Build Your Author Platform: Establish yourself as a credible and influential figure in your niche. The only way to ensure success is to get out of your head and into the world. Leave your house, and online communities for a second and engage with real people. Yes, create the author website, engage with readers through social media and email newsletters, but also branch out and participate in speaking engagements and book events to build your brand and connect with your audience. As soon as I became clear that I had something to offer the people, I stopped keeping it a secret.
Writing a book can be a rewarding creative endeavor, and it can also be a profitable one if approached correctly. What are the strategies and steps needed to turn a book into a significant source of income? How do authors effectively market and sell their books, and what should they consider when navigating publishing options? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Akilah Trinay.
Sharifa Akilah Trinay Washington, a native of Oakland, holds a B.A. in Communications with a focus on Public Relations from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Arts in Educational Teaching and currently working towards a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Saint Mary’s University. Akilah, the CEO of Revision Publishing LLC, is a versatile professional with expertise in business, marketing, and personal development and has published over 30 titles in various genres, languages, and formats. As a published author, podcast host, entrepreneur, and educational consultant, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her partnerships.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share a story about what motivated you to become an expert in the particular area that you are writing about?
Can you share a pivotal story that shaped the course of your career?
I knew I was on to something when I published my first clients’ book in the Eye Spy series. I had the pleasure of working with two brilliant 10-year-old girls who started writing as pen pals during the pandemic and discovered they had a great story, and the world needed to read it. Eye Spy is currently a two-book series of espionage, twists, turns, humor, fun and everything in between. The young authors wrote and illustrated the book on their own and needed guidance through the publishing process. Seeing these young ladies model excellence and commit to the process was empowering. No matter how old you are, the world deserves to hear your story.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Are you working on any new writing projects?
I am currently finishing the editing process for the sequel to my debut novel Beyond the Hurt. I have a few clients releasing their projects by the end of the year, and my Self-Publishing Made Simple Course is available now. Self-Publishing Made Simple is an online course designed to provide authors with all the essential knowledge and skills needed to successfully self-publish their book. Whether someone is a first-time author or looking to take their publishing career to the next level, this course will equip them with the tools and strategies to navigate the self-publishing process with ease and confidence. It’s available via my website.
Thank you for that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview. In your opinion, what are the key strategies that authors should focus on if they want to generate significant income from their books?
Authors should think outside the box by exploring non-traditional revenue streams. I have ventured into courses, workshops, and consulting, but authors will need to determine the need for their specific industry or genre. The key is to leverage their gifts. To do this they would use their unique skills and talents to create valuable products and services. I will continue to stress the strategy to research the industry and their future audience to discover unmet needs. While it is tempting to be like everyone else or the hot influencer of today, authors need to stay true to their personal brand and voice to focus on value. Provide valuable solutions to their audience’s problems. And finally, build a sustainable business through the creation of multiple income streams around their intellectual property.
Marketing is crucial for book sales. What are the most effective marketing techniques you’ve used or seen others use to successfully promote their books?
My online course goes into much more detail with many more resources, but I will include the most effective marketing techniques for promoting books:
- Building an Author Platform and Mailing List: Create an author website and social media presence. Engage with the audience and offer incentives for signing up for their mailing list. This helps to create a community around their book and establish them as an author.
- Giveaways and Promotions: Host contests and giveaways to generate buzz around the book, offering free chapters, bonus content, or even physical prizes. Partnering with other authors or businesses for cross-promotions can further expand their reach.
- Accessing Social Media: Develop a strong social media presence by sharing engaging content and interacting with followers. As authors, we must allow people to see and know that we are real people. Use a mix of promotional posts and valuable content that interests the audience, such as memes, quotes, videos, and articles. It’s imperative to give more than we ask for.
- Seeking Book Reviews and Endorsements: Reach out to book reviewers, bloggers, and influencers in your genre for reviews and endorsements. These can significantly impact the book’s visibility and credibility.
- Book Signings and Speaking Engagements: Participate in book signings, author events, and speaking engagements to connect with potential readers and promote the book directly.
- Paid Advertising: Utilize platforms like Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads to target specific audiences and promote your book. While we don’t always favor marketing, we need to invest in our reach.
What role does social media play in book marketing, and how can authors leverage these platforms to boost their book sales?
Social media has become an indispensable tool in the modern author’s marketing tool chest. It provides a direct line to target audiences, fostering a sense of community and enabling effective book promotion. By sharing our writing journey and offering relevant content, we can cultivate a loyal following and generate excitement for upcoming releases. Platforms like TikTok, X, Instagram, and Facebook allow for interactive engagement through contests, Q&A sessions, and live readings, amplifying the book’s visibility and drawing in potential readers.
Furthermore, social media’s sophisticated targeting options ensure promotional efforts reach the most receptive audience. Collaborations with influencers, such as book bloggers and reviewers, extend the book’s reach and can lead to valuable endorsements. I was taught “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed”, we don’t get what we don’t ask for. Direct sales are also driven by using social media to announce new releases, offer exclusive discounts, and link to online retailers. Through these strategies, authors can successfully leverage social media to boost book sales and solidify their online presence.
How can you leverage the book to position you as an expert in your field?
Let me tell you, building an author platform is like laying the foundation for a skyscraper–it has to be strong and visible. Sharing our knowledge is key, whether it’s through blog posts, articles like this, or getting social on those platforms. Show people what you know! Answer questions, jump into discussions, and offer golden nuggets of wisdom. It’s all about building trust and showing you’re not just selling a book, but to sharing your passion. And please don’t shy away from speaking engagements! Conferences, webinars, you name it–get out there and shine. It’s a chance to connect with the audience on a different level and network with other movers and shakers. Done right, you can showcase your expertise, and build the platform, to position yourself as the go-to expert in your field. And that is how you build credibility and make a real impact.
How important is building a personal brand for an author, and what steps can authors take to establish themselves as credible and influential figures in their niche?
Extremely important. A strong foundation is essential to stand out in a competitive market. There are billions of books out there in the marketplace. It’s not merely about selling books, but about creating deep connections with readers. Cultivating a loyal readership requires trust and consistently delivering content that resonates. This is achieved through a consistent online presence, sharing expertise, and allowing one’s personality to shine through.
Engagement is paramount. Responding to comments, engaging in direct messages, and acknowledging reviews to foster a sense of community. Positioning oneself as an expert in their field attracts readers interested in the subject matter. We are better together and there is room for all of us. Networking with other authors and influencers expands our reach and introduces new audiences. Seeking speaking engagements and media opportunities further amplifies our message. Building an email list allows for direct communication and targeted book promotion. Ultimately, consistent effort and authenticity are key to building a strong brand and increasing influence.
Do you know who your most valuable avatars are?
Yes! I was able to discover this information through market research and understanding my specific audience. My most valuable avatars for my business are aspiring authors, established authors, and writers who want to increase productivity, reduce overhead costs, and publish a professional book. Specifically, our consulting services specialize in helping first-time authors with the publishing process, including writing the manuscript, editing, layout design, identifying the target audience, intellectual property, distribution, and other relevant needs.
For authors to find their most valuable avatars, they need to know who they’re writing for, what their souls crave, and how their words can fill that void. They can start by identifying their niche, their special corner of the literary world. What unique story or solution can they offer? They need to consider those underserved readers, those desiring a story that speaks directly to them. But before putting pen to paper, the author must ask themselves some key questions. Who can truly connect with this story? Has this topic been done to death, or can you bring a fresh perspective? And most importantly, what message do you want to leave your readers with? Once they’ve got that clarity, it’s all about tailoring the content to the target audience. Peek at those bestsellers in your genre, see what’s resonating with readers, and find your unique voice within that space. Writing a book is a conversation with our reader, so we must make sure we’re speaking their language.
Beyond just selling books, what other revenue streams can authors explore to maximize their earnings, such as speaking engagements, online courses, or merchandise?
In today’s publishing landscape, authors are encouraged to view themselves as entrepreneurs and explore diverse revenue streams to maximize their earning potential. Beyond traditional book sales, opportunities are endless for savvy authors to leverage their expertise and intellectual property, which I am a huge advocate for. Speaking engagements at conferences and workshops provide platforms to share knowledge, promote books, and establish thought leadership within their respective fields. These are arenas to sell books that may not get counted by traditional methods. Developing online courses and workshops allows authors to reach wider audiences and generate passive income by sharing their craft or subject matter expertise.
Furthermore, authors can explore avenues like merchandise creation, offering branded products that resonate with their readership. Coaching and consulting services provide personalized guidance to aspiring authors, capitalizing on their unique skills and experience. Affiliate marketing allows for strategic partnerships and promotion of relevant products or services. Crowdfunding can be utilized to finance projects and engage readers in the creative process. Exploring licensing opportunities for film, translation, or audio rights expands the book’s reach and generates additional revenue. Finally, creating exclusive content or communities through subscription models fosters deeper reader engagement and provides recurring income. This is the beauty in what we can do.
Have you created scaleable derivatives of your work? Can you explain?
Yes! I have published titles in other languages, trademarked them, produced themed merchandise, recorded an audiobook, and made titles available in various formats. But now, I am now more than an author; I am a business owner. I have expanded our offerings beyond personal book projects to coaching aspiring authors by developing products that cater to a wider audience and generate diverse revenue streams. I recognized the growing demand for self-publishing expertise, so I created a comprehensive online course covering various aspects of the process, from writing and editing to marketing and distribution. These pre-recorded courses offer a flexible and accessible learning experience for aspiring authors worldwide.
In addition to the online course, I facilitate workshops and webinars on specific self-publishing topics. These events, offered both in-person and online, provide interactive learning opportunities and allow for greater audience engagement. To further support authors, I have developed a suite of templates and resources, including book proposal templates, marketing checklists, and editorial style guides. These digital products offer valuable guidance and can be easily replicated and distributed to a large customer base. Recognizing the need for affordable and supportive learning environments, we will soon introduce our group coaching program. The program will provide aspiring authors with valuable feedback, peer interaction, and expert guidance throughout their self-publishing journey.
The world of book publishing is constantly evolving. What trends do you see shaping the future of book marketing and sales, and how can authors stay ahead of the curve?
The book publishing industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting reader preferences. Digital formats, such as ebooks and audiobooks, continue to grow in popularity, requiring authors to adapt and embrace these mediums. Direct-to-reader marketing is becoming increasingly important, empowering authors to build their own platforms and cultivate relationships with their audience through social media, email lists, and websites. Subscription services and book bundles offer innovative ways to reach wider audiences and incentivize readership. BookTok is growing in popularity and authors are engaging with their audience in real-time.
To thrive in this dynamic environment, authors must actively monitor industry trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. Embracing digital formats and utilizing platforms cater to their content to reach a broader audience. Building a strong online presence through social media and author websites allows for direct engagement with readers and fosters a loyal following. Data analytics provide valuable insights into reader behavior, enabling authors to refine their marketing efforts and target specific demographics effectively. Staying informed about industry news and emerging trends through conferences and workshops ensures authors remain competitive. Most importantly, having a willingness to experiment with new marketing techniques and adapt to the ever-changing landscape is crucial for sustained success.
Wonderful. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your own experience and success, what are the “Five Things You Need to Know to be a Successful Writer?” If you can, please share a story or example for each.
- Understand the Self-Publishing Industry: Researching the industry’s history, trends, and successful authors is crucial. I like to study the success of other authors, like Mark Dawson, a self-published thriller author who built a massive audience using email marketing and Facebook ads. He hosts a podcast and offers other self-publishing products. The point here is to understand how you fit in and get into your own lane.
- Plan and Organize: Set clear goals, timelines, and budgets for your book project. I am a planner; I create goals and lists for everything. It’s essential to focus on what is most important and tackle it in bite sized pieces. An organized author creates a detailed plan, outlining writing deadlines, editing stages, and marketing strategies, ensuring they stay on track and within budget.
- Craft a Compelling Manuscript: Content is #1. Focus on developing engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a strong narrative voice. If it is non-fiction, make sure the information is good. It’s nothing worse than buying a book that is void of good information. I have spent time refining my content (or manuscript), seeking feedback from beta readers, and working with professional editors to ensure the story is polished and captivating. I remind all my clients of this as well.
- Master Marketing and Promotion: Learn how to effectively market your book to reach your target audience. I’ve said it before, the successful author builds a strong online presence through social media, creates engaging content, and runs targeted ad campaigns to attract readers and boost book sales.
- Build Your Author Platform: Establish yourself as a credible and influential figure in your niche. The only way to ensure success is to get out of your head and into the world. Leave your house, and online communities for a second and engage with real people. Yes, create the author website, engage with readers through social media and email newsletters, but also branch out and participate in speaking engagements and book events to build your brand and connect with your audience. As soon as I became clear that I had something to offer the people, I stopped keeping it a secret.
For authors just starting out, what common mistakes should they avoid when trying to turn their books into a significant source of income?
Many aspiring authors, eager to generate significant income from their books, often fall prey to common mistakes that can hinder their success. One common mistake is neglecting marketing and promotion, focusing solely on the writing process while overlooking the crucial task of building an audience and actively promoting their work. Another oversight is underestimating the importance of professional editing and design, potentially compromising the book’s credibility and appeal due to poor presentation. Financial planning and budgeting are often neglected, leading to inadequate resource allocation and potential financial difficulties. For many authors, they are unaware of the investment and try to find the cheapest and easiest ways to get the job done.
Furthermore, authors may set unrealistic expectations for book sales and income, particularly in the initial stages of their careers. Failing to establish a strong online presence and engage with readers through social media and other platforms can limit their reach and impact, selling only to their limited followers, family and friends. A lack of understanding of the self-publishing industry, including current trends and best practices, can result in missed opportunities and costly mistakes. This is why I created my company, Revision Publishing LLC, to serve as a coach through the process. Some authors rely solely on book sales for income, which can be risky, highlighting the importance of diversifying revenue streams through speaking engagements, online courses, or merchandise. Ignoring copyright and legal requirements can lead to legal complications and financial losses. Finally, improper pricing strategies, either underpricing or overpricing the book, can significantly impact sales and revenue. Overcoming these challenges requires persistence, resilience, and a willingness to adapt and learn from setbacks.
Can you share any success stories or case studies of authors who have effectively turned their books into profitable businesses? What lessons can other writers learn from their experiences?
Many of my clients have a hustle spirit. The young ladies I mentioned before, became Amazon bestsellers. Another client has a profitable credit repair business and multiple books teaching people how to repair and rebuild their credit, alongside several other financial repair products. Another client has a successful public speaking platform and debuted her first book which is a compilation of her speeches and other community voices. You can learn more about my clients on my website, but the takeaway here is that it is important to understand your own value and allow that to guide your strategy. Oftentimes, we try to be like other people when we need to be ourselves. The world needs to hear our unique stories, and we need to continue to innovate ways for others to engage and consume the content.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
There are so many incredible people out there doing amazing things, like Oprah Winfrey, Iyanla Vanzant, and Michelle Obama. They are extremely busy so lunch may not work. But if I had to choose just one person to share a meal with, it would have to be Tabitha Brown (@iamtabithabrown).
Now, Mrs. Tab, she’s more than just a celebrity to me. She’s an inspiration, a beacon of light, and a true example of what it means to use your platform for good. I just love how she connects with people, how she makes everyone feel seen and heard. Hello, there!
I can imagine sitting down with her, sharing stories, and soaking up her wisdom. I’d ask her about her journey, her challenges, and her triumphs. I’d want to know how she stays grounded and continues to inspire others after all these years. And who knows, maybe we could even whip up something delicious together in the kitchen! Since she is vegan, a little vegan magic with a side of meaningful conversation. That would truly be a dream come true.
Mrs. brown, if you’re reading this, it would be an honor to share a meal with you!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit my website www.revisionpub.com or follow me on social media @AkilahTrinay or @RevisionPubllc
Thank you for these excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent. We wish you continued success with your book promotion and growing your brand.
Sharifa Akilah Trinay of Washington Revision Publishing On How to Make Money by Writing a Book was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.