How One Author Sold Over 80k Books | Book Marketing | Self-Publishing

Misty Black has sold over 80k books and has left her day job to publish full time. Join us to learn her tips and advice for other authors to do the same through book marketing and self-publishing.
#booksales #authortube #selfpublishing
Thanks for watching the video [ How One Author Sold Over 80k Books | Book Marketing | Self-Publishing ]
How are you marketing your books and increasing sales? Post your comments or questions below.
For more information about Misty Black, you can find her at:
www.mistyblackauthor.com
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[@claytonwchurchill9308]

Wow, so fantastic and right on the mark!! THANK YOU! What a helpful and informative discussion! Thank you April and Misty. I’m walking these new paths right now. Your candid insights about, the focused and committed mindset, the importance of consistent efforts and clear priorities….( and keeping it fun) is how I hold myself accountable to doing and moving forward every “work day”. My new favorite saying…” I don’t know what I’m doing but I do know that not doing it feels worse!”. Thanks again!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome!

[@simngezahayo]

Great interview, April! I am publishing my first and your digging in has been very insightful so far.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Glad it helped Sim. You should check out my author workgroup which is enrolling now for a January start. I have q and a session later today. Check out my upcoming events. HTTPS://www.selfpubmadesimple.com/upcoming-events

[@tallaaron1115]

Thank you for this interview. This has been such an outstanding help when I am so close to my first launch of a book. I have never done this before and the emotions and fears are seeming to keep up with everything I do. Ha ha

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome Aaron. There are a number of videos on Book Launch on the channel.

[@mikecook_author]

These author interviews are great. Thanks for sharing.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Glad you are getting a lot out of it.

[@SherrieYvetteWilkins]

Such an honest interview!!!! I appreciate this so much!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Glad to hear it!

[@loriparks495]

A wealth of valuable information. Thank you Misty and April

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome!

[@BuildingLeaders]

Interviews are so phenomenal!!!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Thanks Stewart. I love hanging out with authors and getting the inside scoop for success and lessons learned along the way.

[@amandacushman9525]

Thank you for all of the great information! Congrats on your success! Your books are super cute! I really appreciated when you said that "slapping it on Amazon" is NOT super easy if you are doing it right. There IS a lot that goes into it. It really gets me irritated to see all these You-tubers making videos telling people how they can get rich by publishing on amazon KDP. Now theres a ton of people flooding the market with low quality books. I don't think that people truly understand how much work, time and thought goes into creating a good quality unique product. Thank you

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Thanks for your comment. I’m glad the video was helpful. Misty is the real deal!

[@bryinasia]

Wow. There was so much value in this interview thank you both for all your insight and wonderful tips. I'm been feeling so alone as an author, having completed 4 manuscripts, but not yet having published any of them. I think I need a mentor and I will definitely check out these courses, especially given the really affordable price. I've felt so bummed having been watching youtube video after youtube video where people are offering $500+ courses for Amazon and I just... felt so hopeless. Thank you for giving me hope

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Set up a free consult with me and let’s connect. I am happy to help! HTTPS://www.selfpubmadesimple.com

[@blendedbyirishg]

I started to co-author four books in a Christian devotional genre. And I started to write a manuscript of Christian devotional but not finished yet. But I end up to write and self- published my first book in a Christian poetry. And working on my second poem book. Checking your site, I am kind of interested to write a children’s book too.🙂

[@easylearningweb]

This was such a helpful interview and I can relate to lots of things that Misty discussed, including POD, and self-publishing multiple books for cross-promotion. Great tips in this interview!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Glad you liked it. She is one of the speakers at the Authorpreneur summit as well. Join us there on Monday! HTTPS://Authorpreneursummit.com

[@mistyblack1177]

Thank you so much! This is Misty. I'm happy it was helpful.

[@vivianuwakwestudio]

I listened to this interview again and I am still in awe at Misty's accomplishments. Another thing I noted were the little things she does differently. This could be my favourite interview so far. I'll keep watching over and over.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I’m sure that would make Misty so happy to hear!

[@mistyblack1177]

That does make me happy. Wow. I'm in awe at all these comments. @@SelfPubMadeSimple

[@mistyblack1177]

I'm so very happy to hear this. I hope things are going well for you @vivianuwakwestudio

[@judithrivers-moore4851]

Awesome - mentoring equals JOY

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

For me too!!

[@ADBorrego]

This was great and so inspiring, thank you!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome A.D.

[@mistyblack1177]

Thank you. I'm happy to hear that.

[@kamapalachukwuka1182]

Another phenomenal interview April. I am a huge fan of your page. Thanks so much for always being so generous with your knowledge. As Misty rightly said, you were one of the 1st mentor I had on my book writing journey 🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome! I’m so happy to help others.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Thanks for your kind words. I love helping new authors and cherish the relationships like you and Misty. Watching you grow as an author is so rewarding!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Kamapala - thanks for your kind words. Miss you!!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Thanks Kamapala!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Xoxo

[@DianaRowanBrightWay]

It struck me how the author mentioned 2017 being a bad time to sell her properties. The timing was great in that it set the stage for setting up her book business, not to mention doing that before 2020 ❤️

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I agree. Everything happens for a reason and when we keep a positive mindset we can make the most of the ups and downs!

[@mistyblackauthor]

This is very true. I love this perspective. Thank you. This is Misty, by the way. 😊

[@DianaRowanBrightWay]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple loved your conversation, which was full of positivity from both of you. Thanks for raising my spirits!

[@DianaRowanBrightWay]

@@mistyblackauthor hi Misty 😊 I’m super impressed with your vision, creativity and drive. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experiences!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@DianaRowanBrightWay You're welcome. You can do this! If you question that or need help, grab some time on my calendar and I'll give you a pep talk, LOL.

[@lindabelcher7502]

I published my first children's book in September. I am completing my second, as we speak. I cant believe how hard it has been to promote it on social media groups due to their "no selling" rules on my niche groups. I'm going to look into EVERYTHING I heard on this video. Thank you for sharing!!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome Linda! It takes time to build your platform and learn what works best for you. You’ll get there!

[@mistyblack1177]

Thank you so much! This is Misty. I'm happy it was helpful.

[@Act238]

April, I cannot wait to get started!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Awesome. How are things going?!

[@Act238]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple well, I’m not too happy with my ads right now. If I don’t see a turnaround by this coming weekend, I’m going to shut everything down and start over. I might be approaching you on how you might help me get this set up to make some money.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

@@Act238 it takes time and some trial and error, a great description and cover… and some luck thrown in. Also the more high quality books you have in a series the better for many genres.

[@theekhalilabre]

I agree with her about not being able to do everything as an author. I'm slowly getting away from using too much social media and using old school ways of promoting my business and books.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

That’s good. You need to determine what works best for you and as Misty said… keep writing books!

[@lizmacchio9892]

what old school ways are you using

[@azulcelestepatty]

Writing my first book and it’s scary. So I have been soaking everything out here .. Thank you .

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome. You can do it. Set up time with me if you need some help.

[@rosemarieramsingh8749]

Hi thanks for sharing, what business course did you take?

[@stevenallen9474]

thanks.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

You’re welcome!

[@hafeez3103]

Misty Black is cool :)

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

That she is!

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

Ohhh what is click testing… something she said reminded me I keep seeing ads for it.

[@alandavies3727]

I’m on the same path as this author. The cost to self publish is staggering. I now have five books published. Each book cost £2000. The hardest part is marketing. I don’t have any skills in this area. I hired a PR market company who proved to be useless. I consider my books to be of very good quality. The childrens books have five two thousand word stories+ sixteen coloured illustrations. The illustrations cost between £50 to £250.each. Everything this author is saying is very good advice.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

If you’re creating high quality books and keep moving things forward with more books then you are on the way. The number of words seems high for an illustrated book. Is it for older kids?

[@InspirationalThoughts4you]

I have two books published they are in a series. The first one is called "Love that counts" my second one is called "forgiveness that rewards" it can be found on Amazon in the books section. I hope that people see this and perhaps bu5t it!

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Good luck on your books. Check out my marketing playlist and there is a lot of info to expand your marketing knowledge.

[@InspirationalThoughts4you]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple thanks. I have no money to put in though, so it's kinda hard.

[@j.t.joseph7623]

I’m a YA author. I’m tempted to self-publish, because trad. publishers don’t care about marketing YA books and publishers are racist towards POC writers. How do you get massive exposure for YA novels?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

It starts with really knowing your audience and building your author brand and platform. Bring people on your journey during your writing and publishing process and find places your audience resides and show up there! Find ways to serve them and get people talking. Word of mouth is huge!

[@Artbyevelyn]

I’m looking for a printing company to print my books, I am a starter and my main focus is on study guides, I’m on Amazon but there’s are to many policies thanks

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

A print company within the us or outside the us? What volumes do you want to print? Those answers can determine which printing co I would recommend.

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

A science to it… 🧐

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

23:10 👏👏👏

[@mrsbee2487]

Hi, April on a previous video on illustration you mentioned you were willing to share the contract you used. I am new at this and would really appreciate a copy of the contract, I’m searching for illustrators now. Can you tell me how I can receive the copy. Thanks

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

It is included in my resource library along with many many other tools. The link is www.selfpubmadesimple.com/resource-library, but email [e-mail] and my assistant can send just the contract if you want just that.

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

She’s really a machine 😂

[@Artbyevelyn]

Also did she do all the writing her self for the books

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes Misty does write her own books.

[@coritellastory]

What was not asked: Are her books purely fiction? Which audience (children, YA, Adult) Are they born from current market topics, or are the subjects purely self-motivated?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Her books are children’s picture books for ages 4-8. Things like social emotional learning (kindness, empathy, bullying, etc)

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

10:10 😂👏👏👏👏

[@lindacgrace2973]

I'm heartbroken. I CAN'T afford to lose money on my first four or five books. I live on Social Security. I HAVE to at least break even. I have to. I have already failed twice. I can't do this over and over and over again. I DON'T SELL BOOKS I DON'T EAT. I wish I had a supportive spouse. I wish I had enough income to support my books as a hobby. I have to find something to bring in a few hundred per month. I CAN'T KEEP LOSING MONEY!!! NONSENSE! Amazon has done the math - in their ad course Amazon tell you that a book is not "market ready" until it has 15 reviews. Triple that for popular genres like cozy mystery or contemporary romance. If you don't sell well, Amazon will not even show your book AT ALL and further won't show your ad to anybody, either. I CAN'T KEEP LOSING MONEY! Obviously, this is a complete loser for enhancing my pathetic below-the-poverty-line retirement income.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Set up time with me. I offer a free consult from my website. I am happy to review what you have and see whether I can guide you. No charge. Just want to help.

[@lindacgrace2973]

@John Foley I'm building my website. I'll give it a go. But statistically, over 80% of all books (print or electronic) are sold through Amazon. 🤷🏻‍♀ So, not giving up on Amazon - especially as an unknown debut author. But selling in parallel sounds like an excellent idea.

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple Thank you, I shall.

[@user-yh5oq8ip1x]

Where did you take the 12 week free course??

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

The courses are no longer free but you can find it at selfpubmadesimple.com.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

The 12 week course she took was mine. At the time I was offering it free for experience and to perfect it with a small group. Now 8 years later it is a paid course at selfpubmadesimple.com.

[@Artbyevelyn]

Who prints her books?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I think she uses kdp and Ingram.

[@magmusau2245]

How many pages are your books

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

32-36 typically.

[@DecodingMedical]

Do you do coaching services How i can reach you as am currently working on my first publishing book .

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Yes. You can check my website here at www.selfpubmadesimple.com

[@jadonfremont4615]

The best way to make money online is to tell people how to make money online

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

My passion is helping people learn to self-publish so they don’t get taken advantage of by predatory publishers. Most of what I do is free for authors. Misty is the real deal. I know there are others that may only be interested in making money, but I assure you those are not my motivations.

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

18:33 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@zareenwilhelm5811]

OmG…

[@dailyspiritualdietelizabet7777]

Hi can u help me also.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Check out the upcoming events and chat live with me! HTTPS://www.selfpubmadesimple.com/upcoming-events

[@bonnymatlala8034]

The question of how she sold 80k books is not answered in my view. She even uses words like I don't know how I did it I just kept trying. Not clear takeaways here 😢

[@mistyblack1177]

It's not one thing that I did. It is all the little things I mentioned added up. Publishing series was the main point.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I think it boils down to keep writing more titles, especially in a series, keep growing your platform and communicating with your target audience. Most of all be willing to try different things and don’t give up!

[@goodgirlsguide]

So she did your course then copied and created her own?

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

She is an author with unique experiences and shares my love for helping others. She has unique things she shares like her TIGER technique and writing course, which I don’t do. There is plenty of room for more people to help authors, especially those as wonderful as Misty!

[@mistyblack1177]

Thanks, April. That means a lot to me. @@SelfPubMadeSimple

[@mistyblack1177]

@@SelfPubMadeSimple You're so sweet, April. Thank you.

[@daniellelaurino1469]

Do you still need beta testers

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

Sure! Email me at [e-mail].

[@kingtrawal]

If you’re a publishing double digits in books, every year, you’re literally putting out trash.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

I have met a handful of authors who produce very high quality work and are able to release rapidly. I wouldn’t judge based on volume.

[@chadsimmons4496]

Inspirational interview. Thank you… off to getting more words down on “paper”.

[@SelfPubMadeSimple]

It’s such simple advice. Write more books to sell more books!