Writing
648: Indies United: Create and Market Your Self-Published Book with Lisa Orban
Lisa Orban is an author and founder of the publishing house "Indies United." She's the author of several books, including "I'd rather Starve than Cook! A Cookbook For People Who Hate to Cook." It has received over 100 excellent ratings and reviews on Amazon and GoodReads.
In 2015, she published her first book, "It'll Feel Better When It Quits Hurting: A Memoir" and has received critical acclaim by top-rated Amazon reviewers. She's published a second memoir, political satire, four optical illusion adult coloring books, and others.
In 2018, she opened the publishing house Indies United to give indie authors a safe haven to publish books and avoid the pitfalls so common to this industry.
Quotes
“If you get too bored, it means you're doing something wrong.” - Lisa Orban
“The average indie author will likely spend two to four hours every day on marketing and promotion if they're doing it all on their own. That's a lot of time that they can't spend writing.” - Lisa Orban
“There's a stigma attached to being an indie author, and it's often not fair. Publishing houses control many aspects of the publishing world, and it's in their best interest to either promote indie authors or stigmatize them as unworthy.” - Lisa Orban
Takeaways
02:55 A hybrid publishing model can solve common frustrations of both traditional publishing and self-publishing by offering authors more control, support, and opportunities.
14:41 A publishing community that supports authors can help them focus on writing while professionals handle marketing and distribution.
16:49 When creating a book, look for topics people constantly ask you about, as this indicates built-in demand and expertise.
24:53 Putting your personal story and personality into your marketing can help your book stand out in a crowded marketplace.
26:14 Publishing trends are cyclical, similar to TV show genres, making it crucial to have a flexible publishing approach that isn't locked into one narrow focus.
29:50 Trying to figure out publishing alone could take years, potentially wasting valuable time that could be spent actually writing and creating.
Resources
- Indies United Publishing House
- Follow Indies United Publishing House, LLC on X (Twitter)
- Subscribe to Indies United Publishing House on YouTube
- Follow Indies United Publishing House on Instagram
- Connect with Lisa Orban on LinkedIn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:42 — 31.0MB) | Embed
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636: Move Beyond Ego to Become a Kind Communicator, Have Compassion and Discover Self-Awareness to Achieve Your True Potential with Elizabeth Barry
Elizabeth Barry is an author, marketing executive and a badass leadership coach. She teaches people self-love, exceptional communication skills and how to live a life fulfilled, both in and out of the office. For over a decade, she's taught self-branding workshops and helped leaders discover their business BEST through the art of powerful communication, personal branding, marketing and PR. She's devised a 2018 coaching mastermind program that transforms lives, unblocks energies and helps amazing CEOs, managers and Founders engage in discovering and rediscovering their creative life powers.
Quotes:
“The idea of owning vulnerability, whether speaking less or speaking up, is about being a kind and compassionate communicator. It means using less power, less demand, less force, and more authenticity in who you are. It's not necessarily about speaking about feelings but owning them and responding rather than reacting.” - Elizabeth Barry
“We can never blame anyone else for the things we're not getting. We have to look within, and it all starts exactly there, inside.” - Elizabeth Barry
“There's nothing better than learning that other people have done the same thing so that we don't feel alone.” - Elizabeth Barry
Takeaways:
01:30 Personal and professional development starts with looking inward and understanding your communication patterns.
02:10 Getting out of your own way requires understanding and owning your personal vulnerabilities.
06:35 Effective communication means listening more and speaking less with intentional, compassionate words.
17:44 Professional growth happens through small, consistent steps of self-awareness and boundary-setting.
22:59 Fear of vulnerability often prevents people from recognizing their true potential and worth.
Resources
- Beyond Ego (Podcast)
- Elizabeth Barry Consulting (Official Site)
- The Kind Communicator: Kindness, Compassion and Wisdom for all Business Leaders (Book)
- Own Your Vulnerability: Become a Self-Loving Powerful Woman: A Woman’s Guide to Renewal Through Life, Self-love, Career and Spirituality (Book)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:30 — 24.5MB) | Embed
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628: Marketer of the Day Book Case Study: How I Monetized My Podcast and Earned $4000 Assembling a Compilation Book I Didn’t Even Write
Tune in right now to hear the secrets of creating a compilation book -- plus why, whether you have an existing podcast or are even thinking about creating a new podcast -- you should pursue this avenue to help your podcast interviewees get more exposure!
Click to Buy the "Marketer of the Day" Compilation Book
Quotes:
“If you limit yourself to just internet marketing or just business owners, you're really holding yourself back.” – Robert Plank
“If you hop on five podcasts a day, you could snowball into multiple sources of traffic. Some podcasts will pay out better than others.” - Robert Plank
“This whole networking game with podcasting is huge. You could literally spend all day, every day, hopping on different shows, sharing what you know, and that's it.” - Robert Plank
Takeaways:
09:04 Podcasting allows you to build a network by interviewing diverse guests outside your immediate industry.
13:04 Compilation books offer a unique way to monetize podcast content and create deeper connections with guests.
19:22 Appearing on multiple podcasts can be an effective traffic and brand-building strategy for entrepreneurs.
20:24 Creating a book with podcast guests can provide mutual benefits through shared exposure and promotion.
21:21 Networking through podcasts and compilation books can open doors to future collaborations and speaking opportunities.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:40 — 23.7MB) | Embed
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604: The Proven Path to Get Self Published Using Free Plus Shipping Offers: Overcome Blank Page Syndrome, Solve a Real Problem, and Succeed Both On and Off Amazon with Chandler Bolt
Chandler Bolt is the host of the Self Publishing School podcast & the author of 6 bestselling books including his most recent book titled "Published."
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:32 — 31.8MB) | Embed
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He’s also the founder & CEO of Self-Publishing School, the #1 online resource for writing your first book. Through his books, podcast, training videos, and Self-Publishing School, he’s helped thousands of people on their journey to writing their first book.
Important Talking Points
- To avoid blank page syndrome, use a mindmap (Chandler prefers pen and paper for this) and dump all the ideas you have, then group into 4 to 7 chapters
- To write each chapter, dump all your ideas for that chatper and then repeat the 4-7 "grouping" process
- Choosing a topic for your book: sell pain pills, not vitamins. Find a specific group with a real pain and solve that problem...
- Use Google Docs to write your book so you can work on it from anywhere
- Consider a "free plus shipping" offer for your book
- Give video and audio away for free after people purchase your book
Quotes:
“When they finish the rough draft, they start to believe that this is something they can do. This is something that they are going to take to the finish line.” – Chandler Bolt
“It's important that you do well on Amazon. Over 70% of all books sold are sold on Amazon.” - Chandler Bolt
“Some people write better than they speak, and others speak better than they write. A lot of podcasters are used to speaking; that's a better medium for them. This is where you choose your adventure.” - Chandler Bolt
Takeaways:
08:30 Amazon is a critical platform for book sales, but authors should look beyond it for broader marketing opportunities.
15:50 Mind mapping is a simple, effective method to overcome writer's block and organize book content.
20:34 Books should solve specific pain points for readers, not just provide general information.
22:11 Writing a book is easier than most people think, and anyone can do it with the right approach.
27:03 Free plus shipping offers can turn books into powerful lead generation and customer acquisition tools.
Resources
- Published: The Proven Path From Blank Page to Published Author (Book)
- Self Publishing School (Course)
- Self Publishing School (Podcast)
- Self Publishing School (Twitter)
- Chandler Bolt (Facebook)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:32 — 31.8MB) | Embed
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585: Write Your Book in a Flash to Create the Paint By Numbers Big Business Card of Your Dreams, Apply Structured Creativity, Grow Your Confidence, and Land Your Ideal Clients with Dan Janal
Dan Janal helps leaders build their brands with books. He has written more than a dozen books. His latest book is called "Write Your Book in a Flash: The Paint-by-Numbers Systems for Writing the Book of Your Dreams - Fast!"
When Dan helps thought leaders and business executives write their books, he helps them take their businesses to the next level and exert greater influence.
Dan has spoken everywhere from Beijing to Budapest, from Brazil to Boston. He taught classes at Berkeley and Stanford.
He was president of his National Speakers Association chapter in Minnesota. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern University.
Dan was an award-winning daily newspaper reporter and business newspaper editor who interviewed President Gerald Ford and First Lady Barbara Bush.
Quotes:
“Good is good enough and perfection is the enemy of done.” – Dan Janal
“The purpose of a book, especially for an entrepreneur, is a big business card. It's a way for your prospects to get to know, like and trust you, so they want to do business with you.” - Dan Janal
“No one wants to read the encyclopedia about a specific topic. The purpose of the book is to solve a problem. That's the only reason why anyone will read a book or buy a book is to solve a problem.” - Dan Janal
Takeaways:
04:18 Writing a book doesn't require being super motivated every single day; you can fill in outline pieces when inspiration strikes.
05:38 Overcoming mental blocks is crucial - writers shouldn't accept "writer's block" as a legitimate excuse to stop working.
17:29 A business book should solve a specific client problem and serve as a powerful marketing tool, not an exhaustive encyclopedia.
21:15 Books today are most effective when they're short, targeted, and quickly consumable by busy professionals.
26:55 You can write a book using existing materials like blog posts, quotes, and transcripts instead of starting from scratch.
Resources
- For Information About His Book Coaching, Developmental Editing Or Ghostwriting, Go To: Write Your Book In A Flash (Website)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:04 — 30.3MB) | Embed
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583: Beyond the Book: Embark on the Quest for Greatness, Never Stop Marketing, Fight Obscurity, Become Memorable Using an Audio Logo, and Get High Paying Clients with Trevor Crane
Trevor Crane is an 11 time #1 international bestselling author and the founder of Epic Author Publishing.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:45 — 52.9MB) | Embed
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He is the also host of the GreatnessQuest.com podcast and co-founder of SuperKidsBooks.com.
Trevor's mission is to help publish 1000 new authors and help people take their LIFE and their BUSINESS to the next level – no matter how successful they already are.
Since 2003, Trevor has been a trusted business adviser, coach and mentor. He is president of Step Up Strategies, Inc. and together with his team, they help companies outperform, outsell, and outlast the competition through systemic and strategic consulting, coaching, training, marketing and support. He helps his clients generate MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in bottom line profits.
Trevor leads mentoring and mastermind programs for service based professionals and entrepreneurs with his wife, Robyn Crane.
Trevor is also a sought after speaker, trainer and coach. His unique commonsense approach, along with his humor, wit, and infectious energy, allows him to connect with any audience.
Quotes:
“Money is simply a measure of the greatness, goodness, and contributions you provide to others. It is a privilege and an honor to receive it, and it becomes your moral duty and responsibility to seek substantial wealth to make a greater impact.” – Trevor Crane
“If all you do is try to stay within the lines and make everybody happy, you will lose. So, to have the courage, stick your head up and go out and get something.” - Trevor Crane
“The hero is the person that has the courage and the intelligence to ask for help, receive it, and then walk the golden brick road.” - Trevor Crane
Takeaways:
04:40 Your book must have a clear next step for readers, not just be a standalone product.
06:57 Success comes from understanding who your book is for, what problem it solves, and what results it delivers.
18:56 Build a platform and audience that grows with each book, creating a self-sustaining marketing cycle.
22:21 Craft a clear, concise audio logo that explains who you help, what problem you solve, and the results you deliver.
39:40 Stop hiding and start promoting; waiting for perfect conditions means missing opportunities to connect with your audience.
54:30 Have the courage to be seen and heard, even if it means being polarizing or facing potential criticism.
Resources
- High Paying Clients (Free Book)
- Big Money With Your Book without Selling a Single Copy (Free Book)
- Trevor Crane (Official Site)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:45 — 52.9MB) | Embed
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526: The World Needs Your Book: Build a Funnel, Run a Book Launch, and Tap into New Amazon Publishing Resources with Monica Leonelle
Monica Leonelle started the Get Your Book Selling course to help authors develop their evergreen marketing plans. Evergreen marketing = evergreen sales. It works!
After spending years as a marketing director at various start-ups, Monica helps people and companies tell their stories, establish themselves as thought leaders, and fill out the content on their websites. In the past, she’s worked with Inc. 100 companies like Hansen’s Natural, Trading Technologies, and Braintree. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and digital marketing.
Resources
- Prose on Fire (Official Site)
- The World Needs Your Book (Free 4 Day Course)
- Get Your Book Selling (Course)
- Amazon Marketing Services (Amazon Marketing Services)
- Draft2Digital (Self Publishing)
- Smashwords (Books)
- iBooks (Apple's Book Publishing Platform)
- Kobo (eBooks)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:42 — 25.4MB) | Embed
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511: Good Enough vs. Perfectionism: Productivity, Delegation, Milestones, Book Publishing, Content Marketing and More with Joanna Penn
Joanna Penn is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers under J.F. Penn. She also writes inspirational non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning creative entrepreneur and international professional speaker. Her site is regularly voted one of the top 10 sites for writers and self-publishers.
Joanna is here to get that "finishing" energy, be more authentic, and finish what we start. Joanna is a self-published author who's always cranking out content, and she's discovered quite a bit when it comes to research, self-motivation, running a team, and so much more.
Resources
- The Creative Penn: Write, Publish, and Market Your Book (Official Site)
- The Creative Penn (Podcast)
- Joanna Penn (Twitter)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:44 — 26.3MB) | Embed
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482: Discover Your AHA Moment and Market Your Book to Generate Consistent Leads with Mitchell Levy
Mitchell Levy is The AHA Guy at AHAthat who is a people publisher that empowers thought leaders to share their genius He is an accomplished Entrepreneur who has created 20 businesses in Silicon Valley including 4 publishing companies that have published over 800 books.
Mitchell is an international bestselling author with fifty eight business books, has provided strategic consulting to over 100 companies, has advised over 500 CEOs on critical business issues, and has been chairman of the board of a NASDAQ-listed company. He talks to us about how to create a book quickly and how to make money with joint clients.
Resources
- AHAThat (Content Sharing Platform)
- ThinkAHA (Thought Leader Services)
- Mitchell Levy (Official Site)
- Mitchell Levy (LinkedIn)
- Mitchell Levy (Amazon)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:15 — 35.9MB) | Embed
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390: Day Job Freedom: Get Unstuck, Fill the Creative Void, and Overlap Your Way to Entrepreneurial Growth with Sean McCabe
Sean McCabe writes over a million words a year. He is the author of Overlap: The ultimate guide to turning your side passion into a successful business. He's helped tens of thousands of students with his courses on copywriting, client work, pricing, and marketing. On a daily basis, he runs seanwes: a learning community for entrepreneurs looking to do fulfilling work.
Sean believes in generating income from the trifecta: client work, products, and training. He's also a huge fan of the 3 P's of accountability: public accountability, partner accountability, and personal accountability. Tune in to hear about his writing secrets, how to commit, and how to quit your 9-5 day job, step by step.
Click Here to Claim the "Overlap" Book
Resources
- Sean McCabe (Official Site)
- Overlap: Start a Business While Working a Full-Time Job (Book, How To Quit Your Day Job)
- Sean McCabe (Twitter)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:08 — 34.0MB) | Embed
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