Blog Archives
Self-Publish & Succeed
Julie Broad’s Self-Publish & Succeed is a practical guide to creating a nonfiction book that actually connects with readers and has a shot at selling. What makes it work is that it’s not just a publishing manual. It’s a book about purpose, positioning, and audience. Broad keeps returning to one central idea: a useful book starts by serving the reader, not flattering the author. That ethos gives the whole thing a clear spine, and it’s why the advice feels grounded. As she puts it, “The book may be about you, but it’s not for you.”
The book is organized like a full publishing roadmap. Early chapters focus on finding the hook, defining the ideal reader, and pulling stronger stories out of lived experience. From there, Broad moves into structure, drafting, ghostwriting, and the mental blocks that keep people from finishing. Later sections shift into editing, cover design, interior formatting, audiobooks, distribution, Amazon, bestseller strategy, and the economics of actually making money from a book. That range is one of the book’s strengths. It treats publishing as a whole system, not a romantic writing exercise.
Broad’s voice is a big part of why the book holds together. She writes like someone who’s done the work, made mistakes, and doesn’t have much patience for vague advice. She’s direct, a little punchy, and often funny, especially when she’s warning writers away from lazy conventions and generic thinking. Her repeated push against bland nonfiction gives the book its personality, and the message works because she backs it up with stories from her own career and from clients she’s helped.
Self-Publish & Succeed is not a literary meditation on authorship. It’s a hands-on, business-aware guide for people who want to create a strong nonfiction book and get it into readers’ hands. Broad is especially good with the connection between content and marketing. She argues that the hook, the subtitle, the chapter titles, the opening pages, the cover, and the sales copy all need to work together. In her view, a book isn’t finished when the manuscript is done. It’s finished when the whole package can persuade the right reader to care.
Self-Publish & Succeed is a focused, energetic playbook for nonfiction authors who want to be intentional from page one to launch day. It’s strongest when it pushes writers to stop centering themselves and start thinking about transformation, clarity, and usefulness. Even when Broad is talking about ads, metadata, or royalties, the core subject stays the same: how to make a book that matters to a reader and can survive in the real market. That gives the book a satisfying sense of unity, and it leaves you with the feeling that writing and publishing well are inseparable parts of the same job.
Pages: 263 | ASIN : B0FVZNJR19
Eudaimonia
The Profitable Author is a roadmap and guide for turning writing into a real business by exploring mindset, marketing, sales, and income streams to help authors turn book sales into a career path. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I started writing the articles in this book as a way for me to find closure (!) in publishing and consider my post-publishing career path. It was the pandemic, I was closing down my primary publishing company (a traditional indie press) after 25 years, and I was using some of my spare time to process and dump everything I had learned into articles on Medium. At some point I realized I had a specialty that was different from others I knew in the book world, and not only that, it was something I was passionate about: Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship as the best path for most authors to reach their author goals―big and small, financial and non-financial. And, entrepreneurship as a path to “the good life,” eudaimonia as the Greeks called it―human flourishing.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about successful authors?
That success is one thing and looks the same for everyone
What are some key ideas authors should focus on to turn their published book into a multistream income opportunity?
Two things. First, start by shifting from “I’m an author who wrote a book” to “I’m a business owner who uses my books and authorship as foundational assets.” Your book proves your expertise and gives you credibility (true for fiction as well as nonfiction), but the money comes from what you build around it—volume sales, creative sales, sponsorships and other partnerships, speaking engagements, workshops, coaching, consulting, courses, licensing your content, creating tools or resources, and more. The authors I’ve worked with who build sustainable income don’t just sell more books; they leverage their books to sell higher-value services, events, and additional products.
Another perspective change is understanding that a business can be built on your distinctive combination of expertise, experience, preferences, and personality—not just the content of your book or books. Look for unexpected angles and partnerships. Maybe your thriller becomes the foundation for corporate training on crisis management. Maybe your cookbook leads to culinary tours or restaurant consulting. The most successful author businesses I’ve seen come from people who stop asking “How do I sell more books?” and start asking “What problems can I solve for people who would value what I know?”
And…if you really want to sell more books, it’s time to start thinking, who needs 2 or 3 copies of this book? Then, who needs 5–10? Then, who needs 50–100? Then, who needs 500, 1,000, 5,000 copies? Challenge yourself to keep thinking bigger…and to keep challenging yourself.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Profitable Author?
First and foremost that it is POSSIBLE for them to build a business they love around their books, authorship, expertise, experiences. And, not possible “in theory.” Possible for them. Others have done it and they can too. I like to take that one step further and emphasize: Others who are smarter—and let’s face it—dumber than you. Others who are richer and who are poorer. Others who are better connected and less connected than you. Others who are more talented—and again, true fact, less talented than you, brilliant reader.
Author Links: GoodReads | BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Substack
GOLD WINNER – 2025 International Firebird Book Award – Writing/Publishing
GOLD WINNER – 2025 Reader’s Favorite – Non-Fiction – Writing/Publishing
DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE – 2025 NYC Big Book Award – Non-Fiction – Writing/Publishing
Stop Dreaming About Making It as an Author and Start Building a Sustainable Business You Love
Are you tired of earning meager royalties or Amazon deposits? Do you dream of turning your passion for writing into a thriving business? In The Profitable Author, publishing veteran Sharon Woodhouse reveals the insider secrets to creating a multi-faceted author career that goes beyond book sales.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience as an indie publisher, Woodhouse provides a practical framework for building a sustainable and rewarding author life. This isn’t about chasing bestsellers or landing a movie deal (though those are nice when they happen). It’s about understanding the business of being an author, implementing proven strategies (over 1,001!) to generate multiple streams of income from your books, expertise, and experience, and empowering you to take charge of your author journey.
The Profitable Author guides you step-by-step through:Identifying 15 different author income streams, from ebook sales and events to services, merch, and rights sales.
Designing a customized author business model that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle.
Unlocking creative financing hacks to fund your dreams.
Finessing author events (and getting paid!).
Unleashing your inner entrepreneur and monetizing your expertise.
Embracing the power of non-bookstore and volume sales.
Mastering essential business skills (without losing your creative spark), including marketing, sales, negotiating, networking, and mindset.
Crafting a fabulous sales and marketing plan tailored to YOU and your books, whether you’re a fiction writer, a nonfiction expert, a cookbook queen, or a children’s book hero.
Cultivating a network of support to help you thrive as an authorpreneur.
Packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and inspiring insights, The Profitable Author is your essential guide to creating the author life you deserve. Stop waiting for success to find you—take charge and build the profitable author business you love.
FREE WITH PURCHASE! Email author Sharon Woodhouse with your proof of purchase (sharon at conspirecreative dot com), and she will give you a free 3-month subscription to her The Profitable Author / An Author Business You Love Substack author business coaching community.
Book Title Bible: How to Title Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration
Book Title Bible lays out a clear and practical roadmap for Christian authors who want to craft book titles that feel inspired, purposeful, and market-ready. The book walks through everything from keyword strategy to emotional language, from scriptural phrasing to series branding. It also weaves in stories, examples, and gentle nudges about the realities of publishing and discoverability in a crowded marketplace. The pages are packed with advice on how to balance faith and marketing in a way that respects Scripture and still works well on Amazon. The tone is earnest, direct, and full of encouragement, and it’s obvious the author wants readers to succeed in both ministry and sales.
As I moved through the chapters, I found myself genuinely impressed by how practical the book is. I kept thinking about how many times authors get stuck on a title and how this guide takes away so much of that pressure. The breakdown of keywords, especially the reminder that Amazon behaves like a search engine, was really helpful to me. It made the whole titling process feel less like guesswork and more like something I could actually navigate with confidence. I also appreciated the examples drawn from recognizable Christian titles. Seeing how other writers tapped into emotion or Scripture made the ideas feel real and doable. Part of me even got excited to try brainstorming titles, which is not a thing I normally enjoy.
The book offers a lot of guidance, and I was energized by the steady flow of ideas. The author shares a lot of tools and insights that I found to be very helpful. Rather than focusing on any single point, the book pushes ahead with momentum, giving me plenty to think about and explore. The enthusiasm behind the advice kept me reading. I liked the tone. It felt friendly. I also loved the strong emphasis on honoring Scripture and keeping titles true to the heart of Christian writing. It made the entire book feel grounded and sincere.
I think this book is a great fit for Christian authors who struggle with titling or for anyone preparing to publish for the first time and feeling unsure about the marketing side of things. It’s especially useful for writers who want solid, actionable steps without losing the spiritual heart of their work. If you want a guide that mixes faith with a clear publishing strategy and gives you lots of ideas to play with, this book will be perfect for you.
Pages: 74 | ASIN : B0G8RPPZ2R
The Hands-On Author: Taking Control of Your Book Marketing Journey
The Hands-On Author is a clear and practical guide for writers who want to take control of their own marketing. Author J. J. Hebert breaks the journey into simple steps, starting with building an online platform and moving through reader engagement, advanced promotions, networking, and long-term strategy. The book reads like a roadmap that shows authors how to move from invisible to visible, and from overwhelmed to confident, which makes the whole process feel more doable than many guides I have read.
As I moved through the chapters, I found myself feeling a surprising amount of relief. The writing is friendly and steady, almost like the author is talking directly to you and nudging you along. Some parts felt a bit dense, but in a helpful way. There is real substance here. I appreciated how Hebert explained why certain tasks matter instead of just telling you what to do. The sections on SEO and author websites stood out to me. They made something that usually feels technical seem almost simple. I kept thinking, “Okay, I can actually do this,” which is not a feeling I get from most marketing books.
The ideas themselves are practical and are presented in a fresh way. I liked how often he stressed consistency and connection. That resonated with me personally because it reminded me of why authors want readers in the first place. Not for algorithms. Not for sales charts. For real people. When he talked about book clubs, giveaways, and community spaces, I felt a spark of excitement about reaching readers instead of fear about doing it wrong.
I think The Hands-On Author is a strong fit for writers who want guidance that feels both actionable and encouraging. If you are a new author who has no idea where to start, or an experienced one trying to rebuild your marketing foundation, this book will meet you where you are and give you a clear plan forward. It is also a good pick for anyone who wants a companion that talks to you like a person instead of a marketer. I would happily recommend it to authors who want to take control of their outreach and feel more confident doing it.
Pages: 210 | ASIN : B0G19B16ZL
The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books
The Profitable Author lays out a huge and lively roadmap for turning a writing life into a real business. The book moves through mindset, marketing, sales, income streams, and the day-to-day actions that keep an author afloat and happy. It mixes tough love with encouragement, and it shows how an author can build a long game instead of hoping for sudden fame. It also pushes the idea that authors can be multipreneurs who stack skills, products, and creative ventures on top of each other. I found myself flipping pages and feeling the book widen the definition of what an author can become.
The writing is direct and warm. It never hides how hard this business can be, yet it never slips into cynicism. Woodhouse talks about overwhelm and disappointment in a way that feels honest. She also pushes readers to think bigger. I liked how she blends practical advice with a kind of grounded optimism. I could feel her long experience in the field. She explains ideas like daily promotional habits, diversified income, and using personal strengths in a voice that feels friendly.
What struck me most was the emotional undercurrent. The book believes in authors. Not in a cheesy way. More like a steady voice saying you can do this if you show up and keep showing up. I loved how she reframes marketing as something flexible and personal. I also liked the sections about commitment. They hit me in that spot where doubt hangs out. The mix of stories, checklists, and bite-sized reflections creates an easy rhythm. I drifted between curiosity and excitement. Still, the tone stays kind. It feels like a mentor talking at the right speed for someone who wants change but does not want to burn out.
I think this book is a strong fit for authors who want to treat their writing as a real business without losing their soul in the process. It is great for beginners who do not know where to start and for mid-career writers who feel stuck. It works for introverts, side hustlers, and people who like having a big menu of choices instead of rigid rules. I would recommend it to anyone who has a book and a dream and finally wants a plan. It left me energized and surprisingly hopeful.
Pages: 510 | ASIN : B0DJV96V29
How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 24 Hours: A Simple Step-by-Step System for Writing a Good Book Fast (Self-Publishing with Dale 5)
Dale L. Roberts’ How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 24 Hours is an ambitious, no-nonsense guide that promises to help writers produce a solid first draft in a single day. The book outlines various strategies, from speed typing to voice dictation and transcription, all aimed at eliminating friction in the writing process. Beyond the technical aspects, Roberts delves into motivation, outlining, and even marketing, ensuring that the reader walks away with a roadmap to not just writing a book but also getting it out into the world.
What I really enjoyed about this book was its energy. Roberts doesn’t waste time with fluff; he gets straight to the point. In the introduction, he recounts his own experience of writing a book live on YouTube in eleven hours, which immediately builds credibility. That raw honesty makes the book feel more like a pep talk from a seasoned mentor rather than a sterile instructional guide. When he says, “I truly believe writing a book isn’t the hard part; the hard part is committing to finishing it,” it hits home. That’s the kind of tough love aspiring authors need.
The strategies in the book are a mixed bag. Some are gold, like his advice on using voice dictation to speed up the process. His breakdown of how to train dictation software and structure spoken content is one of the most actionable sections. The idea that a first-time writer could churn out a complete draft in a day feels overly optimistic. Sure, the book acknowledges that editing comes later, but cranking out a quality first draft at that speed still seems like a Herculean task. That said, if you take the time constraints with a grain of salt, the techniques are still valuable for improving writing efficiency.
I also appreciated the marketing insights. Roberts doesn’t just stop at writing, he covers what happens after. His emphasis on niche research, clear messaging, and understanding the audience is something many writing guides gloss over. The section on using reader reviews to shape future books is particularly smart. It’s refreshing to see an author acknowledge that writing isn’t just about passion; it’s also about creating something people want to read.
I recommend this book How to Write a Nonfiction Book in 24 Hours if you’re an experienced writer looking to increase productivity. However, if you’re a beginner hoping to produce a masterpiece in 24 hours, temper your expectations. This book is best for self-published authors, content creators, or entrepreneurs who need to get a book out quickly for their brand. It’s a practical, motivating read, but like any writing guide, success depends on how well you apply the advice.
Pages: 108 | ASIN : B0DML5VLCG
The Author’s Walk
In The Author’s Walk by Dr. Judith Briles, aspiring writers will find a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for navigating the challenging journey of authorship. Dr. Briles, a seasoned publishing and book marketing expert with 43 titles to her credit, offers an authoritative voice in the literary world. Her extensive experience, having worked with numerous authors to achieve publishing success, lends credibility to her guidance.
Dr. Briles engages her readers directly, delivering advice on initiating their writing journey and identifying their unique path. The book stands out for its practical, step-by-step approach, pinpointing common obstacles writers encounter and offering strategies to surmount these hurdles. Covering a comprehensive range of topics, from the inception of a story idea through the writing process, managing distractions, responding to criticism, and ultimately, marketing the finished book, Dr. Briles demystifies the author’s journey. Her personal narrative of entering the publishing arena serves as an inspirational testament, encouraging writers with the message that if she could achieve success, so can they. This book struck a chord with me, an aspiring author, particularly in treating what Dr. Briles terms “Author Fatigue Syndrome.” She warns against the pitfalls of striving for perfection, advocating instead for writing from a place of passion and understanding one’s audience.
The Author’s Walk is an indispensable resource covering everything from the genesis of an idea to the practicalities of marketing. It is an ideal guide for budding and established writers seeking direction. The book’s succinct and accessible style makes it a recommended read for anyone contemplating the start of their writing journey.
Pages: 103 | ASIN : B0BX75MDZ9
Self-Publish & Succeed: The No Boring Books Way to Writing a Non-Fiction Book that Sells
![Self-Publish & Succeed: The No Boring Books Way to Writing a Non-Fiction Book that Sells by [Julie Broad]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ma4s9l3VL.jpg)
Self-Publish & Succeed provides detailed step by step instructions, along with motivational anecdotes, that will help aspiring nonfiction writers understand everything they need to write and publish a book. I was amazed at how defined all the steps were and how it literally takes you from ideation, to publishing, to promoting and selling. Author Julie Broad has provided authors with an informative authorship guidebook that provides easy to understand advice and actionable information with proven techniques that she has used for her books and other authors at Book Launchers.
Each chapter covers a new topic and each topic is like a brick in the road to self-publishing a nonfiction book, from start to finish. With an easy and conversational tone readers are provided with plenty of anecdotes from the authors life and experiences that help set the right expectations and puts readers in the right frame of mind to absorb the information that is about to come. What I liked about this book the most was that it provided detailed instructions on how to specifically put into action the advice provided in the book. This is a nonfiction book about writing a nonfiction book. I say this because, along with all the tips in the book, you get to see the lessons put into action within this book. From the hook, to chapter titles, and down to starting a chapter by grabbing the reader’s attention. All of this helps to understand the points being made and provides great examples of how to execute it. This is like having a full publishing seminar all in one book. Where the information is too dense, the author provides links and resources for continued learning outside the book.
The title of chapter one is, “The Life Changing Book”. This is can be a life changing book for any aspiring nonfiction author that is struggling to get started, has no idea where to even begin, or anyone that has the desire but needs a roadmap. Self-Publish & Succeed delivers specific guidance and encouragement all in a friendly tone and easy to follow process.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B08R16WBPT
