By Heather Wallace
Learning from writers who have succeeded as authorpreneurs can be invaluable. These self-publishers not only offer inspiration, they also provide practical insights into the strategies that can lead to success.
In this final installment in this series, I’ll highlight a few remarkable self-published authors, exploring the specific tactics they employed to achieve their goals. Examining their journeys will help to reinforce the effectiveness of the strategies previously discussed, and demonstrate that stumbling blocks aren’t insurmountable.
Case Study 1: Amanda Hocking
Amanda Hocking is a name that resonates in the self-publishing community. Starting her career in the young adult fantasy genre, Hocking published her first book, My Blood Approves, in 2010. She quickly gained a massive following, selling over a million copies of her first nine self-published works and eventually landing a traditional publishing deal. But how did she reach such heights?
Amanda’s Approach
Hocking’s success can be attributed to her savvy use of social media and her understanding of her target audience. She actively engaged with readers on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, building a loyal fan base. Additionally, she wasn’t shy about giving her books away for free to generate buzz and reviews in order to boost visibility and sales.
Hocking’s approach paid off, as she became one of the first self-published authors to achieve mainstream success. Her books consistently ranked on bestseller lists, and she has since expanded her portfolio to include multiple series and genres.
The key lesson from Hocking’s journey is the importance of building a community around your work. As she engaged online and leveraged social media, she turned casual readers into dedicated fans. And that’s something that you should emulate as you too look to engage with your audience via your newsletter and social media platforms.
Case Study 2: Lisa Genova
Lisa Genova is a bestselling author and neuroscientist, best known for her poignant novels that explore the complexities of the human brain and the impact of neurological diseases.
Before achieving success, Genova encountered numerous rejections when many literary agents and editors were hesitant to take on her debut novel. They questioned the marketability of the book and viewed Genova as an unproven aspiring writer. But rather than allowing these setbacks to deter her, she chose to take control of her destiny.
Lisa’s Approach
After facing rejection, Genova opted to self-publish her novel, Still Alice. This decision allowed her to maintain creative control over her work and reach readers directly. This proactive approach enabled her to bypass the gatekeeping of traditional publishing and connect with her audience on her terms.
As Genova set out to drive her book’s success, she actively engaged with her audience via an intensive guerrilla marketing campaign. Recognizing the power of word-of-mouth marketing and networking, Genova actively sought to connect with book clubs, local bookstores, coffee shops, and Alzheimer’s facilities. She often participated in discussions and events, where she shared her insights and answered questions about her work. This grassroots approach not only promoted her book but also helped her build a loyal following and foster a sense of community among her readers.
After the success of Still Alice, which gained traction through self-publishing, Genova eventually secured a traditional publishing deal which then led to a film adaptation. And, it was only through Genova’s hard work and determination that she was able to maximize her success while staying true to her vision.
Case Study 3: High Howey
Hugh Howey is a prominent figure in the self-publishing world, best known for his dystopian series, Silo. Beginning with the publication of Wool as a novella, Howey’s work quickly gained traction, leading to a series of sequels, a dedicated fan base, and even a television series on Apple TV. Howey’s journey from self-published author to bestselling writer exemplifies the potential of the self-publishing model.
Hugh’s Approach
Howey’s success can be attributed to his professional attitude toward publishing and marketing. He utilized a unique strategy by releasing his stories in serialized format, which kept readers engaged and eager for the next installment.
Additionally, he was mindful to offer readers a strong story. Howey realized that good writing was essential for harnessing the power of word-of-mouth marketing, which would significantly boost his visibility. Finally, he was also willing to listen to feedback from his readers, using their input to guide his work.
As a result of his strategic approach, the Silo series sold millions of copies worldwide. Howey’s success also led to a print-only deal with a major publisher, which was unheard of at the time. But Howey was adamant about retaining digital rights because he firmly believed in the power of self-publishing and the rewards that it offers authors.
Howey’s journey highlights the importance of publishing quality content, utilizing reader engagement, and building a fanbase who will market for you.
Case Study 4: Bella Andre
Bella Andre is a bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels, particularly the Sullivan series. With a background in traditional publishing, Andre made the leap to self-publishing and has since sold over 8 million books worldwide.
Andre’s success can be attributed to her strategic marketing efforts and her focus on building a strong author brand. She focused on quality cover design, ensuring her books stood out in a crowded market. Additionally, Andre utilized email marketing to connect with every reader who had contacted her over the preceding years, which meant making hundreds of personal connections with her fans. Whenever she released a new book, she would reach out to each of those loyal readers with an update on her latest work thereby keeping her audience engaged.
Through her efforts, Andre has achieved remarkable success, ranking on The New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Her ability to connect with readers and create a recognizable brand has solidified her position in the romance genre.
Andre’s experience underscores the significance of superior presentation, personal branding, and reader engagement in self-publishing. Because, as her career illustrates, presentation and maintaining consistent communication with your audience can greatly enhance your chances of success.
Common Themes and Strategies
Across the journeys of these authors, several common approaches emerge that aspiring authors can learn from, such as:
- Resilience: Genova’s transition from rejection to self-publishing Still Alice exemplifies the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles.
- Reader Engagement: These authors cultivated strong personal brands through active engagement with readers, fostering loyalty and connection. As we can see from Hocking’s social media networking and Andre’s fan outreach, engaging with their audience has been crucial for promoting their work and enhancing the reading experience.
- Strategic Publishing Choices: Their varied paths—self-publishing from the start, transitioning to traditional publishing, or leaving a traditional publisher behind—demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability that’s needed when navigating the world of publishing.
These strategies align closely with the content covered in my previous articles, reinforcing the idea that success in self-publishing is achievable through the application of proven techniques and approaches. And, when you learn the inside secrets of successful self-publishers, you can adapt their strategies to fit your unique situation and goals.
Conclusion
Learning from successful self-published authors can provide invaluable insights and inspiration for your own writing journey. By examining the strategies employed by these authors, we can see that success isn’t just down to luck. Rather, it requires forethought, planning, and hustle.
As you embark on your self-publishing journey, consider applying the lessons learned from these authors. Whether it’s building a community around your work, actively seeking reader feedback, or investing in quality cover and web design, these strategies can help pave the way so that one day you too can call yourself a self-publishing success story.
Bio:
Heather Wallace is the founder of Bookland Insider and H.R. Wallace Publishing, as well as a dedicated book marketer on Reedsy. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Heather is committed to giving back to the self-publishing community by sharing her expertise. Subscribe today to her Bookland Insider Insights newsletter and get access to the free Seven Days to a Winning Book Description mini-course.