The average self-published book sells 250 copies in its first year and maybe 1,000 copies in its lifetime. Most authors are ecstatic if they hit 1,000 copies in the first three months. But what if you sold 1,000 copies of your book on the first day it released?
Now, there is no such thing as an overnight success. Work that lasts and resonates with your audience requires consistent effort over an extended period of time.
Without a platform, without an email list, and without a community, you could not self-publish a book tomorrow and reasonably expect anything but dead air in response.
However, if you put in the effort, do your research, and engage with influencers and your target audience to build a loyal tribe, the sky really is the limit.
This week's guest on The Portfolio Life, successfully self-published a book and sold over 1,000 copies on the first day it released. Within a week he was connected with seven traditional publishers, landed a book contract soon thereafter, and has just launched Quarter-Life Calling.
Listen in as Paul Sohn and I talk about how to decide whether to self-publish or pursue a book contract with a traditional publisher, realizing the emptiness of a “dream job” at a young age, and redefining what it means to achieve success.
Listen to the podcast
To listen to the show, click the player below (If you’re reading this via email, please click here).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Show highlights
In this episode, Paul and I discuss:
- Redefining what it means to achieve success
- Writing a book for yourself
- Unpacking the decision to self-publish
- Living out the principles of your book before publishing it
- Building an influential network on Twitter and Facebook
- Developing a book launch team
- Hacks and tricks to boost Amazon rankings
- Connecting with 7 different traditional publishers one week after self-publishing
- The supplemental benefits of creating a platform that goes beyond the book
- Establishing a personal board of directors
- Picking whichever publishing method aligns best with your goals
Quotes and takeaways
- The essence of life is discovering your calling. Which will help you to live more purposefully.
- “It's one thing to write a book. It's another thing to live a book.” –Paul Sohn
- Discovering your calling and aligning your life around it will require uncomfortable shifts.
- Follow the advice of experts without arguing to get the results you want.
- “Your quarter-life could be the best time to discover your calling in life.” –Paul Sohn
- Just because you write about something, doesn't mean you are an expert.
- Any measure of fame or notoriety can be accompanied by loneliness.
- Simply writing a book doesn't entitle you to anyone's attention.
[share-quote author=”Paul Sohn” via=”JeffGoins”]You can't 100% predict the outcome of your launch.
Resources
- Quarter-Life Calling by Paul Sohn
- The Call by Os Guinness
- Your First 1000 Copies by Tim Grahl
- Behind the Man Behind the Muppets
- Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Burchard
- Pre-order Real Artists Don't Starve
- Podcast sponsor: ConvertKit's new Masterclass
Are you planning to self-publish or traditionally publish? Why? How are you living out what you write about? Share in the comments.
Click here to download a free PDF of the complete interview transcript.
