25 publishing lessons learned the hard way

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These really shocked me because I didn't expect them at all before I got into publishing, so wanted to share - let me know if you expected any of them or if they surprised you too?
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◦ 4 mistake videos:
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- 5 Publishing Mistakes I Made (video): • 5 Self-Publishing Mist...
- Debut Mistakes: ru-vid.comAN1g7H4Al88
- How [NOT] to Self Publish: • How [NOT] to Self Publ...
◦ Beta Reader Playlist: • BETA READERS
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Thanks for watching!
❤️ Bethany
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Опубликовано:

11 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 123

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

P.S. I wish I would’ve clarified in the video what I meant by “success” at 20-30 books, because I was thinking specifically selling thousands of books and making a five, six, or even seven figure income-but we can be successful in other ways long before then as well! Keep in mind that there are many other types of success besides this one, and if you're able to write even a single book that is a massive success!

@I-am-a-unicornnn 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for clarifying :)

@cielielombrou8319 4 месяца назад

Thank you for this added comment.

@WanjiruWaithaka 5 месяцев назад

20 books. Wow. Got a little discouraged by No 1 and then No 18 made me smile. Perhaps I'm not doing too badly after all. Just need to keep going.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I wish I would’ve clarified in the video what I meant by “success” at 20-30 books, because I was thinking specifically selling thousands of books and making a solid consistent income-but we can be successful in other ways long before then! You’ve got this!

@TheDarqProject 4 месяца назад

I wholeheartedly agree with the whole "Move on to the next book" point. Give a new release some love for a bit, then get the next one ready to go. It seems like building your backlist steadily is a big factor in long-term success as an author. Especially an indie author. Thanks for the awesome list!

@76kilosofshade81 5 месяцев назад

Yes to blurbs video. I like to browse KU and read the worst ones.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Okay awesome, I'll add that to my upcoming videos list - and lol that's not good but it's kinda funny!

@76kilosofshade81 5 месяцев назад

@@BethanyAtazadeh there's a lot of things I've picked up by seeing it done badly and knowing what to avoid. Some writing things are like that too, I think! 😆

@Avionne_Parris 5 месяцев назад

Nothing's more ADORABLE than Penny's lil Corgi butt sashaying from one room to the next :) She's a natural in front of the camera. Thanks for this, Bethany! A lot was tough to hear but it had to be said... Was bummed when I heard about only achieving success at 20 to 30 books when I haven't even published ONE yet. Better get my first pancake outta the way then lol. I guess it's a good thing I write serials so getting to 20 books might not be so far off :)

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Hehe thanks Avi! Thought she hadn’t been in videos for a while so I wanted to bring her back 😂 I wish I would’ve defined “success” a little better on that point, because really I meant massive sales and making tons of money-I DO think we can be successful in other ways way before that though, and I also think anyone capable of writing and publishing even one book is a huge success because a lot of people can’t even do that! So my bad for not qualifying that better, you’re doing amazing!

@Avionne_Parris 5 месяцев назад

@@BethanyAtazadeh Aww, thanks :)

@alandavies3727 5 месяцев назад

That was very interesting Bethany. I agree with everything you say. I’ve published six books. Sales have been very poor. It’s very difficult to get noticed. But I treat it as something that I really want to do- money doesn’t come into it. It’s always a labour of love. We all hope one day that miracle will happen, but most of us are only really dreaming. At the end of the day though you’ll always leave your work as your legacy.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Love that perspective! So glad you enjoyed the video! 🥰

@stewartpalmer2456 5 месяцев назад

Way to nail the writing description. I had to slow myself down just so I would not force the content. Forcing the foot print is fine, but the editing and content insertion is critical. I took a short step back just to refocus. My prior chapter had such good content and I needed the material to flow into the next chapters. Thank you for helping me decide my direction from your lessons learned. Sincerely Akerace Drill. P.S. New Term learned "Bookish Swag" sweet.

@coritellastory 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for this. You are inspiring in this saturated, loud market.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much, I appreciate that!

@Laura_DiNunno 5 месяцев назад

Number 6, omg, yes! The more you know, the harder it feels to write.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Haha right?? Glad you agree!

@ElizabethsManyAdventures 3 месяца назад

I've been watching a ton of your videos from the last 2 years. I can't help but feel like when you talk about sales stats and numbers, that is applies more to fiction because I feel like self help and business how to books are just totally different. And that's where I am, I'm releasing my first book, a freelance how to book in 2 weeks and then working on wrapping up my next book which is a spiritual, self help, personal development book.

@user-dn7hs3vp9c 5 месяцев назад

I'm really glad I found your entire series on being a self publisher. You explain yourself very well, you lead us through your course material very methodically, you're not boring in the least, you have your beautifully baby there as a back-up, and I appreciate the fact that unlike many others teaching the same materials, you manage to do so in a very pleasant, no cursing format that they seemed to have not gotten a handle on yet! Lol! With your help, and your lessons, I'm closer now to getting my first two manuscripts published than I've ever been. They're both works of non-fiction. My question is; where does one find a good editor or can you get away with using a program like professional Grammarly?

@woodlandlady7011 5 месяцев назад

This was truly enlightening for me. Another video in my saved folder. Thank you Bethany for being honest and showing how many mistakes can and will be made in this writing and publishing business. I can't wait for your non-fiction publishing book to come out. Can you give us an estimate on the non-fiction book's release? Oh, and if you could add a video on writing the dreaded book blurb/description formula that would be epic❣

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

So happy to hear that, thank you! And I have a video coming out where I attempt to estimate the nonfiction books release but I’ll be honest it’s still up in the air since it’s got a long way to go… Hopefully late 2024 or early 2025! And I’m super excited to say the blurb video is planned for February! 🎉

@amandacalling 4 месяца назад

This was great and really helpful. Please do a part 2.

@crystalrosenberger4221 5 месяцев назад

Yes, would love a blurb writing video!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! Coming soon!

@storiesbydesirae 4 месяца назад

Yes, this video was helpful! Also, I would love a video about making blurbs. If you could give examples in that video as well, that would be so helpful! As always, thanks for sharing :)

@barbara7890 5 месяцев назад

Love your videos and love your points in this one. I think it’s important to point out though that you can find great success with your debut novel (indie & trad). Or with your second or third book. You don’t have to wait years and years to have a stable income either. Sure, it doesn’t happen to most people, but it CAN happen. I just don’t want anyone to be discouraged and think their first 19 books can’t possibly make them successful. Speaking from experience here ❤

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thank you Barbara! And yes I was actually thinking I wish I would've clarified what I meant by "success" on that point, because I was thinking massive income and sales, but that doesn't mean we don't have other types of success prior to that - even writing and publishing the first book is a massive success in my opinion because most people can't do that, so that's a huge win! Definitely don't want to discourage anyone, and hope that clarification helps!

@deathabillypete570 5 месяцев назад

This is the realest book tube video in a long while. And great editing. So cool.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

@jennys3919 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for these tips, this video was super helpful! I'd love to see a video about blurbs. That is something I really struggle with.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay glad it was helpful! And will do!

@alyssaheck8750 5 месяцев назад

Yes please. A blurb video would be great. Also should book blurbs be the same as what we post in the book description or should the descriptions be more detailed?

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay coming soon! They’re typically the same.

@hewen8199 4 месяца назад

This is great. Really helpful. You should keep doing these videos. Thanks much!!

@aisazia 5 месяцев назад

Great advice!!! #22 really resonated with me as I've been sitting on this book for far too long. Thanks for sharing Bethany and I'd love to hear more of your thoughts if you have more!!!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I’m so glad it was helpful, and I’d love to do more! You’ve got this!

@KJ-zr2ko 3 месяца назад

I was really hoping for publishing mistakes. I'm new to this stuff. Well, thank you for the video.

@rachelswritingroom8261 5 месяцев назад

I’d love a video a blurbs!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay sounds awesome-I have it all planned out and hope to do the blurb video in early February! 😊

@raveled8953 5 месяцев назад

Loved the lessons and would gladly listen to another video with any more you’ve learned! ❤

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Awesome! Thank you so much!

@67LMcC 5 месяцев назад

Thank you - such great advice. And YES - please do a vid on writing blurbs. That would be so helpful!!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

So glad it was helpful! And I'm excited to say I'll have a video on blurbs coming soon!

@Reedukayofficial 5 месяцев назад

I just want to say thank you for ALL of your videos. I have always had a love for writing music snd now i want to use my talents for books snd youre videos have been extremely helpful through every step! Thank you

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

You're so welcome, so glad to hear they've been helpful! :D

@author.s.j.palmer4137 5 месяцев назад

Life got busy and I somehow haven’t gotten to read The Queen’s Rise series yet so I am super pumped for the omnibus (I have the Stolen Kingdoms omnibus so it’ll match).

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yayyy so exciting!

@wronghandlane9665 4 месяца назад

Thank you! Iwould love a part 2! Or videos on any resources you used to learn and improve your craft, I will check your channel in case you’ve already uploaded a video like that but just came to mind, thank you!

@najeeamurray323 4 месяца назад

I would love a part two of this, or tips for self-publing your first book. I love marketing, but my struggle is building a fanbase. I'm still trying to figure out how to find my readers and get them excited about reading my book.

@annakristensen8797 4 месяца назад

Thank you for all this great advice! I'd love a video about blurbs!

@jmikemc446 5 месяцев назад

I would love to see a blurb video from you!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! Coming soon, hopefully in February!

@catherinebrown8501 5 месяцев назад

Oooh! A video on blurbs please!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay I’m excited to say I’ve got that video planned for February! :)

@7Bloodfire 3 месяца назад

I sell my bookmarks and merch when I sell books. I just make it a deal if they want it packaged together. 6x bookmarks plus 3 signed art prints, plus the book for $25-$35. But I also make my own bookmarks so they cost $.006 per bookmark to make, and I do my own art and create my own art prints, so that is also way way cheaper. The books I only make about $8 from even if they are $20 (less than that if I have to ship the book). So my money so far has been in the DIY merchandising part. My free bookmarks are sometimes just bonus items if I'm having good sales days or in the mood. I will be making a new set or two just to give away tho, eventually. But for now, my system's only costs are the books in my shop, and the equipment and supplies I purchased to make stuff with, and a couple programs. Later I will delegate or hire someone, but not even close to that yet. My very first book launch made me about $1800 because of my merch stuff being added. Haven't even sold 100 copies yet. Still at about just 51 or so in total. I'm really excited about it tho. Just sold 2 more of that one this year (haven't marketed or written anything else yet cuz been extremely busy, but gearing up to get back in it all!) I have a plan to tackle it all soon as my planners are done, and I will be narrating my own work too, until I can afford to delegate that later, too)

@kristiacole 5 месяцев назад

This was super helpful! Thank you! ❤ 😄

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

You're so welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

@selfpubwithdale 5 месяцев назад

Another great one, Bethany!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thanks Dale!

@I-am-a-unicornnn 5 месяцев назад

I have been struggling with point 6 and 7 every since I finished my current novel. It's like what the hell am I thinking? Why the hell do I even bother trying? Am I sure this is what I always wanted to do...? I'm sorry for being so down, but I've been feeling this for a while. :(

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Totally normal to feel that way! Get some encouraging writer friends and write some helpful reminders to keep yourself going when it gets tough!

@I-am-a-unicornnn 5 месяцев назад

@@BethanyAtazadeh Thanks B!

@NotMolly-jf2rh 5 месяцев назад

Yes. Part 2, please.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay glad you enjoyed it!

@Deenatheknittingauthor 5 месяцев назад

love a video on blurbs. It's my brain stops functioning when it comes to writing them. I can't seem to make them captivating. Or I am holding myself back trying to but afraid I am telling too much

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Totally understandable! I’m excited to say I’ve got the blurb video planned for early February! 🎉

@savannahwagner8240 5 месяцев назад

This video truly encouraged me and made me believe that I can do it I can make it if I put in the effort and the passion

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yayyy! Absolutely, you've got this!

@hc2622 5 месяцев назад

Yes we want part two! Also, why do you not have any wall decor? Just curious lol

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I’ll see what I can come up with! And I do have some wall decor, I’m just not a big decorator, it bores me lol

@author.s.j.palmer4137 5 месяцев назад

A blurb video would be great!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! Coming soon! :)

@tracy-marie 5 месяцев назад

A blurb video would be great. 😊

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! I'm excited to say I'll have one coming soon!

@wizkidsvideos 5 месяцев назад

Bethany, thanks for the enlightening video. Do you have beta readers and or editors that you would highly recommend? Thanks

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! I'm not going to share my beta readers names, because that's not my place, but I can recommend Enchanted Ink publishing as a great place for an editor.

@Musikchic47 5 месяцев назад

I have a fellow author friend who has been writing for years but has hasn't made much in sales - part of that might be what you said about focusing on the next book, but I do wonder if it's the fact he's only on Amazon. I get keeping to one site like KDP is easy, but you wonder if he made himself available on like Ingram, or D2D sales might improve a bit. I'm curious on your take on authors who just on sell through Amazon only, or maybe only their website and don't go wide. Hope that makes sense 😅

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I totally understand your thinking, but I think it’s more likely the book itself or the packaging of it, than it is the vendor, because I know of a LOT of indie authors doing absolutely amazing on KDP only, like some six and even seven figure authors who are exclusive on there.

@Musikchic47 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for your insight! Always helpful as usual :) @@BethanyAtazadeh

@ewes824 5 месяцев назад

I love the new video format 🙂

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! :D

@daviddarlingauthor 5 месяцев назад

Congratulations on 50k Subscribers!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! Thank you so much 😀

@mhappleton765 3 месяца назад

Top draw Bethany. Thank you.

@BethanyAtazadeh 3 месяца назад

You’re welcome!

@judyprescottmarshall4713 5 месяцев назад

I made it! Every one of your videos are amazing and soooo helpful! Thank you!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! I'm so glad it was helpful!

@authoralaskawalters 5 месяцев назад

What PR company’s did you use and would you recommend them?

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Honestly I wouldn’t :( the first one I worked with was very kind but led to no sales both times I tried and was too expensive to recommend, and the other that I tried recently was even worse.

@tonyaroche7733 5 месяцев назад

Blurbs… yes, please! 😎

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! I’m excited to say I’ve got that video set up for early February! 🎉

@EmmaRosenBooks 3 месяца назад

This is a great video!

@BethanyAtazadeh 3 месяца назад

Glad you think so!

@authordarlenerodriguez 5 месяцев назад

Any places you recommend to get small bulks of bookish swag?

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I personally have used Gotprint and Vistaprint

@joanl3115 5 месяцев назад

Yes, blurb tutorial please ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Yay! I’m excited to say I’ve got that video set up for early February! 🎉

@SpectacularWebHead 5 месяцев назад

Great vid

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thank you!

@gamexpress111 5 месяцев назад

I really want to "commercialize" my book by going to public streets and handing out brochures with a brochure stand so people can get my books for free, but I'm way to shy to do that. I think it's a good market strategy, but you would probably would have to get the city's permission or something. But, I recently just finished my trilogy, and awaiting for the finale to be published soon, and can't wait to start on my new series. I'm really excited about it! It's magic, magical realism with sprinkles of Harry Potter 😁

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I think a much easier way to do that would be to use online promo and deal sites that share ebook deals with readers on a daily basis like I mentioned in the video. :) a lot easier (and less stressful), plus you’re way more likely to actually find your target readers.

@jamesalaniz5148 5 месяцев назад

Just had to republish something last night 😂 I had exported my short story on reedsy using 'pocket book' size and made it into 6×9 paperback smh big pages and small words had to redo it

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

It happens! At least you caught it, it would've been way worse if you didn't realize!

@hiddenkittie 5 месяцев назад

I wish I knew you personally as I'm in the midst of writing a poetry book and everything is pretty different in this genre ughhh

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

I don’t think it’d help to know me in person because I don’t know much about that genre at all, sorry! Check out the RU-vid channel “Marketing by Shelby” for a poet perspective.

@hiddenkittie 5 месяцев назад

@@BethanyAtazadeh thank you so much 🖤🖤🖤

@taliabasma6120 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing! As someone who has boycotted Amazon, do you think I can self publish without touching it?

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

You could definitely publish on Barnes and noble, kobo, apple, and google play, as well as libraries even if you use draft2digital. Personally I’d say 80% of my sales come from Amazon, so just be aware it could be harder to sell as much but if that’s what’s right for you then go for it!

@mlbullbooks 5 месяцев назад

Great points about publishing! Writing a series can be helpful too more than single novels, especially if it’s a good one. Perhaps things will improve a lot more for my author career when I start releasing series books, especially my standalone Christian drama series. I have so many different characters, scenarios, and storylines for it. Just about every installment will have a different storyline and cast of characters.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! That's so true that series have a lot of benefits.

@mohamadsaleih6287 2 месяца назад

First Book Like

@Perseph23pom 5 месяцев назад

Blurbs please!!!!

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

Will do! :)

@5Gburn 5 месяцев назад

I'm going to *slightly* disagree that impostor syndrome is a good quality to have in your life. I've often seen writers struggle with it and languish. I'd rather say that nudges of self doubt are healthy to have. Staring at the page deciding if you've done the right thing for your story or if you absolutely need to kill your darlings... versus sitting paralyzed with thoughts of shame that you haven't written enough, then closing your laptop after 5 minutes.

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

That's fair! I think we're on the same page, because I wasn't thinking of a constant struggle so much as the type of imposter syndrome that strikes unexpectedly and at random haha

@currangill430 5 месяцев назад

Well my books are in the 200k range, so it'll take me a while to get to 20 lol

@BethanyAtazadeh 5 месяцев назад

20 is just an estimate-and I wish I’d have said this in the video but I was talking more “5,6 and 7 figure income type success” but that doesn’t mean all the income, books, and milestones leading up to that don’t count as success too!

@currangill430 5 месяцев назад

@@BethanyAtazadeh Got it! I guess Ryan Cahill is an outlier? He seems to have gotten successful very quickly after just a few books. But I think the Cradle guy writes more like you. Very short books after another. So perhaps he's already hit the 20 threshold of 6+ figure income.

@mohamadsaleih6287 2 месяца назад

Thanks for you videos I wrote my furst book it is about islam It is 700+ pages ,i csn seprate it to 3 books seprstely or seires It valued bpok for humanity,I wrote this post so as we can make a deal,for formatting the 3 types and earn from the royallties, till you get double your fees, Iam confident this Book will get more attention I watch and read more videos about publshing,but not do formatt before And it is my first book,as you said the important of the first. My book name is FLEE TO ALLAH ALLAH is the name of our God in all religons Pls need your help Thanks I loke your spproach on this video by this song 😅❤