Art by Marek Halko
It’s a self-publishing special! Join Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry for an inside look at the world of self-publishing: the pros and cons, marketing, and lessons from those who do it best.
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SHOW LINKS
Portfolio Power Critique at SVSLearn
Pickleball Paul by Will Terry, code picklewill
Will Terry YouTube
Skull Chaser comic by Jake Parker
Kepler’s Intergalactic Guide to Spaceships by Jake Parker
Brandon Sanderson
Ultramega comic
Do a Powerbomb comic
Atomic Habits by James Clear
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When you’re in charge of your own marketing, you need to know who you're speaking to and how you’re going to reach them. The more niche your story, the more targeted and effective your marketing efforts can be.
In today’s landscape, you have access to the same printing and marketing tools that the big publishing houses use. It’s a lot of work to publish yourself, but your profit margin is ridiculously higher than in traditional publishing.
Publishers give your books credibility and wide distribution, which can help you grow your audience and direct traffic to your other projects and products. Take this into consideration when choosing between traditional and self-publishing.
The best critiques identify the problems and leave space for you to create solutions.
The first part of this episode is dedicated to the topic of self-publishing. Listen in to hear the guys run the numbers on their Kickstarter books and give insider observations of what makes an independent creator successful.
QUESTIONS
Bailey asks, “I recently received a portfolio review with a couple of folks from the CAT agency. They said my portfolio primarily contains fantasy subjects, but the fantasy genre isn't performing well right now in picture books and middle-grade markets. They suggested I pivot to more contemporary subjects to find work. Admittedly, I was disappointed since I love the fantasy genre. Do you have any advice?”
The publishing industry is extremely fickle; when they spot the beginning of a trend, they jump. That means if there’s a slight dip in children’s fantasy, they’ll turn their attention elsewhere.
If you need to get work ASAP, you may have to revamp your portfolio to match industry trends and publisher tastes. That doesn’t mean you have to abandon your real interests, though! Make room for side projects that allow you to create your dream work. Even if it’s on a part-time basis, if you give the world your most passion-infused work, it’s likely to respond at some point.
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com
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