@@ChocolatexCherries3 budget or not, trad is not an option everyone wants to take. You can self-publish with a small budget, it just means it'll be a bit harder. Still not as difficult as it would be to find an agent, get an editor, and then get picked up by a publisher.
Thanks so much for the budget worksheet. I was trying to keep a tight rein on my costs for my first book, but this will make things so much easier going forward.
Love Publish and Thrive! I was already doing some Indie Publishing, but I learned so much MORE going through the course. So many things are taught, that I had already made mistakes with/learn by myself. But, there was also bunches of new things that I hadn't tried or thought of it before. So, absolutely worth it.
The free tools video would be great, that way I can determine what I already know how to do and budget for the rest. P&T is in my future and it's going in my budget. Woot!
The thing about the PO Box is some places won't take the PO Box as a 'physical' address because it's not where you live. Government agencies can be very particular about this. If you are concerned about safety issues related to people knowing where you live (assuming this is why you want a PO Box in the first place) bear in mind that the USPS offers street addressing but it can be recognised as a post office box to some places that use an address verification service, despite it looking like a street address. The UPS store addresses may not be recognised the same way. Perhaps there are other hearties who can speak to this.
@@psychedianic you are right. All things to think about. I also think/remember that USPS are public records... I think if you contact USPS you can find out the person's address on file, which USPS has verified with a driver's license etc. while other mailbox stores aren't so strict. USPS expects you to update your address if you move, but no one checks. So, if you're thinking of moving or updating you ID, get your USPS box before making the change. (Note: the following may trigger some people.) There are some state agencies that will provide free mailbox service for law enforcement, victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, which can be used as a legal and confidential, substitute for a street address for many government agencies as well a general mail. They can even help you redacted public records linking your name to your actual physical address (like buying a house). 💖🌞🌵😷
I've already invested in the P&T course and I'm so excited! Truly, thank you for all you do. You're an inspiration and pillar of this sometimes overwhelming self-publishing world
You hit the nail right on the head with this video. I'm a new editor and I'm trying to fill out my portfolio right now. However, I feel like because my experience is limited, some authors don't want to work with me. I want publishing to be as affordable as possible for new authors, but I also want to start making a liveable wage with my business. I'm not sure this is really the right place to be asking this question, but how do you let potential clients know that you are worth the investment? I am confident in my abilities, and honestly the beginning of this journey is less about money and more about experience, but both are a risk that I'm not sure some indie authors are willing to take....
My biggest piece of advice, as an author, is to have all the pertinent information on your website. The things authors need to know. When I was looking for an editor the first thing I checked for was their certification, what training/qualifications did they have. The second thing I looked for was which manual of style they used (I was specifically looking for an editor who was willing to work with the Oxford Manual of Style, not the Chicago). The third thing was an editor who was willing to work via Googledocs and not Word, since I don't have a word subscription so can't open word docs or make use of "track changes" via word. And finally, a sample edit to see if the editor and I meshed well/worked well together. The price-per-word was, honestly, the last thing I looked at. I had a TIGHT budget, but the other elements were more important to me, because if I found an editor who hit all the points I needed, I'd have just waited a couple of months to save a bit more so I could afford them. Hope that helps a little bit
We definitely need more great editors in the business, so I'm glad you are getting in there! Definitely agree with the other poster that having as much information on your website as possible is helpful. Also, if you can get testimonials from some of the people you've worked with and post them, that's helpful. Then, it can also be helpful if you can offer a free sample edit to new clients who want to see your work. Just a few pages or 1 chapter up to 2000 words or whatever seems reasonable for your time can give a really good idea of what type of work you do and can make a new author feel comfortable about your ability to help them.
My parents told me that one day books won't exist and everything will be digital. Which crushed my dream of publishing a physical book in the future. Even so, thank you for the information, it will be helpful when the time comes.
Print books are seeing a major resurgence at the moment, so now is your time! Special editions, hardcovers, paperbacks, large print, sprayed edges, foiling. Everyone is wanting physical books!
It's really all over the place now the only thing I do not suggest trying to save money on is edit lol Just keep a lookout for sales cover art . And ask some in the author friends what they did pretty much a indie author friend of mine save me probably $200 lease.
Prowriting Aid is really excellent for editing and proofreading and a host of other writing things. Lovely people running this company as well. Question: is Publish & Thrive relevant to writers in the UK? Thanks x
Yes it is!! There are a few videos in the business section of module 3 that are more specific to US business structure but I provide links to where to go in the UK. Plus we have loads of UK students that can help you!
I will be joining Publish & Thrive as an alumni. The tricky part of my writing journey is I'm getting ready to publish my first book (a teaching memoir) so it will only be this one book so I want to do it to the best of my abilty. I've already invested a lot of money into edits and now working with the cover artist. With the exchange rate of Canadian to usd (which sucks right now) it has really raised my costs. I tried finding a Canadian editor but surprisingly they all quoted in US dollars. No point really for my comment lol just teeny bit of venting 😊
How would I find a publishing company that would help me create a special edition books with end pages, decorated side pages, character art, reversible dust jackets, cards and bookmarkers?
Join the Kickstarter for Authors Facebook group! Almost everyone in there is doing special editions like these and can give you lots of suggestions. BookVault is one that does a lot of this!
I have a very limited budget. I want to spend my money on a professional and custom cover. What do you think about using AI for editing? Line or copy editing specifically? I would think that sentence structure and punctuation could be dealt with by AI. Thoughts?
What about utilizing Kickstarter for a debut novel? I know a couple of people who have been able to get their debuts published that way (along with an audiobook), but it’s a scary prospect for someone who has never used it before(although I am asking around for advice). They still paid for editing and cover art, and I really don’t have much of a budget at all, but I want my novel to be professional looking.
Now is the best time for trying this than ever before, because Kickstarter now brings an audience of its own to the table. The biggest warning is to make sure you are setting a minimum funding goal that allows you to produce what you promise. If it doesn't fund you aren't on the hook to create the book, but if you set the funding low and it barely funds, you are responsible for following through. Just make sure you learn how to budget that properly. Definitely join the Kickstarter for authors fb group!
@@HeartBreathings Excellent, that’s great to hear! I will check into that group. This video came out right as I was working on my own budget, so this is greatly appreciated!
It's not necessarily that money usually comes in at any certain point, but just in general, it takes a few books to start getting noticed and making fans. It could be 1 book, it could be 12. There's no guarantee or set amount, but I have found that if you budget for 3 at least from the beginning, it's more likely you'll get to keep publishing without going into debt. Duoligies can be fine and if that's what you story needs, that's great. But at the same time, one of the best and fastest ways to start earning out as indie is with a longer connected series. This is why I try to get across that there's no rules or certainties! It's just trying to stack the odds in your favor as best you can while writing what you most want to write. If you're writing a duology it will still have a good chance of being successful!
If you have a Mac, I highly recommend Vellum. If you have a PC, then Atticus is the best one out there for paid software. If you want to do it free, I recommend Reedsy or Draft2Digital.
Hello Sarra, I wonder if the course is suitable for people abroad. Is there content that can not be execute in Germany? Maybe because of laws and other things? Thanks 😊
The course is universal! The business sections in module 3 are the most US focused sections but also provide links to figuring out your business structure in other countries.
Yes! We sent it in email and posted in the FB group when the class opened two weeks ago so check email. If you don't see it email or message me privately.
![How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book? [2024 Update]](/img/n.gif)
I hope this helps as you create your own publishing strategy. Let me know if you have any questions about budget or self publishing! I'm here to help!
Thanks for publishing such useful and interesting content, Sarra.
Hi, Sarra! It would be interesting if you do an almost zero budget to a little budget to compare with this video. Thanks for all you do for us❤
I'm also interested ☝️. Thank you, Sarra! ❤
you should trad publish if u dont have a budget
@@ChocolatexCherries3 budget or not, trad is not an option everyone wants to take. You can self-publish with a small budget, it just means it'll be a bit harder. Still not as difficult as it would be to find an agent, get an editor, and then get picked up by a publisher.
Excellent advice. Planning for multiple books is such a good plan. And presume few sales. Plan with what you have, not what you think you'll earn.
Thanks so much for the budget worksheet. I was trying to keep a tight rein on my costs for my first book, but this will make things so much easier going forward.
Thanks for the helpful insight! And yes to the in-depth series on how to publish 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I would love a series of How much self publishing is per your budget sheet. Thank you for sharing!
Love Publish and Thrive! I was already doing some Indie Publishing, but I learned so much MORE going through the course. So many things are taught, that I had already made mistakes with/learn by myself. But, there was also bunches of new things that I hadn't tried or thought of it before. So, absolutely worth it.
👏♥️
Yes, Ma'am. Please do a video on, "How to Publish for Free" (if possible). Blessings!
you can't. trad publish if you're broke
I understand 👍. Thanks 😊 .
The free tools video would be great, that way I can determine what I already know how to do and budget for the rest. P&T is in my future and it's going in my budget. Woot!
Publish and Thrive was the best decision I made so far as a writer ❤ Hope you get loads of sign ups for this round Sarra!
I would love to see a video about publishing with an extreme budget!!
trad publish if u dont have money to self pub
@@ChocolatexCherries3 I'm hoping to be able to do just that!
Thank you for this advice and the one in the previous video. I know I’m not the only one when I say I really appreciate this from you. Thank you! ❤
So glad it's helpful!!
In my city the PO box was waaay cheaper than a mailbox etc or UPS mailbox or other mailbox rental store. 💖🌞🌵
The thing about the PO Box is some places won't take the PO Box as a 'physical' address because it's not where you live. Government agencies can be very particular about this. If you are concerned about safety issues related to people knowing where you live (assuming this is why you want a PO Box in the first place) bear in mind that the USPS offers street addressing but it can be recognised as a post office box to some places that use an address verification service, despite it looking like a street address. The UPS store addresses may not be recognised the same way. Perhaps there are other hearties who can speak to this.
@@psychedianic you are right. All things to think about. I also think/remember that USPS are public records... I think if you contact USPS you can find out the person's address on file, which USPS has verified with a driver's license etc. while other mailbox stores aren't so strict. USPS expects you to update your address if you move, but no one checks. So, if you're thinking of moving or updating you ID, get your USPS box before making the change. (Note: the following may trigger some people.) There are some state agencies that will provide free mailbox service for law enforcement, victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, which can be used as a legal and confidential, substitute for a street address for many government agencies as well a general mail. They can even help you redacted public records linking your name to your actual physical address (like buying a house). 💖🌞🌵😷
I've already invested in the P&T course and I'm so excited! Truly, thank you for all you do. You're an inspiration and pillar of this sometimes overwhelming self-publishing world
🙌
I would love both and extreme budget video and a breakdown series of making a budget.
You hit the nail right on the head with this video. I'm a new editor and I'm trying to fill out my portfolio right now. However, I feel like because my experience is limited, some authors don't want to work with me. I want publishing to be as affordable as possible for new authors, but I also want to start making a liveable wage with my business. I'm not sure this is really the right place to be asking this question, but how do you let potential clients know that you are worth the investment? I am confident in my abilities, and honestly the beginning of this journey is less about money and more about experience, but both are a risk that I'm not sure some indie authors are willing to take....
My biggest piece of advice, as an author, is to have all the pertinent information on your website. The things authors need to know.
When I was looking for an editor the first thing I checked for was their certification, what training/qualifications did they have. The second thing I looked for was which manual of style they used (I was specifically looking for an editor who was willing to work with the Oxford Manual of Style, not the Chicago). The third thing was an editor who was willing to work via Googledocs and not Word, since I don't have a word subscription so can't open word docs or make use of "track changes" via word. And finally, a sample edit to see if the editor and I meshed well/worked well together.
The price-per-word was, honestly, the last thing I looked at. I had a TIGHT budget, but the other elements were more important to me, because if I found an editor who hit all the points I needed, I'd have just waited a couple of months to save a bit more so I could afford them. Hope that helps a little bit
We definitely need more great editors in the business, so I'm glad you are getting in there! Definitely agree with the other poster that having as much information on your website as possible is helpful. Also, if you can get testimonials from some of the people you've worked with and post them, that's helpful. Then, it can also be helpful if you can offer a free sample edit to new clients who want to see your work. Just a few pages or 1 chapter up to 2000 words or whatever seems reasonable for your time can give a really good idea of what type of work you do and can make a new author feel comfortable about your ability to help them.
@@DyranHunter thank you so much! This is very helpful!! 🤍
@@HeartBreathings thank you! I offer free sample edits and I have discounted services at the moment to gain experience.
I would love to know what you recommend for a budget. Most definitely.
My parents told me that one day books won't exist and everything will be digital. Which crushed my dream of publishing a physical book in the future. Even so, thank you for the information, it will be helpful when the time comes.
Print books are seeing a major resurgence at the moment, so now is your time! Special editions, hardcovers, paperbacks, large print, sprayed edges, foiling. Everyone is wanting physical books!
I did lot research about publishing houses. The number one reason they went out business They took on debt.
Yes, please create a video for a very low budget.
I'm following along this round as an alumni. I always find info in the videos I didn't catch or was not ready to hear the first time.
A series about the costs of self-publishing would be great.
Very insightful, thanks for sharing!
Doubt I will make the kick off call on Saturday because my niece is staying with us Saturday but I am in this round.
It's really all over the place now the only thing I do not suggest trying to save money on is edit lol Just keep a lookout for sales cover art . And ask some in the author friends what they did pretty much a indie author friend of mine save me probably $200 lease.
Super helpful and timely information!
Prowriting Aid is really excellent for editing and proofreading and a host of other writing things. Lovely people running this company as well. Question: is Publish & Thrive relevant to writers in the UK? Thanks x
Yes it is!! There are a few videos in the business section of module 3 that are more specific to US business structure but I provide links to where to go in the UK. Plus we have loads of UK students that can help you!
I will be joining Publish & Thrive as an alumni. The tricky part of my writing journey is I'm getting ready to publish my first book (a teaching memoir) so it will only be this one book so I want to do it to the best of my abilty. I've already invested a lot of money into edits and now working with the cover artist. With the exchange rate of Canadian to usd (which sucks right now) it has really raised my costs. I tried finding a Canadian editor but surprisingly they all quoted in US dollars. No point really for my comment lol just teeny bit of venting 😊
If it helps, I got my fiction editor from Reedsy, and I was upfront about the CND conversion rate, and they quoted me in CND.
When is the next publish and thrive course? I missed the cut off :0
Darn, I'm sorry you missed it! I'll run it again in February!
How would I find a publishing company that would help me create a special edition books with end pages, decorated side pages, character art, reversible dust jackets, cards and bookmarkers?
Join the Kickstarter for Authors Facebook group! Almost everyone in there is doing special editions like these and can give you lots of suggestions. BookVault is one that does a lot of this!
@@HeartBreathings I don’t have a face book account
Please please do the series on publishing costs
I have a very limited budget. I want to spend my money on a professional and custom cover. What do you think about using AI for editing? Line or copy editing specifically? I would think that sentence structure and punctuation could be dealt with by AI. Thoughts?
Pro writing aid is the best one I've found!
Thank you!
What about utilizing Kickstarter for a debut novel? I know a couple of people who have been able to get their debuts published that way (along with an audiobook), but it’s a scary prospect for someone who has never used it before(although I am asking around for advice). They still paid for editing and cover art, and I really don’t have much of a budget at all, but I want my novel to be professional looking.
Now is the best time for trying this than ever before, because Kickstarter now brings an audience of its own to the table. The biggest warning is to make sure you are setting a minimum funding goal that allows you to produce what you promise. If it doesn't fund you aren't on the hook to create the book, but if you set the funding low and it barely funds, you are responsible for following through. Just make sure you learn how to budget that properly. Definitely join the Kickstarter for authors fb group!
@@HeartBreathings Excellent, that’s great to hear! I will check into that group. This video came out right as I was working on my own budget, so this is greatly appreciated!
You mentioned money usually comes in after Book 3. Does that mean duologies has a lesser chance of making money?
It's not necessarily that money usually comes in at any certain point, but just in general, it takes a few books to start getting noticed and making fans. It could be 1 book, it could be 12. There's no guarantee or set amount, but I have found that if you budget for 3 at least from the beginning, it's more likely you'll get to keep publishing without going into debt.
Duoligies can be fine and if that's what you story needs, that's great. But at the same time, one of the best and fastest ways to start earning out as indie is with a longer connected series. This is why I try to get across that there's no rules or certainties! It's just trying to stack the odds in your favor as best you can while writing what you most want to write. If you're writing a duology it will still have a good chance of being successful!
@@HeartBreathings Thank you!
What formatting software do you recommend?
If you have a Mac, I highly recommend Vellum. If you have a PC, then Atticus is the best one out there for paid software. If you want to do it free, I recommend Reedsy or Draft2Digital.
@@HeartBreathings Thank you!
Hello Sarra, I wonder if the course is suitable for people abroad.
Is there content that can not be execute in Germany? Maybe because of laws and other things?
Thanks 😊
The course is universal! The business sections in module 3 are the most US focused sections but also provide links to figuring out your business structure in other countries.
Any plans for when publish and thrive will open in 2025?
Do you have a discount code for P&T if someone already has HB90?
Yes! We sent it in email and posted in the FB group when the class opened two weeks ago so check email. If you don't see it email or message me privately.
The cost, based on time only and not money would work and please a video
I can edit myself, but I wouldn't mind spending a little money on a cover artist. I'm broke, so things have to be affordable for me😅
I like seeing so many videos each week, but I'm worried that you aren't getting your words written. 💖🌞🌵😷
I've got a good balance going! First 3 hours of every day is all writing!
@@HeartBreathings , PERFECT! Keep it up! 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒
There was a jarring blank screen for a second around the 7:46 to 7:47 mark!
Sorry! Must have been a small editing error when clipping the video but I can't change it after the fact