Write, Publish, & Market Your First Book with Jodi Brandon

The Sassy Strategist: Build a Profitable Business and a Lifestyle You Love

Many business owners have considered writing a book to share their expertise, build credibility, or grow their business. However, the process of writing and publishing a book brings about many questions - should you self-publish or go the traditional route, who do you need on your team, and how will you get your book out into the world?

This week’s guest is Jodi Brandon, a book editor, publishing partner and coach with 20 years experience in the publishing industry. Jodi shares insight into the process of creating a book from idea to market as we discuss the details of self-publishing, and what you need to be successful at writing, publishing, and marketing your first book.

“The launch doesn’t make or break a book - you can continue to market and sell for the long-haul. It’s a marathon not a sprint.” - Jodi Brandon

KEY POINTS

• If you’re writing a book to build credibility and business opportunities, self-publishing may be the route to take. If you’re looking to make a living as a writer, consider traditional publishing instead.
• Whether you self-publish or get a traditional publisher you will be responsible for marketing your book.
• When it comes to pricing your book, stay away from trends. Compare your book to similar books and let that guide your pricing decisions.
• The process of creating a book can be broken down into three stages; Write, Publish, and Market. Each stage is a detailed process in and of itself.
• Getting the support you need is key to successfully creating and launching a book, and hiring a book coach can help. If you self-publish, you’ll need a book designer (not a graphic designer), an editor, a typesetter, and perhaps an indexer (if applicable) or a publicist.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Jodi Brandon has more than 20 years' experience in book publishing. After many years working in traditional publishing (in-house at a Big Four, a book packager, and a niche publisher), Jodi and her husband relocated from New York to Philadelphia and she launched her freelance editing business. Today Jodi works primarily as a book editor and writing/publishing coach for creative entrepreneurs, bloggers, small business owners, and solopreneurs who want to grow their business with a book.