How to Self-Publish Your First Book

Q&A on how to self-publish your first book

In this video, I dive deep into the world of self-publishing, sharing why I believe it's a better path for 99% of writers compared to traditional publishing. With ten self-published books generating $10,000 a month on autopilot, I provide a clear argument against the allure of book deals, exposing the pitfalls of chasing traditional publishing for status, New York Times bestseller recognition, and bookstore placements. I also answer common questions on how to successfully self-publish, offering practical advice for leveraging, formatting, and publishing your work. This video is packed with practical advice on leveraging your content, staying consistent, and understanding your market to succeed as a self-published author.

00:00 Intro
00:31 The Problem with Publishers
01:19 Use #1: A Publisher Will Help You Win The NYT Best-Seller Game
02:47 Use #2: A Publisher Will Help You Get Into Bookstores
05:21 Use #3: A Book Deal Gives Writers Status And Approval
08:14 “Where is the bets place to find an editor?”
11:49 “How do you balance writing what you love versus writing what sells?”
16:38 “Is it worth trying to self-publish even if you haven’t established an audience and tested on social?”
17:26 “Distribution: should you do a soft launch to your list or just post on all platforms and let it ride?”
21:54 “How many books in a series should you do before doing another series or pivoting?”
26:07 “What are the best practices for writers of literary and upmarket fiction? Any success stories?”
32:50 “How do you handle the design side?”

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Hey there!

My name is Nicolas Cole, and I have been writing on the Internet since 2007.

Today, I run a portfolio of writing businesses that does over $5,000,000 in annual revenue. My books, products, programs, and platforms are what I wish I'd had at the beginning of my writing career—back when I was 23 years old, had just graduated college with a degree in Fiction Writing, and had no idea how to make money as a writer.

My goal with this YouTube channel is to pass along everything I've learned (and am still learning) about digital writing, ghostwriting, self-publishing, and becoming a multi-millionaire digital writer with you.

So, if you want to know how to turn your passion for writing into a lucrative career, and you're looking for a digital writing mentor, maybe I can help. Everything I share on this channel is from hard-learned lessons in the trenches. I've made every mistake out there. Hopefully, you pick up a golden nugget or two that helps you on your journey. (And if I earn your trust, I hope to see you in one of our programs!)

"Nobody makes a living as a writer."

I hate that cliché—and I've proved it's not true.

Keep practicing your art. Keep learning about the business.

And most importantly, keep writing.

Cole

🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:

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[TheGreyThompson]

It’s crazy how many times I listen to each of Cole’s videos 😊

[crtvenuff]

This video is gold! You called me out multiple times but it was what I needed to hear - especially the solving problems I don't have yet. Love the no nonsense approach <3

[darshit_poriya]

Thanks for solving common objections about how to write the book in the right way 🙌

[armaugh]

The way you make everything logical and organized is very useful. Thanks.

[zaccrowlands]

Love the idea of self-publishing some non-fiction!

I can’t understand the obsession with gatekeepers and traditional infrastructures that most people have.

In a world that’s getting more democratized each day people are still seeking permission and validation.

Great video!

[epptri]

This was the right video for me at the right time.

[tanisiagreer]

23:50 - This section reminds me of Kohei Horikoshi. He's a manga artist and writer, and he started out with a small series "Barrage" that got cancelled pretty early. He then started another series named "Oumagadoki Zoo" which also got cancelled, though it had a longer run. (I think Barrage was second, though.)

He was about to give up on his dream when he got encouraged to try one more time.

The third series was "My Hero Academia."

It ran for 10 years in Weekly Shonen Jump, and just ended this past August. It spawned an anime, four movies (so far), several Japanese musicals, and a ton of spin-off books, novels, and fan materials. The manga volumes have sold over 100 million volumes around the world.

I see the parallels from what you described here with Horikoshi's story. I'll definitely keep it in mind.

[justinspencer-young]

What an awesome video! Thank You, Nicolas.

[ss-grlt]

super good, logical and concise insights. good video dude, you earned a new sub!

[fauxrake]

This is the third time I’ve heard Cole say super dingdong hardcover 3 times now and I laugh every time

[jameyjohnston]

Yay Cole -- pioneers of the world unite and tell a new story. Just like you.

[salimahhaji]

Love your content. Especially the q and a. Thank you! Do you have any content on how to use your blog posts to create your book faster?

[KiaOrion]

Gems on gems. Can’t wait for the fiction my guy!

[romanpikalenko]

Interesting how you didn’t touch on sci-fi genre. I’m a huge geek and can see myself breaking down character arcs from series like Warhammer 40k, Marvel, etc.

[selim.digital]

Hey Nicolas

I’m curious - I am writing a book on education… basically a book for teachers. Would publishing with an education publisher also follow these rules that you’re describing? My concern is that I won’t sell any copies of my science education book on my own…

[justinspencer-young]

Hi Nicolas, have you worked out page breaks in Reedsy?

[AminataYKanu]

And we've also recently found out that authors/publishers buy back large amounts of their books from retailers that they know from part of the statistics for the Sunday Times list (in the UK). No wonder so many writers are poor.

[hang-sangitch]

What is the best software or online saas to write a book with?

[hciperson]

What are some references from you or others on dictation with writing articles and books with a Mac?

[beuniqueTeespring]

Hello, where can I publish the book i create ? (Not amazon kdp)
Thank you