How To Find Success In Self Publishing

Evan Winter talks about his experience finding success in self-publishing his smash hit, The Rage of Dragons and Fires of Vengence!
Rage Of Dragons: amzn.to/2Pl7Asq
Fires of Vengeance: amzn.to/2OUKCbT
BREACH OF PEACE LINKS:
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Audible: www.audible.com/pd/B08Z8L7D5Q...
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Book Depository: tinyurl.com/2hds7euy (physical)
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Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/brea... (ebook)
Merch: teespring.com/stores/fantasy-...
Patreon: / danielbgreene
Discord Server: / discord
Twitter: DanielBGreene?lan...
Twitch: / fantasynews
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Podcast: afictionalconversation.podbea...
Equipment:
Camera: amzn.to/3siqgHv
Lense: amzn.to/3ugGxhQ
Lighting: amzn.to/3aI3brK
Microphone: amzn.to/3pCGtWg
Tripod: amzn.to/3kd9yq1
Interview:
00:00 Intro
00:54 Time magazine
02:37 Self Pub First Steps
06:04 Success in precision
07:48 Early Sales Importance
11:14 First 100 Days of Ads
15:09 Budget
17:14 Best investments
21:57 Biggest Mistake
23:13 Sweat Equity
24:26 Start with novella
27:56 Genre

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Evan is such a great guy! Be sure to check out RoD is you haven’t already. Pay attention to this guys advice. He knows what he’s talking about!

[@Frogface91]

I just finished RoD yesterday, on your recommendation. This book ruined my sleep, I couldn't put the damn thing down!

[@bentingley3519]

Couldn’t agree more with Evan on how hard Daniel has worked to build his following. It’s all been leading up to this, One Piece at a time.

[@reidblanchard6453]

I see what you did there

[@cristumang3575]

sneaky

[@milospollonia1121]

hehehe

[@Emancy3]

Nice one 😂😂

[@keanugarcia5418]

@AWAIS BUTT It just depends sometimes they are integrated into the world enough where they are apart of everyday life but sometimes it is just combat or softer and used as awe inspiring

[@mwbreen]

I love Daniel’s questions, but I also love that Evan seems to also love them and says when he thinks it’s a good question. What a stand-up dude.

[@DarthSnugglePuss]

I’m a poor grad student with three self published books with very few sales but good reviews. I’m happy with where I’m at right now.

[@raghavbhatia7624]

Two very genuine dudes.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Awe! Thank you.

[@AntoineBandele]

Thank you for this video. I’m one of those readers who just didn’t vibe with Rage of Dragons (and felt bad for it), but Evan is a real stand up dude. This is my first time listening to an interview with him all the way through.

[@MetalGildarts]

No sweat bro, if a book don’t vibe with you, it don’t vibe.

[@bernardoblanchetramirez6032]

@@MetalGildarts words of wisdom

[@MetalGildarts]

@@bernardoblanchetramirez6032 thank you kind sir

[@dunloplopdun9094]

Yo JKFilms Antoine bro!

[@macolof362]

Why so many people did is so confusing to me...

[@jamesmalik3355]

Evan Winter's so charismatic. I ended up watching the whole vid

[@benfisher4783]

I'm going to go and buy Evan's first book and see if I like it. He always seems so genuine when he's on the channel.

[@elwinpillai]

Rage of Dragons was one of the most unique and satisfying fantasy books I've read in years! Can't recommend it enough and I hope you enjoy it!

[@benfisher4783]

@@elwinpillai thanks for the recommendation. Just have to decide how to buy it now. I like audio books but I'm not sure how much money goes to the author on audible. Might have to do some research.

[@BryanGlosemeyer]

I just finished it. It's quite excellent.

[@CamWolfeAuthor]

So much valuable advice here! I can’t imagine the difficulty that would be involved in marketing a book to success without an already established platform. So much respect to Evan

[@mrsiz218]

Found this interview at your suggestion! Thanks so much for pointing me in this direction, Cam! ❤️❤️

[@Calebgoblin]

Faces that I like They are talking to each other Gladness

[@BrandonRocksSauce]

@@moxielofton7679 faces that I like Are talking to each other I feel happiness

[@samivory7733]

I’m glad Daniel has found a use for that second camera I felt bad when he got it for Fantasy News and it was received poorly lol

[@robertwalsh6810]

I can't believe this is free to watch. Such a valuable resource for everyone, hearing from the masters! Thank you Evan and Daniel

[@destro6971]

Just started the 2nd book by Mr. Winter, gotta say I’m really loving the series.

[@SandrasLibrary]

What a fantastic conversation. Really appreciate Winter’s insights on his approach. Such an inspiration!

[@SSBGraham]

“Just drop 10G on ads” is very relatable and helpful advise. “Thank you”

[@brendawaworga]

Ahhh love Evan Winter 😍😍

[@jarltrippin]

This is unrelated to anything, but you have a badass surname.

[@nickdentonva7764]

I remember auditioning for the audiobook before he went with the actual narrator. I knew reading that audition it would be a massive book, I've followed Evan ever since and long may his success continue!

[@pemryjanes5789]

Am I the only one that wants to hear Daniel and Evan discuss Warcraft 3 for ten minutes?

[@eliasfurufors5230]

My face lit up hearing that. I so want to hear them talking about it. I grew up playing that game.

[@hcstubbs3290]

Watching this has made me decide self-publishing is definitely not a back up for me to traditional publishing. It's too damn expensive... which means traditional publishing is the only way to really get success for people without a lot of money to invest in their work or a pre-existing followin to drive up sales. Very interesting video, made me respect self-published authors even more. It's one thing to have enough faith in your work to put it out without a publisher backing you, another to put so much money into it. Now I really wanna read rage of dragons 👌

[@juts89]

That is one impressive dude. No wonder rage of dragons blew up.

[@duskshard4854]

Finished rage of dragons about a week ago and loved it! I’ll read the next one as soon as bookstores reopen!

[@nanderson423]

This interview was so good I bought Rage of Dragons while listening to it.

[@alexdenton6586]

I am a writer myself and the most important thing would be to offer quality that would be a good start 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ When I see all the poor quality content on Amazon it's horrible I see a lot of people wanting to make a quick buck by selling low quality fiction books, content copied from others, coloring books that require no effort etc. I know we are not all equal and not everyone can be Frank Herbert etc but offering quality is the first and most important step

[@sheyslibrary]

Evan seems like such a sweetheart!

[@DanShipleyReads]

Amazing advice here. Next year I'll be publishing my first epic fantasy novel, The Fires of Cerran. Will 100% be following Evan's advice for this one.

[@varenoftatooine2393]

Best of luck, my man

[@WtJah]

Is it out yet ?

[@joshred1571]

How’d it go?

[@mikem1585]

I love the Cradle shoutout! Really excited for the next book.

[@ChiIIChief]

Only eight days! I can't wait!

[@adamjscholte583]

Oh wow, this vid blew me out of the water. I am writing a fantasy series and am looking at publishing next year, this just flipped the script. Over the moon that I stumbled across this page. Thank you my Goblin master

[@JohnDoe-ns5su]

This helps as some who wants to get into writing right out of high school.

[@grendelentertainment9642]

If this video doesn’t get a million views I will eat my own shoes. This was absolutely brilliant!

[@ardequerade3155]

just some advice for anyone considering self publishing, connections within the community matter and do help, there are lots of exchanges like deals and favours. like say person 1 offers to edit some chapters for person 2, because person 2 happens to be good at illustrations and can help them with their coverart in exchange. or instead of a straight exchange they can offer the same work but for a discounted price instead. a lot of fellow writers, not necessarily published, do offer work in their expertise in exchange for money, exposure (usually not a replacement for actual compensation), favours, etc. so keep that in mind. you can make heaps of friends too :D

[@tayo_95]

I don't care if this sounds cheesy, it warms my heart to see someone who looks like me who has made a living through self-publishing fantasy books. I really need to read Rage Of Dragons at some point.

[@rakatsceptic6379]

It is cheesy but good for you tho

[@romellparks-weekly7779]

It's great to have resources like this so that when my book is finished, I can benefit from your experience when I publish. Thank you!

[@bonniestevens4329]

I read both books last year and loved them! I am greatly looking forward to the next one.

[@josephrogers5298]

Yes! This is a great idea and I'm glad you both worked on this. Excited to watch and take some notes.

[@ThisIsJaysWorld]

My mom,who normally only reads Paranormal Romance (bodice rippers) is reading The Rage of Dragons right now and, very much to my surprise, she loves it.

[@benderB9]

How dare you cut out a WC3 tangent?! Great and informative talk :)

[@Carlos101010101]

Thanks guys! That was the best conversation on self publishing I've ever watched.

[@thelemmiebee]

I love Evan Winter and his wisdom. Great interview and lots to ponder on. Thanks for delivering, Daniel!

[@luvBB4lyf]

This was such an informative and interesting interview. Evan Winter is so well spoken, love watching your videos with him!

[@elwinpillai]

Thank you Evan and Daniel for such a great interview. You both provided a ton of great information on self-publishing, especially on how essential paid advertising is to get works out there!

[@maeheller9657]

This was an amazing interview. Thank you both so much!

[@c.a.gutierrez2108]

Great interview. Lots of amazing advice. Already started the first book!

[@paulandrewwandless3167]

Great interview! A lot of great insights on the process. Loved both of Evan's books!

[@Piqipeg]

I love when Evan is on, Daniel and him always have interesting conversations!

[@graphthis2249]

Just stumbled on this interview and picked up the book on Audible as a result. The premise sounds awesome. Thanks for this!

[@Mobinng]

This helps a lot. You guys gave me some ideas I hadn't even thought of to promote my own book, which comes out in a few days. Thanks Mr. Goblin and thanks Evan!

[@CallumRickard]

Absolutely one of my favourites so far, Daniel. Your usual chaotic and genuine enthusiasm and hard work have led you here, so do 👏🏻 NOT feel guilty for your sales success 👍🏻 I was half-bakedly aware of Evan's Rage Of Dragons and had it parked on my TBR somewhere, but after watching his articulate genius in action, and listening to his tips, I defo want to read it. He's so erudite and interesting, and laser-focussed. Thanks for this video 📹

[@travissullivan6575]

Thanks for this Daniel and Evan. I loved the world Evan put together, as he has some of the best logistics in fantasy.

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Wonderful discussion! Thanks for helping us amateurs! Nice to follow people who are working out the bugs for us.

[@gold.poo22]

Really love how professionally Daniel handles these interviews. This one with Evan, along with his interviews with Joe Abercrombie and Christopher Paolini, and even the LEGEND Brandon Sanderson, are wonderfully done. Daniel is a great interviewer and it provides for some excellent content. Along with his interviewees being some really awesome guys :)

[@kimu.6227]

What a cool guy! I just bought his book! Can’t wait to read it!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Great video, and I'm definitely adding Evan Winter to the TBR!

[@person1589]

Speaking of marketing, I hadn't actually heard of Evan before this video and now I'm going to go use both of my two audible credits to go buy his books. Thanks for the well-done video Daniel. Your channel is an incredible resource for anyone interested in fantasy and books in general.

[@actionms8566]

Great video. I really love Rage of Dragons. I wish Daniel the same success with his writing. Already excited for BoP.

[@3dchick]

Evan's voice is almost hypnotic. Maybe the only author ever who should narrate their own audio books.

[@JasonDettrey]

I think that it is important to notate that Evan Winter self-published The Rage of Dragons in 2017 and then it was acquired by Orbit in 2019 and rereleased that July. So before everyone rushes off to goodreads to see the 33k reviews and assumes from this video that all of those sales came from self-publishing, that would not be the case. Evan Winter, in another interview, stated that he was in talks with an editor from Orbit which allowed him to be picked up as a traditionally published author at a big 4 because he felt that they could help him "be better". So, while there is value in the things being talked about in the interview, I think that it is important and should have been noted in the video that Evan Winter is no longer just a self-published author and at best is a hybrid author. It is also worth noting that since the book was acquired by a trad publisher and "rereleased" that could also mean that the book as it is currently being sold could be vastly different from the original self-published form. Not saying it is, but it could be considering trad publishers do go through extensive periods of editing, design, and marketing before they release a book. I would hazard that The Rage of Dragons was possibly only listed for a year before being picked up by Orbit so that they had time to do their due diligence before rerelease. Food for thought. Not dogging on Self-Publishing at all, but just giving everyone a reality check before we all go crazy over how "successful" this self-pub author is, when there are key facts that Daniel Green is omitting here and Even Winter is has also talked about in other interviews.

[@tobkromtob8992]

Evan is really One of the nicest Person I have Seen on the Internet. Such an enjoyable Interview everytime

[@DavidDecero]

Great discussion guys. As someone who'd like to self-publish in the future, thank you. There is some awesome insight from a writer who has actually done it. Also, I'm about halfway through Rage of Dragons and I'm really enjoying it so far.

[@ConstantinGMWeber]

This is in my to 5 interviews ever! I can't thank you both enough! 🎉🎉🎉 The value for me is unmatched.

[@admirekashiri9879]

Men I can't wait to finish my first book. This is so motivating I've been wondering about how I'll eventually publish my series. Being a business graduate as well the talk of marketing and financing is making me excited.

[@texman89]

Thank you so much for doing a video on marketing. I needed this.

[@LisadoesLife]

This is just so informative. He seems like such a great guy.

[@britwww]

Evan is such a great guy I’ll read anything he puts out. Some people just deserve success!

[@tamarantulasweb943]

Thank you both for this genuinely helpful advice! I learned more from this video than from hours of online research :D

[@rentonreva2047]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing!

[@leonie9101]

This was such a good and helpful interview! As a writer, who wants to published author, this was extremely inspiring!

[@miketacos9034]

This is such valuable advice. This really encourages me. It’s tough but at least I know what to aim for.

[@Viksbelle]

This has been more informative than most of the convention panels on book marketing I've attended.

[@JohnnyValmaggia]

The only thing missing from this interview is them switching around and Evan asking Daniel how to build an audience on the internet. At which point Shad Brooks pops in and starts throwing machicolations at their faces.

[@RB-eb9mr]

Interview just had me picking up his book. It's really good, can't believe I've missed it before now!

[@christhewritingjester3164]

100% agree on starting with a novella. I have learned so much (self-published in December 2021) and I'm glad I didn't try to dive into this with what I consider my grand first novel. It's more than just the self-publishing process though. Getting all the bugs out of your writing abilities so your "baby" is better written is also a major factor in starting out small.

[@jackieboyborden]

This is insanely insightful

[@R3BECCAK]

Honestly when I see Evan Winter on this channel I squeal 🤩🤩

[@paniklewe]

New things learned, awesome!

[@heathervanness10]

Evan is so well-spoken. this was so informative like wow!

[@andrewhenshaw4067]

World of Warcraft indeed!

[@cyrilturlan6727]

Great interview, Daniel. I haven't read Evan's book as of yet but, man! what an interesting insight in the world of self-publishing. Hopefully I'll get there someday. What's interesting to me is how it's not so different to what some artist friends have told me; I've been working in a museum (in France, 'cause I'm French and all...) and I've met quite a few artists or aspiring artists who were working part-time or even full time at the museum, to cover their bills. One thing that would come back quite often was how they were baffled, sometimes even discouraged by how much the marketing part was taking in all their journey. See, they've been studying in great Arts School for many years, sharpening their craft and/or mind, everything revolving around Art, but then, when the selling part would eventually arrive, some were lost, because it's a completely different set of skills/knowledge they never even cared for. A few of them even considered stopping everything, discouraged in the face of all this, discovering how much social connections and money were prevalent in the big picture (probably 'cause french people are weirdly biased on matters of making money out of anything...). That is why that kind of interview is important for aspiring authors/artists, even readers; understanding that a creative mind is only part of a long journey, that might be filled with unwanted parts, but might eventually end up as a beautiful gem of a book that will resonate with thousands of people around the world. On that note I think I'll grab my tablet and start with Breach of Peace now. Thanks again, man. Peace!

[@bigsiskrishere]

Great conversation! Once again demonstrates why I will never be able to self publish 😅 And that's okay! I just know I could never handle that much on top of the weight of "oh my god my creative work is out in the world and total strangers will be judging it".

[@hotplotsandsynonyms]

Watching this for a second time (and as a long-time Warcraft lover), I would like you to release a random video of the cut footage of you and Evan Winter rambling about Warcraft 3. I LOVE hearing about the gaming lives/interests of my favorite fantasy authors and I know others do as well.

[@sirhubcap2171]

Always have the best interviews, man

[@Mahir_Khan_Journey]

Your videos are giving me the fuel to continue working on my first book, cheers mate, hopefully it gets reviewed in your channel one day haha

[@bracerofplanets6274]

Looooove the interviews!

[@emmanuelboakye1124]

This is needed.good work👍👍

[@masonpines6349]

Glad I'm not the only one who started with a novella. Good place to learn some hard do's and don't's.

[@Demancer2]

Soooo happy for him. I hope my self-published novella gets there one day.

[@Thebigbad1013]

Very interesting and insightful. Good stuff.

[@davidcayden329]

good work on the video!

[@williss1192]

This video holds so much value. I've done heavy research and can only find a few things that give this type of raw information. I hope you can give an update video as Amazon terms continue to change now.

[@jotaz3838]

Evan with that Cradle shoutout! Really Daniel give them a try, if you start now you can get caught up in time for Bloodline.

[@samanthaa.6055]

Cool interview. Thanks!

[@masonexploring4373]

Great show guys im new and needed this

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I can't wait to read the last two books in the series loved rage of dragons and fires of vengeance

[@ladybocknite5120]

Thank you for introducing me to a new author!!

[@kosanarmax4158]

Great advice, I'd never thought of the value of paid advertising on amazon

[@Grux_ASG]

Damn i love his reaction to top100 list

[@StarlitPublishing]

Great comments by Evan. AMS and FB ads are very good, Bookbub is tricky for sure. Paid newsletter ads can really be useful too, even in the first 90 days depending on how you work it. Newsletter mailings can work if you are releasing regularly too.

[@Nassaldromus]

Daniel, you are very intelligent. I appreciate your insight and your well-formed questions and interviews. I'm not as much a fan of videos that are more on the funny side, but that's on me and my sense of humor and not you. I wish you success. Your providing a great resource for aspiring writers like me.

[@danieleColomboChnl]

Even if I have no plan to publish a book I found this video super interesting!

[@fictionalphoenyx]

Very informative. My debut fantasy novel released almost 2 months ago on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and I've only sold 28 copies. LOL. It gets really good reviews, but I can't seem to get the momentum going.

[@jackbharucha1475]

What is the book called?

[@jalahjava_]

Dawg, what's the book called? I wanna read it.

[@ChiIIChief]

This was great.

[@tiitusuusitalo2652]

I would love to see how you would rank A Song of Ice and Fire books from worst to best! Maybe a tier list for that sometimes?