How I Sold Over Half A Million Books Self-Publishing

[@HeartBreathings]

Which of these tips do you struggle with the most? Which is the most eye-opening for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

[@tanyaperry3329]

Wassup girl!... How do i fine a domain code? Where do you recommend printing stages?

[@MuttFitness]

I can't believe you write so many books a year.

[@ShanaJahsintaWalters]

Heart Breathings, congratulations.

[@ChronicFatigueHope]

Choosing a project... I have 2 and my heart is 100% in both 😭 but the first is a long, LONG term project: so I guess I know which will win💗

[@maricellaalaniz9031]

Writing a series lol I am nonfictional

[@LavenderLori406]

2-4 books a year!!! I just finished my first book. It took 5 years!

[@aliahmedt.v9837]

Your book is more valuable then her

[@jonathanbaumler798]

Ali Ahmed T.V ..the fuck...?

[@kirohhpvp9602]

It's okay to take your time! I feel like once you get your first book done it will probably be easier to do the books which continue off of that one.

[@urorazbojnik5678]

@@aliahmedt.v9837 hahaha that escalated quickly xD

[@DonSimkovich]

My writing partner and I have taken between 7 months to 11 months to write each of our 1st 4 novels. It took from Jan 2015 to Aug 2016 to write our 1st one.

[@tadsanders5043]

650 thousand books sold!! You are true badass!!

[@sanityone649]

Well said...good strategy. Thanks. It's nice to know that you have sold over 650,000 books as of 2018. So many author-tubers aren't selling any books...and are parroting what they viewed on someone else's channel. Good luck.

[@scotttaylor1663]

I realize this is an old video. Congratulations on your success. In working with new writers I am constantly searching for tips they can use to get better as writers and to put their work out there for the world to see. Thanks for all you do.

[@FeralJournal]

I just found your channel and came from a planner video. Now I discover you are also an author! Woo girl! You are out here doing the dang thing!! Good for you!! So glad I found you I have always wanted to write a book. Now I have to go check out your books too. Thank you for sharing!! :😊

[@HeartBreathings]

Welcome!!! Definitely a sign to write that book!!

[@learnlanguages9573]

The best video ever!!!! I saw tons of videos about this subject but your video is extraordinary. I wish you all success...

[@bemaat6723]

I think you have the most genuine, authentic information. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@AllAround-wq1gd]

Thank you for the helpful tips and congratulations on your success!🙂🍀

[@thomgorman]

Thanks for the great video. It was very informative and specifically reinforced my thoughts, regarding the writing of a series. I expect to publish on KDP shortly. You have been a great help.

[@errinstevens4514]

Started slightly after you and am MUCH slower (will release my 3rd in a few months), but am seeing exactly the progression you describe in terms of an anchor series, branding, and engagement. Thank you for your transparency and humility. You were so generous to share yourself with us this way!

[@MatthewSmith-vc8go]

This is some stellar advice. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us!

[@ShayALaMode]

Thanks for the tips! I made sure I wrote all the tips down. I’m really excited for my career to take off.

[@authorcassandrastarling]

I found myself nodding so much during this video. Thank you for this video even if I am 5 years late. This stuff seems to at least hold true to the fundamental advice you said here. Thank you.

[@mahmouddualeh686]

I completely rebranded my short story covers after watching this, thanks for the advice!

[@14u2ponder]

I am a very cynical person regarding bullshit writing advice. Most of it is bullshit. However, this one video (even if I am not the target reader for these kinds of books) is probably the best advice I've ever heard on how to have a career in writing books. Don't read Stephen King's advice on writing, go here instead. Anybody that wants to write these types of books, I would listen to what she has to say. This author knows some stuff. I think this video is brilliant.

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow! Thank you so much, Kevin. This means a lot. I appreciate it.

[@14u2ponder]

Yeah, I see some posts on here that are kind of covertly trying to undercut what you said, make it seem inauthentic, because for whatever reason, but couching the true criticism or uneasiness they have with it, in various ways. I don't write series books myself, but I can see how powerful it is to do. And if I could add my own sort of advice to the table and piggyback on what you said: readers want to see characters they love go through things: beats. The more novels a specific character has the more beats the reader knows they will get with this character, which is exciting. One of the novels I use to judge my own writing against is the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. In it, Douglas Adams put Arthur Dent into all sorts of beats to the thrill of the reader. Kurt Vonnegut used his special brand of humor and writing style to create a beat within his reader. You read a Vonnegut book for that special Vonnegut style. Basically in less than 20 minutes you explained the entire publishing industry to me in a way that makes complete sense.

[@tiredcaffeine]

So, I liked the video. But what's wrong with Stephen King? His book On Writing really helped me. The difference is Stephen King helps you improve your 'writing', and this video tells you how to increase the sales.

[@14u2ponder]

@@tiredcaffeine I can't really remember, over 2 years ago, why I singled Stephen King out, perhaps I had watched a video by him right before this, but my general reaction to writing advice, is that it is pretty much bullshit. There is no advice that can help you write books, none. You have to work out, for yourself, on the page what is it you want to do and nothing can help you do that. My general approach to writing books and the only rule I follow is: respect the reader's time, as much as possible. The reader is the only thing I care about in writing. The reader is always right and I don't want to disappoint him or her if it is in my power to help it. If you pander to the publishing industry, you might need to read all of those books that teach you about a myriad of things that THEY like a book to be. If it were up to them, 50 shades of Grey would never have been published. If you respect the reader, and give them what they want, you will be fine.

[@tiredcaffeine]

@@14u2ponderWell, actually I don't think that way. Every augtor has their own voice. G.R.R.M. has a different style than J.R.R.T. Readers will chose which author they love more. You don't change your writing according to your readers who one day might stop reading you. You write as yourself and readers who love your style will come to you. I think you have not read SK's 'On Writing' book. Because he does not tell you 'How to write'. If you read, you will see. And, no, every newbie writer needs help. So, those advices you see on the net are mostly solid. For example, "Read, read, read, write, write, write" "Don't use too much passive voice" "Too much adverbs weaken the writing, don't you then too much" etc. Like any job, doing it without any help, aka re-inventing the wheel, will only wate your time. You should change your idea of what is being an "author".

[@JamesRansonTMW]

I am so gratified to hear you encourage valuing quality over speed. Far too few people promote that idea these days. Well said!

[@DavidRamosAuthor]

Hands down one of the best indie author youtube videos I've seen. THANK YOU for this! Definitely making me think of how I can rebrand my series and hopefully get some momentum behind it.

[@charlestoncoliving]

Bad. Ass. This was such a good video, and congrats on your enormous success!

[@PhotoBrad]

Fantastic advice! Thank you for your integrity. This is the first video I've found on YT about self-publishing that actually promotes genuine authorship and a passion for the craft. Others focus only on greed as a motivation and they're encouraging others to dump low quality, ghost-written garbage books into the market for profits only. I'll be watching more of your videos for sure!

[@RevDrDeniseMWoods]

Single Series resonated the most with me. Thank you!

[@amandabarrows6066]

As an aspiring author, I'm so excited I found your channel! Great practical tips!

[@healingforall8967]

This is so helpful....thank you so much for your transparency and all of the details!!!

[@curiousimp]

Congratulations on your success.

[@blacklawnow9596]

Thank You for your kindness. You helped my life. 🙏🏿

[@euforiacosmos4214]

This is the most concise, and clear cut advice I've ever heard about what to do with having a successful writing career. Thanks much and congrats on your success.

[@sandyharrison3930]

Thank you. I have a series I am starting. And then I watched this. Thanks for the extra motivation. Very much needed. ♥️

[@thefictionscribe]

Sounds like I'm on the right track with my plan. I have my debut novel coming out next month, and have the rough draft of sequel already 80% written. My plan was to get the sequel done and on the market within this year, and the third book started. I have several other standalone outlines written, as well as another series, so I will work on this series before starting on the next one.

[@technoshaman001]

how has your book launch gone? it's been 4 years! update?!

[@detoxlady6777]

Your advice here is GOLD. I shared it with two people whom I care about, who also like to write.

[@MaryRajotte]

I can write fast. Editing is another issue! :) Loving these videos, Sarra! Thanks for taking the time to share your tips!

[@HeartBreathings]

Mary Rajotte haha good point!!! It just takes time to get a book fully ready! At least for some of us!

[@utualan]

Writing is editing! Get used to it!!

[@eugenefernandez4672]

Get someone on fiverr to edit

[@bon2198]

Were we deployed together in Qatar?

[@anndayleview7418]

Same here!

[@babblegarden6071]

No wonder you are so successful. You're clever and humble and generous. Thanks for sharing!

[@mistermerlin8917]

I've watched many videos on writing tips and you come across as refreshingly genuine. And intelligent. I value your tips about sticking to one series and even using the first book as a loss leader. Subscribed!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!

[@tammymihalic7374]

Your Cover sequence definitely was a good recommendation. Thx! 💪

[@Growndweller]

You're such a steady and calming presence to listen to. Thank you for taking what for you was a "happy accident" and sharing what you learned from it so you can help others who may not be so lucky to stumble upon serendipitous success. You rock, Sarra!

[@nicholashillofficial]

Thank you Sarra for your advice. I am a non-fiction writer of leadership training manuals, but now want to publish my work as books. Your advice is universally applicable and very helpful.

[@imeldajohansjah1231]

Very great information 😉. Thanks a lot.Love your honesty.

[@wymanstewart338]

Am an unpublished Short Story writer--at heart. Have read much about writing, publishing, and marketing, into my senior years. For the topics covered, this video strikes me as honest, sincere, accurate, and shared in down-to-earth language. In other words, helpful to anyone, who feels in need of help, concerning these topics. I've Subscribed and expect to view this Author's Vlog, for education and inspiration, in building my writer career. Thank you for taking the time to share these gold nuggets with the world. You're also a fine speaker. Wondering if the helicopter is the Publishing Industry, seeking to wipe you out, for sharing free, useful information? Keep up the great work. Happy writing! :-)

[@paranormallife4164]

we can all help u jsut call upon us AUTHORS.

[@JacquelinePawl]

This video is so awesome! I'm "window-shopping" so to speak for the book I just finished writing (in terms of trad publishing vs indie), and this video was very informative. Right now I'm leaning more towards breaking my 120k-word book into several smaller pieces and rapid releasing it. It's just so nerve-wracking to consider!!!

[@lindabroom3564]

I wish I’d found you before I self published my book,lol I’ve just released a children’s book and since writing it realised it should be a series of 7 …Im well behind my schedule but I’ll preserve and put into practice the things that have worked for you.Thank you

[@JPCorwyn]

Excellent advice. :D I'm a legally blind singer/songwriter and, as of this month: author. It's refreshing and engaging to hear a perspective like this - bold, cold facts in a time-tested and very easily digested attack plan. Grats on your well-earned success and thanks for the video. :D

[@pinkskiestoday]

I'm not a writer but I'm really enjoying your YT content. Congratulations on the half a million books sold - what an amazing accomplishment! I'll go check out your books on Amazon.

[@chastitywhiterose]

Thanks for the tips. I definitely have my anchor series already and I hope I have some success as a writer too.

[@authorrobjohnson3178]

I definitely appreciate these gems! I've been strapped for time because of schoolwork, but I released my first novel back in 2009 before I knew what self publishing was, and just recently released two novels back in 2018 (the most recent one was on Christmas). I hope your success continues for real.

[@melodine707]

She's SO modest....Beautiful Demons reads just fine. It got me hooked on the series! I'm looking forward to getting through the newer books in this particular series but I'm also excited to read Deep Dark Secrets from her.

[@CapeCodLenore]

Thank you. My first book in my series has been launched as of Oct 2020. I'm working hard on marketing, understanding how Amazon works, and starting the second book. You've been so helpful. I'm looking forward to watching your other videos.

[@kingrosalani]

I really love all these tips. I write poetry books so it's a bit different than a one-story plot, but I will still take these tips for my own poetry book!

[@coffeeloverforever582]

I am so happy I found your channel. You are so amazing. May you achieve an abundant success to your hearts desires!!!

[@Erieswitchcraft]

Thank you for sharing this 🖤 just released my first book and struggling with how to market it. I appreciate your insight.

[@rebeccaschenk784]

Amazing and informative video! Thank you!

[@LoveStarDistrict]

I liked what I heard.....you now have a new subscriber and thank you for those jewels of knowledge!

[@yeeerbia9121]

Write what I love. -I'm definitely doing it.

[@Kev_Partner]

I agree with almost everything you say. The only thing I'd differ on is the "write what you like" advice. If there's no market for what you want to write, then you're not going to sell half a million books. I like Chris Fox's advice which is to find the intersection between what you want to write and what sells. You're absolutely right about needing to keep the quality up. I wrote a 6 book series at a rate of 1 book a month, but it took a lot of effort with a beta team, collaborator and editor to make sure the quality was as good as a book I might have spent 6 months on. Congratulations on your success.

[@breath888]

I get what you are saying, but SOMEone's gotta write what they like lol. If every author focused on appealing to the mainstream, many readers would live in disappointment. I guess it depends on whether the goal is good writing/creativity or making money/making a living. When I write, draw, make music...I'm doing it because I love the process but also because I'm creating what I myself would love to read about. Like the guy above said, Van Gogh wasn't appreciated during his life, but look what his paintings sell for now. So there's many factors involved in what makes a bestseller....what most people want, what you want (money or honest creativity - I say honest because many make millions doing the copycat game...you know taking other people's successful book or app and just altering the picture, title, and words a little), timing, marketing, etc. Peace

[@MrBadWithNames]

Thanks for the tips! I'm close to finishing the 70% completion mark and have recently started stressing out about self-publishing, haha.

[@writingandself-publishingw4051]

Your story is really inspiring. A lot of authors have come and gone in the last nine years. Staying power is a huge thing. Especially with all of the shifts in the marketplace. Congratulations to you.

[@scyllagrand]

Thank you for the tips! I’d have trouble rapid releasing, as it takes me a long time to write even a small bit of content. I think I was already branding without realizing it; I drew the cover for the next book, and it has similarities to the first book’s cover. I think it’s eye-opening to hear that you write side stories to keep your readers engaged in your world.

[@the_JCNova]

Thank you, Sarra. I write too, as J.C.Nova - and I must say that this has been one of the most helpful videos EVER on writing and selling books. Fantastic stuff!

[@positivelypurposeful8522]

This is one of the BEST writing videos I have watched! I am publishing my first novel At the end of March. I have a great idea for my second book and even the layout. But I will most likely take a small break between my books! Looking forward to having a series :)

[@toluwole]

Thank you very much, just what I needed.

[@Jonas_Fox]

Thanks so much for your no BS insights into self-publishing. I think what resonated the most with me is the fact that you exist, you have an author page and books attached to a real name lol. It is obvious you are passionate about your projects and I'm excited to check out what else you have to say about publishing and fiction. I have been laying the groundwork for my own six-book fiction series but haven't taken the plunge into publishing it. Thank you for all the encouraging and earnest honesty about your journey. You've won a subscriber and follower :)

[@carlosurbina6246]

What resonated the most was your sincerity and simplicity. next was the tip on always promoting the first book in the series.

[@manniesreactionchannel3808]

Thanks for the great tips! I’m currently writing a few books.

[@songio77]

Thanks so much Sarra. Writer myself, in Europe, not in English, working mainly for TV. Your advise is sensible, specific, down-to-earth and extremely useful. It's true: we should not focus on one title, one release but on building a complete world that generates multiples stories, and solid audience, through the years. Keep on with your good craft.

[@emmaselem6840]

I'm a new writer myself, and I had absolutely no idea where to start until I watched this video. She tells us about her journey and how she got to where she is now, but she also borders on some very important tips: clear branding, writing one series at a time etc., so I watched some of her other videos, and she goes more in depth in those videos. Thank you to Sarra for sharing this video and the others, I know what I want as a writer and where to start. I've subscribed to the channel for more useful tips.

[@cathyl3526]

Loved this video. I watch a million Authortubers. I don't know how I missed you up until now. I'll have to binge watch your archives now!

[@west2ndproductions]

Thanks for the advice. I am an indie filmmaker and scriptwriter, have been thinking about branching out to self publishing as well. I just love writing in general and really have a desire to make a living being creative. You dropped some really good advice and this video was very inspiring.

[@sarahfenlonfalk]

Hi Sarra! I just found your videos and am excited to get to know you a bit more through them! I like what you said about engaging readers in between books and also the way you “route” readers by giving recommended reading (start with book 1) at the end of each of your books. I am going to be publishing my Book 1 in young reader fantasy series next month so watching this video was perfect timing! I’m going to check out the rest of your videos as well. Thanks!

[@theyoungcarpenter3249]

I really feel the getting better part I was half way through the first of my series and I have now decided to scrap it to write it completely better

[@sumanghosh-pb3dw]

2:53 - write a single series. 3:27 - if u can only write 2 - 4 books a year she highly recommends 2 keep it in a single series so u can have the releases back 2 back. Like in 6:20.

[@Jodi-MWW]

This is fabulous advice. Thank you so much!

[@maramiller3741]

I’m so tempted to go back to the vampire series that I started when I was a teen. I just haven’t worked on it in years hahaha. I’ve been focusing mostly on new adult romance.

[@nicolelistsit6717]

Vampire adult romance ;)

[@TaiEast7]

This is such great advice! Thank you so much! ❤

[@raifcluster]

I apologize. I thought I was responding to the ad at the beginning of your video. He wouldn't get to the point, so I quit watching it. I do appreciate the information in your video.

[@metime3564]

This was the perfect video for me to see today. Synchronicity. I am currently waiting for my new book to be editied by my publisher and I started 2 new ideas completely seperate from my first book. I am so happy that you put me back on track. I pulled out my workbook and decided to do my 2nd book in this series. Great advice. Thank you.

[@karenroy652]

love the concept of the anchor series - so true, building your fan base!!

[@DalCecilRuno]

This is so helpful, thank you! I'm writing a sci-fi trilogy and I started being very serious about it last year when I finished the book using NaNoWriMo as a boost to finish the draft. I'm partially blind so I know I have a ton to learn, and my punctuation is a disaster, I know that. But I also have noticed how much I have improved since the first draft of the first chapter in the first book, now I'm working on drafting book 2, and I can tell I've learned a little. This keeps me motivated to go on with it. Writing is a neverending learning curve. If we try to write just to make quick cash, well, it will show up and improvement is not gonna happen as much as if we commit to writing and improving stories that we love. Great content, I'm subscribing.

[@PeggyStinson]

just running across this... very, very authentic. Thanks for sharing and being so generous in your information for others. We need lots of writers with lots of genres. Great!

[@robynn0405]

Thank you so much for this!! I've been watching a lot of videos like this where people are, honestly kind of arrogant and focusing on tending stuff. I like this because you seem very genuine and professional and you specify that your way is not the only way. I appreciate that so much! Thank you for having the courage to be different in an industry where you're told to be trendy.

[@MarcPrime]

How do you stay focused on writing and finishing? I tend to have random ideas through the day and then put the ideas on my laptop when I get home from work. But that’s all I have. Little notes and tidbits. I’ve been doing this for years!

[@HeartBreathings]

Are all your notes part of the same story? Or lots of different things? I think for me, I just set my mind to it, work out as much of the overall plot as I can, and then dedicate to getting it done. Might not be super helpful advice though! I did just do a video on how to stay focused while writing, so that might give you some tips!! Also, really thinking about your goals and intentions. Why are you writing? What do you want to get out of it? Or is it just something fun you do to fill your soul?

[@adamoleoni2272]

Just write. Join nanowrino this november.

[@Characterswrite]

Set a reasonable daily goal for yourself and don't do anything else until you reach it.

[@CarolynLDean]

(sorry if I'm jumping in here...) I use a separate .doc/notebook for random thoughts for future ideas. I call it PARKING LOT and jot down anything that might interest me later. It helps keep me focused, and having a bit of time and distance from that random idea and the day I can revisit it sometimes helps me know if it is valuable or trash. Wishing you all the best!

[@pipfox7834]

see Julia Cameron's book, the Artists Way. The Morning Pages exercises described in the book are an excellent way to ''prime the pump'' of what is trying to come out...

[@novellaauthor]

It took me 10 years to publish City of Red: Part 1, it’s sequel only took a year to write and publish. After that, since my sales were non existent, I decided to explore genres. So I published a childrens picture book with my wife, I’m working on another book that will be out before the new year. But then I’m getting back to my city series.

[@camrynhernandez5996]

Great video! Thank you for the info.

[@hopeandhealingsanctuary]

Thank you so much for this. I never ever thought about doing a series. I am writing a non fiction book and this video literally just solved my ongoing issue of how to narrow down what I want to write about. I never thought about making this topic into more than one book. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[@captainnolan5062]

Thanks for the video. This is very inspiring.

[@robertwoodstock4220]

Wow! Fantastic job. I just started even though I wrote these several years ago. I just published a collection of short horror stories on Amazon Kindle ebooks. I hope to even sell one unit (LOL). Congratulations!

[@thatssojayah6886]

Wow this is inspiring 😍 I sold 30 copies in the first week and my goal is 100 copies by the end of this year

[@SandyGholston]

Excellent video. One of the best videos about self-publishing I've watched on YT. I was thinking of going in the direction of a series after writing several stand-alone novels. This convinces me I'm headed in the right direction.

[@AZTigerMMA]

Wow this had some great info- I’m just getting started but I bet this is still amazing to even veterans the part about dropping sales when you release the next is awesome insight

[@TheAbsurdityMine]

Id love to know more about the scheduling/work ethic involved in writing and releasing so many books so close together

[@AllThingsRickita]

Thank you! I am publishing my books today!

[@robotman011]

Great Info! Helped a ton!

[@tanL22]

This is a fantastic video!

[@PlentyofPerni]

Wow! Such a great videos. I have to re-watch and take notes. Thank you so much for sharing this information and wishing you much success.

[@dr.dragon8003]

Lots of great info in this video! I recently released my debut fantasy/fiction Novel "Unkillable Joe" on Amazon with the intention of making the story a "one-off" but the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and my readers constantly ask about a sequel. I might just have to listen to them and create a series... Thanks for posting!

[@pdunev]

Brilliant video, and watched at the correct time for me. I may need to rebrand my first two books, as I picked names that I thought would stand out a bit. I liked and appreciated everything you said in this video. Keep up the good work, and thanks.

[@Foxmom92]

Omg I'm a horrible fan lol I didnt realize who you were at first I freaking love love love your beautiful demons books never stop writing these books I buy the new book everytime one comes out

[@Foxmom92]

I am working on my first book right now Black Kat of Midnight Storms I'm hoping that it will become my Of Midnight Storms series. You are an amazing role model . I just hope I can sell at least 1 copy that get at least a 2 start that would make it all worth it! Keep being amazing! I love your books so much!

[@SharonEBuck]

Best no nonsense advice I've seen/heard in FOREVER!

[@kojakdurham]

Ah! I was just talking about you with our RDU NaNoWriMo group! You're a great role model for those of us who want to follow a similar path as the one you've walked. I'm glad you're doing well!

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh my gosh, thank you!! You know I'll be in Raleigh speaking this weekend! I'm really looking forward to it.

[@kojakdurham]

No, I didn't know that! Where will you be? Is it on your website?

[@HeartBreathings]

@@kojakdurham No, I haven't listed it on my site, but I probably should have! I'm speaking at the Heart of Carolina romance writers all day workshop. What I talk about will be relevant to all indie authors, though! There are tickets still available I believe. Www.heartofcarolina.org

[@Ada-zg2qb]

I looked up your books after this video. You got yourself a new fan. Reading 'Beautiful Demons' 🙌

[@HeartBreathings]

Awesome thank you for the support!!

[@Ada-zg2qb]

You definitely know how to write! Now I really know why you had over 500k sales. ☺

[@oldpalmarcus]

Yeah! Your best video yet. For me personally, your business and marketing strategies are more useful than planning/plotting. (I can write a book, I just don't know what to do with it when I'm done.) Thanks! :-)

[@HeartBreathings]

So glad you liked this one. For the most part, I'm going to be uploading more strategy-type videos M, W, and F. Planner type videos on the weekends. That's the plan for now! Hopefully you'll get a lot of great info from the upcoming videos on building your own anchor series.

[@oldpalmarcus]

Rad. Thanks! :-)

[@johnpayne7630]

Great tips! Thank you!