Kentucky. Despite the absence of computers, Wahida diligently hand-wrote her book on yellow legal paper, captivating her fellow inmates with each chapter. Sending out inquiry letters to publishers and agents, she faced rejections until one agent saw the potential in her work and became her literary representative.Wahida's resourcefulness knew no bounds as she sought permission to make copies of her manuscript in prison, provided she acknowledged the prison staff in her book. This marked the beginning of her publishing journey, and she went on to sell over a million books before her release.Listen closely as Wahida reveals h

Join me in this informative episode featuring Gillian Perkins, an esteemed online market strategist for entrepreneurs and author of the book Sorted. Gillian's expertise in digital marketing has propelled her to success, with a YouTube channel boasting nearly 500,000 subscribers.Gillian shares her personal journey of embracing minimalism and creating a more fulfilling life focused on experiences and relationships rather than material possessions. Inspired by her own transformation, she embarked on writing her book, completing it in just one month.During our conversation, Gillian reflects on the challenges she faced during the book writing process, particularly the loss of momentum towards the end and the difficulty in finding the right editor. She also emphasizes the importance of building a social media presence before writing a book, as it can greatly contribute to momentum and audience engagement.Listen closely as Gillian reveals her secrets to writing an entire book in a short timeframe while balancin

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

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

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,

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. Sh

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 t

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.

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 share

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 s

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

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 ot

In this exciting episode, I am joined by Marcy Pusey, a pioneer student at selfpublishing.com and a multi-genre author, including children's books, memoirs, and self-help books. With her extensive experience as an sp.com coach and over 3,000 coaching calls, Marcy has guided numerous students in achieving their publishing dreams. As the creator of the selfpublishing.com Children's Book program, she specializes in assisting aspiring children's book authors.Having spent seven years navigating the traditional publishing industry, attending conferences, and participating in various clubs, Marcy felt frustrated by the lack of tangible results. Despite having traditionally published books, they were only accessible through a small press, limiting their reach to the homeschool community and curriculum settings. Even agents who recognized her talent at writing conferences refused to represent her. Disillusioned, Marcy began to doubt her calling as a writer.Everything changed when Marcy stumbled upon one

In this captivating episode, I am thrilled to have Ramy Vance as our guest. Ramy was one of the first students at Self Publishing School and is now the lead SPS Coach and the mastermind behind the Fundamentals of Fiction Story program. With an impressive portfolio of 29 books and over 7,000 coaching calls, Ramy brings a wealth of authorship, marketing, and tier one experience to the table.Ramy's publishing journey began in 2004 when he established his own publishing company to navigate the world of book publishing. Despite facing a tight deadline due to his wife's pregnancy announcement in 2014, Ramy set a goal to have his first book published before the baby's due date.As a career author, Ramy understands the importance of identifying and capitalizing on reader trends and fads when selecting a genre. For instance, urban fantasy has seen a sustained trend with the academy theme, reminiscent of the beloved Harry Potter series. However, the key to choosing a genre lies in your personal passion an

In this exciting episode, I have the privilege of hosting Lewis Howes, a renowned keynote speaker, business coach, and NY Times best-selling author of the widely acclaimed book, The School of Greatness. Lewis's newest release, The Mask of Masculinity, has been making waves in the industry. With his immensely popular podcast, The School of Greatness, amassing over 250 million downloads and featuring captivating interviews with remarkable guests, Lewis is here to share his wisdom on leveraging books to grow your business and using publicity to increase book sales.Back in 2009, Lewis was an early adopter of LinkedIn, teaching people how to harness the power of this new platform. He observed that influencers who authored books gained greater recognition and secured lucrative brand deals. "Having a book gives you a sense of authenticity and tangibility as a brand. It's something special."A pivotal moment for Lewis occurred when his brother handed him a book on Christmas in 2007. This captivatin

In this captivating episode, I am joined by Dane Maxwell, a trusted friend and mentor. As the founder of The Foundation, an esteemed online education company that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, Dane has a wealth of knowledge to share. His impactful speaking engagements, including a recent appearance at Advantage Live, have resonated deeply with conference attendees. Dane's latest book, Start From Zero, is a testament to his passion for guiding others in launching their own successful businesses.Dane believes in the tremendous power of words and their potential to build million-dollar enterprises or six-figure businesses. Drawing inspiration from The Sixteen Word Sales Letter, he emphasizes that crafting compelling copy is as simple as defining one core belief and addressing ten key questions to create copy that sells.When it comes to creating a remarkable book title, Dane encourages aspiring authors to seek uniqueness and draw from their inner selves. What emotions do you want to convey? How does your

Join me in this captivating podcast episode as I sit down with Jennifer Allwood, a talented author, blogger, and podcaster based in Kansas City. Jennifer's expertise in the Christian space as a speaker and influencer has left a lasting impact on countless lives. In this empowering discussion, we delve into the world of writing Christian children's books and the journey towards creating impactful literature for young minds.Discover Jennifer's personal experiences as she shares candidly about her own fears and challenges, including her intense training for a triathlon and the hurdles she faced during the book writing process. We also explore her decision-making process in incorporating religious content into her book and how she effectively leveraged social media to boost sales.Throughout the episode, Jennifer offers invaluable insights on overcoming obstacles and pursuing one's dreams, drawing from her success as an entrepreneur and business coach. We delve into her decision to embrace her

Join me for an exciting interview with Dean Graziosi, a renowned entrepreneur, New York Times Bestselling author, real estate expert, and captivating speaker. In this episode, we delve into Dean's remarkable journey and explore how he has leveraged books to build a thriving knowledge-based business. Get ready to be inspired as Dean shares his insights and experiences.Dean's most recent book, "Millionaire Success Habits," has transformed the lives of millions worldwide. Through his bestselling book and podcast of the same name, Dean has empowered individuals to take action and unlock their true potential. Additionally, Dean joined forces with Tony Robbins to launch the Knowledge Business Blueprint, a groundbreaking program that empowers entrepreneurs to leverage their expertise and create successful ventures.In this episode, Dean emphasizes the importance of sharing your knowledge and passion authentically. He advises overdelivering on value with initial offerings, creating anticipation for