How To Find Success In Self Publishing

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  • čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
  • Evan Winter talks about his experience finding success in self-publishing his smash hit, The Rage of Dragons and Fires of Vengence!
    Rage Of Dragons: amzn.to/2Pl7Asq
    Fires of Vengeance: amzn.to/2OUKCbT
    BREACH OF PEACE LINKS:
    Amazon: amzn.to/3kHsyNJ (physical/ebook)
    Audible: www.audible.com/pd/B08Z8L7D5Q...
    B&N: tinyurl.com/3df3c2p4 (physical/ebook)
    Book Depository: tinyurl.com/2hds7euy (physical)
    Google: tinyurl.com/abkh6mn6 (ebook)
    Apple: tinyurl.com/rc994r8k (ebook)
    Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/brea... (ebook)
    Merch: teespring.com/stores/fantasy-...
    Patreon: / danielbgreene
    Discord Server: / discord
    Twitter: DanielBGreene?lan...
    Twitch: / fantasynews
    Instagram: / dgreene101
    Subreddit: / danielgreene
    Podcast: afictionalconversation.podbea...
    Equipment:
    Camera: amzn.to/3siqgHv
    Lense: amzn.to/3ugGxhQ
    Lighting: amzn.to/3aI3brK
    Microphone: amzn.to/3pCGtWg
    Tripod: amzn.to/3kd9yq1
    Interview:
    00:00 Intro
    00:54 Time magazine
    02:37 Self Pub First Steps
    06:04 Success in precision
    07:48 Early Sales Importance
    11:14 First 100 Days of Ads
    15:09 Budget
    17:14 Best investments
    21:57 Biggest Mistake
    23:13 Sweat Equity
    24:26 Start with novella
    27:56 Genre

Komentáře • 225

  • @DanielGreeneReviews
    @DanielGreeneReviews  Před 3 lety +216

    Evan is such a great guy! Be sure to check out RoD is you haven’t already. Pay attention to this guys advice. He knows what he’s talking about!

    • @Frogface91
      @Frogface91 Před 3 lety +3

      I just finished RoD yesterday, on your recommendation. This book ruined my sleep, I couldn't put the damn thing down!

  • @bentingley3519
    @bentingley3519 Před 3 lety +433

    Couldn’t agree more with Evan on how hard Daniel has worked to build his following. It’s all been leading up to this, One Piece at a time.

    • @reidblanchard6453
      @reidblanchard6453 Před 3 lety +35

      I see what you did there

    • @cristumang3575
      @cristumang3575 Před 3 lety +7

      sneaky

    • @milospollonia1121
      @milospollonia1121 Před 3 lety +3

      hehehe

    • @Emancy3
      @Emancy3 Před 3 lety +4

      Nice one 😂😂

    • @keanugarcia5418
      @keanugarcia5418 Před 3 lety

      @AWAIS BUTT It just depends sometimes they are integrated into the world enough where they are apart of everyday life but sometimes it is just combat or softer and used as awe inspiring

  • @mwbreen
    @mwbreen Před 3 lety +165

    I love Daniel’s questions, but I also love that Evan seems to also love them and says when he thinks it’s a good question. What a stand-up dude.

  • @jamesmalik3355
    @jamesmalik3355 Před 3 lety +76

    Evan Winter's so charismatic. I ended up watching the whole vid

  • @raghavbhatia7624
    @raghavbhatia7624 Před 3 lety +180

    Two very genuine dudes.

  • @AntoineBandele
    @AntoineBandele Před 3 lety +156

    Thank you for this video. I’m one of those readers who just didn’t vibe with Rage of Dragons (and felt bad for it), but Evan is a real stand up dude. This is my first time listening to an interview with him all the way through.

  • @DarthSnugglePuss
    @DarthSnugglePuss Před 3 lety +12

    I’m a poor grad student with three self published books with very few sales but good reviews. I’m happy with where I’m at right now.

  • @Calebgoblin
    @Calebgoblin Před 3 lety +67

    Faces that I like
    They are talking to each other
    Gladness

    • @BrandonRocksSauce
      @BrandonRocksSauce Před 3 lety +4

      @@moxielofton7679
      faces that I like
      Are talking to each other
      I feel happiness

  • @benfisher4783
    @benfisher4783 Před 3 lety +136

    I'm going to go and buy Evan's first book and see if I like it. He always seems so genuine when he's on the channel.

    • @elwinpillai
      @elwinpillai Před 3 lety +7

      Rage of Dragons was one of the most unique and satisfying fantasy books I've read in years! Can't recommend it enough and I hope you enjoy it!

    • @benfisher4783
      @benfisher4783 Před 3 lety +5

      @@elwinpillai thanks for the recommendation. Just have to decide how to buy it now. I like audio books but I'm not sure how much money goes to the author on audible. Might have to do some research.

    • @BryanGlosemeyer
      @BryanGlosemeyer Před 3 lety +4

      I just finished it. It's quite excellent.

  • @CamWolfeAuthor
    @CamWolfeAuthor Před 3 lety +63

    So much valuable advice here! I can’t imagine the difficulty that would be involved in marketing a book to success without an already established platform. So much respect to Evan

    • @mrsiz218
      @mrsiz218 Před 2 lety

      Found this interview at your suggestion! Thanks so much for pointing me in this direction, Cam! ❤️❤️

  • @robertwalsh6810
    @robertwalsh6810 Před 3 lety +69

    I can't believe this is free to watch. Such a valuable resource for everyone, hearing from the masters! Thank you Evan and Daniel

  • @samivory7733
    @samivory7733 Před 3 lety +25

    I’m glad Daniel has found a use for that second camera I felt bad when he got it for Fantasy News and it was received poorly lol

  • @destro6971
    @destro6971 Před 3 lety +48

    Just started the 2nd book by Mr. Winter, gotta say I’m really loving the series.

  • @SandrasLibrary
    @SandrasLibrary Před 3 lety +48

    What a fantastic conversation. Really appreciate Winter’s insights on his approach. Such an inspiration!

  • @pemryjanes5789
    @pemryjanes5789 Před 3 lety +17

    Am I the only one that wants to hear Daniel and Evan discuss Warcraft 3 for ten minutes?

    • @eliasfurufors5230
      @eliasfurufors5230 Před 3 lety +1

      My face lit up hearing that. I so want to hear them talking about it. I grew up playing that game.

  • @SSBGraham
    @SSBGraham Před rokem +2

    “Just drop 10G on ads” is very relatable and helpful advise. “Thank you”

  • @juts89
    @juts89 Před 3 lety +51

    That is one impressive dude. No wonder rage of dragons blew up.

  • @brendawaworga
    @brendawaworga Před 3 lety +30

    Ahhh love Evan Winter 😍😍

    • @jarltrippin
      @jarltrippin Před 3 lety +4

      This is unrelated to anything, but you have a badass surname.

  • @nickdentonva7764
    @nickdentonva7764 Před 3 lety +10

    I remember auditioning for the audiobook before he went with the actual narrator. I knew reading that audition it would be a massive book, I've followed Evan ever since and long may his success continue!

  • @hcstubbs3290
    @hcstubbs3290 Před 3 lety +20

    Watching this has made me decide self-publishing is definitely not a back up for me to traditional publishing. It's too damn expensive... which means traditional publishing is the only way to really get success for people without a lot of money to invest in their work or a pre-existing followin to drive up sales. Very interesting video, made me respect self-published authors even more. It's one thing to have enough faith in your work to put it out without a publisher backing you, another to put so much money into it. Now I really wanna read rage of dragons 👌

  • @duskshard4854
    @duskshard4854 Před 3 lety +12

    Finished rage of dragons about a week ago and loved it! I’ll read the next one as soon as bookstores reopen!

  • @nanderson423
    @nanderson423 Před 3 lety +8

    This interview was so good I bought Rage of Dragons while listening to it.

  • @tayo_95
    @tayo_95 Před 3 lety +26

    I don't care if this sounds cheesy, it warms my heart to see someone who looks like me who has made a living through self-publishing fantasy books. I really need to read Rage Of Dragons at some point.

  • @grendelentertainment9642
    @grendelentertainment9642 Před 3 lety +7

    If this video doesn’t get a million views I will eat my own shoes. This was absolutely brilliant!

  • @alexdenton6586
    @alexdenton6586 Před 3 lety +6

    I am a writer myself and the most important thing would be to offer quality that would be a good start 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️
    When I see all the poor quality content on Amazon it's horrible
    I see a lot of people wanting to make a quick buck by selling low quality fiction books, content copied from others, coloring books that require no effort etc.
    I know we are not all equal and not everyone can be Frank Herbert etc but offering quality is the first and most important step

  • @DanShipleyReads
    @DanShipleyReads Před 3 lety +20

    Amazing advice here. Next year I'll be publishing my first epic fantasy novel, The Fires of Cerran. Will 100% be following Evan's advice for this one.

  • @mikem1585
    @mikem1585 Před 3 lety +13

    I love the Cradle shoutout! Really excited for the next book.

    • @ChiIIChief
      @ChiIIChief Před 3 lety +1

      Only eight days! I can't wait!

  • @JohnDoe-ns5su
    @JohnDoe-ns5su Před 3 lety +3

    This helps as some who wants to get into writing right out of high school.

  • @sheyslibrary
    @sheyslibrary Před 3 lety +14

    Evan seems like such a sweetheart!

  • @ardequerade3155
    @ardequerade3155 Před 3 lety +4

    just some advice for anyone considering self publishing, connections within the community matter and do help, there are lots of exchanges like deals and favours.
    like say person 1 offers to edit some chapters for person 2, because person 2 happens to be good at illustrations and can help them with their coverart in exchange. or instead of a straight exchange they can offer the same work but for a discounted price instead. a lot of fellow writers, not necessarily published, do offer work in their expertise in exchange for money, exposure (usually not a replacement for actual compensation), favours, etc. so keep that in mind. you can make heaps of friends too :D

  • @romellparks-weekly7779

    It's great to have resources like this so that when my book is finished, I can benefit from your experience when I publish. Thank you!

  • @adamjscholte583
    @adamjscholte583 Před 2 lety +2

    Oh wow, this vid blew me out of the water.
    I am writing a fantasy series and am looking at publishing next year, this just flipped the script.
    Over the moon that I stumbled across this page.
    Thank you my Goblin master

  • @bonniestevens4329
    @bonniestevens4329 Před 3 lety +1

    I read both books last year and loved them! I am greatly looking forward to the next one.

  • @josephrogers5298
    @josephrogers5298 Před 3 lety +9

    Yes! This is a great idea and I'm glad you both worked on this. Excited to watch and take some notes.

  • @Carlos101010101
    @Carlos101010101 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks guys! That was the best conversation on self publishing I've ever watched.

  • @thelemmiebee
    @thelemmiebee Před 3 lety +2

    I love Evan Winter and his wisdom. Great interview and lots to ponder on. Thanks for delivering, Daniel!

  • @luvBB4lyf
    @luvBB4lyf Před 3 lety +5

    This was such an informative and interesting interview. Evan Winter is so well spoken, love watching your videos with him!

  • @elwinpillai
    @elwinpillai Před 3 lety +5

    Thank you Evan and Daniel for such a great interview. You both provided a ton of great information on self-publishing, especially on how essential paid advertising is to get works out there!

  • @Piqipeg
    @Piqipeg Před 3 lety +1

    I love when Evan is on, Daniel and him always have interesting conversations!

  • @c.a.gutierrez2108
    @c.a.gutierrez2108 Před 3 lety +2

    Great interview. Lots of amazing advice. Already started the first book!

  • @CallumRickard
    @CallumRickard Před 3 lety +1

    Absolutely one of my favourites so far, Daniel. Your usual chaotic and genuine enthusiasm and hard work have led you here, so do 👏🏻 NOT feel guilty for your sales success 👍🏻
    I was half-bakedly aware of Evan's Rage Of Dragons and had it parked on my TBR somewhere, but after watching his articulate genius in action, and listening to his tips, I defo want to read it. He's so erudite and interesting, and laser-focussed.
    Thanks for this video 📹

  • @paulandrewwandless3167

    Great interview! A lot of great insights on the process. Loved both of Evan's books!

  • @SnakeAndTurtleQigong
    @SnakeAndTurtleQigong Před 3 lety +1

    Wonderful discussion!
    Thanks for helping us amateurs! Nice to follow people who are working out the bugs for us.

  • @maeheller9657
    @maeheller9657 Před 3 lety

    This was an amazing interview. Thank you both so much!

  • @graphthis2249
    @graphthis2249 Před 3 lety

    Just stumbled on this interview and picked up the book on Audible as a result. The premise sounds awesome. Thanks for this!

  • @Mobinng
    @Mobinng Před 3 lety

    This helps a lot. You guys gave me some ideas I hadn't even thought of to promote my own book, which comes out in a few days. Thanks Mr. Goblin and thanks Evan!

  • @DavidDecero
    @DavidDecero Před 3 lety +2

    Great discussion guys. As someone who'd like to self-publish in the future, thank you. There is some awesome insight from a writer who has actually done it.
    Also, I'm about halfway through Rage of Dragons and I'm really enjoying it so far.

  • @ConstantinGMWeber
    @ConstantinGMWeber Před 7 měsíci

    This is in my to 5 interviews ever! I can't thank you both enough! 🎉🎉🎉 The value for me is unmatched.

  • @gold.poo22
    @gold.poo22 Před rokem +1

    Really love how professionally Daniel handles these interviews. This one with Evan, along with his interviews with Joe Abercrombie and Christopher Paolini, and even the LEGEND Brandon Sanderson, are wonderfully done. Daniel is a great interviewer and it provides for some excellent content. Along with his interviewees being some really awesome guys :)

  • @ThisIsJaysWorld
    @ThisIsJaysWorld Před 3 lety +2

    My mom,who normally only reads Paranormal Romance (bodice rippers) is reading The Rage of Dragons right now and, very much to my surprise, she loves it.

  • @travissullivan6575
    @travissullivan6575 Před rokem

    Thanks for this Daniel and Evan.
    I loved the world Evan put together, as he has some of the best logistics in fantasy.

  • @RedFuryBooks
    @RedFuryBooks Před 3 lety

    Great video, and I'm definitely adding Evan Winter to the TBR!

  • @person1589
    @person1589 Před 3 lety +1

    Speaking of marketing, I hadn't actually heard of Evan before this video and now I'm going to go use both of my two audible credits to go buy his books. Thanks for the well-done video Daniel. Your channel is an incredible resource for anyone interested in fantasy and books in general.

  • @actionms8566
    @actionms8566 Před 3 lety +3

    Great video. I really love Rage of Dragons. I wish Daniel the same success with his writing. Already excited for BoP.

  • @benderB9
    @benderB9 Před 3 lety +14

    How dare you cut out a WC3 tangent?!
    Great and informative talk :)

  • @tamarantulasweb943
    @tamarantulasweb943 Před 3 lety

    Thank you both for this genuinely helpful advice! I learned more from this video than from hours of online research :D

  • @kimu.6227
    @kimu.6227 Před 2 lety

    What a cool guy! I just bought his book! Can’t wait to read it!

  • @britwww
    @britwww Před 3 lety

    Evan is such a great guy I’ll read anything he puts out. Some people just deserve success!

  • @admirekashiri9879
    @admirekashiri9879 Před 3 lety +1

    Men I can't wait to finish my first book. This is so motivating I've been wondering about how I'll eventually publish my series. Being a business graduate as well the talk of marketing and financing is making me excited.

  • @tobkromtob8992
    @tobkromtob8992 Před 3 lety +1

    Evan is really One of the nicest Person I have Seen on the Internet. Such an enjoyable Interview everytime

  • @JohnnyValmaggia
    @JohnnyValmaggia Před 3 lety +8

    The only thing missing from this interview is them switching around and Evan asking Daniel how to build an audience on the internet. At which point Shad Brooks pops in and starts throwing machicolations at their faces.

  • @miketacos9034
    @miketacos9034 Před 2 lety

    This is such valuable advice. This really encourages me. It’s tough but at least I know what to aim for.

  • @texman89
    @texman89 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much for doing a video on marketing. I needed this.

  • @rentonreva2047
    @rentonreva2047 Před 3 lety +2

    Very informative. Thanks for sharing!

  • @RB-eb9mr
    @RB-eb9mr Před 3 lety

    Interview just had me picking up his book. It's really good, can't believe I've missed it before now!

  • @LisadoesLife
    @LisadoesLife Před 3 lety

    This is just so informative. He seems like such a great guy.

  • @leonie9101
    @leonie9101 Před 3 lety

    This was such a good and helpful interview! As a writer, who wants to published author, this was extremely inspiring!

  • @hotplotsandsynonyms
    @hotplotsandsynonyms Před 3 lety +1

    Watching this for a second time (and as a long-time Warcraft lover), I would like you to release a random video of the cut footage of you and Evan Winter rambling about Warcraft 3. I LOVE hearing about the gaming lives/interests of my favorite fantasy authors and I know others do as well.

  • @christhewritingjester3164

    100% agree on starting with a novella. I have learned so much (self-published in December 2021) and I'm glad I didn't try to dive into this with what I consider my grand first novel. It's more than just the self-publishing process though. Getting all the bugs out of your writing abilities so your "baby" is better written is also a major factor in starting out small.

  • @Mahir_Khan_Journey
    @Mahir_Khan_Journey Před rokem +1

    Your videos are giving me the fuel to continue working on my first book, cheers mate, hopefully it gets reviewed in your channel one day haha

  • @JasonDettrey
    @JasonDettrey Před měsícem +1

    I think that it is important to notate that Evan Winter self-published The Rage of Dragons in 2017 and then it was acquired by Orbit in 2019 and rereleased that July. So before everyone rushes off to goodreads to see the 33k reviews and assumes from this video that all of those sales came from self-publishing, that would not be the case. Evan Winter, in another interview, stated that he was in talks with an editor from Orbit which allowed him to be picked up as a traditionally published author at a big 4 because he felt that they could help him "be better". So, while there is value in the things being talked about in the interview, I think that it is important and should have been noted in the video that Evan Winter is no longer just a self-published author and at best is a hybrid author. It is also worth noting that since the book was acquired by a trad publisher and "rereleased" that could also mean that the book as it is currently being sold could be vastly different from the original self-published form. Not saying it is, but it could be considering trad publishers do go through extensive periods of editing, design, and marketing before they release a book. I would hazard that The Rage of Dragons was possibly only listed for a year before being picked up by Orbit so that they had time to do their due diligence before rerelease. Food for thought. Not dogging on Self-Publishing at all, but just giving everyone a reality check before we all go crazy over how "successful" this self-pub author is, when there are key facts that Daniel Green is omitting here and Even Winter is has also talked about in other interviews.

  • @cyrilturlan6727
    @cyrilturlan6727 Před 3 lety +1

    Great interview, Daniel. I haven't read Evan's book as of yet but, man! what an interesting insight in the world of self-publishing. Hopefully I'll get there someday.
    What's interesting to me is how it's not so different to what some artist friends have told me; I've been working in a museum (in France, 'cause I'm French and all...) and I've met quite a few artists or aspiring artists who were working part-time or even full time at the museum, to cover their bills. One thing that would come back quite often was how they were baffled, sometimes even discouraged by how much the marketing part was taking in all their journey. See, they've been studying in great Arts School for many years, sharpening their craft and/or mind, everything revolving around Art, but then, when the selling part would eventually arrive, some were lost, because it's a completely different set of skills/knowledge they never even cared for. A few of them even considered stopping everything, discouraged in the face of all this, discovering how much social connections and money were prevalent in the big picture (probably 'cause french people are weirdly biased on matters of making money out of anything...).
    That is why that kind of interview is important for aspiring authors/artists, even readers; understanding that a creative mind is only part of a long journey, that might be filled with unwanted parts, but might eventually end up as a beautiful gem of a book that will resonate with thousands of people around the world.
    On that note I think I'll grab my tablet and start with Breach of Peace now.
    Thanks again, man. Peace!

  • @heathervanness10
    @heathervanness10 Před 2 lety

    Evan is so well-spoken. this was so informative like wow!

  • @masonpines6349
    @masonpines6349 Před 3 lety

    Glad I'm not the only one who started with a novella. Good place to learn some hard do's and don't's.

  • @bigsiskrishere
    @bigsiskrishere Před 3 lety +2

    Great conversation! Once again demonstrates why I will never be able to self publish 😅 And that's okay! I just know I could never handle that much on top of the weight of "oh my god my creative work is out in the world and total strangers will be judging it".

  • @Viksbelle
    @Viksbelle Před 3 lety

    This has been more informative than most of the convention panels on book marketing I've attended.

  • @Demancer2
    @Demancer2 Před rokem

    Soooo happy for him. I hope my self-published novella gets there one day.

  • @williss1192
    @williss1192 Před 4 měsíci

    This video holds so much value. I've done heavy research and can only find a few things that give this type of raw information. I hope you can give an update video as Amazon terms continue to change now.

  • @paniklewe
    @paniklewe Před 3 lety

    New things learned, awesome!

  • @StarlitPublishing
    @StarlitPublishing Před 3 lety

    Great comments by Evan. AMS and FB ads are very good, Bookbub is tricky for sure. Paid newsletter ads can really be useful too, even in the first 90 days depending on how you work it.
    Newsletter mailings can work if you are releasing regularly too.

  • @kosanarmax4158
    @kosanarmax4158 Před 3 lety +2

    Great advice, I'd never thought of the value of paid advertising on amazon

  • @cynthiaholmes5124
    @cynthiaholmes5124 Před 3 lety

    I can't wait to read the last two books in the series loved rage of dragons and fires of vengeance

  • @Thebigbad1013
    @Thebigbad1013 Před 3 lety +2

    Very interesting and insightful. Good stuff.

  • @3dchick
    @3dchick Před rokem +1

    Evan's voice is almost hypnotic. Maybe the only author ever who should narrate their own audio books.

  • @R3BECCAK
    @R3BECCAK Před 3 lety +3

    Honestly when I see Evan Winter on this channel I squeal 🤩🤩

  • @Nassaldromus
    @Nassaldromus Před 7 měsíci

    Daniel, you are very intelligent. I appreciate your insight and your well-formed questions and interviews. I'm not as much a fan of videos that are more on the funny side, but that's on me and my sense of humor and not you.
    I wish you success. Your providing a great resource for aspiring writers like me.

  • @jotaz3838
    @jotaz3838 Před 3 lety +2

    Evan with that Cradle shoutout! Really Daniel give them a try, if you start now you can get caught up in time for Bloodline.

  • @jackieboyborden
    @jackieboyborden Před rokem

    This is insanely insightful

  • @emmanuelboakye1124
    @emmanuelboakye1124 Před 3 lety

    This is needed.good work👍👍

  • @Grux_ASG
    @Grux_ASG Před 3 lety +6

    Damn i love his reaction to top100 list

  • @sirhubcap2171
    @sirhubcap2171 Před 3 lety

    Always have the best interviews, man

  • @samanthaa.6055
    @samanthaa.6055 Před 3 lety

    Cool interview. Thanks!

  • @matthewletexier
    @matthewletexier Před 3 lety

    I haven't read Rage of Dragons, but i think I'll add it to my TBR

  • @bracerofplanets6274
    @bracerofplanets6274 Před 3 lety +1

    Looooove the interviews!

  • @danieleColomboChnl
    @danieleColomboChnl Před 3 lety

    Even if I have no plan to publish a book I found this video super interesting!

  • @synegg9414
    @synegg9414 Před 2 lety

    Great interview! Would love an uncut version with the video game discussion left in XD

  • @tiitusuusitalo2652
    @tiitusuusitalo2652 Před 3 lety +1

    I would love to see how you would rank A Song of Ice and Fire books from worst to best! Maybe a tier list for that sometimes?

  • @masonexploring4373
    @masonexploring4373 Před 2 lety

    Great show guys im new and needed this

  • @naamahnotorious955
    @naamahnotorious955 Před 3 lety

    Hoping both of you will get those books translated in Dutch. Not in the capacity to buy much at this point in my life, but when it's in Dutch I make my library buy it...

  • @davidcayden329
    @davidcayden329 Před 3 lety +1

    good work on the video!