7 AUTHOR MONEY TIPS: these are the things I wish I'd known when I started self publishing

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Here's my Author Money Playlist if you'd like more videos from me on this topic! :) Author Money Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL3IFBPbxQRyp1rbyE1NpQfwoUi450h0_9

[@fredswartley9778]

Writing is a sacred work of art, even if you don't make a penny from your work. Your books will be a lifelong treasure and will outlive you.

[@art_strings]

Yes!! That's very true.

[@JohnWilson-hc5wq]

I am reminded of something the self-publishing company Lulu used to say: "We're for the million authors who can sell a hundred books, not for the hundred authors who can sell a million!"

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Interesting! I like that saying!

[@elizabethainger7556]

Such a validating moment when you say "You only need to put money into these two things" and I say out loud "professional editor and cover art" and then you said it. Clearly binging all your videos is working. ;)

[@celestegosling6054]

On point 7, another thing that I've heard that helps to build on the "solid series", is having multiple entry-points into the series. e.g. if you just have, say, a 3 book series there is only 1 entry point into that series - the first book. but if you add a prequel (stand-alone or series), that is a second entry point to your main money-maker series. Also, if you have short stories related to, or a stand-alone book or series dedicated to a different character (it could be just in the same world or it could be a companion book where it follows the same time period of one or all of the books in the main series). All of these other books/stories lead to your main series, which means there are multiple entry points into that main series, which means it reaches more people. (i.e. sometimes people prefer to read a stand-alone book first to see what the writing is like then move on to the series)

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Oh my gosh YES! So so true. I am just working on doing that exact thing myself, with a spin-off series in The Stolen Kingdom universe :) The reason it works so well is that then you can market another book and draw new readers in that way versus just marketing book one.

[@MOONSUN4Life]

The candor and lack of sarcasm are much appreciated, as are the tips. Subscribed.

[@mickmcart]

Great tips. I’m experiencing all of these with my books. Highly recommend Beth’s series advice, it is spot on.

[@makennazornes]

I’m curious, Bethany, if you’ve ever thought about getting into selling your books direct on your website in order to make a higher royalty percentage? I listen to the Six Figure Author podcast, and they’ve done a couple episodes where they interviewed fantasy author Katie Cross about how she’s built her business model around selling direct. I find the idea very interesting.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Funny you ask, I'm actually about to do a signed book sale in just two weeks. I used to have book stock and sell it all year long, but I'm not physically able to do it as a permanent thing at the moment with a little baby. I will say that the royalties are definitely higher, but there's also a lot of shipping costs and time involved.

[@makennazornes]

@@BethanyAtazadeh Oh, have you ever heard of Lulu Direct? They are the one print on demand company that actually allows you to sell through your own website so you don’t even have to deal with the shipping and all that yourself. I at least haven’t heard of any others besides them that allow you to do that. 🙂

[@samuelbullock6164]

Thank you for the information that you shared, it is very inspiring and helpful.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

You're so welcome, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@MetalGildarts]

Thanks for the insights Bethany! Definitely things I’ll keep in mind when I’m ready to publish.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Absolutely! So glad it was helpful!

[@JemimasOutcome]

These are such good points, especially for people starting up we have all these expectations but the reality can be less exciting. It's good to focus on money saving when it comes to debuts 👌🏾

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Absolutely! I agree, it's not always as fun to spend cautiously, but it's so worth it!

[@jdmoncada8205]

I'm at the start of my career. I self-published my first novel last October and told myself it was about the long game. Right now I can't even give away free review copies of that first book, but I'm creating more stuff and trying to go forward prudently. Anyway, you've got some interesting video titles. Why, yes, I will hit that subscribe button!

[@geholohorroh]

Curious - why are you unable to give free review copies? (Trying to understand as I'm also soon publishing my first)

[@jdmoncada8205]

@@geholohorroh I have review copies, but people won't take them. I'm probably not advertising in the right place to catch the right audience.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

It definitely is a long game, and it's also a steep learning curve. Remember your first book is not your only book, and as long as you continue to learn and grow, the marketing will get better! :) So glad you liked the video!

[@eddiedoubled]

Wow I'm glad I stumbled upon this video, as I am planning to publish my novella this year on my own. I probably will still be spending some coin when it comes to marketing but I definitley will take things in consideration. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay I'm so glad you liked it!

[@etiernan5695]

Nicely done with specific examples.

[@katiemarie8580]

Great video! It's a hard truth and sometimes daunting to think about wanting to be an author as my career, but I love writing and will keep at it, even when I don't make much money!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you! You've got this and that mindset of loving the business for the love of writing is absolutely key to an awesome career!

[@mirasdar3975]

Thanks for your candid honest advice wish you lots of success.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you! You too!

[@varunsanghvi9925]

So genuine.. On to point ... Really love the facts... I subscribed u.. Thank you so much.

[@mirasdar3975]

Thanks

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Absolutely, thank you so much!

[@ashleyemma4954]

It's true, out of my 18 books about 5 make the most overall. It's mostly the last/new books in series that have more books. For example, book 6 in a series sells more than book 2 in another series. They're all the same genre.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yes! It's so fascinating how that works, but so cool when a book series takes off like that! Nice work!

[@jasminel9653]

I actually recently restructured the series I’m working on to turn it into more books because of what Sarra Cannon says in her videos. It makes a lot of sense, but it’s also a little daunting haha

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Haha yes! That’s a good way of describing it! It’s a huge challenge but the reward will be worth it!

[@bodine219]

The snow metaphor is gold, but I am from Michigan so... Thank you for this video. I'm hoping to publish in the next year or two and these sorts of videos are useful.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! So glad it was helpful and that you liked the video! :D

[@glenmattson3765]

Excellent video on the business expectations side of book writing and publishing. Thank you!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@authorcrystalfontanez]

Good to know. Thank you Bethany

[@art_strings]

Excellent information. I started tracking my expenses but just got my first cheque from Amazon - a whopping $2.23 but I earned every penny. Good idea to think about the ROI. I have a free website from Wix for now.

[@daniellewolfebooks]

I just have to say this … I love your laugh ! I wish I laughed like you!

[@laurenericks0n]

Thanks for sharing your insights! Very interesting stuff!

[@michaelcopple1736]

Great vid, Bethany. Absolutely well said.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you so much!

[@starbright6579]

I write Suspense and juvenile fiction. And with crime/drama and horror is for my screenplays. And for the tv scripts I'm thinking about it. I don't know if I can do tv that will take up my whole life.

[@johnd.20]

love your videos Bethany! Great advice!

[@tamlee6169]

Thank you I definitely needed this motivation

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

You got this!

[@courageouscarla1804]

Love this content need this content1 I'm a new writer and trying to understand & organize everything.

[@stephanieamy3721]

At last, an author tells the cold hard truth. My first novel having designed the cover then paid an artist to turn my crappy drawing into a piece of art plus paying a professional editor and then marketing fees on f/b. I was set. I work for the NHS and started getting sales and three reviews from my co-workers. One thing I did not bargain for was the fact that the fifty or so people that paid for my novel would then lend the book to their friends and on and on. Leaving me with low sales. Lots of lovely personal comments however many people feel that they do not know what to write in a review. As sales built up from f/b ads again I still have not received the reviews. It's frustrating. Thank you for the honest vid.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad you enjoyed the video! We all have to learn the hard way sometimes.

[@carriecross8549]

Thank you! I really needed this today. You are like an author angel to the rest of us.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Aww yay thank you! So glad you liked it!

[@tourhead]

Fantastic!! Thanks for posting! -Nordy

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

Your videos are always so helpful! Thank you!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! I'm so glad you like them!

[@abbeyfox8380]

Such great tips, thank you for sharing. I spend a lot of editors, because I need to. So i’m happy i’m able to cut expenses in other things.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad you enjoyed it! ☺️

[@ravengulley7039]

That's why you have to keep releasing and writing the best book you can!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Absolutely!

[@scifidesign2]

This is a very informative video, thank you.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lesleybarklay798]

Thanks again, Bethany. I love all your videos! I'm going to use this video as justification for why I don't need to organise a website yet 🙂

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! Thank you so much Lesley, that means a lot! And absolutely haha!

[@adamjscholte583]

Hey Bethany, as always I love your videos. I spent $20,000 with assisted independent publishing to bring out the first novel of my fantasy series later this year. This involves marketing, editing, and the whole works. I am not expecting heaps of money to roll in straight away, more like after a few years. I just want enough return so that I am able to bring out the following novels in the series.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad you enjoyed the video! We all have to learn the hard way sometimes.

[@adamjscholte583]

@@BethanyAtazadeh That's the thing, I am really happy with these guys. I have no idea what I am doing with publishing. I am going through editing now, and it's killing me. This company wants me to bring out the best in my novel.

[@Kailandra29]

I'm curious how this has ended up working out for you, a year later. I haven't published yet, working on edits of a trilogy now so I can do a staggered release, but half of my writer's group is indie published and publishes regularly, and from everything they've said, $20k is so high for the costs to publish a novel. Looking back now, do you still feel like it was worth it for you?

[@pamelarussellfinadvisor]

I agree I think most authors regret how much they spent on the first book, and so the second time around we are more cautious on spending anything. lol

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So so true!

[@EmmaRosenBooks]

Yes! So true

[@Blackfoxparadox]

not sure if this is too late Im 100k into the first of three in a series of three. Im wondering whether or not to split it down to four or five books, shorter books its the kind of story that doesn't really have a conclusion to the end.

[@dienercontent6872]

Everything you said makes perfect sense except one thing. You recommend under $1,000 (max $1,500) on your first release, but you recommend cover design and pro editing. I’d be surprised if you could do both for under $1500. ROI conversation seems really important. Thanks, Bethany.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Absolutely, so glad you enjoyed it! I have some videos in the author money playlist that could give you great examples of how much I have spent on different books. But for me, my covers are usually $250 (although there are awesome premades for as low as $50 as well, if someone was on a budget!) and then my editors have been in a wide range of prices, but I've paid as low as $300 for an over 100,000 word book, and also paid over $1,000. For me, it'd be worth the time to search for an editor with more reasonable pricing, to pay under $1,000 for edits, but that's my personal opinion.

[@dienercontent6872]

@@BethanyAtazadeh I'll check out that playlist. Thanks!

[@PaulaScardamalia]

This is so true and so informative. For my very first book published back in 2006, a nonfiction self-pub, I paid for book formatting and for printed books. Into the four figure realm. Then, OMG, I made the biggest mistake because I believed in my book and because we didn't have KZbin channels like yours. I paid for a PR/promotion person. More money. Lots of money. Down the drain. One of the few regrets I have in this life. Big, big mistake. Sigh. So yes, look at ROI, track everything. And get out there to represent your book.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you Paula! I think we all have a poor decision under our belt at some point and have to learn the hard way, you're not alone!

[@mtolivesecurityshipping5455]

Bethany, I am reading on how to pick categories/keywords for my vampire novel. It seems to be very tricky to get a proper placement and good ranking.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

You can do it!

[@jenniferkrigbaum2677]

Such a good video! Thank you for the insights! 😊 Also, I can only imagine how many times people ask you to make videos about taxes to bring out the sass 😂 idk why people can’t just google stuff 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you! :) Bahaha oh yeah, I definitely know what comments to expect when I bring up taxes now lol! 😂😂

[@jenag]

Thanks so much!

[@sarahherbison5419]

I don't expect my first book to make it, your first book, first album etc. will always be rougher than following work. Just keep going and keep practicing. My only goal is to make back what I spent, roughly 700.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

That's a great way to look at it!

[@MsShabriaGxo]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I'm so glad you liked it! :)

[@woodman9083]

You are so sweet brilliant encouraging newbies..💖💡💡

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you!

[@ankito1129]

Agree. I have published 8 books thus far and let’s just say, I’m not a NY Times bestseller yet. Lol.

[@fredswartley9778]

Thanks for the advice. This was really helpful. Should you hire a professional formatter for your books in addition to an editor?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I personally format my books myself (and have a whole series of videos on it if you wanna check out that playlist!) But I’d personally probably purchase vellum if I were starting over because it’s easier and a one time purchase instead of paying a professional for every book.

[@ashleyemma4954]

Oh wow, are you in Heart Breathings? We've totally talked before in that group I think!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yeah! I haven't been on facebook for two years now, but there's a good chance we did a long time ago!

[@gamexpress111]

can you more in depth about ROI? It's actually my first time hearing it and I'm actually shook about it lol. As an indie publisher myself, I'm working with someone from Instagram about character art and that is taxable???? What about book tours? Are those taxable too? And how do you make more money on your website? I just put a link on my website so people know where to buy them. Does that count?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I wouldn't consider myself an expert on ROI by any means, but I bet you could research it and find other videos on KZbin about it or other material on the internet! :) And I can't advise on taxes, like I mentioned in the video, but you can always talk to a CPA about what is considered taxable, and you might be pleasantly surprised to discover just how many things are! Making money on the website all depends on what you have to sell - I'd link to everything you have to sell, whether books, digital products, or if you have patreon, merch, affiliate links, etc. :)

[@SheedaVision]

How much money would you say is “too much money” to spend on a book release? I’m release my first children’s book sometime soon. I had upfront costs because I had to hire an illustrator, but that’s all I’ve spent outside of purchasing isbn numbers and publishing.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I can only say my personal preference, but I would never cross $2,000, or even $1,500 if I can help it. I strongly prefer to keep releases under $1,000 (and less is obviously even better), that's my happy place! :)

[@jeanshelbybooks]

I made a lot of monetary mistakes with my first book but learned a lot. This time my only expenses are for an editor and a cover artist. I’m still trying to cut corners with hiring an editor and think next time I’ll just bite the bullet and get a great one. My hopes are to find someone for $1,000 or less. Do you think that’s feasible?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

We all make mistakes! And yeah that should absolutely be feasible unless the book is enormous (ultimately it does depend on word count)! :)

[@mj_james_writes]

@@BethanyAtazadeh I’m curious what type of editor you are referencing. I found a developmental editor for $2,300 for 73k words, which was a average quote. But I managed to find a proofreader for under $400. I went through Reedsy, but maybe there is a better option?

[@spiritwithusjulianpalumbo4501]

Sounds like a short series would be better then. Maybe just 3?

[@kevincolemantpi]

Hi Bethany, How much do you expect to pay for an editor? The ones I have looked at all seem to be about $2000 to $3000 for a 95,000 page novel.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

There are three different types of professional edits. Developmental (most expensive, could reach those dollar amounts you describe), copy edits (second most expensive, but not usually much over $1,000), and proofreading (usually only a few hundred dollars). While yes I've definitely seen the prices you describe, I personally wouldn't pay that much and would continue searching for a more reasonably priced editor. Maybe they have a lot of experience and that price is fair for them, but I know other editors are just as good who charge less. Good luck!

[@realmdarkness]

@@BethanyAtazadeh Can you please recommend some. i would love to not have to pay an arm and a leg when my series is ready for the editing stage

[@mtolivesecurityshipping5455]

Bethany, does having a facebook page with thousands of followers, help sell your book? I have my own for my vampire novel? It will not be printed until next year at this time. I keep giving tiny segments of the book on the page.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

It could. It depends on the author and the engagement. I'm not even on FB and I do just fine. :)

[@rosannebowman2592]

I am getting ready to launch my second trilogy and my first trilogy does decent. I am kinda terrified this one will just flop. I am spending more on editing and I am hoping I can make that money back. I am not spending money I don't have but it's still scary.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I get that! Wishing you the best and a fantastic launch! Remember, even if a book doesn't do well immediately, we as indie authors are able to continue promoting it and they can take off long after release date as well. The release is only the beginning! :)

[@taylorrakers9061]

If you wouldn't might sharing, how many copies did your first book sell? Love the REAL content

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I mean, it's still selling... haha! But if you mean like during release month or whatever, then I actually have some videos where I share my sales numbers for all my books in this same Author Money Playlist! Definitely check it out! But I remember my goal was at least 100 books before my debut released, and on release day it was just slightly over 100.

[@taylorrakers9061]

@@BethanyAtazadeh as soon as I sent that message I realized the question that I asked. Lol. Thank you for reading between the lines!

[@rorynelson7833]

Who’s making $3 a book? Most authors lose money on book 1 and 2. But yes, a series is absolutely the best way to make $$ in this industry.

[@josehk3486]

how do you pay your, developmental editor, copy-editor, proof-reader and cover designer with only 120-1500$ ? Or are you using none of these?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

It's doable if you search for editors with reasonable prices! But I also don't need a developmental editor because I have a fantastic beta reader and critique partner team, and the same goes for my proofreading team, and I also have some copy editing skills since I went to college for a writing and editing degree, so I'm able to hire just one editor for a lower price since my writing is very clean.

[@michaelcopple1736]

Very RARE does a debut ever hit big. I have never seen a newbie ever hit NYTBS on a debut.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Exactly

[@EPICFETCHING]

😄

[@starbright6579]

When I was a kid I used to say I want to be an arthur when I grow up. 😂

[@legibletiger839]

Did you achieve your dream of becoming an Arthur? ;)

[@sarahmatthews5878]

Hey, for all those who live in warm climates, "You can't build a castle out of dry sand!" "A biscuit without salt is nasty." "Mud without water is just dirt." who needs truth when you got facts. 🤣

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

haha good one!

[@harringtonlackey9350]

I'm lucky if I sell one book.😐

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Marketing is a learning curve! Don't give up!

[@woodman9083]

💖💙💙🌴🌿🦖🦖

[@alandavies3727]

Hello Bethany. I sent to you a comment on your last blog about the reality of publishing. I told you my story of spending £8000. To publish 4 books. My children’s books are being advertised on all books sites over the world. This is the reality check. So far all that I have received back is £30. I have a series of seven books. All are of very good quality with excellent colour illustrations. Unless you have the ability to be able to market the books you will have a zero chance of being successful. Bethany what your telling people is correct. Listen to what she’s saying people. You can look up where my books are being sold on the internet to see that I’m telling the truth. The books are called ‘Kirkshaw Forest Stories’

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So sorry to hear that, but don't forget, very few people ever write and publish a book at all so that's a huge accomplishment!

[@getkraken8064]

Here's a worse truth. Most books ARE crap.

[@laurenpatzer]

I don’t think I can overstate how much I dislike the Dislike button. I’ve accidentally hit it over a dozen times in just the last few days. So, if you registered one, just know that I changed it to like as soon as I could.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Haha don't worry about it! I never pay any attention to dislikes, and technically they help the channel in the algorithm as much as likes anyway :)

[@wayneanthonypopesr.3]

You're beautiful.

[@mikellyartisan1384]

Bethany: I know someone who once spent $11,000 on his book. Me: Damn, and I thought saving $500 for costs was too high 😂😂