Screw the Gatekeepers: Write Your Damn Book and Self-Publish Like a Boss

In this episode, Elizabeth Lyons discusses the rise of self-publishing and the challenges in traditional publishing. She also explores the common stages and goals of authors, as well as the misconceptions about writing and publishing. Finally, she weighs the upsides and downsides of self-publishing. In this conversation, Elizabeth Lyons discusses the pros and cons of self-publishing, common pitfalls in the publishing process, the importance of defining your why, overcoming roadblocks in the writing process, costly mistakes in the publishing process, factors contributing to the success of a book, recommended resources for authors, and shares one piece of advice for authors.

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Say hello to Elizabeth!

Elizabeth Lyons is a 6x author, book writing & publishing coach, book editor, and host of the ‘Write the Damn Book Already’ podcast. Through her ‘Publish A Profitable Book’ course, she helps authors remove overwhelm and overthinking by walking them step-by-step through the self-publishing process so you can have a book that's indistinguishable in quality from those published by the "big guys." 

Want 15% off the ‘Publish a Profitable Book’ course? Use code: LETSPUBLISH!

If you want to learn more, visit the website or subscribe to her podcast. 

 

Takeaways

• Self-publishing has become more popular due to increased transparency about the traditional publishing process.
• Authors often seek personal growth and fulfilment through writing.
• Many authors come to Elizabeth Lyons for help when they are stuck in the writing process or unsure where to start.
• There are misconceptions about the ease and quick path to success in writing and publishing. Self-publishing offers benefits such as creative control, faster time to market, and higher royalties, but it also requires self-direction and self-discipline.
• One of the biggest pitfalls in the publishing process is thinking you don't need an editor. Good editing is essential to ensure content clarity and reader engagement.
• Before starting to write and publish a book, it is important to define your why and understand the benefit your book will bring to your audience.
• To overcome roadblocks in the writing process, surround yourself with a community of writers, be willing to push yourself, and recognize that all books are written in small increments of time.
• Costly mistakes in the publishing process include working with vanity publishers who prioritise profit over quality and not investing in professional cover design.
• The success of a book is unpredictable, but putting your best foot forward, surrounding yourself with the right people, and being willing to market and promote your book can increase its chances.
• Embrace curiosity and ask 'what if' questions to explore the possibilities and positive outcomes of writing and publishing a book.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quickfire Questions

03:09 The Rise of Self-Publishing

09:01 Challenges in Traditional Publishing

13:00 Common Stages and Goals of Authors

20:38 Upsides and Downsides of Self-Publishing

21:17 Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing

23:41 Common Pitfalls in the Publishing Process

28:25 The Importance of Defining Your Why

31:41 Overcoming Roadblocks in the Writing Process

37:30 Costly Mistakes in the Publishing Process

40:50 Factors Contributing to the Success of a Book

45:06 Recommended Resources for Authors

46:28 One Piece of Advice for Authors