A Strategic Plan for Self-Publishing Success in an Ever Changing Market

This workshop was presented by Kristen Painter and Roxanne St. Claire. Unfortunately I couldn’t stay for most of the workshop. I had to leave to set-up for my chapter event – Death by Chocolate. But I decided even the information I got might be of interest so here it is.

Series appears to be the thing these days. So when looking at writing a series - make it marketable and make it readable.  Decide which area spot is vacant. Cowboy Ninja Vampire? (That was my suggestion – not theirs) Write four or five book using the same characters, same town, same area, and same overlapping characters.
Here are some hints for marketing.
Make the first book free.
The book should be instantly recognized
Find the thing that sets you apart from other authors in the same genre. (Eg. Put a collar on the cover – in a dog series)
Write novellas
Write a mini- series within the series
Have a plan for a new book and maybe some swag
When is the next book coming out?

The Strategic Production Plan – This is for a 70,000 word book

You need to get used to the idea of time frames.
How long does it take you to write a book? Then send it to an editor and edit it.
Break it down into time frames for each book

Decide on a launch plan

They recommend you write three novels.
Eg. – October 14^th – July 15^th (next year)

Do a one year calendar. In to that calendar write in when you write and completion dates for
First draft; second draft; third draft; Edits in; Revisions; copy editing; proof reading; formatting, covers  and all release dates.
You need to make a decision – do you release all at once?
Do you release one a month?
Do you release when you finish writing one?

And that’s it for today. I hope it gives you some ideas. And if anyone stayed for the whole workshop and wants to share more info - please do.