Episode 15 - Colorful Marketing Magic: Unlocking Bestseller Secrets

Welcome to the Six Figure Author Experiment Podcast. Hosts Russell Nohelty and Lee Savino dive into a colorful mix of personal anecdotes, book marketing strategies, and insights on making book launches successful. This episode is packed with practical advice and lively discussions.

Key Highlights:

1. The Art of Personal Style:

   • Russell kicked off the episode by showcasing his new Keith Haring jacket and Russell from "Up" hat, sharing a fun story about his Disneyland trip and how he ended up buying the jacket despite discouragement from his family.

2. Comic Projects and Marketing Ideas:

   • The hosts discussed their plans for a spicy comic, including potential cosplay marketing strategies. Although Russell vetoed the idea due to the comic's content, they highlighted the importance of creative marketing approaches.

3. Launch Strategies and Insights:

   • Lee shared her experiences with launching her series, including insights from Alana Johnson on rapid releasing and the different levels of book launches (soft, medium, and hard). They discussed the benefits of focusing on books later in the series for harder launches.

4. Optimal Series Length:

   • The hosts explored the concept of the perfect series length, referencing Alana Johnson’s strategy of making book seven a must-read by seeding important plot points in earlier books. They discussed the sales dip after book six and how to overcome it.

5. Redemption Arcs and Villain Development:

   • Lee shared how she and her co-author plan redemption arcs for their villains, turning them into heroes in later books. This strategy keeps readers engaged and eager for future releases.

6. Analyzing Launch Numbers:

   • Lee revealed the launch numbers for her Bad Boy Alphas series, emphasizing the importance of pre-orders and strategic advertising to achieve USA Today bestseller status. She discussed the varying success of different books in the series.

7. Direct Sales and Ad Strategies:

   • Russell and Lee talked about their experiences with direct sales and the importance of ad spend. Lee mentioned her cautious approach with her new ad manager and the ongoing tests with discrete covers and branding.

8. Handling Technical Issues:

   • The hosts shared their frustrations with technical issues on platforms like IngramSpark and Amazon. They provided tips on managing these challenges, such as uploading to multiple platforms and seeking human support when necessary.

9. Overcoming Setbacks and Maintaining Perspective:

   • The episode emphasized the importance of resilience and perspective in the face of setbacks. The hosts encouraged authors to celebrate small wins and learn from every experience, no matter the outcome.

FINAL THOUGHT: In this vibrant episode, Russell and Lee mixed personal flair with valuable marketing insights, illustrating the importance of creativity and perseverance in book launches. Their candid discussions about challenges and successes offer a realistic yet encouraging perspective for authors navigating the complex world of book publishing.